Why did the Companions not refrain from ruling, fearing to fall into the unlawful, and lest it affect our perception of them, even though most of them were caliphs, governors, and army leaders, and they shared positions?

Holding leadership positions is not inherently blameworthy. Indeed, whoever undertakes it properly is among the best of Allah’s righteous servants. Had the Rightly Guided Caliphs abandoned the matter, corruption would have spread. Great blessings resulted from the Companions undertaking this matter, such as nations entering the religion of Allah after the leadership of armies, the spread of justice and mercy, and the emergence of knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, seeking leadership with sincerity and ability is not blameworthy; rather, it is encouraged, as Yusuf (peace be upon him) did when he asked Allah to place him over the storehouses of the land. So, whoever assumes leadership or rule with this condition has an example in Yusuf and the noble Companions, whose leadership and detachment from worldly affairs were among the greatest reasons for their love and proofs of their virtue.