Indifference to power

Indifference to power

1986 4 April 14 Indifference to power (247) Two Arab chieftains–‘Uyaynah ibn Hisn and Aqra ibn Habis – came before Abu Bakr during his reign as Caliph. After the conquest of Hawazin, towards the end of the Prophet’s life, both these men had been given 100 camels each. Now they sought a piece of land from Abu Bakr. To satisfy them, Abu Bakr presented them with a letter of authority for taking possession of the land. ‘Uyaynah and Aqra wanted other leading Companions to ratify Abu Bakr’s decision, and for this purpose they went to see ‘Umer. ‘Umer’s response was to tear up Abu Bakr’s letter of authority. “This was something that the Prophet did in order to reconcile people’s hearts to Islam,” ‘Umer said. “Now God has strengthened Islam. It now has no need of the likes of you.”

The two men went back to Abu Bakr. “Are you Caliph, or is ‘Umer?” they asked. ‘‘‘Umer, if he wants,” Abu Bakr replied, and he went along with ‘Umer’s decision.

From this incident we can see how true Islam cultivates an indifference to power; as displayed on this occasion by Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr had been appointed first successor to the Prophet by a consensus of Muslims, including ‘Umer. But now that ‘Umer defied Abu Bakr’s decision, Abu Bakr did not respond in a proud, self-centered manner. He gracefully accepted ‘Umer’s criticism, and went along with his opinion, even to the extent of offering to abdicate in favour of ‘Umer, should the latter so desire.

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

1986 4 April 14 Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity (29) ‘Abdullah Ibn’ Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.”

(Tabrani)