Appointment of the Governor of Syria & Commander of the Army

A few days prior to the victory at Yarmuk, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) passed away and Hazrat Umar (ra) was elected as the Khalifa. Hazrat Umar (ra) appointed Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) as the governor of Syria and as the Commander of the army. When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) received these instructions from Hazrat Umar (ra), the battle was at its peak intensity and owing to this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) did not mention about the letter.

Up until then, Hazrat Kahlid bin Waleed (ra), who was the commander and chief of the army and when he came to know of this, he asked Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) why he did not disclose the instructions [of Hazrat Umar (ra)]. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah(ra) replied, “We were in the midst of a battle and I did not wish to cause you any distress.” When the Muslims gained victory at Yarmuk and Hazrat Khalid’s (ra) army was preparing to depart for Iraq, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) kept Hazrat Khalid (ra) with him for a while. When Hazrat Khalid (ra) was about to depart, he said to the people that they should rejoice that an ameen [Custodian] of this Ummah had been placed as a governor over them, i.e. referring to Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra). Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) responded, “I have heard the Holy Prophet (sa) say that Khalid (ra) is a sword from among the Swords of God.” Thus, both commanders departed on a note of mutual love and respect.

(Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 26-27)

This is the level of righteousness of a true believer in that they never had any desire for fame or glory, nor did they wish for any position or office. They only wished to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty and to establish God’s Sovereignty on the earth. Thus, these people are excellent models for us. Every office-bearer, in fact every Ahmadi, ought to bear their example in mind.