Tarikh Islam

Criteria for appointing brokerages in any system is an important measure to achieve the tendencies, insights and approaches of that system. In the prophetic tradition, the three main indicators of ability, knowledge and trustworthiness are the most important criteria for appointing brokerages. In contrast, the appointment of brokerages in the system of government of three Caliphs has five basic criteria, which are, tribalism (Qurayshism), political cooperation and alliance, preferring efficiency over religion and ethics, Umayyadism and avoiding Hashemi people. It seems that the dominant spirit in the Caliphs’ system of government was tribal values; thus, the Quraysh, especially the Umayyads and their political loyalists, held the most important positions. Ignoring moral standards in the Caliphs’ system of government was rooted in their disbelief in the prophetic political system. Fearing the loss of the caliphatehood, the caliphs refused to hand over matters to Bani Hashim and their supporters. The main output of the mentioned criteria was the removal of the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (AS) and their supporters, the elders of the Helpers and many political opponents from the Caliphs’ system of government.