Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity 16. The Companions of the Prophet
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 ~ 407 ~