Members of the
Advisory Council of `Umar, radiyallahu `anhu, the
second Caliph of Islam, were always the `Ulamaa’
(the learned in religion) whether they are old or of
young age. Abu Huraira, radiyallahu `anhu, reported
that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa
sallam, said: Anyone who is most versed in Allah’s
Book should act as an Imam for the people; but if
they are equally versed in reciting it, then the one
who has most knowledge regarding the Sunna; if they
are equal regarding the Sunna, then the earliest of
them to emigrate; if they emigrated at the same
time, then the oldest of them.
In another version
it is reported: No man must lead another in Prayer
where the latter has authority, or sit in his place
of honour in his house, without his permission.
Muslim transmitted it.
Jaabir radiyallahu
`anhu said: Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi
wa sallam, had each pair of those killed at the
Ghazwa of Uhud wrapped in a single garment and asked
which of them knew more of the Holy Qur’an. When
one of them was pointed out to him, he had him put
first in the side of the grave. Bukhari transmitted
it.
Abu Musa Ash`ari
radiyallahu `anhu reported Allah’s Messenger,
sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, as saying: The respect
of a Muslim who is of an old age and a follower of
the Qur’an leads to the pleasure of Allah provided
the follower of the Qur’an is not a transgressor
and unfaithful to the Holy Qur’an
