Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
4. The Concept of the State in Islam
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leader. That is to say that this decision-making body will be formed
by public opinion and this body in turn will be entrusted with the
task of selecting the leader.
We gather from our study that the political structure of Islam is
not an unchangeable, rigid structure but has sufficient flexibility to
suit the circumstances. For instance, the selection of Abu Bakr at
Saqifa Bani Saeda took place after a discussion among the
companions, while Umar Faruq was appointed by Abu Bakr Siddiq,
the leader of the believers himself, during his last days. Then the
third caliph was selected by a six member board nominated by
caliph Umar. So far as the selection of the fourth Caliph is
concerned, it took place in an emergency situation, due to the
murder of the third caliph Uthman; the circumstances did not allow
holding normal discussions. Therefore a group of Muslims
declared Ali ibn Abi Talib to be the fourth Caliph and the Muslim
community accepted his Caliphate. Then during the Umayyad
period Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (8th Umayyad Caliph), who is known
as the fifth pious caliph was selected as caliph. His election took
place in the following manner. The preceding caliph Sulayman ibn
Abdul Malik, had left his will in a sealed envelope with instructions
that it should be opened only after his death. So this letter was
opened in the mosque of Damascus after his demise.
This announcement was made by Reja ibn Haywa, who was
appointed by Sulayman to read out this will to the large number of
people gathered in the mosque. It was an official announcement of
the nomination of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz as caliph. But Umar ibn
