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The_Foundations_of_the_Islamic_Belief, page : 170
For real excellence is that which is excellent in the Sight of Allah, and no one will have
knowledge of it
except the Prophet of Allah - may praise and peace be upon him.
Several verses in praise of all the Companions were revealed and a number of prophetic quotations
that
recite their honor have been handed down. Yet the subtle distinction of excellence and precedence
is not
grasped except by those who were eye-witnesses to the Revelation and had the opportunity to observe
it in its setting and to watch its development. Had they not understood that so well they
would not have
arranged matters as they did, since it was not their habit to abandon the Way of Allah on account of
threat or pressure and nothing would turn them away from the truth.
(ix) The Condition of the Caliphate
The ninth principle: Is that, in addition to being a Muslim, the qualifications of the caliph are
five:
knowledge of it
except the Prophet of Allah - may praise and peace be upon him.
Several verses in praise of all the Companions were revealed and a number of prophetic quotations
that
recite their honor have been handed down. Yet the subtle distinction of excellence and precedence
is not
grasped except by those who were eye-witnesses to the Revelation and had the opportunity to observe
it in its setting and to watch its development. Had they not understood that so well they
would not have
arranged matters as they did, since it was not their habit to abandon the Way of Allah on account of
threat or pressure and nothing would turn them away from the truth.
(ix) The Condition of the Caliphate
The ninth principle: Is that, in addition to being a Muslim, the qualifications of the caliph are
five: