Peace: The Summum Bonum

When it comes to electing a government, Islam does not endorse a specific model. We can understand this by observing how the first four caliphs in early Muslim history were selected. The first caliph, Abu Bakr, was directly elected by the people of Madinah because the Prophet Muhammad had let Abu Bakr lead the congregational prayers during his lifetime. When his health was failing, Abu Bakr nominated Umar to be the second caliph after him. The third caliph, Uthman, was selected by a board of six senior Companions of the Prophet. It is not clear how Ali, the fourth caliph, was elected—whether through nomination or selection. So, from this we learn that, in the early history of Islam, four different models for selection of the caliph were adopted. In later times, a dynasty got established. For example, King Sulaiman had a son who was not too competent. So, when the King fell ill, he was advised by his guide (alim) to write a deed for his successor. The King wrote a deed in favour of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, who was the King’s distant relative. This paper was sealed and brought to Damascus after the king passed away. The King’s advisor first took an oath from all to agree to the deed of the King and then announced the name of their new King, who was Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. This was another model, in which the public was asked if they had faith in the King’s decision before the announcement of the name of the successor. Islam, therefore, prescribes no single method. The matter is handled according to the situation and as per that which is acceptable to the contemporary majority. What is your view on the Hajj subsidy that was rolled back by the Government? T his is a correct thing to do. Hajj is a form of worship. It should only be performed if it is within one’s capacity to do so; it is not an act of compulsion. The principle elucidated for Hajj is that it should be done by one who is able to complete the trip and has adequate resources to manage it. The Quran says: Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to God for anyone who is able to undertake it. (Quran 3:97) This means if you have the means to go to Makkah and return home, then performance of Hajj is an obligatory duty and should be undertaken, else not. If the Hajj subsidy was a gesture by the Government to begin with, then its rolling-back should also be accepted. The Government has pledged to use the money in education, which is a bigger issue confronting our society.