The Qualities of a Khalifah as Described by Hadhrat Umar(ra) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (ra) says, "I served Umar (ra) in a manner that no other member of his family served him. I was also very informal with him in a manner that no member of his household was. He would sit with me and show me a lot of respect. We were sitting alone in his house one day when he heaved such a sigh that made me think he was about to die. I asked, 'Some grave matter of concern, O Ameerul Mu'mineen?' He replied, 'Some grave concern indeed.' 'What is it?' I asked. He then asked me to come closer to him. When I did so, he said, 'I can find no one worthy of this post of Khilaafah.' I then named certain individuals and asked him what he thought of them. These happened to be the six men whom he chose as the consultative assembly. Umar (ra) said something about each one of these men and then said, 'No person is suitable for the post of Khilaafah except someone who is strong without being harsh, who is lenient without being weak, who is generous without being extravagant and who is cautious about monetary affairs without being miserly.", Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (ra)also adds that Hadhrat Umar (ra) said, "None can shoulder this post of Khilaafah besides a person who does not compromise on principles, who does not behave ostentatiously (in a boastful manner) and who does not give in to vain desires. None can shoulder this responsibility from Allaah besides someone who never utters any word that forces him to contradict his resolve and who judges with fairness even against his own people." Hadhrat Umar (ra) once said, "It is improper for anyone to assume his post of Khilaafah except someone who possesses four qualities. Someone who is lenient without being weak, who is strong without being harsh, who is cautious about monetary affairs without being miserly and who is generous without being extravagant. If anyone of these qualities is missing, the other three will become useless." Another narration quotes Hadhrat Umar(ra) as saying, "None can shoulder this responsibility from Allaah besides a person who does not compromise on principles, who does not behave ostentatiously who does not give in to vain desires, who is It concerned with developing his standing and who never conceals the truth even when angry." Hadhrat Sufyaan bin Abi Awjaa narrates that Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab(ra) once said, "By Allaah I know not whether I am a Khalifah or a king. If I am a king, then the matter is serious indeed." Someone from the audience said, "O Ameerul Mu'mineen There is a distinct difference between the two. A Khalifah only takes something rightfully and then uses it rightfully. By the grace of Allaah, you are exactly like this. On the other hand, a king oppresses people by usurping things from some and then giving them to others." Hadhrat Umar(ra) remained silent. [Hatatus Sahabah Vol:2]