Q:
1. My question is regarding the rule in Islam that commands Muslims to choose their caliph (khalifah) from among the tribe of Quraysh. The question here rises that how can Islam limit leadership to Quraysh and create a concept of Qurayshi , Non-Qurayshi.
2. Secondly I have read on another website that Arab Muslims who’s piety is superior to non Arab Muslims piety in “general terms” as they are better in linage and descent. This again is a very irrational mentality. Clarify the following.
A:
1. A Muslim does not have the right to question the authority of Allah and His Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).
2. As far as reward is concerned and opportunities for progress in the hereafter then both are identical. There is no doubt that those whose lineages are linked to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) or the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) are obviously better in lineage, but the lineage superiority doesn’t bring you closer to Allah.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)