Making Concessions as the Situation Requires

to perform the Hajj with the Prophet. Of the many observations made by the Prophet in his sermon, there was one very significant one, which amounts to a declaration of human equality. On this occasion the Prophet uttered these historic words: that no Arab had any superiority over a non-Arab; no white enjoyed any superiority over a black, for superiority is related solely to one’s religiosity and God-consciousness (taqwa). About two and a half months after delivering this sermon, the Prophet passed away. The problem that arose after his death concerned the choice of his successor. According to the declaration made in the sermon, what should have been done was to decide upon a successor to the caliphate on the basis of piety and God-consciousness (taqwa), rather than on the basis of family and tribe. But this did not happen. After his death Muslims gathered at a meeting place in Madinah known as Thaqifa bani Saida. The majority were of the opinion that Saad ibn Ubada, who belonged to a Madinan tribe, should be selected as the successor to the Prophet. On this occasion Abu Bakr conveyed the Prophet’s dictum: “The leaders will be from the Quraysh.” (Kitab alRiddah by Al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 41) That is, the Caliph or Imam—the head of the Muslim state—should be selected from the tribe of the Quraysh. This meant that Saad ibn abi Ubadah, not being a member