my faith
...
ISLAM
350
The rule of the first four
Khulafa'
(Caliphs) is
called
Al-Khilafah Ar-Rashidah
, 'The Rightly
Guided Khilafah'. It 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 con-
tributed 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 character 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 peri-
od 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] him-
self. They were modest and kind in their personal rela-
tions and strong and courageous in battle. They led
very modest lives but were most generous 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.
PT
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