Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
16. The Companions of the Prophet
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steady, unobstrusive efforts that created—within a
space of fifty years—the vast expanse of territory
now known as the Arab world. They not only
changed the religion of people spread over three
continents, but they brought to them a new
language and culture as well.
BEING CONTENT TO REMAIN IN OBSCURITY
The first matter that had to be settled after the
Prophet’s death was the election of a Caliph. The
Ansar put forward their own candidate—Sa’d ibn
‘Ubadah. When the Muhajirs learnt of the Ansar’s
proposal, a group of them hurried to the Thaqifah
(shed) of the Banu Sa’dah, where the Ansar were
gathered. Abu Bakr addressed them. “There is no
doubt that you are truly endowed with the qualities
you have mentioned. But as for leadership of the
Arab people, it is to the Quraysh we must look for
that. Geographically and ethnically, they occupy a
central place in Arab life. I will propose to you two
names ‘Umar and Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah,
swear allegiance to whomsoever of them you please.
‘Umar arose after this and immediately swore
allegiance to Abu Balk as Caliph. The Ansar
