Author: Muhammad Dawood Yusufi Eshaqzahi
Islam and Democracy (Part 39)
Holding Shura Sessions During the Caliphate of Umar al-Faruq (RA) (Continued…)
The Importance of Shura Sessions
The holding of Shura sessions and consulting scholars and specialists was not merely intended to obtain blessings, rewards, and other benefits. Umar al-Faruq (RA) explicitly stated on many occasions that a caliphate without consultation was meaningless and impermissible.
Umar al-Faruq (RA) said, “لَا خِلَافَةَ إِلَّا عَنْ مَشُورَةٍ.” Translation: “There is no caliphate without consultation.” [1]
Meetings of the leading members of the Shura council were generally held at specific times and during emergencies. In addition, there was another meeting in which matters concerning the organization and reform of daily affairs were discussed. This meeting was also held in the Prophet’s Mosque. Every day, Umar al-Faruq (RA) would present news from the surrounding regions and conquered lands to the members for consultation and analysis.
Whenever an issue required consultation, Umar al-Faruq (RA) would seek their advice. For example, the issue of imposing Jizya on the Magians was first raised during one of these meetings.
The great historian al-Baladhuri briefly describes this meeting as follows: “The Muhajirun had a meeting in the mosque, in which Umar (RA) would also sit with them and discuss matters concerning the lands administered by the Islamic state. One day, Umar (RA) said, “I do not know what to do regarding the Magians.” [2]
In addition to the members of the Shura council, ordinary people also had the right to participate in military and social affairs and express their opinions. At times, they even used methods similar to those practiced today. For example, when representatives were to be sent to Kufa, Basra, and Syria, Umar al-Faruq (RA) would announce that the people should freely select suitable, religious, and capable individuals and nominate them to the center of the caliphate.
Accordingly, Usman ibn Farqad from Kufa, Hajjaj ibn Ilat from Basra, and Maan ibn Yazid from Syria were selected. Umar al-Faruq (RA) appointed them as governors of these regions. Qadi Abu Yusuf (RA) narrates the incident as follows: “Umar al-Faruq (RA) wrote to the people of Kufa, Basra, and Syria instructing them to send their best and most righteous individuals to the center of the caliphate. Usman ibn Farqad from Kufa, Maan ibn Yazid from Syria, and Hajjaj ibn Ilat from Basra were selected and sent. Umar (RA) said, “Each of them will be responsible for the treasury in his respective region.” [3]
Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), one of the great Companions and the conqueror of the capital of the Sasanian Empire, was appointed by Umar al-Faruq (RA) as governor of Kufa. However, when the people of Kufa complained about him to the center of the caliphate, he removed him from position.
Umar al-Faruq (RA) had granted the people full freedom to defend their rights, and during his caliphate they made full use of this freedom. They openly demanded their rights. Every year, delegations from various provinces came to the center of the caliphate to convey the people’s complaints to the caliph.
During the Hajj season, Umar al-Faruq (RA) would repeatedly gather government officials and consult with them and advise them concerning the protection of the people’s rights.
Usman (RA) said, “There is no goodness in a matter that is decided without consultation.”
Accordingly, Usman (RA) consulted the Companions on the following matters:
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The killing of Hurmuzan, Jufaynah, and the daughter of Abu Lulu by Ubaydullah ibn Umar (RA).
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The gift that the Roman queen sent to Umm Kulthum, the daughter of Ali (RA).
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The request of Abdullah ibn Abi Sarh for permission to enter North Africa.
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The compilation of the Holy Quran into a single Mushaf.
Usman (RA) resolved these matters in the best manner through consultation with the Companions.
Events Following the Martyrdom of Umar (RA)
Following the martyrdom of Umar (RA), Ubaydullah ibn Umar (RA) killed Hurmuzan, Jufaynah, and the daughter of Abu Lulu the Magian, accusing them of involvement in the killing of his father. In this matter, Usman (RA) consulted a group of the Muhajirun and Ansar.
Ali (RA) said, “My opinion is that Ubaydullah should be subjected to retaliation (Qisas) for killing them.” Some of the Muhajirun said, “Yesterday his father was killed, and today his son is to be killed!”
Amr ibn al-As (RA) said, “O Amir al-Mumineen! This incident occurred at a time when you had not yet assumed responsibility for the Muslims.”
Usman (RA) said, “I am the guardian and leader of the Muslims, and I will pay their blood money. This amount will be paid from my personal wealth.”
The Gift of Umm Kulthum and the Roman Queen
Umm Kulthum, the daughter of Ali (RA), sent a gift to the Roman queen, the wife of Heraclius. In return, the Roman queen sent another gift to Umm Kulthum, a very valuable necklace.
When the messenger brought this gift to Usman (RA), he ordered that the gift be taken into custody and then gathered the Muslims. He said, “There is no goodness in any decision I make if it is made without consultation. Advise me regarding the gift that Umm Kulthum sent to the Roman queen and the gift that she sent in return.”
Some of them said, “This gift belongs to Umm Kulthum because she sent a gift first.”
Usman (RA) said, “But the messenger was a messenger of the Muslims; therefore, the gift should be deposited in the public treasury.” He then ordered that the gift be transferred to the Bayt al-Mal and that an amount equivalent to its value be paid to Umm Kulthum.
To be continued…
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[1] Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, vol. 3, p. 139.
[2] Allamah Shibli Numani, Biography of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), translated by Abdullah Parsa Salari, 2nd ed., p. 391.
[3] Abu Yusuf, Kitab al-Kharaj, p. 84.
