Islamic Character

Declining power in the interests of unity The Caliph Muawiyah sent Amr ibn al-Aas to Abdullah ibn Umar to find out whether he intended to fight for the caliphate or not. “What prevents you, O father of Abd ar-Rahman,” asked Amr ibn al-Aas from declaring this publicly so that we may swear allegiance to you? You are a companion of the Prophet and son of the Commander of the Faithful; you have a greater right than anyone to be caliph,” Abdullah ibn Umar asked whether all, without exception, were in agreement with what amr ibn al-Aas had said. “They are,” replied Amr ibn al, Aas “except for a tiny minority. “ To this Abdullah ibn Umar replied that even if just three fat Persians from Hajar de­murred, he would no longer feel the urge to be Caliph. (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)