Download PDF: [S] Governors should chose their Duty towards Allah (Islamic story)

Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar’s – may Allah be pleased with him – full name was Umar bin Khattab bun Nufail Qarashi Adawi. His tile was “Abu Hafz”. He was born forty years before migration and was the first person to be given the title of “Ameerul Mo’mineen”. He was noted for his justice and bravery and also his immense firmness. He also accepted Islam five years before the Hijrah and has been noted for many first in Islam. Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – was nominated in the thirteenth year of Hijrah as the leader of the Muslims. He was the first to make the date of Hijrah as the beginning of the Islamic calendar and he was also the first person to have a register which recorded every expenditure of the state. Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – was killed by the Kaafir, Abu Lulu Feroz, while he was leading the Fajr Salaah. (‘Alaam, 5/45)

 

Abu Moosa Ash’ari’s – may Allah be pleased with him – full name was Abu Moosa Ash’ari Abdullah bin Qais. His title was “Abu Moosa.” He was from the Banu Al Ash’ar. He was very brave soldier and many regions were conquered under his command. He was born in the town of Zubaid in Yemen. Among the two people nominated by Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali – may Allah be pleased with him – and Hadrat Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah – may Allah be pleased with him – to give a decision, he was also one of them. The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – also nominated Abu Moosa Ash’ari – may Allah be pleased with him – as the Governor of Zubaid and Yemen. He was nominated as the Governor of Kufah during the era of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Ghani – may Allah be pleased with him. (‘Alaam)

 

In one of his special messages to his Governors, which was the habit of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him, he mentioned to Hadrat Abu Moosa – may Allah be pleased with him – that, “There are many people who hate a Sultan. I ask Allah Almighty to protect me and you from this. If there are two duties in front of you and one is for Allah Almighty and the other pertaining to the world, then choose the duty towards the Allah Almighty. Bear in mind that the world would die while the Hereafter would remain. As for those who steal, make sure that strict punishment is carried out in this regard whether it be cutting off their hands or legs. Make sure that you visit the sick and take care of their needs. You may be only one person, however, Allah Almighty has placed a great responsibility on your shoulders. I have also heard that the style of your families living, your food and life style is not like the ordinary Muslims. O Abdullah! Refrain from these activities. Bear in mind that when a leader becomes corrupt, then the people also become corrupt. And the worse of leaders with Allah Almighty is that leader through whom his subjects have also become corrupt.” (Nihaayah)

 

These were the examples of early Muslim leaders. Their eyes were always opened when it came to the care of their subjects. This is the reason that most of their subjects also walked on the path of guidance. As we have seen, when a leader is correct and sound, the community is also correct and sound. Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – had the habit of keeping his Governors under close supervision so that they did not abuse their power and position. He also wanted these leaders to become people that were loved and respected by their subjects and not people that were hated and scorned by their subjects.