The al-Khulafaʼ al-Rashidin are four

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Table of Contents
  1. The al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin are four
    1. 1. Imam al Tahawi
    2. 2. Imam Abu al Hassan al Ash’ari
    3. 3. Imam Abu Bakr al Baqillani
    4. 4. Sheikh ‘Abdul Qadir al Jilani
    5. 5. Hafiz Ibn al ‘Asakir
    6. 6. Hafiz Ibn al Kathir
    7. 7. Hafiz Ibn Taymiyyah
    8. 8. Hafiz Ibn al Humam
    9. 9. Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlawi
    10. 10. Molana Qasim Nanawtawi
    11. 11. Mufti Kifayatullah
    12. 12. Molana ‘Abdul Shakur Lucknowi
  2. Ahadith pertaining to following the Rightly Guided khalifas
    1. 1. Hafiz Ibn ‘Abdul Barr
    2. 2. Hafiz Jalal al Din al Suyuti
    3. 3. Abu Bakr ibn al ‘Arabi
    4. 4. Imam Sharf al Din Muhammad al Tibi
    5. 5. Mulla ‘Ali Qari
    6. 6. ‘Abdur Rahman Mubarakpuri
    7. 7. ‘Allamah Shams al Haqq Azimabadi
    8. 8. Molana Idris Khandhlawi
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The al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin are four

We will now mention a few statements of well known and reputable scholars to prove this declaration.

 

1. Imam al Tahawi

Imam Abu Jafar al Tahawi rahimahu Llah (d. 321 A.H) has written the following under the beliefs regarding the caliphate:

 

و نثبت الخلافة بعد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم اولا لابى بكر الصديق رضى الله عنه تفضيلا و تقديما على جميع الامة ثم لعمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه ثم لعثمان بن العفان رضى الله عنه ثم لعلى بن ابى طالب رضى الله عنه و هم الخلفاء الراشدون و الائمة المهديون

We accept and acknowledge that Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu was the first khalifah after the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam due to his virtue over the entire Ummah. After Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, the caliphate is then established for ‘Umar ibn al Khattab radiya Llahu ‘anhu, followed by ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radiya Llahu ‘anhu and then ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu. These are the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin and the Imams of guidance.[1]

 

2. Imam Abu al Hassan al Ash’ari

Imam Abu al Hassan al Ash’ari rahimahu Llah (d. 324 A.H) has written:

 

و نتولى سائر اصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم و نكف عما شجر بينهم و ندين الله بان الائمة الاربعة خلفاء راشدون مهديون فضلا لا يوازيهم فى الفضل غير هم

We love all the Sahabah radiya Llahu ‘anhum and we stay away from the misunderstandings they had amongst themselves and we firmly believe that the four Imams are the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin and that none can come close to them in their virtue.[2]

 

3. Imam Abu Bakr al Baqillani

Imam Abu Bakr al Baqillani rahimahu Llah (d. 403 A.H) has written under the beliefs of the Ahlus Sunnah wa l-Jama’ah:

 

يعرفون حق السلف الذين اختارهم الله سبحانه لصحبة نبيه صلى الله عليه و سلم و ياخذون بفضائلهم و يمسكون عما شجر بينهم صغيرهم و كبيرهم و يقدمون ابا بكر ثم عمر ثم عثمان ثم عليا رضوان الله عليهم و يقرون انهم الخلفاء الراشدون المهديون افضل الناس كلهم بعد النبى و يصدقون بالاحاديث التى جائت عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم

The Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah recognise the right of those pious predecessors whom Allah chose for the company of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. They recognise the great virtue that they have and they remain aloof of the misunderstandings that existed amongst them, whether they be the senior or the junior Sahabah. They give priority to Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then to ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then to ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu and then to ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and they acknowledge that they are the Rightly Guided khalifas and after the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam they are the most virtuous. The Ahlus Sunnah also attests to the veracity of all those ahadith that are proven to be from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.[3]

 

4. Sheikh ‘Abdul Qadir al Jilani

Sheikh ‘Abdul Qadir al Jilani rahimahu Llah (d. 561 A.H) has written:

 

افضل هؤلاء العشرة الابرار الخلفاء الراشدون الاربعة الاخيار افضل الاربعة ابو بكر ثم عمر ثم عثمان ثم على رضى الله عنهم و لهؤلاء الاربعة الخلافة بعد النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم ثلثون سنة

The most virtuous from amongst these ten pious souls (i.e. the ‘Asharah Mubasharah) are the four Rightly Guided khalifas who are the most superior and virtuous amongst them; (they are) Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu and then ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu. The duration of their caliphate after the demise of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was for a period of thirty years.[4]

 

5. Hafiz Ibn al ‘Asakir

Hafiz Ibn al ‘Asakir al Dimashqi rahimahu Llah (d. 571 A.H) has explained the beliefs of the Ahlus Sunnah wa l-Jama’ah with regards to the Sahabah in the following words:

 

و ندين بحب السلف الذين اختارهم الله لصحبة نبيه و نثنى عليهم بما اثنى الله عليهم و نتولاهم و نقول ان الامام بعد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ابو بكر رضى الله عنه و ان الله اعزبه الدين و اظهره على المرتدين و قدمه المسلمون للامامة بما قدمه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم للصلوة ثم عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه ثم عثمان رضى الله عنه نضر الله وجهه قتلة قاتلوه ظلما و عدوانا ثم على بن ابى طالب رضى الله عنه فهؤلاء الائمة بعد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم و خلافتهم خلافة النبوة و نشهد للعشرة بالجنة و نتولى سائر اصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم و نكف عما شجر بينهم ندين ان الائمة الاربعة راشدون مهديون فضلا لا يوازيهم فى الفضل غيرهم و نصدق بجميع الروايات التى ثبتها اهل النقل

We have the firm belief of love for our pious predecessors whom Allah had chosen for the company of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and we articulate their qualities and we praise them, just as Allah has articulated their qualities and praised them. Our bond with them is that of friendship and we state unequivocally that the rightful imam after the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu. Allah gave this religion victory via him and made him victorious over those who turned apostate. The Muslims gave him precedence to the caliphate just as how the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had given him precedence for the salah. Thereafter the rightful imam was ‘Umar ibn al Khattab radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and then ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, may Allah cause his face to radiate with light, for he was murdered oppressively. Thereafter the rightful Imam was ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu. After the demise of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam these are the four Imams and their governance was based on the nubuwwah of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. We testify to the Jannat of those ten Sahabah for whom the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had guaranteed Jannat. We have bonds of friendship with all the Sahabah and we remain aloof of whatever misunderstandings occurred between the Sahabah. We affirm in the court of Allah that these are the four Rightly Guided Imams and none has the virtue that they have. We also accept all those ahadith which the Muhaddithin have accepted.[5]

 

6. Hafiz Ibn al Kathir

Hafiz Ibn al Kathir rahimahu Llah (d. 741 A.H) has written:

 

و قد وجد منهم اربعة على الولاء و هم ابو بكر ثم عمر ثم عثمان ثم على رضى الله عنهم ثم كانت بعدهم فترة ثم وجد منهم من شاء الله

And from amongst them there were four who obtained the caliphate in succession. They were Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu. This system ended after them. Caliphate was then attained only by those whom Allah chose.[6]

 

7. Hafiz Ibn Taymiyyah

Hafiz Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahu Llah (d. 728 A.H) has written:

 

و على اخر الخلفاء الراشدون الذين ولايتهم خلافة نبوة و رحمة

And ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu was the last of the khalifas whose caliphate was based on the governance of nubuwwah and mercy.[7]

 

8. Hafiz Ibn al Humam

Hafiz Kamal al Din Ibn al Humam rahimahu Llah (d. 861 A.H) has written:

 

ان الخليفة الحق بعد محمد صلى الله عليه و سلم ابو بكر ثم عمر ثم عثمان ثم على و التفضيل على هذا الترتيب

After the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam the Rightly Guided khalifas are Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and then ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and their virtue is directly related to their position in the caliphate.[8]

 

9. Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlawi

Imam al Hind Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlawi rahimahu Llah (d. 1176 A.H) has written:

 

و ابو بكر امام حق بعد رسول الله صلى اللت عليه و سلم ثم عمر ثم عثمان ثم على رضى الله عنهم ثم تمت الخلافة

After the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam the Rightful Imam was Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, then ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and then ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, thereafter the caliphate ended.[9]

 

10. Molana Qasim Nanawtawi

Hujjat al Islam Molana Qasim Nanawtawi rahimahu Llah (d. 1297 A.H) has written:

 

This is true that the Ahlus Sunnah wa l-Jama’ah has accepted the four close companions of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as they are now and firmly believe that they were the Rightly Guided khalifas (governing on the system of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).[10]

Together with this the Ahlus Sunnah refer to all those who followed them as khalifas but those they consider worthy of bearing the title of al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin are the four.[11]

 

11. Mufti Kifayatullah

Mufti Kifayatullah Dehlawi rahimahu Llah (d. 1372 A.H) has written:

 

After the demise of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam all the Muslims had agreed that Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu would be the vicegerent of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. It is for this reason that he is the first khalifah. ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu became the second khalifah after him. ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu became the third khalifah and thereafter ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu became the fourth khalifah. These four are known as the Four Rightly Guided khalifas and the four close companions.[12]

 

12. Molana ‘Abdul Shakur Lucknowi

Imam Ahlus Sunnah Molana ‘Abdul Shakur Lucknowi rahimahu Llah (d. 1383 A.H) has written:

 

Some ‘Ulama’ have added the names of Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu and Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu after that of ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu including them amongst the Rightly Guided khalifas (al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin). However, I have not included them amongst the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin, following the opinion of most ‘Ulama’ and have concluded the Rightly Guided khalifas with ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu. The reason for this is that the caliphate remained only for six months with Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu. He then handed over the mantle of caliphate to Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu and also took the pledge of allegiance at his hands. Now, even though Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu is a companion of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and has been accorded great virtue because of it, including him amongst the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin opposes the research that has been done. The qualities necessary to be from amongst the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin are only found amongst the Muhajirin Sahabah (those who journeyed from Makkah to Madinah, performed hijrah, before Makkah was conquered) and Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu is not from them.[13]

 

In the light of the explanations of the great ‘Ulama’, by the grace of Allah, this has become clear that the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin are only four.

 

Ahadith pertaining to following the Rightly Guided khalifas

Now that it is established that the verses of the Qurʼan concerning caliphate refers to the four khalifas of the Muhajirin, as well as according to the opinion of the majority of ‘Ulama’ and Muhaddithin, it becomes evident that the hadith of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam “Hold fast to my Sunnah…” is also in reference to these four khalifas. Notwithstanding this clear evidence, it is necessary to further establish this point by mentioning the opinions of the illustrious Muhaddithin.

 

1. Hafiz Ibn ‘Abdul Barr

Hafiz Ibn ‘Abdul Barr al Qurtubi rahimahu Llah (d. 463 A.H) has written:

وقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم “عليكم بسنتى و سنة الخلفاء الراشدين المهديين من بعدى” و هم ابو بكر و عمر و عثمان و على فسماهم خلفاء و قال الخلافة بعدى ثلاثون سنة ثم تكون امرة و ملكا و جبروت قتضمنت مدة الخلافة الاربعة المذكوين رضوان الله عليهم اجمعين

The Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Hold fast onto my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my Rightly Guided khalifas.” They were Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu. They were the ones referred to as khalifas. The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said that after me the caliphate will remain for 30 years, thereafter will come the time of umaraʼ, then Kings, and then tyrannical rulers. The caliphate for 30 years encompassed these four khalifas.[14]

 

2. Hafiz Jalal al Din al Suyuti

Hafiz Jalal al Din al Suyuti rahimahu Llah (d. 911 A.H) has expounded on this hadith with the following words:

 

هذا من الاخبار بالغيب من الخلافة الائمة اربعة ابى بكر و عمر و عثمان و على رضى الله عنهم

This hadith prophecises the caliphate of the four Imams: Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[15]

 

3. Abu Bakr ibn al ‘Arabi

Abu Bakr ibn al ‘Arabi rahimahu Llah (d. 543 A.H) has written in his commentary of Tirmidhi:

 

و هم الاربعة بالاجماع ابو بكر و عمر و عثمان و على رضى الله عنهم

The consensus of the ummah is that the four are Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[16]

 

4. Imam Sharf al Din Muhammad al Tibi

Imam Sharaf al Din Muhammad al Tibi rahimahu Llah (d. 743 A.H) has written in his commentary of Mishkat:

 

و المراد بالخلفاء الراشدين ابو بكر و عمر و عثمان و على رضى الله عنهم

Al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin refers to Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[17]

 

5. Mulla ‘Ali Qari

Mulla ‘Ali Qari rahimahu Llah (d. 1014 A.H) has written:

 

قيل هم الخلفاء الاربعة ابو بكر و عمر و عثمان و على رضى الله عنهم لانه عليه الصلوة و السلام قال الخلافة بعدى ثلاثون سنة و قد انتهى بخلافة على كرم الله وجهه

It has been stated under the explanation of this hadith that the khalifas are four; Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, as the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has stated that the caliphate after him will last for thirty years. This period came to an end after the caliphate of ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[18]

 

6. ‘Abdur Rahman Mubarakpuri

The renowned scholar from the Ahl al hadith (according to the new terminology), Molana ‘Abdur Rahman Mubarakpuri rahimahu Llah (d. 1353 A.H) has written:

 

قيل هم الخلفاء الاربعة ابو بكر و عمر و عثمان و على رضى الله عنهم لانه عليه الصلوة و السلام قال الخلافة بعدى ثلاثون سنة و قد انتهت بخلافة  على كرم الله وجهه

It has been said under the explanation of this hadith that the khalifas are four: Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, as the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had stated that the caliphate after him will last for thirty years. This period came to an end after the caliphate of ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[19]

 

7. ‘Allamah Shams al Haqq Azimabadi

‘Allamah Shams al Haqq Azimabadi rahimahu Llah (d. 1329 A.H) has written:

 

والخلفاء ابو بكر و عمر و عثمان و على رضى الله عنهم

The khalifas are Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[20]

 

8. Molana Idris Khandhlawi

Molana Idris Khandhlawi rahimahu Llah (d. 1394 A.H) has written:

 

المعنيون بهذا القول هم الخلفاء الاربعة لانه قال فى حديث اخر الخلافة بعدى ثلاثون سنة و قد انتهت الثلاثون بخلافة على رضى الله عنه

What is meant by this statement is the four Rightly Guided khalifas since the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had made mention in another hadith that the caliphate period after me will be for thirty years. The thirty year period terminates after the caliphate of ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[21]

 

In light of the discussion above, it has become clear that majority of the Muhaddithin have stipulated that the promised period of the Rightly Guided khalifas encompasses only these four and aside from these four no other khalifah is included amongst the promised Rightly Guided khalifas, whether they be Sayyidina Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu, Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu or even ‘Umar Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah. Thus, to include ‘Umar Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah under the auspices of this hadith will be incorrect, according to the explanation of the Muhaddithin.

Secondly, if we accept the argument that those khalifas whose period of caliphate resembles that of the Rightly Guided khalifas must also be included under the general meaning of this hadith, then the reply would be that it would be more necessary for us to include the caliphate of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, as his caliphate was in conformity to the Sunnah of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and this fact has been most firmly established in the previous pages by the testimonies of Sayyidah Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha, ‘Allamah Ibn Khaldun rahimahu Llah, Molana Shah Ismail Shahid rahimahu Llah, Fayd Ahmed Uwaysi Barelwi, and Ahmed Rada Khan Barelwi.

It is an established fact that the caliphate of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu resembled that of the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin, but some attempt to prove it did not. Ahmed Rada Khan has clearly stated that the caliphate of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu is included in the caliphate of the al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin. Therefore, if the hadith of “Hold fast to my Sunnah …” includes the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah then it has to most definitely include the caliphate of Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, due to the fact that his caliphate came first.

Thirdly, if for a moment we were to accept that the caliphate of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu did not resemble that of the Rightly Guided khalifas, then we should ask how is this proven? How is it known that not following the caliphate of the Rightly Guided khalifas is tantamount to not following Islam? And to what extent would it be correct to use the hadith of “Hold fast to my Sunnah…” as the basis to discredit the good work done by other khalifas? In this hadith it has not been stated that besides these al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin you are not to follow any other khalifah. It is reported in a hadith:

 

اقتدو بالذين من بعدى من اصحابى ابى بكر و عمر و اهتدوا بعمار و تمسكوا بعهد ابن مسعود

After my demise, follow those after me from my Sahabah; Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu and ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu, take guidance from ‘Ammar radiya Llahu ‘anhu and hold onto the way of Ibn Mas’ud radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[22]

 

Now because of this hadith will any shallow minded person assume that following Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu is not necessary or that we will not attain any guidance from Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and we will not be able to attain any bondage with him radiya Llahu ‘anhu?

Similarly, it is stated in a hadith:

 

استقرئوا من اربعة من عبد الله بن مسعود و سالم مولى ابى حذيفة و ابى بن كعب و معاذ بن جبل

Learn the Qurʼan from four people; ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud radiya Llahu ‘anhu, Salim radiya Llahu ‘anhu, Ubayy ibn Ka’b radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and Muaz ibn Jabal radiya Llahu ‘anhu.[23]

 

If a person were to derive this meaning from the hadith that the Qurʼan should only be learnt from these four and not from Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu; will you call such a person an intelligent person or a fool?

And whose statement is it that the caliphate of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu bore no resemblance to the caliphate of the Rightly Guided khalifas? What is the status of the one who made such a claim?

According to us, the difference between the caliphate of Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu and ‘Umar Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah is just the same as the differences in the status of these two personalities. A person once asked ‘Abdullah Ibn Mubarak rahimahu Llah as to who holds greater virtue, Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu or ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah? He replied:

 

والله ان الغبار الذى دخل فى انف فرس معاوية مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم افضل من عمر بالف مرة صلى معاوية خلف رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم سمع الله لمن حمده فقال معاوية ربنا لك الحمد فما بعد هذا الشرف الاعظم

The dust that entered the nostrils of the horse of Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu when in the company of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is a thousand times more virtuous then ‘Umar Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah. Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu followed the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in salah and when the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

سمع الله لمن حمده

Allah hears the one who praises Him

Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu replied:

ربنا لك الحمد

All praise belongs to you, my Rabb

What greater honour can there be than that?[24]

 

Qadi ‘Ayyad rahimahu Llah has also reported an incident that a person asked Mu’afi ibn ‘Imran rahimahu Llah regarding the status of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu in comparison to ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz rahimahu Llah? Mu’afi ibn ‘Imran became very angry and said:

 

لا يقاس باصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه و سلم احد معاوية صاحبه و صهره و كاتبه و امينه على وحى الله

A Sahabi of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam cannot be compared with anyone. Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu was a Sahabi (of the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), his brother-in-law, his scribe and the one whom the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had entrusted with the wahi.

 

If we assume that the caliphate of Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu did not resemble the caliphate of the Rightly Guided khalifas, it would still be incumbent to accept the fact that Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu was an ardent follower of the Sunnah, Qurʼan and hadith as has been clarified by the Mujtahidin and the Fuqaha. He was an illustrious Sahabi and the ummah considers it necessary to follow and accept as proof the statements and actions of a Sahabi who was a Mujtahid.

Please refer to :(1) Majma’ al Zawaʼid’ Page 178 (2) Mishkat page 553 (3) Jami’ al Usul vol. 8 Page 555 (4) Musnad Abi Dawood al Tayalisi Page 33 (5) Abu Dawood vol. 2 Page 633 (6) Kashf al Asrar vol. 2 Page 103 (8) I’lam al Muwaqqi’in vol. 4 Page 120

 

 

NEXT⇒ Sayyiduna Mu’awiyah as a scribe of wahi

[1]  ‘Aqidat al Tahawi, pg. 11.

[2]  Kitab al Ibanah, Pg. 11.

[3]  Kitab al Tamhid, pg. 295 on the authority of Abaqat, pg. 287.

[4]  ‘Aqidat al Talibin, pg. 75.

[5]  Tabyin Kithb al Muftari, pg. 160,161.

[6]  Tafsir Ibn al Kathir, vol. 3 pg. 301.

[7]  Minhaj al Sunnah, vol. 4 pg. 121.

[8]  Al Musamarah.

[9]  Tafhima al Ilahiyyah, vol. 1 pg. 128.

[10]  Ajwibah Arba’in, pg. 185.

[11]  Ibid. pg. 187.

[12]  Ta’lim al Islam, vol. 2 pg. 27.

[13]  Al Khulafaʼ al Rashidin, pg. 238.

[14]  Al Tamhid li ma fi al Muwatta min al Ma’ani wa l-Masanid, vol. 3 pg. 485.

[15]  Mirqat al Sa’ud on the authority of Abu Dawood, vol: 2 pg. 635.

[16]  Al ‘Aridat al Ahwadhi, pg. 106.

[17]  Sharh al Tibi, vol. 2 pg. 634.

[18]  Mirqat al Mafatih, vol. 1 pg. 373.

[19]  Tuhfat al Ahwadhi, vol. 7 pg. 475.

[20]  ‘Awn al Ma’bud, vol. 12 pg. 253.

[21]  Al Ta’liq al Sabih, vol. 1 pg. 203.

[22]  Mishkat, pg. 578.

[23]  Mishkat, pg. 574; Sahih al Bukhari, vol. 1 pg. 531; Sahih al Muslim, vol. 2 pg. 293.

[24]  Tatir al Jinan wa l-Lisan, pg. 10, 11.