33/2. Chapter:
Al-Lu'lu Wal-Marjan 1196 — The Book of Al-Imâra (Concerning with ruling etc.)
To appoint someone as a succeeding caliph or leaving aside the matter of appointment.
Al-Lu'lu Wal-Marjan : 1196
Al-Lu'lu Wal-MarjanHadith Number 1196
حديث عُمَرَ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ: قِيلَ لِعُمَرَ، أَلَا تَسْتَخْلِفُ قَالَ: إِنْ أَسْتَخْلِفْ فَقَدِ اسْتَخْلَفَ مَنْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنِّي، أَبُو بَكْرٍ؛ وَإِنْ أَتْرُكْ فَقَدْ تَرَكَ مَنْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنِّي، رَسُولُ اللهِ ﷺ فَأَثْنَوْا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالَ: رَاغِبٌ رَاهِبٌ، وَدِدْتُ أَنِّي ⦗٢٤١⦘ نَجَوْتُ مِنْهَا كَفَافًا، لَا لِي وَلَا عَلَيَّ، لَا أَتَحَمَّلُهَا حَيًّا وَمَيِّتًا.
`Abdullah bin `Umar Narrated from:
It was said to 'Umar, "Will you appoint your successor?" 'Umar said, "If I appoint a caliph (as my successor) it is true that somebody who was better than I (i.e., Abû Bakr) did so, and if I leave the matter undecided, it is true that somebody who was better than I (i.e., Allâh's Messenger ﷺ) did so."On this, the people praised him. 'Umar said, "People are of two kinds: either one who is keen to take over the caliphate or one who is afraid of assuming such a responsibility. I wish I could be free from its responsibility in that I would receive neither reward nor retribution. I won't be able to bear the burden of the caliphate whether I am living or dead." [1] ( Sahih Al-Bukhârî, Hadîth No. 325, Vol. 9)
[1] 'Umar refused to appoint his successor lest he should be held responsible for the mistakes in future.
