The Companions of the Prophet

person whom his people had expelled. Not only was he a controversial figure, but he was also a homeless, destitute one. The people of Madinah were giving him everything, promising nothing in return. In the 20th century, we heard some western thinkers—notably Bernard Shaw— mention what an exemplary leader of the western world a person like Muhammad would make. To make an offer like this in the 6th century, however, was a very different matter, for at that time, the unique qualities of leadership that the Prophet possessed had not become engraved on the pages of history. Realizing our limitations The Prophet Muhammad used to confer with his Companions over every matter that arose. After explaining the situation, he would ask them for their opinion. Though he appeared to be consulting with everyone, what used to happen was that there would be silence for a while, and then Abu Bakr would get up and briefly offer his opinion. ‘Umar would do the same, and a handful of others followed suit before a unanimous decision was reached. Consultations followed the same pattern during Abu Bakr’s term as Caliph. ‘Umar would be the first to speak, and then a few others would give their opinion. Finally, the final decision would have everyone’s agreement. Only during ‘Umar’s caliphate, when the number of Muslims who had not seen the Prophet increased, alternations took place in the consultation process.