The Decision of Not Appointing a Successor

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim that Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) narrates, “I was with my father when he was attacked. People praised him and said:

جَزَاكَ‭ ‬اللّٰهُ‭ ‬خَيْرًا

“‘May Allah the Almighty grant you the best reward.’ Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘I am hopeful, but also afraid’. The people asked him to appoint the next Khalifa. He said, ‘Shall I bear your burden in this life and when I have passed away as well? I desire for my contributions to be equal in both, meaning neither should I be held responsible, nor should I receive any reward. If I were to appoint a successor, then this would be similar to he who was better than me i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)for he did appoint a successor (even if he did then there would be no harm). If I were to leave you without appointing a successor, then you were also left without being appointed a successor by he who was better than me i.e. the Holy Prophet (sa)’.”

The second example he gave was of the Holy Prophet (sa), who did not appoint his successor. Hazrat Abdullah says, “When he mentioned the Holy Prophet (sa), I knew that he would not appoint a successor.”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imarah, Bab al-Istikhlaf wa Tarkih, Hadith 4713)

In another narration recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) says that he went to Hazrat Hafsah (ra) and she said, “Are you aware that your father will not appoint a successor?” He replied, “He will not do such a thing.” Hazrat Hafsah (ra) said, “He will do so.” Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra) stated, “I vowed that I would speak to Hazrat Umar (ra) again.”

He continues, “I remained silent until the next morning and did not say anything to him.” He further says, “I felt as if I was bearing the weight of a mountain because of this vow I had made. I returned and went to Hazrat Umar (ra), who asked about the state of the people. I told him the various things people were saying. Then I said, ‘I have heard something in particular that the people are saying, and I vowed to tell you. They think that you will not appoint a successor. If someone grazes your camels or shepherds your sheep, then he comes to you and simply leaves them, then you would think that he has abandoned them. Similarly, protecting people is even more important.’”

He says, “Hazrat Umar (ra) agreed with what I said and looked down for a short while. Then he looked up, turning towards me, and said, ‘Allah the Most High will protect His faith. If I do not appoint a successor, then it would be similar to the Holy Prophet (sa) who did not appoint a successor. If I do appoint a successor, it would be similar to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)who did appoint a successor.’”

Hazrat Ibn Umar (ra), the son of Hazrat Umar (ra) said, “By God, when Hazrat Umar (ra) mentioned the Holy Prophet (sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), I knew that he would not hold anyone in the same esteem as the Holy Prophet (sa) and thus, he would not appoint a successor.”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imarah, Bab al-Istikhlaf wa Tarkih, Hadith 4714)

Hazrat Miswar bin Makhrama relates that when Hazrat Umar (ra) was injured, he was experiencing extreme pain. And in order to try and reassure him, Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) stated, “O Leader of the Faithful! If the situation has come to this, then you have stayed in the company of the Holy Prophet (sa) and were an excellent companion. The Holy Prophet (sa) departed in a state whereby he was happy with you. Thereafter, you stayed in the company of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)and were an excellent companion to him and he departed in a state whereby he was happy with you. Then, you remained in the company of the companions and were an excellent support for them and if you depart from them, then indeed you will depart them in a state whereby they will be happy with you.”

Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, “You mentioned regarding the companionship with the Holy Prophet (sa) and him being pleased with me is purely owing to the grace of Allah the Almighty upon me. Then, you mentioned regarding my companionship with Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)and him being pleased with me and this was also owing to the grace of Allah the Almighty upon me. As for my state of concern which you can see at present is for you and your companions. I am not worried about myself, but I am concerned for you and your companions. By Allah, even if I had an entire land worth of gold, I would give it as fidya in order to save myself from Allah the Almighty’s wrath.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabi (sa), bab Manaqib Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Hadith 3692)