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my faith
...
ISLAM
matter is that Allah has ordained that the task entrusted
earlier to the Prophets and Apostles will be accomplished
by the followers of the last Prophet [s].
The rule of the first four
Khulafa'
(Caliphs) is called
Al-
Khilafah Ar-Rashidah
, 'The Rightly Guided Khilafah', is
regarded as the golden age of Islam. In their persons they
were the best examples of Islam in practice and in their
political rule they were guided by the teachings of the
Qur'an
and the
Sunnah
of the Messenger [s] of Allah. Many
later Muslim rulers followed the example of the
Khulafa'
and their rule contributed to many great achievements but
they could never reach the moral and religious standards of
this early period of the rule of the four
Khulafa'
.
Islamic history has seen many remarkable rulers and has
recorded their great achievements. Their greatness of char-
acter though is judged by the standards of how closely they
followed the personal life and social responsibilities of
these earliest of Muslim rulers.
There are many special characteristics of this period that
makes it so unique not only in the history of Islam but the
history of the world. The greatness of the period is, in fact,
due to the unique character of these
Khulafa'
. They were
specially trained for the task of leadership by the Holy
Prophet [s]. They had developed in their persons the same
characteristics of simplicity, sincerity and piety as Holy
Prophet Muhammad [s] himself. They were modest and
kind in their personal relations and strong and courageous
in battle. They led very modest lives but were most gener-
ous in helping the cause of Islam and coming to the aid of
the needy. They were equally fair and just in their dealings
with others. Because of their sacrifices and sincerity they
had the trust of the '
Ummah
. They loved the Messenger [s],
were faithful to his message, and were prepared to die for
Islam and the well-being of the 'Ummah.
The life and example of
Al-Khulafa' Ar-Rashidun
shows us
that to build a true Islamic society we must first build our
Islamic character. Islam is not something to be preached to
others, but a way of life to be first practiced by those who
profess the religion. A true Muslim is one who follows the
Qur'an
, the
Sunnah
, the example of
Sahabah
and other
pious ancestors and inspires others by his noble example,
and not one who expects others to practice what he as a
Muslim believes.
ry
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