Sixty Sultaniyya

Leadership is based upon the policy, not personality or race politics

Hadith 15, And even if a black slave was appointed over you and leads you by the Book of Allah then listen to him and obey (An-Nisaa'i, ibn Maja, Tirmidhi)

Commentary

A: This narration is a proof for those who deny that Qurashi lineage is a condition of leadership, but is rather a recommended attribute.

B: Leadership in Islam is not based upon the personality of the leader, but upon the sources of their rule.

C: Obedience is conditional upon being ruled by the Quran and Sunnah.

D: The narration is also found in Sahih Muslim without the mention of the word " حبشي ", and several other similar narrations are reported since the report was part of the final khutbah in the last pilgrimage of the Prophet.

E: All the similar narrations highlight the importance attached to obedience, such that even if the one considered as the least advantaged in society is put into a position of leadership then they have to be obeyed so long as they rule by Islam.

F: It should also be highlighted that the nature of the Islamic rule is non-racial, as opposed to the Western politics where it is until today considered a great achievement if a man of different ethnic origins manages to reach an advanced position in their career.

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