Memahami Hadis Kepemimpinan Quraish

Abstract

The khalifah is the highest leader in both religious and worldly affairs, serving as the successor to the Prophet. Thus, the term khalifah, which originally meant "successor," has evolved into a title denoting the supreme leader of the Muslim community. Such a position requires specific competencies and qualifications that form the fundamental basis of leadership. However, in Irshād al-Sārī li Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, it is stated that the caliphate rightfully belongs to someone from the Quraysh tribe. How should this hadith be understood? Should it be interpreted literally? Based on these questions, this study seeks to examine the hadith in order to arrive at a precise definition of its intended meaning regarding Qurayshi leadership. From the research conducted, it can be concluded that the hadith on Qurayshi leadership is symbolic in nature, rooted in cultural and historical values relevant to its time. The core message of the hadith is not to restrict leadership to a specific lineage or tribe, but rather to emphasize qualities such as strong influence, authority, intelligence, the ability to offer protection, and dominant leadership capacity—qualities that transcend tribal identity and are essential for any legitimate leader.