Download PDF: [S] A Scholar who avoided Revolt (Islamic Story)

It is reported that the Khalifah in Damascus, Sulayman bin Abdul Malik became very ill. He was extremely worried about who would be his successor. He had already written on a private note the name of the person who would succeed him, but as a precaution, he called the famous scholar Hadrat Rajaah bin Hayya Shami – may Allah be pleased with him – to the court to discuss this issue with him.

 

When the scholar saw this private note, he realised that the name of the successor was the young and immature son of the Khalifah. He then mentioned to the Khalifah, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! If you wish for peace and security while you are in the grave, then you should nominate such a person to this position who can bring stability and control to the country and the state. And he will also be able to rule. This young man whom you have nominated, will not be able to carry out this duty.”

 

When Sulayman bin Abdul Malik heard the advice of the eminent scholar, he tore up this private note and then asked, “What is your opinion of my other son, Daud?”

 

Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “He is far away from the seat of government and is also involved in Jihad in Constantinople. We also have no idea whether he will return alive or not.”

 

The Khalifah then asked him who he would think as the best person for this task.

 

Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “Your nephew ‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz is a very pious, intelligent and brave person. It is my opinion that he is the best choice for this position.”

 

The Khalifah then immediately wrote out a royal decree in this regard and after sealing it, he ordered the court guard to call all the members of the royal household to his private chambers.

 

When all of them arrived, Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – then made all of them swear allegiance to the royal decree which was in his hand. After doing this, all of them were told to leave.

 

A few hours later, the Khalifah also died. Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – also gave instruction that no one should enter or leave so that this news could be detained. He then ordered the guard to call all the members of the royal household to once again appear and he again made them take an oath of allegiance to this royal decree. When he opened this letter, all of them found the name of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – written on this note. However, Hishaam bin Abdul Malik immediately said that he would never swear allegiance to Umar bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him.

 

When Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – heard this, he replied in an angry tone, “You have taken a pledge of this royal decree twice and for your safety, it is only better that you accept this royal decree. If you do not do this, then the sword upon your neck would be allowed to make a decision for you.”

 

This anger of Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – had a great effect on everyone and Hadrat Rajaah – may Allah be pleased with him – then took the hand of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar bin Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – and led him to the royal throne. In this way, the wonderful reign of this pious Muslim began. (Taadkiratul Huffaa, 111)