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 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 ( leader in prayer) for the people; but if they
are equally versed in reciting it, then the one who has most knowledge
regarding the sunnah; if they are equal regarding the sunnah, 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 honor 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 (battle) 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.”
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