Tradition - Sunni Islam Flashcards
How did Abu Bakr become the first Caliph?
Abu Bakr, Umar and Ab Unbayda all met with a group of Asnar leaders (from Medina) after Muhammad’s death for a tribal consultation, by the end of which Abu Bakr was selected as a Caliph.
What was the role of the Caliph?
No one was really sure. It did not mean a religious leader - he would not have any prophetic authority. This meant Abu Bakr could define his role. He made it secular, which meant he would be a war leader and judge but would not define religious practice.
Who gave guidance on religion?
Scholars called the Ulama who became very influential.
Why was Abu Bakr chosen?
He was very pious, one of the first to convert to Islam, Muhammad’s dearest friend. He took over Friday prayers when Muhammad was ill.
How was Abu Bakr successful?
His rule was seen as the Golden Era of Islam because he brought unity and military triumph
What were the issues with Ali as leader?
He was too young and it was thought that it would be wrong to choose a hereditary ruler.
Why did the Muslims disagree with a hereditary ruler?
Because Muhammad had no sons and the Muslims felt this was God’s way of showing them that the ruler should not inherit his position through the male line.
What did Lammens say?
Says that Arabs did not like hereditary succession.
What does Aslan say about Ali’s claim?
He was young but was not “untried”. He was recognised for his spiritual maturity and military prowess. He was often left in charge of the community (Ummah) when Muhammad was absent. Some tribes in Medina wanted him to be leader and the Banu Hashim (Muhammad’s clan) also wanted him.
What does Madelung say?
Claims that hereditary succession was common amongst the aristocratic Quraysh as they believed that noble qualities were passed via the bloodline.
What does the Bible say about hereditary succession?
Supports hereditary succession and the Qur’an highlights this e.g. Abraham passes succession to Isaac.
Why does Aslan believe Ali wasn’t chosen?
Because some of the clans in the Quraysh tribe were worked up about the balance of power and did not want the prophet hood and Caliphate going to a single clan (Banu Hashim)
Who were the Ulama?
The leading Muslim Scholars
Why were the Ulama important?
Decisions about laws and religious practice should not be left to the community at large. It should be left to the consensus of leading Muslim Scholars.
How did the Ulama make decisions and what were the issues with them?
They would use the Qur’an, Hadiths and Sunnah. However, they tended to select Hadiths which they wanted and so the law tended to reflect their will, rather than the will of the community at large
