Islamic Character

Putting allegiance before controversy While on their pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad and his successors, Abu Bakr and Umar, used to shorten their prayers to two rakats during their stay in Mina. Uthman did likewise in the early days of his Caliphate, but later returned to the normal four rakats. When Abdullah ibn Masud heard of this change, he registered his disapproval by saying, “We belong to God and unto Him will we return.” He then arose and prayed four rakats himself. When questioned about having expressed his disapproval, only to do the very thing of which he disapproved, Ibn Masud explained, “It would be wicked to go against the Caliph.” Abu Dharr was equally indignant at Uthman’s action, but he, too, prayed the full four rakats. When asked why he emulated the very action for which he condemned Uthman, Abu Dharr said: “It would be much worse to go against him.” (QATADAH)