That while he was included in a delegation of Quraish staying with Muawiya, Muawiya heard that `Abdullah bin `Amr had said that there would be a king from Qahtan tribe, whereupon he became very angry. He stood up, and after glorifying and praising Allah as He deserved, said, "To proceed, I have come to know that some of you men are narrating things which are neither in Allah's Book, nor has been mentioned by Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) . Such people are the ignorant among you. Beware of such vain desires that mislead those who have them. I have heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'This matter (of the caliphate) will remain with the Quraish, and none will rebel against them, but Allah will throw him down on his face as long as they stick to the rules and regulations of the religion (Islam).'"
Contextual Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7139 occurs during the caliphate of Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan when a delegation from Quraish visited him. The incident highlights the political and theological sensitivities surrounding leadership in Islam.
Hadith Text Analysis
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated: "This matter (of the caliphate) will remain with the Quraish, and none will rebel against them, but Allah will throw him down on his face as long as they stick to the rules and regulations of the religion (Islam)."
This establishes that political leadership in the Islamic community rightfully belongs to Quraish, provided they maintain adherence to Islamic law and principles.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain this hadith establishes the Quraish tribe's exclusive right to the caliphate based on their lineage and early acceptance of Islam. This privilege is conditional upon their upholding Islamic law.
The phrase "Allah will throw him down on his face" indicates divine punishment for those who rebel against legitimate Quraishi leadership while they remain righteous rulers.
Mu'awiyah's anger at Abdullah bin Amr's mention of a Qahtani king reflects the importance of preserving authentic Prophetic traditions against unauthorized political speculations.
Legal Implications
This narration forms a foundational proof in Islamic political jurisprudence regarding legitimate leadership qualifications.
The condition "as long as they stick to the rules and regulations of the religion" indicates that the Quraish's right to rule is contingent upon their justice and adherence to Shariah.
Scholars note this hadith doesn't grant absolute authority to Quraish but establishes their priority when other qualifications are equal.