Ancient Times, Modern Solutions

Western Civilization prides itself on the elimination of the spoils system. Family ties have only a shadow of their former power in the granting of jobs as idealist push for more qualifications and resume building. However, Western idealists were not the first to come up with these ideas and likely used their knowledge of history to point to the values of efficiency in doling out positions. The Islamic religion and the expansion of Alexander the Greats empires are two of the best examples in history where the job was given to the best man(men) and not solely the closest relation.

When Alexander the Great died at his young age, the empire was left headless. Alexander basically left it up to the most cut throat generals to find a place in his empire and establish themselves. Although the methods that were used to elect these generals would seem to be more a war than an actual election in the present day, the truth is that only the men most fit would receive the position. Muhammad employed a similar tactic with the religion of Islam although his intentionality may be questioned a bit further.

Muhammad left no clear heir to his role as the leader of Islam. Not only does this cement his role as a prophet(in the discussed religion) but it allows for the religion to grow according to the people. Had Muhammad left an heir or chosen his successor his opponents would have used that decision as leverage in an attempt to discredit his authenticity as a prophet. It is unknown if the religion could have survived such an attack. Some may claim that the splintering of the religion into several factions is due to Muhammad's failure to address this contingency. Despite these claims, it is often the ability of a religion to be fluid that allows for it to survive in an ever changing world. Bestowing upon the followers the ability to shape their culture may be one of the main reasons Islamic tradition continues.