THE EMIRATE OF YEMEN

THE EMIRATE OF YEMEN

Although the Yemenis had embraced Islam with one Sermon of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), they were still not fully conversant with the tenets of the Faith. Therefore it was necessary to give them instruction on the legitimate (Halal) and taboo (Haram) from Islamic point of view. They were also to be told about the mandatory and the optional prayers and other pillars of Islam. They needed to get their disputes settled according to the laws of the Faith. For taking care of all these things, the Prophet (s.a.) deputed Hazrat Ali (a.s.) once again to Yemen. For this important mission, there was the need for knowledge and balanced thinking was very essential. This was his first stint outside the area of Hejaz and Hazrat Ali(a.s.) was initially reluctant to accept the onerous responsibility. He told to the Prophet (s.a.) that he was still young and also new to such an assignment. He felt that it might be difficult for him to handle the work without advisers around. The Prophet (s.a.) put a hand on the chest of Ali (a.s.) and said:

“O Allah!

Make Ali (.a.s)’s heart well informed

and the tongue free of defects and errors!”

Ref: Isteaab, Vol 3, Page 36

Hazrat Ali (a.s) says that after that day he never had difficulty in assessing correctly between two persons. The quality of confidence and determination became stronger in him.

At that time of hisselection the senior Companions, both Mohajir and Ansar, were present. But the Prophet (s.a.), despite Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s youth nominated him for the emirate of Yemen. In this connection he neither consulted anyone nor obtained anyone’s opinion. The Prophet (s.a.) was confident that Ali (a.s.) was the most suitable candidate ofr the job. It was this confidence that the Prophet (s.a.) entrusted the important functions of delivering justice to people in his lifetime and prepared Ali (a.s.) for the same function after him as well. Therefore, the Prophet of Islam (a.s.) said:

“O Ali (a.s.)!

After me, you you will be the judge

For the mutual disputes of the people!”

Ref: Mustadrak Hakim, Vol 3, Page 122

If leading a congregational prayer is termed the qualification for selection as the Caliph, then why not the emirate of Yemen, first ever such important assignment in the annals of Islamic History, be termed a better qualification for the selection as the Caliph! We should understand that leading a congregational prayer is one thing and leading the governance of a people is another! Theduties of an emir and a caliph are similar that need skills in governance and deliverance of justice.