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    This document is an introduction to a book about Ammar Bin Yasir, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It discusses how Islam brought about a new era in history, replacing ignorance with knowledge and justice. It highlights how previously unknown individuals from various backgrounds, like Bilal of Ethiopia and Salman of Iran, became dignitaries of history through their dedication to Islam. It also references a poem by Muhammad Iqbal about the dawn of Islam and the strength that comes from faith. The introduction sets up Ammar Bin Yasir as one of the earliest supporters of Islam who shone as a beacon of truth and served Imam Ali until being martyred at age 92.

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    This document is an introduction to a book about Ammar Bin Yasir, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It discusses how Islam brought about a new era in history, replacing ignorance with knowledge and justice. It highlights how previously unknown individuals from various backgrounds, like Bilal of Ethiopia and Salman of Iran, became dignitaries of history through their dedication to Islam. It also references a poem by Muhammad Iqbal about the dawn of Islam and the strength that comes from faith. The introduction sets up Ammar Bin Yasir as one of the earliest supporters of Islam who shone as a beacon of truth and served Imam Ali until being martyred at age 92.

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    170 views190 pages

    Ammar Bin Yassir

    Uploaded by

    wsw243
    This document is an introduction to a book about Ammar Bin Yasir, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It discusses how Islam brought about a new era in history, replacing ignorance with knowledge and justice. It highlights how previously unknown individuals from various backgrounds, like Bilal of Ethiopia and Salman of Iran, became dignitaries of history through their dedication to Islam. It also references a poem by Muhammad Iqbal about the dawn of Islam and the strength that comes from faith. The introduction sets up Ammar Bin Yasir as one of the earliest supporters of Islam who shone as a beacon of truth and served Imam Ali until being martyred at age 92.

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    AmmarBinYasir(ra)ACompanionoftheProphet('s) Author:SadruddinSharafuddinalAmili Preface Chapter1:SignofGuidance Chapter2:Ammar,theAllyofMakhzum Chapter3:ConditionofMakkah Chapter4:TheConsultativeBodyofQuraysh Chapter5:AmmarandAbuJahl Chapter6:SufferingsoftheOppressed Chapter7:SuchistheWorld Chapter8:DawnofIslaminMedina Chapter9:heBattleoftheDitch Chapter10:TheDayofSaqifa Supplement/1 Supplement/2

    /1 Supplement/2 Supplement/3 Supplement/4 Supplement/5 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Chapter11:TheDayofYamama Chapter12:TheGovernorofKufa Chapter13:AmmarduringtheReignofUthman Supplement/1 Supplement/2 Supplement/3 Supplement/4 Supplement/5 Chapter14:TheStandardofImamAli Supplement/1 Supplement/2 Supplement/3 Supplement/4 Chapter15:Conclusion Preface Historyislikeashipwhichhasaccommodatedwithinitselfthecaravanofmankind.Duringits longjourneyitcomesacrosssomesensationalmomentswhicharecalledtheturningpointsof historyinthesensethatduringtransitionfromoneconditiontoanother,whichisa prerequisiteofitsjourney,themovementoftime,onsomeparticularoccasions,undergoesa specialchangeandevolution,andthischangemanifestsitselfinanattractiveanddelicate form.Appearanceofsuchaconditionistheconsequenceofcontactwithsuchaturningpoint.

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    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Undoubtedlythemostsensationalsummitofhistoryanditsmostsubtleturningpointwasthe momentwhentheeldersofthetribeofQurayshmadeanoffertotheProphetofIslam,the greatestleaderofmankind,saying,"Ifyoudesirestatus,rulership,wealthandluxuriouslife wearewillingandreadytoplaceallthesethingsatyourdisposal,providedthatyoudon't malignourgods,don'tinterferewithourtraditions,regulationsandbeliefs;andabandonthe callwhichyouhavecommenced." Whenthisofferwasmade,theProphet(s)remainedsilentforamomentandthenreplied:"If youplacethesunonmyrighthandandthemoononmyleftIwillnotforsakethemission whichhasbeenentrustedtome". DuringthatmomentwhentheProphet(s)pausedandwaspreparinghimselftogiveareply historycametoastandstill.Timethensuspendeditsjourneyandwasrelievedofits responsibility.ItwaitedfortheProphet(s)togiveareplysothatitmightlearnaboutitsduty .However,assoonasacategoricalreplyemanatedfromhissacredlips,historybecameaware ofitsdutyandcommenceditsnewjourney.Asaresultofthisanewworldandanewhistory cameintobeingafterafewyears.ThecityofMakkahwasconquered,theflagofIslambegan toflythere,andthatsacredcitywaspurifiedandcleansedofthetaintofpolytheismand ignorance.TheProphet(s)declared:"Opeople,beware!Theperiodofignorancehascometo anendandanewerahascommenced!" HistorytellsusthatwiththedawnofIslamtheperiodofoppression,transgression, polytheism,infidelity,materialism,heroworshipandignorancecametoanend,andthen commencedanepochofjustice,brotherhood,equality,monotheism,knowledge,wisdom, educationandutilizationofhiddenhumantalentswithoutwhichcivilizationcarriesno meaning. Inshort,lightandluminosityreplaceddarknessandturbidity,andinthiswayanewera commenced.Oneofthefeaturesofthisnewerawhichisarequisiteforsuchagreatchange wasthatwiththeadventofIslamthehistoryofmankindunderwentachange.Islam practicallycrossedoutthenamesoftheformerdignitariesofhistoryinthesensethattillthat timethetitleof'thedignatariesofhistory'wasgiventothosepersonswhodevelopedthe habitofoppressingthepeopleandtransgressingupontheirrights,leftbehindthemselves bloodyeventsastheirmemorialsinthepagesofhistoryandpassedaway,butafterthe establishmentofIslamicGovernmenttruthandjusticecameatthehelmofaffairs,unknown personslikeBilalofEthiopia,SuhaybofGreeceandSalmanofIranrosefromthehidden cornersofsocietyandbecamethedignitariesofhistoryinsteadoftheAlexanders,theCaesars andtheKhusros,andthepagesofhistorywereadornedwiththeirnames. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    DrMuhammadIqbal,theworldrenownedthinkerhasexplainedthismatterinthefollowing wordsinhisUrdupoementitled"Tulu'iIslam"(DawnofIslam): TherealobjectofnatureandthesecretofbeingaMuslimmeansuniversalbrotherhoodand abundantlove. Breaktheidolsofcolourandraceandgetabsorbedinonesingleunity.Don'tmakeany differencebetweentheTurk,theIranianandtheAfghan. Howlongwillyouwasteyourtimehearingthemelodiesofthebirdsofthegarden?Yourarms possessstrengthtoflylikeafalcon. ThefaithofaMusliminthesocietyisliketheflameofacandleinthehutofahermitinthe desert. Justlookintohistory.WhatwasthethingwhichdestroyedthedespotismofKaiserandKisra? ThencompareitwiththestrengthanddevotionofHaider(ImamAli),theabstemiousnessof AbuzarandthetruthfulnessofSalmanFarsi. Justseehowthesocalledleadersofthenationshave,withtheirpompandpelf,crushedthe people!Hundredsofpersonswhohaveremainedcaptivesforcenturiesarelookingatthem throughtheprisonbars! Inthisworldthefirmnessandsurvivaloflifedependonfirmfaith,becauseitisconfirmedthat theTurkhasprovedtobestrongerthantheGermaninthefieldoflife. Justlookatthiscreatureofdust!Itisduetohisinnerfire(offaith)thatithehasbeen providedwiththewingsoftheArchangelGabrieltoflyon. Yes,sincethesingularityofhumanbeingisnotbreakable,andsimilarly,virtueisnotthe specialityofanynation,whereverandwithwhomsoevervirtueisfounditisrespectableand itsownerdeservestobehonoured;whetherhebeaTurk,anIranian,anArab,anonArab,an African,aEuropeanoranAsian.Furthermore,bywhosoeverthelampofvirtuemaybe kindleditisnecessarythatoneshouldutilizetheraysofitslight.Itmaybeaddedthatgreat andvirtuouspersonsbelongtotheentirehumanraceandtheirrankandstatusismuchabove thattheymaybeassociatedwithaparticularnationespeciallyinthepresentage,when fortunatelytheweakbrawlsofnationalismhavegraduallychangedintotheslogansof internationalism. Theextensivehorizonofhumanityanditsbeautifulsighthavebecometheobjectofthe wishesofallhumanbeingsundertheprotectionofacommonthinkingandaspecifiedand unvariedideology,andthethinkersofeverycreedandschoolsupportthisloftyhumanideal. Andonaccountoftheprinciplesofthecompulsionofhistory,andthesurvivalofthefittest, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thisdesireofthesufferinghumanitywillhoweverbecomearealityonedayandthe mandatorycommandoftheQur'antotheeffectthatMankind,youareonesinglenation, (SurahalAnbiya,21:92)willbeacceptedbyallthehumansocieties,andtheuniversal governmentandfraternitywillbeestablishedundertheauspicesofmonotheism;except whichthereisnoalternative. OneofthedistinguishedhistoricalpersonalitiesisAmmarYasir,theesteemedandrenowned companionoftheHolyProphet(s)whoshonelikealuminousstarintheatmosphereof humanityinthedarkestperiodsofhistory,andwasrecognized,onaccountoftheglowofthe lightoftruth,tobethemodeloftrainingandlearning,andanexcellentspecimenoffreedom andjustice. AmmarisoneofthesevenearliestsupportersofthesacredmovementofIslam,andoneof thegreatestpersonalitiesofwhomhumanhistorywillalwaysfeelproud.Hewillalwaysshine onthecrownofhumanity,becausehewasoneofthemostactiveandsincerefollowersof Islam,andoneofthedevotedservantsandbuildersofthenewhistoryofhumanity,andasa resultofhiscontinuouseffortinthepathofgodlinesstilltheageofninetytwoyears,whenhe metmartyrdomintheserviceofImamAli,theCommanderoftheFaithful.Hedidnotrest fromseekingandsayingthetruth.Heenjoyedsuchanenviablepositionthatanunparalleled personalitylikeAlishedtearswhilemourningforhim,recitedapainfulelegyonhavingbeen separatedfromhimandprayedtoAllahforhisowndeathafterthemartyrdomofthisgreat companionoftheHolyProphet. OriginallythisbookwaswrittenwiththetitleofHalifalMakhzumbySadruddinSharafuddin, oneofthegreatestliteraryandeducationalpersonalitiesofArabiclanguage.Itconsistsof detailedbiographyofAmmarYasir.Itishopedthatthereaderswillenjoyreadingitandwill alsobenefitfromit. Thegreatestdistinctionofthisunmatchedliteraryandhistoricalmonumentisthatbesides depictingaminutepictureoftheshiningfaceofAmmarwithgreatdexterity,itexplainsmany delicateandimportantpointsandmysteriesoftheluminoushistoryofIslamuptotheendof theBattleofSiffin,withanenchantingpen,inamannerthatisbeyondpraiseandmakesthe factsofhistoryavailabletouswithclarity. Thecontentsofthisexcellenttreatisearenotonlyconfinedtothecorrectnarrationand minuteexplanationoftheevents;thecomparisonbetweenthetwologicsoftruthand falsehood,clashoftheinterestsofdifferentindividualsandgroupsandhypocriticalpolitical gameswhichhaveprevailedinalltimesandages,butitalsocontainslessonsfromphilosophy ofhistorybasedonpsychologyandhasconductedminuteanalysisofsocialproblemsand drawnconclusionsfromeventsonthebasisofthelatestprinciplesofpsychology.Ithas assessedandstudiedwiththemostexactmeasuresandstandardsofsociologyalltheevents Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    oftheearliestdaysofIslaminanunprecedentedmanner,withthoroughresearchandhas recordedbyutilizingthesourcesofAhlusSunnatwalJama'atwhichmaybeutilizedbyall classes. Thestudyofthisvaluabletreatisewillbeespeciallyinstructivetotheenlightenedandgodly youngmenofoursociety,whoarekeenlydevotedtotheserviceofthesocietyunderthe auspicesofthesublimeteachingsofIslam.Thisdistinguishedgroupwillacquirevaluable examplesfromthehistoryofthedignifiedlifeofthismagnanimouspersonalityofthehistory ofmankind,andwillpointouttoothersthatthepathoftruthandofsecuringhuman prosperity,isnotmorethanone,andthatisthepathwhichtheHolyProphet(s)openedfor themisguidedcaravanofmankindincompliancewiththeCommandofAlmightyAllah.Itwas undertheauspicesofhisguidance,thatpersonslikeAmmarYasir,whoarereckonedtobe thebestspecimensofhumanity,weretrainedandbecameexcellentexamplesformankind. Anyhow,afterhavingrealizedthefactthatunknownpersonslikeAmmarYasirwere recognizedinthehumansocietyas'dignitariesofhistory',andtheirpersonalitiescrossedout andannulledthenamesofCaesars,AlexandersandKhusros,itmaybesaidwithperfect franknessthatthisblessedandauspiciouspathisalwaysopentothefollowersofIslamand thosetrainedintheschooloftheProphetofIslam.WeMuslimsshould,therefore,endeavour todischargethedutyentrustedtousbyAlmightyAllahandshouldtakelessonfromAmmar Yasirinthepresentdayintellectualandmoralcrisis,whichhasengulfedtheentireworld.We shouldalsorememberthathewasnotanImamoraninfallibleperson,butastaunchbeliever, whohadbeentrainedintheschoolofIslamandwasrecognized,onaccountofhisgodliness, perseveranceanddevotion,tobetheembodimentoftruth. Onepointmust,however,bementionedherethatexperienceshowsthattheonlyfactor, whichcanpurifyusofthecontaminationsofthepresentage,isundoubtedlyourbenefiting fromtheIslamicreserveswhichareallmanifestedintheschoolofAblulBayt,theprogenyof ProphetMuhammad(s). Moreover,theoldandrottenslogansofnationalismarenowoutofdate.Hence,keepingin viewthefactthatIslamhasalwaysensuredourdeliveranceweshouldalsoendeavourwithall ourstrength,atthissensitivestageofhistoryaswelltogainvigourandstrengthfromthe samesourceandshouldbenifitfromtheguidanceofthedescendantsoftheHolyProphet(s). Wewillsoonpublishabookonthelivesofmorethan250companionsoftheHolyProphetof Islam. Publishers Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Chapter1:SignofGuidance Howsurprisingisthestateofamanofthirty,whosebodyisbrandedwithmeltediron,onwhose headandfacefireispoured,whoisplungedintowaterandsubjectedtoallsortsoftorture, remainsindifferenttoallthesetormentsandreceivesthemgladlyasifthepointsofthespears, theflamesoffire,andthepressureofwaterweregiftsfromhisbelovedandallthesetortures, increasehishopeinsteadofmakinghimdespair. Howsurprisingistheconditionofaninetyyearoldman,whosubduestheenemywithasword, whoseblademaybesaidtoberainingfire,andwhoovercomeseverydifficultywitha determinationmuchharderthansteel.However,youwillnotwonderanylongerwhenyoucome toknowthatthistallstaturedbravepersonisthesamemanwhogotaccustomedtoselfsacrifice andenduredallthecalamitiesduringhisyouthaswellasinhisoldageonlyforthesakeofDivine religion. Itwasthespiritwhichwasblowninto,andthebloodwhichcirculatedinhisveins,whichgave suchaflamingswordinhishand,andit,washisbloodwhichassumedtheshapeofsolidfaith, sincerity,truthandreality.Thisbraveoldmandidnotfightwithhisenemieswithhandsandarms butcombatedwiththembymeansofthefaithandtheprinciplewhichhehadselectedfor himself.And,infact;neitherhisarmsgottirednordidhisswordbecomeblunt,buttheblow whichhestruckwasactuallytheglowofthelightwhichsplitsdarknessandannihilatesit. InthecircumstancesifAmmarremainedconstantinhisyouthinthefaceofeverycalamityand cameoutvictoriousineverytest,andmostlyshowedperseverance,itshouldnotbesurprising. Anditshouldnotalsobesurprisingifduringoldagealsohispathbecameclearandbright becauseoftheradiationoftruth.Ofcourse,thisgodlyoldmanofoursdidnotstandinneedof strongarmsinthebattlefieldlikeyoungmen. Thequestioniswhatisbravery?Isbraverydependentuponageandstrengthofyouth,or,isit speciallyrelatedtoaparticularstageoutofthedifferentstagesoflife? Infactweshouldsay:"Itisnotso",Weshouldsaythatitisdependentuponfaith;andthemore strongone'sfaithisthelargertheshareandtheenjoymentonederivesfrombravery,Yes!Itis thestrengthoffaithwhichgivesanoldmanthevigourofayouth.Andagainitisthestrengthof faithwhichgivesequalpowerofresistance,patience,steadfastness,agility,mirth,determination andactiontotheyoungandtheold. Weseemanyyoungmenwhoarelowspirited,cowardlyandaimless,andwealsocomeacross Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    everydaymanyoldmen,whoarecourageous,brave,noblemindedandstrong. Ofcourse,thenoblequalityofbraveryofAmmarmanifesteditselfeverydayinaneverincreasing manner.Somuchsothatfriendsandfoesalikebelievedthathisswordpossessedaspecialtrait, forifthestrokeofastrongwarriorinflictedonedeathonhisadversarythestrokeofourhero inflictedtwodeathsonone,whoopposedhim!Oneofthemwasthephysicaldeathandtheother wasthespiritualdeathi.e,eternalcurse! Furthermore,thespiritofcourageofthisgodlyoldmanpossessedaspecialdistinction,likethe sharpnessofhissword,whichwaspraisedbyhisfriendsaswellasenemies.Theyknewthat, whetherhelivedorwaskilled,truthwaswithhim!Similarlyeveryoneknewthathisenemy, whetherhewasvictoriousorsubdued,wasfalse. ThenobleAmmarwasoneofthesevenstalwartbelieversoftheearliestdaysofIslam,whobore ontheirshoulderstheburdenoftheserviceofthePropheticmessagewithcontinuousjihad, perfectdevotionandpermanentcampaigns.Andevenduringhisoldage,asinhisyouth,hewas oneofthefirstpersonswhocontinuedhisconstantjihadandenergeticcampaignwith faithfulness,truthfulnessandperfectsincerity,andinwhateverenterpriseheparticipatedhewas recognizedtobethesignofguidanceandthespecimenofjusticeandvirtueofthehighestorder. ThisdistinguishedbravemanwasthestandardbearerofthebelieversduringthetimeoftheHoly Prophet,andtheProphet(s)testedhimateverystage.Andhewasthepersonwhoemerged successfulyfromthetestandtrialwithperfectpurity,andwasalwayslikeathornintheeyesof thepolytheists. Furthermoreitwasagainhewhocarriedthestandardofguidanceonhisshouldersagainst "apostasy"evenafterthedemiseoftheHolyProphet(s)! ThesedistinctionswerepeculiartoAmmarYasir,sothathewasrecognizedtobethesignof guidance.Ifsomeonefoughtsidebysidewithhimandlosthislifehewassurethathewouldgoto Paradise,andconverselywhoeverfoughtagainsthimandwaskilledwassuretogotoHell. AmmarreprotedtheHolyProphet(s)tohavesaid:"Whoeverholdswithinhimselfthreehabitsat oneandthesametimeislikeonewhohasheldtheprinciplesoffaith.Thosethreehabitsconsist of: Spendingatthetimeofneed. Establishmentofjusticeinallcircumstances. Planningpeaceandsecurityfortheworld. Tosumup,ifthesethreenobletraitsarecollectedinapersonhewillnotonlybeaperfecthuman Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    being,buthispersonalitywillberecognizedinthesocietytobetheverysubstanceoffaith,and suchapersonwillbethemanifestationofgenerosity,justiceandpeacefulnesswhetherinthe stateofwarorinthestateofpeace. Chapter2:Ammar,theAllyofMakhzum TheallyofMakhzumwasaswarthypersonwhosenaturehadbeenkneadedwithmusk.Hewasa tailstatured,squarebuiltandaweinspiringperson.Hehaddarkeyesandscantyhaironhishead. Ashasbeenwrittenbyhiscontemporarynarrator'ZulIdara'hehadafewhairsinthefrontpartof hisheadandafewhairsonitsbackandthatwasall.Hewasaquietpersonasiftheangelswere conversingwithhim.Hewasamanoffirmwillanddetermination.Hewasneverdeceived;andhe neverdeviatedfromtherightpath.Hewasalwaysgovernedbyreasonandhealwaysfollowed logic.AsAyeshasays:"IfAmmarisdoubtfulabouttwomattershechoosestheeasiestcourse.He isanintelligent,generous,godlyandbraveperson.Heisamanwhoneverturnsawayfrom truth". ThegreatandnoblepersonwasborninthetribeofBaniMakhzumduringthe570A.D.andashe hassaidhimselfthathewasofthesameageastheHolyProphet(s)andfromthepointofviewof agenoneofthecompanionswasnearertotheProphet(s)thanhe; HismotherwasSumayya,thedaughterofKhayyatandtheslavegirlofAbuHuzayfa,thechiefof thetribeofMakhzum.AmongsttheslavegirlsofQurayshnonewasasnobleminded,intelligent, kindhearted,faithful,chasteandpureasshewas. YasirbinAmir,thefatherofAmmar,wasan'Unasi,MazhajiQahtiniArabofYemenwhohadleft hishomealongwithhistwobrothersnamedMalikandHarithtofindouthisfourthbrotherwho hadwonderedawayfromYemenonaccountoffamine,droughtandthedeterioratingconditions ofthegovernment. ItwasnotonlythispersonwhohadwanderedawayfromYemenatthattime.Alargenumberof personswerecompelledtoleavetheirhomestofindoutemploymentandsustenanceelsewhere. SincethetimethecityofSabahadbegunbeingruinedalargenumberoftheYemeniteArabshad migratedtoMakkahandMadina.ThetribesofUnasandKhazrajsettledinMadinaandalarge numberofgroupsotherthanUnasandKhazrajgotscatteredinSyria,Iraq,YamamaandNajdlike antsandlocusts.TheysettledindifferentpartsoftheArabianPeninsulaandexpandedtheir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    civilizationandculturetotheregionof'HilaliKhasib'. AsthecityofMakkah,wasaplaceofpeace,itenjoyedsuperiorityoverallotherplaceswherethe immigrantshadsettledandasitwasrecognizedtobetheHouseofAllah;themeansofwelfare, comfortandsustenancewereavailablethereandtheservantsoftheKa'bapaiddueattentionto thenewcomers.Forthisreasonthehomelesspersonswerelivingthereingreatcomfortwithout anymolestationfromanyside. Whenthethreebrotherslostallhopeoflocatingtheirbrother,MalikandHarithreturnedhome, butYasirstayedoninMakkahandbecameanallyofAbuHuzayfa,thechiefofBaniMakhzum. AbuHuzayfalookedafterYasir,andonaccountofthefactthatAbuHuzayfawassokindand benevolenttohim,Yasiralsoshowedgreatfaithfulnessandsincerityforhim. LikehisbrotherHishaminthepastandlikehissecondbrotherWalidafterwards,AbuHuzayfawas akindandnoblechiefandleaderandamagnanimousguardianofhistribe.Healsoshowedgreat loveandaffectionforhisnewallyandlovedandrespectedthisstranger'Unasiwhomdestinyhad compelledtoleavehishomeandcountry.Itwouldappearthatthiskindandnobleheartedperson couldseehisfuturetobebrightandfeltthatthismanwouldacquireahighstatusinfutureand wouldbecomeoneoftheeldersofthecommunity.Itwasforthisreasonthathebecomeshisally andalwaysrespectedhim. YasiralsovaluedthegoodopinionofAbuHuzayfaanddidnottakeundueadvantageofhis heartfeltlove..Andnotwithstandingthefactthathewasnothingmorethanastrangerhe preservedhisselfrespectandfreedomofthoughtwithperfectpurityandsincerity. Suchwisebehaviorandnobleconductcoupledwithsincerity,cordialityandfaithfulnesselevated thepositionofYasirsomuchthatwithinashorttimehecametobeknownasaMakhzumi, acquiredalltherightsenjoyedbythetribeandwasintroducedasoneoftheirnotable personalities.HealsoattendedtheassembliesofQurayshandwashighlyrespectedeverywhere. OnedayAbuHuzayfathoughtofselectingawifeforhis'Unasiallysothathemightgetridof lonelinessandhealsohopedthatAllahmightfavourhimwithaworthychild.He,therefore,gave himinmarriageSumayya,daughterofKhayyatwhowasthenoblestandthechastestofhis slavegirlsanddecidedthatherchildrenandherhusbandwouldbetreatedtobefreemen. NotwithstandingthefactthatYasirhadnotmadeanysuchrequest,AbuHuzayfa,whohad realizedhisvaluablepersonalitycarriedoutthisplanandmadethisfavourtohim.EvidentlyYasir wasalsoextremelyhappyforacquiringthisdistinction. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Chapter3:ConditionofMakkah AfterYasirandSumayyaweremarried,Allahblessedthemwithason,whomtheynamedAmmar. Ammarwaspassinghisdaysofboyhoodandwasgraduallygrowingupinadvanceofhisyears. Themannerofthegrowthanddevelopmentofthisboywassuchthatitmightbesaidthathewas notallowingthepassageoftimetotransferhimfromonestagetothenextoneandtochange himfromoneformtoanother. Theboyreachedthestageofmanhoodandwhenhesteppedintothetwentiethyearofhisage thesignsofdignityandrighteousnesscouldbeobservedinhimandhebecamewellknownforhis goodbehaviourtowardshisparentsaswellasotherpeople.Thepeoplewerepleasedwithhim andhealsooverlookedthebadbehaviourofothers. Ammarspenthisentiretimeinsilence.Hewasalwaysreflectinganddidnotpayanyheedto thingswhichwerealluringfortheeldersandslavesofMakkah. Ammaravoidedthepompandpelfinwhichthewealthypersonsofthattimehadfallenandhad nothingtodowiththem. Thesuperficialobservers,whosawAmmarsilent,thoughtthathissilencewasthatofaweakand helplessstranger,whowasspendinghisdaysundertheprotectionofabenevolenthost,andwas enjoyingcomfortandfavoursand,therefore,avoidedinterferencewiththeaffairsofthepeople anddidnotconversewiththem.However,thosewhohadbettercontactswithhimknewthatthis silencehadamuchdeeperroot,becauseheaswellasotherthoughtful,clearsightedand noblemindedpersonshadbecomeverypessimisticonaccountofidolworshipandvainandfutile beliefsandoldandrottencustomsoftheArabs,butcouldnotcriticizethemonaccountoffear fortheirlives.ThiswasespeciallythecasewithashelterlesspersonlikeAmmar,whosestayin MakkahwasduetohisfatherhavingbecomeanallyofAbuHuzayfaandhisentirestrengthwas limitedtothisthathewasleadinghislifeundertheprotectionofthechiefofBaniMakhzum.He andotherswere,therefore,obliged,inspiteofalltheirsentiments,tokeeptheirmouthsshut. Notwithstandingthis,however,wheneverAmmarbrokehissilenceheseverelycriticizedtheevil deedsandunbecomingconductofmostofthearistocratsofMakkahwhowereimmersedin corruptionandprodigalityanddidnotthinkofanythingotherthansensualityandprofiteering;he saideithertohimselfortohisfather:"Iamafraidthattheevildeedsandcorruptconductofthese greedyandvoluptuouspersons,whoaredoinginjusticetothemselvesaswellastothe inhabitantsofthiscity,maybecomethecauseofthecomfortandtranquillityofthiscitybeing convertedintoperplexityandfearandtheblessingsavailabletothecitizensbeingreplacedby Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    calamityandaffliction. OnedayAmmarsaidtohisfather:"Arethesemadmennotafraidoftheconsequencesoftheir indecentheresies?Dotheynotfearthatothersmaysnatch.thisHouse(Ka'ba)andtherulership ofthisregionfromthem,ordiscontinuetheirconnectionsandtradewiththem,andconsequently theymaydieofhungerandhelplessness?"Healsosaid:"Ihaveneverseenanypeoplemore senselessandfoolishthanthese.Thisfoolishnessandimpudenceoftheirswilldestroytheirlives andtakeawaytheircomfortandtranquillityfromthem.Theseunwisearistocratsandeldersdo notknowthedreadfulconsequencesoftheirevilconductanddonotkeepinviewthattheir mastershipandcomfortablelifeisowingtotheirbeingtheservantsoftheKa'ba.Andwhen peoplewhocomeforthepilgrimageofthisHouseobservetheirevildeedsanduglymanners,they willcertainlydeprivethemofthissacredHouse.Thentheseignorantandobliviousaristocrats mustdieinextremeaffliction.Ihaveneverseensuchfoolishpeopleasthese,whoarecreating misfortunesforthemselves". Yasirsaid:"Myson!Youhavetransgressedthelimitsandaresayingthingswhicharebeyondyour ageandposition.Hasanybodyelsetaughtyouthesethingsoryouaresayingthemofyourself?" Ammarreplied:"Nonehassaidtomeanythingonthesubject.Ontheotherhanditismy farsightedeyewhichcanseetheconsequencesevennow,anditismyhearingearwhichcanhear thecriesoftheoutburstandrebellionoftheoppressedpeopleofMakkah. HisfatherYasirsaid:"Myson!Ialsoknowwhatyouknow.AndyouandIarenottheonlypersons whoaregrievedonaccountofthisstateofaffairsbutIknowmanyslavesandalliesofQuraysh andevenpersonsbelongingtonoblefamilieswhothinkasyoudo.However,itisexpedientthatin thepresentcircumstancesyoushouldnotsayanythingonthesubject,becauseotherwiseyour deathiscertain.Andyoushouldalsoknowthatwhateveryousaywillnotbeofmuch consequencebecausethisHousehasaMaster,Whoprotectsitandwillkeepeveryharmand detrimentawayfromit.Myson!Youwerenotintheworldon"theDayoftheElephant".Iwasa boyatthattimeandamoneofthosepersonswhosawthatincidentwiththeirowneyes,andI stillrememberthewonderfulthingsaboutthatdaylikeothers. IsawthatAbdulMuttalibbinHashim,thechiefofQurayshwasinstructingthepeoplenottoleave Makkah.TillthatdayneitherAbdulMuttalibnorothermembersofthetribeofQurayshhadever tofacesuchalargeandorganizedarmy. IcouldseethatAbdulMuttalibwasnotatallworried.Hewasconsolingandcomfortingothers andwasassuringthemthatMakkahwouldbevictoriouswithoutanyfightingorbloodshed.AndI donothidethefactthat,likeallothers,Iwashopelessandwasdoubtfulthatthepromisesmade byAbdulMuttalibwouldcometobetrue. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    NowyoushouldalsokeepthisthinginmindthatthesonsofAbdulMuttalibareinterestedinthe sanctityoftheHouseandthepeaceofthecityandeventhesmallestamongsttheirchildrencan suppressthesefoolsandprovetheirmistakesandstupidity.Inthecircumstancesyoushould leavethistasktothemortooneofthemsothattheymayexplainandclarifythematterand openlyspreadthisthinkingamongthepeople.Andasandwhentheytakestepsinthisbehalf therewillbenoneinMakkahwhomaybeinapositiontoopposethem! Imustalsotellyouthatiftheytakeadecisioninthisbehalfandrisetocorrectthesefools,the purposeswhichbothofushaveinviewwillbeachieved.And,inanycase,ifoneofthemtakes stepsinthisbehalfhewillfacenomolestation,whetherhisactioninvolvespainsandhardshipor not,becausethedescendantsofAbdulMuttalibareobeyedandrespectedbythepeople. However,personslikeyouandmepossessneitherauthoritynorinfluence.Hence,atpresentitis necessaryforustobepatientandforbearing,becauseifwetakeanyactionthesemisguided personswillpeelourskinslikethoseofthesheepandnonewillcometoourhelp. Omyson!OverandabovethesethingsImustalsotellyouthatitwillbeverygoodthattheymay removeourskinsprovidedthisisbeneficialtothepeople,andequityandjusticeisestablished.In thatcaseourbloodwillnotbewasted;ratheritwillfetchmorebloodmoney.Incase,however, wespeakaboutitnowamongthepeopleweshallnotgainanythingexceptinsultandridicule, andevenifwedosomethingwewillberewardedonlybyrebuke,reproachandtaunts. Myson!Don'tyouknowthatinthecurrentsystemandthepresentregimediscussionaboutthe publicmattersisthemonopolyofthepowerfuloppressorsandwealthypersons,andisrestricted totheclassofchiefs,leadersandaristocrats,andinterferenceinsuchmattersbythedeprived andhelplessallieslikeusisnotpermissible. IntheendIhavetoadviseyoutohavefaithintheLordofthisHouseandalsotorepose confidenceinthosefewpersons,whobelongtothefamilyofHashim,becausetheyarethebest personsinthisland,andabrightfutureawaitthem". Ammarsaid:"Idon'tdisobeyyourordersandIfindthatBaniHashimbelieveindifferentdeities andhaveacommendablewayoflife,andotherQurayshhaveneitherequalledthemsofarnor willbetheirpeersinfuture. TheGodofAbdulMuttalibisnotaforgedanduselessgod.HeistheGodwhosehelpissoughtby allHisslavesandHealsohelpsthem.YoumustrememberwhatItoldyouabout"Abraha"andhis army.SmallbirdsbytheCommandofAllahannihilatedhisbigarmywhichwasmountedon elephants.AllthesearethesignsofAllah. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Thegodofotherpeoplewhomtheyhavemanufacturedthemselvesisagodwhichissenseless, deafanddumbandcannoteventakecareofhimself.However,theGodofAbdulMuttalibisso greatthatitisnecessarytoshowhumilitybeforeHimandnotthatHeshouldbepickedupwith one'shandandmovedfromplacetoplace".Ammarfurthersaid:"WhenIsayastowhytheydon't ijdicateHim,Idon'tmeanthattheyshouldlocatehisplaceorshouldtransferhimfromplaceto place.WhatImeanisthis:"Whydon'ttheyproclaimtheGreatness,StrengthandotherAttributes oftheirLordbeforethepeople?" Yasirsaid:"Myson!Everyworkhasanappropriatetimeandeverystepshouldbetakenina properandfavourableatmosphere.Atpresent,whenthesesuperstitiousbeliefs,uglyhabits, futilecustomsandmeaninglesstraditionsruletheHijaz,itisnotpossibletoinvitethepeople openlytomonotheismandsupposingthatsuchaninvitationisextendedtothem,itwillcertainly notproduceanyfruitfulresult. IamawarethatinordertopromotehisobjectAbdulMuttalibhaspersonallytakensomeuseful andmoralelementarysteps.AndhowisitpossibleforonewhobelievesinAllah,theGreatLord toundertakereformationunlesshedeliversthepeoplefromtheburdenofridiculousstories, enslavementtotheuglyandindecenthabitofegotismandthemagicofsuperstitionsandother unwholesomeandfutiletraditionstowhichtheyhavebecomehabituated?Youyourselfknow thatthesecorruptthinkingandmentalcontaminationshaveentwinedtheirrootsinsuchaway thatitisnotpossibletoeradicatethemsoon,andtheycanbegotridofonlygradually.Anditmay behopedthatAbdulMuttalibwillbeabletoachievehisobjectattheappropriatetimebymeans ofthedecentregulationsandtraditionswhichhehasintroducedwiththenameof'Hanifa'.Its principlesarebasedonthereligionofhisforefatherProphetIbrahimandthathewillbeableto takemoreeffectivestepslater. Furthermore,besidescarryingoutreligiousreformationbymeansofarevolutionaryactionhe alsoresortedtowelfareworkinanotherformbydiggingthewellofZamzaminordertoprovide morewatertothepeople. Ofcourse,AbdulMuttalibdestroyedtherespectoftheidolsbypreventingtheslaughteringof camelsbeforetwoidolsnamed'Asafa'and'Nai'la'andalsobecamevictoriousoverthe superstitionsandvainandfutiletraditions.HealsolocatedanddugthewellofZamzamand placedabundantwateratthedisposalofthepeopleandwasrecognizedtobeanexampleof endeavourandactiononthisaccountaswell. Inanycasealltheseactionsbecamethecauseofthecreationofabreachinthestrongwallof traditionsandsuperstitionswhichhadsurroundedthepeopleoftheHijazformanyyears. AbdulMuttalibabolishedmanysuperstitions;oneaftertheother,duringthecampaigninitiated Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    byhimandcommencedthereformationwithhisrelatives,kinsmenandfriends.Nowyoushould restassuredthatassoonashefindsanopportunityhewillclearandlevelthepathwhichhehas opened. Ammarsaid:"Ofather!WhydoesAllahnothelpAbdulMuttalibandwhydoesHenotsendan armyforhisassistancejustashehadsentonedaythebirdstodestroythearmyofAbraha?And whydoesHeactlikeacreditorwholendsmoneytoadebtorininstalmentsandnotinalump sum?" Yasirreplied:"Myson!Icannotgiveanexactanswertothisquestionatpresent.However,Iknow thattheGodofAbdulMuttalib,whilepossessingimmensepower,isIndependent,Kindand Beneficent,anditisimmaterialforHimwhetherpeopleworshipHimornot,whethertheybe believersorunbelieversandwhethertheybeluckyorunlucky.Heonlydesireshappinessand welfareofthepeopleandHedoesnotprovideittothembyforce.Hence,itisthedutyofthe peopletodistinguishbetweenthepathandthepit. TheGodofAbdulMuttalibisnotonlykindtoHisfriends,butisalsoconsideratetoHisenemies, becauseHetreatsthebelieversaswellastheunbelieverstobeHisslaves.Heisnotjealousand narrowmindedlikeus. Myson!Atpresentalltheinhabitantsoftheworld,exceptingafewwhocanbecountedon fingers,areunbelievers.InthecircumstancesifHewishestodestory,onaccountofHiswrath,this majoritywhichisalmostthetotal,whatwillbetheuseofthelawsandregulations? Myson!TheGodofAbdulMuttalibdistinguishedbetweentherightandthewrongpathtothe peopleandthenleavesthemfreetochoosethewaytheylike.Iftheychoosethepathof prosperitytheywillmakethemselveshappyandiftheytreadthepathofadversitytheharmwill accruetothemselvesandtheGodofAbdulMuttalibwillnotgainanythingorsustainanyloss". Ammarsaid:"Father!Whatadeepimpressionyourwordsmakeonmyheart!Igiveplacetothese eloquentwordsinmyheartlikewholsomewater!Myfather!Youarenotahumanbeingbutan angelwhoisplantingitsbeautifulplumageonme,sothatImayflytothecelestialworld.NowI havetoaskyouonlyonequestion'. Yasirsaid:"IshallgiveyouareplyifIcan". Ammarsaid:"IadmitthatBaniHashimarenoble,magnanimous,honourableandintelligent. However,BaniMakhzum,too,areyourallies.Thenwhyisitthatyouaccordmorerespecttothe peopleofBaniHashim?" Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Yasirreplied:"Ifwebringinsentimentsandbiasthenwhatyousaywillbequitetrue.However,I alwayskeepfactsandrealityinviewanddon'tattachanyimportancetobiasandsentiments.Itis truethatdifferenceexistsbetweenthesetwogroupsandthesamedifferenceexistsbetweenthe GodofAbdulMuttalibandtheirgods. Myson!IfyoualsowishtodifferfrommeaboutthisrealityIshallleaveyou,andthegreatest servicewhichIcanrendertoyouisthatIshouldadviseyoutoassociatewithmeinthisbelief". Thisconversationwhichtookplacebetweenthefatherandthesonwasoneofthetopicswhich thesetwopersonsusedtodiscussinthemorning.InthosedaysthemorningsoftheQurayshites commencedwithfeastinganddrinking,becauseusuallytheysatinthemorninginacornerinthe formofagroupandengagedthemselvesinstorytellingandamusements.However,attimesYasir absentedhimselffromthegatheringsofBaniMakhzumandinsteadofparticipatingintheir conversationbecamebusyintalkingwithhissonwhosewordsalmostenchantedhim,and discussedmatterswithhimandgavehiminstruction. Bydintoftheknowledge,experienceandwisdomwhichhehadacquiredinYemen,Yasir possessedthecapabilitytobecometheteacherofhisson. Inanycasetheaboveconversationbetweenthefatherandthesonisaspecimenofthemorning talkswhichtheyhadwitheachother. OnthatverydayacrywasheardfromMountAbuQubayswhichinterruptedtheconversation betweenthefatherandtheson.Thiscrywasheardbyall,buthadaspecialimpactonthisfather andson,somuchsothattheirbodies'begantotremble. Thecrierwassayingwithgreatenthusiasmandforcestoseekjustice:"OpeopleofMakkah!Isit possiblethatyoumaycometothehelpofapersonwhosemerchandise,hasbeenseized?The oppressedpersonisonewhoisawayfromhistribeandkinsfolkandispresentlyinthecityof Makkah,aloneinthestateofehram(ritualactatthetimeofpilgrimage)andthedustwhichhad settledonhisehram(dress)hasnotyetbeenremovedfromhisgarments. Canyousupportsuchaperson?OChildrenofFahr![1](i.e.ObravemenofthefamilyofBani Hashim!)whoaremovingbetweentheStoneofIsma'ilandtheBlackStone!Isthereanyone amongstyouwhomaytakebackthepropertyofapersoninehramwhohascometoMakkahto performUmrapilgrimage,fromsuchandsuchpersonbelongingtothefamilyofBaniSahmwho hastakenthemerchandiseandhiddenhimselfwithouthavingmadepayment,orshouldthe ownerofthepropertyloseallhope?" Arnmarsaid:"Father!Haveyouseenthat,aspointedoutbyme,thefollyofthesepeoplehas Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    becomeevident?Anddoyouhearthatcryofcomplaintandinjusticeisechoingfromthe mountain?" Yasirsaid:"Dearson!Ihavenodoubtthattheperiodofyourboyhoodhasgiventhegoodtidings of.yourintelligenceandinsight.However,youshouldkeepinmindtheadvicewhichIgaveyouin thebeginningofourconversation.Nowgetup,goandfindoutwhatthematteris.Whohas raisedthevoiceofcomplaint?Andalsoascertainwhetherafavourablereplyhasbeengivenby thepeopleofMakkahtothepainfulcryofthecomplainant". WhenAmmarreturnedhesaidtohisfather:"Whateveryoutoldmepreviouslyaboutthemerit andworthinessofBaniHaishimwascorrect.Thecomplainantwhoraisedhisvoicewasaman fromZubaydwhohadbroughtsomevaluablemerchandisetothiscity.AbuAmral'Aswa'ilal Sahmipurchasedsomemerchandisefromhimandtookittohishousebutdidnotpaytheprice andhidhimselfinhishouse.ThemanfromZubayddemandedthepriceofthepropertybutthe purchaserdeclinedtopayitandalsofailedtoreturnthepropertyalthoughtheowneragreedto itsbeingreturned.AtlasttheownerofthepropertysoughtrefugewiththefamilyofBaniSahm andrequestedthemtohelphimbutinsteadofhelpinghimtheymaltreatedhim,andturnedhim away.ThenhecontactedthegroupsofQurayshandsoughttheirassistancebuttheyalsofailedto helphim.Hewas,therefore,compelledtogoatthetopofthemountainandseekthehelpofall thepeopleofMakkahwithaloudvoicefortherestorationofhisright. Ammaradded:"Imademybesteffortstofindouttowhateffectthiscryforjusticehadinthis sacredsanctuaryandthelandofpeaceandtranquillity,andIlearntitforcertainthatbesidesa fewpersonswhoenjoythedistinctionofpossessingdignityandfaith,hisbeseechingdidn'tmake anyimpressiononothergroups. Yasirsaid:"Perhapsbythose'fewpersons'youmeantheassemblyofZubayrbinAbdulMuttalib". Ammarsaid:"Yes,father!Howwellyouhaveidentifiedthem!Theoppressedpersonwentfrom onedoortoanothertoseeksomesupporterswhomightputanendtothisanarchy.Anditis possiblethatthisveryoppressedcomplainantmayprovetobetherevolutionarypersonandthe appointedhourmayhavearrived. Yasirsaid:"Idon'tthinkso.However,itispossiblethatthiseventmaybeoneofthefactorsof revolutionandtheharbingerofreformation.Whyareyouinsomuchhurry?Everyhappeninghas itsparticulartime". TheeffortsofZubayrwerefruitful,becauseagroupofpersonsbelongingtothefamiliesofBani Hashim,BaniAsad,BaniZohraandBaniTaymgatheredinthehouseofAbdullahbinJud'an Taymiand"theTruthfulandHonestone"(theProphet)alsojoinedthem,andallofthemswore Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thattheywouldsupporttheoppressedpersonandtakebackhisright.Theyalsoundertookto ensurethatthereafterallpersonsinMakkahwhetherkinsmenorstrangersandwhetherfreemen orslavesshouldremainimmunefrommolestationandnoneshouldoppressthem.Zubayrgave thenameof'HilfulFuzul'(thecovenantofbravepersons)tohisparty. Thefirstresultoftheactivityofthispartywasthevindicationoftherightoftheoppressed 'Zubaydi'fromthePharaohofBaniSahm. Ammarcametohisfatheronceagainandrelatedanotherincidenttohiminthesewords:"Today atradesmanbelongingtothetribeofBiriqcametothebazaarandpurchasedsomecommodity fromAbibinKhalaf.AsyouareawareAbiisanillhumouredanddeceitfulperson.Forthisreason thistransactionalsoresultedinconflictandcontention.TheBarqitradesman,therefore, approachedthepartynamed'HilfulFuzul'. ZubayrsaidtotheBarqitradesman:"GoandtellAbithatyouhavecomplainedtousand,incase hefailstopaywhatisduetoyou,comebackandletusknow,sothatwemaytakenecessary stepsinthematter". TheBarqitradesmaninformedAbiaboutthematterandhepaidhisrighttohimwithoutany delay. OnanotherdayAmmarrelatedanewincidenttohisfatherandsaid:"Atradesmanbelongingto thetribeofKhathma'icametoMakkahaccompaniedbyhisdaughternamed'Qatool'whowasa verybeautifulgirlandperhapsthemostbeautifulgirlofhertime. AssoonasNabiyyabinHajjajcaughtsightofthegirl,helosthishearttoherandabductedher.In spiteofhisbesteffortsthefatherofthegirlcouldnotrescueherfromtheclutchesofthisnasty man.Consequentlyhebeganexploringwaysandmeanstorecoverhisdaughter,andsoughthelp fromeveryonebutwithoutanyresult.Atlastheapproached'HilfulFuzul'. Hiscontactwith'HilfulFuzul'becamethecauseofthedeliveranceofhisdaughter,because Zubayr,accompaniedbysomeotherbravemenwhowerethemembersofthecovenantwentto Nabiyyaalongwiththefatherofthegirlandbroughtheroutofhishouse.Thisshamelessperson saidtothem:"Letherbewithmetonightonly".However,theyreplied:'MayAllahblackenyour face!Howimpudentandshamelessyouare!Giveupthegirlandsurrenderhertoherfatherat onceotherwise.". Nabiyya,whohadbeenoverawedbythebravepersonsofthecovenant,reluctantlysurrendered thegirltoherfather,andthusthestainofshamewaswashedofftheMakkans. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Yasirtoldhisson:"Before'HilfulFuzul'i.e.beforetheformationoftheassociationofthesebrave personsAbdulMuttalibusedtosolvesuchproblemsinthismanner:OnedayHarbbinUmayya sentsomementokillanunprotectedwealthyperson.ThewealthymanwaskilledandHarb appropriatedhisproperty.However,whenthenewsreachedAbdulMuttalibandtheheirsofthe murderedpersoncomplainedtohimhe,inthecapacityofthechiefandleaderofQuraysh,took backthepropertyfromHarbandmadeitovertotheheirsofthedeceased.Healsorealized bloodmoneyfromHarbintheshapeofonehundredcamels". Ammarbroughtsuchnewsforhisfathereveryday,notwithstandingthefactthatYasirhadheard andwashearingmanysuchnews,neitherAmmarwastiredofbringingthenewstohisfather,nor didhisfathergettiredofhearingthem. AsandwhenYasirheardsuchnewsfromAmmarheencouragedhim,addednewpointsforhis instructorandurgedhimtohavereformativeobjectsinmind.Incidentally,however,headvised himnottodisclosethesemattersandnottospeakaboutthemeverywhere. AttheendofeverystoryAmmarusedtosaytohisfather:"Ofather!Ifeelveryhappyonaccount ofyourcorrectknowledgeandinformationaboutBaniHashimbeingkeentointroducereformsas wellasabouttheirchastityandnobleness.Howwellyouhaverecognizedthishonourablefamily". Notes: [1]FahrwasthetenthancestoroftheHolyProphet. Chapter4:TheConsultativeBodyofQuraysh "IunderstandthatonemorningthesonofyourslavegirlSummayagotupand,asaresultofa miracleofMuhammadfoundhimselfamasterandachieflikefreemenandothermasters. Rather,asIhavebeengiventounderstand,heconsideredhimselftobehigherthanandsuperior toallotherchiefs. ThismanhasbuiltKa'ba'inhishousewithamehrab(aplaceforofferingprayers)init.Of course,previouslysuchamomentousprecedentexistedamongtheSabi'inandnowadaystheson ofSumayyahasperformedthistask. ThismanisnolongerAmmarbinSumayyabuthasadoptedthetitleof'AbulYaqzin'(TheVigilant). Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThesedayshehasbecomethefriendoftheAlmightyLord!ThesameLordwhohasmanifested HimselfinhisKa'baandradiatsin.hismehrab,hearshiswords,andgivesinspirationtohim. Anyhow,thesetwo(theLordandHisslave)arefriendsofeachother.TomymindifAbuHuzayfa isbroughttolifeagainhewillconsiderhimselflikeabeggarbeforethisman. Iamnotawarewhetherinthateventthissonoftheslavegirlwouldagreetotalkwithhisformer master,andwhetherhewouldadmithiminhispresence,orwhether.hewouldturnawayhis facefromhiminthesamemannerinwhichheturnsitawayfromthechiefsofQurayshandtreats themtobeinferior,orwhetherhewoulddespisehiminthesamemannerinwhichheturnshis faceawayfromtherespectableandhighrankingmenofQuraysh,whomhetreatswithscorn,and considersthemworsethanslavesandslivegirls". ThesewerethewordswhichAbuSufyanbinSakhrbinHarbbinUmayyaspoketoAbuJahl'Amr binHisham,thedictatorofBaniMakhzum.WithoutaffordingAbuJahlanopportunitytospeakhe himselfspokeonwithgreatexcitement:"WouldthatwetoohadastrongslavelikeAmmarwhom wecouldsendtoMuhammadandhisAllahasanintermediaryandwhenallpathswereclosedto ushemighthaveprovedtobelikeabridgeforusandthedoorsmightnothavebeenclosedforus toreturn.HowluckyyouareOAbulHakam!Youareundertheprotectionofthesonandhusband ofSumayya,andyouaresafefromallsides.Butweshallnotepjoysecurityundertheruleofthe slaves. AbuJahl,whosekuniya(patronymicappellation)wasAbulHakam,said:"Ifeelthatyourattention isconfinedtotheslavesandthebondmenandyouforgettheshareoffreemenasweare.Ifour slaveAmmarhasconstructedaKa'baandamehrabinhishousemycousinArqam,too,has,as comparedwithhim,madehishousesituatedinsafa,the'houseofIslam'anditisinthishouse thatasaresultoftheactivitiesofMuhammad,theKa'bahasnowbeenabandonedandthe peopleturnawaytheirfacesfromitandpayattentiontoSyria.Furthermore,thepositionofDar unNadwa,thehouseofQusayy,ournobleancestor,hasdeteriorated!Whyareyoudisappointed, brokenheartedanddejected?" AreyounothopefulofintercessionbyAbuHuzayfaHashimbin'Utba,brotherofHind,Abdullah binSahim,andUthmanbin'Affan?Allofthemarecompetenttointercedeforyoubefore Muhammad,asandwhentheconditionsofBathaareturnedupsidedown!" Anyhow,thenotablesofQurayshhadassembledinHajarandwereverymuchworriedonaccount oftheinfluenceoftheHolyProphet(s)andthespreadingofhisinvitationamongthe whiteskinnedandtheredskinnedpersons.Thiswasduetothefactthatastheinvitationofthe Prophet(s)spread,Makkahbecamedividedintotwosectionsandthearistocratclasswere worriedonaccountoftheendoftheirluxuriouslife,theirexploitationofthepeople,andtheir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    superiorityoverothers. Thenamesofthedistinguishedpersonalitiesofthisgrouphavebeenrecordedasunder: WalidbinMughira,theelderofMakhzumtribeandhisnephew,thedictator'AmrbinHisham, 'UtbaandShayba,thetwosonsofTabi'abinAbdShams,AbuSufyanbinHarbbinUmayya,Nazr binHarth,thestandardbearerofBaniAbududOar,AswadbinMuttalibbinHashim,AbuLahabbin AbdulMuttalib,AbdullahbinAbuMayya,AbuAmrAsbinwa'il,NabiyyaandManiyya,thetwo sonsofHajajSahmi,UmayyabinKhalafJumahiand'UqbabinAbuMu'it. AssoonastheconversationofSakhrand'Amrcametoanend'Uqbasaidtothem:"Youtwoare quarrellingwitheachotherliketwowarriors.Itmightbesaidthatallofushaveassembledhere toactasthewitnessesandjudgesofthequicknessofyourapprehensionandtheacutenessof yourminds!IswearbywhatIbelievetobesacredthatifyoudon'tcheckthecontactsof Muhammadwiththepeoplehewillmakethemruleoveryouandwillmaketheroguesthe mastersofyourelders!Thenallofyouwillbeobligedtobecomehumblebeforehimandheisthe personwhowillnotallowpreferenceofthewhiteovertheblack,ofthemastersovertheirslaves andofthewealthyoverthepoor". Headded:"Whenwesittogetherwefeelthatnoneissuperiortoyoutwopersonsandother personsatthehelmofaffairsamongstQurayshinthematterofeloquence,wit,mannerof conversationanddebate,butinspiteofthisassoonasMuhammadarrivesinourgathering,allof ustremblewithfearandourmoststubbornpersonsarereducedtohopelessperplexitybefore him!" UmayyabinKhalafsaidtoAbuHanzala(AbuSufyan)andAbulHakam:"Nowthattheaffairsof Muhammadhaveassumedsuchdimensionsintheeyesofoureldersandhehascreated differencesinourcommunity,andheridiculesourgods,youshouldnolongerfindfaultwitha freemanorberudetowardsaslave,becausethesonofMughiraandthesonofRabi'alookon Muhammadandhisinnovationswithgreatrespect. AbuKhalidbinWalidwhowassittinginthecentreoftheassemblywasleaningcomfortablyona pillowandwashearingthesediscussionswithasmileonhislips.WhenthereproachofKhalaf reachedthisstage,he(i.e.Walid)crossedhislegsandsaid,withoutthesmiledisappearingfrom hisface:OsonofKhalaf!Whattalentdoyouseeinthepersonofyourownslave,BilalbinRaba? DoyouthinkthattheeffortsofBilalforbecomingfreefromtheclutchesofthesonofKhalafand hisgettingridofhisslaveryismoreimportantthantheinjusticeandviolencecommittedbythe sonofKhalafagainstMuhammad?MyQurayshibrethren!yourenouncetheestablishmentof truthandindulgeinbias.Ifyoubehavetowardsyourslavesandslavegirlshumanlyandbejustto them,theywillneverleaveyouandwillhavenogrudgeagainstyou.However,whiledealingwith Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    themyouforgetonepointanddontkeepinmindthefactthattheytooarehumanbeingslikeyou andpossesseyes,earsandtongueslikeyouandalsopossessintellectslikeyoutounderstandthe meaningsofgreatnessandnoblenessjustasyourintellectsdo.Ifatthetimeoftheirbecoming yourslavesyouhadnotforgottenthissimplefacttheywouldhavebeenfriendlywithyou. However,afteryourhavingforgottenthispointtheytoodon'thaveanyaffectionforyouandif theyobeyyouapparentlytheyareannoyedwithyouatheart,andthisistheverythingwhich makesthemrevoltagainstyou.AndwhenMuhammadshowedthemloveandkindnesstheyalso plannedtoachievefreedomsothattheymightbefreeandacquirerespect.Hence,youshould reproachyourselvesandgetannoyedwithyouratherthanwiththem! ThisiswhatIfeelaboutthesehelplesspersonsandasnostrangerispresentinourassemblyI statethisfactopenlyandbelievethatitisnecessaryforyoutoreviewyourownposition.Nowas regardsthethingsascribedtomebythesonofKhalafIshalltellyouthetruthifyousodesire.As allofyouareawarethepositionenjoyedbythefatheranduncleofMuhammadintheeyesof QurayshisnotequalledbyanyoneandImustalsosaythatthepositionandesteemenjoyedby Muhammadaloneismuchhigherthanthatwhichtheyenjoy. YouhavebeenundertheimpressionthatMuhammadisapoet,asoothsayer,amagicianoran insaneperson.However,whenhecontactsthepeoplethefalsityofthisthinkingisabundantly proved.AnditisduetothefalsityoftheseverythoughtsthatthesupportersoftheProphet(s) gainstrengthandbecomehostiletoyou.Itisinthisrespectthatyouractionresultsinprofitfor himandhelpshiminsteadofbeingparmfultohim. ItisduetokeepingthesefactsinviewthatwhateveryouascribetoMuhammadiscontrarytomy assessment.AndifIopposeyouinthismatteritisbecauseyoushouldadoptasensiblepolicyin fightingagainstMuhammad,andshouldjudgethestandardofthestrengthofyouradversary.I swearthatwhateverIhaveheardfromMuhammadisveryinterestingandpleasantandwhatever Iseeinhimisworthconfirmation. UmayyabinKhalafwantedtosaysomethingbut'Uqbastoppedhimandsaid:"AbuKhalidhassaid thefinalwordandwhateverhehassaidiscorrect.Myviewsareidenticalwithhis.Iseein MuhammadthesamethingwhichhehasseenandwhatthesonofKhalafsaysdoesnotimpress me,andIamnotpreparedtochangemyopinion.PreviouslyalsoIadvisedmypeoplesaying: "Leavethismanaloneandremainneutral".IsaidthisbecauseIwassurethatwhatIheardfrom himwouldimpresstheArabsandthoughtthatifhewasvictoriousonedayhisgovernmentwould beourgovernmentandthegloryacquiredbyhimwouldbeourglory.Inthatcasewewouldbe theluckiestpeople.Butthereplywhichmyhearersgavemewasthatthemagicianhadbewitched me,whereasIswearthatheisnotamagicianbutsaysthingswhichwehadneverheardbefore". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThefoxofQuraysh,NazrbinHarith,said:"OQurayshites!Youarefacedwithagreatdangerwhich itwillnotbepossibleforyoutocombatlater!DuringthedayswhenMuhammadwasyounghe wasconsideredbyyoutobethemostrespectable,themosttruthfulandthemosthonestone. Nowthatgreyhairshaveappeared,andhehaspassedthestageofyouth,andhasbecome matureandhascalledyoutobelieveinHisProphethood,youcallhimaliar!Hecontendedwith youinthepresenceofall,andbeforeyoucommencedhostilitiesagainsthimafewyearsback, youhadyourselvesbecomesubservienttohim.Manyyearsearlieri.e.fromtheverydaysyou confirmedhishonestyandtruthfulnessyouprovidedtheproofforyouracknowledginghimyour master.YousayMuhammadisamagician.However,Iswearthatheisnotamagician.Wehave seenthemagiciansandareawareoftheiractivities.Muhammadisnotamagicianandhisactions donotresemblemagic.Yousayheisasoothsayer,butthattooisnotcorrect;wehaveseenthe soothsayersandhaveheardtheirThymingwords.ThewordsofMuhammaddonotresemble thoseofthesoothsayers.Yousaythatheisapoet.Weknowthetechniqueofpoetryandcanvery wellunderstandtherhythmsandmetresofvariouspoets.ThewordsofMuhammaddonot resemblepoetry.Yousaythatheisinsane.Wehaveobserveddifferenttypesofinsanity.The actionsandthewordsofMuhammaddonotresemblethoseoftheinsanepersons. OQuraysh!Acalamityhasbefallenyou;youcanneitherwarditoff,norcanyoucombatwithit. YouhavenoalternativeleftbuttoadoptthepathofanyoneofthetwoeldersofQuraysh(Abu KhalidbinWalidorAbuWalid)". AtthismomentAbuJahlbrokethesilenceandsaid:"Youarealwaysquarrellingwithoneanother regardingrecognizingMuhammadandeveryoneofyouconsidershimselftobemore knowledgeableabouthimthanothers.Youshouldknowthattheeventrelatedwithhimhas shakenusterribly.OnenightIfoundmyselfinsuchaconditionthatIcouldnothaveawinkof sleep.ThenIrealizedthatamysteriousagenthadoverpoweredmeandcontrolledmeinsucha waythatitmightbesaidthathisfingertipsweresqueezingmybackandshouldersandwere takingmewhereverheliked.ThenIreachedthepillarofthehousewhereMuhammadoffershis prayersandthereIheardhisvoice.ThatnightIperceivedsorceryofmagicwhichchangedthe placesofsensesintosight.Iconsideredasifwinewasgoingthroughmymouthintomybodyand thenIwasinastateofintoxicationwhichranthroughoutmybody.However,theprayersof Muhammadwerenotlikethis.Thiswineenteredmybodythroughtheearsandwasthen dispersed.initsdifferentparts. DuringthatnightIwasthrown,onaccountofthatprayer,intoanecstasywhich,Ihadnever experiencedinanywine.Doyouwonder?ThatnightMuhammadkeptmecaptivatedwiththe stringsofhisprayerstilldawn.Aslightspreadhiseyesfellonme.Itmightbesaidthatbeforehim Ihadbeenadjudgedtopayapenalty.InthecircumstancesIfeareddisgraceandsteppedback. WhenIwasreturningImetamanwhofacedmewithadrawnsword.Isaidtomyself:"O'Amr! Mayyourmothermournyourdeath!NowQurayshareinsearchofyou!"ThenIrealizedthatthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    manwasAbuHanzalaandanothermanwhowasstandingbehindhimwasAkhnasbinShariq Saqafi.Thesetwopersonswerewatchingme. WhenIcametoknowthattheagitationandtrembling,whichhadoverpoweredme,hadaffected thesetwopersonsalso,andtheytoohadbeenbewitchedbythemagicofMuhammadand intoxicatedbyhiswine,myfeardiminished.Thenwerecommendedtooneanotherthatwe wouldnotgothatwayagain,because,otherwisewewouldalsobecomeanexampleanda specimenofthosefoolswhofollowedMuhammad!InspiteofthisIlostselfcontrolduringthe nextnightalsoandfeltthatamysteriousagentwaspullingmetowardsitselfanddraggingmeto theplacewhereMuhammadwasofferinghisprayersandIcouldhearhisvoice. ThistimealsoIfeltthatIwasbecomingintoxicatedbyhiswineanditgavemeahilaritywhichis notprovidedbywineorbyvictory.AndwhenIcametomysensesagainatdawnImetthosetwo persons.Weadvisedoneanotherthatweshouldabandontheideaofcomingthereagain,and thenparted. Idon'tconcealthefactthatthisincidentwasrepeatedduringthethirdnightalso.Imetmytwo companionsasIhadmetthemtwicebeforeandwerepeatedourresolve.Ididn'tmeetthetwo personsagainanddotestifynowthattheyheardwhatIhadheardandalsoperceivedwhatIhad perceived. IfwehavegatheredheretosaywhatwehaveinourheartsaboutMuhammaditisthesamewhat wehavealreadysaid.However;asallofushaveassembledhereforsomethingelsewemustthink aboutsomeremedy AbuSufyanlaughedandsaid:"OAbulHakam!Itisgoodthatyouhaveremindedme,because,I hadforgottenwhatIhadfeltearlier". AbuJahlsaid:"Wereyouabsentandhavearrivedjustnow?Ihadalreadyspokentoyouearlier aboutwhatyouhaveheardnow". AbuSufyansaid:"IswearbyyourownlifethatIwaspresenthereandheardyourexpressive remarksandperceivedeverythingwithmyearsandeyes.However,Ihaveaquestiontoaskyou; whywehaveasseinbledhereandwhatisyouropinionaboutwhatyouhaveheard?" AbuJahlsaid:"Letmefirstknowyourviewsaboutwhatyouhaveheard. AbuSufyanreplied:"onlyasmallpartofwhatIhaveheardisintelligible,andmostofthesethings aresimplyconfusingandIcannotfollowwhattheyallmean. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AbuJahlsaid:"MyviewregardingwhatIhaveheardaboutMuhammadisthis:Weweretherivals ofthefamilyofAbdManaf.Theypulledthepeopletothemselvesandwepulledthemto ourselves.Theyburdenedtheshouldersofthepeopleandwealsodidthesamething.Theygave thingstothepeopleandwetoogavethemthings.Weweregoingsidebysidewitheachothertill thestagecamewhentheysaid:'AProphethasrisenfromamongstustowhomrevelationscome fromtheheavens'.Howcanweacceptsuchaclaim?Iswearbygodthatweshallneverexpress beliefinhimandshallnevertestifytohisclaim". AbuSufyansaid:"OAbulHakam!Youholdawonderfullygoodopinion.Don'ttalkaboutAbd Manaf.LetusdiscussBaniHashim,ThedisputeandrivalrybetweenusandBaniHashimwasnot aboutchiefship.Thefactisthattheysowedtheseedandmadeimpositionandwealsodidthe same.Andassoonaswebecamealmostequaltotheminthefieldofcompetitiontheysaid:The Prophetisfromamongstus.Howcanweacceptthisthing?Iswearbygodthatweshallnever expressfaithintheirProphetandshallneveracknowledgehimassuch". AbuLahabsaid:"Thisisnotthepoint.Ipreferredyoutohisfamilyandasallofyouareawarethe antecedents,preference,familyties,nobilityandthelargenumberofthesupportersofthisfamily arequitetangibleandevident.Inthecircumstancesdon'tmakeadistinctionbetweenHashimis andMakhzumisorUmayyads,andevenifyoumakesuchadistinctiondon'tmakeitinrespectof AbuTalibandhisbrothersandsonsandtheirsupporters,butfightagainstMuhammadandbe awarethatalthoughIamhisuncleIamwithyou.Heisthemanwhohasfoundfaultwithour beliefs,hasabusedourgods,andinsultedourforefathers.Inshortnonehastreatedhis communityandtribesobadlyasMuhammadhastreatedus". Then'AasbinWa'ilsaid:WhatastrangethingAbuLahabhassaid!Didwenotexcuseyour nephew?Weplacedeverythingwehadathisdisposalandrelinquishedabsolutemastershipinhis favour.WewenttothechiefofBaniHashimandtheelderofMakkah,AbuTalib,andrequested himtoactasintercessorandmediatorandtotellMuhammadthatwewerepreparedtogivehim whateverhedesiredprovidedthatheshouldn'tabuseourgodsandancestors.Ourrequestdidn't, however,produceanyresultandhecontinuedtopursuehisownpathandsaid:"IswearbyAllah thateveniftheyplacethesuninmyrighthandandthemooninmylefthandIwillnotgiveupmy missiontillIdie". Afterhavingsaidthishethreatenedusandcheckedourbusinessandmeansoflivelihoodand destroyedourinfluence.Inthecircumstanceswhocanaccuseusifweriseagainsthim,forestall hisactionsandpunishhim?" AbuLahabsaid:"OAbu'Amr!Mayyourfamilyandkinsfolkliveforover!Doyouthinkthatmy severitywithregardtomynephewhasbeenlesserthanyours?OrdoyouthinkthatIhaveshown morefofbearancetowardshimthanyouhaveshown?Idesiresuccessforyousothatyoumay Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    checkthesuccessofMuhammadanddeprivehimofthehelpandcooperationofhiskinsmenso thatitmaybeeasierforyoutofightagainsthim". AbuJahlsaid:"IfyoulendmesupportandprotectmefromharmandtorturefromBaniHashimI shallkillMuhammadandhelpyougetridofhim". 'Assaid:"Idontagreewiththisview,becausekillingMuhammadwillcreateanunprecedented disorderandtrouble.Wehaveacquiredthehabitofnotbeingseveretooneanotherandnot goingtotheextremeseverityinthematterofconversationordiscussion,nottotalkofkillingone another.EspeciallyasregardsthemurderofMuhammadImustsaythatevenifallofusagreeon thisissueweshallnotbeabletoaccomplishthistaskandthatallthepersonspresentinthis assemblymustlosetheirlives.OAbulHakam!DoyouimaginethatBaniAbdulMuttalibwillsitstill andallowthatonefromamongstthemwhomtheyexpecttobevictoriousinthenearfuture shouldbedoneawaywithsoeasily?Nodoubt,theywillnotallowthistohappen.Inthe circumstanceswemustthinkaboutsomeotherremedybecausethemurderofMuhammadwill proveverycostlyforMakkahandwillcausegreathavocandwidespreaddisaster. Walidsaid:"TheviewexpressedbyAbu'Amrissensibleandheisquiterightinsayingthatwe shouldallowMuhammadtodowhateverhelikes.Weshould,however,refrainfromkillinghim". AbuJahlsaid:"Dearuncle!Giveyourfinaldecisionandthinkofaplantosolvethisproblemso thatwemayactuponitandgetridofthisdilemma". Walidwhowasthinkingdeeplydrewhishandonhisbeardandsaid:"Combattheactionsof MuhammadwithhooliganismandnoiseandsaythatMuhammadisamagicianandpractises sorcery.Treathimcontemptuouslyandbelittlehim.Andincaseyouwishtohumiliateandridicule himyoushouldfeignignoranceofhisQur'anandshouldntlistentoitnorallowotherstohearit. Andifbychancesomeoneelseoryouyourselfhappentohearitfindfaultwithitbywhatever meanspossibleandsaythatitscontentsareincoherentandconfusingandasourceofperplexity. Alsosaythatyouareunabletounderstandwhatitmeans. LeavethebodyofMuhammadintact,butinjurehissoulasmuchaspossibleandincaseyouare notsuccessfulbythesemeansgetholdafhisslavesandalliesandthosewhohavebecomehis followers,andpersecutethem. Itisinthiswaythatyoucandefendyourgodsandpreserveyourtraditionsandcustoms.Inthat eventBaniHashimwhoarebesiegedintheirshib(mountainpass)willnotfinditpossibleto createanydisturbanceandhowmuchsoevertheyareprovokedtheywillnotachieveanyresult. AbuJahlsaid:"Leavethetaskoftorturingtheslavesandthesillypersonstome.Youwillthensee Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whathappenstothefamilyofSumayyatomorrow. UqbabinAbiMu'itsaid:"LeavethemimicryofMuhammad'swayofwalkingtome.Ishallmake peopledieoflaughter. AbuSufyansaid:"IhaveheardthatMuhammadhaslearnttheQur'anfromapersonnamed Rajmin,aresidentofYamama,andheisamanwhohasnoparallelinfeigningexcessivegodliness andfabricatingsuperstitions. HarthbinNazrsaid:WhenthepersonswhomMuhammadhasgatheredroundhimselfget dispersedfromhissidesIshallamusetheminanothermanner.Ishallnarratetothemthestories whichIheardatHirastorieswhicharelikethoseofRustumandIsfandyir,andthetalesof ancientIran.Ishallthenshowthemwhether1amamoreeloquentoratororMuhammadand whethermywordsarebetterofhis!" 'Uqbasaid:TellMuhammadthatifheisaProphetandhisclaimiscotrectheshouldeither removethemountainsencirclingMakkah,leveltheunevenlandslikethoseofIraqandmaketwo riversliketheTigrisandtheEuphratesruninthem,orconvertthismountainintogoldsothatwe mayberelievedofthedifficultiesandhardshipsofjourneyingforpurposesoftrade;ormakeour deadancestorsrisefromdust,sothatwemayaskthemwhetherwhatMuhammadsaysistrueor falseandwhetheritisrightorwrong.Andifitmaybetoomuchtoraiseallourancestorsweshall besatisfiedifheraisesonlyoneof,themnamelyQusayy,becausehewasatruthfuloldman.And ifhedeclinestomeetthisrequestaskhimthatheshouldmakeheaps(ofstones)fallonourheads fromthesky,or,asheclaims,wemaybecomeinvolvedinpainfultorture". FromthatdayonwardsunprecedentedpressuresandrestrictionswereimposeduponIslamand theMuslims. AssoonastheProphet(s)cameoutofhishousedustandgarbagewerethrownonhishead. Everyslaveorfreemanwhoapproachedhimteasedandridiculedhimandmimickedhiswayof talkingandwalking.AndalthoughtheatmosphereofMakkahhadbecomedarkandgloomyfor himitdidnotdiminishanythingfromhismirth,activityandefforts. HecontinuedpreachingandpropagatingIslam.Hewenttothosesillypersonswithperfect cheerfulness,pointedouttheirfolliesandmistakesandopenedtheireyesandears.Andassoon asthedayended,thenightcameandthestarsbegantoshinehereturnedhomefatiguedand exhausted.HehadtoenduresuchhardshipsashadnotbeenenduredbyanypreviousProphet.

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Chapter5:AmmarandAbuJahl AmmarYasirwasbusyofferinghisprayersinhishousewhensuddenlysomeoneknockedatthe door.Thepersonwhoknockedatthedoorwasashortstaturedmanwithaflatnoseandadarkish swarthycomplexion. Ammar'smotherwenttothedoorofthehouse,welcomedthevisitorandsaid:"Whatagood thingitisthatAbuUsama,thefreedslave,sonandfriendoftheHolyProphet(s)hascometosee us!Hehasbroughtblessingsandbliss,andhasperfumedourhousewiththefragranceofthe breathsofProphethood". ThemotherofAmmarwassayingthesewordsandwasguidingZaydbinHarithtotheplaceof worshipofAmmar.Shemadetheguestenterthehouseandkeptstandingtillhesatdownina corneroftheroom.ThenshebeganconversingwithhimsothatAmmarmight,inthemeantime, finishtheNafela(recommendedprayers)ofhisnoonprayers. Thewhetherwascoolandtheatmospherewasbright.AssoonasAmmarfinishedhisprayershe rantowardsZaydandwelcomedhimandtheyembracedeachother.Arnmarhadnotyet occupiedhisseatwhenZaydbegantalkingandsaid:'OAbulYaqzan!Doyoufeelinclinedthatwe shouldgooutandpeepintothegatheringsofQuraysh?" Arnmarsaid:"Whyshould'ntwegotoDarulIslamsothatduringtheremainingtimewemay benefitfromthewordsoftheHolyProphet(s)andofferafternoonprayersalongwithhim?" Zaydsaid:"IamjustcomingfromDarulIslamandhavegoodnewsforyoufromAbulQasim(the Prophet).AndnowthatIhavecomehereIwishthatweshouldgotothe"House"andpresent ourselvesbeforetheHolyProphet(s)aftergettingcorrectinformationaboutthemeetingof Quraysh". Ammarsaid:"Excellentindeed!Whatisthegoodnews?HasanyoneembracedIslam?What shouldIsay?Idon'tknowwhyAllahissopatientwiththesepeople". Zaydsaid:"WereceivedthenewsinDarulIslamthatAbuAmmaradeliveredablowtoAbuJahlin publicsothattheearthbecamecolouredwithhisblood.Healsowarnedhimthatifhemaltreated theProphetagain,hewouldgivethesametreatmentinreturntohim;anddeclaredbefore QurayshthatfromtodayhehasembracedIslam. Ammar,whowasextremelyhappyonhearingthisnews,asked:"HasHamzadoneso?ByAllahI Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    expectedthisverythingfromthe'uniquebravemanofArabiaandhopedthathewouldnot toleratetheignoranceofAbuJahlanylonger.Thismaliciousmanhasbeeninimicaltowardsthe HolyProphet(s)foryearsandhastakenlibertieswhichrenderhimliabletodeathpunishment. Zaydsaid:"Itisamatterofregretthattheserefractorypersonsstillexerciseauthorityover MakkahandtheProphet(s)doesn'tpermitthatweshouldcontendwiththem,becausehehas beenorderedthatasfaraspossibleheshouldnotgobeyondthelimitsofpeaceanditisan undeniablefactthatviolenceisnotpermissibleinthisreligionexceptwhenitensurespeace. OtherwisetheeasiestthingpossiblewouldhavebeenthatoneofusshouldhavekilledAbuJahl andthenmighthavebeenkilledhimself". Ammarsaid;"LetusgototheHouse.NowthatHamzahasembracedIslamandgivenablowto AbuJahl,ourconditionisdifferentfromthepreviousone.Atpresentthefireofwarisblazing. Verygood!OAbuUsama!TellmehowHamzahitAbuJahlandwherehehithim". Zaydsaid;"AccordingtoourinformationwhenHamzareturnedfromhuntingtodayaslavegirlof AbdullahbinJud'ansawhimandreproachedhimforspendinghistimehuntinginthemountains ofMakkahwhilehisnephewwastreatedwithinsolence.Hamzaaskedherastowhohadinsulted Muhammad.ThereuponsherelatedtohimthestoryofAbuJahlhavingmolestedandinsulted Muhammadandsaid;"AbuJahlinstigatedsomesillyandunwisepersonsandtheywererudeand insolenttoMuhammad". "AssoonasHamzabecameawareofthisincidenthewenttotheKa'baandperformed'tawaf' (circumumbulation)asusual.Afterhavingperformed'tawafhewentuptoAbuJahlwhowas sittinginthecircleofBaniMakhzumandsaidtohim:"DoyouabuseMuhammadandthatalso whenIamhisfollowerandhaveembracedhisreligion?'Havingsaidthishestruckonhisheada bowwhichhewasholdinginhishand". Ammarasked:"Thenwhathappenedtohim?'AndwhatdidAbuJahldothen?Besidesthisplease letmeknowwhateffectthisactionofHamzahadonthekinsfolkandrelativesofAbuJahl.Did theytolerateitorshowedsomereaction?" Zaydsaid:"SomepersonsbelongingtoBaniMakhzumgotinfuriatedagainstHamzaandstoodup totakerevengeonhimbutAbuJahlactedwiselyandaskedthemtoresumetheirseats.Itis evidentthatwhenthe'uniquebravemanofArabia'risesagainstAbuJahlandfightsopenly,he (AbuJahl)isnotinapositiontodoanythingandmustremaincalm.Ishenotawarethattoresist Hamzaortofightagainsthimwouldmeanhis(AbuJahls)annihilation?Anditwouldalsocreate differencesamongQurayshwhichwouldbecomethecauseoftheirdestruction" AnyhowthereisnodoubtaboutthefactthatwiththedeclarationofwarbyHamzathehandsof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Islamarenowfreeanditsarmshavegainedstrength.Thepolytheistshavebeenoverawedbythis actionandacknowledgethisoneblowtobeasgoodasonethousandblows.Itisnowtimethat weshouldgoandfindoutwhatimpressionthisacthasmadeonthepeople.Iamsurethatthis actmusthavemadeadeepimpressiononthemandthenewsmusthavebecomeatopicof conversation.IthinkallthepeopleofMakkahhavebeenshockedbythisnewsandconsiderthis unprecedentedeventtobeveryimportant.AsregardstheMuslimsIimaginethattheytreatthis incidenttobeverysignificantforthevictoryofIslamandhavebecomeconfidentthatallthe dignityofpolytheismhasbeensmashed.Andintheirownturnthepolytheistsalsoconsideritto betheirdefeatatthehandsoftheMuslimswhichhasconfirmedthevictoryoftheMuslims.At thesametimeIthinkthatboththeMuslimsandthepolytheistsagreethatthiseventisaprelude tothestrifewhichhasstartedbetweenthetwoparties,andtwogroups. IswearbyAllahthatIdon'tknowwhythesesillypersonsfailtoacknowledgetheProphethoodof theHolyProphet(s)andtoexpressfaithinhimwhenAllahhasnotcreatedanyonewhomaybe moregoodnatured,morekindandmorebeneficialtomankindthanMuhammad.AndIonceagain swearbyAllahthatHehasnotcreatedanyonemorebecomingandmoreworthyforguidance towardstruththanMuhammad.Incase,therefore,thesepeoplecometotheirsensesandmake theirintellectthearbitersandarriveintheworldinwhichwehavearrived,theywilllive comfortablyinallrespects". WhileAmmarwasholdingthehandofZaydandbothofthemweregoingtothe'House'hesaidto Zayd:"OAbuUsama!MayAllahgrantyouahappyfuture!Haveyouanydoubtaboutthe intelligence,insightandgoodunderStandingoftheeldersofQuraysh?ByAllah,Idon'tconsider theirintelligenceandunderstandingtobeinferiortomyownandamalsosurethatthestandard oftheircomprehensionisnotlowerthanours.TheyperceivethesamethingsinMuhammad whichweperceiveandrecognizehiminthesamemannerinwhichwedo.Theyknowthathe doesn'tutterevenawordofhisowndesireandalsoknowthathehasbeentrulyappointedby Allah.Furthermore,theyarewellawarethatheremovesdifferencesbetweentheblackandthe white,andsimilarlythebarriersbetweentherichandthepoor,andannulsthelimitsfixedbythe peoplebetweentheemployersandtheemployees.Inhiseyesallhumanbeingsareequallikethe teethofacomb.AllarethedescendantsofProphetAdamandAdamwascreatedfromclay.None enjoyssuperiorityoverothersexceptonaccountofpietyandnoindividualispreferableto anotherexceptbydintofgooddeeds,decencyandcompetence. AbuJahlandIarelikeeachother,andBilalandthesonofKhalaf,too,areequaltoeachother, andsimilarlyyouandHamzaarepeersofeachother.Allofusareequalsandbrothersofone another.Thereisnomasterandnoslave.Itistruthwhichisthemasterofallanditistruthwhich elevatesoneandbringsdownanotheraccordingtoitsownmeasuresandstandards!The measuresandstandardsoftrutharenotbasedonwealth,inheritanceoroldandrotten traditions. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Theyalsoknowwhatweknowandperhapstheyknowandunderstanditmoreandbetterthan youorI.However,apointisinvolvedinitthattheyfightagainstthevaluesandconceptsofthat whichyouandIbelieveinandnotagainstthepersonofMuhammad.IfMuhammadconfirmsand guaranteestheirprivilegesandformallyrecognizestheprincipleofslaveryandserfdom,whichis respectableintheireyesandsupportstheirdespotismandselfishness,sothattheymaysuckthe bloodofthepeople,youshouldrestassuredthatnoteventwopersonsfromamongstthemwill disagreeaboutthepersonalityofMuhammadandhisappointment.tothePropheticmission. IknowthattheyaretradersandtheirtradeisnotonlyconfinedtocarryingmerchandisetoSyria andYemenbuttheyalsocarryonecommodityelsewhereandbringbackanotherhere.Rather theirtradeconsistsoftheworshipoftheirgodsandtheyhavemadethisactthemeansoftheir business! IhaverealizeditclearlythatactuallytheyhavenoloveorregardforHobalandotheridolswhich areintroducedasenjoyingtherankof'daughters'.Onthecontrarytheyjeerandmockatthem. Theonlyfactorwhichisatworkisthattheyhavemadetheseidolsthemeansoftheirfraudand deceit.Inthismannertheybefoolthemassesandpreserveandsafeguardtheirowninterestand mastershipundertheprotectionoftheworshipoftheseidolsandoverridethewishesofthe people.Ifatonetimeitsohappensthatthepresenceofthesefutileandworthlesseffigiescome inconflictwiththeirownselfishnessandegotismyouwillseethattheywilltrampleonthem.The factisthatintheguiseoftheworshipoftheidolsthesepeopleworshipthemselvesandtheir defenceoftheidolsisactuallytheirowndefence.IrememberthatonedayAbuJahlwas punishingoneofhisslavesandwasbeatinghimseverely.Iheardwithmyownearsthatthe helplessslavewasswearingbyHobalthathewasguiltless,andinthemeantimerequestedhimin thenameofthesameidoltosparehim.DoyouknowwhatreplyAbuJahlgavetohim?AbuJahl saidtothehelplessslave:"Ofool!WhatisHobal?Isitanythingbutaninauspiciousslavelikeyou withabrokenhandwhichwaspurchasedby'AmrbinLahi,thechiefofKhuza'atribe,fromBalqa inSyriaandbroughtandinstalledhere,sothatyouandthepeoplelikeyoumayworshipitand treatittobeagod?[1] ThesameAbuJahlwaspunishinganotherslaveoneday.Thepoorslaveutteredthenamesofthe twoidolscalledAsaf'and'Na'ila'andrequestedhimintheirnames.[2] DoyouknowwhatreplyAbuJahlgavetothehelplessslave?Hesaid:"Shutup,youfool!Are thesetwoidolsnotthemetamorphosedformsofanadultererandanadulteress?Doyouwishto putintomybraintheabsurditieswhichhavetakentheirplaceinyours?Doyouwantmeto believeinthethingswhichwehavedeclaredtobesacredforyouandpeoplelikeyou,andthen takeanoathintheirnames?Youshouldknowthatthesegodsareasortofundiscerningand brainlessslavegirlsofours,andweourselveshaveintroducedthemtobegreatandplacedthem Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    overyourheads,sothatyoumaytherebyrecognizeourvalueandworth,andpaysimilarrespect tous.Youarenotonlymyslavebuttheslaveofmyslavegirlaswell.Andthesystemandorder whichgovernsusisthatjustasyouhumiliateyourselfbeforemyslavegirlandworshipher,you shouldprimarilyworshipme. IfthisidoldisobeysmyordersIshallwhipitasIwhipyou.Wehaveintroducedthissystemand enforcedthislawasacorrectivemeasureforyou.Beofffrommypresence.Ifyouremindmeof suchthingsagainIshalltakeoutyoursoulfromyourimpurebody. AbuUsama!Youshouldknowthatthesymbolandsignofthesestubbornpeopleorinother wordstheperfectmanifestationofthesedevilsisAbuJahl.Heandothersneitherhaveanyfaith intheseidolsnorhaveanypersonalgrudgeagainstMuhammad.Onthecontraryitistheirselves andsoulswhicharepersonifiedintheshapesoftheseidolsandthepeoplealsosurroundthese idolswithoutknowingorassessingtherealposition.Andthesefleshyidolsfrightenawaythe peopleofMuhammadandhisreligionofjustice,equityandequality! Itisforthisreasonthattheyattackhim.Andsolongastheydon'tgiveupthehabitofselfworship, anddon'tprefertheequityandjustice,whichMuhammadisendeavouringtoestablish,theywill alwaysremainoppressed,anddeprivedoftheirrights. Itisalsoanundeniablefactthattheywillnotgetoutthisdarknessandignorance,unlesswe,with Allah'shelp,deliverthemfromthisturbidityandperversion". Arnmar'sremarksendedhereandthetwofriendsjointlyenteredthemasjid.Atthismomentthe gatheringsofQurayshwereinanagitatedanddisturbedcondition.AbuJahl'sbloodwhichhad beenshedonthegroundhadassumedvariousformsandhadbecomethetalkofthetown.The variousformsofthisincidentconsistedofhumiliationanddisgracecoupledwiththerightof revengeonthepartofQurayshwhoexercisedprudenceandcare,andontheothersideitwas connectedwithresolutionandamazement. Withallthecontradictionswhichthisconditioncarrieditwaslikeavolcanowhichmighteruptany moment.AbuJahl,fromwhoseheadandfacebloodwasflowing,wasaccusingHamzaof highhandedness,oppressionandviolence,andhisrefrainingfromcontentionandretaliation showedhowintelligentandforbearinghewas.Hehadassumedtheimageofapersonwhohad beenwrongedandpretendedthathissupporterswouldractifythewrongwhichhadbeendone tohimandwouldsettlehisaccountswithHamza. WhentheeldersofQurayshwhohadgatheredroundAbuJahlsawAmmar,theybrokethe silence.Thebreakingofsilencebythemmeanttheeruptionofthevolcano.AtthismomentAbu Jahlsaidtohisassociatesinaloudvoice:"Doyouknowanyonemoredespicableandmore Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    humblethanthemanwhoiscomingtowardsus?AskhimwhetherhehasbroughtZaydwithhim tohelpme,orwhetherZaydhasselectedhimfromamongsttheslavesofBaniMakhzumand broughthimsothathemaydealmeanotherblow.IswearbygodthatIneversawsuchastateof affairsinMakkah.NeitherthisearthistheearthofMakkah,noristhisskytheskyofMakkah. TheslavesofAbuJahlrantowardsAmmarwiththeintentionoftakinghimtoAbuJahl.Zayd askedAbuJahlsslaves:"WhatdoesAbuJahlwantfromAbulYaqzin?TellAbuJahlthatAmmar wasbusyandcannotattendhim.Hewillcomewhenheisfree". OneoftheslavessaidtoZayd:"Youshouldn'tinterferewithAbuJahlcontactinghisally.Don'tyou know?thatAmmarisanallyofthetribeofMakhzum?Iamafraid.ifyouinrerferewiththe connectionsbetweenAmmarandAbuJahlyouwillmeetthesamefatewhichAbuJahlmetan hourago": Zaydsaid:"Woebetoyou!Howignorantyouare!Don'tyouknowthatallofus(i.e.Muslims) formoneunit,andoursmallestpersonissupportedbyall?Allofusareresponsiblefortheactof thesmallestpersonandareasgoodasonehand.IorderyoutoleaveAmmaraloneandreturnto yourmaster. TheslaveofAbuJahlsaidtoZayd:"Haveyoucometocreatetrouble?IswearbyLatandUzza (namesofthetwoidolsofthepolytheists)thatifyoudon'tgoawayyouwillseewithyourown eyeswhathappenstoyou,andevenyourmasterwillnotbeabletodefendyou.LeaveAmmarto himself,sothathemaygototheallyofhisfamily.ItissufficientforBaniHashimthattheyhave madetheheadofAbulHakambleed". AmmarfearedlestthesituationshouldworsenandZaydshouldhavetofacetroubleforhissake. He,therefore,saidtoZayd:"OAbuUsama!LeavemealonesothatImaygowiththisman,and youneednotworry. Furthermore,itisnecessarythatweshouldnotdoanythingwhichmaybecontrarytotheviews oftheHolyProphet.InthemeantimeitwillbebetterifyougototheProphet(s)andinformhim ofthesituation. Zaydsaid:"Ishallnotleaveyoualoneinanycircumstances.Iamafraidthesepeoplemayharm you,andifIleaveyoualoneIfearAllah. Ammarsaid:"Iamafraidthatyourremainingheremaybecomethecauseofdisturbanceand troubleandthepositionisthatwearenotawareoftheviewsoftheProphet(s)withregardto suchasituation.Apartfromit,ifyoumeetanyharmitwillbeasgoodastheirhavingharmedBani Hashimandinthatcasefightingwillbecomeinevitable.Andiftheytreatmewithinsolenceitwill Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    beliketheirhavingbeeninsolenttoAbuHuzayfaandthisnewswillreachtheearsofAbuHuzayfa onlywhenithasreachedtheearsofallotherswhoaredeadandgone.Go,mydear,anddon't worry.Iamamatchforthisman. AlthoughZayddidnotagreewithAmmar,thelatteraccompaniedtheslavesofAbuJahlandwent toAbuJahl. OnhavingapproachedthegatheringhesaidtoAbuJahl:"HasAbulHakamanybusinesswithhis ally?" AbuJahlsaid:"AnditisyouOsonofSumayya!" Ammarsaid:"AretheremanywomenlikeSumayyainthetribeofMakhzum?"OAbulHakam! Sumayyawasaslavegirlwhobecamefree.ThenAllahfavouredherandblessedherwithagreater freedomundertheauspicesofIslam.Whatfreedomcanbegreaterthangettingridofthe captivityofinfidelityandidolworship!Inthecircumstancestheabusivelanguageusedbyyou towardsmeispraiseforme!" AbuJahl:Woebetoyou AmmarbrokeinuponAbuJahlandsaid:Ofcourseitwasacursetome,whenIwasapolytheist andaninfidelandworshippedothersthanAllah". AbuJahl:SakharspokethetruthwhenhesaidthatwhenIwouldrisefromsleeponedayand regainmyconsciousnessIwouldsee,asaresultofMuhammad'smiracle,amastersuperiortoall masters!Iseekrefugefromthissilenceofyours!Howmuchwehavebeendeceivedbyyour silence!Verywell!Orefugeeslave!Ishallgiveyouwhatyoudeserve!Waitforsometime!I excuseyoutoacertainextent.However,ifthispresumptuousnesscontinuesyoushouldkeep yourselfreadytofacethedevils". Ammar:Doyouenjoythepositiontoexcuseme?OAbulHakam!MayAllahcorrectyou! AbuJahl:Isthereanythingwhichpreventsmefromexcusingyouandforgivingyou? Ammar:Thethingwhichpreventsyoufromdoingsoisthatyouareanidolworshipper!Toexcuse andtoforgiveistherightofaMuslimbecausepeopleareimmunefromhishandsandtongue; andtheirfaith,propertyandhonourissafe.However,asyouarenotaMuslimyoudon'tenjoy thisposition.Youcanbeseverewithmeandyoucanorderyourslavestobeatme.However,this actionofyourswillbeacruelanddespicableaction,andnotthatyouwillbejustandforgiving. Allahaloneissufficientforus. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AbuJahl:Don'tyouseethatmyfacehasbeenbesmearedwithbloodandhowmuchbloodfrom myheadhasfallenontheearth? Ammar:Yes.Icanseeit. AbuJahl:Doyouknowwhohasshedthisbloodandwhohasdisgracedme? Ammar:ItispossiblethatImaynotbeunawareofit. AbuJahl:InthatcasewhyhaveyouassociatedwithaslaveofBaniHashimwhentheyhaverisen againstmeandresortedtofighting? Ammar:ThatslaveofBaniHashimisamanwhoismybrotherinfaithandhashadnoshareinthe disputewithyou. AbuJahl:IfthepositionhadbeenthereverseofitandifIhadbroughtthatcalamityonthehead ofHamzaashehasbroughtonmine,wouldithavebeenposiblethatZaydshouldhavebeenyour associateandcompanion?Andcouldhelikeforhismasterthetreatmentwhichyoulikeforyour master? Ammar:IfHamzahadbeenapolytheistandyouhadbeenaMuslimIwouldcertainlyhavedone thesamething. AbuJahl:However,IhavenotbeencruelandunjusttoHamzaandhavenotevenspokenharshly tohim,but,asyouknow,Ihavebeenpatientandhaveresistedhisoppressionandtransgression. Ammar:YouhaveputtheProphet(s)togreattrouble,abusedhisreligion,andhaveobstructed thewayoftruth,andevennowyouare,actingasanobstacleinthepathofAllah". AbuJahl:Buthasn'tMuhammadabusedourfaithandreligionandcalledussillypeople? Ammar:TheobjectofAbulQasim(theProphet)isthatheshoulddeliveryoufromthe superstitionsofwhichyouareawareandbringyououtofdarkness,which,asyouyourselfknow, isveryintense.IfyouaccompanymetonighttoMuhammad,youwillfindhowgratefulyoushould betoHamza,whohastakenthisactiononlyinthenameofAllahandforthesakeofthe ProphethoodofMuhammad.OAbulHakam!WhatIconsidertobetherightcourseforyouisthat youshouldembraceIslamandbecomeoneofitspioneers.Inthateventyourdignityandposition willremainintactandallthoselikeAmmarwillbeobedienttoyouandwillholdyouingreat respect.IhopeyouwillbecomeaMuslimandacquiresuchprecedenceinIslamasmaynotbe ignoredbyAllahandHisProphet". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AbuJahlturnedtowardsAbuSufyanandsaid:"Ihaven'tsofarseenanobstinateandshameless personlikehim.Woebetothisman!OAbuHanzala!Iwishthatpeoplehadrecognizedhim. ThenheaddressedAmmarsaying:"WoebetoyouOsonofSumayya!AreyounotanallyofBani Makhzum?Doyounotfightagainstthosewhofightagainstthem,anddoyounotmakepeace withthosewhomakepeacewiththem?" Ammar:InordertomanifestmysincerityandfaithfulnessasanallyIdon'thaveanysuggestion betterthanthatyoushouldfollowMuhammad.IswearbyHim,inwhosecontrolmylifeis,that sofarIhavehadnobetteropportunitythanthisthatIshouldadviseyou,asawellwisher,asIam advisingyoutoday. AbuJahl:IfIaccompanyyoutonightwillyouintercedewithMuhammadforme? Ammar:OAbulHakam!Don'tridiculeme.Don'tpersistinsinfulnessandabandonthepridewhich hasoverpoweredyou.MuhammadisablessedProphetandaMessengerofpeace.Heguides everyone,whoseeksblessings,andconveysDivineCommandmentstoallsuchpersonswithout suggestinganyobligationonthem.Ihaveoftenheardhimprayingforyourguidanceandwelfare. Inthecircumstancesyoushouldalsobeattachedtohiminthesamemannerinwhichheis interestedinyou.Comeandbejust,sothatyoumayenjoyahighrankamongus.Inthatevent youwillrestontheprinciplesoftruthandwillnolongerbetheleaderofignoranceandwillshun obstinacyandrebellion.OAbulHakam!IamnottellingyoualiewhenIsaythatyourignorance, rebellionandobstinacywillsooncollapse.Incase,therefore,youaredesirousofbecominga leaderandamaster,youshouldgiveupcontentionandobstinacy.Ialsoreaffirmthecovenant madewithyouruncleandstipulateforthesamealliancewithyou,IswearbyAllahthat distinctionandleadershipareinthehandsoftheHolyProphet(s)andthereisnodistance betweenyouandaplaceofdistinctionexceptthatyoushouldbecomeaMuslim. AbuJahl:Ofool!Areyounowbentuponapologizingonmybehalf?WhowillblamemeifIstrip yourskinoffyourbodylikethatofasheep?YourexistenceisoneoftheevilactsofMuhammad whohasmadeyourtongueoperatewithsuchstrangemagicaridyouhavebecomeso presumptuous? Ammar:Wherewasthisvalour,whichyouaredisplayingnow,atthetimewhenbuAmmara struckthebowonyourhead?Ofcourse,youthenfearedthepowerofthebravemanofArabia' andthelionheartedChildrenofAbdulMuttalib,butyouaresafefromAmmarandYasir,the strangersandrefugees,anddon'thavetofearthem.Ifyourintellecthadworkedproperty,the humiliationanddisgracewhichyousufferedatthehandsofHamzawouldnothavepermittedyou tofeignsuchbraverybeforeAmmar.Itissufficientforyouandthelawwhichyouobeythatyou Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    shoulddisinherityouruncleandbeburiedbythesideofhisgrave. AbuJahlsaidtohisslaves:"Getholdofthisfoolandfloghim.Itispossiblethathemaychangehis viewswhenheisflogged". Ofcourse,atthemomentwhenAmmarwasbeingflogged,theAlmightyAllahblessedand dignifiedhissoulinDarulIslamtheplacewheretheHolyProphet(s)wasstaying;andthe followingversewasrevealedregardinghimandAbuJahl: Cantheconditionofaman,whowasdeadandwhomWebroughttolifeandprovidedhimwith light,sothathecanwalkamongthepeople,besimilartothatofapersonwholivesindarkness andcannotstepoutofit?(SurahalAn'am,6:122) IbnAbbassays:"Inthisversethemanreferredto,ashavingbeenprovidedwithlight,isAmmar andtheonelivingindarknessis'AmrbinHishamviz.AbuJahl". Notes: [1]AmrbinLahiwasthechiefofKhuzaatribe,whowrestedauthorityfromthetribeofJarham andassumedthecustodianshipofthe'House',andbroughttheidolnamedHobalfromSyriato Makkah.Thenheintroducedidolworshipandtreatedthesafecustodyofthisidoltobethe meansofthecontinuanceofhisownrule.Hewasashamelesstyrantwholivedforalongtime anddestroyedthecreedcalled'Hanifiya'(i.e;thereligionofProphetIbrahim).Afterhimthe governmentfellinthehandsofQusayy.Hobal,thebigidol,hadthefigureofanolddignifiedman withalongbeardandwasmadeofcarnelian.ItsrighthandhadbeenamputatedbutQuraysh provideditwithahandmadeofgold. [2]ThescholarsofmythologybelievethatthesetwoIdolswereoriginallyamanandawomanof thetribeofjaihamwhofoundtheirwayintotheKa'baandweremetamorphosedlater,duringthe periodofAmrbinLahi,andassumedtheshapeofidol. Chapter6:SufferingsoftheOppressed SumayyadaughterofKhayyitsaidtoherhusbandYasir:"Woebetothisobstinate,transgressing tyrant!ThecityofMakkahisresoundingwiththetalesofcrueltyandoppressionofthismanwith regardtoAmmarandtheincidentofatrocitiescommittedbythiscruelmanonhimisnowthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    talkofthetown.OmydearAmmar!OAllah!WhatmayIdo,forIamgoingtolosemyson! IhavelearnedthatAbuJahlhasnotpermittedAmmartooffereveningandnightprayersandhas orderedthatheshouldbewhipped.Whatawhipping!Thesoundofthewhipsfallingonhisbody isnowheardinthesamemannerinwhichhisownvoiceusedtobeheardatdawnwhenhe offeredprayersandmadesupplicationstoAllah.OmydearAmmar!Iamboilingwithindignation fortheoutrageletlooseonyou. OmyLord!WhatmayIdo?PeoplesaythatAbuJahlisnotcontentedwiththeblowswhichare beingadministeredtoAmmarandwhicharesoseverethattheymayspliteventhestones. Besidesthetormentstowhichheissubjectedatnightheismadetosuffertortureduringdaytime also.Itisunprecedentedeveninthejungles. Alas,mydearAmmar!IsitpossiblethatImaybemadetosufferthistortureinhisplace?Willthis malevolentdictatoraccedetothisrequestofmine?OYasir!Getup.GotoAbuJahlandaskhim totormentmeinsteadofAmmarandtoagreetoletfallonme,thoseblows,whicharebeing dealtonhisdelicatebody.Dogetup,Yasir!YouarewellawarethatAmmar'sbodyisnotusedto suchflogging. Yasirsaid:"OmaidservantofAllah!ThetormentstowhichArnmarisbeingsubjectedwillbe reckonedbeforeAllah.OurProphet(s)hasorderedustobepatientandforbearing.Don'tbeina hurry.Tomorrowyourandmyturnwillcomewhenweshallbesubjectedtodailytorture. HowimportantitwillbeifthefatherandmotherofAmmararesacrificedforthe'WordofAllah' andlaydowntheirlivesforthesakeofthedeliveranceandfreedomofthepeoplesothatthese crueltiesmaydisappearandpeoplemayliveinpeaceandprosperity! Furthermore,weknowitwellthattheoppressionsandtransgressionstowhichthegeneralpublic isbeingsubjectedaremoresevereanddreadfulthanthetorturewhichArnmarissuffering.How gooditwillbeifthesesacrificesofoursbecomethemeansofthedeliveranceofthecommon peopleandtheygetridofservitudeandoppressionandthisdarkatmospherechangesintoa luminousspace. Ifwemakethesesacrificesinlieuoftheeternalblessingswhichsoothesoursoulswewillnotbe doinganywrongandwillnotloseanything.Onthecontraryourgoodnameswillsurviveinboth theworlds. Don'tgetexcitedonaccountoftheseevents.Don'tgrieveandcomplainbutextinguishthese flameswiththecoldandwholesomewaterofconfidenceandfaith.Inthemeantimebecheerful andhappy,becausetomorrowyouwillsucceedinmeetingAmmar,andwillalsoreceiveyour Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    shareofwhippingandothertorturesatthehandsofthistyrant,whoiscalledAbuJahl. Sumayya,youmustkeepthisfactinviewthatthisharassmentandpersecutioninthepathof IslamisnotlimitedtothefamilyofYasir,butothersarealsohavetofaceit.Therecanbenothing ofgreaterprideforusthanthatweshouldserveasanexampleforthesehelplesspeople?These poorpeoplehavealsotobearsuchsufferingsndtortures,buthaveobservedpatienceand fortitude.Allofthemareundergoingpersecutionandarebearingit.ItisnotonlyAbuJahlwhois oppressiveandcruel,tohisslavesandallies.Alltheseunjustandaggressivetyrantswhoare polytheistsoppresstheiralliesandslavesandhavemadethemhelpless,somuchsothattheonly foodandsustenancewhichtheyprovidethemiswhippingandbrandingoftheirbodies. UmayyabinKhalafJahamitorturesBilalbinRuba.UmarbinKhattabtormentstheslavegirlof BaniMu'ilwhobelongstothetribeofAdi.[1]Furthermore,Salam,slaveofAbuHuzayfa,Khubab binArt,SuhaybbinSanan,AbdullahMas'ud,,AmirbinFahira,AbuFakiha,UmmeAns,Zaniraand manyotherbrothersandsistersofoursareundergoingseverepersecutionsandtortures.You shouldn't,therefore,grievebecauseAmmarisbeingtortured.Ammaristhevanguardofdawn andtheleaderofthecaravanofauspiciousnessandquestforreform.Allthesedistinguished persons,pureinheart,followhimandilluminatehisdarknight.InanycaseAmmarhasbecomea modelforthesedevotedpersonsandwhatpridecanbegreaterforallofthemthanthatAllah shouldbetheirHelper,andwhathonourcanbehigherthanthattheirrewardlieswithAllah?" Ammar'smothersaidtoYasir:"OAbuAmmar!MayAllahgiverewardofthepatientpersonsto youwhoaremanifestingsomuchfortitudeforthesakeofIslam!IswearbyAllahthatyouhave extinguishedthefireofmyheartandinvigoratedmysoul.BeforeIheardthesewordsfromyoua firewasflaminginmyheart.Itwasconsumingmyentirebeing.YoumightsaythatIwashearing thesoundofthelasheswhichwerebeingadministeredtomyweaksonandwasburningwith excitementonthataccount.OAbuAmmar,mayAllahgiveyouagoodreward!EvennowIcan hearthesoundofthoselashesbutatthesametimeIfeelthatforeverylashwhichis administeredtohimanangelgivessolacetohisgrievedheart.Getup!Thisnightisverylengthy forusandnothingcutsalengthynightshortlikeprayers". ThehusbandandthewifegotupandbothhurriedtotheplacewhereAmmarusedtoworship andbeganofferingprayers.Theykeptawakeandremainedbusyintheprayersforaverylong timetilldawnappeared.Thentheyheardthatsomeonewasknockingatthedoor.Withmixed sentimentsofhappinessandgriefAmmar'smothersaidwithapainfulsmileonherlips:"Doyou thinkwearebeinginvitedtomeetAmmar?" Yasirsaid:"Don'tyouhearwithwhatintensityandvehemencetheknockerisknockingatthe door?Asifthedoorhascommittedacrimeandtheknockerislikeonewhosefatherhas,soto say,beenfloggedinourhouse,orsomeonehasabusedhisfather;or,itmaybesaidthatthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    knockerhasbeencommissionedtofrightenusinadvanceanditisintendedtovexusbeforewe aresubjectedtotorture.RisewithrelianceonAllah.Ammarhasbeenawaysincelong.Itis possiblethatwemaybeabletoseehim". Yasir'swordshadnotyetendedwhenthehousewasattackedbyanumberofroguesand ruffians.AgroupofrusticscommissionedbyAbuJahlenteredthehouselikethegeniiholding luminoustorchesintheirhands.Behindthisgroupoftorchbearerscamemenwhowerecarrying sticksontheirshoulders.Flamesoffiremixedwithsmokehadenvelopedtheentirespaceofthe houseandtheattackerswereraisingahueandcry.However,theseagedcoupledidnotpayany heedtothistumult. Atthisjuncturethetransgressorsstretchedtheirhandstothiscoupleandtheyweresiezedatthe dooroftheroominwhichAmmarprayedandwheretheywerestillstanding.Latertheyweretied withropesandpulledoutofthehouse. AgroupofrascalsandvagabondsthenwentaheadandanothergroupdrovetheinnocentYasir andSumayyaharshlyfrombehindandreviledandabusedthem.However,thesetwopersons wereaskingDivineforgivenessandrecitingthenameofMuhammadwithrespectandpraising him. ThecityofMakkahwasnotunawareofthisincident,butthehueandcryoftheroguesand vagabondshadfilledtheatmosphereofthatmorningwithagitationandanxiety.Forthisreason thepeoplecameoutoftheirhousesinaconfusedstateofmindandwitnessedthehardshipsof Yasir'sfamily. Thisscenerousedvarioussentimentsintheheartsofthepeople.Manyunbiasedandjustpersons wereapparentlycalmandquiet,buttheirheartswerebleedingwithgriefandthestateofaffairs wasunbearableforthem.Evidently,inthecircumstancesdiscontentwasbecomingstrongerday byday.However,astheopponentsoftheprevailingconditionsdidnotdisplaytheiropposition openly,AbuJahlthoughtthatthemassesthatwereobservingsilencewerehissupportersand endorsedhisviews.Healsoimaginedthatallthepeoplehadgatheredunderhisstandard.Forthis reasonhefeltelatedandproudandconsideredhimselfpowerfulandinfullauthority. Asaresultofthiswrongthinkinghedidnotgiveupthepolicyofcruelty,harshnessand oppression,andimaginedthatthemoreoppressivehewasthemorethepeoplewouldsupport him,andthefollowersofIslamwouldbeterrifiedandwouldabandontheirfaith,and consequentlythefrontofthepolytheistswouldbecomestronger.However,ifhehadrealizedhis mistakehewouldhaveknownthattherealityofthefactwasotherthanwhathehadsupposed, andwouldhavealsorealizedthatthepeoplewereinfactthesupportersofthefamilyofYasirand wereobservingpatienceforthesakeofvictoryoftruthoverfalsehood. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    InthemeantimethepatienceandfortitudeofthefamilyofYasirinthefaceoftheoppressionof AbuJahlwasgainingsympathyoftheimpartialspectators,butanobstinateanddespoticmanlike AbuJahlcouldnotperceivethisfactuntilhewasruinedandannihilatedasaresultofhismistake, rebellionandintellectualdeficiencyarisingfromsheerobstinacy. Anyhow,whenthesepious,pure,andchastecouplesurrenderedtotheexecutionerAbuJahlsaid tothem:Youtraitors!HowhaveyoufoundthepromiseofMuhammad? Yasir:ItisthesamepromisewhichAllahandHisProphet(s)madetous. Sumayya:WhateverAllahandHisProphet(s)havesaidistrueandcorrect. Theydidnotsayanythingmorethanthis.AbuJahl:AreyoupreparedtocurseMuhammadand praiseourgodssothatyoumayremainsafe?Otherwiseyouwillbesubjectedtoan unprecedentedtorture. Yasir:WhateverwehavetoendureisaccordingtothepromiseofAllahandHisProphet. Sumayya:WhateverAllahandHisProphet(s)havesaidistrueandcorrect. AbuJahl:Don'tbeobstinate.Ileaveyoufreetomakeachoicebetweentortureandsafety.Inany caseIwouldadviseyoutobewiseandnottofollowthefooltowhomyouhavegivenbirth,and whoisasourceofinauspiciousnessandbadlucktoyouaswellastotheMakhzumtribe! Yasir:WhateverhastakenplaceisexactlyaccordingtothepromiseofAllahandHisProphet. Sumayya:WhateverhasbeensaidbyAllahandHisProphet(s)iscorrect. AbuJahlsaidtohisslaves:"Makethemtastetheunwholesomeandbitterbreakfast,andthen takethemtotheplacewhereArnmarisconfined,sothatpunishmentmaybeawardedtoallthe three". TheslavesofAbuJahldraggedasidetheinnocentagedcoupleandfloggedthemcontinuously. Thewhipswererollinguproundtheirbodieslikesnakesandtheirsoundechoedloudly,butthese piouspersonsdidnotgroanorcomplain. WhentheslavesofAbuJahlgottiredofwhippingandAbuJahlhimselfalsowasfedupwiththat heorderedthemtobetakentotheplacewhereAmmarwasconfined.Whentheparentsof Ammarmethimallthethreeofthemwereoverjoyed.Itmightbesaidthatallofthemachieved Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theirobject,andfromthatmomentonwardstheparadisiacalatmosphere,whichtheywere awaiting,spreaditsshadowonthem. Ammar,whowasboundinchains,saidtohisparents:"Howdoyoudo?"Hisparentssaidwithone voice:"Howdoyoudo?"Ammarreplied:"Ifnoweaknesshastakenplaceinmyfaithaswellasin yoursIamingoodstate". Yasirsaid:"Blessedareyou,Ammar!Letmegiveyouthegoodtidingsaboutsomethingwhichwill bethesourceofthestrengtheningofyourfaith.ThegoodnewswhichIhaveforyouisthatIhave beentoldthattheAlmightyAllahhasreferred,inoneoftheversesoftheQur'an,toyouandto themasjidwhichyouhavebuilt,andwhichwasburntbythepolytheists,andhassaid:Doyougive attentiontotheconditionofthepersonwhooffersthroughoutthenight,whetherstandingor performingsajda(prostration)andfearstheDayofJudgementandhopesforDivineblessings?(O Prophet!)Say:Arethepersonswhopossessknowledgeequaltothosewhodonotpossess knowledge?Onlythepeoplewhopossessreasontakeheed.(SurahalZumar,39:9) OnhearingthecontentsoftheseversestearstrickleddownthecheeksofAmmaronaccountof excessivedevotion,happinessandhope,andheperformedasajdaontheearthasamarkof thinksgivingtoAllah! Fromthenonwardsthepowerofresistanceofthemembersofthisfamilyagainstthetorture, insultsandcontempttowhichtheyweresubjectedbyAbuJahlincreased,andasthemischiefand shamelessnessoftheopponentswasintensifiedthespiritofpatience,forbearanceand steadfastnessofthesepiouspersonsalsogrewstronger. Notes: [1]IthasbeensaidthatbeforeembracingIslamUmarbinKhattabwasaswornenemyofIslam andtheMuslims.Hetorturedthisslavegirl,whohadembracedIslam,sothatshemightgiveup Islam. IbnHishamwrites:Umarmetedoutsuchaharshtreatmenttothiswomanandcudgelledherso muchthathehimselfgotexhaustedandthensaidtoher:"Iofferanexcusetoyouandleaveyou toyourself,becauseIamtootiredofthrashingyou".EventuallyAbuBakrdeliveredher,because hepurchasedherandsetherfree.Thiswomanwasoneofthoseslavegirlsandslaveswhowere reckonedtobelongtothetribeofQurayshandwhosenumberamountedtothirteen.Allofthem werepurchasedandsetfreebyAbuBakr.

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Chapter7:SuchistheWorld OnthatverydaytheHolyProphet(s)cameoutofDarulIslam.Itwasanextremelyhotday.The desertofMakkahwasashotasafurnace. TheHolyProphet(s)waswalkingunconcernedlywithmeasuredstepsandwithhisspecialpeace ofmind,dignityandcheerfulnesstillhereachedaparticularpointandsawthatahugfirehad beenlitupthereanditsflameswerespreadingonallsides,andnearitsomeresevioursofwater hadalsobeenprepared.Healsosawagroupofarchersholdingarrowsintheirhandsandanother groupholdingtorcheswhoseflameswerespreadingeverywhere. Thesetwogroupsweresittinginacircleinanextensiveenclosureandacomprehensivezonehad comeintoexistencebythesidesofwaterandfire. TheProphet(s)approachedthegatheringdirectlywithperfectpeaceofmind.Thenhecrossed thecircleofthosegatheredthereandsteppedintothevastarea.Hiseyesthenfellontwoold personsandayoungmanwhowaslyingontheearthwithnakedbodiesinthespacebetweenfire andwaterandwhosefeethadbeentieduptightlywithropes.Evenworsethanthat,the executionershadplacedheavystonesontheirchestsandweresubjectingthemtoseveretorture. Onewasprickingtheirbodieswiththepointofthespearandtheotherwasbrandingthemwith fire. AbuJahlwaswatchingthesepeopleandwasgivingcontiniousordersfortormentingthose helplesspersons.Hewastellingthemthatoneofthefollowingthreethingscouldensuretheir deliverance:(i)AbusingMuhammad;ii)AbandoningMuhammad'sreligion;(iii)revertingtoLat andUzza. Thepersonswhohadbeenarrestedwerenotpreparedtosubmit,butbecameallthemorefirmin theirbelief.TheyabusedLatandUzzawithperfectsteadfastnessandmentionedthenamesof AllahandHisProphet(s)respectfully.AsaresultoftheirfirmnessAbuJahlbecamesevererand torturedthemevenmore. WhentheseoppressedpersonsobservedthattheHolyProphet(s)hadcometothatareaasa markofsympathywiththemtheirloveforhimincreasedandtheirfaithbecamemoresolid. Ammar'sparentsbeganpraisingtheProphet.AsregardsAmmarhimself,he,withasoul aboundingwithfaithandperfectpeaceofmind,consideredthetorturetobesomething insignificant.HereassuredtheProphet(s)andsaid:"Ofcourse,theworldissuch". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    TheProphet(s)kneltbytheheadofeveryoneoftheseafflictedpersonsandsaidwithgreat kindnessandlove:"OmembersofthefamilyofYasir!Bepatient.Youhavebeenpromised Paradise".Healsoturnedhisfacetotheskyandsaid:"OLord!ForgivethefamilyofYasir.Ihave donewhateverIcould". TheHolyProphet(s)satbythesideofthesehelplesspersonsandsympathizedwiththemaslong asitwaspossibleandexpedient.ThenhestooduptoattendtoothermattersrelatingtoIslam, andsaidgoodbyetothemwithcompletepatienceandfirmness.Thepaina:ndgriefwhichhefelt onseeingtheconditionofthesehelplesspersonshadnolessereffectonhimthanthatofthe meltedironwithwhichtheirbodieswerebeingbranded. AssoonastheHolyProphet(s)leftthem,AbuJahl'smadnessreacheditspeakandhisangerwas aggravated.HethenorderedthemtoabuseMuhammad,todissociatethemfromhisreligion,and toturntoLatandUzza.QuitecontrarytotheexpectationsofAbuJahltheperservanceand steadfastnessofthepooroppressedpersonscontinuedtoincreaseeverymoment. ItisnotknownwhatfactorandcauseexcitedAbuJahlafterdepartureoftheProphet(s)and increasedhisanger.ItispossiblethatthekindnessoftheProphet(s)andhisprayingforthese zealousandbravepersons,whichmadethemmoresteadfastbecamethecauseofAbuJahl's savagery.Oritmightbeduetotheresistanceofferedbytheseheroestothetortureandtheir indifferencetothetormentstowhichtheywerebeingsubjected,oritwasduetotheirshowing indifferencetoAbuJahlandinsultinghimandabusingthegodsofthepolytheists. InanycasetherealcauseofthisattitudeofAbuJahlisnotknowntous.However,whatisan admittedfactisthatAbuJahlbecamequitemadafterthedepartureoftheProphet(s)andgave ordersthatthethreepersonsmightbeflogged.Healsogaveordersthatthestonesmightbe removedfromtheirchestsandthentheirheadsandfaceswerehitwithclenched.Thereafterhe orderedthatthepointsofthespearsmightbethrustintotheirbodiesandtheymightalsobe branded. Whentheexecutionerscouldnotachievetheirobjectandbecamehelplessbeforethefortitudeof theoppressedones,AbuJahlorderedthattheuseofirontoolsandbrandingimplementsand whipsmightbestoppedandthepooroppressedonesmightbedrownedinwater. WhenthemembersofYasir'sfamilywereimmersedinwaterandtheyraisedtheirheadsoutofit, theyutteredpraiseofAllahandblessingstotheHolyProphet(s)andalsospokeironicallyofLat andUzzaandabusedAbuJahl.AtthattimetheseverityofAbuJahlknewnobound,andhe ceasedtobeinhisnormaldisposition.Atthattimehestretchedhishandstowardswar implementsandusedthemagainstSumayyaandYasir.Hepersistedinthisabominableacttosuch anextentthatitendedinthedeathoftheoldman. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AfterkillingYasir,AbuJahlextendedhissinfulhandtodoawaywithhiswife.Thusthesegood, devotedandfaithfulcouplewererecognizedtobethefirstmartyrsofIslamandthepioneersof thecaravanofParadise.YasirandhisfaithfulandpiouswifedepartedforeternalParadiseand chosetheirabodeintheneighbourhoodofthe'SuperiorCompanion'. However,Ammarsurvived.Hegrappledwithhardshipsandsufferingsandleftbehindhimself,in thebrilliantpagesofhistory,hisnameintheformofanimmortalheroandbecameanexampleof supremeselfsacrificeandspecimenoftruefaith.Afterthedeathofhisparentshealways remainedthevictimofAbuJahl'soppression,andthatsinfulmantookpleasureinteasinghim, andtorturedhimasmuchashecould,andkepthiminprison. InshortAbuJahlcontinuedthesocalledfightofthecatandthemollseasfarasitwaspossiblefor him.Eventuallyhowever,theaffairsofthesetwoopponentsendedinthattheperseveranceand steadfastnessofAmmarinhisfaithandhisbearingthetorturesandwhippingofAbuJahl, tormentedthesoulofAbuJahlmorethanittormentedthebodyofAmmar. ThisstateofaffairsaggravatedtheenmityandgrudgeofAbuJahlandhecontinuedhis oppressioninamoresavagemanner.Notwithstandingallthis,however,Ammarremained steadfastandfirminhisfaith. WheneverAbuJahltorturedAmmartheHolyProphet(s)wenttoseehimasamarkofsympathy. Heplacedhisheadinhisownlap,becamethecompanionofhislonelinessandprayedforthe alIeviationofhissufferingandpain,saying:"Ofire!BecoolandharmlessforAmmarinthesame mannerinwhichyoubecamecoolandharmlessforIbrahim".Ammarfeltthecoolnessofthis prayerinhisheartanditincreasedhisfirmnessandsteadfastness. Oncetheburningofiron,theflamesoffireandthepressureofwaterbecamesopainfulto AmmarthathedidnotknowwhattheProphet(s)wassaying.Hence,afterhavingsuffered tortureatthehandsofAbuJahlhewenttotheHolyProphet(s)withagrievedface,abroken heartandweepingeyes.TheProphet(s)inquired:"Whatisthematterwithyou?" Ammarsaid:"OProphetofAllah!Ihavebroughtabadnewsanditisthattheenemiesdidnot sparemetillIwascompelledtopraisetheirgodsandtosayunbecomingwordsaboutyou". ThHolyProphet(s)asked:"Whatistheconditionofyourheartandwhatareyoufeeling?" Ammarreplied:"Myheartisaboundingwithfaithandsatisfaction". TheHolyProphet(s)said:"Iftheycompelyoutodosoagainrepeatthesamemethod". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThereafterthefollowingversewasrevealedaboutAmmar:(Thereshallbegrievouspunishment forhim)whodisbelievesinAllahafterbelievinginHim;otherthenhimwhoisforced(torecant outwardly)butwhoseheartisfirminhisfaith.Butthosewhoopentheirbosomtodisbeliefshall incurthewrathofAllahandsufferaterriblepunishment.(SurahalNahl,16:106) AmmarcouldnotgetridofAbuJahlexceptbymigratingtoEthiopia.Hence,hejoinedthesecond caravanofthemigrantswhowereproceedingtothatcountryandlivedtherepeacefullytillhe cameovertoMadinaalongwithothersaftertheHolyProphet'smigrationtothatcity. Fromthatdayonwardsthesignsofthesteadfastness,firmnessoffaith,andgoodconductof AmmarreflectedinsuchawaythattheProphet(s)said:"Youwillbekilledbyarebelliousgroup"; andalsoadded:"Ammarisanembodimentoffaith".Onanotheroccasionhesaid:"Whoeveris inimicaltoAmmarislikeonewhoisinimicaltoAllahandwhoeverbearsgrudgeagainsthimislike onewhoentertainsillwillandgrudgeagainstAllah".HealsocalledAmmarpureandpious. Ayeshasaysthatfromamongstallthegoodqualitiesandvirtuespossessedbythecompanionsof theProphet(s)thereisnotevenonegoodqualitywhichisnotfoundinAmmarandsheheardthe Prophet(s)saying:"AmmarisoneofthosefourpersonswhomParadiseiskeentosee.Thefirstof themisAliandtheremainingonesareAmmar!Salman,Farsi,andBilalbinRaba". HuzayfaYamaniwasaskedaboutthe'trueImam'inconnectionwiththedisturbancerelatedto Uthmanwhilehe(Huzayfa)wasatdeath'sdoor;hereplied:"FindoutthesonofSumayya, becauseheisthepersonwhowillnotforsaketruthtillhedies".ItisalsosaidthatHusayfaadded: "IhaveheardthesewordsfromtheHolyProphet". AmmarofferedprayersfacingtwoQiblahsandmigratedtwice,andwasoneofthosewhotook theAllegianceofRizwanandparticipatedintheBattlesofBadrandUhudaswellasintheBattle oftheDitch.HesawalltheactionsoftheHolyProphet(s)andinmostofthebattlesoneofthe standardsusedtobeinhishand.Hewitnessedthewarof'Radda'i.e.apostasyduringthetimeof AbuBakr.HewastheGovernorofKufaduringthetimeofUmarandoneoftheshrewdest opponentsofUthman.LaterintheBattlesofJamalandSiffinhewasoneofthestandardbearers ofImamAli.Ammarisoneofthosepersonswhohavebeenrecognizedtobethesourcesof knowledgeandHadith,andIbnAbbas,AbuMusaAsh'ari,AbdullahbinJa'far,AbulAsKhuza'i,Abu Tufaylandmany'Tabein'(followersofthecompanionsoftheProphet)havequotedtraditions fromhim. Chapter8:DawnofIslaminMedina

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    IslamhadreachedMadinabeforetheHolyProphet'smigrationtothatcity,becausetheleadersof AwsandKhazrajwhowerethedistinguishedpersonalitiesofthesetwotribes,andtheYemenite supportersoftheProphet(s)hadstartedpropagatingIslamontheirreturntoMadinaaftertaking theoathofallegiancetotheProphet(s)at'Aqaba. ThelifeoftheProphet(s)inthiscitywasquitedifferentfromthatinMakkah.InMakkahhelived inthecapacityofamissionaryandtheenmityandobstinacyofQuraishdidnotallowthathis messageshouldgobeyondthestageofaninvitationwhichwasconfinedtopromisesandthreats andgivinggoodtidingsandwarningaboutbadconsequences.However,whenhearrivedinthe cityofMadinahisinvitationassumedadifferentshape,becausehereheperformedtheroleofa founderandalawgiver,andhadbeenrelievedtosomeextentoftheprocessofinvitationand propagation,Hestartedtheprocessofregulation,construction,administration,andfoundationof legislation,ThethingsassumedthisshapeespeciallyaftertheMuslimshadmigratedfromMakkah andjoinedtheProphet(s)inMadina. LaterthepersonswhohadmigratedtoEthiopia,alsocameovertothiscity,andnowonerous dutiesandresponsibilitiesregardingestablishmentdevolvedupontheProphet.Thesepeople whogatheredroundtheHolyProphet(s)inthislandofpeacewererecognizedtobethenucleus ofthenewIslamicStateandtookthecentralauthorityintheirhands.ThehousesoftheMuslim residentsofMadina,whocametobeknownasAnsar,werefilledwiththeMuhajirs(immigrants). ThekindheartedAnsardidnotgrudgethepresenceoftheseguestsandaccordedthemacordial welcomewithgreatenthusiasm. AsalltheseMuhajirswhowerecontinuouslypouringintoMadina,hadnotcomeforatemporary staybuthaddecidedtoliveinthiscitypermanently.Astheypreferredtheirnewhomelandtothe oldonetheirarrivalwasaproblemwhichrequiredtackling,Thedifficultywastobesolvedinsuch awaythattheguestsshouldliveafreelifeinthiscityhavingdueregardforthefreedomofthe hosts,andthateveryonemustdischargehisownresponsibility. ForthisreasontheHolyProphet(s)startedsettlemertandcommencedwiththeconstructionof housesandbuildingstobeoccupiedbyhismigratingcompanions.Beforethefoundationofany buildingwaslaidtheProphet(s)orderedtheconstructionofamasjidi.e.thehouseofAllah.From amongsttheMuhajirsAmmarwasforsometimeaguestofMubashshirbinAbdulMunzirtillthe Prophet(s)thoughtofanotherhouseforhim.HehimselfworkedwithAmmarinconstructingthe newhouseforhim. InthosedaysthereexistedamongsttheMuslimsagroupofpersonsinwhosemindsthespiritof IslamhadnotpenetratedanditmightbesaidthatwhatevertheysaidaboutIslamwiththeir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    tonguesdidnotcomefromtheirhearts.Inotherwordstheywerethepersonswhohadembraced Islamonaccountofcovetousness,astheyimaginedthatitwouldbebeneficialforthemtodoso, andbythatmeanstheywouldacquirewealthandstatus! Onthewholethenumberofthesepersonswasnotsmallandtheywerenotweakandhelpless.It isevidentthattheProphetofAllahwasalsonotobliviousofthisstateofaffairs,AlmightyAllah hadspeciallyrevealedsomechaptersoftheHolyQur'anincludingSurahalTawba,Surahal MunafiqunandSurahalAhzababoutthesepersons. TheHolyProphet(s)wasnotunawareoftheirhypocrisy;ratherheexcusedandforgavethem; andonthebasisofpeacefulness,onwhichtheentireprogrammeofIslamrested,heallowed themthesamerightsandprivilegesthatweregrantedtothetruebelievers.Heacceptedsuch personsasMuslimsinaccordancewiththegeneralruleandthesacredverseoftheQur'anwhich says:YoushouldnottellanyonewhogreetsyouthatheisnotaMuslim(SurahalNisa,4:94).This wasnotwithstandingthefactthatthefaithofthesepersonswasshakyandtheyentertained doubtsintheirheartsregardingthelimitsandlawsprescribedbyIslam. InsuchanatmosphereAmmarwasreckonedtobeoneofthechosenbelieversanddistinguished personspossessingfaithandpiety.Hewasoneofthosepersonswhohadsufferedsevere persecutionandtortureinMakkahbeingacompanionoftheHolyProphet,andhadsincebecome freefromsuchtorments,arrivedinthepeacefullandofMadina.Notwithstandingthishedidnot slackenthecampaignandstrifewhichhehadstartedintheverybeginningforthedefenceof Islamandtherewasnodiminishinginthezealandenthusiasmofhisfaith. Theonlydifferencewhichhadtakenplacewasthathisresistanceagainstallthosetortures,which formerlypossessedtheformofanegativecampaign,hadnowassumedtheshapeofapositive campaigninthepeacefulatmosphereofMadina,andhesincerelyperformedfunctionsforthe strengtheningofIslam,whichitwasnotpossibleforotherMuslimstoundertake. NotwithstandingallthisAmmarcontinuedhismission,untaintedbyhypocrisyandfarremoved fromhueandcry.Hissilenceusedtobealongoneassociatedwithreflectionandinsightandhe didnotspeakexceptwhennecessary.WheneverhebrokehissilencehesoughtAllah'srefuge frommischief.Itmightbesaidthathewasalwaysexpectingmischief. Ofcoursehehadtastedtheflavourofhardshipsinadvance,andhadperceivedthatagroupof hypocrites,wholivedamongtheMuslims,wereoffended,becauseIslamhadgivenfreedomto personslikeAmmar,andhadevengiventhemsuperiorityovermanyothersandhadelevated theirposition,establishedequalitybetweenallMuslims,removeddiscriminationsanddifferences, obliteratedbias,andestablishedbrotherhoodbetweenblackandwhiteandmasterandslave. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ammarwasverymuchworriedonthisaccountandasandwhenhebrokehissilencehesaidfor thefearofthefuturemischiefwhichlayinambushfortheMuslims:"IseekAllah'srefugefrom mischief". OnemorningtheProphet(s)passedalongapieceoflandwhichbelongedtotheorphansofAmr Najjiri,andinwhichcamelsweremadetorest.Hepurchasedthistractfromtheirguardian,Muaz binAfra'forahandsomepricesoastobuildonitamasjidaswellashousesforindigent Muhajirs. Atthetimeoftheconstructionofthisbuilding,theHolyProphet(s)alsorolleduphissleeveslike otherMuslimsandbegandoingwork.ThisIslamicequalitywasasilentinvitationforallthe Muslimstoshowthateveryoneofthemshouldparticipateintheworkwithoutanysenseofpride oregotism.TheMuslimswhoobservedtheconductoftheProphet(s)said:"Ifwesitwhilethe Prophet(s)works,ouractwillbethecauseofourperversion". ThiswasthemelodywhichtheMuslimsrecitedinreplytotheactionoftheProphet.Andwhile recitingthismelodytheybusiedthemselvesintheconstructionalwork.Theycarriedbricksand mud,roseupthetrunksofdatepalmtreesandplacedthemonthewalls.Theycoveredtheroof ofthebuildinginthismannerandremainedbusyinworkwithgreatenthusiasmandfervour. UsuallyeveryMuslimworkercarriedonebrickbutAmmarcarriedtwoandmovedwithgreat agility. WhenalltheMuslimstookpartintheworkthefirstmelodywasreplacedbyanewone.Itwas saidthatthenewmelodyhadbeencomposedbyAli.Ammarrepeatedthismelody.TheHoly Prophet(s)whowasworkingbehindhimmadethebricksandutteredthelastpartofthemelody. Fromwithinhishouse,whichoverlookedthemasjid,UthmanbinAffanheardthismelodyand alsolookedin.Assoonasdustandsoilofthewallswhichhadbeenpulleddownsettledonhis hairheturnedbackhisface,cleansedhisnosewithhisdress,andsteppedback.Laterhecame intothemasjidandbegandoinghiswork. Ammarbeganrecitingthesamemelodyagainandsaid:"Thosewhoconstructamasjidwhile sittingorstanding,andmakeeffortsintheperformanceofthisjob,arenotequaltothosewho areseentobeturningawayfromdust". UthmancouldheartheHolyProphet(s)repeatingtheverse,andwasgrievedtorealizethatthe intentionbehindrecitingthismelodywastocriticizehim,As,however,theProphet(s)was repeatingtheverseatthebackofAmmarandwashandingoverthebrickstohim,he(Uthman) couldnotsayanythingtohim(Ammar),Nevertheless,assoonashe(Uthman)gotanopportunity heturnedtoAmmarandsaid:"OsonofSumayya!TodayIcouldhearwhatyouweresaying.By Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Allah,Iwasgoingtostrikethisstickonyourhead.Youslave!" TheProphet(s)becameawareofthis.Hewasannoyedandsaid:"Whatdotheywantfrom Ammar?AmmarinvitesthemtoParadiseandtheyinviteAmmartoHell.Ofcourse,Ammarislike askinwhichliesbetweenmytwoeyesandprotectsthem.Ammarislikeaskinofmynose.If thesewordsreachtheearsofUthmanandhedoesnotcooperatewithAmmar,youshouldget alooffromhim".ThistraditionshowshowdearAmmarwastotheProphet(s). OnedayAmmardidnotparticipateintheworkonaccountofsomedissatisfactionandcomplaint whichhehad.ItwasthensaidthatAmmarhadanattackoffeverandhaddied.Assoonasthe HolyProphet(s)heardthisremarkofthehypocriteshethrewonthegroundthebrickwhichhe washoldinginhishandandsaid:"Alas,OsonofSumayya!Arebelliousgroupwillkillyou!" OnthefollowingdaywhenAmmarturneduptoworktheHolyProphet(s)welcomedhimwith greatkindnessandlove.OnaccountofthegreatlongingwhichhehadtoseeAmmarhedrewhis handonAmmar'sheadandsaid:"Rebelliousandoppressivepeoplewillkillyou!" Fromthatdayonwardsthehypocritesstunghimcontinuouslyanddiscussedhisdeathandthe Prophet'sremarkthathewouldbekilledbyarebelliousgroupwascommonlytalkedabout. ThereafterthisremarkhadagreateffectonthethinkingofAmmarjustashehadexperienced manysuchimportantthingsregardingIslam. Chapter9:heBattleoftheDitch Fiveyearscoveringimportanteventspassedfromthedateofmigration,andthesefiveyears pushedIslamforwardasmuchasfivecenturiesinthesensethatduringthisshortperiodthe Prophet(s)humiliatedQurayshandvanquishedandmadehelplessthetribesofGhatfanand Huzaylandeventuallybymeansoftheentirestrength,whichhehadathiscommand,heputout theflamesoftheArabianpride,attimesintheshapeofattackandattimesintheformof defenceandbrokeupthethornsoftheircommunion.Ofcourse,allthissuccesswasachievedby himundertheaegisofmonotheismandthroughthepropagationofpeaceandsecurity. AsaresultoftheseactivitiesandsuccessesIslamgainedstrengthandbecamepopularandthe voiceoftheHolyProphet(s)alsoreachedfarandwide.Sidebysidewiththisthedefeated elementsjoinedhandsagainsttheProphet(s)andeveryenemywhofeltevenasmallvigour withinhimselfrosetotakerevengeontheProphet. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    DuringthefirstthirteenyearsofhismissioninMakkah,Quraysh,whoweretheHolyProphet's kinsfolkhadcondemnedhisviewsandthoughtsandtheobstinatemembersofthistribecalled himasillypersonandwagedawaragainsthim.However,hecontinuedhiseffortsasusual. DuringthisperiodofcontentionQurayshoftenplacedathisdisposalwealthandpersons?Sothat hemightabandonhiscall.He,however,continuedtopursuehispathandsoughtaloofnessfrom them,tillatlasthemigratedtoMadina. Afewmonthsafterhismigration,theProphet(s)organizedanarmy,foughtinBadrandatother placesandreturnedtoMadinaafterachievingvictoryandacquiringwarbooty.Apparently Qurayshcontendedanddisputedwithhimastheycondemnedhismission,butlatertheyrose againsthimopenlyaswellassecretlytoavengetheirfinanciallossesaswellaslossoftheirlives, andtocheckhisinfluenceandtherefore,begantoarraytroops. TheJewswholivedintheneighbourhoodoftheProphet(s)andownedvastlandsandalso benefitedfromcraftsmanship,requestedhimtoexpelthejewsofBaniQaynuqa'andBaniNazir fromMadinanotwithstandipgalltheirwealthandpositionamongthejews. ThisgroupofJews,allofwhompossessedpropertyandwealth,hadfeltontheverydayofthe Prophet'sarrivalinMadinathattheirinfluencewasindanger.Forthisreasontheyplannedto createmischiefandthought,onaccountoftheirwealthandtheinfluencewhichtheywieldedin Madina,thattheywouldbeabletosubduetheshelterlessProphet(s)andhisfollowers. ItisevidentthattheProphet(s)couldnotyieldtotheenmityoftheJewsandifhehad surrenderedtotheirstrengthandinfluence,itwouldhavebeenasgoodashishavingproclaimed hisowndefeat.Inviewofthishe,inthefirstinstance,warnedtheJewsofBaniQaynuqaandthen thoseofBaniNazirtorefrainfromcreatingtrouble.As,however,theydidnotpayanyheedtothe warnings,hewasobligedtogiveordersregardingtheirexpulsionandtheyleftthecityinastate ofgreathumiliationandhelplessnessandthussavedtheirlives.Theywerenotallowedtocarry awayanythingexcepttheprovisionsfortheirjourneyuptoKhayber(intheinterioroftheHijaz)or Azra'at(situatedinSyria). OntheothersideweretheArabsofGhati'anandHuzaylandothertribesofthesuburbs,and similarlythetribesofNajdandthefrontiersofSyria,whowereseeingthephantomofthenew system,feltthatIslamhadbroughtitsownrulesandwasinvitingpeopletoworkandmakeefforts sothattheymightleadtheirlivesinthismanner,insteadofindulginginfightingandplundering. Theyhadtherefore,sharpenedtheirstingslikeamonsterandwereclutchingatthefaceofthe HolyProphet(s)andhadbecomeabarrierbeforehisreforms.Theywereafraidthatthenew systemwoulderadicatetheveryfoundationsoftheirtriballifeandthewaysoftheirplundering. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Inshort,QurayshinMakkah,hisneighbourstheJewsofMadina,theArabsofGhatfanandHuzayl, thetribeslivinginnearbyplacesandthosebelongingtoNajdandthefrontiersofSyria,andsoto saytheentireArabworldhadrisenandmoblizedagainsthim. AlthoughIslamhadbecomesufficientlystrong,theenemiesofIslamwhohadcooperatedwith oneanotherpossessedagreatstrength.Apartfromthat,inthosedaystheHolyProphet(s)was facedwithagroupofhypocrites.Thehypocrisyofthesepersonswasreckonedtobeaweakpoint ofIslamandaproofoftheslacknessofitsauthority,andtheenemycouldbreakthefortof.Islam throughthiswayandenterit. TheproofsoftheProphethoodofMuhammad(s)aremany,buthisgreatestmiracleandsignwas theirpeaceofmindandconfidencewhichwasfirminthiscriticalsituationandhewasnotafraid ofthefireofmischiefandhypocrisywhichhadencircledhimfromallsides;ratherhegainedmore strengthofmindeverydaytoachievehischerishedgoal. Amidstallthebrawlsanduproars,andthroughouthiscampaigns,andalsoduringtheintervalsof thesedreadfulevents,inthecourseoffiveyears,inwhichthegreatnessandhonourofIslam increasedandatthesametimethenumberoftheopponentsofIslamalsoincreased,Ammar,the heroofourstory,thattallandstrongman,whohadtastedtheflavourofdeathduringsummeras wellaswinter,andwasnotafraidinanycircumstances,hadnowachievedsuchapositionthat deathfearedhim.Duringtheintervalsofthesecampaignsdeathwasunderhiscontrolandhad madeacovenantwithhim.Attimesheordereddeathduringsummerthatitshouldfalluponand takethelifeofthoseenemieswhousedtopullhimtothepointofannihilationwithcruelty. AccordingtohisoldhabitofgoingtothemasjidtoheartheaddressoftheHolyProphet(s), AmmarwenttothemasjidonedaytolearnsomethingfromtheProphet(s)andactuponitorto executeanordergivenbyhim.Onthatday,whileonhiswaytothemasjid,heobserved,contrary tothepreviousdays,signsandmarkswhichdidnotaugurwillforvictoryandsuccess,asthe generalconditionsofthecityhadassumedanothershape.Assoonasheenteredthemasjidhe observedthattheconditionofthemasjidonthatdaydifferedfromthepreviousday,becausein earlierdays,whenthecompanionsoftheProphetwererelievedofcampaignsandwereresting undertheauspicesofhiskindnessandsupport,heusuallydeliveredsermonsinregardto regulationoftheaffairsoflifeandestablishmentoftherulesofdisciplineandgoodorder.Onthat day,however,theatmosphereofthemasjidhadassumedanewshapeandtheconditions indicatedadifferentoutlook. OnobservingtheseconditionsAmmarwassomewhatworriedandwishedtoenquireaboutthis changeintheconditions.However,thewisdomofLuqmani.e.wisdomofsilence,whichwashis oldhabitpreventedhimfromdoingso,andhewaitedtillhisturntospeakarrived.Andthenthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    positionbecameclearwithoutunnecessaryinquisitivenessonhispart. Ammarhadnotmadeamistakeinrefrainingfrommakingenquiresaboutthematter,becausehe enjoyedsuchapositionintheeyesoftheProphet(s)thateventhemostconfidentialmatter couldnotremainhiddenfromhim,nottospeakofasecret,whichhadbeendisclosednow,and thefacesofthehypocritesbecamedarkandgloomyonthisdisclosure.Thedivulgenceofthis secretalsohauntedtheentireMuslimcommunityofMadinalikeanightmare. AfterAmmarhadtakenhisseatamongsttheesteemedcompanions,helearnedthattheJewsof BaniNazirtribehadrevealedtheirmaliciousnature,andhadinstigatedallthetribesofArabiato riseagainsttheolyProphet,andthatthecriminalmindedJewsincitedalltheopponentsofIslam, whowereinmajorityinArabia,tofightagainsttheMuslimsofMadina,whowereintheminority, sothattheymightstrikethemafinalblow.[1] AmmarcametoknowthatHaybinAkhtabandSalambinHaqiqandagroupoftheJewsbelonging tothetribeofBaniNaziraswellastheleadersoftheJewshadinstigatedQurayshtoriseagainst theProphet.AbuSufyanbinHarbhadmobilizedanarmyconsistingoffourthousandwarriorsout ofwhom300hundredwerehorsemenand1,500wereoncamelsandthestandardbearerofthis armywasUthmanbinTalha. SimilarlyBaniFazarahadbeeninstigated,and'UyaynabinHisnFazarihadmobilized1000men mountedoncamels;andthetribeofBaniAshja'hadalsorisenand400warriorsoftheirswere readytomarchunderthecommandofMa'rbinRakhila;andthetribeofBaniMurrahad despatchedHarithbin'Awfwith400warriors,andthetribeofBaniSalimhadalsosent700 fightersagainsttheProphetofIslam. Furthermore,BaniAsadandBaniSa'dwerealsogoingtoparticipateintheattackandtheyand theirallieshadmobilizedanddespatchedanarmythelikeofwhichhadnotbeenseenbyArabia before.AndallthesegroupshadentrustedthesupremecommandtoAbuSufyanwhowasonhis waytoMadina. InthemeantimeitalsobecameknownthatHaybinAkhtabhadundertakentorousetheJewsof BaniQurayzaagainsttheProphet(s)andtopersuadethemtoviolatethepaceconcludedbythem withtheProphet(accordingtothepact,theywereresidinginMadinaandwereenjoyedthe supportoftheProphet),andthuscreatetroublewithinMadinaandpavethewayforthevictory oftheirarmy,sothattheymightmakeasuddenattackintheseverewinterseasonandroutthe Muslims. WhenAmmarlearntaboutthesematters,herelizedthattheMuslimsofMadinawerejustifiedin beingworriedonaccounttheserioussituationinwhichtheywereplaced.However,onsuch Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    occasionsAmmarusedtolookintentlyatthefaceoftheProphet(s)andtojudgehisimpression andanxiety,beforebeingimpressedbytheanxietyofothersarrivingatadecision.He,therefore, fixedhiseyesonthefaceoftheProphet. AsaresultofthiscarefulobservationhefeltthattheProphet(s)wasascheerfulaseverandhe wasenjoyingperfectpeaceofmind.Atlast,therefore,heconcludedthatthebrightcountenance oftheProphet(s)showedthatthemobilizationofforcesbyAbuSufyanandtheJewsfellunder thecategoryoftheeventswhichdidnotcallforanyworryandthattheMuslimsshouldboldand brave.TheProphet(s)didnotconsiderthematterimportantenoughtomakeothersworryabout it. Inviewofthis,Ammarbecamecontentedlikeallthosepersonswhosesoulsacquireconfidence withthestrengthoffaith,andwhodonotentertainfearonaccountofanyevent,howevergreat andterribleitmaybe. TheProphet(s)calledameetingofhiscompanionsandconsultedthemabouttheeventwhich waslikelytotakeplacesoon,andespeciallyinvitedtheirviewsabouttheJewsandthe polytheists.InthismeetingthinkersandwarriorsfromamongsttheMuhajirsandtheAnsarwere present.Attheendofconsultationstwoviewsemerged: 1.TheMuslimsshouldgooutofthecityandfacetheenemiesatUhudorsomeotherplace. 2.TheyshouldfortifythemselveswithinMadinaandresisttheenemies,becausebyofferingsuch resistancetherewasnodangerofbeingsubdued. Thesecondviewwasconsideredtobethebetterone.Itwassupportedbythesuggestionof SalmanFarsiregardingdiggingaditch,whichwasendorsedbyallthosepresent.Allofthem praisedSalmanforhisoriginality. OnthisoccasiontheMuhajirsclaimedthatSalmanwasoneofthemandsaid:Salmanbelongsto us. TheAnsaralsoputforwardasimilarclaimandsaid:"Salmanbelongstous". TheHolyProphet(s),however,intervenedandsaid:"Salmanisoneofthemembersofmyfamily". Salmansaid:"MysuggestionisthatweshouldremaininsideMadinaandcloseallthebreaches. Thereafterweshoulddigaditchroundthecitywhichwouldpreventtheentryoftheenemies. Andwhentheirentryhasbeenblockedweshallovercomethemanddefeatthembymilitary tactics.Inthateventtimewillbeinourfavour,becauseweshallbeinourownplacesofsafety Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andthewind,stormandrainswillnotdousmuchharm.Onthecontrarytheenemieswillbevery muchharassedonaccountofharshwindsandseverecoldanditisquitepossiblethatthestorm maypulldowntheirtents.Furthermore,wehavesufficientstocksandprovisions,andcanface theenemyforquitealongtime.Inthecircumstancesitwouldbebetterifweremainwithinthe cityandblocktheentryoftheenemiesbydiggingaditch,sothattheymaylosepatienceandif someoneofthemattacksushewillbeannihilated". Thosepresentproceededimmediatelyandoccupiedthemselvesindiggingtheditchunderthe guidanceoftheHolyProphet(s). TheProphet(s)orderedanumberofshovels,picksandothernecessaryimplementstobe brought.Thesamewereprocured,andtheninthenameofAllahhepersonallystartedthework. Hewasthefirstpersonwhostruckthepickonthegroundandwasthefirstpersononwhosehead andfacethedustsettled;whilediggingtheditchheencouragedtheMuslimstoworkhardand prayed:"OLord!Verilythelifeislifeofthehereafter.So,OLord!ForgivetheAnsarandthe Muhajirs". ThepersonswhoweresincereanddevoutinIslamdugtheearthasexpeditiouslyaspossibleand threwthesoiloutoftheditch,butthehypocriteswhowerenotinclinedtoworkwillingly dissimulated,andwhenevertheyfoundanopportunitytheymisledothers,slippedawaytotheir housesandrestedthere.ItwasinrelationtotheconditionofthesepersonsthatAllahsenta revelationtotheHolyProphet(s)andsaid:DonotaddresstheProphetasyouaddresseachother: Allahindeedknowsthoseofyouwhoslipawaysurreptitiouslyandtakeshelterintheirhouses. LetthosewhodisobeyAllah'scommandshouldfearthatacalamitymayovertakethemora dreadfulpunishmentmaydescenduponthem.(SurahalNur,24:63) Butasregardsthetruebelievers,whogaveupworkonaccountofsomevalidexcuse,andleft withthepermissionoftheProphet,theAlmightyAllahhassaid:Thetruebelieversarethosewho havefaithinAllahandHisProphetandasandwhentheycooperatewiththeProphetina particularwork,theydonotgoawaywithouthispermission.Surelythosewhotakeyour permissionarethepersonswhobelieveinAllahandHisProphet.Inthiscaseiftheyseekyour permission(togo)todosomework,whichtheymayhavetodo,accordpermissiontowhomever youlike,andseekforgivenessforthemfromAllah,becauseAllahisForgivingandMerciful.(Surah Nur,24:62) Anyhow,forsixdaystheMuslimshadbeenlabouringhardtodigtheditch,andeventuallythey constructedafortforthecityofMadina.ThisfortdidnotresemblethefortswhichtheArabsused toconstruct,becausethefortswhichtheyconstructedpreviouslywereontheground,butthis forthadbeendugintheearthandtheunbelieverswerestunnedbythissuddeninitiativeofthe MuslimsIfwesaythatduringthisperiodofsixdayseveryotherMuslimwasfacedwithone Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    degreeoftoilandinconvenienceweshouldsaythatAmmarwasfacedwithtwiceasmuchas that. Again,duringthecontinuoustoilsandeffortsofthesedaystheMuslimsobservedthatnotevena singledaypassedwhentheProphet(s)didnotwipeoffdustfromtheheadandfaceofAmmar withhisownhands.Herepeatedthisparticularsentence:"Alas!OsonofSumayya!Arebellious groupwillkillyou!" ThedayoftheditchwasthemostbrilliantandeffectivefactorforthevictoryandsuccessofIslam andsimultaneouslyitwasaperiodwhenIslamwasthreatenedwithgreatdangersonaccountof thepresenceofthehypocritesbecauseitwastheseveryhypocrites,whodispiritedand discouragedthepeopleandsaid:"MuhammadusedtopromiseusthetreasuresofKaiserand Kisra,whereasheisnowdiggingourgravesinthisditch.DidhemeanthisIranianinnovation whichwillbeofnoavailbeforetherushandattackofthe,armyofAbuSufyan.Hepromisesus treasureandthattoothetreasureofgems.Butthattreasurewon'tbeanythingotherthanour lifelessbodies". Thehypocritesutteredthesewordswithdifferenttonesandtheseverygossipsandrumours becamethecauseofthefearandworriesofthepeopleofMadina. TheHolyQur'anhasdescribedthisstateofaffairsinaverysubtleandelegantmanner.Itsays: Whenthey(theenemies)cameuponyoufromaboveandfrombelowandtheeyesgrewwildand heartsreachedtothethroats,andyouwereimaginingvainthoughtsconcerningAllah.There werethebelieverssorelytried,andshakenwithamightyshock.Andwhenthehypocrites,and thoseinwhoseheartsisadisease,weresaying:'AllahandHismessengerpromisedusnaughtbut delusion'.Andwhenapartyofthemsaid:'OfolkofYathrib!Thereisnostand(possible)foryou, thereforeturnback'.Andsomeofthem(even)soughtpermissionoftheProphet,saying:'Our homeslieopen(totheenemy)'.Andtheylaynotopen.Theybutwishedtoflee[2](Surahal Ahzab,33:1013) Inanycasethetoolsofworkandthemeansofvictoryandsuccessinthisdreadfulwarwerethree thingsviz.planningbySalman,theswordofAliandthewartacticsoftheHolyProphet. Itgoeswithoutsayingthatfromamongtheethreefactorsthemostimportantfactorandtoolof workwasthewartacticsemployedbytheProphet,becausehesentNa'imbinSa'd,whose embracementofIslamhadnotyetbeenmadepublic,tohistribesmenandhemadethemlose hopeofhelpfromthejews.Bythismeansthemoraleofthosepeopledeterioratedandthesense ofmutualconfidenceandreliancewhichpreviouslyexistedbetweenthosetwoparties disappeared.Hence,thetribeswerefacedwithdoubt,hesitationandanxietyandtheirunited strengthbecamescatteredanddivided.AsaresultofthistheMuslimswerevictoriousandthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    invadersretreatedandfledduringadarknightwhenstrongandcoldwindswerecampaigning againstthem. AfterhavingviolatedthepactswhichtheyhadconcludedwiththeMuslims,BaniQurayzawere leftaloneintheirfortsandHay.binAkhtabwasalsowiththem.Inthecircumstances,wasitnot necessarythattheyshouldreceivepunishmentfortheirtreachery?[3] Notes: [1]Inthepresentcenturythedescendantsofthisinjuriousgermhaveinstigatedtheauthoritiesin powerinEngland,FranceandAmerica,toannihiliateIslam.Theyhavemademorethanone millionMuslimshomelessandusurpedPalestine.Ithasbeenreportedinanewspaperthatthe PopehaspronouncedajudgementthattheJewsdidnotcrucifyProphet'Isa! [2]Prof.DrMuhammadHamidullahsaysinhistreatiseentitled'TheHolyProphetinthe battlefield:"AbuBakrandUmarweresittingneareachotherinatowersituatedbythebankof theditchandwereverymuchfrightenedandUmarwrotesomewordsonaslabofstoneinhis ownhand.Itclearlyshowshowfrightenedhewas". [3]ThesetreacherouspeoplewereexecutedinaccordancewiththearbitrationofSaadbinMuaz andthecommandsoftheTorah. Chapter10:TheDayofSaqifa AfterthedeathoftheHolyProphet(s)oneofthefollowingtwopathscouldbeselectedby Ammar: Comfort,wealthandpower.Hardship,sufferingandprivation. However,asAmmarwasawise,bold,reflective,andfarsightedpersonhechosethesecondpath. HewasoneoftheearliestsupportersofIslamandhadfullyimbibedthesecretsandmysteriesof therealityofthisreligion,possessedsuchintelligenceandinsightthathecouldselect,outofthe variousways,thewaywhichwasnearesttoguidance.ApartfromthatAmmarwasamanwhoput intopracticeeverythingthatheknewandwasawareofthevalueofDivineblessings. Ofcourse,AmmarwasasincereservantofAllah.Thepoweroffirmnessintruth,walkinginthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    pathoftruthanddefenceoftruthwereinherentinhimandhedidnotmindthehardshipswhich hehadtobearinthispath.OnaccountoftheHolyProphet'sremarkabouthimthat"Arebellious groupwillkillhim",AmmarwasthepivotonwhomtheeyesofMuslimswerefixedfromall directionsandangles.Itisevidentthatshortlivedcomfortandtheapparenteaseandconvenience oftheworldcouldnotdeceivesuchadevoutandfarsightedpersonandcouldnotshakehisstand andstatus. Wasthismannotthesonofthesameparentswhohadthehonourofbeingthefirstmartyrsof Islam?AndwasnotAmmarthesameherowhohadsufferedallthoseheartrendingpainsand sufferingstosafeguardtheprinciples? Obviouslysuchabravepersoncanneverpermitthathistoryshouldwritethusabouthim:"After havingacquiredfaithhebecameareactionaryandanapostate!Andaftermigrationhechose Arabism,andBedoinism;andhavingacquiredstrengthandauthorityheinclinedtolaxityand weakness;andafteracquiringvictoryandsuccessheadoptedthepathofabjectnessand humiliation".[1] Themarksofthetorture,whichAmmarhadtosufferatthehandsofAbuJahltwentyyearsago, couldstillbeseenonhisback.Ithad,ofcourse,notbeenforgottenthatAmmarboreheart rendingtortureandlookedatAbuJahlwithderisionandcontempt.Yes,itwasnotmorethan twentyyearsagowhenthatterribleeventtookplace. InthecircumstancescoulditbeimaginedthatAmmarwouldexchangeallthosetoilsandpains, whicheventhebigmountains,wouldnotbeabletobearwithacquiringbriefcomfortforashort period?Ammarcouldcertainlynotcommitsuchamistakeandgoastray. HoweverwhenAmmarbecamefreetochooseoneofthetwopaths,hedecidedthatthebest thingtodowastojointhegroupwhichwassmallernumericallybutbiggerspiritually. InthosedaystheMuhajirsaswellastheAnsarhadformedpartieswhichwereindicativeoftheir differencesinconductandtaste.Althoughthesedifferencesanddisputesexisted,moreorless, amongthepeopleevenduringthelifetimeoftheProphet(s)theywerenotasevidentandopen asinthesedays. Ammarwasfullyawareofthesedifferences.Hehad,however,preparedhimselfbeforehandto bearhardshipsandprivations.HenowsawthatthepeopleofMadinaweredividedinfour parties.Outofthesefourpartiesthreewerepoliticalpartieswhichexistinallages.The supportersofthesethreepartiesarepersonswhoquarrelanddisputewithoneanotherasand whentheirinterestssodemand,butwhentheirobjectsareachieved,theyreconcilemutuallyand extendhandsofpeacetooneanother. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ammaralsoknewthatthepersonsbelongingtothesethreepoliticalpartieshadbeenfollowinga commoncoursesincethedaysoftheHolyProphet(s)andtheircommoninterestsdemandedthat theyshouldkeepAliawayfromhisstatus.Healsoknewthatinspitesfallthedifferenceswhich existedbetweenthesethreepartiesmostofthemembersofthesepartieskeptAliinmindandat thesametimethereweresomepersons,whosometimesforsookAli'ssupportandatothertimes supportedhim.However,Alialwaysfollowedthepathoftruth,sothatifsomeonewithdrewhis supportfromhimhedidnotworry,andifsomepersonsalignedwithhimhedidnotrejoice. Hence,Ammarhadponderedovertheprogrammesofallthefourpartiesandhadselecteda programme,whosemundaneaspectwastheweakest.Theaspectrelatingtothehereafterwas thestrongest. ThefirstpartywasthatofAbuBakrandUmar.Thispartywasaspontaneousgeneration composedoftherejectedelementsandsundriesofQurayshandpersonslikeKhalidbinWalid, 'AmrbinAs,andAbuUbaydaJarraformedpartofit.Theleadersofthispartywerepersonswho wellknownfortheirharshnessandseverity. ThisgroupreliedanddependedontwooftheProphet'swivesnamelyAyesha,daughterofAbu Bakr(whoalonewasapartybyherself)andHafsa,daughterofUmar. AfterthispartyhadbeenformedtheygraduallyinvitedsomeAnsarstocooperatewiththemand inordertofindouttheweakpointsofthemasses,theycommissionedsomepersons.fromoutof Ansarforspying,sothattheymightcollectinformationabouttheaffairsoftheoppositeparties. ThepersonssocommissionedwerethoselikeIUwaymbinSa'ida,andMa'nbinAddi.Thesetwo personspossessedsoftandmildpoliticalhabitsandwerereckonedtobethepeople"whosetears areundertheircontrol.[2] ThesecondpartywasthatoftheAnsar.Thispartywasnexttothefirstonefromthepointofview ofstrengthandinfluence;notablepersonsandthinkersoftheAnsarwereitsmembers,whohad madeinnumerablesacrifices,providedquartertotheMuhajirs,andassistedIslamandenjoyed historicalinfluenceinMadina,wereownersoflandsandproperty,andhadalsotransferred wealthtothiscitypreviouslyfromYemen.ThechiefandleaderofthispartywasSa'dbinUbada Khazraji,whereasitsspokesmanwasManzarbinHubabbinJumu.Ofcourse,theweakpointof thispartywastheirconflictwithBaniAwsandtheirtribalrivalry. Relationsmaintainedbythispartywiththefirstpartywereduetotheircommonwaysand methods.However,whenthehopesofthispartytoacquiretheCaliphatedidnotmaterialize, theybecamethesupportersofAliandcontinuedtheirsupporttohim. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThethirdpartywasthatofAbuSufyan.Asregardsthemysteriesandtechniquesofpoliticsthis partywasperhapsmostcompetentofallothers.However,thedefectinherentinthispartywas thebadrecordofitsleader;andthisbadrecordofhisconsistedofhisviolentoppositiontoIslam sincethecommencementoftheProphet'smission.Andashiscontinuoushypocrisyandpolitical aspirationswerenothiddenfromanyonethesamehamperedhissuccess. ForthisreasonAbuSufyanhadhiddenhimselfbehindUthman,whowashiscousin,andsimilarly behindAbdurRahmanbin'Awf,whowasthesoninlawofUthmanandthechiefofBaniZohra tribe,andhadsenttwovipersofhis(viz.MughirabinSho'baandMu'awiya)inthefield,who joinedhandswiththosepolytheistswhohadembracedIslamunwillinglyandconsideredittobe theladderforadvancement. InthiswayAbuSufyanavailedoftheopportunityandbecameactive.AbuSufyanwasnothappy onAbuBakr,becomingtheCaliph,becauseAbuBakrsfamilywasthesmallestamongstthe differentfamiliesofQuraysh.ForthisreasonorapparentlyforthisreasonhejoinedAli,butwhen AliturnedhimawayfromhispresencehewasobligedtoseekthefavourofUmarbyflattering him. AfterAbuSufyanhadgainedUmar'sfavour,heinstigatedMughirabinSho'batodoawaywith Umar.MughiradischargedthisassignmentquiteadmirablybecauseheinstigatedhisslaveAbu Lu'lutokillUmar.ThenthebloodofUmar,whichhadbeenshedasaconsequenceoftheplotof AbuSufyan,becamethecauseoftheCaliphateofUthman. AbuSufyankilledUmarandgottheCaliphatetransferredtoUthman. IncidentallyitshouldberememberedthatUmarwasdeceivedbytheflatteryofAbuSufyan,and AbuSufyanwasamanwhoapparentlyopposedtheopponentsofUmarbutsecretlysupported themagainsthim. DuringtheProphet'slifetimeAbuSufyan,whowasacalamityandageniusinthetechniquesof politics,wastheleaderandthechiefofapartyinMadina.However,astheProphet(s)recognized himfullywell,thepracticalfieldwasnotopentohim.Andasthepoliticalactivitiestookplace confidentiallyandsecretly,thepathoftheHolyProphet'soppositiontoitwasalsoblocked. ThelastpartywhichexistedinMadinawhoseprogrammewasdifferentfromthatofallother partieswasthepartyofImamAli,whowassupportedbyBaniHashimandafewotherpersons whosenumberdidnotexceedseven,namely:SalmanFarsi,Abuzar,Ammar,Miqdad,Khalidbin Sa'idbinAsAmavi,FarwabinUmarAnsari,andZubayrbin'Awwam. ItshouldbeknownthatwhenAbdullah,thesonofthelastpersonmentionedabove,grewupand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    cameundertheinfluenceofhismother,AsmabintAbuBakr,ZubayrbinAwwamleftthisparty andceasedtobeoneofthesaidsevensupportersofImamAli.Thispartywasinminorityas comparedwithotherparties. Ammarhadacceptedthemembershipofthisparty,becauseheknewthatitenjoyedthesupport oftheHolyProphet(s)andwasalsoawarethatImamAli,theleaderandheadofthisparty,was enviedbyothersonaccountofthestrengthandsupportaccordedtohimbytheProphet.Healso knewthatImamAlipossessedvariousvirtuesnotevenoneofwhichwaspossessedbyhisrivals andthosewhowerejealousofhim. Ammarwasconfidentthatthiswasthefaithfulpartywhichwasthesourceofhopeofallpious people.Thiswasthepartywhichdidnotindulgeindeceitandconspiracy.Excellenceandvirtue wereitsmeansofactivity.Itsconductwashonourable,becauseitstargetwasnothingbut acquisitionofvirtue.Hewasalsosurethatif,inordertoachieveitsobject,thispartyhadachoice eithertoadoptthepathofdeviationortoretreat,itwouldcertainlypreferretreat. TheaptitudeandcompetenceofAmmarinthematterofdevotionwasoneofthebiggestfactors whichseparatedhimfromthemajorityandmadehimjointheminority. BesidesallthesethingsAmmarwastravellingonastraightpath.Initheconsideredthatsuccess, rathertheacmeofsuccess,layinspreadingandproclaimingIslam.Heneverattachedany importancetohispersonalstatus.ItisonthisaccountthatAmmarenjoysaveryhighposition amongthosepersonswhohaveachievedhistoricalsuccesses. HoweverAmmar'sjoiningthesmallpartywasnotwithaviewtowelcomingmisfortuneor incliningtowardsisolation.Rather,thesubtltiesofhislifeweretheoutcomeoftheseveretest whichheunderwentinsupportofProphethood,andthisishowhisbrilliantpersonalityisknown. AndashehadalwaysenjoyedthefavouroftheHolyProphet,hisreligiousfervourhadreachedits zenithduringthelastyearofthelifeoftheProphet. Ammarwasnotabsentduringthisyear.Withhisusualquietness,hewasimbibingfaith, knowledgeandwisdom,throughthelightofProphethood. DuringthelastyearofhislifetheProphet(s)wasveryanxiousandworriedaboutthefutureof Islam,somuchsothathecouldnotsleep,andthissleeplessnesstormentedhim.Anotherthing, whichaddedtohistormentandmentalsuffering,wastheverymischiefswhichappearedbefore hiseyeslikedarkandgloomynights.Hetriedasfaraspossibletoremovethesedarkclouds,and sawnoneelseafterhisdeath,exceptAli,whocoulddispelthem.Hence,allhiseffortswere directedtowardstheachievementofthisobjectandhedidhisutmosttomakeAlioccupyamong theseparties,thecentralplaceforwhichhewasfullyqualified,andthusprotectthefoundationof theCaliphateaswellasIslam.. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Thetenthyearofmigration(632A.D.)wasayearofthewonderfulvictoryandsuccess,whichhad noprecedentinthehistoryofhumanfreedom,becauseIslamhadmanifesteditselfwithfull strengthandoccupiedtheseatofhonour.Tospeakmoreexplicitly,intheendofthetenthyearof migrationtheProphet(s)procededfromMadinatoMakkahtoperformthefarewellHajand 120,000ofhisfollowers,whohadcomefromthenorthaswellasthesouthoftheArabian Peninsulaparticipatedintheseceremonies. FlagsofIslambelongingtotheregionsofYemen,Tahama,Hazramoot,Mohra,Yamama,Najdand theentireHijazbegantofly.Thegrandeurandthedignityofthecaravansweresuchthatit showedthatalltheArabsoftheArabianPeninsulahadboweddownbeforethenewsystemand regime. Islamhadattainedthesuperbstageofstrengthandinfluenceandhadcleansednotonlythe entireHijazbutalsothebordersofHilaleKhasibofthepollutionofpolytheismandtrinity.And nowthestagewassetforestablishingaworldwidegovernment,provingtherealityofspiritual unityinthisplanetcalled'theearth,andspreadingunity,justice,blessings,brotherhoodandall humanvirtuesundertheauspicesoftheguidanceofIslam. IntheeyesoftheHolyProphet(s)nodelightandblessingwasgreaterthanthatallthehuman beingsinhabitingtheearthshouldparticipateinthisvictoryandconquestandtheruleand supremacyofDivineCommandsshouldcovertheentireworld.However,thisextremeblessing andsuccesswhichtheProphet(s)achieved,andwhichhefullydeserved,hadbecomeassociated withseveregriefandsadnesswhichhaddeprivedhimofhissleepatnight.Thiscontinuousworry hadtransformedbrightdaylightinhiseyesintoadarknightandhecouldnotsleeponaccountof excessivegrief.Duringdaytimealsoassoonashewasfreefromtheadministrationofpublic affairshewasfacedwiththisworryanduneasinessandthoughtofsomeremedytoovercome thatgrief Theenactmentoftherules,regulations,ordersandlawsofIslamhadbeenfinalizedandpiety, contentmentandtheirpropagationhadreachedthefinalstage. Theonlythingwhichremainedwasthatafterhimalltheserealitiesshouldbespreadand propagatedthroughaCaliph,whoshouldbethecustodianandguardianofthissacred organizationandhavingobtainedinspirationfromthespiritandtextoftheseorders,should conveythemtofaroffregionswithperfecthonesty.Andasthisreligioniseternalandeverlasting, itshouldbecommunicatedtothefurthertimesandagestoensurethefreedom,nobleness, greatness,prosperityandadvancementofmankind. TheHolyP;rophetwasconfidentthattheorders,laws,teachingsandmoralspreachedbythe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    religion,andtheirinterpretationandapplicationhadbeenguaranteedbyAllah'swill,theywould safeguardhumaninterests.Hewasnot,therefore,worriedonthataccount.Theonlyfearwhich troubledhimwasthatCaliphsbearingthetitleofhissuccessorsmightbecovetousofthrones, crownsandworldlyspoils! InthecircumstanceshereflectedthatifhedidnotappointanhonestandstrongCaliphwho shouldhaveacquiredhisbasicknowledgefromthefountainheadofProphethoodandDivine revelationitmightbefearedthathis(i.e.theHolyProphet's)valuablevictorywouldbeconverted intomischief,selfishnessandselfconceit,andthespiritofIslamwouldbekilledbeforethepeople begankillingoneanother. Thegreatpowerandinfluence,whichIslamhadacquired,hadbecomeforhimasourceof happinessontheonehandandacauseofgriefandsorrowontheother.Thiswassobecausehe knewthatwhenapower,thathasacquiredexpansionanddevelopmentinallrespects,fallsinthe handsofothersthen,asthatpowerautomaticallybecomesthecauseofprideanderrorand makeseyesandheartlosetheirfaculty,andifitfallsinthehandsofadeservingpersoninapious societywhosemembersarehonestandconscientious,itbecomesthecauseofheadache, enduranceandhardshipforthepersonweildingauthorityuntilheconveysthistrusttoitsfinal destination;andthepositionwouldbemostterriblewhensuchaheavyresponsibilityfallsinthe handsofanincompetentpersoninasocietyrepletewithdiscord,andwherethehypocriteswish totakeadvantageofit. TheHolyProphet(s)observedthesetraitsduringhisownlifetimeinmanypersons,andclearly realizedthathewastheonlybarrierinthewayofthehypocritestoachievetheirnefariousends. Hecouldalsoseethattheyweremarkingtimetofulfiltheirdesire,wereawaitinganopportunity, andwerehopingeverymomentthatthelampofProphethoodmightbeextinguished,andthey mightachievetheirobjectandsatisfytheiravarice,andtransferthepowerofIslamfromhis housetotheirown.Inthecircumstancesitwasquitenaturalforhimtobeworriedandanxious. Itisevidentthatthisanxietyaroseonaccountofthedoubtwhichhehadabouthiswives(who weremembersoftheparties).Ofcourse,thisdoubtwasduetheactivitiesofthoseexternal partiesanditiswellknownthatduringthisyearexecutionoftheordersoftheHolyProphet(s) wasopposedonanumberofoccasions.Ifhehadlivedalittlelongerhemighthavethoughtof somesolution.However,deathdidnotgivehimenoughtime,andonaccountofthelovewhich hehadforIslamhedidnotwishtomakehasteinthematterduringthelastfewdaysofhislife. InanycasetheHolyProphet(s)didnotfearthattheenemiesoutsidetheArabianPeninsula wouldbreakupthepowerandinfluenceofIslam,becauseheknewthathisfollowershadcreated inthemselvesthedefenders,whowouldsafeguardthePeninsulafromallforeignattacksandno foreignercouldentertainthehopeofexercisingswayandsupremacyoverthepeopleofthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Peninsula. Hewasconfidentthatthatcountryandthatsocietywouldatnotimebeconqueredbythe foreigners.Hewasalsonotafraidofthedominationandinfluenceoftheinternalprincesof Arabiaandthepeopleinthestreet,whowerescatteredthroughouttheArabianPeninsula, becausethisgroupofthesocietywerelikefirmrocksatallstagsandallofthemroseagainstthe enemiesbravely. However,theHolyProphet(s)wasworriedandafraidonaccountofthepartiesinthecapitaland thepersonswhoenjoyedprecedenceinIslamorthosewhohadprovidedsheltertotheMuslims. HewassimilarlyanxiousaboutthosepersonswhohadembracedIslamandwerefondofpomp andpower. Inanycasehewasafraidofthesepersonsandalsoofthosewhohadbeenwithhimathomeand abroadandduringwarandpeaceandhadaccompaniedhimwhileasleeporawake. Hewasalsoafraidthattheymightnotrecognizethevalueoftheblessingwhichtheyhadacquired andabandonthesublimeobjectiveswhichtheyhadinviewandprefertheworldlybenefitstothe loftycelestialandspiritualobjects.Butforthisanxietyhewouldcertainlyhavejoinedthe 'SupremeCompanion'withasmilingfaceandadisburdenedheartandwouldhaveflownawayto theeternalworld. AsAmmarwasoneofthosepersonswhowereawareoftheanxietyoftheHolyProphet(s)and couldseelikeothersthatafterthedemiseoftheProphet(s)theinheritanceofProphethoodviz. themessageforthecommunicationofwhichhehadbornesomanyhardships,mightbe destroyed,hesaid:"ThesleeplessnessoftheProphet(s)isnotduetothefactthatacaliphwho shouldcomplementthemessageofhisProphethoodisnotavailable;ratherheisawarethata personworthyofCaliphateispresentandAllahtoo,hasorderedhimtointroducethatpersonas thewouldbeCaliphanddeclarehimtobetherulerandtheImam.However,heisinastateof suspenseandperplexitybetweentheDivineCommandandthedeterminationofthehypocrites. AlthoughtheinterestsofIslam,andimplicitlytheinterestsofthepeoplethemselves,demand thatthesamepersonshouldbechosenfortheCaliphatebuttheselfishnessofthepeopleandthe egotismofselfconceitedpersonspreventthisthingbeingputintopractice.Forthisreasonthe HolyProphet(s)hasneithersleptatnightnorrestedduringdaytime".Ammarwasoneofthose personswhoknewthereasonoftheProphet'swakefulnessanduneasinessandwasalsoaware thatassleeplessnesstroubledtheProphet(s)hewasobligedtorisefromhisbedatmidnightorat thetimeofdawnandgotothegraveyardandcomplaintothedeadaboutsomeofthose,who werealive.Inotherwordshecarriedthecomplaintofthealivetothesoulsofthedeadwhichare, inanycase,alive. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AbuMuwaibiha,aslaveoftheProphet(s)narratesthus:"OnenighttheHolyProphet(s)wasvery muchdisturbedonaccountofsleeplessness.Hegotupfromhisbedandproceededtothe graveyard.Healsoorderedmetoaccompanyhim.Bothofuscameoutofthehouseand proceededtoBaqi'ulGharqad,thegraveyardofMadina.WhenwearrivedtheretheProphet(s) stoodinthemiddleofthegraveyardandsaid:"PeacebeuponyouOpeopleofthegraves!You areluckyforyoudidn'tsufferwhatthepeoplearesufferingnow.Troubleshaveappearedlike fragmentsofadarknight.Thelattertroublesaresubservienttotheformerones!Andthelatter troublesareworsethantheformerones!" Itmightbeaskedas,whatwasthegriefwhichmadetheProphet(s)complain?Andwhatsortof complaintwasitwhichwasutteredbyhimaloneandnotbyanyoneelse?Itmightalsobeasked astothereasonfortheProphet'sgreetingthedeadandsaying:Youareluckytohavedied,for youhaveescapedthesetroubles!"Andwhatwerethereactionandtheapostasywhichwas treatedbytheHolyProphet(s)tobeworsethanpolytheism? ThefactisthatnocomplaintasexplicitastheoneaddressedbytheProphet(s)tothedeadhas beenrevealed. JustimaginethatiftheProphet(s)hadgonetothegraveyardalonetomakethecomplaintbefore thedead,wouldhehavefeltafraidofloneliness?Wasitforthisreasonthathetookanotherman withhimself?Idon'tthinkthatanyonewouidentertainsuchamisgivinginhismind.Infactthere isnodoubtthattheobjectoftheProphet'stakingAbuMu'awiyatothegraveyardwithhimself wasthatthemattermightspreadamongthepeopleandberecordedinhistoryandthisbrilliant pictureoftheProphet'stalkingmightbepreservedinhistoryasapartofthepicturesofhis campaigns,andhemightproclaimhisviewsabouttheintentionsoftheselfseekersandthe covetouspersons,whohadinterferedwithhissacredlegacyandhadplannedtoacquirepower becausetheappearanceofthesemischiefsmeantapostasyandreactionwhichwasworsethan polytheism,andagroupofpersonshadignored,thislegacy,whichwasmoredangerousthanthe groupofAbuJahlandAbuSufyan. OneofthegreatestdistinctionspossessedbyAmmarwasthathehadbeenbroughtuptobea juristandascholarTheHolyProphet(s)hadtrainedhiminthebestmannerandhaddeclaredhim tobethespecimenofa'Qur'anicMuslim'. Supplement/1 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    OnaccountoftheseantecedentshisfaithinIslamwasnotmerelyablindfaith.Hence,he possessedathoroughunderstandingandacarefulopinionabouttheappointmenttothe Caliphate.AndkeepingtheserealitiesinviewhefeltthatinthecapacityofafollowerofIslamit wasnecessaryforhimtobeobedienttotheProphet'sspeech,actionsandthoughts,Healso observedthattheviewoftheProphet(s)inthisveryimportantmatterwascertainlyconnected withtherevelationfromAllahandobediencetoHisCommand.Andveryoftenhealsopondered overothermattersfromtheviewpointoftheProphet(s)ofwhichhewasawareandperhaps thoughtthatiftheProphet(s)didnotnominateasuccessoritwouldbejustlikehisnothaving doneanyting! AmmarhadnotacquiredthisviewfromtheProphet,butknewthatitwastheexplanationand interpretationwhichhadbeenrevealedtohimexplicitlybyAllahinthefollowingverse:O Mesenger!MakeknownthatwhichhasbeenrevealedtoyoufromyourLord,forifyoudon't conveyit,youwillnothaveconveyedHismessage.Allahwillprotectyoufrom(themischiefof) thepeople,..... AfterhavingassessedthatCaliphatewasamatterexpresslymentionedinthetextoftheQur'an anddependentonthiscommandandthatthisrealitywasthegistoftheBookandtheSunna,and havingobservedthatthequestionofCaliphatewasoneoftheestablishedfactswhichcouldnot beinterferedwithoralteredevenbytheProphet(s)himselfAmmarrealizedthattheHoly Prophet(s)wasconveyingthisordertothepeopleinthebestpossibleway,andwasmakingsuch effortsforitsenforcementashehadnotmadeinrespectofanyotherorder,Anditoughttohave beenso,becausetheexecutionofallotherorderswasrelatedtothiscommandandifperchance anynegligencetookplaceinthismattertheharmonyofalltheorderswouldhavebeendestroyed andtheDivineCommandswouldhavebeenscatteredanddivided.Butfromwherehecouldfind afriendofIslamwhoshouldhavebeenreallyinterested,sincere,anddevotedandafollowerof thecommands? AmmarcouldobservethattheProphet(s)wassomuchenamouredofthissubjectthathedidnot mentionitonlyonce,inonemanner,andatoneparticularplace,andtime,butrepeateditand conveyedittothepeopletimeandagaininveryskilful,andmosteloquentandpersuasiveways. Hementionedthismattertothepeoplefromtheverycommencementofhismissionuptothe lastmomentofhislifeandconsideredCaliphatetobemeantfor,Aliaccordingtotheexplicittext oftheQur'an. Theannouncementrelatingtothismatterspecificallystartedfromthecommencementofthe ProphethoodwhenAlmightyAllahorderedtheProphet(s)towarnhisnearestkinsfolk,andlasted uptothelastdaywhentheProphet(s)wasinhisdeathbed,Hementionedthisfactinclear termswithregardtoAlioninnumerableoccasionswhetherhewasinthevalleyofAbuTalibin Makkahwhenhismissionhadcommencedorwascoveringthedistancebetweenhishouseand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theMasjidinMadina.Furthermore,hespecificallystatedthattheCaliphateandImamatewasto devolveonthedescendantsofAliandalsomentionedtheirnamesandparticulars. Alltheseconsecutivetexts,whetherQur'anic,asmentionedabove,orintheformofhadithorthe textofGhadir[3]andwhetherintheshapeofspeech,liketheQur'anicandtheProphetictexts,or inmutelanguageasatthetimeoftheProphet'smigrationfromMakkahwhenheplacedatAli's disposalthearticlesleftbythepeopleinhiscustody,forbeingreturnedtothemandaskedhimto sleepinhisbed,andalsowhenAliactedashissuccessorinMadinaandlookedafterpublicaffairs duringhisabsenceinconnectionwiththeBattleofTabuk,orwhenheactedashisspecial representativeandreadoutSurahBari'atbeforethepolytheistsatMakkahatthetimeofHaj, replacingAbuBakr,orwhenhewasentrustedvariousotherassignmentslater;allthesethings indicatedclearlythatnoneofthecompanions,whetherheembracedIslamearlierorlater,was moresuitedforCaliphatethanAli. BytakingintoaccountalltheseexplicittextsandtheclearutterancesoftheProphet(s)regarding nominationtotheCaliphate,Ammarobservedthatthespiritofthesecleartextsdoubly conformedwiththemarksofProphethoodandtheoccultknowledgeofMessengershipand assessedthattheappointmentofAliwithnecessaryproofandimpliedreasonscarried explanationsmuchgreaterthanpropagationandmoreamplethancleartexts,becausethemost sublimefacilityofpropagationis'necessary'proof. InordertoexplainwhathasbeenmentionedaboveitmaybestatedthatfromtheHolyProphet's prophecy,arebelliousgroupwillkillyou,Ammarhaddeducedanindirectauthorityregarding theCaliphateofAli.RatheritmaybesaidthatfromthisindirecttextAmmarhadacquiredan analogyregardingthetextaboutImamAliandhadrealizedthatsuchastatementindicatedthat thecommentatorscouldnotinterpretandexplainthehadithaccordingtotheirownviewsand inclinationsasopposedtowhattheProphet(s)meant. ItmayalsobesaidthatthisindirecttextissimilartotheoneinwhichtheHolyProphet(s)saidto Ayesha:"OHumayra!IPraytoAllahthatyoumaynotbethatwoman".Thisisasentencewhich theProphet(s)utteredaboutoneofhiswivesmeaningthatshewouldrevoltagainstAliand woulddoinjusticetohim,anditreferstothe'BattleoftheCamel'. Furthermore,fromthisindirecttextAmmar'sattentionwasdrawntoanotherhadithofthe Prophet(s)inwhichhesaidtoAliatthetimeofsigningthePeacePactofHudaybiya:"Youtoowill befacedwithasimilarcircumstance".Thishappenedatthetimewhenthepolytheistswantedto concludeapactwiththeProphet(s)anddeclinedtoacknowledgehisProphethood. Ammar,however,rememberedalargenumberofthehadiths(traditions)oftheProphet,which wereindicativeoftheProphet'seffortswithregardtothefutureofAli,andsuchremarksmadeit Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    moreobligatoryfortheMuslims,ascomparedwithcleartexts,tobemindfulabouttheCaliphate ofAli,somuchsothatitmaybesaidthatsupposingthatacleartextonthesubjecthadnotbeen availablethosehadithswouldhavebeensufficientandevenmorehansufficienttoservethe purpose. ItgoeswithoutsayingthatonthebasisofallthesefactsAmmarwassatisfiedthattheHoly Prophet(s)hadnominatedhisCaliphinsuchamannerthatnoonecouldhavetheleastdoubt aboutit. Ammarhadbeenconvincedthatthisnominationhadbeenorderedbysuchasourcethatitcould notberepudiatedbyanyscholarintheislamicsystemandtheregimeofthatgovernment;and timecouldnotmakeanyalterationinitthoughinlateryearsmostoftheMuslimsdisownediton thepretextof'realism'andmadeinterpretationswhichmeantdenialanddeviation. TheDivineCommandandthethinkingoftheProphet(s)waslikethisanditisevidentthatno thinkingorviewcaninterferewithitorchangeit,andifanyoneconsidersanychangeinittobe permissiblehebecomesinvolvedinmistakeandintellectualdeficiency;exceptwhen(Godforbid) itisprovedthattheDivineCommandandthethinkingoftheHolyProphet(s)arewrongand 'realism'iscorrect. Idonotknowif,whenAmmarwasreflectingaboutthesematters,hehadamisgivingonthebasis ofthefirmviewsoftheHolyProphet(s)whetherornottheIslamicgovernmenthadatheocratic aspect. IamalsonotawarewhetheratthismomentAmmarwasthinkingaboutthegovernmental systemsofthePharaohsofEgyptandtherulersofAthensandRome,whichexistedpreviously, andwasassessingthedifferencebetweenthosegovernmentsandthepurenationalcelestial government.Ofcourse,Iamnotawareofit.However,Ammarwasundoubtedlygivingtohimself implicitrepliestothesequestionsandwasassessingandexplainingduringthecourseofhis thinkingthemethodofthedemocraticIslamicgovernmentarisingoutofthedecisionstakenat SaqifaorabetterinterpretationofthatmethodresultinginthenominationofAlibytheHoly Prophet. ThefactisthattheobjectoftheHolyProphet(s)innominatingAliandtheshapeofthe governmentwhichhehadinviewwasnotunderstoodproperly.Andtherewas,ofcourse,no possibilityofitsbeingunderstoodinasocietywhichhadbecomeverycovetous,andinwhich partyspirithadbecomeacute. Itwasonthisaccountthatthesefactorscreatednewpoliticaldifficultiesaboutthetypeof governmentandtheseverypoliticaldifficultiespromptedthosepartiestothinkabout"thetypeof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    government"forwhichtheyhadendeavouredtofindoutawayandanexcuse,andthusevade theorderoftheProphet(s)andtheCaliphateofAli. Forthisreasontheyraisedthequestionsofconsultativecouncilandfamilygovernmentand broughtunderdiscussiontherightofthenationtomakeaselection.However,Ammarhad,with hiscorrectandminuteunderstandingandjudgement,understoodtheviewsoftheHolyProphet (s)aboutthisunceasingdifficulty,andrepelledwiththesameunderstandingandjudgementthe misgivingswhichhadarisenaboutthismatterinthepeople'sminds. Ammar'simplicitreplyaboutthetheocraticgovernmentgovernmentbasedonDivinelawswas toseekhelpfromAllahinrunningthegovernmentiscertainlythebestmessageandthemost expressivegoodtidings,becausesuchagovernmentpreferstheinterestsofthenationtothoseof thefamilies,andgivesthegeneralwelfarepreferenceoverthewelfareoftheindividuals. However,thepeopleingeneralarenotpreparedtorealizethismeaningsothattheymay understandthecommoninterestsproperly. Infact,themassesareinfluencedbythousandsofinternalandexternaleffectivefactorsand theseveryfactorspreventthemfromrealizingandassessingtheirgeneralinterests.Furthermore, thecommonpeoplenotonlydonotthinkaboutgeneralinterestandwelfarebut,astheyarebusy intheusualconditionsintheirdailyaffairs,theyarenotinapositiontorealizethesituationand takeproperdecisionswhentheyarefacedwithcriticalproblems.Moreover,thefactorof prejudiceprevailsoverthemandindividualintellectsauthomaticallybecomesubservientto collectiveintellect,andfalsehoodmanifestsitselfinanattractiveandbrilliantshape. Inanycasetherearemanysuchfactorsundertheinfluenceofwhichtruthcannotbe distinguishedfromfalsehood,andifoccasionallyrightprevailsoverwrongitwillbesomething veryrare.ForthisreasonitwasdecidedaccordingtotheviewpointoftheProphet(s)thatfrom theregionofIslamthereshouldbeanominatedruler,whoshouldremovethesocialdeficiencies, anditisevidentthattheappointmentofsuchapersonbytheProphet(s)wasonaccountofthe distinctions\vhichthatpersonenjoyedinrespectofjustice,knowledge,prudence,selfsacrifice, chastityandselflessness,althoughtheruleofsuchapersonmightmanifestitselfasrulebyan individual.Inthecircumstancessuchapersonwouldhavetherequisitestrengthtoenforcepure Islamicnationallaws,andtoputintopracticetheprogrammeofIslamicGovernmentwhich ensuresthecomfortandwelfareofthesociety. NowfromanothersideallagreedthatAliwasthemostsuitableandimporantpersoninthe Islamicsociety,whocouldlookafterthecommonIslamicinterestsinthebestpossiblemanner andwasthemostcapableofallotherstogiveaconcreteformtotheIslamicspirittheoreticallyas wellaspractically.AndtheHolyProphet(s)couldnotalsoignorethepresenceofsuchaworthy andhighprincipledperson,anddelayhisnomination,keepinginviewthefactthatduringthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    periodofhisProphethoodnoProphet(s)canbeinfluencedbythefactorsofpersonalandfamily inclinations.Hencebytakingintoaccountalltheserealitiesandkeepinginviewallthese establishedelementstheProphet(s)nominatedAlitotheCaliphate. TheProphet(s)abstainedfromreferringthismattertoaconsultativebody,becausehe consideredreferencetoconsultationtobeequivalenttosurrenderingthequestionof governmenttothewavesofaroaringseawhoseshareisnotknown.Heinfactthoughtthatthe undulationsandfluctuationsofthisseawouldmakethematterofgovernmentendindespotism andstubbornnessandwouldeventuallytakeittoafaroffislandandplaceitinthehandsofa rulerwhowouldnothaveany'thinginviewexcepthisowninterest.Inthateventgovernmentwill benominalwithoutanythingsonamedandwithoutanymeanmg. AfterhavingabstainedfromconsultationtheProphet(s)nominatedAlitotheCaliphate,because, asadmittedbyall,Aliwassuperiortoallthecompanionsandhischaracteristictoignorepersonal gainswashisforemostvirtue.HewasamanwhoinherentlypossessedthequalitiesoftheHoly Prophet.HewasamanwhocouldmanagetoestablishtheQur'anicGovernmentandcould maintainpeaceandorderandremovetheobstacles,discriminationsanddifferences. Thefactswerenothiddenfromtheeyesofthepeople,andallthecontemporariesof,Ammar knewthemHowewer,thepartieswhoentertainedprideintheirmindsneglectedtopayheedto thisnobleobject.Therewerealsopersonswho,onaccountoftheirfailingtounderstandIslam properly,wereundertheerroneousimpressionthattheProphet(s)wasalsoonelikethemselves andwantedtopromotetheinterestsofhisfamily,andhadthereforeconfinedrulershiptohis family! Inanycasethiswasthewrongassessmentwhichcreatedawidegapbetweenthewayofthinking oftheHolyProphet(s)andthatofhiscompaniosnandfollowers.Thesepeoplethoughtorwished tothinkthattheCaliphatewaslikeakingdom.Hence,onaccountofthekeeninterestwhichthey hadtoachievethisstatusandtheirpursuitofpersonalgainstheyendeavouredtoattainthis office.However,thevisionoftheProphet(s)wasfreeandextensive,foritworkedforgeneral welfare.InordertoachievethisobjectheselectedAliwhowastheheroofIslam.Incase, however,AbuSufyanhadalsopossessedthiscapabilitytheProphet(s)wouldcertainlyhavekept himinviewandwouldnothavefailedtonominatehim. Themostclearproofofthevastdifferencebetweentheviewsofthisgroupandthoseofthe Prophet(s)isthatafterdeprivingAlioftheCaliphatetheleadersofthisgroupsaid:"TheArabsare notpreparedtoseetheProphethoodandtheCaliphateinonandthesamefamily!"Ofcourse, theexpressionofthisviewwasasortofapologywithwhichtheyimplicitlyshowedoffthespiritof democracyandpretendedthatthewillingnessofthepeopleisaconditionprecedent.Andthese werethedifficultiesandtheexcuseswhichbroughtaboutadeepsplitbetweentheviewpointof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theProphet(s)andthatofthisgroup. ThemembersofthisgroupfailedtoperceivetheviewpointoftheProphet.Hence,iftheyhad ponderedovertheessenceofIslamandhadkeptthecharacteroftheHolyProphet(s)inview theywouldhaverealizedthatIslamforbidsheroworshipandabsoluteruleandestablishmentof afamilygovernment.AndsupposingthattheProphet(s)entertainedsuchanideaheshouldhave nominatedhisuncleAbbasandwouldhavetotallyrefuted,bythismeans,theargumentswhich theopponentsputforwardtodepriveAlioftheCaliphate,becauseAbbas,alongwithbeingoneof hisnearestrelatives,wasneitheryoungnorhadshedthebloodofanyone,andthesewerethe twoobjectionswhichtheopponentsraisedagainstAli.Howeverasamatteroffactthegeneral welfarewastheonlymotivefortheProphet(s)nominatingAli,andtheProphet(s)didnot possessanypersonalchoiceorauthorityinthematterofthisnomination. Arnmarwasscrutinizingtheseeventsstepbystep,andformedopinionsaboutmenandthings withspecialinsight.Hefeltthatthemostimportantandthemosteffectivefactorwhichhad createddeepgapbetweentheviewsoftheHolyProphet(s)andthoseofthemostoftheparties aboutthiscriticalsituationwasthatalargenumberoftheMuhajirsandtheAnsarhadnewly joinedthatmovementandhadhopesanddesiresintheirheartsfromthedaytheyembraced Islamandtheeffortswhichtheymadeearlierinthispathweretoachievetheirownaimsand objects.Hence,whentheysawthatIslamhadmadegreatachievementstheybecameverymuch influencedbytheiroldwaysandhistoricaltraditions.Otherwisewhyshouldtheyhavesaidthat Alihadkilledtheirfathersandtheirsons,whenallknewthatAlineverkilledanyonetotake personalrevenge,andhadnoenmitywithanyone,forhewasonlydischarginghisdutiestowards Allah,therefore,therealkillerofthepersonsconcernedwasIslam. Inanycase,itisundeniablethatifthesepersonshadembracedIslaminapropermanner,they shouldnothavegivenventtotheirgrudgewhichhadbeendeeplyrootedintheirhearts. Evidentlyinthesecircumstancesthepeoplewerenotabletounderstandthesecretofthe Prophet'snominatingAlitotheCaliphateanditwasnaturalthattheProphet(s)wasaccusedof personalinclinationandspecialsentimentsinthismatter. Itwasalsonaturalthatinsuchcircumstancesthosepersonsshouldhavegatheredinameetingso thatAlimightnotassumetheofficeofCaliph,buttheyshouldbecometherulersinthefirst instance,andthentakerevenge,andwhentheyhavesetAlibackandmakeexcusesbeforethe people,saying,"Aliisyoung,AliisinterestedinthefamilyofAbdulMuttalib.Aliisthedestroyerof theArabs".Orthattheymightsay:"Aliisamanoffaith,knowledge,justiceandwarandwasthe foremostinIslam.Butheisnotapolitician". Theywere,however,unawareofthefactthatbysayingthesethingstheyweredoingharmto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    themselves,becausefirstlytheywereOpposingtheHolyProphet(s)andsecondlytheywere utteringwiththeirowntonguesthemostcorrectandthemostlogicalproofsofAli'ssuperiority overthem.Thisissobecausefaith,knowledge,justiceandwarareproofsofthesuperiorityofa rulerorapersonnominatedtorulership.Butwhenonesurrenderstothedefectattributedby themtoAliinthematterofpoliticsitshouldbesaid:"Whentheauthorityandsupremacyofthe advancedIslamicGovernmentisestablishedalldefectscanbeovercome.However,thisgroup consideredgovernmenttobeonlypoliticsandimaginedthatgovernmentmeantpolitics. Furthermore,whenthisdifficultyarisesitshouldbesaid:"Whenthehonesty,justice,knowledge andbraveryofAlihavebeenadmittedhoishedeficientinthematterofthepoliticsoftruth? Ofcourse,Aliabstainedfromfalsehood,intrigueanddeceitandforsookallthesedevilishgifts whichotherswereproudtoown. Nowitshouldbeasked:"Iftheotherpersonsenterthefieldwiththeseweaponsandtakethe governmentintheirhandswillitbeaproofoftheirenjoyingpreferenceandsuperiority?" Thefactisthatiftheopponentshadsuchanobjecttheysucceededinachievingit.However,the pointwhichdeservesconsiderationisthattheHolyProphet(s)nominatedAlifortheCaliphate becauseheknewthatAliwasapersonwhocouldsavethesupportersofsuchideasfrom mistakenpride,andcouldguidethemtothemessageofreparationandamendmentonthebais offaith,knowledge,justiceandwar,andnottothepoliticsofopportunism,allurementandself interest. Perhapsoneofthemostsurprisingoccasionsonwhichapersonresortstosuchexcusesisthathe doesnottakethetroubleofdrawingalogicalconclusionbutsubmitstoaccountability. Furthermore,inthefaceofthefourdistinguishedqualitiesmentionedabove,notevenoneof whichcanbereplacedbyanyvirtue,itwillbequiteeasyintheeyesofthosewhosubmittologic toeliminateorremovethedefectnamed'politics'. Amongthethingssaidonthatdayperhapsthemostadequatelogicalargumentwhichtheyput forthwasthatofconsultation.However,thesupportersofconsultationdidnotshowconstancy evenintheobservanceofthisprinciple,becauseitwasprovedthatbasicallyitwasagainstthe needofthetimetoswearallegiancetoAbuBakr,andtheydidnotthinkitproperlywhentheydid so.AndtheirallegiancetoUmar,too,wasnotconfirmedbyconsultation,becauseittookplaceas aresultofAbuBakr'swill.AndwhatisallthemorestrangeisthatasimilarwillbytheProphet(s) forAlibeinghisWasi(successor)wasrejectedbythem. ThereafterallegiancetoUthmanalsotookplacebymeansofdeceitandendedinthecorruption Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ofthetheoryofelection,becausethisactionwastakeninalimitedgatheringandinan atmospherewhichwasnotfree. LatertheRomansystemofgovernmentbegantobefollowedinthematterofCaliphate.Itspivot wasfamilyinterestandnotthewelfareofthenationortheadvancementofreligion.And eventuallythefactorofconsultationceasedtobeeffective,because,accordingtothetheoretical conceptofIslamitwasopposedtotheviewoftheHolyProphet. AmmarhadnotforgottenthattheProphet(s)madeeffortsindifferentwaysinregardstothe appointmentofAlitotheCaliphateandtheobligationoftheMuslimsinthisregard.Hemadehim eligibleforsuccessionbyallmeansanddidnotcarefortheconsequencesanddifficultiesinvolved inachievingthatend. Hence,inhisownturnAmmarwasalsotreadingthesamepathandkeepinginviewthesame precedentsprofitedfrommanyrealitiesinthisregardandmadehisbesteffortstofulfilhis obligations. AmmarwasparticularaboutthefundamentalsoffaithandtherealprinciplesandbasesofIslamic life,andthefirstrealitywhichdawneduponhimonthisaccountwastheperceptionofthespirit ofIslamwhichisbasedonequality.Hepaidminuteattentiontothetwoelementsofdecencyand goodactswhicharehiddenintheessenceofIslamicequality. ThesecondpointwithregardstoIslamicequalitywasthesubjectoferadicationofpartyspirit, andcampaignagainstthinkingintermsoftribes,andtransformingthesetwothingsintoIslamic brotherhoodandQur'anicinstructioninthemostextensivemeaningsandinthesenseofhuman training,andAmmarmadeseriouseffortstoenforcethisconcept. Ofcourse,iftheMuslimshadreliedonthesetwobasicelementsofIslam,andhadbeensteadfast unanimouslyinthematteroftheiradvancement,theycouldveryeasilycomplywiththe objectivesoftheHolyProphet(s)abouttheCaliphateofAliandwouldhaveremainedimmune fromthesorrowfulmischiefswhichcreatedsuchevilconsequencesinthehistoryofIslamthat theireffectswillcontinuetoexistforever. However,theproblemofsomeofthecompanions,whetherMuhajirsorAnsar,couldbesolvedif theyhadrealizedthisrealityabouttheappointmentofAlitotheCaliphatei.e.iftheyhaddirected theirattentiontothetwoelementsmentionedabovejustasAmmarhadreliedonthesetwo strongelementsandhadfullyperceivedtheDivineaspectintheappointmentofAli. Apartfromthis,payingattentiontotheseverytwoparticularelementshadprovidedinsightand guidancetoAmmarandhehadrelizedthattheIslamicsystemandtheDivineregimehadnottill Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thenmadetherequisiteimpressionontheheartsoftheMuslims,andtheoldtraditionsstillruled overthem,andeveryvoicewhichcameoutofthethroatsoftheconservativepeopleimpressed theirmindslikemagic. Ammarhadcontentedhimselfwiththegeneralandintellectualprinciplesonthesubjecttothis extentandincidentallythekeennessandeffortsoftheProphet(s)duringthelastyearofhislifein connectionwiththeappointmentofAlitotheCaliphatehadalsonotbeenforgottenbyhim. TheHolyProphet(s)endeavouredtoexpressthisviewatdifferentstagesandbyvariousmeans andthemostpatentmanifestationofthisendeavourwasonthedayofGhadirwhenhewas returningfromtheFarewellHaj. ThepositionwassimilartothatwhenhehadurgedtheMuslimstopreparethemselvesforthe battleandhadentrustedthecommandofthearmy,whichincludeddistinguishedMuhajirsand Ansar,toayoungcommandernamedUsamabinZayd.Andthesamewasthecasewhenhe wantedtomakeawillwithregardtothepositionofAliandtowritesomething,sothatthe Muslimsmightnotbemisledafterhisdemise. AllthesethingsbeartestimonytotheintentionoftheProphet(s)tonominateAlitothe Caliphate. Asyouhaveobservedinthischapter,thedayoftheEid(Festival)ofGhadirwascloselyconnected withtheimportanceandgreatnessofIslam.AlthoughthepreviousdeclarationsoftheProphet(s) wereclearandexplicit,andhementionedthismattertohiscompanionsandkinsfolkasandwhen anopportunityoccurred,butonthewholetheactionoftheProphet(s)ontheselineswas receivedintheshapeofaformalactionsothatreferencetotheofficeofCaliphatemightnotbe insuchaformthatitcouldbeexplainedawayandthepeopleshouldnotbeinapositionto escapeit.Itwascategorical. TheHolyProphet(s)couldhearthehummingofthedifferentpartiesfromfarandnearandwas awarethattheyintendedtodenyhisexplicitremarksorwishedtodeviatefromtheircorrect interpretation.He,therefore,decidedtoproclaimthismatterinaformalgatheringandtosilence thesevoices.InthateventthisexplicitproclamationwouldresoundthroughouttheArabian PeninsulaandthisvoicewouldreachthefarthestIslamicterritories. Hence,heinvitedtheMuslimstoundertakethejourneyfortheFarewellHaj.Inresponsetothis specialinvitationasmanyas120,000personsbelongingtodifferentIslamicregionsgotreadyand accompaniedtheProphet. TheProphet(s)performedtheceremoniesofHajand,asorderedbytheAlmightyAllah,kept Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    waiting(forDivinerevelation)tilltheHajcametoanend. Thepilgrimsadoptedvariousrouteswiththeintentionofreturningtotheirhomes,butthe Prophet(s)askedthemtocometoGhadireKhum,sothathemightcommunicatethisimportant mattertothepeopleinageneralgathering. WhenthepeoplegatheredatthispointwithgreateagernesstoheartheDivinerevelationand wereallearstoheartheProphet'smessage,heorderedthatapulpitmightbepreparedforhim withthe.saddlesofthecamels,Thenhemountedthepulpitandspokebrieflyaboutthemost importantreformatoryprogrammeswhichhehadalreadyexecuted,andalsoabouttheorderand disciplinewhichhehadestablishedforthesecurityandcomfortofthesociety.Healso enumeratedonebyonethepastimportanteventsaswellasthemomentousresponsibilities whichhehaddischarged.Allthosepresentconfirmedthathismessagewastrueandhehadduly conveyedittothem. AfterthesepreliminarieswereovertheProphet(s)heldAliwithhistwohandsandraisedhimso thattheblacknessunderhisarmsappearedandthenconfirmedthetextwhichwilllastforever. Hehadnotyetdismountedthepulpitwhenthetidingsofthecelestialrevelationaboutthe appointmentofAlireachedallthosewhowerepresentthere. AtthismomentAlmightyAllahcongratulatedalltheMuslimsforthisgreatcelebrationby revealingthefollowingsacredmandate:ThisdayhaveIperfectedyourreligionandcompletedMy favourstoyouandhavechosenIslamasyourreligion.(SurahalMa'idah,5:3) Ifwenowcastasidethetimefactorfromtheeyesofthespectators,youwillseethatalarge numberofpersonshaveencircledAliandhavedrownedhimingreetingsand,congratulations; AndyouwillalsoseethatAbuBakrandUmarhaveplacedtheirhandsinthehandofAliandare greetinghim,congratulatinghimforacquiringthisofficeandthisDivinerobe,promising assistanceandsayingopenlybeforeallthosepresent:"OAli!Acceptourgreetingsand congratulations,fornowyouhavebecomeourmasteraswellasthemasterofallfaithfulmen andwomen". Itisevidentthatthedeclarationsofthesetwopersonsdonotcarryanymeaningotherthanthe acknowledgementofAli'sCaliphateand,rulershipandcannotbegivenanyothername. AfterthejourneyinconnectionwiththeFarewellHajthemobilizationofUsama'sarmywasthe stepwhichwasaimedatachievingthisveryobject.Andifyouaskmetoprovideproofforit,I shallsay:"ThedecisiontakenbytheHolyProphet(s)toequipthearmyofUsama,andthesteps takeninthisbehalf,wereareplytotheactivitiesofthevariouspartieswhowereopposedtothe declarationofGhadirandhadstarteddisputewithAli.Andinanycasewhatstandsprovedand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    establishedisthatinhislastillnesstheProphet(s)didnotperformthisactforanyotherpurpose buttohelpAli". Supplement/2 InthecircumstancesitcanbeobservedthattheProphet(s)didnotputinasmucheffortinany othermatteroffundamentalimportanceashedidinthiscase.Andfortheachievementofthis objecthehadalsoinviewanotherimportantmatterthathewishedtoestablishtheeligibilityof youngmentoundertakegreatresponsibilitiesandachievehighpositionsinthelightoftheir efficiencyandcompetence,andtoelevateeveryonetoastatusforwhichhedeemedhimfit withouttakinghisageintoaccount.Hence,thepositionbecomesquiteclearandtheintentionof theProphet(s)becomesabundantlyknownwhenheentrustedthecommandofthearmyto youngUsamaandplaceddistinguishedMuhajirsandAnsarlikeAbuBakr,Umar,Abu'Ubaydabin Hajjaj,AbdurRahminbinAwf,Talha,Zubayretcunderhim.AndbyappointingUsama,whose fatherwasaslaveofLadyKhadija,ascommanderofthearmy;theProphet(s)notonlyignored thefactorofage,butalsodisregardedthedistinctionofclassandblood,andtreatedcompetence tobetheonlycriterionforentrustingatasktoanyonehedeemedfit.Hethusmadeitknownto allthatthisandnothingelseistherealandfundamentalprincipleoftrueIslam. Anyhow,byentrustingthecommandtoUsamatheProphet(s)wishedtoputthissacredprinciple intopracticeopenlyandtomakeitknowntoallthatjustasthebasisandfoundationoftrueIslam istherecognitionofsuitabilityandcompetence,andjustasthisprinciplehadbeenobservedin appointingUsamaaCommanderofthearmyregardlessofhisageandblood,thesameprinciple hadalsobeenkeptinviewintheappointmentofAlitotheCaliphate,andthequestionofhisage, orhisQurayshiteorHashimitebloodhadnothingtodowithit,andhadnotbeentakeninto considerationatall. AnotherpointwhichtheProphet(s)hadinviewinconnectionwiththemobilizationofUsama's armywasthathewantedtocleartheatmosphereofthecityofMadinafortheCaliphateofAli andtosendoutofthecityhisopponentsandthosepersons,whocovetedtograbhisofficeand position,sothathemightassumeauthorityattheappropriatetime,andbythetimethearmy returnedfromthefront,AlishouldhavesettledontheseatofCaliphate. Itwasforthisreasonthatevenwhenhewasonhisdeathbedhewasverykeenaboutthe mobilizationofthearmy,andwhenheregainedhissensesthefirstquestionwhichheaskedwas aboutUsama'sarmy.Andwhenhewastoldthatthearmyhadnotmovedtillthenhesaid: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    "Usama'sarmyshouldmoveimmediately.MayAllahcursetheman,whoopposedthe mobilizationofUsama'sarmy".Thenhemovedwithdifficultyand,whileleaningonAbbasandAli andshowinghimselftobehealthy,mountedthepulpitandpersuadedthepeopletomobilize Usama'sarmy,andcursedthosewhodeclinedtojointhearmy. Notwithstandingthisthearmydidnotmove.Alltheeldersofthenationviolatedtheorders, declinedtoserveunderthecommandofUsamaanddelayedmatterstilltheHolyProphet(s) breathedhislast! TheobjectofthewillwhichtheProphet(s)wantedtowriteandsealwasthatbymeansofthis willhewishedtoemployhisfullstrengthandauthorityforconveyingtheDivinemessageoncefor alljustashehaddoneitatGhadireKhum.Inthiswayheintendedtoproclaimhisviewsabout theQur'anandhisownprogenyontheselines:TheHolyQur'anisaBookwhichcomprisesthe generallaws,andtheProphet'sprogenyarethelegalpersonagesandtheenforcingauthority,and evidentlylawshouldbeenforcedthroughparticularpersons.Theyarethelegalpersonagesand theexecutorsofDivineCommands,whocanassumeresponsibilitytoenforcethemandto persuadethepeopletoobservethem.AndintheeyesoftheProphet(s)theQur'anandhis progenyaretwobrancheswhichhavegrownfromthesametreeandareconcomitants.Bothof themoccupysuchapositionthatnoneofthemisindependnetoftheother,andinIslamthey cannotinanywaybeseparatedfromeachother,andtheyhaveassumedsuchaformthattheir unitycannotbedestroyed. Tosumup:whoeverholdsboththebranchesachievesguidanceandsalvation,andwhoever contentshimselfwithanyoneofthemloseseverything,becausethesetwoobjectshavejoined eachotherlikethecomponentsofasinglereality.Inthecaseofachemicalcompositionifoneof thevariousingredientsiseliminatedthecompositionlosesitsproperty.Islamtoohasthesame characteristics.Ifonepartofthiscompositioninignored,itsefficacyisgone. KeepingthisfactinviewtheHolyProphet(s)feltthathisfollowersneeded,morethanmerelaws, thelegalpersonagesi.e.thosewhowereconversantwithlawsandtheirbecomingenforceable dependsontheexistenceofthepeoplewhomightputthemintoforce,andsolongastheyare notmadeenforceableanddonotreachthestageofexecutionneithercananoffenderbe punishednorcanonewhodoesgooddeedsberecompensed. Furthermore,theeducationandtrainingofthepeopleandinculcatingthelegalmaterialinthem isnotpossibleexceptthroughcapablescholarswhosewordsareheardandwhoseordersare binding:Inthecircumstanceswhenthelawsareframedandcompiled,andsincereandinterested personsarenotavailabletoexecuteandenforcethem,theyautomaticallyremainsuspendedand deferred.Thatbeingsotheselawswillneitherpreventcorruptionnorcheckrebellionandcrime.. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ammar,whowasawitnesstothesedevelopments,wastakenabackinconnectionwiththe documentwhichtheProphet(s)wantedtowriteasitshowsallhiseffortsinthepathofguiding andadvisingthepeople.Anditwasstillmoresurprisingtohimthathesawthefollowersofthe Prophet(s)declined,asfaraspossible,toaccepthisadvice. HealsoobservedthatnotwithstandingthefactthattheProphet(s)wasnearingdeathhewas makinghisbesteffortswithfirmdeterminationtocarryouttheDivineCommandandalthoughhe wasgrapplingwithdeathhewasnotafraidofit.Hewas,however,extremelydisturbedashesaw thatdiscordanddisputewouldtakeplaceamonghisfollowersafterisdemise,anditwasonthis accountthathewastryingduringthelastmomentsofhislifetoguideandcounselthepeople. AmmarobservedthattheroomoftheProphet(s)wasfulloftheMuhajirsandtheAnsar,andhis sacredheartwasfullofworriesaboutthequestionofCaliphate,thedestinyofhisprogeny, disturbancesanddestructionofthetracesofhismessage.Theeffortsandworriesofthepeople withregardtothesedifficultieswerenolesserthantheinterestandworriesoftheProphet; thoughtheworriesofthepeoplewereonaccountofdifferentreasonswhichdidnotconform withtheworriesoftheProphet. ThisconditionofworryandagitationcontinuedforsometimetilltheProphet,withared handkerchieftiedtohisheadandaredHazramimantleonhisshoulder,rosefromhisbedwith theassistanceofAli.Thosepresentprotractedtheirnecks,lookedintentlyattheProphet(s)and becameattentivetohearwhathewasgoingtosay. Inthisdilemmatherewereanumberofhearersamongthosepresentforwhomthewordsofthe Prophet(s)weremoreindigestiblethanthenewsofhisdeathandaddedtotheirindignation. DoyouknowwhattheProphet(s)saidatthismomentwithgreatkindnessandlove?Hebeganto speakeloquentlyandsaid:"Opeople!IfeelthatIshallleaveyousoon.Iofferedyouanapology previouslyandtoldsomeimportantthingstoyou.NowbeattentiveandlistentowhatIhaveto say:"IleavetheBookofAllahandmyprogenyamongyouasatrust". ThenheheldthehandofAli,raiseditandsaid:"ThisisAli,whoiswiththeQur'an,andtheQur'an iswithAli.Thesetwowillnotseparatefromeachotheruntiltheymeetmeatthebankofthe FountainofKauthar". BysayingthesewordsandstressingthepointtheProphet(s)entrustedallhisdistinctionsand jurisdictiontoAliandmadeovertohimtheofficeofMastershipwhichincludestheCaliphate. AftermakingthisstatementtheProphet(s)gottiredandreclined.Silencethenprevailedoverthe assembly.Althoughsomeofthehearerswereagreeabletodiebeforethisexplanationthey Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    becameallthemoreagreeabletodieafterhearingthesewords! Howstrange!Notwithstandingthefactthatthesewordswerefullofinsightitseemedthatthey hadfallenondeafearsandhadnotmadeanyimpressiononthem. OAllah!Howdidithappenthattheseexplicitandclearwordsdidnotmakeanyimpressionon theirhearts! Ammarsays:"Thesestatements,likemanyofthepreviousstatementsoftheHolyProphet, enteredthecoreofmyheart;rathertheymadeadeeperimpressiononmeandIwasconvinced thatthereisnofaultordefectinthevoice.Ifthereisanydefect,itisinitsreflection;becausemy soulwhichhasalwaysbeenthirstyofspeakingthetruthandsearchingforthetruthwasgreatly movedbytheimpressivewordsoftheProphet.Thesestatementscametoanend;silence continuedtoprevail.AtthatmomenttheProphet,whohadbecomesilentonaccountof excessivefatigueandannoyance,reclined,andreinvigoratedhimself.Thenhebeganspeaking againandsaid:"BringmeaninkpotandapensothatImaywritesomethingforyouandby possessingthatdocumentyoumaynotgoastrayaftermydeath. Strangelyenoughbeforeanyoneoutoftheassemblygotuptobringaninkpotandapenthe silencewasbrokenandajanglearoseintheassembly. Doyouknowwhatthereasonforthisrudeandchurlishbehaviourwas? ThosepresentwereafraidlesttheProphet(s)shouldreducetowritingwhathehadsaidverbally, forinthateventitwouldnothavebeenpossibleforthemtoexplainawayordenythecontentsof thedocumentappointingAlitotheCaliphate.Theywereanxiousthatsuchadocumentwould closeallpathsforthem. Umar,whobrokethesilenceoftheassembly,saidwithaloudvoice:"Allah'sBookissufficientfor us". TheHolyProphet(s)said:"AliiswiththeQur'anandtheQur'aniswithAli".Bysayingthisthe HolyProphet(s)meantthatAliwasnotseparatefromtheQur'anandtheQur'anwasnot separatefromAli. Umarsaidtothosepresent:"TheProphet(s)isspeakingindelirium(talkingnonsense)".Atthat momenttumultandjanglearoseintheassembly. Oneofthosepresentsaid:"Bringapenandaninkpot". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Anothersaid:"WhatUmarsaysiscorrect". ThereupontheHolyProphet(s)said:"Getoutfromhere,becauseitisnotrighttowrangleand makeanoiseinthepresenceofaProphet". Arnmargotupfromtheassemblyandsaid:"Idon'trememberthatafterAbuJahlanypersonmay haveutteredsuchwordsagainsttheHolyProphet".Headded:"Ineverimaginedthatanephew mightinheritfromhismaternaluncleinthismanner." Ammarwaskeenlyobservingalltheevents,developmentsandtribulationsrelatedtothismatter andevenbeforeclarifyinghispositionbeforethegatheringatSaqifahecameintotherowofthe Shi'aofAliandjoinedSalmanFarsi,AbuzarandMiqdad.Andeveryoneknowshowkeenthe membersofthisgroupwereaboutthesecurityoftheelementsofIslamandhowwiththeir Islamicspirit,whichtheyhadunbibed,bravelyfoughtfortheupliftandsecurityofIslam,somuch sothattheywererecognizedtobethepioneersandvanguardofIslam!Anyhow,theProphet's roomwasclosed.Hewaslyinginhisbedwhilehisdaughterandwiveswereweepingandcrying andAliaswellassomeothermembersofhisfamilyweresittingbyhissidesorrowfuland griefstricken,andwererecitingtheQur'an. AsAliwasverymuchinterestedinthesafetyofthereligionhedidnotpayheedtohisprovedand undeniablerightandendeavouredtoremainalooffromthecampaignwhichmightendin mischief.Hewasawareoftheactivitiesbehindthedoors,thegrudgewhichsurgedupwithinthe parties,thematterswhichtheyexchangedwithoneanother,andthethingswhichtheycoveted. Notwithstandingthishepreferredtoremainsadandnottorisetoclaimhisright,inorderthat Islammightremainsafe. ImamAlireliedonAllahandwassurethathisprovedandundeniablerightwassafewithallthe MuhajirsandtheAnsar,asZubayrbinBakaarsaidabouthim:"Whatisrequiredisthatpeople respectDivineCommandandthewishesoftheHolyProphet(s)andthisrealitywasestablishedin Ali.Forheisnotamanwhowouldcreatetroubletoachievethisendandbecomethesourceof anagitationandrevoltwhichshouldadverselyaffectIslam",Furthermore,hewastheWasiofthe Prophet(s)whohadadvisedhimtoobservepatience,forbearanceandselfsacrificeandto safeguardthehigherinterestsofIslam.ForthisreasonAliremainedpatient,showedforbearance, awaitedthedevelopment,anddidnotmakehasteininvitingthepeopletotakeoathofallegiance tohim,Andnotwithstandingthegreatsadnesswhichhefeltforhishavingbeenseparatedfrom theProphet,heonaccountofhissincerityoffaith,didnottakestepstoclaimhisestablished right.Hewasalsosurethatpeoplewouldnotignorehisright,althoughcertainpartiesmight endeavourtotarnishit.Ofcourse,Abbaswishedtotakeaforwardstepinthisregard.He, therefore,stretchedouthishandsothathemighttaketheoathandthemembersofhisfamily shouldfollowsuitandthemattermightbesettled.But,Alideclinedtoaccepttheoathof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    allegianceofhisuncleandsaidtohim:"Whootherthanuswillriseinsuchamatter?" ThedooroftheHolyProphet'sroomwasclosed,althoughAliandthemembersofhisfamilywere thereroundtheProphet'sbody.Alargenumberofthepeoplehadgatheredoutsidetheroomand whilecryingandlamenting,wereaghastandstupefiedonaccountofthetragedy,becausethey sawthatthepulseoftruthandtheheartofrealityhadceasedtowork.Thepeoplewerepuzzled andbewilderedonaccountoftheterribledisaster,theseriousnessoftheloss,andfearofthe futureevents,andwereattheirwit'send. Umarwasrunninginthemidstofthisgatheringinconfusionandwasshouting.Itseemedthathe wasafraidlestthemattersshouldtakeanundesiredturnandpeopleshouldtakeoathof allegiancetoAli.AbuBakrwasabsentatthisjunctureandwasspendinghistimewithoneofhis wivesinSanah,andUmardidnotknowwhattheendofitwasgoingtobe. It,however,occurredtohimthatheshouldraiseahueandcryandkeepthepeopleoccupied,so thattheymightnottakeanoathofallegiancetoAliandinthemeantimeAbuBakrshouldarrive andtheyshouldchalkoutaprogrammeastowhattheyshoulddo.Althoughjustasitappeared difficultforUmartoachievehisobject,italsoseemeddifficultforAbuBakrtoattainsuchahigh position,stillUmardidnotabandonpursuinghisplan.He,therefore,continuedshoutingand runningabouthitherandthither.Allthosepresentwereoutoftheirwits.Insuchcircumstances everysocietyisrenderedinactiveandpowerlessandinsuchanuproaritbecomespossiblefora leadertostrikethesensitivechordofthepeople,taketheauthorityofthesocietyinhisown handsandrelieveitofirresponsibility. ThepeoplecouldseethataclosecompanionoftheHolyProphet(s)wasraisingahueandcryand sayingloudly:"SomehypocriteshavespreadthenewsthattheProphet(s)ofAllahisdead, whereasIswearbyAllahthatheisnotdead;hehasgonetomeethisLord,justas(Prophet)Musa binImranwenttoseehisLordandremainedawayfromhispeopleforfortynightsandthen, whileitwassaidthathehaddied,hereturnedandjoinedthem.InthecircumstancesIswearby AllahthattheProphet(s)willreturnjustasMusahadreturned."Opeople!Knowandbewarethat whentheProphet(s)returnshewillcutoffthehandsandfeetofthosewhotalknonsenseand saythatheisdead.IfIhearanyonesayingthattheProphetofAllahisdeadIshallchopofhis headwiththissword". Itmaynowbeasked:Insuchanuproarwhatshouldbetheconditionofthepeople,whoare perplexedandstupefiedandarehearingthewordsofaclosecompanionlikeUmar,who threatenswithdeathinaseverereligioustone,those,whoconfirmtheProphet'sdemiseand assuresthemofhisreturn,andatthesametimehearingfromtheProphet'shousethecriesand wailingsofwomen?Evidentlynothingexceptperplexity,irresponsibility,doubtanddenialwould prevailoverthesepeople,anditneedhardlybesaidthatUmar,too,wantedthisandnothingelse. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Supplement/3 UmarclaimedthattheProphet(s)haddisappearedfromamidstthepeopleandproceededona heavenlyjourney.Hence,thecryofUmarandhisthreatscontradictedthecriesandwailingsof theafflictedones,whichcouldbeheardbythepeople,andheclaimedthatspreadingthenewsof theProphet'sdeathwasvainandfutilehypocrisyandamountedtoone'sdenyingthemiracleof ProphethoodandinsultingtheMessengerofAllah! Thesepreliminariesandscenes,whichwerecreated,threwthepeopleintoaterriblereligious blindalley.Allofthemwereterrifiedandthreatenedwithdeathandwererequiredtoadmitthat whathadhappenedwasonlyanoutwardappearance.Theywerealsogiventounderstandthat thehypocriteshadsurroundedtheHolyProphet.Inthecircumstanceswhyshouldtheynothave confirmedwhataclosecompanionwassayinganddisbelievedthattheProphet(s)wouldreturn soon?Inanycase,if,insuchcircumstancesandsituation,thepeoplehadnotconfirmedwhat Umarwassayingthen,besidesthefactthattheywerethreatenedwithdeath,itwouldhave amountedtotheirdenyingamiracleoftheProphet. ThefactisthatUmar,whowasquiteshrewd,availedoftheopportunity,andbymeansofthe talent,whichhepossessedforsubjugatingtheminds,hetookoverthereinsofthethinkingofthe astonishedpeople,imposedhiswillonthose,whohadlosttheirintelligence,andbeganwalking betweenthemandspeakingvociferouslyandcontinuously.EventuallyAbuBakrcamebackfrom SanahandsawUmarinthesamecondition,butdidnotobjecttohim.Ratherhewentstraightto theProphet'shousewithperfectdignity,andentereditafterhavingobtainedpermissiontodo so.HepulledasidethesheetwhichhadbeendrawnontheProphet'ssacredfaceandkissedthe face.ThenheagaindrewthesheetontheProphet'sface,leftthehouseandjoinedothers.He madeasigntoUmartoremainquiet,buthecontinuedtoshout.Thenhesaidtohimexplicitly:"O Umar!Bepatient".However,whenheobservedthatUmarwasnotbecomingsilenthebegan speakinghimself. AtthismomentthepeopleturnedtoAbuBakrandbeganlisteningattentivelytowhathesaid.At theveryoutsetAbuBakrrefutedtheviewpointofhisfriendandsaid:"Opeople!Whoever worshippedMuhammadshouldknowthatMuhammadisdeadandwhoeverisaworshipperof AllahshouldknowthatAllahisaliveandshallneverdie". ThenherecitedthefollowingverseoftheQur'an:Muhammadisbutamessenger,manyother messengershavepassedawaybeforehim.Willitbethat,whenhediesorisslain,youwillturn Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    backtoyourpreIslamicbehaviour?HewhoturnsbackdoesnoharmtoAllah,andAllahwill rewardthethankful.(SurahAleImran,3:144) AbuBakr'sstatementwaslogicalandaccordedwiththefactualpositionandthepeoplewondered astowhytheyhadnotpaidheedtothisestablishedfactearlierandhadnotutteredsuchremarks themselves. AbuBakr'swordswerealsoacceptedbythepeopleastheyweresound,andespeciallybecause theywereutteredafterUmar'shavingputforwardhisviewsovehemently,andrelievedthemof astonishmentandanxiety. Furthermore,thesituationcreatedbyUmarwassuchthatithaddissuadedthepeoplefrom thinkingaboutacalamitylikethedemiseoftheirProphet(s)andtheyhadnoopportunitytothink aboutthelosseswhichtheyhadsufferedonthisaccountandtheevilswhichweretoattendon theminfuture. WearenotawareofthecausewhichpromptedUmartocreatethisanxiety.PossiblywhatUmar desiredwasthatthepeopleshouldbedissuadedfromthinkingthatsuchacalamityhadoccurred. OrperhapsheandotherswishedtodelaythepeopletakingoathofallegiancetoAliandcheck suchanoath.Theiraim,therefore,wasthatthepeopleshouldremaininastateofnonalignment andtheirsensesshouldbeoffthetrack. InanycasewhatisanundeniablefactisthatAbuBakr'ssuccessincontrollingthesituationwas theresultoftheconditionscreatedbyUmar.ItwasinthissensethatifUmarhadnotcreateda doubtinthemindsofthepeopleregardingdivulgingthenewsoftheProphet'sdemiseinsucha rudeandimmodestmanner,andhadnotdivestedthemoftheirperceptionandtruejudgement, andhadnotcreatedsuchastrangeatmosphere,thesituationwouldnothavepermittedAbuBakr tospeakonthesubjectandrelievethepeopleofconsternationandastonishmentandbe introducedasthemanoftheday. DisregardingtheconfusedandcriticalsituationcreatedbyUmaritshouldberememberedthat thewordsutteredbyAbuBakrwerenotnewforthepeopleandeveryoneofthemcould understandthereality,particularlybecauseeveryonewasconvincedthattheProphet(s)had died,andnonetreatedhimasanidol.Rather,everyoneofthempossessedasmuchknowledgeof thetenetsofIslamasAbuBakrdid,andtheyknewthathewasahumanbeingwiththedistinction ofProphethood.Theyweregrievedonaccountofhavingbeenseparatedfromhim.Theywere griefstrickenandthatwasall.Theydidnotthinkofanyreactionorreversiontothewaysoftheir forefathers. ButUmarcameandcreatedthisdoubt.HecalledtheHolyProphet'sdeathamererumourand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    broughtaboutsuchanatmospheretoplaywiththethinkingofthenation,keepthepeopleaway fromtakingoathofallegiancetoAliandincidentallytoattracttheirattentiontothepersonalityof AbuBakr. Itmustbeadmittedthatlikeeveryexperiencedpoliticianwhoisascholaroftwoschoolsof politicsandsocietyUmartookthemaximumadvantageofthesituationandappliedallthe techniquesandrulesrelatedtothesetwosciencestotheeventsofthatday.Itmightpossiblybe saidthat:itisnotimprobablethatthespiritofdisputeandchallengeprevailedinthesituation. ItistruethatduringthedaysoftheHolyProphet(s)somepartieshadplanstokeepAliawayfrom theofficeoftheCaliphate.But,theoathofallegiancetoAlitakenonthedayofGhadir,andthe stepstakenbytheProphet(s)tostabilizeandstrengthenthepositionofhissuccessorbyvarious ordersandregulationsweredifficulttobedefiedanditwasinviewoftheseantecedentsandon thisveryaccountthatAlisaidtohisuncleinconnectionwiththeoathofallegiance:"Whoother thanusistheretopursuethismatter?" Ofcourse,Aliwasawarethatmanypersonsweredesirousofoccupyingthisposition.However,as hispositionhadbeenrecognizedofficiallyandthisofficehadbeenconfirmedforhim,heverywell knewthatitwouldbeverydifficultforotherstoachievetheirpurpose. ItmaybesaidinthisconnectionthatthesteptakenbyUmarinthematterwasaboldand enterprisingone,andheacquittedhimselfwellinthisbehalf,andperformedthisdangerousactin amasterlymannerandpavedthewayforAbuBakronthatgreatday,sothathewasrecognized asthe'champion'or'themanoftheday'inmodernterminology,andcouldenterthefieldfrom thenearestplaceandtheeasiestpath. TheskillandcompetenceofAbuBakrwhichmadehimcommandtherespectofthepeoplewas notdependentuponhisrationalandcorrectstatement,butthesensitivenessofthesituationand timeandagreaterparttoplayinintroducinghimasthe'manoftheday'.Forthisveryreasonhe contentedhimselfwithabriefstatementandleftthegathering.Hisentiredistinctionlayinthe factthatherelievedthepeopleofastonishmentandperplexityandthenleftthemalone,sothat theymightremainoccupiedwiththemselves.Itmayalsobesaidthatthevictoryanddexterityof AbuBakrmostlyarosefromthefactthatheleftthepeopletothemselves,sothathemight dominatethemattheappropriatetime.Itwasforthisreasonthatheleftthemsoonalthoughthe peopleexpectedthathewouldstayonwiththemforalongertimeandremovethelastshadows oftheirastonishmnet. However,AbuBakrdidnotwantthis,butdesiredthatthesignsofastonishmentshouldcontinue toexistforalongertime,sothathemightestablishhispositionasamoderate,influentialand dignifiedpersonpossessingtrueIslamicdistinction.Itwouldappearthatafterhavingacquiredso Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    muchsuccessandadvancementAbuBakrheldthehandofUmarandleftthegatheringfearing thattheadventurousbehaviourandboldnessofUmarmightaffecthisownsuccess,upsethis designanddeprivehimofhisdecisivedelicateattainment. AfterhavingacquiredhispositionamongthepeopleasmentionedaboveAbuBakr,accompanied byUmar,proceededtowardstheMuhajirsandtheAnsarwhoweresittinginfrontofthe Prophet'sMasjid.Hewasawaitingfurtherdevelopmentsandincidentallypretendedthathewas waitingforAlitocomeoutofthehouse,sothathemighttakeoathofallegiancetohim(Ali). AtthismomentthespyofAbuSufyanviz.MughirabinSho'bacametocollectinformation.The objectofMughiraatthistimewasalsotoreadthepeople'smind,andtocreatemischiefinthe interestsofhisparty,sothattheymightdominatethesituation.Immediatelyonhisarrival MughirastoodbehindAbuBakrandUmar,whoweresittingsidebysideandsaidtothem:"What areyoutwosittingherefor?" AbuBakr,whowasawareofthesatanicintentionsoftheUmayyadsandespeciallytheevil designsofthismaliciousperson,knewthathewasaspyoftheUmayyads,saidtohiminreply: "WetwoareawaitingAlitocomeout,sothatwemaytakeoathofallegiancetohim". Mughira,whowasinfactawareoftheintentionsofAbuBakrandUmarsaidtothem:"Doyou wishtogivethesnareofthispreyinthehandsofthisfamily?Itwillbebetterifyouexpanditso thatitmayfindplaceinthehandsofQuraysh".[4] Asthesituationwasdelicate,theopportunitywasnarrowandtheshapeofthesocietywasvery intricate,AbuBakrandUmardidnotgiveanyreplytoMughira,fearingthattheymightcommit somemistake.Atthesametime,however,theykeptthepointinviewthatpossiblytheparties mightbeunitedintheirviewsandmightbethinkingaliketodepriveAlioftheCaliphate,but,on accountoftheirmutualrivalriestheycouldnotagreeuponaparticularperson.Hence,prudence andcaredemandedthatthesetwopersonsshouldkeeptheirviewsconcealed,especiallybecause iftheymadetheirviewsknown,itwaspossiblethatthefactorofquarrelanddisputemight perforcemakesomepartiesjoinAliandbecomehissupportersinoppositionstootherparties. AndthenitwasalsoknownthatonthatoccasionnoneoftheAnsarwaspresent,andobviously theabsenceofthechiefsofthepartyofAnsarwasalsoasourceofanxietytosomeextent. However,asAbuBakrhadalreadyappointedspiesonthemtoinformhimofthedevelopmentshe wassatisfiedonthisaccount.Hewasalsoconvincedthatonaccountoftheirmutualdisputesit wouldnotbepossibleforthemtoarriveatadecisionandeventuallyhehimselfwouldgoand meetthem. InanycaseeverythingwascleartoAbuBakrexceptthathedidnotknowfromwhichpathto enterthefield.Ofcourse,itwaspossibleforAbuBakrtoopenapathforhimself,buttherewasa Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    dangerofthepaththusopenedleadingtohisdefeat.Furthermore,hedidnotwanttoopena pathlesttheothersshouldalsoenterthearenafromthesamepath.EventuallyAbuBakrcameto theconclusionthatifhepostponedactionanddecision,itwouldbepossibleforhimtogainfrom themistakesofothers. However,eventstookplaceasanticipatedbyhim,becausetwoofhisagentsnamed'Uwaymbin Sa'idaandMa'nbinAdyycameuptohimandwhispered:"IfyouaredesirousofCaliphatetake necessarysteps,becauseSa'dbinUbadaisintheSaqifaofBaniSa'idaandisabouttoassume rulership.OnreceivingthisreportAbuBakrproceededtotheSaqifaandUmarfollowedhim.Abu UbaydabinJarrawasalsowalkingbehindthem. WhentheyreachedtheSaqifatheysawthatSa'adhadconcealedhisfaceunderhiscloakinsucha waythathisvoicecouldnotbeheard,andhissonQays,whowasatallman,wasstandingbehind him,andtheywereconversingwitheachother.AlltheAnsarwerealsopresent.However,those amongthem,whowerefaithfulandsincereandwereawareofthecorrectnessoftheclaimofAli totheCaliphate,wereanxiousandperturbedalthoughtheirattachmentwithAliwasnecessarily tothedisadvantageoftheAnsar. GreedyandambitiouspersonssupportedSa'd,andbelievedthatwithSa'dbecomingtherulerthe superiorityofAwsoverKhazrajwouldbecomeanestablishedfact,thoughtheAnsarmightbethe losersonaccountofthissuperiority.AltnoughSa'dcooperatedwithotherpartiesexplicitlyor implicitlyinthematterofdeprivingAlioftheCaliphatehebecameanxiouswhenhecameto knowaboutthearrivalofAbuBakralongwithhistwocompanions. Sa'dhadcooperatedwithotherstoforestalthemandbystealingamarchonothersinthe formationofthecommittee,hethoughtthatbytakingthisstephecouldprevailoverother claimantsoftheCaliphateandovercomeAli.However,theeventsmadehimdesperate. AbuBakrarrivedatamomentwhichwasmostopportunefromtheviewpointofhisinterests,but wasdetrimentaltoSa'd'sinterestsinallrespects. Sa'dcontinuedtalkingwiththeAnsarandwishedthattheymighttakeoathofallegiancetohim. TheconditionofSa'dwassuchthatifAbuBakrhadarrivedalittlelatertheambitiousSa'dwould haveachievedhisobjectandcompromisewouldhavetakenplacebetweenhimandthepeopleof thesuburbs.However,hisbadluckormalevolence(orboth)snatchedawaytheopportunityfrom himandAbuBakrgottheupperhandofthesituation.Atthismomentthematterindispute betweenAbuBakrandSa'dwasthatofobtainingtheCaliphate. Sa'dwasinapositioninwhichheimaginedhimselftobeentitledtoprioritybecauseofhishaving takentheleadandmakinghasteinthematter,andheconsideredthestrengthoftheAnsar,to Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whomtheSaqifabelonged,tobesufficienttoachievehispurpose. AbuBakrtoo,wasnotapersonwhomightberegardedtobecowardlyorthoughtless.However, astheunconsciousmindofSa'dbelievedintheentitlementofAlitotheCaliphate[5]thesame instabilityofmindandlackofdecisivenessbecamethecauseofhisdefeat.Thisconditionwas indicativeofahiddenfactorandaninternalmotivewhichwasnotevidentfromhisambitious countenance,andhadnoeffectonthecourseofevents,andhisdiscussions,andhehimselftoo couldnotreturnfromthegulfinwhichhewasplungedandfromthepathofusurpationofthe rightwhichheintendedtoacquire,andwasobligedtoowntheconsequences,whateverthey mightbe. OnhearingthesewordsfromSa'd,hissonQayssaidtohim:"Didyouhearthesewordsfromthe Prophet(s)andstillignoredtofollowAli?ByAllah,solongasIamaliveIwillnottalktoyou".And hecontinuedthisquarrel. AnotherfactorwhichbroughtaboutthedefeatofSa'dwastheenvyofhistribesmenandfellow citizensandtheavariceoftheintruders.Inanycaseallthesefactorscombinedandresultedinhis defeat. ItwasinsuchafavourableatmospherethatAbuBakrandhistwocompanionsfoundtheirway andmadeeffortswithperfectcareanddeterminationtoachievetheirobject.Umarwantedto speakbutAbuBakrstoppedhim,sayinginadictatorialtone:"Remainsilent". Umar,therefore,keptquietanddidnotsayanything.ThenAbuBakrbeganspeaking,and confirmedthesuperiorityoftheAnsaronaccountoftheirhavingprovidedasylumtotheMuslims andassistingtheMuhajirs.Asregardstherightofrulership,however,heconsideredittobeone ofthespecialrightsofQurayshonthegroundthattheywerethekinsmenoftheHolyProphet(s) andwerethefirsttoassisthim.DuringthecourseofhisspeechAbuBakrpromisedtheAnsarthat theycouldpartakeingovernmentasministers. AbuBakrwasaverymildpersonandspokewithleniencyandgentleness.However,thewayofhis speakingandtheleniencyandgentlenesswhichhedisplayedwasofthetypewhichapowerful rulershowstohiscompanionsandsubordinates.Sa'ddidnotsayanythinginreplytotheremarks ofAbuBakrbutManzarbinHubabspokewithgreatvehemenceonbehalfofSa'd.Headdressed theAnsarandorderedtheminadictatorialmannertoopposeAbuBakrandhistwocompanions andincidentallyremindedthemofthesuperiorityoftheAnsaronaccountoftheirrendering assistancetotheHolyProphet,providingasylumtotheMuhajirs.Atthesametimeheshowed superiorityonaccountofthewealth,numbers,equipmentandnoblenessoftheAnsarandlater transgressedthislimitandexplicitlythreatenedthemsaying,"Don'tlistentothismanandhis companions.ByAllahyouaresuperiortotheminthismatter.Thereweremanywhodidn't embraceIslamexceptatthepointofthesword.Iamthehavenandtheplaceofsafetyforall,and Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    therootandoriginofallpowers.ByAllah,nonecandareopposemeandifanyoneopposesme shallcutoffhisnosewiththissword". Afterthesedisputesandexchangeofwords,Umarbeganspeaking,andafterhimAbuUbayda deliveredaspeech,andrepeatedsimilararguments.NowtheAnsarputforwardthequestionof shareinthegovernmentandsaid:"Thereshouldbeonerulerfromamongstusandanotherfrom amongstQuraysh.Theywereoftheviewthatsuchagovernmentwouldautomaticallybemore suitabletoensurejustice.Andthebasicconditionthereforewasthataguaranteeshouldbe obtainedfromQuraysh,whohadshedtheirbloodinthepathoftheadvancementofIslam, becausetheAnsarwereafraidthatthesenseofrevengemightstirintheheartsofQurayshand theymightcontrolthemeansoflivelihoodoftheAnsarandsubjectthemtofinancialdistress.[6] Umarrejectedthissuggestionandsaid:"Twoswordscannotbeputintoonesheath". However,thedisputerevovedroundonepivotandwassometimesviolentandsometimesmud andgentle. AbuBakrwasafraidlestthemattershouldendinaquarrelandtheopportunitymightbelost,and thisdisputemightendinthesamewayinwhichalldisputesofByzantiumend.He,therefore, beganspeakinghimself.AfterpraisingtheAnsar,hementionedthequestionofsuccessiontothe HolyProphet(s)andremindedthemoftheauthorityenjoyedbytheProphet,andsaidthathis inheritancebelongedtoQurayshandnoneelse.HealsothreatenedtheAnsarincidentallylest,as aresultofusurpingtheauthorityandinheritance,theyshouldlosethespiritualrewardforthe servicesrenderedbythem,andbecomeapostatesasaconsequenceoftheirviolatingthe authorityandinheritanceoftheProphet. AbuBakrexpressedthisviewanddidnotwaitforareply,butsaidinadecisivemanner,pointing towardsUmarandAbuUbayda:"Ihavechosenthesetwopersonsforyou";andthenadded:"You mayselectanyoneofthem".ByexpressingthisviewAbuBakroverpoweredthemeetingandput anendtoallnoiseandcontention. EvidentlytheobjectofAbuBakrinproposingthesetwopersonsandaskingthepeopletotake oathofallegiancetothemwasthattheoathshouldbetakentohim,andthesamething happened,becauseUmarstretchedhishandtoAbuBakratonce,andtooktheoathtohim.After UmartheoathwastakenbyBashirbinSa'dKhazrajiandthenbyUsaydbinKhuzayrUwaysiwho werefriendsofAbuBakrinthearmyofUsama.Thesetwopersonshadpreviouslybeenrivalsof Sa'dbinUbadaandhadbeenenviousofhim.Asaresultoftheoathtakenbythesetwopersons thefrontoftheAnsarsustaineddefeatandnoneoutofthemwasleftthereexceptHubabwho drewhisswordandintendedtoattack.However,thepeopleoverpoweredanddisarmedhim. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AfterhavingbeenoverpoweredHubabtook,offhisgarmentandstruckwiththatverygarmenton theheadsandfacesofthosewhohadtakentheoathofallegiance,andabusedthem. Supplement/4 InthemeantimeSa'dsaidtoAbuBakr:"IswearbyAllahthatifIhadpossessedstrengthyou wouldhaveseenthatIwouldhaveactedinsuchawaythatyouandyourfriendswouldhavebeen turnedoutofthisplace,andyouwouldhavegonetotheplacewhereyouwouldhavebeena subordinateasbefore,andnotaleader,andwouldhavelivedinobscurityandnotasarespected andhonouredperson".ThenhewasledoutofthemeetingandotherAnsarbegantakingoathof allegiance. AtthismomentHubabstruckonthefacesofotherswiththesamegarmentwhichheheldinhis handandabusedthem.Afterthisboisterousquarrel,however,hecouldnotdoanything. Anoisewasheardfromthemasjidresemblingthatofthecelebrationofamarriage.Aliwhowas sittingbythesideofthesacredbodyoftheProphet,drownedingrief,wassuprisedtohearthis jubilationandasked:HastheHolyProphet(s)returnedandwearenotawareofitorhavethe peopleresortedtomerrymakingonaccountofthissadoccurrence? ThereplygiventoAliwastothiseffect:ContentiontookplaceinSaqifabetweentheAnsarand theMuhajirsinthematterofCaliphateandAbuBakrwasthewinner.ForthisreasonAbuBakris beingcarriedontheshouldersofthelackeys,andeverypasserbyisbeingpersuadedtotakeoath ofallegiancetohim.ThehandofAbuBakrisbeingbroughtincontactwiththehandsofothersas atokenofacceptanceoftheoath,andthisprocesshasdeprivedthepeopleofsecurity. Ifitisimaginedthatitmaybepossibleforapersoninthemostcriticalcircumstancestogivea smilemingledwithgriefitmaybesupposedthatonhearingthisnewsAligavesuchasmileora scornfullaughandthattoocoupledwiththepeaceofmindanddignityindicativeofsupreme degreeofmagnanimity. NotwithstandingthefactthatAlididnotfavouranythingotherthantruthandrealityheasked againquiteimpartially,likeajustarbiter:"WhatdidtheAnsarsay?"Hewasinformedthatthey said:Onerulershouldbefromamongstyouandanotherfromamongstus. ThenAlisaid:"WasnoargumentputforwardagainstthemandwasitnotsaidthattheHoly Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Prophet(s)hadwilledthatfavourshouldbedonetothosewhoaregoodandtheirsinnersshould beexcused?" Aliwasasked:"Whatproofcanbeadducedfromthispoint?"Hereplied:"IftheImamateand rulershiphadfallenintheirhandstheywouldnothaveneededanexplanation".Thenheasked: "WhatdidQurayshsay?"HewasinformedthattheargumentofQurayshwasthattheywerethe "tree"oftheHolyProphet.CommentingonthisargumentAlisaid:"Theyarguedwithregardto thetreeofProphethoodbutwasteditsfruit!" Withthisbriefstatementwhichisrepletewithknowledge,wisdomandmagnanimityAli manifestedtherealityaboutthismatterandthencontinuedrecitingtheHolyQur'analongwith hiskinsmenandfollowers. Ammartoowasamemberofthisgatheringandallthosepresenthadafeelingofexcessive remorseandsurpriseonaccountofthisoccurrence.Theywereextremelyannoyedandwhile theireyeswerefixedonAli'sfacewereawaitinghispermissiontomoveandrise.Theydidnot, however,perceiveaninclinationfromhissideforanysuchactionandhewasbusyrecitingthe Qur'anasusualwithdeepgriefandwithoutpayinganyheedtowhatotherswerethinking. Ofcourse,inthesenewcircumstancestherewerepersonsbelongingtofarandnearplaces,who pickedupcouragetoapproachhimandkeepinginviewtheirownstrengthforfightingofwhich theywereconscious,theysoughthispermissiontoinitiateactionandpredictedtheirsurevictory, butImamAlisilencedthemwithperfectprudenceandcomposureandsaid:"Itissufficientforus thatreligionremainsintact. PossiblyAliwasawareofhisownstrengthtofacethecampaign,buthepossessedmuchdeeper insighttodiscernthegreatresponsibilitywhichdevolveduponhim,andtheresultsofthe campaignwhichwasbeingsuggestedtohim,andcouldassessitsoutcomemuchbetterthan others.Itwasforthisreasonthathesaidbriefly:"Itissufficientforusthatreligionremains intact". Inanycasekeennesstodeludethepeople,quicknessinacquiringrulershipanddeprivingBani HashimoftheCaliphatewasnotpeculiartoQuraysh,forthecurrentfeelingwasthatmostofthe deprivedpeopleweretryingthroughintimidationandthreatstotakethereinsofgovernmentin theirownhands.FurthermoretherewerepersonsevenamongstQurayshwho,afterdeprivingAli fromtheCaliphate,consideredthemselvessuperiortoAbuBakrforthatoffice. Inshortthethinkingwhichprevailedoverthepeopleinthosedayswasmerelythatoffamilies andtribes,becausetheoldrivalrieswererevivedamongthem.Aliwasverymuchgrievedand anxiousonthisaccountandwasobligedtomakeselfsacrificeandstayathome.Nonewasmore Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    awareofthisnatureandhabitofAlithanAbuBakrandUmarandthey,therefore,tookmaximum advantageofhisleniency,gentlenessandcoolness. TheUmayyadparty,whichplayedamajorroleindeprivingAlioftheCaliphatethananyother party,hopedthatonedaytheywouldgetanopportunityandinstallUthmanorAbdurRahman bin'Awftheruler.InthesamewaytheAnsartooeagerlydesiredtoattainrulership. AbuSufyanwasactiveatthebackoftheUmayyadpartyandwasworkingforthebenefitof UthmanandAbdurRahmanbin'Awf.HeimaginedthatthecontentionbetweentheAnsarand AbuBakr,whoattackedandcounterattackedeachother,wouldcontinue,andthefieldofstrife wouldextend,andconsequentlythetwofamiliesofTaymandAdyy,whowerethelargest amongstQuraysh,wouldcomeatthehelmofaffairs. Ofcourse,intheactivitiesandeffortsconductedbytheUmayyadpartyIslamwasofno consequence;fortheirplatformwasfoundedonpartyspiritandtheirobjectwastomake mischief. Forthisreason,justasbeforetheadventofIslam,QurayshusedtositingroupsroundtheKa'ba andarrangedtheirassemblies,theUmayyadpartynowsatintheProphet'sMasjidbythesideof UthmanandBanuZohra,andsurroundedAbdurRahman. InthemeantimeAbuSufyanwentroundthestreetsofMadinaandpropagatedinfavourofAli. However,thepeoplewerewaitingforAlitotakehisstand,sothattheymightnotbedeceivedby anotherpersonwhomisusedhisname.Incidentally,peoplestoodforewarnedandwerecareful onaccountofthefactthatpreviouslyUmarhadthreatenedthemandpreventedthemfrom takinganyaction,andhadpromisedthereturnoftheHolyProphet.However,AbuSufyanwho hadintrudedeverywherereachedthedoorofahouseinwhichAliwaspresent.Hethenrecited thefollowingcouplet: "OBaniHashim!Donotinvitethepeople,especiallyTaymbinMurraorAdyytopartakein government,becausenoneexceptyouarefitforrulershipandthisofficeisspeciallymeantfor AbulHasan(Ali). OAbulHasan!Takethisofficefirmlyinyourhandswithgreatprudenceandcare,becauseforthis objectofdesire(onwhichallhavefixedtheireyes)yoursuitabilityandfitnessisestablishedand confirmed". ThenAbuSufyanenteredthehouseandsaid:"OAbulHasan!StretchyourhandsothatImaytake oathofallegiancetoyou.ByAllah,ifyousodesireIshallfillthecityofMadinawithmounted soldiersandinfantrymenandshallusethemagainstyouropponents". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    However,Alideclinedtostretchhishandandkeepinginviewtheprotectionofthebasicideas andprinciplesheignoredhispersonalinterestandsaid:"Idon'tstandinneedofyouroathof allegiance;yourpurposeistocreatedisturbanceandmischief.Previouslyyouusedtocreate troublesforIslam.NowImustaskyouifyouwanttocreatesimilartroubleinIslamasyoucreated duringthetimeofignorance! AlthoughAbuSufyanhadbeendisappointedsofarasAliwasconcerned,buthehadnotlosthope abouttheachievementofhisobjectandapproachedeveryoneinthatbehalf;and notwithstandingthefactthatheknewthatAbbasconsideredrulershipandchiefdomtobethe rightofhisnephewAliandrespectedhim,hewentuptohimtoachievehisendthroughhim. WhenAbuSufyanreachedinthepresenceofAbbasandofferedtotakeoathofallegiancetohim, Abbassaid: "OAbuSufyan!MayAllahreformyou?Don'tyouknowthatmynephewismychief?Approach himtotakeoathofallegiance.Ishallfollowyou".Hesaid:"IapproachedAlibutherejectedmy offer. Abbaslaughedandsaid:"Iproposedtotakeoathofallegiancetohimearlierthanyoudid,buthe didn'tacceptmyoffer,becausetheProphet(s)orderedhimtoobservepatience,andheis steadfastwithregardtothepromisemadebyhimtotheProphet(s)andispreparedtosacrifice hisofficeandpositionforthesakeofIslam,sothatIslammayremainsafe.Moreover,Aliisa personwhoconformshisprinciplesandintellectualelementstotheteachingsofIslam.Inthe circumstancesAbbastooisnotapersonwhomayseeksomethingwhichisavoidedbyAli". AbuSufyanhadrealizedthatinthosedaystherewasnochanceforanyoneexceptAlitobe victorious.Hence,itwasnaturalthatafterhavinglosthopeoftakingoathofallegiancetoAlihe shouldhavereturnedtohisparty,busiedhimselfinchalkingoutnewplans,andspenthistimein hisnesttillhefoundafavourableopportunity. AtthatverymomentUmararrivedinthemasjid,contactedthesetwocirclesandpersuadedthem totakeoathofallegiancetoAbuBakr. ThemembersofthiscirclealsotooktheoathknowingthatAli'srefusaltoaccepttheoathof allegiancewasconsideredtobethestrongestbasisfortakingsuchanoathtoAbuBakranditis possiblethatthesepersonswerenotunawarethatthereasonforAli'sconfininghimselftohis housewashiskeendesirethatallshouldbeunitedagainstthereactionarytendencyandapostasy oftheArabswhichhadbeenformedoutsideMadina.AndifAlihadrisenitwouldhavebeen necessaryforhimtofightagainstthisstrongpartyandthereisnodoubtthatsuchanactionwould Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    havebenefitedthereactionariesandapostatesoutsideMadina:andthelightofIslamwouldhave beenextinguished. However,asintheeyesofAlitheinterestsofIslamenjoyedpriorityoverhisownright,the disturbedandconfusedconditionsoftheseenvironmentsobligedhimtoconfinehimselftohis houseandtoignorehisright. Anyhow,thebodyoftheProphet(s)hadbeehlyingohhisbedfortwodaysandthepeople contendedwithoneanotherabouthisinheritanceandarguedagainstandfloggedoneanotherin hisnamewhilehehimselfwasrestinginthemidstofhisrealsuccessors;Thewomenofthe Prophet'sfamilywerewailingandcryingwhertasthemenwerebusyprayingtoAllahandreciting theQur'an. AfterthepeoplehadbecomefreefromtheirworkAligotuptobathethebodyoftheProphet.He wasaccompaniedbyhisuncleAbbasandthetwosonsofhisuhclenamedFazalandQashm,and UsamabinZaydandShaqran,theslaveoftheProphet. AlipersonallybathedthebodyoftheProphet(s)andaskedUsamaandShaqrantopourwater. AlididnotremovetheProphet'sshirtfromhisbodyandafterhavingbathedhimofferedhis funeralprayers.ThenthecorpsewastakenintothechamberandtheMuslims,includingmen, womenandchildren,wentthereingroupstobidhimfarewell. Afterthefarewellceremonies,theHolyProphet(s)wasburiedduringthenightofWednesday, thefourteenthofRabialawwal,attheplacewherehehadbeenlyingillhisbed. OnthefollowingdaythecityofMadinawasfacedwithatragedywhichmadethepeopleforget thedemiseoftheProphet. ItwasseenthatthethresholdofthehouseofFatima,thedearestdaughteroftheProphet(s)and thechiefofwomeninboththeworlds,wassetonfire.Thepeoplesawthatapolicepartyheaded byUmarbinKhattabhadsurroundedthissacredhouse.TheyalsosawthatFatimahadbeen besiegedwithinthedoorandthefourwallsofthehouse,andtheswordbeltorturbanofAlihad beentiedroundhisneckandhewasbeingdragged! Mostoftheseactionswereintolerable,butwhatcouldbedone?Thesewerethegeneralorders andinmoderntermtheordersofthemilitarygovernment. Thedetailsoftheincidentareasfollows:OnthedayfollowingtheburialoftheProphet(s),Umar binKhattabwenttoseeAbuBakrandsaidthatKhalidbinWalidfromamongstQurayshandUsayd Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    binKhuzayrfromamongsttheAnsar,andsomeothersattachedtothenewgovernmentwere present,andweretalkingaboutthepositionoftheimportantandinfluentialpersonalitiesandthe leadersofthose,whohaddeclinedtotaketheoathofallegiance,andthediscussionmostly relatedtoAliandSa'dbinUbada. Umarwasoftheviewthatseverestactionmightbetakenagainstthesetwopersonsandthey mightbesummonedandbeheadedincasetheydeclinedtotaketheoathofallegiance: OneofthosepresentwasoftheviewthatSa'dmightbeexcused,becauseaftertheAnsarhad takentheoath,hisrefusaltodoitdidnotentailanydangerandtakingsevereactionagainsthim wouldbesomethingdangerous.HeaddedthatwhileSa'dwasnotpreparedtotaketheoath,he couldnotbekilledunlesshissonswerekilledfirst,andhissonscouldnotbekilledunlessthe membersofKhazrajtribewerekilled,andevenifthey(Khazrajites)werekilled,thenew governmentanditssupporterswouldnotbesafefromthetribeofBani'Aws. Thesamespeakeraddingfueltotheflamesfurthersaid:"AndbesidesallthisSa'diswaitingfor someonetomolesthim,sothathemaymakeitanexcusefordeclaringwar.However,supposeAli hadbeenfurious,thesituationwouldhavebeenmoredangerous.Butthefactisthathis knowledge,forbearanceandwisdom,andhislovefor,publicwelfare,restrainhimfromshowing hisindignationinthishouseandtakingasevereaction.Thesamemotiveswhichpreventedhim frominvitingthepeopletohissideforhispersonalinterestwillalsonotpermithimtoriseor createdisturbance.Forthisveryreasonitwillbebetterifyoufirstobtainoathofallegiancefrom him,andyoushouldrestassuredthatyouwillremainsafefromhiswrath.Andafterhehastaken theoaththerefusalbySa'dandotherslikehimwillbeofnoconsequenceandtheoathbyAliwill beequivalenttooathbyalltheMuslims. ConsequentuponthesediscussionsAbuBakrsentsomeonetoAliandcalledhim,butAlideclined togoandsaidtothemessenger:TellAbuBakrthatIamcollectingandcompilingtheHolyQur'an andamendeavouringtocompletethistaskbeforeanychangesaremadeinit,orthelapseof timeallowsanyencroachmentonthisHolyBook.AndIhavedecidednottogooutofmyhouse untilIhavecollectedandcompiledtheQur'an,nortoplaceacloakonmyshouldertillthattime. AbuBakragainsentsomeonetosummonAli,butthistimealsoAlideclinedtogoandremained inhishouse. AtthisjunctureUmarvolunteeredtobringAlibyforce.AbuBakrorderedKhalidbinWalid,Usayd andsomepolicementoaccompanyUmar. AnyhowthisopenandundisguisedattackwasconductedunderthecommandofAbuHafs.While somepersonswerewalkingbehindUmarandothersinfrontofhimtheyproceededtothehouse ofAliinathreateningandintimidatingmanner.SomeslavesliketheformerslavesofAbuJahl Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    werewalkinginfrontofthemwithsticksandburningfire,andvulgarpersonsofvariouskindslike thevulgarpersonsofHarthbinNusayralsosetmoving,Whentheinvadersreachedthedoorof thehouseofAliandkindledafirethereitwassaidtoUmar: "OAbuHafs!Whatareyoudoing?" Umarreplied:"ByAllah!Ifhedoesn'tcomeoutofthehouseanddoesn'ttaketheoathof allegianceIshallsetthehouseonfire"AtthismomentUmarwasreminded:"ButFatimaisinthis house''. Umarsaid:"Although.. InanycaseUmarsucceededinbringingAlioutofthehouseandmanagedtotakehimtothe masjid. AlthoughthisactionhadassumedanindecentandsadplightbuttheforbearanceofAliprevented himfromshowinganyreaction.Andnodoubttheregulationsofthemilitarygovernmentalso demandedthis. NotwithstandingallthisUmardidnotsucceedinobtainingtheoathfromAli.Itwashowever decidedthattheceremonyoftakingoathofallegiancefromAlimightbedeferredtoalaterday whenmorepersonswerepresentinthemasjid.OnthatdayAliwastocomealongwithFatima andthesetwopersonsmightexpresstheirviews(whichwereliketheviewsoftheHolyProphet) andwereequivalenttotheviewsofthousandsofthosepersonswhoweredisturbedonaccount ofthistragiceventandwerespendingtheirdaysrestlesslyunderitspressure. TheappointeddayarrivedandinthisnewatmosphereAligotanopportunitytoputforwardhis case.JustasAbuBakrhadadvancedargumentsbeforetheAnsar,hetooshouldplacebeforeAbu Bakrandotherspresentinthemasjid,hisownargumentswhichwerebasedontruth,knowledge, logicandmoderateness,whichwerenotdeniedbyanyoneofthosepresent. ThisveryfavourableatmospherewasfoundbyladyFatimaZahraalsointhismannerthata curtainwashangedbetweenherandthepeople,andshenarratedthestoryofIslamwordfor wordandstagebystage,andexplainedallitssecretsandmysteriestillthematterendedwiththe problemoftheday,andthenewrulerwasidentifiedtobeausurperandthegeneralpublicwas alsoreckonedtobereactionariesandapostates.Sheadducedabundantargumentstoprovethis andmadethefollowingdeclarationinthelightofthesedecisivearguments:"Myfatherdidn'tdie onthedayonwhichhissoullefthisbody.Ratherhediedonthedayonwhichanotherpersonsat onthispulpit,andthatpersonisnotfittoacquirethispositionandnorightorruleentitlessucha persontooccupythisposition". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThenFatimaZahrabeginreprovingandblamingtheAnsar,andcondemnedthegeneralpublic, whorefrainedfromsupportingtherightofherhusbandandfeignedignoranceofthe appointmentofwhichtheywereaware. Intheendshespokethusregardinghonouringtruthandexpressingrespectforrightandreality: "Opeople!Keepinginviewtheknowledgeandinformationof,andperfectacquaintancewith,the conditionswhichIpossess,andtakingintoaccounttheweaknessofspiritandfaithwhichhas overtakenyou,Icanverywellperceiveinwhatdisgrace,hardship,abjectness,andshameyou havebecomeinvolved.IhavesaidwhatIoughttohavesaid,andIsayagain;nowitmaybeso thatyoumayassumecontroloverthismount(caliphateandrulership)andputonitsback whateveryoupossess.However,youshouldknowthatitisacamelwhosebackiswoundedand whosefeetaresmashed,anditisawearymount.Thismountwillalwaysbearthescarsofshame anddisgraceandthesignofinfamy!Anditisthisverymountwhichwillcarryyoutowardsthe glowingDivinefire,whichblazesupinthehearts.However,ifyouandallotherhumanbeingsin theworldbecomeinfidelsitdoesnotmatter,becauseAllahisfreefromwantandis Praiseworthy. Thevoicewhichwasreverberatedinthismannerwasareactiontotherudenessandharshaction ofUmar.Andincasethewisdom,forbearanceandselfcontrolofAlihadnotbeenatworkthe historyofMadinawouldcertainlyhaverunintoanotherchannelatthiscriticalmomentandthe conditionsandcircumstancesofthiscitywoulddecidedlyhaveassumedadifferentshape. Ofcourse,thefactisthatUmar'sactionincommittingthiserroronthatparticularinauspicious dayintheshapeofbreakingtheribofZahraandpullingAlitothemasjidinthatrudemanner,and kindlingfireinfrontoftheirhouse,waslikeaveryheavyburden,whichwasbeingplacedonthe intellectsandthinkingofthepeople,andthepeopledidnotpossesspatiencetobearit,because AliwasSayfullah(theSwordofAllah)anddeputy,andFatimawasthedearestdaughterofthe HolyProphet(s)andchiefofthewomeninboththeworlds,andthehouseofthiscouplewasthe centralpointofthehopesofthepeopleandfocusoftheloveandattachmentofallthebelievers. ObviouslytheoccurrenceofeveryoneofthesetragiceventsandcalamitieswhichtheMuslims observedwiththeirowneyesshookthepeopleinsuchawaythatitmightbesaidthattheir entirethoughtsandintellectswerefacedwithasevereearthquake. Supplement/5

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    WhatfactorcouldbestrongerandwhateventcouldbestrangerforshakingtheIslamicbeliefof thepeopleofthattimethanthatapersonlikeUmarshouldattackthehouseofAliwithsuch violence,whenfromeveryreckoningandineveryrespecttherewasaworldofdifference betweenthesetwopersonalities.AnditwasUmarwhohadmentionedthisgreatdifference betweenhisownpersonalityandthatofAliinthesewords:"DuringthedaysoftheHolyProphet (s)welookedatAliinawayasifwewerelookingatastaratitszenith.Andagaininthosevery daysalsothepositionofAliintheeyesofthepeoplevisavisUmar,apartfromhisproximityand bloodrelationshipwiththeProphet(s)andotherthingscommonwithhim,shonelikeastarover theheadofUmarintheskyofdignityfromthepointofviewofprecedence,jihad,selfsacrifice, knowledgeandjustice,andallclassesofpeople,whethertheMuhajirsortheAnsar,whetherthe strongortheweak,whethertheMuslimsorthenonMuslimsandwhetherthetruebelieversor thehypocrites,acknowledgedthesespecialfeaturesofAli.Inthecircumstancesitwouldnotbe somethingstrangeiftreatingAliwithsuchinsolencemighthavecreateddoubtsinthemindsof thepeopleofMadinaandaffectedtheirintellects. AmmarinvestigatedintoallthestagesinthelightoftheHolyProphet'sremarksandcametothe conclusionthataccordingtoallthoseversionsAliistheleaderandtheruler;andwhenhestudied theconditionsofthepoliticalpartieshesawthatallthepartieshadassumedapoliticalbias, exceptthepiouspartywhosemembershadbrotherlyrelationswithAli.ForthisreasonAmmar preferredthispartytoothersandjoinedit. Beforejoiningthispartyhetookalleventualitiesintoconsiderationandbecamereadytomake sacrificesfortheachievementoftheobjectsofthisparty.Healsopreparedhimselfforthe hardshipswhichhewaslikelytosufferbytreadingonthispath. However,ithadnotoccurredtohimatanytimethatimmediatelyafterparticipationinthe mourningoftheProphet,AliandZahrawouldbefacedwithsuchacalamityandtroubleandthe skywouldnotfallontheearth,theearthandthestarswouldnotbeshatteredandwouldnot flingtheinhabitantsofthisglobetoanunknownpointintheinfinitespace.Orthatastormlike thatinthedaysofthepeopleof'Ad'wouldnotcome,andviolentwindwouldnotbeginblowing anddestroyallthepeople! WhenAliwasarrested,Ammarwaswatchingthepeopleandtheconditionsverycarefully,and whenUmarapproachedthere,he(Ammar)alsofollowedotherpersonswhohadriseninsupport ofAli,andwishedtocooperatewiththem.However,whenhelookedatAli'sfaceintentlyhefelt thatAlididnotapproveoftherisingofthepeople,andalthoughhewasbeingdraggedtothe masjidhewasgoingthereandwasnotinanywayresistinghisenemies. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    InthesecircumstancesAmmarsaidtohimself:"WoebetoAmmar!IfAliistheImam,and undoubtedlyandinfactAliandnoneelseistheImam,whyshouldInotdefendtheImam?IfAliis reallytheImam;undoubtedlyitisonlyhewhoistheImam.SowhydoesAllahnotbecomeangry andkillthesepersonswhoareoppressinghim?WhydoesAllahnotordermetorisealongwithall godlypersonsandresorttofighting?IfAliisreallytheImam,theguideandtherulerwheninfact heis,thenwhyarethesepersonsputtingupanaffectedlookathim,andwhyaretheystaringly lookingathim.AndifAlibereallytheImam,andinfactheistheImam,thenwhatisthemeaning ofIslaminthesepresentcircumstances.BywhatmeansshouldweinterpretthewordsoftheHoly Prophet(s)withregardtoAliandhowshouldweunderstandhisinterestinconsideringAli preferabletoandbetterthanothers?" ThenAmmarquestionedhimselfandsaid:AmIaloneabelieverandareallotherpeoples atheistsandstrangerstofaith?Orisitsothatfaithisaneasy,simple,softandmildthingwhichis beingtakenandinterpretedbythepeopleaccordingtotheirowninterests?Sohowisour adversityandtemptationbeingdeterminedandwhyarewecourtingdeathinthismanner?" Ammarknewtherepliestothesequestionsverywellsinceoldentimesandtheywerenotnewfor him.Whenhewasonlytwentyheknewthesemattersandhaddiscussionswithhisfatherabout them,forhesawthattheHolyProphet(s)wasindanger,butinspiteofthathedidnotdefend himself,andAllah,too,wasnotangrywithhisenemiesanddidnotdestroythem.Fearingtrouble, theProphet(s)neitherplanneddefenceforhimself,norpermittedhiscompanionstodefendhim. HealsosawthattheProphet(s)andhiscompanionswereintheminorityandtheirenemieswere inthemajority.AndsimilarlyAmmarknewverywellthatIslamaccordedprecedencetoAli whereasthepartieshadpushedhimback. HealsoknewthatAli'sbeingpushedbackbythepartiesinspiteofhishavingbeenaccorded precedencebyIslamdidnoharmeithertoAliortothespiritofIslamandhispushingbackwould resultinlosstothepartiesthemselves.BesidesthisAmmarknewalready,andhadnodoubt aboutit,thatifthebelieversbeingsmallinnumberwasnotaproofofthecorrectnessofthefaith itwasalsonotaproofofitsfalsity,andhowmuchsoeverhypocrisymightprevailandthe numberofthehypocritesmightincrease,eveniftheydonotacknowledgetheabominationand indecencyofhypocrisy,itwouldneverbeaproofofitscorrectness. Arnmarhadfullknowledgeofallthesequestionsandrepliesandhadalreadylearntallthese mattersbyexperience.However,thistragedyhadplacedaheavyburdenonhisheartwhichhe wasunabletobear.Theworldhadbecomedarkinhiseyes,asifitwasgoingtoperish. ThisconditionofperplexityandastonishmentwasnotpeculiartoAmmar,becauseSalmanFarsi, withallhisdeepknowledgeandlearningofthebooksoffaithandwisdom,wasalsofacedwith thesamementaltorture.Salman,alongwithhisotherbrothersinfaithturnedhisfacetotheir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    chiefandlookedintentlyathisface,Hesawthat,althoughImamAlihadbeenarrestedandmade aprisoner,hedidnotfavourthegatheringandrisingofhissupportersanddidnotpermitthat theyshouldcontendwithhisenemies. FromtheverybeginningSalmanwasverymuchdisturbedonaccountofthedeepsorrowand regretwhichhefeltforthepeople.Forthisveryreason,withtheseconditionsinviewhesadly said:"TheybecameMuslims,butdidnotbecomeMuslims"[7] Thenhelookedatthefaceofhischiefverycarefullyandfoundthathiscountenancewasopen, clearandbright.HewasthensurprisedtoseetheappearanceofAli,somuchsothathelosthis powerofspeech.AtthismomentAmmarsighedapainfulsighandsaid:"OLord!WhatamI seeing?Ifthismanresolveshecanbringdowntheskyontheearth. Ammardidnotexaggeratewhenhewasutteringthesewords.Ratherhisexpressionwas indicativeofthepowerofAlithatis,ifhehadnotbeenafraidthatdisturbancewouldtakeplace hewouldhavestagedarising. AttheendofthisdiscourseAmmarexplainedhisaiminthesewords:"Woebetothesepeople!If theyhadswornallegiancetohimtherewouldnothavebeeneventwopersonswhomighthave differenceswitheachother". Salmanrecoveredfromtheconditionofperplexityandamazementwhichhadovertakenhim,and feltthatifhispowerofspeechhadnotbeentakenawayhetoowouldhaveutteredthesame words. Miqdadwasalsoastonishedandperplexedalongwithhistwobrothers.HewentuptoAliinthe samecondltionandrealizedthathisbrightfeaturesdidnotpermitformationoffactionsand resistance.Heagainlookedatthefaceofhischiefanxiouslyhopingthathemightpossiblygrant permissionforcontentionandresistance,butdidnotgainanysuchimpressionfromImamAli. Thisconditionofperplexityandamazementwasnotpeculiartoafewpersonsonly;therewere othersalsowhoweresimilarlyperplexedandamazed.[8] TheUmayyadparty,whichhadstrongpersonsinit,madethesameassessmentonsomeother grounds,andeventheAnsar,whohadtakenoathofallegiancetoAbuBakr,wereinthesame stateofmind,andsaid:"lfAlihadbeenpresentinSaqifaandhadstoodbythesideofAbuBakr therewouldnothavebeentwopersonswhomighthavedifferedwitheachotherabouthim. ThiswasalsotheopinionofalltheinhabitantsofMadina.TheybelievedthatifAlihadmovedin timethisconspiracyagainsthisestablishedrightwouldnothavetakenplace,andthistragedy, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whichhadhakenthethoughtsandbeliefsanddidnotpossessarationalaspect,wouldnothave occurred.However,notwithstandingtheextremeaversionwhichthepeoplehadwithregardto thesaidincident,theactionoftheconspiratorssilencedallofthem,atthismoment,andthething whichbecamethecauseofthesilenceofthepeopleallthemorewasnodoubtthewonderful senseofselfsacrificedisplayedbyAli.Apartfromthisitisalsoafactthatotherwisethe opponentswouldhavebeenthreatenedwithannihilation. Furthermore,thisstateofperplexityandamazementwasnotpeculiartoAmmar,Miqdad,Salman andothersupportersofAli,forallthepeopleofMadinawerefacedwithit,andthepolitical blundercommittedbyUmarintakingstepstoobtainoathofallegiancefromAlihadaddedto theiramazementandastonishment,although,fromthepoliticalpointofview,thefirststeptaken byUmarafterthedemiseoftheProphet(s)wasalsosimilartothis. UmarwantedtopersuadeAlitotaketheoathofallegiance.However,therefusalofAlibecame thecauseofthefactthatmostofthepeoplecouldseethisuglystateofaffairsandbecamethe witnessesofthehatredofAli. Umarwantedtoshowthatthepresenceofallthosepersonswhowerewitnessingthisincident shouldberecognizedastheproofofthestrengthofthenewgovernment,whereas,bythis demonstration,Aliwantedtoshowthecrueltyandinjusticeofthatperiodandanattemptbythe newgovernmenttomeasureitsstrength. UmarwantedtodiminishtheprestigeofAlibut,inspiteofhis(Umar's)intentions,allthese actionsculminatedinAli'sbenefitandaddedtohisgreatness,dignityandreverence. Again,UmarwantedtoconfirmAli'sconvictiononaccountofhisrefusaltotaketheoathof allegiancetoAbuBakrandthisperioddidnotlastformorethantwoandahalfmonths,because Zahra,hisbelovedwifelivedonlytillthattimeafterherfather'sdeath,andbecausethepersonof Zahra,whodidnotagreetotheoathofallegiance,wastherealfactorforthisrefusal. Nevertheless,thiswasthemostcriticalperiodforthenewgovenmentanditisnotknown whetherornotAbuBakr'sgovernmentwouldhavebeenestabilizedifZahrahadlivedlonger! InanycaseAliremainedangrywithAbuBakrandUmarevenafterthedeathofZahraand althoughhedeclinedtotaketheoathofallegiancehedidnotcontendwiththegovernmentof thetimebuttherefusalbyAliandhiskinsmenandcompanionstotaketheoathhadendangered theoathtakenbyothersandhadaffecteditslegalaspectthroughouttheworldofIslam. Umar'ssternattitudeanderrorswerenotconfinedtotheseactions,butwereincreasingdayafter day,becausewithinotherpartiesandgroupswhichdidnotpossessafirmfootingandprogramme Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thereappearedotherpartiesandgroupswhichbecameactive. Wouldthattheseactivitiesandmovementshadresultedinthebettermentofthegovernmentof thetimesothatUmarmighthavebeensuccessful.However,ashismistakesmostlysprangfrom hottemperandsterndecisioncoupledwithsuperficialheroism,theyprovidedanopportunityand libertyofactiontothedestructivepartieswhowereactingdeceitfullytoharmIslamandwere endeavouringtoearnbenefitsforthepartiesandtheindividuals.Andeventuallyoneofthe resultsofthesemistakeswasthatUmarinvolvedhimselfinanotherdifficulty.Itwasinthissense, thatowingtothequarrelanddisputewhichhadspread,Umarwasobligedtoseekthe cooperationofotherpartiesandindividualswhohadnocontactswithhimandwhosewayof thinking,methodsand.principlesweredifferentfromhis. TheobjectofUmarinextendingtheseinvitationsforcooperationwastocreateabalance betweenthetwosidesortostrengthenAbuBakr'srulingpartyforfightingagainstthepartyofAli. Atlastthisveryerrorputhimonthepathofdictatorialgovernmentwhichwasandstillisquite differentfromthespiritofIslamicGovernment.Asaresultofthisveryactionhecontinuedto adoptthedictatorialpolicywhenheassumedthereinsofgovernmenttillitendedinhis assassination.AnditisanestablishedfactthattheplotforUmar'smurderwasengineeredby thosepersonswhowerepreviouslyhisassociates! Ofcourse,itisundeniablethatifUmarhadnotcauseddelayinthedepartureofUsama'sarmy, andifhehadnotexploitedthediversionofthepeopletothewarswhichtookplacelater,andif Alihadnotcooperatedwiththepublicinthehigherinterestsofthesociety,otherswouldhave killedhimbeforeAbuLu'ludidso.AndagainwhatisundeniableisthatifUmarhadnot succumbedtotheinjuriessustainedbyhimatthehandsofAbuLu'luandhadlivedalittlelonger, andcontinuedtorule,hewouldhaveseenthatthepeopleweredifferentfromtheearlierones, andhewouldhavebecomeinvolvedinagreatercalamityattheirhands.Atthattimehewould havefeltandrealizedbetterthatthesourceofhispain,sufferingandhardshipwashisveryfirst errorwhichhadcreatedthatsituation! However,thecircumstancesbecamefavourableforhim,becausethepeoplegotengagedinwars andconquests.Thenhewaskilledatthehandsofthesaidperson. Nowthattheincidenthastakenplaceandwhathasbeendonecannotbeundone,ifitbe permissibleanditisnotconsideredacrimethatsomeoneshouldlikethisoccurrenceand considerittotheadvantageofUmar,itmaybesaidthat:Thisveryundesirableoccurrence relievedAbuHafsfromothermoreunwholesomeanddreadfuleventswhichwerelyingin ambushforhim.ForifthoseeventsanddangershadmadetheirappearanceUmar'sawewould nothavebeenabletopreventthemandhisdestinywouldhavebeenmoretragic. AlthoughintheearlydaysthismistakeofUmarresultedinhisadvantagefromthepointofview Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ofstrengtheningthefoundationofthegovernmentofAbuBakr,butAbuBakrhimselfwasnot obliviousofitandUmar'serrorwasnothiddenfromhim.For,soonafterwardstheresultsof theserepugnantactionsandformationoffactionsappearedintheshapeofrisingandapostasyof theMuslimsandagroupofbelieverswhowerefirmintheirIslamicfaithdeclinedtopayzakat andtofillthepublictreasuryforthebenefitofthenewgovernmentonthegroundthattheydid notconsidertheoathofallegiancetoAbuBakrtobelawful.Evensomeresidentsofthecityof Madinadeclinedtopayzakatonthesameground.Theybelievedthatpaymentofzakatandtaxes tothegovernmentofthetimewastantamounttopaymentofbribes,andIslamdoesnotallow bribery. Theerror,whichhadbeencommittedbyUmar,wasthecauseofAbuBakr'sregretandalways kepthimterriblyuneasy.BeforehisdeathAbuBakrwishedthathislifehadbeenimmunefrom twothingsi.e.twoembarrassmentsviz.besiegingthehouseofAliandacceptanceofthe responsibilitiesofgovernmentonthedayofSaqifa. ArnmaraccompaniedbySalman,MiqdadandZubayrreturnedfromthemasjidalongwithBani HashimwhowerewalkingbehindAliandZahra.Althoughhewasabsolutelyquiet,hewas reflectingovertheconditionsandcircumstancesinthelightofcompleteknowledgeoftheIslamic affairspossessedbyhim.ThissmallgroupofthecompanionsofAliwhofromthatdaybecame knownastheShi'awerepreparingthemselvesforcontinuousserviceinthepathofIslam. IncaseAmmardesiredwealth,comfortandhighstatusheshouldhavejoinedtheotherrow.But hewasanadherentoftruthandjusticeandeveryoneknowsthattruthandjusticemustbe purchasedatahighprice.AndArnmar,fromthedayhehadbecomeaMuslim,hadbeenpaying thisprice,ininstalments,bywayofcontinuousjihad,whichprovedtobeverydeartohim. Itmaybeasked:Cansuchapersonrefrainfromserviceinthepathoftruthatsuchasensitive momentwhen,ifhedoesso,itwouldamounttorenderingallhissacrificesnullandvoid,and losingthatgreatspiritualwealth,whichisnotpossessedbyanyexceptafewlikehim? Ammarwhopossessedcorrectjudgement,enlightenedmind,moralsoundnessandvirtue,and wasalwayskeenonrefininghissoul,reflectedonthesemattersandaskedhimselfquestions aboutthesematters. Notes: [1]ApartofasermonofAliwhereinhehasreproachedthosepersonswhocommittedsuch mistakesafterthedemiseoftheHolyProphet. [2]TheHolyProphet(s)said:"Whenthehypocrisyofapersonreachesitspeakhecanexercise Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    controlonthetearsofhistwoeyes". [3]RefertoAllamaAmini'sbookalGhadir. [4]Theevilspiritofdeviation,corruptionandinstigationisquiteapparentfromthisremark.The speakermeanstosaythatifCaliphateislefttoAlithedescendantsofFatimaandBaniHashim wouldbecometherulersandQurayshwouldbedeprivedofit. [5]AfterAbuBakr'svictoryinthestruggleforCaliphateSa'dsaidtohisfriends:Ibearwitnessto thefactthatIheardtheProphet(s)sayingthathehadmadeacovenantwithAliinthematterof Caliphate". [6]AstheAnsarhadanticipated,theroleandsovereigntyofQurayshassumedanaspectof revengewhenitfellinthehandsofBaniUmayya,becauseBaniUmayyatreatedeveryunlawful thingtobelawfulexceptwhensomepersontookrefugewiththem. [7]IthasalsobeenreportedthatheutteredasentenceinPersianwhichmeans:"Theydidand theydidn't". [8]DuringthesedaysAbuzarGhiffiriwasnotinMadina.Whenhereturnedtothecityandbecame awareofthestateofaffairs,healsospokelikeSalmanandexpressedregretontheindecent interventionbythepeople;theirforsakingAli,theirdisobeyingtheordersoftheHolyProphet(s) andtheconsequentlosswhichtheysuffered.(Forfurtherdetails,refer"Abuzar",IslamicSeminary Publications,1984). Chapter11:TheDayofYamama NotafewmonthshadpassedsincetheinstallationofAbuBakrtorulershipwhenthefollowersof Alifeltthathissilenceandrelinquishmentofhisadmittedrightwasarationalandmoderate policyandhisopponentswhohaddeprivedhimofhisrightalsorealizedtheirmistake. Thelatereventsandoccurrences,whichtookplaceoneaftertheotheralsoconfirmedthereality ofthisfact. Weretheconsecutiveevents,whichrevivedthespiritofapostasyandreactionamongtheArabs andseveranceofconnectionswiththeGovernmentofMadina,andrefusaltopayzakatby Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    anothergroup,notapracticalreplytothedelayingrantingAlihisrightandgivingprecedenceto anotherperson? Itwasdefinitelysoandhadnomeaningotherthanthis.Incidentallyalltheseeventsprovedthat theselfsacrifice,fortitudeandresignationofAliandhissteadfastnessindeprivationwasproper andpurposefulinallrespects. Ofcourse,keepinginviewbothsidesoftheproposition,whetherfromtheviewpointofthe supportersorthatoftheopponents,allthesethingshadtakenplaceasanaccomplishedfactin suchawaythatamendscouldnotbemadeeitherforthemistakeoftheopponentsorforthe confirmationofthesupporters.Andasallwasover,split,debate,contention,andvilificationwas ofnouse.Thebestthingtodo,therefore,wasthatallshouldputincontinuedeffortsforthe preservationofsecurity,integrityoftheStateanddefenceoffaith. UnderthesecircumstancesandkeepingalltheserealitiesinviewAliwasthefirstandforemostin respondingtothecallofconscienceforthepreservationoftheprevailingconditionsandthe defenceofthefaith,ashesaid:"ByAllah!ItnevercrossedmymindthataftertheHolyProphet(s) theArabswouldtakeawaythisthingfromthepeopleofhisHouseandwoulddepriveusofour establishedrightafterhisdeath.Thethingwhichmademeobservesilencewastheoathof allegiancetakenbythepeopletoAbuBakr.ForthisreasonIkeptaloofuntilIfeltthatthe conditionshadassumedsuchashapethatthepeoplewereinclinedtodeviatefromIslamand wereendeavouringtodestroythereligionofMuhammad(P)!IthereforefearedthatifIdidnot lendsupporttoIslamandtheMuslimstherewasarealdangerofIslambecomingextinct.Anditis evidentthatitwasamuchgreaterandamuchheaviercalamityformethanbeingdeprivedof rulershipandCaliphate.Thisissobecauserulershipissomethingtransitoryandnothingcanbe foundinitexcepttemporarydelight,anditssightisjustlikeadeceptivemirageorlikeapieceof cloudwhichappearsintheatmosphereandpassesawaysoon.ForthisreasonIroseattheproper timesothatfalsehoodwassubduedandthestructureofthefaithbecamefirm! Ofcourse,AliwasnotinterestedinanythingotherthanthesafetyofIslam,andhisonlyworry thatthisreligionwasgoingtobedestroyed.Andashesawthatifheroseandacquiredhisright peoplewouldturnawayfromIslam,soheoverlookedhisestablishedrightofCaliphate.Instead heequippedhimselfforthedefenceofIslamandalsomobilizedallhiscompanionsandfollowers forthispurpose.HethusshowedthathewastheforemostdefenderofIslamandbecamethe leaderofthedefendersofMadina.Thenothersmarchedbehindhimandhetookhisposition againstTulayhabinKhuwaylidandhissupporters,belongingtothetribesofAsad,Qatfan,Tayy andKanana,whowereplanningtocaptureMadina. InthisbattlealsoitwasobservedthatSayfullahi.e.ImamAliterrifiedthereactionariesandthe apostateswithhisusualstrengthinthesamemannerinwhichhehadfoughtwiththepolytheists Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    inthepastandnopowercouldhavethecouragetofacehim. ThefactisthatinordertosafeguardmonotheismandtheunityofMuslimsAlipreferred cooperationwithAbuBakr'sgovernmenttoseclusionandretirementand,asyouhavereadand heard,afterhishavingachievedtheobjectviz.subduingtheopponentsandreactionariesof Yemen,hereturnedtohishouseandbusiedhimselfincollectingtheQur'an,spreadingknowledge andadministeringintellectualmovement.AndonappropriateoccasionswhenAbuBakrorthe distinguishedmenofgovernmentneededhisadvicetheyconsultedhimfreely. InthelastmentionedbattleAmmarwasoneofthesoldiersofAli'sarmyandwasperformingjihad underthebannerofthecommandofKhalidbinWalid. Thedetailsoftheeventaregivenhere:TheaffairsofMusaylima,theimpostorandBaniHanifa, whowerethesuccessorsofTasamandJudaystooksuchatUrnthattheymadeanattack.Thetwo armiesmeteachother.InthisbattletheMuslimshadtofacethefuriousenemiesinan unprecedentedmanner.Whenfightingcommencedtheapostatesputupsevereresistanceand theMuslimslostheartandbegantofleeinsuchawaythatKhalidlostthecommand. InthemeantimeMusaylimaandhisfollowerswhowerelyinginambushattackedtheMuslims. TheMuslimswerefacdwithgreattroubleandbeganrunningawaylikeascaredflockofsheep. HistorianslikeWaqidi,IbnSa'dandotherswhohaverecordedthebiographyofAmmarhave writtenthatAbdullahbinUmarsaid:"IsawAmmarYasironahillockwhilehisdetachedear, woundedbyasword,wasbleeding,andhewasgoingonfightinginthesamecondition,andwas callingoutthefleeingMuslimsandsayingO'Muslims!AreyourunningawayfromParadise! "Thenagainheraisedhisvoiceandsaid:"IamAmmar!IamAmmar!Cometome,andrun towardsme!" "I(Abdullah)sawthattheearofAmmarwashangingandIalsosawthatinthatveryconditionhe waskillingtheenemies,recitingepicverses,shoutingandencouragingotherssothateventually theMuslimsgatheredroundhim.WhentheMuslimshadgatherednearhimheattackedthe enemiesandcameoutvictoriousfromthebattlefield". Chapter12:TheGovernorofKufa AftertwoyearsthreemonthsandafewdayssincetheoathofallegiancetakenatSaqifaAbuBakr Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    breathedhislastandasorderedbyhimUmarassumedtheCaliphate. TheviewsofthedistinguishedcompanionsandtheintellectualsofMadinaarenotavailablewith us.However,noneofthedignitariesofthosedayscontendedorroseagainstUmar. ThedayonwhichUmarwaspersuadingAlitotaketheoathofallegiancetoAbuBakr,Alihadsaid toUmarinteralia:"Drawthemilkforhimandtakehalfofitforyourself.Strengthenhispower todaysothattomorrowthesameisentrustedtoyou". IthasalsobeensaidthatwhileAbuBakrwaslyinginhisdeathbedAbdurRahmanbin'Awfspoke tohimonthesamelinesregardingtransferofauthoritytoUmar. Furthermore,amongthegroupoftheMuhajirsandtheAnsarwhocametoenquireaboutAbu Bakr'shealththerewerepersonswhoexpressedtheirviewsregardingtheappointmentofUmar moreclearlyascomparedwithAbdurRahman,andTalhawastheforemostamongthem.On hearingthenewsofUmar'sappointmenthewenttoAbuBakrduringhisillness(whichculminated inhisdeath)andsaidtohim:"WehavelearntthatyouhaveappointedUmartosucceedyouas Caliphandgivenhimauthorityoverusalthoughyouarewellawareofhisharshness,obstinacy andmaliceforus.WhenyoumeetAllahandHequestionsyouaboutitwhatreplywillyougive? AnothermansaidtoUmar:"InthefirstyearitwasyouwhoselectedAbuBakrforrulershipand thisyearhehasappointedyoutorulership". AnyhowUmarcameoutofAbuBakr'shouseholdingasealeddecreeinhishand.Heshoweditto thepeopleanddemandedtheirsubmissiontohimself.Inthemeantimeawittyperson approachedUmarandenquiredfromhimaboutthecontentsofthedecree. AbuHafssaidinreply:"Idon'tknow".Thereuponthewittypersonsaidopenlyinpublic:"You don'tknowbutweknowthatinthefirstyearyouelevatedhimtorulershipandinlieuo(ithehas elevatedyoutorulershipthisyear".Theviewsofthecompanionsofallotherpeopleinregardto thisdecreearenotsoimportant;whatisimportantisthatnoneofthecompanionsobjectedtoit nordidtheyresistit.AbuBakrhadgainedanexperiencefromtheoathofallegiancetakeninhis caseandtheutilizedthatexperienceonthisoccasion. TheexperiencewasthatAbuBakrconsideredithisdutytoselectacaliphbeforehisdeathand placeallthemilitaryforcesunderhiscontrolandthemilitaryshouldrecognizehimofficially. InhisturnUmaralsoutilizedtheexperiencegainedbyhimduringtheCaliphateofAbuBakrwith regardtothecompanionsanddidnotpermitthemtogooutofMadinalesttheyshouldinstigate thepeopletoopposehim,orbeinfluencedbythepeople,andthepeopleshouldencouragethem Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    todisplayresistanceandstability. He,therefore,keptallthecompanionsinMadinaandtookcarethatallofthemshouldbeunder hisvigilanceandbeobedienttohisviewsandthinking,andincidentallyheshouldavailoftheir thinking,informationandideasandbevictoriousinthebattles.Itwastoachievethisendthathe providedthemalltheamenitiesoflifesothattheymightbecomfortablyplaced. Moreimportantthanallthesematterswastheattentionpaidbyhimtoadministrationand discipline,asaconsequenceofwhichallthemilitaryandStatemattersweredisposedof accordingtohiswishes. Anotherfactorwhichcontributedtothestabilityoftheconditionswasthathepersuadedthe peopletotakepartinjihadandconsequentlythestrengthofhisgovernmentexpandedandlarge incomescametohishands.Andashewastheauthorizedrepresentativeandtrusteeofthepublic treasuryheactedjustlyinthematterofdistributionofproperty[1]andwasextremelycarefulin thematteroftrusteeshipanddepartmentofjustice.Andsimilarlyheappointedexpertstovarious jobs.Theymanagedthecourtsandadminisnativeorganizationsveryminutely.Statisticsof workersandunemployedpersonshadbeenpreparedforthestateorganizationsandthesame statisticswerethebasisforthepreparationofpublicbudgetandrationingforthemilitarymen andothers.Welfareofthesocietywasensuredinallrespectsandeveryone,whetheraworker,an unemployedpersonoradisabledpersonreceivedamplesharefromthepublictreasury. Tosumup:Hehadprovidedinhisterritoriesallmeansandfactorsnecessaryforstabilityand perfectpeace,sothatallwerehappyandsatisfied.Those,whowerecompetenttotakepartin theconstructionandorganizationofthesociety,participatedinbuildingupthesocialstructureof Islam,andhesilencedthose,whoplannedsabotage,bysatisfyingtheirgreed. Accordinglyallhiseffortsweredirectedtowardsthestrengtheningofthefoundationofthe IslamicGovernmentinalltheconqueredterritories,andatlastUmartransferredthese subjugatednationsfromtheiroldworldtothenewworldofMuhammad. InthemeantimeUmarresortedtospreadingknowledgeinaschoolofhisandremainedsleepless forthesecurityoftheinterestoftheState,Hekeptthepathofworkandearninglivelihoodopen foreveryone,andtookstepstoensurethattheaffairsoftheStateshouldatnotimebefaced withinterventionorbeatastandstill,Inthismannerhesolvedthedifficulties,oneafterthe other,quiteeasily. ThedisciplesoftheschoolofUmarexactlyfollowedinhisfootsteps,theyworkedamongthe peoplewithwisdomandpeaceofmindandcooperated,inthepathofgoodnessandsecurityof publicinterests,witheveryonewhohadgoodintentionsfortheaffairsoftheState. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Amongstthisgroupofpeopleincludingthedisciplesofthisschooltherewerepersonswho earnedtheirlivelihoodwithmuchdifficultyandbyundergoinggreathardships,andendeavoured dayandnighttosolvethedifficultproblems.TheyarrangedthespreadingofIslamiclearningwith greatsincerityandcooperatedwithoneanotherforthestrengtheningoftheIslamicGovernment onthebasisofgoodnessandfelicity. Arnmarwasoneoftheguided,trained,andrefinedpersonsofthisgroupwhohadacquired perfectguidanceandpossessedanattractivespiritofleadership.Possiblyitwasduetohis prolongedsilenceandquietnessthathewasconsideredtobehappyandsatisfiedduringtherule ofUmarandpossiblyitwasduetohisantecedentsthatUmarfeltlesseranxietyonhisaccountas comparedwithothers,IncidentallyitshouldbekeptinmindthatoneofthepoliciesofUmarwas thatheshouldkeeptheHashimitesandtheirfollowers,aswellasthose,whodesiredtheir rulership,awayfromthecentresofgovernment,sothattheymightnotpropagateinfavourof BaniHashim,Hecalculatedthatinthatevent(i.e,iftheywereallowedtosupportthecauseof BaniHashim)troublesanddifficultieswouldarise,anditwouldnotbepossibletocontrolthem. [2] Keepingalltheprosandconsofthematterinviewandthefearwhichhehadinhismindon accountoftheprevailingconditionsandtheinclinationofthepeopletowardsBaniHashim,Umar feltthatAmmarwasneitheratyrantnorwashecovetousorauthority.BesidesallthisAmmar wasapersonwhowasnotconcernedwithanythingotherthanpiety,moralsoundnessand correctthinking.Itcanhoweverbesafelysaidofhimthathekneweverythingbuthekeptquiet. Ofcourse,hewasastaunchfollowerofAli.Hisgeneralconditiondidnotcauseanyanxiety. NowforcertainreasonsitbecameexpedientthatAmmar,too,shouldbeselectedfor governorship.ItwasthoughtthatonaccountofhisbelongingtotheHashimitepartyhis appointmentsasgovernormightpossiblybecomethecauseofthesatisfactionofthosebelonging tothatparty.Andeveniftheywerenotsatisfiedwiththisappointmentitwouldatleasthelpthe Caliphproclaimhisimpartiality,justiceandinnocencetothepeople.Althoughwedonotknowit forcertainbutitispossiblethattheCaliphthoughtthatbyappointingAmmarastheGovernorof Kufahewouldbeabletoattracthimtohimselfandthusreducethenumberofthesupportersof ImamAli. However,wemaysupposewhateverwelike,butwhatiscertainisthatifwedonotsaythatUmar appointedAmmartothegovernorshipofthebiggestprovinceoftheIslamicterritorieswecansay thatheappointedhimasthegovernorofoneofthebiggestprovincesviz.Kufa. However,UmarsentAbdullahbinMas'udandUthmanbinHunayf(whobelongedtotheShi'a faith)alongwithAmmarasministers,andorderedthatAbdullahwastoberesponsiblefor Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    financialandeducationalmattersandUthmanwastotakecareofthesuburbsofKufaandthe gardens.Ammarwastoexercisesupervisionoverthesetwopersons. UmarwrotealettertothepeopleofKufaontheselines:"IamsendingAmmarYasirasyour governorandtheIbnMas'udastheteacherandminister.IhavemadetheIbnMas'udthetrustee andtreasurerofyourpublictreasury.Thesetwopersonsaredistinguishedcompanionsofthe HolyProphetMuhammad(s)andareincludedamongthosewhofoughtatBadr.Youshouldact accordingtotheirdirectionsandobeytheirordersandfollowthem.Incidentallyyoushouldknow andbeawarethatmysendingIbnMas'udtoyouistantamounttomyrelinquishingtherightof benefitingfromhimandgivingyoupreferenceovermyself.IhaveappointedUthmanbinHunayf fortheadministrationofthesuburbs.Ihavefixedtheboardingexpensesandtherationofthis bodyofmentobeonesheep.HalfthemeatandthebellyofthesheepshallbegiventoAmmar. AsregardstheremaininghalfonefourthshallgotoUthmanbinHunayf". InanycasethesonofSumayyaorAmmarYasirwasthesamestrongwilledpowerfulpersonand themightyrivalwhowasnotcoweddownbythetorturetowhichhehadbeensubjectedbyAbu Jahl.Hesetafineexampleofperseveranceandsteadfastness.Evennowhewasnotonewho shouldshowpride,andinspiteofthefactthathehadattainedahighposition,andhadbecome thechiefofalldignitariesandchiefs,hewasashumbleandmeekasever.Hehadacquiredthese distinctionsbyhisfaithintruthandbytheblessingsofthereligionwhichwasgiventohimby AllahandexplainedbyProphetMuhammad(s).Onbecomingthechiefsuchapersonshould behavelikethisandforthisveryreasonhiswayofworkingandmoralattitudewasexactlylike thatofthosedayswhenhewasjustlikeanordinarysubject. Governorshipandauthoritywassomethingwhichhadnoeffectonhim,becausehispersonality wasmuchabovethesethings.Theonlyusewhichhemadeofhispositionwasthatheputthe powerintoactionforthebenefitofthesociety.Hewasapersonwhoappliedlawtohimselfinthe samewayinwhichheappliedittoothers. AssoonasAmmarwasfreefrompublicaffairshetookofftheofficialdressandonceagain becamethesamequiet,tranquilandreflectiveasbefore.Hedidnotflyhighanddidnotdisplay superiority.Hehadnosentryandnoscreenorchamberlain.Helivedamongthepeopleasan ordinarymanorevenbelowanordinaryman.Manyatimepeopleinsultedhimorcontended withhimbuthedidnotdisplayanyanger.Sometimeshewaschargedforacommoditymorethan itsrealprice,buthedidnottakeadvantageofhispositionandpowerasthegovernor.Sometimes othersspokerudelytohimbutherepliedtothemonlywithasmile. Whenhespokehedidnotsayanythingvainorabsurdandifapersoncommittedtransgression againsthimheprayedandsoughtDivinemercyandprosperityforhim. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    IbnSa'd,theauthorofTabaqat,relatesthefollowingstoryaboutAmmar:"OnedayAmmar purchasedfodderworthonedirhamfromamanandaskedhimtogivethestringwithwhichthe fodderhadbeentied,butthesellerdeclinedtogivethestring.Ammarpulledupthestringand cutitintotwohalves.Thenhetiedthefodderwiththesamestringand,beingtheGovernorof Kufa,heputitonhisshoulderandsetoffforhisplace". Hegoesontosay:"AmmarsentoneofthemembersoftheAttarandTamimitribetotheopening ofMahonamilitaryexpedition.Lateritbecamenecessarythatalettershouldbesenttohim.He wrotetheletterandtookitpersonallytodeliverittohisappointee.Whenthatmansawthat Ammarhadcomepersonallytodelivertheletterhebecameannoyedbecauseheknewthatby bringingtheletterinthebattlefieldAmmarwouldbecomeentitledtosharethepossiblebooty. HereceivedAmmarcoldheartedlyandsaidwithextremeimpudence:"Youwithacroppedear! Haveyoucometoshareourbooty?" AmmarwhowastheGovernorandRulerofIraqlaughedonhearingthesewordsandsaid:You haveinsultedmybestear.BythebestearAmmarmeantthesameearwhichwaschoppedoffin theBattleofYamama.Anyhowthebattleendedinvictory,buttheTamimimandeclinedtoallow Ammartosharethewarbooty.ThematterwasthenreferredtotheCaliph(Umar)whodecided thatAmmarshouldgetashareofthebootyinaccordancewiththerule:"Whoeverispresentin thebattlefieldgetsashareofthebooty! WithallthesegoodmannersandmeeknessAmmarwasaprudentmanwithdecisivecharacter andatthesametimepossesseddignityandwasobeyedandloved.Noneoftheeventswhichtook placeduringtheperiodofotherrulersofKufaoccurredduringhisruleandhisreputation remainedalwaysstainless.Thiswasso,becausehewasawiseandpiouspersonwhowaswithin thelimitsofrulesandregulationsanddidnotaddanythingtothem. IbnSa'd(thehistorian)hasnarratedthatonceaquestionwasaskedfromAmmar.Ammarasked theenquirer:"Hassuchaproblemtakenshapeactually?"Theenquirerrepliedinthenegative. ThenAmmarsaid:"Wheneversuchaproblemactuallycropsupweshallsolveit". Senseofresponsibilityinthematterofgivingjudgementisobservedonlybythosewhofallinthe categoryofSiddiqin(verytruthful),becausesuchpersonsbelieveinaccountingandweighing everyword,andjustastheyavoidindecentdeedstheyalsorefrainfromutteringimproperwords, andfearlesttheyshouldgiveanincorrectreplyandthuscommitasin. ForthisreasonAmmardidnotgiveadefinitereplytoanydoubtfulproblem,exceptwhen necessary,sothathemightremainimmunefrommistake. OneofthemostevidentandattractivemanifestationsofAmmar'spietywasperhapsthatinstead Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ofrecitingtheFridaysermonheusedtoreciteSurahYasin.[3] InordertoexplainthematteritmaybepointedoutthatasArnmarwaslivingatatimewhenhe didnotlookatthegovernmentofthetimefavourablyandhadnotexpressedanagreeable opinionaboutit,andinthemeantimewantedtosaysomethingwhichwasnotopposedtothe establishmentofsecurityandcontrarytotheorderoftheday,heusedtorecitetheQur'an insteadofdeliveringasermon. Itisevidentthatinthecircumstancesthesafestandmostcorrectpolicywastoadoptthis method,becauseFridaysermonhadbeeninventedwithaviewtostrengtheningandsupporting thegovernmentofthedayandthepreacherwastoprayforthesafetyoftherulerortheCaliph. However,Ammarhadbeenappointedasgovernoratatimewheninhisheartofheartshewas notinfavourofthegovernment.Inthecircumstancesifhehadprayedforthegovernmentofthe timeitwouldhaveamountedtohisplayingwithhisfaithandifhehadsaidanythingagainstthe governmenthewouldhaveplungedhimselfintotrouble.Togetridofthisdeadlockhehad definitelynoalternativeexceptthatinsteadofrecitingtheFridaysermonheshouldhaverecited oneoftheSurahsoftheHolyQur'an,especiallySurahYasin. InanycaseitisnotknownwhetherthissermonhadanythingtodowiththeremovalofAmmar fromhisoffice.However,whatisundeniableandcannotbedoubtedisthattheCaliphwasnot happywithAmmar'srecitingthissermon.Itwasespeciallyso,becausehewassuspiciousabout themembersofthefamilyofBaniHashimandtheirwellwishers,anddidnotentrustthemany dutylestthepeopleshouldinclinetowardsBaniHashimandconsequentlytroublesshouldarise. WearenotawarewhetherornotthisFridaysermonaffectedtheAmmar'spositionintheeyesof theCaliphandmadehimdisappointed.However,IbnSa'dquotesanotherstorywhichmaynot perhapsbeirrelevanttoquotehere.Hesays:"OnedayMutarrafarrivedinKufaandsatinthe shopofaresidentofthatcity.Atthattimeanothermanwasalsosittingbythesideofthe shopkeeper,andatailor,whowasbusysewingadressofsablefurorfoxfur,said. ".Isaid:HaveyounotseenthatAlididthisandthat?"Mutarrafnarrated: "Thenthatverymansaid:"Olibertine!DoyoumeantheCommanderoftheFaithful?" "Theshopkeepersaidtome:"Opiousman!Don'ttakeoffenceatthewordsofthismanwhoismy guest". Mutarraf:"IunderstoodatoncethatitwasAmmar".Asyoucanobservethisstoryisbriefand ambiguous. However,theformerattachmentsandinclinationsofAmmarmakethematterclearandremove Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ambiguitytosomeextent. SupposethatthenewcomerhadmentionedtheactattributedtoAliingoodtermsorsuppose thathehadexplaineditinbadterms.Ineithercasehispraiseorvilificationwouldhavebeen equalinthefaceoftheclearreplygivenbyAmmar.AndagainifthenewcomerhadpraisedAli andAmmarhadfeltfromthispraisethatthespeakermeanttoattacktheCaliph(andthis meaningwouldhavebeenmoreconformabletothecircumstancesofthetime)andhadcriticized thespeakerandshouteduponhimthiscriticismandshoutingwouldhavemeantmistrustonthe partofAmmar,indicatingthatheconsideredthespeakertobeaspywhowantedtofindouthis viewsafterhisappointmenttothegovernorshipofKufa.Andthereisagreatprobabilityofthe factthattheenvironmentsofAmmarnecessitatedthatheshouldhavebeenawakeandcareful onsuchoccasions.AndifwesupposethatthenewcomerwasspeakingaboutAliinamanner whichwasnotlikedbyAmmar(andwedonotimaginethatthesituationwassuch)Ammar'sreply shouldberegardedtobeareflectionofhisinclinationandheartfeltattachmenttoAli.Inany casethemeaningofthisactionfordrawingtheattentionofthenewcomerabouttheconductof theCaliphisnotfreefromcriticismandhedeservedtohearsuchareply. WhatisundeniableisthatduringtheperiodofhisappointmentasGovernorofKufaAmmaras facedwithaverydifficulttestandhecarriedouthisdutieswithfirmfaithandspecialcare.Inany caseitcanbeunderstoodverywellastowhattherealtalkhadbeen. NeverthelessitispossiblethatinthisincidenttheobjectwastodiscovertheviewsofAmmar abouttheCaliphafterUmar.HowevertheattachmentofAmmarwithAliduringtheperiodofhis governorshipisconsideredtobeoneofthefactorswhichledtotheprevalenceofShi'aisminKufa duringthelaterperiod. IbnSa'dinTabaqathasnarratedanotherstorywhichisnotlessobscureandambiguousthanthe foregoingone.Hesays:"SomeonetoldtalesaboutAmmarinthepresenceofUmarandthisnews alsoreachedAmmar.OnhearingthisAmmarraisedhishandsandsaid:"OLord!Givestrengthin theworldtothepersonwhohasslanderedmeandleavehimwithoutpunishment". Selfpurificationandgodlinessareevidentfromthesewords.However,Ihaveanotherpointin view.Thehistoriansandtraditionalistshavenotexpressedaclearopinionaboutthisincidentand havenotclarifiedthematteraboutwhichthetalebearerspoketotheCaliphagainstAmmar. DidAmmartakebribes?Didhecommitadultery?Didhedrinkwine?Didheindulgeinnepotism? Didhedoanythingunlawful?Anddidhecontravenerulesandregulations?EvidentlyAmmarwas tooprudentandcarefultodosuchthingsandnoneoftheseactscouldbeascribedtohim. Inthateventitmaybeasked:Whatartdidthetalebearersandbackbiterspossiblyemploy?Of course,adefinitereplytothisquestioncannotbegiven,butitisnotimprobablethatthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    talebearingaboutAmmarmightberelatedtohispettyactivitiesbecausetheCaliphwasvery muchannoyedonaccountofthoseactivitiesandcouldnotseehisagentsandappointeesinsuch acondition,Anditisalsonotimprobablethatthecurse,utteredbyAmmarmighthavecreated furthermisgivingsalthoughthesense,denial,andrefutationisperceptibleandpatentinAmmar's curse. Whatactuallyhappenedisnotknowntous.However,thepointwhichisprovedandadmittedis thataftertheoccurrenceoftheseambiguousandbriefeventsUmarremovedAmmarfromthe governorshipofKufa.HistorydoesnotspecifythereasonofAmmar'sremoval.However,atthe sametime,UmarretainedAbdullahbinMas'ud,whowasAmmar'sminister.Theonlyexcuse aboutAmmar'sremovalhowever,isstatedtobethatAmmarhadbeenremovingtheappointees sosoon.[4] OnhavingbeenrelievedofthegovernorshipofKufaAmmarwenttoMadina.Umaraskedhim: "Didyoufeelunhappyonaccountofmyhavingremovedyoufromoffice?"Ammarreplied explicitlyandfirmly:"ThefactisthatIdidn'tlikemyappointmentnormyremoval". Tosumup,itmaybesaidthattherelationsbetweenthesetwopersonsweresuchthatintheir heartofheartstheydidnotholdafavourableopinionabouteachother. AfterhavingbeenrelievedofhisofficeAmmardedicatedhimselftoworshipandgooddeedsand inthemeantimesucceededalongwithhisotherbrothersinacquiringknowledgeandwisdom fromAli.Hewasbusyguidingandeducatingthepeopleonthebasisofgoodnessandtruthtillthe timewhenthedisturbanceduringthelastpartofUthman'sruletookplace. Notes: [1]WhileconfirmingthattheSecondCaliphactedjustlytotheextentitwaspossibleforhim, AbdulFattaAbdulMaqsud,aprofessorinFawadUniversity,CairosaysinhisbookentitledAl ImamAlibinAbiTalib"DuringthelastyearsofUmar'srulethefoundationofcollectivejusticein Islamwasshakenowingtohisallowinglargersharesfromthepublictreasurytothosewhohad embracedIslamearlier.Duringthelastyearofhisrulehedecidedtoretracehissteps,butdeath didnotgivehimrespitetodoso".Healsosays:"Thefirewhichhekindledinthisregarddidnot provideheattohimbutburntUthman". [2]ItwasonaccountofthispolicythatthecontemporaryscholarProf.AbdullahAlailisaysinhis bookentitled,Ashi'ahminHayatilHusayn."TilltheendofUthman'srulenotevenoneHashimite wasappointedtoagovernmentpost". [3]TabaqatIbnSa'd. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    [4]ItisevidentthataresoluteandnoblemindedpersonlikeAmmarcannotgiveanyopportunity topervertedappointeesandremovesthemassoonashefindsthemtobeinefficient.Andis thereanyvirtuegreaterthanthis? Chapter13:AmmarduringtheReignofUthman Thephysiciansaid;"Whichbeveragedoyoulikemost?"Umarreplied:"Iprefernabiz(wineof date)". Nabizwasbroughtandhetookafewdraughts.Thebeveragecameoutimmediatelyfromthe placeofwound.Whenthebeveragecame,outtheappearanceofthephysicianchanged,and thereweresignsofdespaironhisface.However,thosepresentaroundhimdidnotlosehope. Oneofthosepresentsaidtothephysician;"Youaremistakeninimaginingthatnabizhascome outofthewound.Whathascomeoutiscontaminatedbloodanditscolourhasmisledyou",As directedbythephysiciansomemilkwasbroughtandtheCaliphdrankit.Soonafterwardsthemilk alsoflowedoutofthewound. KeepingthisstateinviewthephysiciansaidtotheCaliphwithconfidenceandindecisiveterms;"I don'tthinkyouwillsurvivethisnight.Nowyoucandowhateveryoulike". Ka'balAhbarsaid:"OCommanderofthefaithful!DidInottellyouinadvancethatyouwouldbe killed?"[1] Umarsaid:"WhatkindofmartyrdomisthiswhenIamintheArabianPeninsula!" SometimeearlierUmarhadpreparedaplanwhichhewasdeterminedtoimplementandwas awaitinganopportunitytodoso,nowthetimeofhisdeathhadarrivedanditwasfearedthatthe opportunitymightbelost.Inthecircumstancesitwasnolongerproperthatheshoulddelayits implementationforfearofexcessivebloodshedorlosinghopeoflife.Furthermore,fearand despaircouldonnoaccountensurehisdeliverance.Inthecircumstanceshedecidedthatinthe lastmomentofhislifeheshould,beforeimplementingtheplan,assessthestandardofhis influence,andfindoutwhetheranythingoutofthatinfluencestillremained,sothathemight enforcehisordersandmakethepeopleobedientandhumbleforthethirdandthelasttime. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Umarhaddecidedsincelongtoretainauthorityinhishandsduringhislifetimeaswellasafterhis death.However,heknewthatanumberofpersonswhocovetedtheCaliphatewerenotwell disposedtowardshim.HehadalsonodoubtthathisassassinationatthehandsofAbuLu'lu,was theresultofapreconceiveddeepconspiracy.OrelsehowcouldamanlikeAbuLu'lu,withoutthe supportofoneoftheinternalpowersofMadinaandwithouttheinstigationofoneofthe enemies(ifwedon'tsaytheenemies)ofUmar,darestabtheman(Umar),whohadhumiliated theKaisersandtheKisras,whenalltheseenemieswerewisemenamongtheMuslimsandhad influenceintheorganizationoftheIslamicState? InanycasetherealinciterorincitersofthiscrimewereknowntoUmar(whetheronthebasisof correctknowledgeandinformationoronthatofguessandconjecture),buthehadnomeansof retaliationorrevenge.Futhermore;hedidnothaveenoughtimeathisdisposaltopursuethis object.Inthecircumstancesitwasnecessaryforhimtoimplement,duringthelastmomentsof hislife,theplanwhichhehadalreadyinview,althoughtherealculpritmightnotbeindentified andmightprofitfromthisabsenceofprosecution. Theonlydifficultywhichalreadyexistedwasthatheshouldhaveusedhispreviousinfluenceand adaptedittotheenforcementoftheplanwhichhehadinmind,andgiveupthehardtaskofthe prosecutionoftheculprit.AtthatmomenttheconditionofUmarwassuchthatasaresultofthe blowsofAbuLu'lu'sswordbloodwasgushingoutofhisbodyintorrents.Thequestion,therefore, wasastohowhecouldactinthosecircumstancestosolvehisdifficulty. EvidentlythedangerwhichattendeduponUmar'sinfluenceatinstigationoftherealculprit(or culprits)wassomethingwhichhadnottakenplaceexceptwiththeconsentandapprobationofall theleadersandthepersonsatthehelmofaffairsandtheprevailingconditionsalsoshowedthat thisoccurrencewassupportedbypublicthinkingaswell.Andifthisinfluencewaslostitwould amounttocondemnationofhispoliciesanddestructionofhisintellectualinfluence. NowifthematterhadendedatthatthepublicopinionhadapprovedhisassassinationandUmar himselfmighthavedepartedfromthescenebuthisintellectualinfluencehadnotperishedand wasnottreatedascondemned,thepositioncouldhavebeentolerableforhim.Butifhisinfluence hadnotperishedandhispolicieshadcontinuedandhistoryandthecourseofhistoryhadbeen humblebeforehispolicies,itwouldhaveamountedtohishavingachievedhisobject. AllthesethoughtscrossedUmar'smindatagreatspeedandinorderthathemightputthese thoughtstotestheorderedAbdullahbinAbbas,whowasoneofhisassociatesandadvisers,togo outofthehouse,makeenquiriesregardingtheviewsofthepeopleabouthisassassination,and ascertainwhetherthepeopleapprovedofthisoccurrence,orwhethertheyhadreceiveditasan unexpectedevent.Abdullahbeganinvestigationsoutsidethehouseandconcludedthatthe peoplehadnotapprovedoftheoccurrence. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Umarwascontentedwiththisanddidnotneedanythingmore.Afterhavingbeensatisfiedthat hisaweandinfluencehadnotbeenlosthefeltrelievedanddidnotworryaboutanyonehaving daredtoassassinatehim. ThepeoplewonderedwithinthemselvesatUmar'swayofdoingthingsbecauseintheselast momentsofhislifehebeganremembering,fornominationofthenextruler,personswhowere alreadydead;andignoredtheabilityandcompetenceofthesuitablepersonswhowerestillalive andweremuchsuperiortothosewhoweredead! Umarwassayingarthattime:"IwishthatSalimtheslaveofAbuHuzayfahadnotbeendeadso thatIcouldnominatehimasmysuccessor".Andaccordingtoanothernarrationhebegan rememberingpersonslikeMu'azbinJabalandKhalidbinWalidaswellassomenonQurayshites, andmentionedthenamesofpersonsfromamongstthepettyslaves,andutteredthenamesof eventhoseofhisopponentsandenemieswhowerealldead.Inshorthedidnotnominateany livingpersontotheCaliphatealthoughheknewwellthatnoneofthedeadwassuperiortothose whowerealive,andperhapsalsoknewverywellthattherewasoneamongthecontemporaries whowasmuchsuperiortoallthedeadones. ThethingwhichwasverysuprisingforthepeoplewasthatUmardidnotnominatehissontothis officeanddidnotwishthatheshouldassumeresponsibilityforhisdeedsafterhisdeath. However,atthesametimeheindirectlyentrustedtheresponsibilitytoanotherpersonand nominatedhimtoCaliphatewithgreatinsistence! Anotherinterestingpointwhichbecamethecauseofsurpriseofthepeoplewasthatforthe intervalofafewdayswhichUmarhadtakenintoaccountforpurposesofconsultations,he nominatedSohaybforleadingthecongregationalprayers.Itmeansthathebelievedtherewasa differencebetweenleadershipinthematterofcongregationalprayersandleadershipforthe administrationofpublicaffairs!Andwhatsurprisedthepeopleallthemorewasthatontheday ofAbuBakr'sselectionUmarhadputforwardhisImamat(leadership)ofcongreagationalprayers asanargumentforfitnessforcaliphateandleadershipofpublicaffairs. BesidesallthisthesurprisewhichpeopleexpressedaboutUmar'sactionwasthattheysawthat UmartestifiedthattheHolyProphet(s)hadbreathedhislastandwassatisfiedwithacouncilof sixmen.However,whenheanalysedthepersonalityofeachoneofthosepersonsonebyonehe testifiedthattheHolyProphet(s)breathedhislastwhilehewasangrywithsomeofthem,buthis angerwasburiedwithhisdeath!Andthisangerwasclearlysensedbythepeopleandnone deniedit. Inanycasethepeoplewereverymuchsurprisedonaccountoftheseapparentlycontradictory Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thingsandmentionedthesecontradictionstooneanother.However,noneofthemsaid:"The Caliphhasbeenovercomebypainandtorture".ItwasbecausetheysawthattheCaliphhada planandtheseverysurprisingactswereitsrequisitesorthepreliminaryrequisitesofits enforcementsothatitmightgothroughitsstages.Furthermore,asthepeopleweredividedinto partiesandgroupstheycouldnotopposehisplanandeverypartyandgroupwasanxiousto achieveitsownobject.Thepeoplewhowerefacedwithalltheseprolongedsurprisesand speculationsandwishedthatthesesurprisesshouldend,andabrightpathshouldbeshownto themwenttoUmarand,inordertoputanendtothesedifferences,requestedhimtonominatea particularpersonfortheCaliphate. IntheendUmaroncesaidtothosewhoapproachedhim:"AfterallthistalkIhavedecidedto appointasyourrulerapersonwhoissuperiortoallotherssofarastruthfulnessandguidanceto therightpathisconcerned".AndinthisconnectionhementionedthenameofAli.However,in themeantimeathoughtcrossedhismindwhichdidnotpermithimtohandoverthereinsof officetoAlieitherduringhis(Umar's)ownlifeorafterhisdeath.He,therefore,wentbackonhis wordwithregardtothenominationofAliandconsequentlyappointedsixpersonsfromamongst QurayshtotheCaliphate.ThesesixpersonswereAlibinAbuTalib,Zubayrbin'Awwam,Uthman binAffan,AbdurRahmanbin'Awf,Sa'dbinAbiWaqqisandTalhabinAbdullahwithwhomthe HolyProphet(s)waspleased. Thenhedirectedthosepresenttoaskthesesixpersonstoseehim.Soonafterwardsthesix personsarrivedthere.ThenUmarsaidtothem:"Aftermeallofyouarecandidatesforthe Caliphate!"Asagainstthisquestionthehearershadnoalternativeexcepttokeepquieton accountofexcessiveangerandnottosayanything. Umar,however,repeatedhisproposalsothatthesaidpersonsmightbreakthesilenceandhe mightalsohearareply.EventuallyZubayrsaid:"Whatistheharmifwebethecandidatesforthe Caliphate?InthesecircumstancesIwishthatyouhadremainedaliveandcontinuedtoshoulder thisresponsibility.However,amongstQuraysh,noneofusisinferiortoyoufromtheviewpointof ourantecedentsandaffinity". Zubayr'sreplywasnotlikedbyUmar;itstirredhim,anditisevidentthatifhewascapablehe wouldhavesiezedascourgeandstruckitonZubayr'shead.However,hedidnotpossessenough strengthtodosoandthequestionofrevengeceasedtoexist. Atthismoment,whenUmarwasjourneyinginanotherworld,hecontentedhimselfwithone otherbitingremarkandaddressingallthesixpersonssaid:DoyoulikethatIshouldintroduceall thesixofyoutoyouasyouactuallyare?"Theyreplied:"Speak.Ifwespareyou,youwon'tspare us". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Umarsaid:"Asregardsyou,OZubayr!Youaresatisfiedwithsomethingsmallandthenget annoyedsoon.Youareahumanbeingononedayandadevilonanother!IfIhandoverthe Caliphatetoyou,youwilldestroythecityofBathafortenseersofbarley!Andwhowilllookafter theaffairsofthepeopleonthedayonwhichyouappearintheshapeofadevil?Andagainwho willtakecareofthemattersonthedayonwhichyouareangry?ShouldIsayanythingmoreor keepquiet?"[2] ThenUmaraddressedTalhaandsaid:"ShouldIsaysomethingornot?" Supplement/1 Talhareplied:Speakyouareonewhoneverspeaksthetruth". Umarsaid:"IknowyoufromthedayoftheBattleofUhudwhenyourfingerwassevered.AndI havenotforgottenthewordswhichyouutteredonthedayonwhichtheverserelatingtoHijab (Veil)wasrevealed.[3]AndIrememberhowmuchtheHolyProphet(s)wasannoyedwithyouand remainedangrywithyouonaccountofthosewordstillthelastdayofhislife",Thenheturnedto Sa'dbinWaqqasandsaid:"Youareamanwhohasaplatoonofhorsemenunderhiscommand youwishtoengageyourselfinmassacrewiththeirhelpandacquirebooty". ThenheaddressedAbudurRahmanbin'Awfandsaid:"OAbdurRahman!Ifthefaithofallthe Muslimsisweighedandassessedandcomparedwithyourfaith,yourfaithwillcertainlybe superiortotheirs.However,thistaskisnotappropriateforapersonlikeyou,becauseyoupossess aweakpoint,and,asIhavealreadysaid,thetribeofBaniZohrahasnothingtodowiththe Caliphate". AfterUmarhadanalysedandexplainedthepositionofthesefewpersonsandtakennoticeofthe factthattheywouldnotattaintotheCaliphateheturnedtoAliandsaid:"Howfitandsuitable youwerefortheCaliphate!IswearbyAllahthatifthespiritofhumourwasnotinyouandI selectedyoufortheCaliphateyouwouldleadthepeopletocleartruthandrightpath!" IntheendheturnedtowardsUthmanandinatonewhichshowedthathewasdesirousofthe Caliphateforhimandwasinvitinghimtoithesaid:"Youarefitforthistask.However,Icansee thatifIhandovertheCaliphatetoyou;youwillmakeBaniUmayyaandBaniAbiMu'itrideonthe necksofthepeople,grantthemconcessionsandgivethemwealthandproperty.Thenapackof thewolvesofArabiawillattackyouandkillyouinyourbed.IswearbyAllahthatifthey(Quraysh) doso,thiseventwilltakeplaceandthewolvesofArabiawillresorttothisaction.Remembermy Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wordsonthedayonwhicheventstakesuchaturnandknowthatthishastohappen". ItisevidentthattheexpressionofviewsbyUmaraboutthemembersofthecoucilinthecapacity ofmen,asmentionedabove,accordedperfectlywithhisplananditisalsoclearthatthe proclamationoftheseviewswasoneofthemainelementsfortheenforcementofhisplan, becauseUmarwasnotconcernedwiththemembersofthecouncilandtheirlikeviz.neutral partiesandgroups.Whatreallyhehadinviewwastheenforcementofhisplanandtheseviewsas expressedbyhimimpressedthepeople.ThenUmarwasundoubtedlyverykeentogivethisshape tohisviewsonthesubjectwithgreatcareandeuthusiasmsothattheymightbecompatiblewith hisplan. Itmayhoweverbenotedthatontheonehandheinvitedthesixpersonsbeforetakingadecision regardingthecouncilsystemandmakingnecessaryarrangementsinthematter,andontheother handhewantedtoestablishabasewiththewordswhichhewasutteringandtobuildthecouncil systemonit. Apartfromthesetwoaspectsyoucanobservethat,notwithstandingthefactthatthewordsof Umararemixedwithvriouskindsofcriticism,theypossesstwocharacteristicsinthesensethat ontheonesidetheyhavebeenexpressedwithatoneofridiculeandderision,andontheother sidetheyappearintheshapeofaspecialtopic. Ifsomeonesaysthatthecombinationofthesetwocharacteristicstookplacewithoutanyprior aimandintention,donotbelievehim.ThefactisthatthementalandintellectualfactorofAbu Hafs(Umar)incombiningthesetwocharacteristicscertainlyarosefromhispoliticalskillandnot fromhisaestheticsense,andhewishedthatallthesemattersshouldcometotheknowledgeof everyone,sothattheyshouldimpresseveryclassinaspecialmanner.Andeventuallythegeneral effectofconveyingthesematterstootherswastothrowallofthemintoanabyssfromwhich theyhadnowayofescape. BycommencingtheconversationinafaceciousandjestingtoneUmarwantedtosatisfyhisanger andtotakerevengeonthosewhodaredtalkwithhimimpudentlywhilehewasinhisdeathbed. However,ifthispersonalfactoriscomparedwithotherpoliticalfactorswhichwereagitatinghis mind,itwillcarrynoimportance.Thispointmaybeexplainedthus:KeepinginviewUmar's derisivecriticismcoupledwiththedelicatetouchesandwit,whichhewasemploying,itwould appearthathisobjectwastopromptthemembersofthecouncilallthemoretoattainto Caliphate,andnotthathewantedhisactiontobeameansofhispersonalgratification,because hedeprivedeveryoneofthemveryexplicitlyofthepositionofCaliphateandrulershipwitha speciallanguageandinaparticularmanner. Thepointwhichhehadinviewduringtheseproceedingswasthatwiththesestingingwordshe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    shouldrousethemtoactionsothateveryoneofthemmightexpresshiscandidatureand competenceandincidentallyrefutehisthinking.Otherwise,ifhehadtoldthemopenlyand explicitly:"Everyoneofyouwhocanorwishestoenterthiscompetitionshoulddosoandgainhis object";noneofthemwouldhavecomeforwardtocompetewithothers.InthatcaseUmar wouldnothaveachievedhisobject.He,therefore,adoptedthemethodofderisionandridicule andstungthem,sothattheymightshowtheirreactionandatthesametimemightriothaveany otherrecourseexceptthatofexecutinghisplan. Umarhadalsoanotherobjectinviewinresortingtoridiculeanditwasthathewantedtoremove theveilfromtherealfacesofthesedistinguishedmenandleadersofthenationandtotearthe curtainwhichhadbeenhungbetweenthemand,others.Furthermore,asaresultofthisaction hewantedtheirpersonalitiestobecomeatopicofgeneraldiscussionforthepeopleandtomake hisownhighpositionwhichhehadacquiredstabilized,andimpressthismatteronthemindsof thepeoplesothattheymightconfirmthatUmarwassuchapersonthatnoneafterhim possessedsimilarcompetencefortheCaliphateandrulership.Andpossiblythisremembranceof UmarwasthemostimportantfactorwhichcausedthesettingasideofAliandthetacit nominationofUthman.ForifAlihadassumedthereinsoftheCaliphateafterthedeathofUmar nodifferencewouldhavebeenfeltintheoutwardappearanceofthemattersandthecourseof eventsascomparedwiththeperiodofUmar'sCaliphateandconsequentlythevalueandworthof UmarwhichwasfeltduringtheCaliphateofUthmanwouldnothavebecomeknownduringthe CaliphateandrulershipofAli.Furthermorebyadoptingaspecialstyleandmethodonthesubject whilecriticizingthemembersofthecouncilhehadsomethingelseinview.Hisideawasthat outwardlyheshouldnotassumeanyresponsibilityfortheappointmentoftheCaliphbutshould pretenedthathehadhandedoverthismattertothepeopleandhisownpartwasonlythatofan adviserandaguide! Theresultofallthisthinkingwasthatheinventedasystemwhichwasacombinationof nominationandelection.Fromthepointofviewofelection,however,hecontentedhimselfwith theideathatitsoutwardshapeshouldremainintact,although,infact,itdidnotconformeither withtherulesofreligionorwiththenationalspirit.Andhismainideawasthatnoneshouldbe consideredresponsiblefornominationandappointment. WhenthepreliminariesfortheenforcementofthementalplanofUmarwerecompletedand theirresultswhichweretheeffectsofdifferentfactorsandobjectsbecameapparent,hedidnot permitthattheelectionshouldtakeplaceinanaturalmanner.Hecompelledthepeopleto executehisplaninadecisivemannerwithoutcreatinganydifferencesordiversions,andordered thatiftheelectionendedindiversityofopinionsthenomineesshouldbebeheaded! CaliphUmar,therefore,tookintoconsiderationsuchacouncilandformulatedsuchsevere regulationsforthem,andstrangelyenoughhedidnotdelegatetheauthorityfortheexecutionof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theregulationstothemembersofthecouncilortoanyoneofthembutentrustedthistasktoan externalforceviz.thepolice.Thushedidnotleaveanypathopenforthemexceptsubmission becausehehadorderedthatwhoeveropposedhiscommandshouldbebeheadedandifallthe membersofthecouncilopposedit,theyshouldmeetthesamefate! Hence,oneofthemostminutepointswhichhehadtakenintoaccountforcreatingafavourable atmospherefortheimplementationofhisplanwasthathedecidedthatduringtheinterventing periodi.e.tilltheappointmentoftheCaliphoneofthefreedslavesoftheMuslimswouldlook afterthestateaffairs.Bythismeanshewantedthepeopletobelievefromthepsychologicalpoint ofviewthatthematterhadanationalshape.Andbylimitingthetimefortheelectionand subjectingittostrictsupervisionandcontrolhisobjectwasthatwhateverhehadintendedshould beaccomplishedwithoutanynegligenceandrespite. Thelawrelatingtothecouncilwasneitherambiguousnordetailed.Ithadbeenpreparedinavery easyandsimplemannerandwasexactanddecisiveinallrespects.HecalledAbuTalhaAnsari,the ChiefofthePoliceDepartmentandorderedhimasunder:,"WhenIamdeadcollectfiftyofyour men.Thenconfineallthemembersofthecouncilinaroomandkeepthemundersupervision. Givethemthreedaysforconsultationsandinanycasedonotallowtheperiodtoexceedthree days.Thenkeepitinmindthatiffivepersonsareagreeableandonemandiffersyoushouldcut offhishead,andiftwopersonsarenotagreeableyoushouldkillbothofthem.Incase,however, theyareequallydividedi.e.threepersonsholdoneviewandtheotherthreeholdtheother, enforcetheviewofthegrouptowhichAbdurRahmanbelongsandthethreepersonsbelonging totheothergroupshouldeithersubmitorbekilled.Andincaseunanimityisnotachievedduring theperiodofthreedays,killallofthemandthenleaveittothepeopletoelectwhomsoeverthey like!" Inanycaseitwasalawwhichwaseasy,simpleandstraightforwardandatthesametimedecisive, bindingandexact.Itwasexact,becauseitsease,simplicityandfirmnessrevolvedroundthepivot ofaparticularobjectandpossiblysuchanincidenthadnoprecedentinthepoliticalhistoryofthe world! Itwassimplebecauseitsimplementationwasalliedwithgreatweaknessandseverityandatthe sametimeithadbeendesignedinastrangemanneranditsformwassuchthatAlishouldhave remainedasideandmightnothavebeenabletogetelected. Theremaybesomepersonswhomaysay:"IftheintentionofAbuHafs(Umar)indesigningthis planhadbeentodepriveAlifromtheCaliphateandtoappointUthmantothatposition,hecould, aswashiswont,nominateUthmantotheCaliphateexplicitlyanddecisively".Itshould,however; berememberedthatthepositionenjoyedbyAliinthemindsofthepeopleandhisinfluenceon publicthinkingwasverywellknowntoUmaranddidnotneedanyproof.Hence,forhisandother Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    reasonshehadnoalternativeexcepttocometotermswithpublicthinkinginsuchawaythatthe peopleshouldautomaticallyimplementwhatUmardesiredandhisplanshouldbeenforced withouttheirfacinghisanger. Thepointwhichattractedattentioninthisdexterouslydrawnplanwasthathementionedthe nameofAliandextolledhisqualitiesandthusapparentlydidnotopposepublicopinionregarding attachmentforAli,exceptinrespectofthispointwhichheapparentlyexpressedunintentionally althoughinfactintentionallyandpurposefully. Thenhementionedthenamesoffiveothers.Hewasnotworriedabouttheirenjoyingpublic confidenceanddidnotalsofeartheoppositionoftheirsupporters. Hence,theimplementationofhisplanwithafirmresolvewasfittomakeitsheadwayandhis purposewasbeingachievedwithoutanytroubleorinconvenienceandwithouthisnominating anyparticularpersontotheCaliphate.Andincidentallyhehadalsonottakenresponsibilityfor theactionsofthefutureCaliph. Inshort,bytakingthepreliminariesofthematterintoaccountthedeprivationofAlifromthe CaliphateandthecomingintoofficeofUthmanwasabundantlyclear.Theabovementionedpoint maybeelaboratedthus:ThevictoryofUthmanwascertainbecauseAbdurRahmanwashissonin lawandSa'dwashiscousin(paternaluncle'sson)whocouldinnocircumstancesopposehimor leavehisgroup,ApartfromthisTalhabelongedtothetribeofTaymandifhehadlosthopeof becomingtheCaliphhewouldcertainlynothaveelectedaHashimite,Inthateventoutofthesix personsonlytwoviz.AliandZubayrwouldhavebeenleftandincasetheyhadexpressed oppositiontheywouldnaturallyhavebeenbeheaded.Inanycase,irrespectiveofthedistinction whichhadbeengiventoAbdurRahmanfor.thegoodorderandmanagementoftheconsultations Umar'splanwasbeingimplementedautomatically.However,theprudenceandcareoftheCaliph demandedthatAbdurRahmanshould,inanycase,havebeenthecentralfigure.Thefactthat Umarreliedonthe.honestyofAbdurRahmanandinthemeantimedidnotconsiderthetribeof BaniZohrafitfortheCaliphate(asmentionedabove)simplymeantthatAbdurRahmanshould enjoyaspecialpositioninthecouncil,andifbychancethetwopansofthescalebecameequal AbdurRahmanshouldmakethatofUthmanheavier. ThesecretofthematterwasnothiddenfromAliorfromthosepersonswhowereoccupiedwith publicmattersinthosedays.However,whentheprosandconsarestudiedandthewaysand meansofthebusinessaretakenintoconsiderationittranspiresthatpoliticsispolitics,whateverit maybeandinwhatevershapeitmayappear!

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Supplement/2 Thefactisthattheaimofthecouncilandthetimewhichhadbeenfixedfortheimplementation oftheplanwerequitecleartoAliandifourinterpretationispermissiblewemaysaythat,infact, theattitudeofAliinthematterofpoliticshadanaspectofidealism.Hedidnotgiveupthiscourse andpolicyatanycostandsacrificedhispersonalityforthesakeofhisprinciples.Weshallnotbe exaggeratingifwesaythatthemethodandpolicyofAlihelpedtheadvancementofthescheme ofothers,because,whetherbeforetheconsultationsorthereafterheactedtimeandagaintohis owndisadvantage. WhenCaliphUmarhadfinishedwithhisremarkswithregardtothecouncilandhadalsogiven ordertoAbuTalhaAnsari,ImamAliandhisuncleAbbasdepartedfromUmar'spresence,andthe membersofBaniHashim'sfamilyandtheirsupporters,whowerepresentthere,also accompaniedthem.TheyhadnotyetcoveredalongdistancewhenAlibeganexplainingthe mattersandsaidtohisuncle:"TheaimandpurposeofthisplanisthatIshouldbedeprivedofthe CaliphateandUthmanshouldattaintoit". ItmaybepointedoutthatAligavetheseexplanationsinreplytohisuncle'squestion,because AbbashadaskedAli:"WhatisyourviewabouttheCouncil?" Whenthesecretsofthiscouncilanditsaimsandobjectshadbeenexplained,Abbassuggestedto Alithatheshouldnotattendthemeetingofthecouncil.However,Ali,whopossessedapolicyand anideal,didnotagreetohisuncle'sproposal,andpreparedhimselfforeverysacrifice.People knewthathewasaman,whowasfirmandconstantagainsteveryhappening,wassteadfastin thepathoftruth,neverabandonedthispolicyandobjectatanytime,andconsideredthegreatest victoryandsuccesstolieinthatheshouldpreferhissublimeintellectualandreligiousintereststo worldlybenefits. ThesixpersonsconcernedassembledinaroomandAbuTalhaAnsariandapartyofarmedpolice stoodoutsidethedoorinarow.Behindthestronggroupoffiftypolicementherewasalarger groupofsentrieswhoformedarowlikeachainandwereguardingthepremises.Andstillbehind thesentriesalargenumberofthepeoplehadgatheredindifferentrowsintheformofacrowd. Thenumberofpersonsformingtheserowswaslargeandtheywereallarmed.Generallythe peoplehadonlytwothoughtsandtwoopinions. Itistruethatsixpersonsweresittingintheroom,butaccordingtothecalculationofthepeople theywerenotmorethantwo.OneofthemwasAliandtheotherwasthenomineeofUmar. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Furthermore,thosepresentinthegatheringhadnodoubtaboutthefactthatthesupportersof Aliwereinamajorityandweresuperiortoothersfromthepointofviewofpastrecord, steadfastnessandfirmness. AmmarandMiqdadwerementioningintheirplacethepriorityofAliwascertainand indisputable,butthesecondpositionofUthmanhadadifferentshape,becausetwogovernment partieswhohadpowerintheirhandswerehissupportersviz:wellequippedandarmedsoldiery whichwasunderthecommandofAbuTalhaAnsari,andthegroupwhichwasrepresentedbyIbn AbiSarah,theheadofthedeceitfulandthehypocrites. Apersonwhoobservedtheconditionsandwitnessedthecombatduringthosedaysfromclose quartersnarratesthatthetworivalgroupshadarrayedthemselvesoppositeeachotherandeach ofthemwascryingslogansinfavourofitscandidate.Thefavourableandopposingvoiceswere reachingtheearsofthesixpersonswhohadretiredintheroomanditwasknownthatfour personsoutofthesixmembersdidnotinfacthaveanysupporters. ThevoiceswhichwerebeingraisedoutsidewereclearlyindicativesofsupportforeitherAlior Uthman.Inthecircumstanceswhatwasthepropercoursefortheremainingfourpersonsto pursue?Andwhyshouldtheyhaveinvolvedthemselvesintroublewhentheyhadnohopeof success?Andnonehadnominatedthemandthepeople,too,didnotattachanyimportanceto them.Nodoubtthisexternalpressurecutthemattersshortandthefieldofcontestlayopenfor thetworealrivals.Andthereisnodoubtaboutthefactthatthisexternalpressureplacedthe remainingfourmembersofthecouncilvirtuallyinthesamepositionwhichUmarhadprepared forthembeforehisdeath. Thefirstpersonwhoassessedthesituationproperly(andwasalsoacquaintedwiththe 'conditionsbeforehand)wasTalha,whoremovedthedoubtsofthosewhowereraisingahueand cry,and,whenhefeltthathehadnosupporters,hewithdrewinfavourofUthman.ThenZubayr withdrewinfavourofAli.ThenSa'djoinedthesetwopersonsandthussurrenderedtheauthority toAbdurRahman.AfterthesedevelopmentsAliobservedsilenceandUthman,too,remained quiet. AbdurRahmanhadnotyetlefttheroomwhenthesecretofAbdurRahman'stakingoathof allegiancetoUthmanbecameevidentandallrealizedthatAbdurRahmanwhiletakingtheoath hadthesamehopewhichUmarhadwhenhetookasimilaroathtoAbuBakr,withthedifference thatUmar'shopematerializedwhereasAbdurRahman'sdidnot. Asandwhenherememberedtheforecastofthepeopleandwasremindedofithefeltgrieved. However,hewasnevergrievedasmuchashewaswhenhewascomingoutofUthman'spalace calledTamaruzZahra.Thedetailsofthisincidentaregivenhere:Thiswasoneoftheroyalpalaces Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ofUthman.Profusearistocraticceremonieswerearrangedfortheopeningcelebrationsofthis palace.UnfortunatelyforAbdurRahman,however,apainfulincidenthappenedonthatday, becausetheslaves,sentriesandsentinelsofthepalaceofUthmanturnedhimoutwithsevere rudeness.ThiswasduetothefactthatAbdurRahmanadvisedUthmannottoincurlavish expenditureinconnectionwiththeopeningcelebrationsofthepalaceandUthmandidnotlikehis advicewhichsmackedofcriticism. WhatismoresurprisingisthatAbdurRahman'schastisingUthmanwasnotlimitedtothis expulsionalone.ThemattershadtakensuchaturnthatUthmanexcommunicatedAbdurRahman andorderedthatwhoeverconversedwithhimwouldbedeprivedofhissocialandcivilrights. Itwillbebetternowtodispensewiththediscussionaboutaneventwhichdidnottakeplaceand toturntowhathappenedattheendofthemeetingofthecouncil.Henceaftertheappointment orelectionofUthmantotheCaliphateAbdurRahmangotup;andwaspridinghimselfandsinging epicversesonaccountofhishavingelevatedUthmantothepositionofCaliph. Anyhow;byAbdurRahman'stakingoathofallegiancetoUthmanthelatteracquiredtheCaliphate andAliwasdeprivedofit. OncomingoutofthemeetingofthecouncilAliproclaimedAbdurRahman'smistakeandopenly predictedtheunpleasantencountersbetweenhimandUthmanandtheuglyeraandtheevils whichwouldfollow.Thepeoplewhowerewaitingoutsidewereanxioustoknowwhattranspired intheproceedingscarriedonintheroom.Whenthenewsofthesocalledelectionreachedthem theywerebesidethemselveswithsorrowandanger. AmongstthepeoplethecountenanceofAmmarandtheexpressionofthefaceofIbnAbiSarah wereindicativeoftheintentionsofthetwofactions. AssoonasthesingsofhappinessappearedinthefaceofAmmartheexpressionofIbnAbiSarah becamegrimandhethreatenedtheoppositepartywithrevengefulvoiceandraiseduproar;and whensignofhappinessappearedinthefaceofIbnAbiSarahAmmarbeganrecitingepicverses andthreatenedtheoppositeparty. Ofcourse,duringthecourseoftheseeventsepicversesandthreatswerenotconfinedtothese demonstrationsonly.Thereweremanypeoplestandingbehindthesetwopersonswhohad contradictorysentimentsandeverygroupconfirmedthespeechofoneofthesetwospeakers. Somepersonssaid:"Ammarisright".Someotherssaid:"WhatIbnAbiSarahsaysiscoaect". Apersonwhowitnessedthiscampaignnaratesthatthisdisputebetweenthetwogroupswasnot onebetweentwopersonsbutwasinfactacontentionbetweentwowaysofthinkingand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whereasAliwasthemanifestationofoneofthemUthmanwastherepresentativeoftheother.In moreappropriatetermsitmaybesaidthatitwasaquarrelbetweenthepropositionofa Caliphateandthatofmonarchy;oritwasafightbetweentheprinciplesandelementsofnational governmentandtheprincipleandoriginofdespoticgovernment. Inshortthescufflewhichhadtakenplaceindicatedinfactthestruggleofindependenceagainst despotism,struggleofjusticeagainsttyrannyandoppressionandstruggleofequalityagainst egotismandpersonalaggrandizement.Inotherwordsitwasacontentionbetweenpublic interestsononesideandpersonalandindividualinterestsandegotismontheotherside. Hence,whatcouldbeexpectedfromAmmar?Itwasthatheshouldrisetoopposeagovernment whichwasheadedbyUthman. WeknowthatAmmaralwayslivedquietlyandpeacefullyexceptwhentherewasadangerof disturbanceandmischief. WhatcouldbeexpectedfromAmmarwhenhehadnotforgottenthedayonwhichhewas workingwiththeHolyProphet(s)fortheconstructionofthemasjidandUthmanwasthreatening him? HencewhoexceptAmmarcouldsavethepeoplefromtheblowsofthestickandthescourgeof Uthmanduringhiscaliphatewhenhewaswieldinggreatauthority! AmmarrememberedthattheProphet(s)consideredhimtobeasgoodas'skinbetweenthetwo eyes'and'liketheskinofhisownnose'andhadsaid:"WiththegoodintentionswhichAmmar possessesheinvitesthepeopletoParadisewhereasothersinvitethemtoHell. BesidesallthisAmmarwasamanwhorememberedhisowngoodintentionsandfirmfaithand thepersecutionandtorturesufferedbyhimduringtheearlydaysofhisembracingIslamand knewthetroublesandsufferingswhichhehadborne! Nowthesamebrilliant,intellectual,andpracticalrecordandsincerefaith,andvaluable remembrances,coupledwithnobleprincipleswhichwerethecapitalofhispersonality,andhis missiontoinvitethepeopletotruth,besideswhichhehadnotassumedanyotherresponsibility, demandedthatheshouldriseatthatcriticalmoment,withwhichthefateofallthepeoplewas linked.Itwasamatterwithwhichtheupperclassofthenationwasinagreement,butthegeneral publicwasdivided.Itwasthereforeobligatoryforhimtoexpresshisviewsopenlyandnotto abstainfromspeakingthetruth.Itwasonthisaccountthathespokeloudlyandmadethese wordsreachtheearsofthemembersofthecouncil:"Ifyouwanttogetridofdifferenceselect Ali". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AtthesametimeMiqdadfollowedAmmarandsaidloudly:"Ammarisright.Ifyoutakeoathof allegiancetoAliallofusareagreeabletoit". Atthatverymoment,asopposedtowhatwassaidbyAmmarandMiqdad,amannamed AbdullahbinAbuSarah,whowasoneofthenotorioushypocritesandhasalsobeenintroduced bytheHolyQur'anassuch,rosefromamongstthegatheringandsaidwithaloudvoice:"O membersofthecouncil!Ifyouconsideryourselvestobeinneedofoursupport;takeoathof allegiancetoUthman". AtthismomentAmmartookseriousexceptiontoitandfacingAbdullahsaid:"Ohypocrite!What haveyoutodowiththesewords?Allahandallthepeopleknowthatyouhavealwaysbeen deceitfultowardsIslamandhavebeencommittingtreacherywithitandcreatingmischiefand troublepersistently". Hence,someUmayyadsobjectedtowhatAmmarwassaying,and,asopposedtotheUmayyads, someHashimites,whowerestandingbehindAmmar,confirmedwhathehadsaid,andthe matterstooksuchaturnthattherearosethedangerofascufflebetweenthetwoparties. However,Ammarstooduppersonallyamongthesetwogroupsandspokewithanenchanting tongueandutteredeffectiveremarksandpenetratingwords.Heexplainedthesecretsofthe teachingsofIslam,anditsgoodintentions,wisdomandregulations,andclarifiedastowhyIslam andtheMuslimsneededtheleadershipofImamAli. IfAmmarhadbeengivensometimeatthiscriticalmomenthewouldcertainlyhavewonthe campaign. However,whenthesoundofAmmar'sshoutingresoundedwithintheroomAbdurRahmanfeared thatthistumultmightcreatedifficultiesintheimplementationofhisplan.InthemeantimeSa'd WaqqasalsofearedtroubleandadvisedAbdurRahmantoexpeditethematter.HenceAbdur RahmanplacedtheconditionsbeforeAliasquicklyaspossibleanddecidedtheissueinfavourof Uthman. DoyouknowwhatAmmardidwhenAliwalkedoutofthecouncilroomgracefullyafterhavinglost hisrightandtheresulthadalsobeenproclaimed? Ammardidnotmakeanychangeinhisconditionexcepttotheextenttowhichitwasdemanded bychangeintheatmosphere.Whentheresultoftheelectionwasannouncedheadoptedthe attitudeofprotestandaddressedAbdurRahmanthus:"OAbdurRahman!YouabandonedAliand pushedhimaside.However,truthdidn'tabandonAlianddidn'tpushhimaside;andyouhavent selectedajustperson". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Miqdadalsofollowedsuitandrepeatedthesamefactsandsaid:"Itisverystrangeonthepanof Quraysh!TheyhavelostamanincomparisonwithwhomIdon'tknowanyoneaslearnedin judicialmatters,andIdon'tseeanyoneaswiseandpiousasheis.Alas!IfIhadafriendanda helperIwouldhaveknownwhattodo!" AbdurRahmanwhoconsideredhimselftobethechampionoftheelectionthreatenedAmmar andMiqdadandwarnedthemoftheconsequencesofcontentionanddisputebuttheydidnot payanyheedtohim.However,Aliwasendeavouringtomakethemtoleratethecircumstanceand said:"IcanreadthethinkingofQurayshbetterthananyoneelseandknowallofthemthoroughly. Theyarethepeoplewhoseektheirownbenefitandwanttoservetheinterestsoftheirown peopleandrelativesandsay,iftheauthorityisvestedinBaniHashimitwillnevergooutoftheir hands,butifsomeoneotherthanBaniHashimassumesthereinsofrulershipitmaybehoped thatthebelliesofQurayshwillgetasharefromthisbait". ThenheadvisedandemphasizedAmmarandMiqdadtowatchthedevelopmentsandassured themthatwhatevertheyexpectedwouldhappenandthefuturewouldconfirmtheirforecast.He addedthatatthatmomenttheyhadnodutyexcepttoresorttoexhortingthepeople.Hence thesetwopersonsundertookthetaskofguidanceandexhortation. ItmustalsobestatedthattheviewpointofAmmarandtheopinionofhisothercompanionswho thoughtlikehimandhadresortedtoprotestandcontentionwasbasedonprogressiveandfirm thinking,becausetheyknewforcertainthetroubleswhichthenationwouldexperienceduring Uthman'sregime.Theyalsoknewverywellhowtherulesandprincipleswouldbeturned topsyturvy,andtheresultwhichtheseinauspiciouseventswouldproducewouldcertainlybethe awakeningofthesenseofapostasyandreactioninthesensethattheprogressiveMuslimsociety wouldbeconventedfromagreatandcomprehensivejustsocialismtoahideousandrepugnant capitalism.Thennaturallyprejudiceandpartyspiritwouldberevivedandcompetencyand efficiencywoulddisappear;andallouraffairswouldbelefttothetendermercyofsome particularpersons.Andthesemenwouldsomehoworothersuckthebloodofthepeople,would tarnishthepeaceofthesociety,andwouldthrowitintodisunityandconfusion.Consequentlythe societywhichhadbecomeaffluentafterindigence,hadacquiredhonourandcreditafterhumility andmeekness,hadachievedstrengthafterweakness,andhadsucceededinattainingfreedom afterslavery,wouldtoppledown. Ammarandhisfriendsbelievedthatthepoliticsofexpectationandinmodernterminilogythe politicsofwaitandseehadareactionaryaspectandsaid:"Theresultofallowinganintervalof relieftothegovernmentofthetime,andgivingrespitetothecapitalistrulerorsubmittingtothe influenceofthisclassandwaitingfortheevilconsequencesoftheestablishmentofsuchan organization,willbethatwiththehelpofthewealthwhichsuchanorganizationhasatitsdisposal Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    itwillbringaboutevil,mischiefandcorruptioninthebeliefs.Naturallyinsuchanatmosphere everymeanandincompetentpersonwillacquireaposition.Hence,whensuchpersonsare successfultheywillsnatchthewealthandtheprovisionsofthepeopleandwillpridethemselves onaccountofthislootandplunderandgiveitthenameofvictoryandsuccess.Eventuallyowing totheruleofsuchacorruptgovernmentanatmosphereoffeudalismwillbecreatedandthe piousminoritywillbecomesubservienttothecorruptmajority.Consequentlydevelopments adversity,misfortune,andafflictionwillengulfthesociety. KeepinginviewallthesemattersAmmarroseagainstthegovernment.Acalmandquietperson thoughhewas,hisprotestcouldbeheardbythepeopleduringthesedaysintheloudestterms. Ammarandothersofthesametrackwishedthatifpossible,theyshouldeliminatethecause whichwasmakinganewhistoryonawronganddeviatedpathandtheirrealobjectwasto forestallthemistakeswithwhichthenewcoursewouldbecontaminatedandwouldleadthe progressiveIslamicsocietytoreaction,egotismandprofiteeringandcreateunpleasantsituations forit,becausetheyknewthoroughlythatifthisbitterexperienceandunwholesomecoursemade itsappearanceinthehistoryofIslameventhebloodyrevolutionwhichwasnaturallywaitingfor thesocietywouldnotbeabletocorrectit. AmmarandthosewhosharedhisviewswishedtoprotectIslamfromthiscovetousnessandgrave dangersandfeltthatthissystemofgovernmentwhichwasbasedonequalityandeveryonecould benefitfromitssufficiencyandefficiencyshouldnotbefacedwithrigidityandstagnancy,and thesevaluableteachingsshouldnotbetreatedasmarketablecommoditiestobesoldor purchasedandthispreciouscapitalofhumanlifeshouldnotbeannulled,changed,andtampered withtoservetheinterestsofmeanandabominablepersons,norshouldanyonebeallowedto interpretitaccordingtohisownwishes,andlastlythisneworderandsacredsystemshouldnot beallowedtochangegraduallyintocapitalisticfeudalism. InshortAmmarandhisadvancedandprogressiveassociateswhosharedhisviewsbelievedthat theyshouldrefrainfromcooperatingwiththenewadministrationandtoprotectandguardthe environmentsofIslamfromthepollutionsofthisgovernment. Ammargavetheagentsandworkersofthisnewgovernmentthenameofbarreninfidelityand said:"Theseareungrateful,brainless,ignorantandunblessedpersons;theyarethankless;they areacalamityanddeceitforus;theyarenowatthehelm". Anyhowtheschemesandthecollusionsofthevariouspartiesandgroupsofthosedayswerevery strongandpublicthinkingcouldmakenoimpressionontheirpervertedminds.Andasitisnotan easytasktoenlightenthepubliconthefuturemistakesanderrorswhichareinthemaking,the piousandenlightenedelementsofthosetimescouldnoteasilydepictthefutureunpleasant Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    eventsbeforethepeople. ItwasforthisreasonthatAliadvisedAmmarandMiqdadandtheirassociatestoawaitfuture eventsandtocontentthemselveswithguidingandadvisingthepeople.Thiswastheonlyduty whichtheycoulddischargeinthesecircumstances. Thesepersons,whowerenothappywiththeprevailingconditions,werepassingtheir,dayswith fortitudeandexpectation.Theirexpectationwaslikethatoffaithfulrevolutionistswhospend theirtimewithzealanddevotion. Inthemeantimetheemployeesandofficialsofthegovernmentofthetimewerecommittingacts whichprovidedexcusetoAmmarandhiscomradesforcriticismandprotestandgavearguments intheirhandswhichprovedthetruthoftheirclaimandthecorrectnessoftheirviewsand confirmedthepolicyofguidanceadoptedbythispiousminority. Supplement/3 Thehistorians,orsomeofthehistorians,believethatthemembersoftheUmayyadpartyhad beentryingsecretlyforsixyearsbeforeUthman'sattainingtotheCaliphatetoelevateto governmentadespotic,sentimentalandegotisticrulerwhoshouldpreferhimselfandhisrelatives toothers.[4] ThefactisthatUthmanwasatenderheartedandmildpersonandwasdeeplyinterestedinhis relatives,andshowedgreatpartialitytothem.Theseverysentimentsandregardfor consanguinitymadehimabridgeforthepredominanceofaristocracyoverdemocracyi.e.the publicGovernmentofIslam. ItwasforthisveryreasonthatthoserelatedtoUthmanandsimilarlyothershadkepthimin reserveforyearstoachievetheirends;andfromthebenefitsderivedbytheUmayyadpartyit wasprovedthataperiodofonlysixdaysandnotsixyearswasrequiredforthispurpose. KeepingUthmaninreserveforthispurposehasbehinditastorywhoseoriginwasthedayof Saqifa.ThiswasthesamedayonwhichthepartyofAbuBakravailedoftheopportunityprovided bythedemiseoftheHolyProphet(s)andmadehasteinmakinguseoftheprincipleletthe CaliphatebeconfinedtoQuraysh.Lateritwillexpandauthomaticallyandwillalsoreachothers. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    FurthermorewehavenotforgottentheresentmentfeltbyAbuSufyanonthedayonwhichAbu BakrwasselectedfortheCaliphate.Itwastheresultofthatveryresentmentthathevolunteered tosupportAliandhurriedtowardshimandofferedtotaketheoathofallegiancetohim. Wehavealsonotforgottenthatmanyinterestedpersons,whilestudyingtheeventsofthis interval,haveconsideredthisoccurrencetobeaminoroneandhavepasseditbyquickly! Althoughthisisoneofthemostsubtleeventsoftheperiodofintervalandisconnectedwiththe destiniesoftheIslamicGovernment,theyhavenotconductedthoroughresearchinthatbehalf. InordertogiveatruedescriptionoftheconditionsduringtheperiodofUthmanitisnecessaryto explainthecausesofAbuSufyan'sresentmentanditsreactionaryfactors,whichlatergavethe pactofthetimeofUthmananewformandensureditsenforcement,sothatitmaybecomeclear thatthelatereventsdidnothaveanIslamicformanddidnotmoveinthepathofgradualchange anddevelopment. NodoubthistoryhasomittedfactswhilediscussingtheSufyaniincidentandhasbeenstingyand sparingofgivinginformationrelatingtoit,andhasnotquotedanythingaboutitsimportnace excepttoaverysmallextent. InshorthistoryalludesverybrieflytothemischiefmongeringofAbuSufyanandmentionsas againstthisinstigationthewaterwhichAlithrewonthisfire,andthenkeepssilent. ThenitbrieflymentionsinconnectionwiththesamehappeningtheastonishmentofAbuBakr andUmarregardingtheattitudeofAbuSufyanandalludestotheconsultationsandexchangeof viewsbythesetwopersonstoavoidthemischiefofthisgeniusandexplainsthat,inorderto remainsafefromthewrongdoingofAbuSufyan,AbuBakrandUmardecidedtosoftenandwin himoverbymeansofmoney,justastheHolyProphet(s)paidhimmoneybywayofplacating him.However,thepositionofAbuBakrandUmarvisavisAbuSufyanandthegiftwhichtheyhad decidedtobestowuponhimwasdifferentfromthepositionoftheProphet,because,aswritten byIbnAthir,AbuBakrandUmarelavatedthepositionofAbuSufyanfromthatofahypocrite,in whichcapacityheusedtoreceivethemoney,tothatofthe'nobleofMakkah'.Umarabolished paymentofmoneytohimasheusedtogetbefore,andforthishispleawasthatIslampossessed sufficientstrengthandtherewasnoneedforplacatinghim.Nowthisbecamethebasisforthe establishmentofclasssystemwhichcameintoexistenceafterhim. TheobjectionwhichhasbeenraisedagainsttheactionofUmaristhathispurposewasnot achieved,butonlythetitleofthesubjectwaschanged,andifthefirsttitlehadnotbeen abolisheditwaspossiblethatthisclassofhypocriteswouldgraduallyhavebeeneliminated. However,thesecondtitleviz.'noblesofMakkah,becamethecauseofthisclassbeinggiven Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    positionandpower,andnaturallythequestionofexceptionanddiscriminationarose,andshould nothavearisen,becauseIslamhadabolisheddiscrimination. HereitisnecessarythatweshoulddiscussthenatureoftheperiodofUthmanonwhichthesix daysandnotsixyearspenetrationofUmayyadrulehaditseffect. Aswehavealreadysaidhistoryhasnotdiscussedthe'Sufyani'incidentindetail,andhasonly hintedbrieflyattheanxietyofAbuBakrandUmarwithregardtothedifficultpostureofAbu Sufyan,andhasthenassumedsilence.However,personswhoarewellacquaintedwiththe mentalityanddispositionofAbuSufyanknowthathewasnotamanofthetypewhoshouldbe easilycontentedwithgettingmoneyandbecomesatisfied,becausehiscovetousnesswent beyondthislimit. AsAbuSufyanwasatraderandwaswellacquaintedwithrulershipandtheprinciplesoflife,it wasnotpossiblethatallhisobjectsanddesiresshouldbefulfilledbyagooddealofmoney.And evenifheoccasionallyobeyedtheProphet(s)atafixedpriceandpretendedtofollowhim,he wasnolongerpreparedtogivesimilarauthoritytoAbuBakrandUmarandinotherwords,tosell himselftothesetwopersonsatthesameprice,becausehelookedatthemwiththesameopinion whichheheldaboutthemearlier. ItmustalsobemadeclearthathissubmissionandobediencetotheProphet,too,wasonlyby wayofdeceitandhypocrisy,and,whenhewascompelledtosubmit,hedidnotconsiderthis compulsiontobeaninsultforhimselfbecausehesawtheProphet(s)atapositionofleadership, whichdidnotinterferewithhisownpositionofbeinganaristocrat.Neverthelesshissubmission wasstillalliedwithtransgression. Inthecircumstanceswoulditberationalthatsuchapersonshouldsubmit,andbeobedient,to AbuBakr.AndagainwoulditberationalthatAbuBakrandUmarshouldfeelsecurefromhim aftermeetinghisdemands? ThefactisthatweshouldbelievethatAbuSufyan'sagreeingtosubmittoAbuBakrandUmar, andtheirbeingsatisfiedwithhim,hadastrongerreason.Itmaybeaskedastowhatthatstrong reasonwas.Thereplytothisquestionisthis:AbuSufyanwasafeudalist,whospentlavishlyand livedalifeofpleasure.Hewasaprofligatearistocrat,whoconsideredhimselfandthoselikehim tobeentitledtospecialrespect. Thisclassofpersonsconsideredthemselvestobethemastersandotherstobetheirslaves. NaturallytheylookedatIslamfromthestandpointoftheirownviewsandconsideredIslamtobe amovementforprofiteeringandimaginedthatjustlikeidolworshipthespiritofprofitmaking washiddeninitsteachings.Forthisreasontheythoughtthatthefundamentalsandprinciples Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    beingpreachedbytheProphet(s)ofIslamwerelikekingworshipofoldentimesandasa consequenceofthisgroundlessthinkingtheyimaginedthatIslam,too,consideredthatitwas necessaryforallpersonstoservethearistocrats. Hence,intheeyesofAbuSufyan,thedifferencebetweenthefactorsofidolworshipandIslamwas indeedthedifferencebetweentheresultsobtainedfromthem.IftheprinciplesofIslamwere usefulandmorepayingforthearistocratsandtheeldersofthenation,itwaswellandgood,butif Islamdidnotguaranteethisobject,anddidnotprovetobeameansofservicetothearistocrats, itwouldbebetterforthemtoseeksomebetterwaysandmeanstoachievetheirends. Anyhow,theminutefactorswhichexistedinthebrainofAbuSufyanmadehimthinkonthese linesandheheldsuchviewsaboutIslam. Ofcourse,AbuSufyanwastheheadofthecaravanofthecamelownersandthechiefofthe polytheists,andtheheadandguideofamaterialistparty,andeveryoneofthesefactorsand stimulantswassufficienttomakehimthinkhimselfanidolsuperiortootheridols. WiththisdispositionAbuSufyanalsopossessedsufficientcunning,deceitandingenuity,andhad supporters,whopropagatedthiswayofthinking.Itwastheseverysupportersofhiswhoroseto fightagainstotherpartiesandgroupstoacquiretherulership.He,therefore,utilizedallthese meanstoachievehisobject. Itisevidentthatsuchapersonisnottamedeasilyinsuchanatmosphereanddoesnotsell himselfatacheapprice.Ratherhewouldsubmitonlywhen,besidesacquiringmaterialbenefits, hebecomesapartnerinthegovernmentandtheStateorganizations.KeepinginviewAbu Sufyan'spostureandposition,hischaracteristicsmaybefullyexplainedbyrelatingthefollowing story. BeforetheeventofSaqifaAbuSufyanwascertainlydesirousofpartakingingovernmentandhad beenendeavouringtoachievethisobject.Andassoon,however,ashefeltthatthevarious partiesandgroupshadjoinedhandsagainstAliandhaddecidedtodeprivehimofsucceedingto theCaliphateaftertheHolyProphet(s)andwishedtogivetheCaliphatetoQuraysh,hejoined thepioneersandleadersofthenationandcooperatedwiththem,althoughhewasnotoneof them. HiscooperationwiththeopponentsofAlididnotendthere.Hewantedtosharethegainswith them;butashecouldnothopetosucceedinattainingtogovernmentaccordingtothestandards whichwereconsideredinthosedaystobethecriterionofdistinction,hecouldnotgetasharein it.AtthesametimehedidnotimagineandconsideritreasonablethattheCaliphateshouldgoto thesmallestfamilyofQuraysh.HethoughtittoberationalthatAlishouldsucceedtheHoly Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Prophet(s)andconsideredthistraditiontobesomethingquitenatural.However,whenhesaw thattherealsuccessordidnotsecurehisright,hepickedupcourageandbeganthinkingabout thetransferoftheCaliphatetotheUmayyadfamily.Hecalculatedthatifitwasnotpossiblefor himtoacquiretheCaliphatehimself,hecouldnominatesomeoneelsefromamongstQurayshfor thisoffice.TheonlypersonbelongingtotheUmayyadfamilywhohadalongpreviousrecordand hadundergonemanyhardshipsfortheadvancementofIslamandfulfilledallrequirementsof successaccordingtotheprevailingstandardswasUthmanandnoneelse.He,therefore nominatedhimfortheCaliphate. BychanceherealizedonthedayofSaqifathathisthinkingaboutUthmanhadbeenincorrect. However,atthesametimehewassoemotionallyshockedatthesuccessofAbuBakrthathewas abouttobecomeinsane. Inthemeantimehefeltthatasecretgamehadbeenplayedinthematterwhichhehadnottaken intoaccount.BesidesthisherealizedthatAbuBakr'sCaliphatewasadangerousprecedentforthe tribesandwouldcostthearistocratsdearlyinfuture. ForthisreasonhehastenedtoAliwithutmostsincerityandinotherwordsvolunteeredoforAli's servicewithgoodintentionfromtheviewpointofaristocracy,andwaivedallothercreditsto protectthisvitalpositionandcredit.However,Ali,whosewayofthinkingwasopposedin principletothatofAbuSufyaninallrespectsdeclinedtoaccepthisassistanceandignoredthe troublewhichhewaspreparedtotake.AttheveryoutsetAbuSufyanwasverymuchgrievedon accountofthefollowingtwosevereshocks:(i)RuleofBaniTamim; (ii)WeaknessofHashimitefamily. Asthesetwoshockswereintolerabletheymadehimconfused.Whenhecametohissenseshe profitedbythesecondshock.ThismatterwasexplainedyearslaterbyMu'awiyaduringthe CaliphateofAliinaletterwrittenbyhimtoMuhammadbinAbuBakrwhereinheadmittedthatif AbuBakrandUmarhadnotrebelledagainstAli,ignoredhisright,andformedfactions,heandhis fatherwouldnothaverebelled.ThereafterMu'awiyawrotethusinthesameletterespecially aboutthecommonactionofAbuBakrandUmaragainstAli:"Thesetwopersons(AbuBakrand Umar)causedgreatpainandgrieftoAliandwereveryharshuponhim". ThesetwosevereblowswhichAbuSufyanexperienceddidnotbringaboutanychangeinhis ideasandwayofthinking.Nodoubt,nochangecouldbeexpectedfromthementalityofAbu Sufyan,becauseIslam,withallitsstrength,hadnotbeenabletobringhimround. AbuSufyanobservedthattheelevationofAbuBakrandUmartothestatusoftheProphet(s)was somethingunnaturalandthesetwopersonstransgressedtheirlimitsandundertookataskwhich Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wasnotsuitableforthem.NowheattributedthestayingathomeofAlitoastrangeweaknessor lapseonhispart,becausehewhohadaclearandadmittedrighthadabandonedit.Thenafter minutereckoningandcomparisonbetweenthesetwostrangeincidentshecametotheclear conclusion,andthought,thatitwasalsopossibleforBaniUmayyatoachicvethisobjectthrougha shortcut,andevenifhehimselfcouldnotattaintotheCaliphatehisnomineecoulddoso. WhenAbuSufyanroseinsupportofAlihedrewsuchbenefitsfromthesecondshock,whichhe hadtosuffer,ashadnotcrossedhismindearlier.Asthisrisingofhiswaspromptedbyselfishness, hecouldnotthinkofanythigelse.Thatistosay,thatalthoughAlididnotattachanyimportance tohisrisingoropposition,butthisrisinghadgreatsignificanceintheeyesofAbuBakrandUmar, andthesetwopersonsattachedgreatimportancetoit. AbuBakrandUmarwerefrightenedofAbuSufyan'srisingbecausetheyimaginedthatitwould openthedoorsofdangerandcreatetroubles.Theythoughtthatalthoughthesobriety,coolness andfirmnessofAlihadrelievedthemoftroubleinthecircumstancesthenprevailing,nonewould beabletoobviateAbuSufyan'smischief,ifheresortedtoitonsomeotheroccasion;andnone wouldbeabletoresistthebitingstingsandsharpclawsofthisreactionaryghoul. NodoubtAbuBakrandUmarpondereddeeplyoverthisdifficulty,andactedwithutmost courtesyand,accordingtosomehistorians,foundoutasolutionoftheproblem,thatis,they silencedhimwithmoney;butignoredthemostsubtlepointsofhispersonality,becauseAbu SufyanwasnotamanwhomighthavekeptquietashehadbeenduringthedaysoftheHoly Prophet.Inanycasehoweverhecouldnotbesatisfiedwiththesharewhichhegotsecretlyfrom thebudgetofexpenses. BesidesallthishewasfarabovethatheshouldadmitAbuBakrandUmartobesuperiorto himself,andhisconditionwassuchthatalthoughapparentlyhewasobligedtoremainsilentbut wassecretlyengagedinfraud,deceitandobstruction,andAbuBakrandUmardidnotknowhow toremainsafefromhismischief.Apartfromrenderinghimfinancialhelp,therefore,theywere obligedtoseekhisgoodwillconfidentially.WearenotawarewhetherAbuSufyansawAbuBakr andUmarataparticularspotortheymethimatanappointedplace. Itisanadmittedfact,however,thatallthepartieswereunanimousthattheCaliphateshouldbe confinedinthetribeofQuraysh.Thequestionswhichariseinthisbehalfgotoshowandwecan giveadefinitereplyinthisconnectionandsaythatthesilenceofAbuSufyanwasmore meaningfulthanthatheshouldbetreatedtofallunderthecategoryof"placatingtheirhearts"by meansofthemoneywhichherealizedfromAbuBakr.Similarlythesilenceofthismanbefore Umarwasmuchmorevaluaablethanthatheshouldbecontentedwithreceivingmoneyinthe capacityofanaristocrat. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    RathertherealvalueofhissilencewasthatUthmanshouldbepromisedtheCaliphateafter Umar,andincidentallyMu'awiya,withthemeansandresourcesinhishand,mightpreparea favourableatmospherefortheachievementofthisend. ThispointisquiteobviousthatinthematterrelatedtoBaniUmayyatheywereawarethatthe nominationofUthmanfortheCaliphatewasnotinAbuSufyan'sinterestsothattheymightagree witheachotherinthematterandformafront. Furthermore,thesupremacyoftheordersandcommandsoftheHolyProphet(s)didnotpermit thatpeopleshouldriseopenlyinoppositiontothem,becausesuchanactioninvolvedserious collisionandwasboundtoendinbloodshed.Forthisreasonitwasnecessarytoattaintothisend andtoenforcethisprogramme,thatthey(AbuSufyanandhisparty)shouldbuildabridgeand crossit. Theycouldnotalsohelpcreatingapointoftransitionsothatactionsandreactionsmightcomein contactwitheachotheratthatpointandtheprofitandlossoftheactionstakenmighthave equilibriumandbalance.Inthateventitwasnecessaryfortheenforcementoftheplanandthe programmethatthereshouldbeatenderheartedandmildcompanion,whoshouldalsobe attachedtohisrelatives,sothattheymightplacehiminthefirstrowoftheselfishpersonsand profiteekers,andundertheprotectionoftheruleofsuchanelementtheymightopposethe Prophet'sordersasmuchastheycould.ThereactionofthisactionshouldbethattheCaliph, whomtheyusedasatooltoachievetheirend,mightbeannihilated.Aftertheannihilationthey mightthemselvesshowanotherreactionsothattheymightachievetherequiredbalance;and eventuallyAbuSufyanmightassumethereinsofofficeintheshapeofMu'awiya,whoshouldbe sittinginambushinDamascus.Incasesuchahelplessoldmanlackingselfreliancehadnotbeen available,BaniUmayyawouldhavebeenfacedwithmuchtroubleandhardshiptosolvetheir difficulty. However,Uthmanwasapersonwhowassuitableforthistaskandhadbeenmadeforthis purpose.Eventually,therefore,hewastreatedtobefitforbeingpraisedforhispastandtoserve asasteppingstoneforthefuture. ThehistoriansimaginethattheUmayyadagentsweresecretlyactiveforaperiodofsixyears behindUthmanintheshapeofprofiteeringdespotictribalgovernment,althoughifpropercareis exerciseditbecomesclearthatbeforeUthman'scomingatthehelm,theseagentshadbeen strugglinginthispathfortwelveyears,andonaccountofhisleniency,tenderheartednessand strongattachmentforhiskithandkin,Uthmanhadbeenplacedinsuchasituationthathecould notkeepthegovernmentoftheUmayyadpartyhiddenevenforamoment. ThefactthatAmmarhadtakentheinitiativeinthematterofholdingdisputationwiththe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    governmentofthetimeandleadingthedisputantswascertainlytheresultofUthman's supportinghisnearrelativesandshowingpartialitytoBaniUmayyahandBaniMu'it. Ammarknewthoroughlyhowdangeroustheinfluenceofthisgroupwasforthejustregimeof Islamfromtheeconomicpointofview. Nowthesubstantialproofsofthisrealitywhichwerefeltattheveryfirstmoment,anddisturbed thepeople,andmadethemplanrevenge,becamethecauseofAmmar'sassumingtheleadership ofthedisputantsandconsequentlyfacingthetribulationsandtortures. Tomakeitmoreclearitmaybesaidthatwhentheoathofallegiancehadbeentaken,insteadof Uthmangoingtothemasjidandexplainingtheplanofhisgovernmentandassociatingthe MuhajirsandtheAnsarwithhisruleship,hisspecialcompanionsandcourtierspickedhimupon theirhandsandtookhimtohispersonalhousesothattheyalonemightenjoytheirvictorythere. Thisveryoccurrencebecamethecauseofthepeopleopenlyexpressingtheirsuspicionsand doubtsanddiscussingthematterfearlesslyineverylaneandstreet. WhentheCaliphheardaboutthesethingshewasobligedtoapproachthepeopleandofferthem anapology,becauseheexplainedtothemthatashehadtakenoverthetaskonlyrecentlyhe mightbegivensometimesothathemightstudyandreflectovertheproblems.Headdedthatas soonashewasfreehewouldcontactthepeopleasdesiredbythem,andashehimselfalso wished. ThecelebrationheldbythefirstfamilygatheringofBaniUmayyahontheirsuccesshadnotyet cometoanendwhenAbuSufyanannouncedhisviewsregardingtheplanfortheUmayyadrule whichhehadsketchedinhismindlongago,andhadbeenseekinganopportunitytoenforceit.As AbuSufyanhadbecomeblindinthosedaysheaskedthosepresent:Isthereanyoneinthe assemblybeforewhomweshouldobservetaqayya(becautious)?"Thosepresentreplied:'"Don't worry.Thereisnonehereexceptourselves". ThenAbuSufyanbeganexpressinghisviewsandsaid:'"OBaniUmayya!Holdfirmlythe governmentwhichyouhaveacquiredlikeaball.ForIswearbyonebywhomIswearthatIhad beendesiringthispositionforyouforyears.Nowthatyouhaveachievedyourcherishedgoal,you shouldendeavourtotransfertheCaliphatetoyourchildren.Iswearbygodthatthereisneithera ParadisenorHell." ItisstrangeandsurprisingthattheCaliph(Uthman)supportedwhathesaid,becausehedidnot contradicthim. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ifweundertaketoexpressourviewsinthisbehalfwithduerespect,andofferanexcuseand explanationfor,Uthman'ssilenceandhisfailingtoobject(againstAbuSufyan)weshallsaythat onaccountofthetiewhichexistedbetweenthesetwopersons,Uthmanattributedthewordsof AbuSufyantohisweaknessandoldageanddidnotobjecttowhathesaid. AbuSufyandidnotcontenthimselfwiththeproclamationofthisfamilyprogramme,forthe grudgeandillwillwhichhehadinhismindforlonglongyearseruptedandthesameunclean feelingtookhimtothegraveofHamza.Hekickedthegraveandsaid:OHamza!Riseandseethat thekingdomforwhichyoufoughtwithusisinourhandsnow. TheseexpressionsofAbuSufyanareanevidenceofhisinclinationandloveforthethinkingofthe PeriodofIgnorancewhichheshowedwithsomuchangerandpartyspirittosatisfyhisfeelings. Fromanotherangle,however,theseexpressionspossessagooddealofimportance,becausethe viewsofAbuSufyandistinctlyshowthetypeofgovernmentwhichhedesired,andhethinksthe governmenttobelikeamirrorinwhichheseeshisownface. AgainitismostprobablethatifAbuSufyanhadutteredthesewordsonlyonhisownaccountthey wouldhavebeendestroyedandeliminatedlikemanypersonalandindividualsentimentsofillwill andgrudgeandwouldnothavebeenrecordedinthepagesofhistory.However,asheexpressed hisviewsinanauthoritativetoneandwiththetongueofthegovernmentofthetime,weseethat theyhaveremainedamemorialofAbuSufyaninthetextsofhistorytilltodayandfullyindicate thedangerousdeviationsofthegovernmentofthattime. AnyhowtheauthorityofAbu'AmrUthmanbinAffanandhisgovernmentadvancedwithgreat speedonthetracksetbyAbuSufyan,withoutseekingdirectionsfromtheBookofAllah,orthe SunnaoftheHolyProphet(s)ortheconductofthetwoshaykhs.Owingtotheenforcementof theplanchalkedoutbyAbuSufyanthegovernmentofthenewCaliphquicklyadoptedacourse fromwhichUthmancouldnotdeviate. TosumupitmaybesaidthatUthmanwasgoingonewayandtherestofthepeopleweregoing anotherway. InthemeantimeUthmanwasfacedwithajudicialproblemandeveryoneknowswhatauthority andimportancetheruleoflawcarriesinIslam.AtthesametimeitisadmittedthattheHoly Prophet(s)prescribedcertainconditionsandstandardsforregulatingthelaws.Heexplainedthe stipulationsattachedtoitanddeclaredpietytobetheprerequisiteforholdingchargeofthistask. Herecommendedstrictequalityandjusticeinthisbehalfandmadeajudgefreeandindependent. Itisevidentthatalltheseprovisionshavebeenmadewiththesoleobjectofcreatingapeaceful atmospheresothatnofearandalarmshouldexistinit,andthepeopleshouldremainsafefrom Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    injusticeandtransgression,andthelawcourtshouldbetheauthoritytowhomproblemsrelated toblood,propertyandhonourmaybereferredforsolutioninaccordancewithtruth,andthe judgeshouldbeabletolookindependentlyintoeverymatterwhichaffectspeaceoreliminates thecomfortofthepeople,andshouldgiveadecisivejudgement. NowletusseehowCaliphUthmanwasfacedwiththeseproblemsandhowhesolvedthem. DuringthosedaysamannamedHurmuzanlivedinMadina.Unfortunatelyaftertheassassination ofUmarbyAbuLu'luhe(i.e.Hurmuzan)happenedtocomefacetofacewithUbaydullabinUmar, whilecrossingastreet. HurmuzanwasinnowayresponsiblefortheassassinationofUmarandnonehadaccusedhimof havinghadanyhandinit.Infactnofaultonhisparthadbeenseen.Hurmuzanknewhisposition andthepeoplealsorecognizedhimasanonArab.ExceptintheUmayyadperiodnosuchthingas racialconflictwasatallknowninthosedaysinthecityofMadina. ThefactisthatHurmuzanwasleadingaverypeacefullifeundertheauspicesofthelawsofIslam. However,UbaydullahsonofUmarkilledhimonlyfortheoffencethatheandAbuLu'luwereboth nonArabs. ThisoccurrenceinvolvedUthmanintodifficulty;andhowever,ifsuchaproblemhadrisenduring thedaysofUmarhewouldnothavefelttheleastdifficultyinsolvingit,becauseheusedto adjudicatejustlyandpreferredtomeetthegeneralrightsascomparedwithspecialinterests.This isprovedbythefactthatheenforcedlawinthecaseofhissonwhohadbeenguiltyofacrime. However,incontrastwithUmar,Uthmanbecameinvolvedinseriousdifficulties.Theresultwas thatattheveryoutsetthisjustauthorityweakenedtheprinciplesofjusticebyhis conservativeness,becausehesidedwiththestrongoneasagainsttheweakone,andpreferred theArabtothatofnonAraborigin.Consequentlyheadoptedthosestandardsofjusticewhich wereamemorialofthefeudalperiodandtheprejudicesandoppressiveregulationsofthatage. Allthepersonswhowatchedtheresultofthistrialshudderedwithhorror,whentheysawthat UthmansupportedUbaydullahandletthebloodofHurmuzangoinvainwithoutanyvalidreason. ThisconservativenessbecamethecauseofthesuspensionofaDivinepenanceandconsequently oneofthepatenttraditionsoftheAgeofIgnorancewasrevived.Whoknowsthatpossiblyby takingthisactionUthmanwantedtoshowhisgratitudetoUmarforthefavourhehaddoneto himandtosupporthissonagainstthelawi.e.inoppositiontotheCommandofAllah!

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Supplement/4 ItmightbesaidthatthissupporthadbecomeobligatoryforhimanditisnotunlikelythatAbu SufyanhadimposedthisdutyonhimsothatbythismeansUthmanmightexpresshisfaithfulness toUmar. BymakingthisrecommendationAbuSufyanpossiblytookanotheradvantageinthesensethat nonenforcementofthispunishmentnecessitatecorruption,destructionandderangementofthe judicialorderofIslam,andowingtothederangementofthisjudicialorderthemostbasic socialisticsystemofIslamwassetatnaught,thetribalregimeoftheAgeofIgnorancewas revived,andthejudicialpowerofIslamwassacrificedfortheinterestsandbenefitsofthegroups andtribes. InanycaseUthmandidnotsolvethisproblemonthebasisofIslamicrulesandregulationsbut solveditonthebasisofprejudice,anddisappointedandoffendedallMuslims.Asaresultofthis negligenceandcarelessnessalltheMuslimsbecameterrified,becausetheyfeltthatfromthen onwardsthelifeandpropertyofeveryonewouldnotbesafeandbytheviolationofthejudicial regulationsofIslamtherightsofallpersonswouldnaturallybetheobjectofattackofthedesires oftheupperclass. AnotherdifficultywhichUthmanhadtofacerelatedtothefinancialaffairsasalargeamountof publicfundshadaccumulatedintheBaitulMall(publictreasury). EarlierUmartoohadbeenfacedwiththesamedifficulty,becauseasaresultoftheconquest madebytheIslamicforcesalargequantityofbootyhadcomeintheirpossession.Umar consultedthewiseandclearsightedpersonsastohowtheselargewealthmightbespent.They suggestedthatitmightberecordedintheregistersandUmarshoulddistributetheamount availableamongstallthepeopleaccordingtothesocialisticprinciplesofIslam,andheacted accordingly. However,afterthedeathofUmarsomequantityofthejewelryandornamentsoftheIranian KingswerestillpresentinthetreasuryandonthedayUmarwenttothemasjidheshowedthem tothepeople. ThejewelswereglitteringinthesunlightlikeburningfireandUmarfearedthatbylookingatthem hemightbeinvolvedintrouble.He,therefore,orderedthetreasurertodistributethemand relievehimoftheirmischief. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    However,thetreasurerreplied:"Distributionofthejewelsisnotcompatiblewithjusticeand involvesthelossofagooddealofproperty".Headded:"Thisheapofjewelscannotpossiblybe distributedamongalltheadultpersons;andifsomeofthemgetashareandothersdon'tgetit,it wouldbeopposedtotherulesofjustice.Furthermore,theshareofsomeonewhogetsitmay exceedhisentitlement.Andifwebreakthesejewelsintosmallpiecestheywilllosetheirvalue andthiswillamounttowastingthem.Wastageofsuchwealthamountstobreachoftrustandthe treasurerwillbeanswerableforit.Itis,ofcourse,possibletosealthesejewelsandconvertthem intocashwhichmaybedistributedamongthedeservingpersons.Inthatcasethewealthwill remainsafe.However,atpresentthevalueoftheentirebelongingsoftheMuslimsisnotequalto thatofthesejewels.Hencetheonlysolutionisthatwemaykeepthesejewelsintacttillthenext year.Itispossiblethatinthemeantimethewealthofthenationmayincreaseandinthatevent weshallputthejewelstosale". Umaracceptedthesuggestionofhistreasurerandorderedthatthecontentsofthetreasury shouldremainintactuntiltheyweresoldandthesaleproceedsweredistributedamongthe deservingpersons.ButUmarwaskilledandthebrightjewelswhichwerelyinginacornerofthe publictreasurylosttheirlustre. Onceagainthepeoplesawthoseveryluminousjewelswhichshoneinsunlightlikeburningfire. However,thistimetheysawthemonthebreastsofthedaughtersofUthmanandnotinthe courtyardofthemasjid. Thentheysawthattheirrightshadfallenunderthecontrolofthefamilyofthegovernmentofthe timeinaridiculousanddreadfulmanner. Thiswasanotherproblemwhichwasperhapsconsideredtobethemostseriousproblemofthe Islamicregime,andUthmanhadsolvedthisprobleminamannerwhichwasnotatallcompatible withtheCommandsoftheBookofAllah,theSunnaoftheHolyProphet(s)andtheconductofthe twoshaykhs.Inthismatterheresortedtoarash'ijtihad'whichwasbasedonhoardingand despoticrule. AgainUthmanwasfacedwithanotherproblemwhichhadapoliticalaspectandwasrelatedwith thecivilsecurityofthesocietyanddeliveranceofthepeoplefromcorruptionanddisorder. TheProphet(s)hadsolvedthisprobleminsuchawaythatthetwoshaykhs(AbuBakrandUmar) couldnotdareopposeitafterhisdemise.ThisproblemrelatedtothefamilyofHakamwho belongedtothetribeofBaniAbilAsandhadbeenbanishedbytheProphet(s)totheinteriorof WajinthevicinityofTa'if. ThisHakamandhissonswerethecousinsofUthmanandwereverydangerousparasites.The Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Prophet(s)endeavouredtoreformthem,buttheircorruptionwassodeeprootedthattheywere incorrigible,becauseitwasaninherentspiritualandintellectualcorruption.Ithadahereditary aspectandprevailedoverthemlikeanailmentwhichcouldnotberemedied. Thesepersonsweresocorruptinessenceandbynaturethatascomparedwiththeweakminded andlowpeopletheyhadbecometheexampleofmeannessandcarelessnessandprovidedthe meansoftheagitationanddisturbanceofmindofthesocietydayafterdayinonewayorthe other.ThemeannessandimpudenceofthesepeoplehadreachedsuchastagethatHakamoften walkedbehindtheProphet(s)andimitatedhisgaitbywayofridicule.OnedaytheHolyProphet (s)happenedtoseetheseimpudentandcomicactionsofhisandsaid:"Beasyouare".Fromthat dayonwardsthepeoplecalledhimaclown,abuffoonandamimicbywayofhatredand contempt. Thispresumptuousandshamelesspersoncarriedhisdisrespecttoitsextremesandoftenpeeped impudentlyintotheProphet'shousethroughtheshutterlikeaspy.Onsuchoccasionsthe Prophet(s)burstintorageandsaid:"Whocanrelievemeofthemischiefofthislizard (scoundrel)". Thereafterasandwhenthenameofthismanwasmentionedthepeopleusedtocallhimlizardor thesonoflizard. Thismanandhissonsandfollowerswereveryoftenguiltyofsuchmeannessandturpitude,and thosewhocooperatedwiththismaninhismeanactswerethenearrelativesofUthman.The cooperationofsuchpersonsinthecommissionofsuchmeanactswastheevidenceoftheirclose contactwithoneanother.Theircooperationwasliketheactionsoftheroguesandruffianswho donotrefrainfromattackingtheiropponentsinordertoprotectthepositionofeveryfeudalist andtoformgroupstoinsultandridiculethose,whodonotobeythefeudalistoroccasionally opposehim.Theydonotspareanydisgracefulandmeanaction. InspiteofallthesedisgracefulactionsandthemeannessandimpudenceontheirparttheHoly Prophet(s)didnotmakehasteinexcommunicatingandbanishingthese'lizards'.Heguidedand advisedthemandtoleratedtheirmeannessandkeptpatient.However,eventuallytheposition becamesuchthatthefearofthismoraldiseasebeingcommunicatedtootherpeopleby contagionbecameverystrong.Onlywhenthevillainyandwickednessofthesepersonsbecame knowntoall,theHolyProphet(s)orderedthemtobeexcommunicated.Hewasobliged,forthe sakeofpreventingthisdangerousdiseasefromaffectingothers,tobanishthemsothatthey mightliveintheinteriorofWaj.AndasAbuBakrandUmarwerenotunawareofthereasonof theirexcommunicationandbanishmentthey,duringtheirlifetime,keptthesepersonsintheir placeofbanishmentanddidnotpermitthemtoreturntothesociety.Theyalsorejectedthe repeatedrecommendationsofUthmaninthisbehalf. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Inmorecleartermsitmaybesaidthatgrantoffreedomtothesebanishedpersonsorthe continuanceoftheirbanishmentmeanttwodifferentwaysofthinkingreactionaryand progressive.Thatistosay,thatiftheywereallowedtoreturntothesocietyitmeanttherevivalof thereactionarywayofthinking,andifthestatusquowasmaintaineditwenttoshowthatthe lawsandprincipleswererespectedandtheregulationsforthesecurityofthesocietyandits progresswouldcontinuetobeinforce. Howeverthepatentshapeofthematterisasstatedbyusandnoblindalleyisobservedinthis caseexceptthatbothsidesofthemattermaybetakenintoaccountinthemannerdetailed above,andtheimportantresultswhichappearedinthosedaysmaybeinvestigated. WearenotawarewhetherUthmancouldpersonallygetoutofthisblindalleyeasilyinthosedays orAbuSufyanaidedhimtogetoutofit,andthatthesimplenature,mildnessandtender sentimentsofUthmanpreventedhimfromrealizingthebadintentionofAbuSufyan. Inanycasewecannotexpressadefiniteopinionaboutthismatter,butwhatisanundeniablefact isthatUthmanwasfacedwiththisproblemjustashewasfacedwiththeformertwoproblems. Hesolveditwithgreateasejustashehaddonepreviouslynotonthebasisofaccountabilityto Allahnortothenation,noronthebasisoftheauthorityoftheQur'an,noronthecommandsof theHolyProphet,noronthebasisofrespectforthelegalprecedentsandtheconductofthetwo shaykhs(AbuBakrandUmar),butaccordingtohispersonalinclinationandindividuallikingand onthebasisofaristocraticruleandprotectionoffamilyhonour. Theonlyfactorwhichwaseffectivelyusedinsolvingthisproblemwasindeedthecalculationof influenceandrespectwithastrongwill,andtheprotectionofthefamilypositionandcredit,and nothingelse. Bykeepingthisactinviewandafterexplainingthesesocial,economic,politicalandcivil difficulties,itisnotnecessarytodiscussthepullingdownofthegrandandrealpillarsofthe structureofIslamwhichwerebeingdestroyedoneaftertheother. ThefactisthatthesystemandregimeofIslam,generallyspeaking,andfromthestandpointofits socialisticandphilanthropicaspectandabsolutejustice,wasintolerablefortheUmayyadswho werelivingundertheprotectionofthekindnessofUthman,andtheencounterofthisgroupwith therulesandregulationsofIslam,whetherintotoorinpart,wasveryburdensomeforthem. Henceitshouldbesaidthat:Everyactandmovementwhichtookplacefromthesideofthe UmayyadsduringthisperiodwasintheeyesoftheMuslimslikeanaxestruckontherootof Islam! Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Keepinginviewtheeventswhichtheseinnumerableandendlesspettydifficultiesentailed,itis naturalthatsuchproceedingsshouldhaveknownnolimitsasthedifferenteventsand occurrenceswhichwerethecauseoftheactivitiesoftheUmayyadswereopposedtotheunityof Islaminallrespects.Thiswasso,becausetheUmayyadunitywasestablishedonthebasisand principleof'difference',anditisevidentthateachofthesetwoprincipleswerebasedonrules andregulationswhichhadnocommonfrontierandcomprehensivevalueexceptwar! TheIslamicprinciplehasnoaimandobjectexcepttheprosperityandwelfareofthesociety.As opposedtoit,theentireattentionoftheUmayyadprinciplewasdirectedtowardsthe safeguardingofpersonalinterestsandprofit. TheIslamicprincipleisestablishedonthefoundationofknowledge,action,goodnessandjustice, whereastheUmayyadprinciplewasestablishedonzeal,influence,intervention,mediation, betrayalofsecretsandrevilement,andthefactisthatthesetwoprinciplesandoriginsarethe reverseofeachotherinallrespects. Asyouhavebecomeaccustomedtotheoppressionandencroachmentbythestrongi.e.powerful persons,andconsequentuponthestupefactionofthedistinguishedreligiousmen,whosellyou, andthoselikeyou,tothefeudalistslikemerchandise,anddivideyourrightsandhardwork betweenthemselves,yourIsamicsenseaswellasofotherslikeyouhasceasedtowork,youare notmovedbythenarrationofthesesmallstoriesoftheperiodofUthman'srule,anddonot attachanyimportancetosuchevents.Itshould,however,berememberedthatbeforetheIslamic sensewaslostandtheconscienceoftheMuslimswasinhibited,evenasmallnewsofthiskind shockedtheMuslimssociety,becausethepeoplesawthatthepublicationofsuchanews forebodedthetakingplaceofanaccidentwhichwouldmeanthattheprincipleof'difference'and 'egotism'hadrisentostandagainsttheprincipleof'equality'. Anyhow,therewasagreenpasturageoutsidethecityofMadinawheretheMuslimsusedtograze theirflocksofsheepandastheprincipleofcooperationandbrotherhoodgovernedthepeople, everyonewaspermittedtousethepasturage. TheHolyProphet(s)hadallowedfreeuseofthepasturageandAbuBakrandUmar,too,didnot interfereinthismatterbecausetheprincipleofequalityandtheobservanceofthepolicyof commonanimalwealthalsodemandedit.However,AbuSufyanandMarwanbinHakam,whohad becomehabituatedtothesystemofcapitalismandhadmonopolizedthesourcesofincome,so thattheymightexpandtheirauthorityoverthepeople,mademanysuggestionstoUthman.One ofthemwasthatthepasturageinquestionshouldbemonopolizedforusebyBaniUmayyaand thatitshouldbeexclusivelyreservedfortheanimalsofBaniUmayya. DuringthepresenttimesyouandIdonottreatsuchanacttobesomethingbigandoften Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    considerthegrantofsuchconcessionstobetheprerogativeoftheCaliph.Itshould,however,be knownthatourviewinsuchmattersdoesnothavealegalaspect,becausewehaveseenandstill seemanysucheventsandhavebecomeaccustomedtotheoppressionandencroachmentby obstinaterulersandsimilarlytothedeviationsanddeceitofreligiouspersonsforthesakeofthe rewardwhichtheygettoendorseandapprovetheoppressionsofthosewhoviolatepublicrights. Todefendtheirownsinsandfraudulentactionswhichfarexceedthetransgressionsoftherulers andtheirdeceivingthesimplemindedpeoplebyvariousmeanstheygiveunjustrulings.Butthe commonpeopleofthosedayswhowatchedthissituationtreatedthemonopolizationofthe pasturagebytheUmayyadstobeadangeroustragedyandconsideredthisacttobetantamount toawarstartedbytheUmayyadsagainsttheirrightsandproperty.Thiswassobecausethe peoplelookedattheseactionswiththesameeyewithwhichtheyoughttohavelookedatthem. Theopinionofthepeoplewithregardtothisincidentwasbasedonprinciplesandtheysawthat thisstepwasaspecimenoftheaggressiveactivitieswhichhadattackedtheparadiseoftheir peaceandorder,fromallsides,anddeprivedthemoftheblessingofsecurity,andstainedthe beautyoftheircomfortandtranquillity. Anyhowtheopinionformedbythepeoplewasnotwrong,becausetheysawverysoonthatseven royalpalaceswereconstructedfortheCaliphinthecityofMadina.Theyalsosawthatasimilar royalpalacewasalsoconstructedforMarwaninZiKhashab.Thenthemattersreachedsucha stagethatthevery'lizard'constructedmarketsandshopswiththepropertylootedfromthe Muslims.AlsothepeoplesawinthosedaysthatSa'idbinAs,GovernorofKufa,hadfixedhiseyes onthegardensofthemujahidsandthefarmsofEuphratesinthesuburbsofthecity. TheyalsosawthatAbiSarahhadallocatedtheentireincomeoftheNilevalleytohimselfandwas plunderingthewealthofthelabourersandfarmers. Besidestheoppressionscommittedbythesemenofthefirstdegree,peoplesawthatthe descendantsofUmayyaandAbiMu'ithadextendedtheirhandsofencroachmenttoallsidesand openlyattackedthehonour,religionandpropertyofthepeople,anddidnotdesistfromany aggression. Thenthepeoplerealizedfullywellthattheirfearandanxietyaboutthemonopolizationofthe commonpasturageattheveryoutsetwasnotuncalledforandthisencroachmentservedasa bridgeoverwhichallthefutureevilsandmischiefsweretopass. InthemeantimethethingwhichsuprisedthepeoplemostwasthattheCaliphwassupporting thisselfish,proud,andstubbornman(Walidbin'Uqba)andthejudicialprecedentasinthecase ofUbaydullahbinUmarwasrepeatedinhiscaseasWalidfirstdrankwineandtheninsultedthe verybasisofthereligion,andinspiteofthistheCaliphwassupportinghimanddidnotpermitthat Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    hemightbeawardedlegalpunishment. Themattermaybeexplainedasfollows:Walidbin'UqbawastheGovernorofKufabeforeSa'id binAs.Hespentanightindrinkingandmerrymakingalongwithhiscompanionsandminstrels andthenwenttothemasjidtoofferprayerswhilehewasstillintoxicatedandwaswearingthe samedresswhichhehadwornduringnight.Heofferedtworak'atsofdawnprayers.Afterhehad finishedtheprayersandhisintoxicationhadalsolessenedtosomeextentheturnedtothepeople andsaidinajestingandridiculoustone:"IfyouwishIcanaddafewrak'atstotheprayers". Ofcourse,whenthepeoplerealizedthatthismanwasridiculingprayers,whichisoneofthe pillarsofthefaith,likeanatheistandwasentitlinghimselftoincreaseordiminishit,theywere disturbedandsentwitnessestoMadina.AsaresultofthisthesentimentsoftheMuslimsin generalwereroused. InspiteofthistheCaliphsupportedWalidandsidedwithhimasagainsttheauthorityoflaw ratheragainsttheauthorityoftheAlmighty!However,whenthepublicangerbecamevery intensetheCaliphorderedthatlegalpunishmentmightbeawardedtothisdepravedatheist. ItwasaverbalorderandatthesametimethecountenanceofUthmanshowedthatinhisheartof heartshedidnotwishthattheordermightbeexecuted.Hence,nonedaredtoawardthe punishmenttillAliwasobligedtoriseandcarryoutthepunishment. ThewickedWalidwasconfidentthatnonewouldbepreparedtoexecutethesentenceagainst him,butassoonashesawthatAlihadgotupandwasgoingtoexecuteithebecameworriedand wassurethathehadnowayout,especiallybecauseheknewAlifromhisboyhood.Heknewthat his(Walid's)father'UqbabinAbiMu'itwasapolytheistwhotorturedtheHolyProphet(s)much, andAlihadkilledhimincompliancewiththeordersoftheProphet. Supplement/5 KeepingtheseantecedentsinmindWalidwastryingtoescapefromAli'shand,butthelatter caughthim,knockedhimdownonthegroundandexecutedthesentenceonhim.However, UthmanobjectedtotheactionofAliandsaidthatheshouldnothaveknockedhimdownonthe groundbutshouldhaveexecutedonlythesentenceonhim,althoughAliwasthesameperson, fromwhomUthmanusedtotakereligiouscommandsforguidance.Apartfromtheopensupport givenbyUthmantoWalidthethingwhichbecamethecauseofthedejectionandresentmentof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theMuslimswasthattheysawthattheCaliphhadchangedthesocialisticregimeandthe administrationofpublicJusticeintothecapitalisticsystemandhadactedinsuchawaythatthe wealthwasconcentratedonlyinthehandsoftherichandwasnotcirculatedfromhandtohand. TheyalsosawthatinthematterofbestowingpropertyandpositiontheCaliphgavetheenemies oftheProphet(s)preferenceovertheMuhajirs,andactedagainsttheBookofAllah,whichisthe Divineconstitution,withoutofferinganyexplanationormakinganysecretofit.Forexample: (1)HegrantedfreedomofmovementtoHakambinAbilAs,whohadbeenexcommunicatedand banishedbytheProphet,andthereaftergavehim1000dirhams. (2)OutofthevariousendowmentsmadebytheProphet(s)forbeingspentonthewelfareofthe Muslimsandfortheassistanceoftheneedy,therewasabazaarinMadinawhichwascalled ShehrRoz',UthmangavethisbazaartoHarthbinHakamasafeudatorygift. (3)Fidak,whichhadbeeninheritedbyLadyFatimaZahrafromherfatherwasgivenbyUthmanto MarwanbinHakamtobeheldbyhimasafeudatorygift.Besidesthishegavehimonefifthofthe incomefromArmeniaaswellas100,000dirhamsincash (4)Hegifted4000dirhamstoKhalidbinUsaydalone. (5)BesidesappointingAbdullahbinAbiSarahasGovernorofEgypthemadeovertohimonefifth oftheincomefromAfrica. (6)BesidesotherconcessionsandgiftswhichUthmanbestoweduponAbuSufyanhe,atthetime ofgrantinghim200,000dirhams,alsosentatransferordertotheBaitulMal(publictreasury)for 100,000dirhamsinfavourofMarwan.ItwasasaresultoftheseuncalledforgiftsthatZaydbin Arqam,thetreasurer,cametoUthmanwithtearsinhiseyesandsaid:"IswearbyAllahthat,not tospeakof100,000dirhams,evenifyoutransfer100dirhamsinfavourofMarwanitwillbetoo much. SayingthishethrewthekeyoftheTreasurybeforeUthmanandwalkedaway. (7)HedistributedthewealthreceivedfromIraqexclusivelyamongstthemembersofUmayyad family. (8)HegaveoneofhisdaughtersinmarriagetoHarthbinHakamandgaveheronthisoccasion 100,000dirhams. Innumerableeventsofthiskindweretakingplaceandthesedevelopmentsencouragedthe powerfulpersonstoavailhimselfofeveryopportunitytobenefitbyunlawfulmeansandaddto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theirwealth.Andveryoftenheintentionallyprovidedsuchopportunitiestothepowerfulpersons sothatthey.mightshareinhisburdenandtroubles,andmightnotrisetocontendwithhim. ThisverydirtypoliticsbecamethecauseofZubayr'saccumulatingfabulouswealthinasuprising manner. ThefoundationsofthesuprisingfinancialstrengthofZubayrhadbeenlaidfirmlyinKufa,Basra andEgypt. Consequently,besideshisowning1000horsesand1000slavegirls,thiscompanionhadmorethan 50,000dinarsincash.BesidesallthiswealthZubayrhadalsoacquiredabundantlanded properties. TalhahadalsoonstructedaloftypalaceinMadinaandasimilaroneinthecityofKufa.His productofgrainswasvaluedat1000dinars. ZaydbinThabit,too,hadacquiredlandedpropertyworthtwoandahalfmilliondinars,besides thegreatmassofgoldandsilveraccumulatedbyhimwhichwasbrokenwithhatchets. Besidesthesepersonstherewereothersalsowhoweremadafterwealth,andrelishedsucking thebloodofthepeople.TheyhadalsoadoptedthemethodsoftheUmayyadsandtheSufyanis. ThedayonwhichUthmanwasbesiegedandhesoughtAli'shelphehintedatsomeofthese profiteerssaying:"Thatperson,whohimselfispollutedandcannotdefendhimself,findsfault withmeandaccusedme!" Ofcourse,UthmanforgotatthesametimethatthepolicyandwayofworkingoftheUmayyads wasthattheUmayyadsshouldbenearhimandshouldbethefirsttomakeabeginningandthen thrusttheresponsibilityonhimandshouldcutoffhiscontactwiththepublicandshouldkeephim awayfromthejustandtruthseekingpersonsandtheactivitiesoftruthshouldcometoa standstill. InspiteofallthisiftheCaliphhadnotblockedthepathofcriticism,andhadnotclaimedabsolute authority,itwaspossiblethatmostofthesethingsmighthavebeenleftunsaid,andthepeople mighthaveobservedpatience.However,hisowndeviationfromtherightpathandtheclaimof absoluteauthoritypreventedtheimprovementofthestateofaffairs,becauseheshutthemouths oftheobjectorsandthecriticssometimewiththreatsandsometimesbymeansofwhippingand militaryrule.AnditwastheCaliph'sresortingtothemilitaryrulewhicheventuallymadethe peoplerevoltandbringaboutarevolution. Thepersonsbelongingtoallthepartiesraisedtheirvoices,andinconnectionwiththegrievances, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whichtheyhadabouttheevilsandmalpractices,theyfirstobjectedtotheconstructionofthe palaces,andthegifts,andthegovernorsofUthman,Assoonastheseobjectionsreachedtheears ofUthmanhecameoutofhishousewithangerandconcern,mountedthepulpitandrejectedthe objectionsofthecriticswitharistocraticlogicsaying:"Myforbearanceandbroadmindedness havebeenthecauseofthepeoplecriticizingmeanddaringtoraisetheirobjectionsopenly.IfI hadbeenseverelikeUmar,whowasinferiortome,thesenseofobedienceofthepeoplewould haveincreased,andtheywouldhavedesistedfromcriticismandhueandcry.However,asIama forbearingpersonthepeoplehavebecomeboldanddaring". Thenhereferredtotheobjectionsandcriticismdirectedagainsthisownactionsanddeclared openly:"WhateverIhavedonewasapartofmyprerogatives,andifIwishtoexercisethe authorityvestedinme,andtherightswhichIenjoy,Ishallspendmoremoneyoutofthepublic treasuryandnothingwillrestrainmefromdoingso";andinathreateningtoneUthmandeclared: "Ishallrubthenosesofanumberofpeopleonthegroundwithmyfutureactions." UthmanhadnotyetdismountedthepulpitwhenAlisaidwithaloudvoice:"Inthatcaseyouwill berestrainedfromdoingso". ThenAmmarspokeandsaid:"IswearbyAllahthatIshallbethefirstpersonwhosenosewillbe rubbedontheground". Ofcourse,thiswasnotthefirstobjectionraisedbyAmmar.Asyoualreadyknowthathewasmost vociferousinraisingobjectionsatthetimeofthemeetingofthesixmembercouncil,whichwas constitutedtoselectaCaliphandevenafterthathedidnotrestrainfromcriticizingthe governmentofthetimeondifferentoccasions. However,ashewasamanwhoneverlostcalmnessandtranquillityandmadeuseofathorough studyandjudgementandkeptquietwhenhesawthatotherswerealsosayingthesamethingin theircriticism,hehadremainedsafefromthestingofUthman'stongueandtheblowsofhislash. Furthermore,hehadaspecialdignityanddistinctionamongallclassesoftheMuslims.Andmore importantthanallthesethingswasthatthememorableremarksandtraditionsoftheHoly Prophet(s)abouthimhadprovidedhimaspecialsecurity,especiallybecausetheseremarksand traditionshadbeenheardfromtheProphet(s)againstUthmanandinfavourofAmmaronthe dayonwhichthefoundationstoneofthemasjidatMadinawaslaidandUthman,too,hadnot forgottenthatincident.AbovealltheinfluenceofAliandtheaweinspiredbyhispartywasalsoan effectiveandimportantfactorinfavourofAmmar. EarlierthanthisAbdullahbinMas'udhadbecomesubjectedtoUthman'swrath,becausethisman alsograppledwithUthmanfearlesslyandwithouthidinghisopinions.Uthmanbanishedhimfrom themasjidandsomeoftheofficialsdraggedhimoutinsuchamannerthathisribswerebroken Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andhefainted.Thenhewastakentohishouse,andwasdeprivedofallhisrightsonthepublic treasury.Thepeoplewereforbiddenfromvisitinghimandnoneexceptafewparticular companionsincludingAmmarvisitedhimtoenquireabouthishealth. WhenAbdullah'sdeathdrewnear,Ammarreachedhisbedsideandlistenedtohislastwill. AbdullahaskedAmmartoofferhisfuneralprayersandtoburyhimsecretly. AmmaractedaccordingtoAbdullah'swill.However,whenUthmanbecameawareofitlater,he becameangry,butkepthisangerhidden. AbuzaralsobecamethetargetofUthman'swrathinhisturn,becauseheraisedobjections publiclyanddidnotrefrainfromopencriticism.Uthman,therefore,banishedhimtoDamascus andaskedMu'awiya,thegeniusoftheUmayyadfamily,totakecorrectivemeasuresagainsthim. However,Abuzarrecommencedhisreligiousactivitiesinthecapitalandcreatedsuchahueand crythatMu'awiyabecameworried.Andashehadnotyetoccupiedtheroyalthroneanddidnot wishthathispoliticalcareershouldbecomeunstablehewrotetoUthmanabouttheactivitiesand movementofAbuzarandsoughtremedyfromhim.UthmanorderedthatAbuzarmightbe mountedonaviciousanimalofridingandsenttoMadina. AbuzarhadnotyetreachedMadinawhenhisboneshadbrokenandthefleshofbothofhisthighs hadwornaway.Theunevenmovementsoftheviciouscamelalsobrokehisbackbone. ImmediatelyonhisarrivalatMadinaAbuzarwashandedovertotheadministrativeauthorities andlaterbanishedtoRabaza. AtthetimeofAbuzar'sbanishmentfromMadinapeoplewereforbiddenfromseeinghimoffand noneexceptAli,Aqil,Hasan,HusaynandAmmarcouldpickupcouragetoescorthimandbidhim farewell. MarwanwascommissionedtobanishAbuzarandhewastakingcarethatnoneshouldtalktohim. However,AliturnedawayMarwanandsaidgoodbyetoAbuzarwithaspecialremarkwhichmade thebanishmenteasyforhimandincreasedhissteadfastness.ThenAliturnedtoAqilandAmmar andsaidtothem:"Bidfarewelltoyourbrother".Thenheaddressedbothofhissonsandsaidto them:"Bidfarewelltoyouruncle". Aqil,HasanandHusaynbadefarewelltoAbuzaronebyoneandutteredremarkssimilarin principletothoseutteredbyAli. AtlastAmmarbadefarewelltoAbuzarandsaid:"Mayhe,whohasthrownyouinloneliness,be deprivedoftheblessingsofAllah!Mayhe,whohasfrightenedyou,neverseecomfortand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    security!Ofcourse,ifyouhadsoughttheirworldtheywouldhaveprovidedyouwithsecurityand ifyouhadexpressedyourconsenttowhattheydidtheywouldcertainlyhavelovedyou! Theonlyfactorandreasonwhichdoesnotpermitthepeopletoshareyourviewsiscertainlytheir attachmenttotheworldandfearofdeath.Yes!ThepeoplelovepowerandtheStateand sovereigntybelongstohimwhodominatesandtakesthepowerinhishands.Itisduetothisfact thatthepeoplehavesoldtheirfaithtosuchpersonsandthey,too,havegivengiftstothepeople fromtheresourceswhichareattheirdisposal.Alas!Thesepeoplehavelosttheirfaithandthe nextworldandwhatapatentandcertainlossitis!" ThisincidentbecamethecauseofUthmanbecomingannoyedwithAli.Althoughhehadbeen accusingAlievenbeforethiseventbuthehadnogroundandnoexcusetohisside. UthmanusedtoabuseTalha,Ayesha,HafsaandSa'dbinAbiWaqqas,andwasalsoharshtowards AbdurRahmanbin'Awf.WiththeexceptionofAlieveryonewhocriticizedhimbecameinvolvedin hardships.AsregardsAlihewasnotamanwhomightsayanythingwiththeintentionof opposition.Hisobjectionswerebasedonprinciplesandhehadnoobjectotherthanreform;and asheavoidedhagglingandrashnesshispositionhadremainedsafe,andthisfactwasperhapsthe mainfactorwhichmadeUthmaninimicaltowardshim.However,farewelltoAbuzartookplacein suchamannerthatitprovidedanexcusetoUthman;andasthepersonalityofAliwasinitselfa fortinwhichAbuzarhadintrenchedhimselfandthematterwasofutmostimportanceUthman stronglycriticizedAliimmediatelyafterthedepartureofthebanishedcompanion,Abuzarand said:"WhenMarwanhadbeenappointedbymetoputwitheffectthebanishmentofAbuzarand wasperforminghisdutywhydidyouturnhimaway?" Alireplied:"AsMarwanpreventedoursayingfarewelltoAbuzaritwasnecessarythatIshould haveturnedhimaway". Uthmansaid:MarwanwasmyappointeeandIhadgivenhimordersinthecapacityofaCaliph anditwashisdutytoenforcethem!" Alisaidinreply:"TheCaliphshouldnotgiveorderswhichinvolvesinandshouldnotpreventthe performanceofanactwhichisobligatoryandasandwhenhegivessuchordersitisnotworth beingobeyedorenforced". AtthisstageUthman,inordertoputanendtothecontroversy,askedAlitoapologizetoMarwan. Alisaid:"IftherebeanoccasiontoapologizeIcanspeakaffablytoyou,butitissomething impossibletoapologizetoMarwan.Anditisalsonecessarytomakethispointclearthatmy refusaltoapologizetoMarwanisonlyforthereasonthatifthisisdonehewilldominateyouall Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    themore,andhispowerwillincrease,andthereafterhewillimposehisperversivepoliticsonyou toastilllargerextent.AndItellyouonceagainthatitisinyourinteresttodrivethischildofSatan awayfromyou". AtthistimethesensualproblemwhichhadformedaknotinUthman'smindandwasstinging him,openedapathbeforehimforcooperation. UthmanknewverywellthatAlididnotdeviatefrommoderationwhilegivingadviceandhewasa reformerandadmonisherwhoseadvicewasnotpromptedbyspiteandrancourandhehadno personalconsiderationoravarice,asdistinguishedfromotherchiefcontenders,everyoneof whomwasinfluencedbyaspecialfactorandmadearushuponUthman.Forthisreasonhe consideredthecriticismbyotherstobeinsignificantandnotdeservingofcontentionand campaign.Furthermore,asduringthosedayshewasundertheinfluenceofthefactorandmotive ofbenevolenceandexpedience,heendeavouredtofindoutthereasonfortherebellionwhich hadtakenplaceagainsthim.Andincidentallyhewasthinkingofassessingthestandardofthe capabilityandefficiencyoftherival.Forthisandotherreasons,therefore,hechosethepathof accusingAliandhisrecoursetothisactionresembledthatofamentalpatient.Aliwasnot obliviousofthisfact.Hehad,therefore,remindedhimaboutthismatteranumberoftimes. Whatevertherealmattermayhavebeen,therelationsbetweenAliandUthman'sadherents becamestrainedafterAbuzarhadbeenseenoff,andtheoppositionbecameacute.Inother wordsaccusationofAlibyUthmanincreasedsomuchthattheequilibriumwaslostandthe disputeassumedsuchdimensionsthatUthmaninvitedAliinthemiddleofahotsummerdayand, inordertosatisfyhisownheart,struckhimwithabamboocane.InspiteofthisAlicontinuedto tenderhimadviceandprayedtoAllahforhiscure. EventuallyUthmansoftenedandwenttoAlionceagainwithkindnessandlove,soughthishelp withtheconsiderationofkinship,andrequestedAlinottogiveawaythefamilybiasanddignity. OnceAbbasrosetomediateandthereafterAbdullahbinAbbasintervenedanumberoftimesto obtainthecooperationofAliandwasundertheimpressionthathewouldsucceedinhisefforts. AbdullahapologizedtoUthmanandsaid"Ihaven'tbeenabletoachieveanyresultfrommy mediation,becauseAmmaropposedme,forhedoesnotwishthatyoushouldobtainAli's support".WearenotawarewhethertheseremarksofAbdullahemanatedfromhiscunningorhe wastrueinwhathesaid. InanycaseonalltheseimportantanddelicateoccasionstheshadowofAmmarwasvisibleand hispersonalityandviewswasthesubjectofdiscussionandattention.However,Uthmanwaswell awareoftherank,popularityandpositionofAmmarinthesocietyandwasafraidofthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    memorableremarksandtraditionoftheHolyProphet(s)abouthim.Hewasalsoworriedabout his(Ammar's)relationswithAli.Forthesereasonsheexcusedhimfromthestingofhistongue, verbalmolestationandwhipping.Andthewhipwastheverytoolwhichbroughtworstreproaches onUthman However,asUthmanintroducedhimselfasanabsoluterulerand,asexplainedabove,Ali restrainedhimandAmmarrejectedhisclaim,he(Uthman)gotexcitedandburstoutinthe masjid.AsatthattimehehadregardforAlihedidnotsayanythingtohim,butheabused Ammar.AsaresultofthisAmmaralsogotexcitedandburstforth,andattackedUthmanand severelycriticizedhisactions. ThisannoyedUthmanallthemoreandhesummonedAmmarbeforehimselfagainbutAmmar refusedtogo.HencehewasdraggedforciblyandtakenbeforeUthmanandthereastrong altercationtookplacebetweenthem. ImmediatelyonleavingUthmanAmmarproceededtothemasjid.Heenteredthemosque,where thepeoplesatroundhimandbeganconversingwithhim.Ammarbeganspeakinganddiscussed thedangerswhichhadarisenfromtherebellionofthepeopleagainsttheunjustactivitiesof UthmanandexplainedallhisunwarrantedactionstothepeopleOnreceivinginformationabout thisdevelopmentUthmandeputedapolicepartytodriveawayanddispersethepeoplefrom aroundAmmar. ThiscampaignbyAmmaragainstUthmanresembledthatwhichhadtakenplaceinMakkahsome yearsago. Uthmanwaspuzzledandperplexedandfearedthathemightbeobligedtoperformtheroleof AbuJahlinthisdispute.AndasAmmarhadbeenrecognizedbyalltheMuslimstobethe missionaryandproclaimerofParadiseandthesignofguidance,he(Uthman)wasworried, becauseifhestoodagainsthim,hewouldberecognizedashisoppositepoleandamongpeople likeAbuJahl. OnedaysomecompanionsincludingZubayr,Talha,andMiqdadmettogetherandafterserious deliberationsdecidedunanimouslytowritealettertoUthman.Itwasproposedtoexplaininthe letterUthman'sdeviationsandunlawfulactsandtoaskhimtorepentforthemandalsotoresign fromtheofficeofCaliphate. Aletterwashoweverwrittenontheseverylines,andAmmarandtenothersproceededtodeliver ittoUthman.However,ontheirwayallothersslippedintothelanesonebyoneandAmmar aloneapproachedUthmanandhandedoverthelettertohim.Uthmantooktheletter,readitand thensaidtoAmmar:"Hasthisletterbeenwrittenbyyou?"Ammarreplied:"YesIhavewrittenit". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Uthmanasked:"Hasitbeenwrittenbyyouonly?"Ammarreplied:"Iwasnotalone.Someother personswerealsowithme,but,beingafraidofyou,theyhavedispersed".Uthmansaid:"Tellme theirnames".Ammarreplied:"InnocircumstancesshallImentiontheirnames".Uthmanasked: "Whydidyoutakethisstepalonewhenothersfeared?" AtthismomentMarwanhurrieduptogiveareply,andsaidtoUthman:"Howlongwillyou observepatiencebeforethisblackslave?Itisthisveryman,whohasemboldenedthepeople againstyou.Ifyoukillhim,thepersonswhohavebeensupportinghimwillbeterrifiedandother rebelliouspeoplewilltakelessonfromhisbeingputtodeath. AfterhearingthewordsofMarwanUthmanorderedthatAmmarmightbebeaten.Hisslaves beganbeatingAmmarandhehimselfalsojoinedthem.Theybeathimsomuchthathesuffered fromherniaandbecamesenseless. Thereafterhewasraisedfromthegroundandthrownintothestreetlikerefuse. AfterthisincidentUmmeSalmacametoknowaboutallthehueandcryandcameuptoAmmar. Whenshesawhiminastateofcoma,shedirectedthathemightbetakentoherhouse.People liftedthenconsciousAmmarontheirhandsandtookhimtothehouseofUmmeSalma.There Ammarkeptlyinginthesameconditionandasaconsequenceofthishisnoon,afternoonand duskprayerslapsed. AssoonasheregainedhissenseshesawthattheMothersoftheFaithful(UmmeSalma,Ayesha andHafsa)andotherpartiestothedisputehadencircledhim.HethenpraisedandthankedAllah andthoughtofhisprayers,andofferedthem. AfterhavingofferedtheprayershewasremindedofthemischiefofAbuJahlandsaid:"IfIhave beenbeatenitisnotforthefirsttimethatIhavebeenpersecutedandsubjectedtotortureinthe pathofAllah". AftertheincidentofAmmarbeingbeatenandhisbecomingsenselessUthmancameoutofhis houseandsawthatBaniMakhzumhadassembledthere,andweremakingahueandcry,and theirchiefvizHishambinWalidbinMughirawasalsopresent,andtheywereannoyedonaccount oftheinsultmetedouttotheirconfederate. OnthisoccasionHishamkeepinginviewthetragicconditionofAmmar,turnedtoUthmanand said:"IswearbyAllahthatifAmmardiesIshallkilloneoftheeldersofBaniUmayyah". UthmansmiledjestinglyandwenthiswaysothathemightcontactAliandhaveatalkwithhim. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Theoccurrenceofthisincidentwasasparkofdangerwhichkindledafireanditsflame culminatedintheassassinationoftheCaliph.ButtheCaliph'sofficialsdidnottaketheseincidents seriouslybecausetheythoughttheymightonceagaintakethegovernmentintheirhandsthus claimingpunishmentforthemurderofUthman.However,inspiteofthevehemencewithwhich Ammarcontendedwiththeundesirableactionsofthegovernmentofthetime,hedidnot participatepracticallyintheassassinationofUthman.RatherhefollowedinAli'sfootstepsin connectionwithhiseffortstosaveUthman. AliwasendeavouringtosavetheCaliphfromtheevilsoftherevolutionanditsfactors.Itwasfor thisveryreasonthatwhenUthmanwasbesiegedAmmarfollowedAliintohis(Uthman's)house andAliadvisedUthmantoresignhisofficeortosurrenderMarwantothepeople. AlthoughAmmarpersonallydidnotconsiderUthmantobeatruebeliever,hedidnottakeany furtherstepandusedtosay:"Uthmanwasguiltyofingratitude(orinclinedtowardsinfidelity)ina veryuglymanner". OnedayHasanbinAliwasarguingwithAmmarabouttheIslamandinfidelityofUthman. However,asAmmarwasnotsatisfied,theyreferredthemattertoAlifordecision.Aligaveamild andgentlereplytobothofthem. Notes: [1]ThisprophecyofKa'balAhbardidnotfalleitherunderthecategoryofinformationaboutthe unseenorunderthatofastrongguess.Ratheritwastheproofandevidenceofasevereparty conflictwhichexistedinthosedayswithoutanyhueandcryandoccasionallyrevealed connectionsbetweenKa'balAhbarandtheUmayyads.ThismanusedtovisitUmarsincepast daysintheshapeofasincerepersonalthoughinfacthewasaspyoftheUmayyads.Andby makingthisprophecyhetriedtomisleadtheCaliphaboutpursuingtheculpritandsympathized withhimwiththisreligioustongue.LaterKa'balAhbarwasoneoftheimportantpropagandistsof u'awiyaandcoinedstoriesforhis(Mu'awiya's)benefit. [2]OnthedayonwhichUmarhadappointedAbuBakrasCaliphTalhahadsaidsomethingwhich annoyedUmar,andUmarhadnotforgottentheincidenttillthedayonwhichhewasdying.For detailsreferNahjulBalaghavol.Ipage62. [3]JahizreportsTalhaassaying:"WhatistheuseofthewivesoftheProphet(s)veiling themselves.Asandwhenhediesweshallmarrythem".Heutteredthesewordsveryimpolitely andtheHolyProphet(s)wasdispleasedonhearingthem. [4]ThegreatcontemporaryscholarProf.AbdullahAlaili,whoisoneofthegreatestresearch Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    scholarsofourtimehadmadethismatter(i.e.thebehindthecurtainactivitiesoftheUmayyad party)thesubjectofspecialstudyandhasdescribedtheoperationsofthispartyinaparticular manner.HebelievesthateventheassassinationofUmarwastheresultoftheSatanicplansof thispartyandAbuLu'luwasonlyanagentandnottherealculprit Chapter14:TheStandardofImamAli TheperiodofAliwastheperiodofAmmarand,infact,ofeveryone,becauseitwasundoubtedly theperiodofjustice,freedom,equalityandthedominationofIslam.Inthecircumstancesit shouldnotbeexpectedthatinsuchaperiodAmmarshouldhaveremainedobscure,idleand quiet.Andagain,keepinginviewthefactthatintheeyesoftheMuslims,Ammarwasrecognized tobethesymbolofguidance,itisevidentthatinsuchanatmosphereandsituationhisactivity, zeal,virtuouspartandgoodreputationshouldhavebeenutilized.Hence,inthishistoricalperiod oftheirswhichwasrepletewithvariouscampaignsandbattlesalltheMuslimshadfixedtheir eyesonAmmarforthesolutionoftheirproblems.Thatis,inwhateverrowtheysawAmmar,they weresatisfiedthat,thatrowwasonthesideoftruth. InshortthepeopledistinguishedgoodnessfromevilandtruthfromfalsehoodthroughAmmar. ThepeoplewereentitledtoholdtheviewwhichtheydidaboutAmmaranddidnotexaggerateor wentbeyondthebounds,becauseAmmarwaslikeacrescentwhichhadrisenfromthehorizonof Islamandhadbeenstrivingforthelastfortyfiveyearsasamujahid(warrior).Hehadwitnessed thegreatestperilsandtroubleswhichIslamhadtoface.Hesawaroundhimanxietyandagitation ofmindaswellasavariceandgreed.Heremainedsteadfastwithperfectlysolidfaith,firmviews andconstantthinking,whenmostofhiscompanionshadbecomeshakyandhadbecome apostates.Inthecircumstancesitisnotsurprisingthatoutofallthosedifferentpeoplesucha weakandatthesametimeanactivepersonshouldattainsuchhonour,greatness,dignityand importance. ImamSadiqsaidtooneofhiscompanions:"Somepeopleimgaine:thatuntilAlidrewhisswordhe wasnotanImam.IfthatbesoitmustbeadmittedthatAmmar(notwithstandingthefactthathe hadalwaysbeenasincerecompanionandfollowerofAli)wasaloser". ThepointisthatifAmmarandhissteadfastnessinfollowingAlididnoraccordwiththe establishedrule,thelogicofImamSadiqwouldnothaveintroducedhimastheproofandsignof theImamateofAlibeforehis(Ali's)drawingthesword,andwouldnothavetreatedhisoathof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    allegianceaproofofthecorrectnessofShi'afaithduringthedifficultsituationforImamatewhen Aliwasconfinedinhishouse. FromanotherpointofviewifamongsttheMuslimsectsthisverdicthadbeenpeculiartothe Shi'a,onlythislogicwouldnothavebeenfirm,becausesolongasanargumentisnotsupported byfriendsaswellasfoesitisnotconvincing.ThefactisthatthisstatementofImamSadiq,which wasmademorethanahundredyearsafterthemartyrdomofAmmar,bywayofproof,wasa reflectionoftheviewsofalltheMuslimsaboutAmmarduringhisownage,andduringthattime differentsects,andwaysofdiscussionanddebate,whichhadappearedduringtheperiodof ImamSadiqdidnotexist. Weshallhowever,discussthedepthofthisviewandtheimpressionmadebyitontheenemiesof Ammar.InanycaseifwewanttoknowaboutthepietyofAmmarthisverytestimonyofImam Sadiqwhichistheresultofhisreasoningshouldsuffice. Thepointwhichdeservesattentioninthisdiscussionisthatnowwehavebeforeusthe personalityofAmmar,thesamepersonalitywhichwasrecognizedasthecriterionofhuman valuesandexampleofvirtuousconcepts.<br Whenwekeepinviewthefactthathisrightbehaviourandconductinthepathofhumanity elevatedhimtothesummitofdignityandexcellence,forwhichtheflesh,blood,lineageand relationshiparenotneededsothathemighthavebecomehonourableanddignifiedbythese means.Thefactisthatthosepeople,whohadmuchnoblerfleshandbloodandmuchbetter originascomparedwithhim,praisedhisspiritualmerits,dignityandrank. ForthisveryreasonitmaybesaidthatitwasnecessarythatasopposedtotheperiodofUthman, whichwastheperiodofhisweaknessandlimitation,thisvaluableelement(Aminar)shouldhave becomeactiveassoonashefoundanopportunityandshouldhavemadehisvoicereach everywhereandeventuallymanifestedhischaracter. DuringtheruleofUthmanthecontentionwasinitiatedbyAmmar.Heroseandrevoltedand declinedtotakeoathofallegiancetothatman.AndUthmanalsoduringhisruletooktheinitiative toforsakecommonpracticesandviolateIslamicregulationswhichisprovedbythefactthathe supportedUbaydullahbinUmar,whohadkilledHurmuzinwithoutanyfaultofhis,anddidnot enforcetheIslamicpenallawagainsthim. FromthatdayonwardsAmmarcommencedhiscampaignandcontentionandapproachedAliand said:"OproclaimerofIslam!Getupandmakeacall!Virtueisdeadandviceisalive.Pollutionand indecencyhavetakentheplaceofgoodnessandhonesty! Healsousedtosay:"IswearbyAllahthatifIhadsupportersIwouldhaverisentoopposethese Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    peopleandIagainswearbyAllahthatifonemanstepsforwardtocombatIshallbethesecond one". Anyhowthejihad,steadfastnessandselfsacrificeofAmmardidnotproduceanyresultotherthan thathewasrecognizedasoneofthepivotsoftheAlavidperiodandthiswasarealitywhichwas basicallyexpectedofhim.Furthermore,duringthesedaysAmmarwasnotthemanwhoshould havesatinacornerobservingalongsilenceandbecomesecludedliketheascetics,whosignand say"MayAllahsaveusfromthemischief!"NowAmmarhadbecomeaperfectlydifferentman.He hadbecomevociferousandbeganhisactivitieswithcomprehensivelecturesanddetailed discussionsanddebates.Hewentonspeakingceaselesslywithgreatzealandenthusiasmand madehisvoicereacheverywhere. Thesourceofchangeandtransitiononthisoccasionisquiteclearandifanypersonwishesto analysethemattersinthisconnectionandtomakeathoroughstudyoftheconditionsofthose daysitwillbequiteeasyforhimtoassessthepositionbecausethecrescentoftheAlaviState appearedinadisturbed,convulsiveandfoggyhorizonandatthetimeoftheappearanceofthis crescenttroublesaroseanddividedthepeopleintofactionsandgroupsandmadetheparties covetous,anddarkenedthethoughtsintheirentirety. Theeffectsandresultsoftheseconvulsions,agitationandencountersaffectedAmmarmorethan anyoneelse,forhewasmoreworthyofbeingimpressedbythem. AsaresultofthisAmmarwasobligedtomanifesthispersonalityfromtheviewpointofhis obligationtoinviteandpropagateIslam.Anditisevidentthatwhileencounteringsuchuproara personalitylikehimneedsmeansandimplementsotherthansilenceandmuteness.Further more,thiswasnotthefirstoccasionwhenhehadbrokenhissilenceandburstout,becausehe hadbeenvociferousfromtheveryearlydaysoftheruleofUthmanandevenifhistuneand accenthadchangedduetothepositiveandnegativeaspectsofthematteritmustbeadmitted thattheessenceofhispersonalityhadbeenoneandthesameandhealwayssoughthelpfrom thisinherentessenceforhismissionarywork. InthelightofthepraisewhichtheHolyProphet(s)bestowedonAmmarandasaresultofthe perseveranceandsteadfastnesswhichheshowedonalloccasionshehadreachedthesummitof dignity,andhadfoundhisplaceatthepinnacleofconfidence,relianceandhonour.However, Ammarcalculatedthatstayingatthisstatusandcontinuanceatthishighsummitofdignity, honourandgreatnesswasnotpossiblewithoutsincerity,propagationofIslam,invitingpeopleto it,andselfsacrificeforthesakeofAli.Healsofeltthatspendingalongperiodrepletewithpain andhardshipsfortheacquisitionofallthisdignity,honourandvirtuehadbeenapreambletothat heshouldplayhisroleinthisrealperiod,theperiodofAlavirule. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    TheProphet(s)hadtoldAmmarthingsabouthisfutureaswellasthatofothersandhadalsofixed hisandothersduties. AllthattheProphet(s)hadpredictedaboutAmmarhadhappenedexcepthismartyrdomatthe handsofarebelliousgroup.NowAmmarwasawaitingthisveryprophecyoftheProphet.Of course,afterhavingpassedninetyyearsofhisagewhatelsecouldhethinkofandwhatother thingcouldhedesiretohave? NowdreadfuldisturbanceshadtakenplaceandAmmarhadbeenrecognizedbythepeopleasthe signoftruthandthemarkofguidanceandnowtruthintheeyesofAmmarmeantAli. "Fromtodayonwardsthereisnooccasionforsilence;dissimulationandcaution"Hesaidthese wordstohimselfandlatertheseveryconceptsflowedonhistongueintheshapeofwordslikea torrentwithsweetandagreeablestatementsutteredinavehementtone.Henowgotupto pursuehiscampaignwithhishandsandtongue,andtooktheinitiativeinaction. AftertheassassinationofUthmanhisopponentswhobelongedtothetribeofQurayshonceagain becamehissupportersandadvocatesAndpossiblytheconditionandpositionoftheMotherof theFaithfulAyeshainthistragedywasthemanifestationofthemostcompleteandperfectself contradictionandstrangedistortionwhichthecovetousQurayshopenlytoldaboutthemurderers ofUthmaninthesewords:"AyeshahasbeenthecauseoftheassassinationofUthmanbyher strongincitementandcontinuousandextensiveeffortsandwasanxiousthatinfuturethereinsof governmentshouldgotothetribeofTaymthroughhercousinTalha. Talha,ZubayrandSa'dbinAbiWaqqaskilledUthmanbymeansofthemoneyspentbythemand theirunderhandplots. Mu'awiyaandtheUmayyadpartyweretreatedtobethemurderersofUthman,becausetheyleft himaloneanddidnotcometohishelp. MarwanandthedescendantsofHakamandtheirfriends,belongingtothetribeofAbiMu'itkilled Uthmanasaresultoftheirselfishmotives. Inspiteofallthis,however,whenAliwaselectedasCaliphwiththeconsensusoftheMuslims theseverygroupschangedtheirattitudeandsuddenlythesameUthmanwhowasanoppressor andanunbelieveryesterdaybecameanoppressedmartyrtoday! Thesadanddolefulthingwhichoneobservesamongtheseeventsisthatagroupofcapricious, cowardlyandimpudentpersonswhowerenotashamedofanything,andthecovetousandgreedy peoplewhoindulgedinflatteryandbaseness,drovethemtoeverydirection,andjoinedhands Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andformedagroup.Thisassociationandallianceandpreparationofamischievousprogramme createdintricaciesanddifficultiesnotonlyinthecityofMadinabutinthecapitalsofallIslamic territories. Talha,ZubayrandSa'dbroketheirallegiancetotheCaliphofthetime,andasmallgroupof peopleinMadinafollowedthem.ThenrevoltbrokeoutinalltheIslamicterritories.Mu'awiya refusedtopayallegiancetotheCaliphofthetime. AbuMusaAsh'arilefthimselfandotherswithoutanyresponsibility,withastrangeobstinacyand stagnation. Inshortthespiritoffear,anxiety,caution,circumspectionandirresponsibilitypenetrated everywhereandmostofthepeopleawaitedtheappearanceofabrighthorizonsothattheir responsibilitymightbedetermined. Asagainsttheseconditions,asweareaware,thefollowersofAlidisplayedasortofnobleactivity coupledwithmagnanimityandgreatnessandlookedatthisdarkhorizonwithafirmresolution andanunprecedentedsteadfastness.However,amongallofthemAmmarwasmorefreefrom care,moreactive,morezealousandmoreselfsacrificingandnonecouldmatchhiminoratory. AmmarwasinformedthatAyeshahadleftMakkahforMadinatoavengeUthman'smurder,but whenthenewsofAlihavingassumedtheCaliphatereachedher,sheabandonedherformer decision. OnreceivingthisinformationAmmarsentsomeonetoAyesha.HeremindedherofAllahandHis Prophet(s)andalsomadeamentionofhergoodfameandsaid:"ItisnotworthyoftheMotherof theFaithfulthatsheshouldforgetwhatherattitudetowardsUthmanwasyesterday.Sheshould rememberthatsheusedtosay:"KillNa'thal".[1]ItisalsonotworthyofthestatusoftheMother oftheFaithfulthatsheshouldforgettheopinionalreadyformedbyherabautAli.Itisnotalso worthyofhertoinvolveherselfinsuchcontroversialaffairsandinthefieldofpolitic,becomea toolinthehandsofthosewhohavenefariousobjectsandevilintentions,andareopportunists andadventurous".Unfortunately,however,theMotheroftheFaithful,towhomhismessagewas communicated,didnotpayanyheedtoit.SheremainedwithTalhaandZubayrtillthedayofthe BattleoftheCamel. AmmaralsoobservedthatMughirabinSho'bacametotheCommanderoftheFaithfulandmade suggestionstohim,andhadsomehopesandwisheswhilepayingthesevisits.Ammarunderstood hisSatanicpoliticsandwasalsowellawareofhisdeceitfullifeandhypocriticalrelations.He, therefore,watchedcarefullyeverysteptakenbythislicentiouspersonandinviewofthefactthat thepositionofamissionaryoftruthdemandedthatheshouldworkforthemobilizationoftruth Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    hedidnotrefrainfrominvitingtohissideeventhisobstinateperson,sothathemightalso possiblyjointhecampofAli. However,asMughirahaddevelopedhostilityagainstAli,heevadedagreeingtodosoand preferredjoiningthecampoftheMotheroftheFaithfulAyeshasothathemightgetthereward forthehostilityagainstAlifromher.Moreover,Mughira'sbeingamemberoftheUmayyadparty alsodidnotallowhimtobecomeafollowerofAli. AboveallMughirawasnot,intrinsicallyapersonwhomighthavetakenadecisionandundertaken ataskinsuchanagitatedandconvulsiveatmosphereunlesshismaterialbenefitwasensured. Hence,keepingallthesemattersinview,hesaidtoAmmarwthaglibandsofttongue:"Ineed timetillthisdarkhorizonbecomesbrightandthemoonappears.AtthattimeIwilltakemystep clearsightedlyinthelight". Supplement/1 Althoughthiswasthemostexplicitreplywhichwascompatiblewiththeconditionandpositionof Mughirainallrespectsandrepresentedhiswayofthinking.Howeverasamissionaryoftruth alwayspursueshisobjectwithinsistenceAmmarsaidtoMughiraemphatically:"OMughira!Iseek refugeinAllah!Doyouwanttoremainblindandsitinacornerliketheblindwhenyourinnereye hasalreadybeenopened?Justreflectaboutyourconditionandseewhatyouareseeingandwhat youaredoing.ItellyouthatIamonewhowillnottakeastepexceptintheforemostrow. WhenAmmarsaid'I'hedidnotutterthiswordinthecapacityofthespeakerbutinthecapacity ofasignofguidanceandasymbolofexhortation. AmmardroveMughiraintoacorner,puttingforwardargumentscontinuouslyandmakinghim dumbfounded.Mughirawaslookingthiswayandthatwaylikeapreywhichwantstoslipaway fromthehandofthehunter. AliwashearingtheconversationofAmmarandMughiraandfullyrealizedthatthediscussionwas futileanduseless.He,therefore,saidtoAmmar:"LeaveMughiraalone.Hewantsonlythatmuch fromthereligionwhichguaranteeshisworld(i.e.wordlygains).Hepurposelymakesthings dubiousforhimselfandhisideaisthatthesedoubtsshouldcoverhislapsesandserveasan excuseforhisdeviations". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AmmarwasnotsurprisedatthedeviationandaloofnessofAbdullahbinUmar.He,therefore, obtainedpermissionfromtheCommanderoftheFaithfultogoanddiscussthematterswithhim aswellandtoinvitehimtosupportthetruth. AfterhavingobtainedtherequisitepermissioninthenameofIslamAmmarwenttoAbdullahso astoremovethedoubtswhichhadbecomethecauseofhisdeviationandaloofness,andtoguide himwithlogicalargument. ImmediatelyafterhisarrivalattheresidenceofAbdullah,Ammarinitiateddiscussionswithhim andsaid:"OAbuAbdurRahman!AsyouareawaretheMuhajirsandtheAnsarhavetakenthe oathofallegiancetoAli.IfwepreferAlitoyou,youshouldnotbeannoyed,andifwepreferyou toAli,youshouldnotbepleased.Indeed,asregardsyouracknowledgingthataswordshouldbe drawnagainstonewhooffersprayers,itisanestablishedfact. IalsoheldthisbeliefbeforetherulershipofAliandstillholdthesameviewandyouknowthata murderershouldbekilledandanadulterershouldbestonedtodeath.AndthenyouknowthatAli hasnotkilledanypersonwhoofferedprayers". AbdullahunderstoodwhatAmmarwantedtosayandalsorealizedthatAmmar'sreasoningwas bindingandaccordingtoAbdullah'spastrecordhehadtakenoathofallegiancetoonewhohad killedthosewhoofferedprayersandhadalsotakenoathofallegiancetoonewhohadforgivenan adulterer.However,asAbdullahwasapersonwhowasinvolvedindeviationandcrookednesslike theKhawarijandhadaspecialsenseofloveforrenowncoupledwiththeweaknessofanascetic, hecontentedhimselfwithgivingonlythefollowingreplytoAmmar:"Ibelieveintherightfulness ofAliandcansayatleastthismuchwithconfidencethatonthedayofShura(meetingofthe consultativecouncil)injusticewasdonetohimashewasdeprivedofhisrightatthepointofthe sword". Incidentallyhecriticizedhisfather(Umar)andhintingatthefactthathisfatherwasinimical towardsAlisecretlyandopenly,exoneratedhimselfandsaidnothingelse. Ammaralsocontentedhimselfwithinvitationandpreachingtothisextentonly.Beyondthathe hadnothingtodo.HethenleftAbdullah'shouseandtreatedhimasexcused. AmmarwasalsotoldthatthesonofAbiWaqqaswasmakingexcusesandgoingbackonhis promises.He,therefore,wenttohimbutrealizedthatSa'dwasalowspiritedmanwitha disturbedandconfusedintellect.Hence,heabandonedhimtohisillnessandsufferinganddidnot haveanydiscussionwithhim. Ammarlearnedthatlikeotherpleasureseekingandvoluptuouspersonswhofalterinthepathof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    truthandholdthemselvesalooffromgodliness,MuhammadbinMuslimaAnsariwasentangledin amentalproblemandwasinastateofdoubtanduncertainty.He,therefore,hurriedupto Muhammadtorelievehimofhisperplexity.Muhammadsaid:"OpiousAbulYaqzan,youare welcome.IregretIhavenotseenyouforsolongatime!IswearbyAllahthatifthereportwhichI happentohavewithmehadnotemanatedfromtheHolyProphet.Iwouldhavetakenoathof allegiancetoAlievenifallthepeoplehadbeenopposedtohim.WhilesayingthisMuhammad keptlookingintentlyuponAmmar'sfacetofindouttheimpressionmadebyhiswordsonhim. Thenheadded:"WhatcanIdointhematterwhentheHolyProphet(s)hasalreadyexpressedhis viewsonthesubject?" Ammarsaid:"OMuhammad!Speakclearlyandexplicitly.IfwhatyousayiscorrectIshallbewith youandIswearbyAllahthatIshallnotgoagainsttruthinanycircumstancesandifIrealizethat youarerightIshallsurrender". Muhammadsaid:"TheHolyProphet(s)hasorderedusthatwhenweseethattheMuslimshave begunkillingthosewhoofferprayers,weshouldremainaloofandneutral". Ammarsaid:"DidyouhearthesewordsfromtheHolyProphet?" Muhammadreplied:"Yes.Iheardthesewordsfromhimwithmyownears. Ammarsaid:"Idon'taccuseyou.However,ifitisprovedthattheProphet(s)saidthis,itneeds correctinterpretation."YouhavesaidthattheProphet(s)waspleasedtoremarkthatwhenever youseetheMuslimskillingoneanother...Imusttellyouthatitisnotatallpossiblethattwo Muslimsmaydrawswordstokilleachother.AndifyouseeatanytimethattwoMuslimsare drawingswordsagainsteachotheryoushouldknowforcertainthatoneofthemisnotaMuslim. InthatcaseitisyourdutytosidewiththeMuslimwhoisright.AndiftheHolyProphet(s) mentionedthosewhoofferprayersyouwillbeoneofthetwowitnesses.Doyoumeantosaythat theHolyProphet(s)saidanythingonthesubjectafterthesermonofthefarewellHaj?Didhesay anythingbesidesthis:"Yourbloodandyourpropertyareunlawfulforoneanotherexceptwhen someonemaycreateanaccident..OMuhammad!Inthatcasedoyouwanttosaythatweshould notfightagainstthosewhocreatemischiefs?" ThesonofMuslimasurrenderedbeforethislogicalargumentandelaboratesjurisprudence, especiallybecausethisverystronglogicmadehimunderstandthedifferencebetweenatrue Muslimandahypocriticalworshipper,andhewasobligedtogiveajudgementthatitwas necessarytokillthosewhocreatedmischiefsandhadrisenagainstthesacredIslamicprinciples. EventuallyMuhammadcontentedhimselfwithdiscussionanddebatetothisextentonlyandsaid: "Ogodlyman!Putanendtothematternow". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThesonofMuslimawasafraidthatafterremovinghisdoubtAmmarwouldalsosolvehismental problem.AndthisproblemwhichcouldnotbesolvedhadarisenfromthefactthatAlihadkilled oneofMuhammad'sbrothersintheBattleofKhayber. AmongthesupportersofAli,Ammarwastheperson,whoseoutwardmovementwasslowerthan thatofothers,butinfactitsenthusiasmandactivityweremuchgreaterthanthoseofothers. Atthesametimehewasthepersonwhoendeavouredmorethanothersfortheadvancementof truthonalloccasionsandkeptaneyeonallthedevelopmentswhichtookplaceinthosedays. Andonthewholeheexcelledallotherssofarascapability,merit,intellectualpower,correctness ofviewsandknowledgewereconcerned. DuringthefourmonthssincetheoathofallegiancewastakentoAli(i.e.beforeAli'sdepartureto Basratomeetthosewhohadbeenguiltyofbreachofpromise)AmmarwasoccupiedinMadina, ininvitingone,strengtheninganothertoremainconstant,andputtingstillanotherinhisproper place. Anyhow,whenAlibecameawareoftheproceedingofAyesha,TalhaandZubayrtoBasrahe decidedtostopthemsothatmischiefcouldbeavoided.HeleftforBasrawiththispurpose,and ninehundredcompanionsconsistingoftheMuhajirsandtheAnsaralsoproceededwithhim. AmmarwasthechiefofthisarmyandalargenumberofMuslimshadalsoproceededwithhim. WhenthearmyreachedRabazaitbecameknownthatAyesha,TalhaandZubayrhadalready proceededtowardsBasraandnotimewaslefttoovertakethem.Ali,therefore,senthisnephew MuhammadbinJa'farandMuhammadbinAbuBakrtoKufaalongwithaletteraddressedtoAbu Musa,thegovernorofthatcity,whereinhedirectedthatAbuMusashouldequipthepeopleand sendthemtoBasratomeethim(Ali)there. However,whenthesaidtwopersonsarrivedinKufatheyrealizedthattheagentofthe CommanderoftheFaithfulinKufa,or,inmoreappropriatewords,theagentofAshtar[2]wasan enemywhosehostilityoughttohavebeenavoided.Itwasso,becauseAbuMusawasaskingthe peopletorefrainfromrisingortakinganyactionandwasfabricatingtraditionsandinvitingthe peoplebythismeanstoneutrality,fearandseclusion.Thisstateofaffairsbecamethecauseof thetwoMuhammadsquarellingseriouslywithAbuMusa,andharshwordswereexchanged betweenthem.TheCommanderoftheFaithfulthensentAbdullahbinAbbasandMuhammadbin AbuBakrtoAbuMusaalongwithastronglywordedletterbymeansofwhichhedismissedhim andorderedhimtohandoverthegovernmentofKufatothesetwopersons.Andwhensome dayspassedandnonewswasreceivedfromKufatheCommanderofthefaithfulbecameanxious lestsomedisturbanceshouldhavetakenplacethere!AlithenproceededfromRabazatoZiQar Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andreachednearKufa.HeonceagainconfirmedtheordersregardingdismissalofAbuMusa throughHasan(hisson)andAmmar(hisminister)andalsosentalongwiththemsomecompetent anddistiguishedpersonslikeQaysbinSa'dandZaydbinSohansothatifpossiblyAbuMusa declinedtocarryouttheordersIbnAbbasandMuhammadbinAbuBakrmightpersuadehimto complywiththesame. Inthesecircumstances,however,AbuMusa'sresistanceincreasedwiththearrivalinKufaofthe lastdelegatesoftheCommanderoftheFaithfulandheshowedobstinacytoIbnAbbasandhis companions.AndwhenthenewdelegatesoftheCommanderoftheFaithfulcommunicatedthe orderstothepeopleAbuMusamountedthepulpit,reproachedthepeopleandinvitedthemto deliberateandreflect!HefabricatedtraditionsattributingthemtotheHolyProphet(s)andasked thetwopartiestorefrainfromfighting! AlihadfriendsaswellassomeenemiesinKufa.However,Kufahasastrangecharacteristicin regardtofriendshipandhostility,becausefriendshipandhostilityofitspeopleiswithoutany baseorfoundation.Inotherwordsthestandardofsocialrelationsinthiscityiscertainlythe speciallikings,andthepeoplearesubordinatetotheatmosphereoftheevents. DuringthosedaystheatmosphereofKufarequiredthatthepeopleshouldtreadthepathof procrastination,hesitation,andselfishness,anddidnotdemandseriousnesofaction,andIbn Abbastoohadnotbeenorderedtotakeanysevereaction.Hewasnot,therefore,harshwithAbu Musaanddidnotalsopreventhimfrommountingthepulpit.Inthecircumstancesitwasnatural thatsolongasthegovernmenthouseandthepulpitwereunderthecontrolofAbuMusathese characteristicsofprocrastination,hesitation,andselfishnessandegotismwerequiteinkeeping withthetasteofthepeopleofKufa. AtthisjunctureHasanbinAliarrivedinKufaaccompaniedbyAmmar.Andasyouareaware AmmarwastheGovernorofKufaofyesterdayandafriendofthepeopleofthiscity.Hehadruled thereforquitealongtimeduringthereignofCaliphUmarandacquiredsuccesseswhichresulted inhisremovalfromoffice! ThenatureofthepeopleofKufaislikethatofnaughtyandwickedstudentswhowelcometheir teacherinthebeginningandshowhimregardtilltheyunderstandhispersonality.Assoonasthey realizethattheteacherisagentle,simpleheartedandgoodmannered,theybeginteasingand annoyinghim.However,iftheyfindthatheisastoutheartedandsevereman,theytrytowinhis heartandtotakeprecedenceofoneanotherinobeyinghim. TherelationsofthepeopleofKufawiththeirrulersweresimilartothisandtheyknewthe featuresofAmmar. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    BeforethistimeAmmartoohadtestedthepeopleverywell.However,HasanbinAliwhohad arrivedthereforthefirsttimewasnotacquaintedwiththepeople.Onlythepeopleknewthathe wasthesonoftheImam,thegrandsonoftheirHolyProphet(s)andthechiefoftheyoungmenof Paradise.Inthecircumstancesthepeoplelookedathimwithcuriosityandappointedspiesand reportersonhim. Theattractivepersonality,dignity,andfascinatingspeechofHasandrewtheattentionofthe peopletowardshimandwhenheaddressedapublicgatheringforthefirsttimeallwerestunned byhissuperiority.Beforehebeganspeaking,thepeoplefeltthathewasauniquepersonandas soonashecommencedhisspeechandspokeafewsentencesthepeoplesaid:Allahknows betterwhereHeplacesHisMessage".(SurahalAn'am,6:124) WhenHasansonoftheCommanderoftheFaithfulsatdownafterdeliveringhisspeech,Ammar walkedupwithhishandonthebeltofhisswordandbeganspeaking.Inhisaddressheexplained totheaudiencetheprinciplesofthereligion,theelementsofIslamandthevalueofits campaigns.Duringthecourseofhisspeechhealsoexplainedallthequalitiesanddistinctionsand thestatusofAliinaccordancewithIslamicstandardsandsaid:"Atpresentthepeoplearefaced withtwodifficultiesviz.oppositiontothereligionorrespectfortheMotheroftheFaithful,and nowtheyaretobetested".Hethensolvedthisdifficultyintheshapeofanexplicitlegalproblem andbasedhisjudgementongivingprioritytomoreimportantoverimportanti.e.preferring religiontotherespectfortheMotheroftheFaithfulandemphasizedthatinanycasesafetyofthe religionenjoyedpriorityovertherespectfortheMotheroftheFaithful. NotwithstandingthefactthatTalhaandZubayrwerethecompanionsoftheHolyProphet,Ammar didnotattachmuchimportancetothem,becausetheyhadbrokentheoathofallegianceandhad risentothedetrimentofIslamandthesecurityoftheState.Hetheninvitedthepeopletoreceive andmeetAliandsaid:"Ifyouarenotpreparedtoassisthimyoushouldatleastdiscussthematter withhimsothattherealitymaybecomeknowntoyou.If,asaresultofthis,somepeopleagree withhimtheywillassisthimandiftheyareopposedtohimtheywillreproachhim. Democracyandsteadfastnessinprovingthetruthbasedonabsolutefreedomarequiteevident fromthespeechofAmmar,andsimiliarlythepowerofconvictionbasedonreasoning,beforethe ruleofthesword,isalsoclearlyperceptibleandclearfromit.Thefactisthatthereflectionof theserealitiesisthemanifestationofthespiritofAli.Thisshowsthemethodofcontentionand thepolicyofhisgovernmentandwhichalsodisplaysitselfinhisfollowersinthismanner. OfcourseAliwasamanwhoopenedasextensiveafieldfordiscussionbeforethepeopleas possible,andgavethemsomuchopportunityandlibertyofactioninthisbehalf,thatevenduring thepresenttimesnoneofthemostmoderndemocraticsocietiescanmatchit.Therearepeople whofindfaultwithhimonthisaccountandconsiderthispolicytobeaweakone,althoughthis Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    verythingisthepeakofhispolitics. AbuMusawhowasawareofthebroadmindednessandextensivenoblesenseofindulgenceand leniencyofAlirefrainedfromsendinghisrepresentativestohim.Hence,inthatveryassemblyhe stoodupafterAmmarhadspokenandexpressedhisviewsbeforethepeople,andadvisedthem toremainsecludedandneutralandspendtheirtimequietly.Healsoputforwardbeforethe peopleargumentslikedisplayofIslamicbrotherhood,respectforthebloodoftheMuslimsand refrainingfrommischief,andsaidtothem:"Itisobligatoryforthepeopletothrowtheirarmson theground. WithhismonotonouslogicAbuMusawasfirminhisoppositiontoAli.Heprohibitedthepeople incessantlyfromsupportingAliandimpresseduponthemtherespectduetotheMotherofthe Faithfulandsaid:"Allthepeopleshouldremainneutralsothattheperson,whohaskindledthe fireofwar,shouldhimselfbedevouredbyit". AbuMusamostlysupportedhiswordswiththeversesoftheHolyQur'an,Hadithandgeneral principlesofIslamicJurisprudenceandthemostimportantreportwhichherelieduponwasthis thathesaid,IhaveheardtheProphet,whomentionedthistroublesaying:Whenthistrouble arisesitwillbebetterforyoutobeasleepthanbesitting;andifyouaresittingitisbetterthan thatyoushouldbestanding.Andifyouarestandingitisbetterthanthatyoushouldbewalking. AmmarstoodupbeforeAbuMusasatdown.Hebeganarguingonthebasisoftheprinciplesof jurisprudenceandimmediatelyattractedtheattentionofthepeople.HeturnedtoAbuMusaand said:"DidyouheartheHolyProphet(s)sayingthis?"AbuMusasaid:"Yes.Iputthishandofmine inpledge". Ammarsaid:"Ifyouhavespokenthetruthyoualoneareresponsibleandaccordingtothis argumentyoushouldconfineyourselftoyourhouseandshouldnotwitnessthetrouble. However,whatIheardfromtheHolyProphet(s)wasthatheorderedAlitofightwithNakithin (thosewhobrokethecovenant)andhealsotoldmethenamesofthosepersons.Furthermore,he orderedAlitofightagainstQasitin(thedeviatedones).IfyoudesireIcanproducewitnesseswho maytestifythattheProphet(s)prohibitedyouandyouonly". Atthatmoment,whilehewasstandingfirmly,hesaidtoAbuMusainadecisiveanddetermined tone:"Givemethathandwhichyoupledgedfalsely". AbuMusaextendedhishand.AfterhavingexpressedhisviewsAmmarheldAbuMusabythe hand,pulledhimdownfromthepulpit,andthrewhimamongthepeople. Thenheturnedtothepeopleandsaid:"AbuMusahasaskedyoutoremainneutralwithregardto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thetwoarmieswhichhavebeenmobilizedandwhathehassaidisnotcorrect"Hefurtheradded: "IfpeopleactupontheadviceofAbuMusa,Allahwillnotbepleasedwiththem,becauseHehas said:Iftwogroupsofthebelieversbeginfightingwitheachother,youshouldreconcilethem. However,ifonegroupcommitsaggressionitisincumbentuponyoutofightagainstthat rebelliousgrouptillitsubmittotheCommandofAllahandthenreconciletheminaccordance withjustice.(SurahalHujurat,49:9) TheAlmightyAllahhasalsosaid:FightagainstthemtillmischiefisputdownandtheDivine Religion(Islam)becomesfirmandsecure.(SurahalBaqara,2:19) Opeople!PondercarefullyandsayastowhichoftheseDivineversesconformstothefalseand deceitfulsuggestionsofAbuMusa.Allahwillnotbepleasedwithyouunlessyoustandupand enquireabouttherebelliousgroupandfightagainsttherebelstillrightreturnstotheappropriate authority,unityofpurposeisestablishedandtroubleiseliminated. Supplement/2 Opeople!AskAbuMusaastowhohascreatedthistrouble.Didthepublicnottakeoathof allegiancetoAliandisthisoathnotbindinguponalltheMuslims?DidnotTalhaandZubayr,who havedeludedtheMotheroftheFaithfulandaredissuadingthepeoplebyhermeansfrompayig attentiontotruthandare,defraudingthem,takeoathofallegiancetoAli?Arenotthesetwo personscommittingbreachofcovenant?HasAlicreatedtroubleandstartedaquarrelthathe shoulddeservetoberemovedfromoffice?IsAliamanwhoshouldbeputontrialonaccountof sin? AskAbuMusathesequestionsandalsodemandprooffromhimsothathisfraudanddeceitmay berevealedtoyou.ThenriseaccordingtotheCommandofAllahtoadministerjusticeandto supportyourImamandleader.MayAllahblessyou! OpeopleofKufa!Ifpreviouslynewsaboutusreachedyoufromafarnowyoucanseeour conditionfromnear.WhatImeantosayisthatthemurderersofUthmandon'tregretbeforethe peoplewhattheyhavedoneanddon'tapologize.Theydon'talsodenytheiract.AlthoughIdidn't participateinthisactpersonallybutImustsaythatIdidn'thatethisoccurrence.Thosewhohave killedUthmanhavemadetheBookofAllahthejudgeandarbiterbetweenthemselvesandthose whohaveraisedahueandcryinconnectionwiththemurderofUthmanandhaveresortedto discussionsanddisputes.TheBookofAllahcontainsordersregardingthelifeofthosewhoare Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    aliveandthedeathofthosewhoaredead,whichshouldbeactedupon:Inthiswaythosewhoare pursuingthepathofdisputeshoulddesistfromrebellion.Acourtshouldthenbesetupforthe solutionoftheproblem. NowasregardsTalhaandZubayr,theyhavebrokentheirallegiancetotheirImamandleader withouthishavingcreatedanymischief. ThisisHasan,sonoftheProphet'sdaughter.Allofyouknowhim.HeseeksyourhelpandAli,the CommanderoftheFaithfulAliwillalsobearrivingsoonaccompaniedbyanumberoftheMuhajirs andtheAnsarwhofoughtintheBattleofBadr.RiseandmakehastetoassisthimsothatAllah maymakeyouvictorious". Ammardidnotbecomequiettillheacquiredmasteryovertheintellectsandsentimentsofthe peopleandheldthereinsoftheirthinkingandwillinhisownhands.InspiteofthisAbuMusadid notdespairandbeganspeakingagainhopingtodefeatArnmarbymeansofconversationand discussion.However,assoonashestartedhisspeech,ZaydbinSohanbrokethecalmnessofthe assemblyandsaid:"OAbdullahbinQays!(AbuMusa'sfirstname)Doyouwanttoturnbackthe wavesoftheriverEuphrates?Refrainfromdiscussingamatterwithwhichyouarenot conversant". AtthistimeShithbinRabi'iandsomemembersofTaymtribewhowerethesupportersofAbu Musawerecross.ThenQaysbinSa'dandthejudgeSharihspokeoneaftertheother. ThereaftervoiceswereraisedinsupportofAmmarfromallsidesandasmallernumberofpersons supportedAbuMusa.ConsequentlyAbuMusawasobligedtoleavetheassemblyandproceedto hisofficialresidence. AbuMusa,whohadabandonedspeakinganymoreinthepublicgathering,wenttohishouseand havingplacedapulpittherecontinuedhisinvitationinfavouroftheMotheroftheFaithful AyeshaandpreventingthepeoplefromsupportingandassistingAmmar. ThepersonspresentinthemasjidencircledHasan,Ammarandtheircompanions,Inthe meantimethenewswasreceivedthatAbuMusahadplacedapulpitinhispalaceandwasbusy addressingthepeople.ThereuponHasan,Ammarandtheircompanionswenttothepalace. Duringthisconflictwhenthepeoplehadcrowdedandanewhueandcryhadarisensomeonesaid loudly:"HerecomesAshtar!"Ashtarcame.Onhearingthevoiceandbecominginformedofhis arrivaltheguardsmenofthepalacewenttoAbuMusaandtoldhimthatAshtarhadarrived. ThepersonwhohadseenAshtarsaid:"OnhearingthisnewsthecolourofpoorAbuMusa'sface Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    changedonaccountofacuteanxiety,andthesalivainhismouthbecamedry,somuchsothathe gavehimselfupcompletely.Atthatmomenthedismountedthepulpitingreatfear,andhishead felldowninsuchawaythattheonlookersthoughtthathewascrawlingontheground. AlihadsentAshtarinordertosuppressthedisturbances,becausehewasreceivingnews regularly. ThemomentAshtararrivedandAbuMusawasdismountingthepulpitonaccountofhisfear, Ashtarsaidtohimloudly:"Odonkey!Haveyoustillnotgivenupbraying?WhentheCommander oftheFaithfulhasissuedordersregardingyourdismissalwhatareyoudoinghere?Getout.You havenolongeranyrighttostayhereevenforamoment". PoorAbuMusarequestedAshtarfortimetostayoninKufaforonemorenightsothathemight settlehisaffairsandthengoaway. Thevulgarandroguishpeoplethoughtofavailingthemselvesoftheopportunityaffordedbythe dismissalofAbuMusaandplannedtoattackandplunderhisproperty.However,Ashtarstopped themandsaid:"Itissufficientthatyouaredrivinghimawayfromhere". WiththegoingawayofAbuMusatheconditionsinKufacalmeddownandorderwasrestored. Volunteersjoinedoneanotherintheshapeofmilitarycolumnsandawellequippedarmywas formedwhoserowsmarchedinanorganizedmannerunderthestandardofguidanceandorder. AmmarwasqneofthestandardbearersoftheBattleoftheCamel.ThedayoftheBattleofthe Camelwasinterestinginonerespect,andfrighteninganddreadfulinanother.InthisbattleAli selectedAmmarasthecommanderofthecavalry.Ammarproceededtoorganizeapartofthe armyinaccordancewiththeprogrammeoftheAlavimilitarytechniqueandledthecavalrylikea formidablethunderboltwithaspecialprideoffaithwhichacquiredstrengthfromtheBattleof Badr. Inthistrooptherecouldbefoundnoman,whoshouldbereadytofightwithasmuchjoyand mirthasAmmar. BreachesorweakpointcouldoftenbeseeninsomepartsofthemilitarytroopofAlibutthefront ofAmmarwasmoreloftyandelevatedthansurgingofthesea. Withthestrengthofconstancyandsteadfastnesspeculiartohim,Ammarstrengthenedallsides oftheorganizationrelatedtohisarmyandthengaveordersforanattack.Asaresultofcareful arrangementandthedisciplinemaintainedbyhimthearmyunderhiscommandgainedcomplete Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    victoryovertheopponents. ThearmyoftheMotheroftheFaithfulpossessedthestrengthofpartyspiritonlyandhadnot othersupport,whereasintheArmyofAliagreaterpowerwasavailableintheshapeof spiritualityandgodlinessandAmmarwasoneofthemanifestationsoftheseestablishedrealities. ForwasAmmarnotthesamemartyrwhowastobekilledatthehandsofarebelliousgroup? Oneofthewonderfulpointswhichdeservenoticeinconnectionwiththisbattleisthefollowing incident:Atoneofthecriticalmomentsofthebattle,Aliwasoccupyingtheseatofcommandand wasissuingorderswhensleepovertookhim.Andatthatverymomentboththewingsofhisarmy wereattackedandtheenemymadebreachesinthem. HayyanbinJahincametoinformAlioftheimpendingdangerandwonderedtoseethatatthat criticalmomenttheSupremeCommanderwasfeelingsleepy. WhilerelaxingtheSupremeCommanderwassoliloquizingandcallingAllahtowitnessregarding hisinnocencewithregardtothatmischief(BattleoftheCamel)andtheonerelatingtoUthman. Afterutteringthesewordshegirdedhisloins,enteredthebattlefield,attackedtheenemyforces andstrengthenedthetwowingsofhisarmywhichhadsustainedinjuriesandthenreturnedtohis camp. Ashewasfeelingthirstyatthetimeofhisreturnheaskedforwater.Thesentinelpostedatthe seatofcommanddidnotgivehimwaterkeepinginviewhisfatigueandthirst,andneedto safeguardhishealth,butinsteadofitsuppliedhimwithsomehoneytosuck. WhilesuckingthehoneyAliasked:"Nephew!IsthishoneyofyoursfromTa'if?. Themanwhopresentedthehoneysays:"Iwonderedatthesensitivenessofthetaste,presence ofsenseandconcentrationofthethoughtsoftheCammanderwhocoulddistinguishbetweenthe honeyofTa'ifandotherplaceswhenhehadjustthenreturnedfromthebattlefieldandwastired andthirsty!" InreplytohisexpressionofwondertneCommanderoftheFaithfulsaid:"Son!Don'twonder.I swearbyAllahthatithasnothappenedsofarthatsomethingshouldoccupythethoughtsofyour uncleorthatheshouldbefrightenedofsomething" Thenhebeganfightingagainandwithinashorttimethearmyof'thecamel'retreatedandthe camelonwhosesaddlethestandardhadbeenhoistedfelldownonthegroundandthestandard alsofelldownalongwithit.Atthatmomenttheadherentsandsentinelsofthecamelalso Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    scatteredandsomerelatives(ofUthman)includingMarwanbinHakamandAmrbinUthman weretakenprisoners. ThefirstpersonwhoreachedbythesideofthefallencamelwasAliandafterhimAmmar,Malik Ashtar,MuhammadbinAbiBakrandsomeotherbravemenreachedthere. AtthismomenttheproclaimeroftheCommanderoftheFaithfulannouncedtheendofthebattle ofIslamandsaid:"Noneisentitledtopursueafugitiveortoattackawoundedpersonortoteara curtain". Theseannouncementswerenotmeremoraldirectionsbutwerelegalorders.Theyprovideda correctviewofthelogicandconductofAliandwereapartofhisplaninthematterofexecutive powersandorganizationoftheStateandprotectionofthehigherinterestsofIslamandwere expressedandacteduponwithperfectgentlenessandleniencyandwithoutsubjectingthepeople tohardshiporduress. Unfortunatelythisintelligentviewpointmadetheactualmatterdubiousforthepeople,because inspiteoftheexpressionofthisviewtheydidnotunderstandthereallimitsofthematter. Accordingtocustomitwasrumouredthat:"Theblood,propertyandwomenofthecombatants arerecognizedtobelawful"andthepeopledidnotknowthesolutionofthisproblem. TheambiguousirrationalandtinglingvoiceofthepeoplereachedtheearsofAmmarandthere wasastrongprobabilitythatheknewthesolutionoftheproblem.Andaswehaveheardand seeninconnectionwithAmmar'sdebateanddiscussionwithMuhammadbinMuslimaAnsarias towhatextenthewasconversantwiththeelementsandprinciplesofIslamicJurisprudence,he couldnotalsobeaccusedoflackofknowledgeinthepresentcase.However,hewishedthatAli shouldsolvethisproblem.He,therefore,approachedAliandsaid:"OCommanderoftheFaithful! AccordpermissionthatthepersonswhohavebeentakenprisonersintheBattleoftheCamelmay bekilled". TheCommanderoftheFaithfulreplied:"IamnotgoingtokillthepeopleoftheQibla. AsyouareawareArnmarknewthedifferencebetweenaMuslimwhohadunderstoodthe elementsofIslamandonewhoofferedprayersbutwasfacedwithanxietyandagitationin connectionwiththeseelements,andpossiblyhedidnotshowanykindsentimentsandlovefor suchworshipperstillthatmoment.However,thepointatissuewasthatheconsideredthatlaw, aboutthecorrectnessofwhichhehadnotdoubt,tobesufficientforhimselfbutinorderthatthe positionmightbecomecleartoothersheconsidereditnecessarythattherequisitedeclaration shouldbemadebythecompetentauthority.However,therewerepersonswhoseknowledgeof legalmatterswaslesserthanthatofAmmarandwhodidnotcontentthemselveswiththe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    judgement. ItwasforthisreasonthatAliexplainedthephilosophyofthisordertothem,butitwasdifficult forthemtocomprehenditandtheycouldnotanalysethemattter.Ali,therefore,actedleniently withthemsothathemightfindaperceptiblerealitytoserveasameansofgivingthema convincingreply.Hencehesaidtothem:"Drawlotsandeveryoneofyoushouldtakehisshareof thebootyaccordingly". WhentheygotreadytodividethebootytheCommanderoftheFaithfulsaidtothem:"Your motherAyeshahasnowbecomeaprisoner.Whofromamongstyouisagreeablethatsheshould falltohisshare?" Allofthemsaid:"WeaskAllahtoforgiveus". Alisaid:"IalsoseekHisforgiveness". Itwasthenthatallofthemrealizedtheposition. ONEMURDEREDBYTHEREBELLIOUSGROUP AfterAbdullahbinAbbas,thenewGovernorofBasra,assumedthereinsofofficeandacquired controloverthestateofaffairsandthelifeofthepeoplebecamenormal,peaceprevailed throughoutthevastIslamicterritoriesexceptinSyria. However,theconditionsinSyriawasnotimportantinitselfbecausetherebelinthatareawas Mu'awiya,andif,accordingtothevaluesprevalentintheworldofIslaminthosedays,some peoplehadregardforTalha,ZubayrandtheMotheroftheFaithfulAyesha.Mu'awiya,onthe contrary,didnotenjoyanyvalueintheeyesoftheIslamicworldandwasknownasafreedman sonofafreedman. Allknewthathewasthesonofthatverypersonwhoassumedtheleadershipoftheclans(Ahzab) andinstigatedtheJewstoannihilateIslam.ForthisreasonthecircumstancesofSyriaorthe mischiefofMu'awiyainDamascushadnorealimportance,butitsimportancewasconnected withthehistoricalenvironmentsandthefactorsofthetime.Infacttheseveryfactorswerethe causeofcampaignagainstAliandnotthatthefraudanddeceitpractisedbyMu'awiyainhis Machiavellianpoliticsstrengthenedhisposition. InanycasethereasonsadvancedbyMu'awiyaforrebellionagainstAlihadnobasisexceptvain sophistry,andhewasautomaticallyconsideredannihilatedevenbeforehewassubjectedtothe blowoftruth. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Mu'awiyaaccusedAliofthemurderofUthman,buttherewasnotevenonepersonthroughout theworldofIslamofthatdaywhomightconfirmthischarge. ThosewhoconsideredAliinnocentofthisaccusationhadnodoubtthatMu'awiyahimselfwasan accompliceinthemurderofUthman,because,notwithstandingthefactthathecouldsave Uthmanherefrainedfromdoingso.Moreover,Uthmanhadsonswhowerehisheirsandthe guardiansofhisblood.Mu'awiyastoleamarchonthemandassumedthistitlehimself.Andeven ifhehadtakenastepinthisbehalfinthecapacityofanagentitmaybesaidthathewouldhave madeamistake,becausetheproperwayforsolvingsuchproblemsistoapproachthelawcourt andnottoresorttorebellionandrevolt. BesidesthisMu'awiyaclaimedthathehadnottakenanoathofallegiancetoAli,ashadbeen donebyTalhaandZubayranditwasnot,therefore,incumbentuponhimtoobeythenewCaliph. ItmaybesaidinthisconnectionthatMu'awiyasignoranceoftheproblemwasmorebaseless thenhisoriginalclaim,becausehewantedtoprovideforaruleonthesubjectonthebasisof exceptionsandtomakeitprevailoverthegeneralordersandforgeasanctityforhimselfsothat bythisactionhemightshowtheIslamicsocietytobefalseanddepraved.Andrelyingonthishe claimedthatthevoteofthepeopleofSyriaandnotofthoseoftheHijazwasworthyof obedience. AnyhowIdonotknow,ifthisclaimofMu'awiyawasnotdomineeringandcoercion,whatelse domineeringandcoercionare! AllthereasoningandargumentsofMu'awiyawerefeebleandbaselesslikethevegetableswhich growonthesurfaceofwaterandhehimselfknewthattheywereevenfeeblerthanthat.He reliedonthispretextonlyforthereasonthatheknewthatthepowerofunderstandingand assessmentofthepeoplewasweakerandmorebaselessthaneventhestrengthofsuch vegetables. ApartfromthisthedecisiontakenbyMu'awiyainthosedayswasnotsomethingnew. Itwasadeepandcomprehensivedecisionwhichhadtraversedmanystageswithcareand solidity.Thisfacthasalreadybeenreferredtointhisbookandthereadershavenotperhaps forgottenAbuSufyan'shavingbeenturnedawaybyAliafterthemeetingatSaqifa. Anyhowthesestagesweretheoutcomeofsomehistoricalfactorswhichprovedtobemore beneficialfortheUmayyadpartyspiritascomparedwiththeHashimitejustice.Furthermore,the historicaleventswhichmanifestedthemselvesduringtheperiodofthethirdCaliphwerethemost Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    effectivefactorswhichaccordingtotheexigenciesofthetimeprovedharmfultoAli.Alihadall thesemattersinviewandnoneknewbetterthanhethatduringthisinterval,asdemandedbythe circumstances,theonlywayofovercomingthedifficultiesandthelastmeanstoarriveatafinal solutionwassoothingcovetousnessandreturningtotherevivalofpartyspiritandpurchaseof consciences!ButImamAliwasamanwhosaid:"Iamnotgoingtoseekhelpfromthedeviated seducersortomakethemthemeansofsuccess".HemadethispositionclearlyknowntoMughira whocontactedhimandsuggestedthatMu'awiyamightbeallowedtoretainDamascus. Supplement/3 ImamAligavethesamereplytoMu'awiyawhenheaskedhimtoentrustthegovernmentof DamascusandCairotohimsothathe(Mu'awiya)mighttakeoathofallegiancetohim.Ali rejectedhisrequest.Headoptedthisattitudebecauseheconsideredhimselfunderobligationto enforceIslamicprinciplesandatthesametimethepathofsolvingthepoliticalproblemsinthe mannerinwhichhiscontemporarypoliticiansandthoseoflateragesreflecteduponwasclosed beforehimandhewasnotneglectfulofit. However,hewasonhisguardagainsttreachery,deceitandbargainingandashisconductwas peculiartohimselfhedidnotpayattentiontothepoliticalbehaviourandpoliciesofothers.For thisreasonandtakingintoaccounttheruleandprinciplewhichhehadinviewhedidnotagreeto allowMu'awiyatoretainSyriaandasamatterofprinciplehisactionwithregardtoMu'awiya wasbasedonthesameruleandprincipleaccordingtowhichhehadrejectedMu'awiya'srequest previouslyandhadsaid:"Iamnotgoingtoseekhelpfromtheseducers". Healsoknewverywellthattheobservanceofthisruleandprinciplewasnotcompatiblewiththe spiritofhistimeandfollowingthispolicywouldcreatethegreatestdifficultiesforhim. Neverthelesstheonlyfactorandcausewhichmadehimpersevereandconsidertheexigenciesof timetobeinsignificantwasthat,hewishedthatthereshouldbeAliandnotMu'awiya. ImamAliwasstrugglingtosafeguardandenforcethisprincipleandruleandnottoattainto rulershipandkingdom.Hedidnotdesireatransientvictorybutwishedtoachieveapermanent andenternalvictory. Theclearestproofofthecorrectnessofthisclaimandofhiscarefulattentiontowardsthese thingsisthathesaidtosomeofhiscompanionswhowereshowingmuchhumiliationbeforehim: "IknowwithwhichfactorandmeansIshouldmakeyouobeyme.HoweverItellyouthatIamnot Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    themanwhowouldspoilandcorrupthisfaithsothatyourmaterialdesiresmaybefulfilled". Yes,thecruxofthematteristhatAliwascampaigningagainstimmorality,mischief,indecency andcorruptionandinthisstrugglewhichhehadundertakenagainstmoralvicesandtouproot indecencyanduncleannessfromthesoulsofthepeople,hedidnotexempteventhoseofhis friendsandkinsmeninwhosenaturethisailmenthadpenetrated.Inshortinthiscampaign friendsandenemieswereequalinhiseyesandinthecircumstancesitisevidentthatforMu 'awiya,whowasdrownedinintellectualandpracticalevils,therewasnoplaceinthisorganization andhewasamanwhocouldnotsucceedbyanyotherwayexceptevil. Howevertheobjectofdwellingatlengthonthissubjectisthatthegeniusandintelligencewhich hasbeenattributedtoMu'awiya,andhisextraordinaryefficiencyandcompetenceaboutwhich muchhasbeensaid,isallexaggerationandidletalk.Infacttheentiresuccessofthismanwas indebtedtothoseveryfictitiousqualitiesmixedwithmischiefandevilandsuchsuccessesand victoriesasaretheconsequencesofsuchviciouspractices. AnotherimportantpointinthisconnectionisthattheapparentsuccessesofMu'awiyacertainly sprangfromtheperseveranceandsteadfastnessofAliinprotectingtheprinciplesandelements oftruth.Itisevidentthatpersonswhowereafterwordlygainsandpleasuresandcouldnot achievetheirendsbyassociatingwithAlinaturallyturnedtoMu'awiyatosecuretheirgoals. Incidentallythisaspectofthemattershouldalsobemadeclearthattheatmospherepreceding therulershipofAlihaddistractedthepeoplefromtrueIslamicprinciplesandmattershadtaken suchaturn,thatitwassaid:"Onlythatpersonwhoisdominantandpowerfulhasarighttolive, andpredominanceandvictorycanonlybegainedundertheshadowofaccumulationofwealth, hoarding,seizinganopportunity,enlargementofinfluenceandacquisitionoftheobjectsof desire". Itisapparentthatif,inthesecircumstances,Alihadresortedtodiplomacy,hecouldhavevery easilyeliminatedthegainsmadebyhisopponents.AnditisalsoevidentthatitwaseasierforAli toovercomeMu'awiyawiththesameweaponofpoliticsthentosubduethosewhohadbroken thecovenant. TherevoltofMu'awiyaduringthosedayswasnotveryimportantinthelightofthetrueIslamic criteria.Therealdangerarosefromthecausesandeffectsoftheprevailingatmosphereandthe dangerofresistanceandperseveranceinseekingabsolutetruthwasthegreatestofall. However,inspiteofalltheseconditionsandcircumstancesitmustbeadmittedthat,themost importantfactorswereperseverance,resistanceandsteadfastnessinprotectingandsupporting absolutetruthandignoringthesuggestionsofthosewhoaskedImamAlitoresortto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    compromisesandflattery. AnyhowduringthedayswhenAliwasstayinginKufatheconditionofMu'awiyaandhisactivities whichseemedlanguidandweaktoeveryreflectiveandsensiblepersonappearedallthemore worthlessandunimportanttoAli.Notwithstandingthis,however,Alididnotignoretheelements whichhadbeencreatedbythecircumstancesandeventstothebenefitofMu'awiyawhichhad preparedfavourableenvironmentsforstrenghteninghisposition.Themattershadtakensucha turnthatMu'awiyahadbeguncovetingtheofficeoftheCaliphateandnurturedthisfancyinhis mindthathemightbenominatedforit.However,Ali,whilebeingfullycognizantofthisstateof affairs,remainedsteadfastandwellcomposed.Atthesametimehecouldnotonlyreadclearlyin thehorizonofthecomingeventstheevilresultsofthepreliminariesoffuturecampaigns,buthe alsoaffordedlibertyofactiontotheenemywithperfectcalmness,sothathemighthaveaclear andwellfoundedgroundforjihadagainstMu'awiya,andtheresponsibilityforthewarwhichthe agitatorsweregoingtostartshouldbeontheoppressivedeviatedpersons,justasthe responsibilityforthepreviouswarfellonthecovetousbreakersofthecovenantandthatforthe futurewarwastofallontheKhawarij. DuringthetimewhenAliwasinKufaletterswereexchangedbetweenhimandMu'awiya,Ali consultedhiscompanionsaboutcurrentaffairsandapprisedthemofthedevelopments.His companionssuggestedthattheymightspendthatyearinKufaandwait,butAmmar,Ashtar,Adyy binHatim(famousforhisgenerosity)andShurayhbinHaniopposedthisview. Ammarsaid:"OCommanderofthefaithful!Wehavetakenoathofallegiancetoyouandfind none,whomayriseagainstyou.Previouslytherewerepersonswhorosetofightagainstyoubut theAlmightyAllahroutedthemandhelpedyouinaccordancewiththeverse:Whoeverretaliates inthesamemannerashewasmadetosufferandthenisoppressedagain,Allahwillcertainlyhelp him.(SurahalHaj,22:60)AndasclearlystatedbyHiminanotherverse:Whoeverbreaksthe covenantbreaksittohisowndetriment,(SurahalFath,48:10),thosewhobrokethecovenant receivedpunishmentfortheirconduct. AnotherpointisthatduringthosedaysKufasupportedusandBasrawasopposedtous.One groupfromamongstuswasrewardedandtheotherwasexcused. Atpresent,however,weareinvolvedinanirremediabletroubleinSyriaandaperson,whohas revolted,willnotsubmitunlessheiskilledordefeated.Inthecircumstancesweshouldforestall him.Iwould,therefore,requestyoutoissueordersformobilization". AshtarandotherswhowereofthesameopinionsupportedAmmar'sview.SoonafterwardsAli receivednewsofthemobilizationofMu'awiya'sforcesanditbecamecertainthatMu'awiyawas onthewarpathandwaspreparingtoattack. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    TheCommanderoftheFaithful,therefore,equippedanarmyconsistingof190,000warriorsand proceededtoSiffinattheheadofthisarmy.InthisarmyaswelltheCommanderofthecavalry wasAmmar. TheresultofthefirstencounterofthetwopartieswasthatMu'awiyaobtainedcontrolofthe waterwayanddidnotallowAliandhisforcestouseit. BeforethebraveanddistinguishedwarriorsofBadrandtheMuhajirsandtheAnsarandthe soldiersofMuzarandRabi'aandthechiefsofYemenandIraqcouldcommencefightingand achieveanyresultfromit,Ashtar,inordertoachievevictory,putforwardsuggestionswhich obligedMu'awiyaandhisministertoresorttocoldwarbydiscussion,debate,oration,lecturing andsendingletters.Theseweretheprerequisitesforsuchawar.Itisevidentthatthesuperiority ofthesupportersofAliinthiscoldwarwasasmuchestablishedinthemindsoftheenemiesas theirsuperiorityinthematterofswordsmanship. IftherewereMu'awiya,'AmrAsandhissonAbdullahinthatparty,therewereonthisside, besidesImamAli,greatoratorslikeAbdullahbinAbbas,AmmarYasir,MalikAshtar,Ash'athbin Qays(althoughahypocrite),AhnafbinQays,UthmanbinHunayf,Sa'sa'abinSohan,Adyybin HatimandhundredsofothersfromamongsttheMuhajirsandtheAnsarofBadr,allofwhom possessedintelligence,insight,sagacityandexperienceandwereveryeloquent,whereasthe personsintheoppositerowdidnotpossessthesequalities. Mu'awiyaandhisministerAmrAswerepersonswhowereextremeopportunists.Theyhad gainedexperiencesregardingtheconductofAliintheBattleofBasrasoastoutilizethematthe opportunetime.Theyhadnowacquiredanopportunityandwantedtoprofitfromthose experiences.Hence,inordertostrengthenthemoraleoftheSyriansoldiersandtododgemilitary actiontheyresortedtostratagems.Toachievethisendtheydecidedtodefametheoutstanding leadersanddistinguishedpersonalitiesofIraqandtomakethemappeardespisedanddegraded intheeyesoftheSyrians. AmrAswhohadpreviouslycarriedoncorrespondencewithsomeIraqihypocriteslikeAsh'ath nowbegantolecturetotheSyriansandendeavouredtodeludeandseducethem. AssoonasthesoundofthespeechofAmrreachedtheearsofAmmarhegotuptoputanendto thiscoldwar.Inspiteofhisoldageandfeebleness,heraisedhisthunderousvoicewhichwas sustainedbyresolutionanddeterminationandsaid:"OslavesofAllah!Riseandhurryuptowards thesepeoplewhowanttoavengethemurderofatyrant.Somebenevolentandrighteouspersons whowereopponentsofcrueltyandoppressionandsupportersofjusticeandgoodnessroseand killedthatman.Nowthesepeoplehaverisenandwanttoavengethemurderofsuchaperson Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    uponus.Thesepersonswhoclaimtobetheavengersofhismurderareofatypethatiftheir worldlyambitionsareachievedandIslamisdestroyedtheywillnotmindit.Suchpersonsasked us:"Whydidyoukillhim?"Wereplied."Onaccountoftheunlawfulthingshedid".Theysaid:"He didn'tdoanythingunlawful". Doyouknowwhytheysaidallthis?Itwasbecauseheensuredtheirworldlygains.Thesearethe peoplewhoplunderedhisexistenceandwillnotworryevenifthemountainsaredemolished.I swearbyAllahthattheydon'twanttoavengethemurder(ofUthman}.Theyrelishandhave becomefondofworldlygains.Theythinkthatiftherighteouspersonassumesthereinsof governmenthewillrestraintheirunlawfulprofitsandunlimitedgreed.Thesepeoplehaveno previousrecordinIslamsothattheyshouldbeworthyofrulership,buttheyhavedeceivedtheir followersandtoldthem:"Ourchiefandleaderwaskilledunjustly".Theysaidthisinorderto acquiretherulershipandpower.Asyouseeandknowthisclaimisnothingexceptdeceitand fraud.Andiftheyhadnotpractisedthisfraudnonewouldhavetakenoathofallegiancetothem. OLord!IfYouhelpusitwillnotbeYourfirsthel.pbecauseYouhavegrantedusvictoriesearlier. AndifYourWillisthattheyshouldassumerulershipthenputinstoreforthemtheresultoftheir illegalactswherebytheyhavesubjectedthepeopletotyrannyandtorture". WhenAmmarconcludedhisspeechandenlightenedthemindsofthehearersinallrespectshe orderedhisstandardbearer,HashimMarqal,toadvance,andsaid:"Maymyparentsbeyour ransom!AdvanceandattacktheseSyriansandbreakuptheirrows". Ammarhimselfalsowentforwardandreachedinthecentreoftheopposingarmynear'AmrAs. Addressing'Amrhesaid:"O'Amr!YouhavesoldyourfaithforthesakeofEgypt.Woebetoyou! WhatmischiefsandevilshaveyourousedagainstIslam! ThenAmmarbeganprayingtoAllahinthepresenceoftheSyriansandsaid:OLord!Youknow thatifIrealizethatYourWillisthatIshouldthrowmyselfinthisriverIshalldoso.OLord!IfI realizethatYoudesirethatIshouldthrustthepointofmyswordintomybellyandbendmyself, sothattheswordmaycomeoutofmyback,Ishalldoso. OLord!YouknowthatIhaveacquiredwhatYouhavetaughtmeandIknowitverywellthat todaynopiousactisbetterthanthatIshouldperformjihadagainstthesepeoplewhohave violatedhumanrights,andifIcometoknowthatinthepresentcircumstancesthereisanact whichislikedbyYoumore,Ishallperformit". Assoonas'AmrAsheardthesewordsofArnmarheleftthebattlefieldandhidhimself. TheSyrianarmyalsotrembledmoreonhearingArnmarspeakthantheytrembledforthefearof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    hissword,thoughallofthemknewwellthatarebelliousgroupwouldkillAmmar.Theimportance andthedangerofthepresenceofAmmarwasnotunknowntoMu'awiya,andhewasafraidof whatwasgoingtohappen,heexpressedhisanxietyeverynowandtheninvariousways. AmmarattackedvaliantlyandhisstandardbearerHashimMarqilandhiscompanionsfellupon theUmayyadarmylikeafuriousstormandpusheditback. AtthismomentAmmarrememberedAbdullahbin'AmrAs(whointhebeginningappearedtobe adevoutpersonandhesitatedtosupportMu'awiyabutlaterjoinedhisarmysayingthathewasa followerofhisfatherandnotofMu'awiya)andcalledoutfromthebattlefieldwithaloudvoice: "OAbdullah!Haveyousoldyourfaithfortheworld? Abdullahreplied:"Itisnotso.ThefactisthatIhaverisentoavengethemurderofUthman". Ammarsaid:"Itisnotatallso.Ibearwitnesstothefactthatyoudonotdoanythingforthesake ofAllah.Youshouldknowthatifyouarenotkilledtodayyouwillbekilledtomorrow.Ponder carefully.WhenAllahgivesrecompenseaccordingtotheintentionsofthepeople,letmeknow whatyourintentionis?" Ammarutteredthesewordsandcommencedhisattack.ThisattackbyAmmarwasthe commencementofanextensivebattleduringwhichthemostsevereandthemostintensescenes ofwarwerewitnessedcontinuouslyforthreedaysandnights.Thethirdnightofthisbattleis knownas'LailatulHarir'. IntheafternoonofthedayofthebattleAmmarcalledbackhissoldiersfromthefrontforrest. Whenhissoldierswererestingthepeopleweresayingtooneanother:"Theenemywillbe immunethisnightfromtheblowsoftheswordsofAmmar'ssoldiers". Ammarwashearingthesewordsandsharpeninghisswordandstimulatingandequippingwith armshisstandardbearerandbraveofficerMarqil.SoonafterwardsheorderedMarqiltoattack andhimselfgotaheadofthearmy.Thenhesaidaloud:"WhowantstoproceedtoParadise? Paradiseisundertheshadowoftheswordsandthearrows.TodayIshallmeetmyfriends.TodayI shallmeettheHolyProphetMuhammad(s)andhisparty". Ammarwasmovingaheadandotherwarriorsweremovingbehindhim,andallwereadvancing. Thesunwasabouttosetandtheonlylightwhichcouldbeseenintheextensivehorizonwasthe lustreoftheswordandthesparksoftheblows.OnceagainAmmardecidedtotakerestandit wasthemomentwhenthelastraysofthesunwereshiningonthestreamofbloodandits crimsonrayswerebeingreflectedonallsides.Atthatmoment,beforeAmmarcouldtakerest,his eyesfellon'AmrAswhowascarryingMu'awiya'sstandardonhisshoulder.Ammarwas Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    remindedofsomethingandshookhissword.Thenhestruckhishandonthebackofhisstandard bearerandsaid:"OMarqil!IswearbyHimunderwhosecontrolmylifeisthatevenifthese peopleareinapositiontoannihilateusbydealingsuccessiveblowsnoweaknesswilltakeplacein myfaith,becausewearerightandtheyarefollowingthewrongpath.OMarqil!Thestandard which'AmrAsiscarryingonhisshoulderisthesameagainstwhichIhavefoughtinthecompany oftheHolyProphet(s)anditisthefourthtimethatIamcampaigningagainstit". ThenhemadeanattackandsaidtoHashim'Utba(Marqil):"Oson!Advance!Advance!Maymy parentsbeyourransom!" DuringthisterriblefightingAmmardidnotrestevenforamoment.Hefoughtonandpersuaded hissoldierstodothesameandorderedthemtoattack.Hecontinuedattackingtheenemylike deadlylighteningtillthethirddayofthebattlearrivedonthatdaythefightingreacheditsclimax andcontinuedunabated.FortheselfsacrificingwarriorswhoaccompaniedAmmaritwas immaterialwhethertheykilledorwerekilled.Ammar,theoldman,whowasninetyfouryearsof age,wasfastingandinspiteofthishemadedeadlyattacksontheenemyandpushedhis standardbearerHashimforward. Hashiminsisteduponhimtohandoverthecommandandresponsibilityforattacktohimandto takerestforsometimetogetridofthefatiguecausedbyfastingbutAmmarshoutedathimand said:"Oson!Maymyparentsbeyourransom!Advance!" Anyhow,asaresultofthesevereandcontinuousattacksbyAmmar,thecavalryoftheSyrian forcesfled.InthiscombatZulKala'Humyari,whowasthecommanderoftheSyrianarmy waveredandlostthepowerofresistanceintherowwhichwasthetargetofAmmar'sattack. WhenthenewsofZulKala'shesitationandfearreachedMu'awiyahesummonedhimand deceivedhimwiththeassistanceofhisminister'AmrAs,andtwopersonstookoaththatwhatZul KalahadheardaboutAmmarandhadreportedwastrue(i.e.theprophecyoftheHolyProphet(s) thatarebelliousgroupwillkillAmmar)butAmmarwouldatlastleavehisownarmyandwould jointhearmyofMu'awiyaand'AmrAs.Hence,ZulKala'hadnoalternativeandmustpartakein fighting.Theyalsoassuredhimthateventually,whenthedustofthewarhadsettled,hewould seethatAmmarhadarrivedinhis(ZulKala's)row.Incidentallytheyalsotoldhimthatifthe predictionmadebythemdidnotcomeouttobetruehewouldbeentitledtocontinuetoremain hesitantinthefuturewars,andthathewouldhaveampletimeforthis. OnthethirddaythebattlecametoanendandAmmar,assteadfastasever,remainedbusyin fightinglikeachampion.WhenthesunwasabouttosetandthenightcalledLailatulHarirarrived Ammaraskedforwatertobreakhisfast. Avesselcontainingmilkwasbroughtforhim.Beforedrinkingmilkhesmiledanditmightbesaid Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thathissoulshonewiththatsmile. Inanecstaticandhappyconditionhesaid:"Myfriend,theProphetofAllahtoldme:"Yourlast foodintheworldwillbeagulpofmilkmixedwithwater". Ammardrankthemilkandthenmadeanattackalongwithhismilitarycolumnandhastened towardsParadisewhichwasembodiedandperceptibleinhiseyes.TherehesawtheHolyProphet (s)receivinghimasheusedtoreceivehimpreviouslyinthisworld. ThereisagreatprobabilitythatMu'awiyahadfixedabigprizeforthe'headofAmmar'sothathe mightberelievedoftheembarrassmentcausedbythegrindingargumentwhichexistedinthe mindsofthearmypersonnel,justashehadorderedthatallshouldguardtheheadofZulKala, lestheshouldreceiveanyinjury,andhehadalsopromisedawardsforthesafetyofZulKala'. AnyhowifZulKala'hadremainedaliveafterAmmarhewouldhavecreatedagreatdifficultyfor Mu'awiya,andhecouldnotsatisfyhimbyanymeans.Andthemostimportantthingwasthatthe tribeofZulKala'andthenumberofitsmembersexceededthatofallothertribes. Supplement/4 InanycaseAmmar,whilehehadnoguardsmantoprotecthimdroveforwarddauntlesslylikea lionandonhavingreachedthebattlefieldsaidwithaloudvoice:Isthereanycombatanthere?" Atthatmomentamountedsoldierbelongingtothetribeof'Sakasak'cametofightagainst Ammarandwaskilledathishands.AnotherhorsemanfromamongsttheHumyariscameinthe fieldandhe,too,waskilledbyAmmar.Andallotherswhocamethereaftermetwiththesame fate. AbulGhadiyaJuhaniwhohadbeenonthetrackofAmmarsincethedaysofUthman,camenear him.AtthismomentthecuirassofAmmarhadfallenasidefromhisthigh.Thismanavailedofthe opportunityandgaveablowonthethighofAmmar.TwoothermountedmenattackedAmmar simultaneouslyandputanendtohislife. AnyhowoneoftheparticularpiecesofgoodluckofBaniUmayyawasthecoincidencethatatthe momentwhenAmmarwaskilledZulKala'wasalsokilled. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ammar'sbeingmartyredwasasorrowfuleventforthemembersofboththearmies.Oneofthe effectsofthistragedywasthatthedefensivemovementofMu'awiya'sarmycametoastandstill andthesoundoftheepicversesrecitedbythearmyofAlireachedthesky.BeforeAmmarwas killedtherewere,inboththearmies,personswhoentertaineddoubtsintheirminds,butafterhe wasmartyredtruthbecameevidenttothem. Asaresultofthistragedyanxietyandagitationprevailedinthemindswhichendedintheretreat oftheSyrianarmy.Mu'awiyaand'AmrAswerethencompelledtodeceivetheirownarmyby meansofmisinterpretationand,inordertoremainimmune,deludeanddeceivetheiropponents inanothermanner. However,ifduringthesecriticalmomentsfatehadnotpredominated,historywouldhave adoptedacourseotherthanthatwhichitdidowingtothehypocrisyanddiscordofAsh'athbin Qays. WhenAbulGhadiyakilledAmmar,voicesrosefromboththecampssaying:"OAbulGhadiya!Woe betoyou!ItwasyouwhokilledAbulYaqzan(thepiousman)!MayAllahkillyou!" MuhammadbinMuntashirsaidtoAbulGhadiya:"OAbulGhadiya!OntheDayofJudgementyour enemywillbeamightyenemywithastronghand".TheonlyreactionofAbulGhadiyawasthathe laughedandwenthisway. Hana,aslaveofCaliphUmarbinKhattabsaysthusabouthimself:"InthebeginningIwaswith Mu'awiyaandhiscompanionsusedtosay:"Allahforbid!InnocircumstancesshallwekillAmmar, becauseifwekillAmmarthen,asitissaid,wetooshallberegardedasarebelliousgroup.Onthe daytheBattleofSiffinendedIwaswalkingaboutamongstthosewhohadbeenkilled.SuddenlyI sawthatAmmarYasirhadbeenkilled.Iwentto'AmrAsandsawhimrestingonhisthrone.I askedhim:"WhathaveyouheardaboutAmmarYasir?" 'AmrAssaid:"IheardtheHolyProphet(s)saying:ArebelliousgroupwillkillAmmar". Isaid:"IswearbyAllahthatAmmarhasbeenkilled.Whatdoyousaynow?" 'Amrsaid:"Itisafalseclaim". Isaid:"IhaveseenwithmyowneyesthatAmmarhasbeenkilled". Amrsaid:"Let'sgoandsee.Showmehisdeadbody". Itook'AmrAsuptothedeadbodyofAmmar.OnseeingthecorpseofAmmarthecolourofthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    faceof'AmrAschanged.Thenheturnedhisfaceandbeganwalkingandsaid:"Ammarhasbeen killedbythepersonwhobroughthiminthebattlefield!" KhuzaymabinThabitwasawitnesstotheBattlesofCamelandSiffin.Hedidnotdrawhisswordin eitherofthesebattlesandremainedneutral.However,afterAmmarwaskilledhesaid:"Ihave nowbecomeconvincedoftherebellionanddeviationoftheSyrians". ThenKhuzaymapartookinthebattleandfoughttillhewaskilled. EachofthetwohorsemenwhohadassistedAbulGhadiyainkillingAmmarweretryingtotake fromMu'awiyatheprizewhichhadbeenfixedfortheheadofAmmar.'AmrAssaidtobothof them:"YoutwoarefightingfortheFireofHellandnothingelse!IhaveheardtheProphet(s) saying:"OnewhokillsAmmarandonewhotakeshisclothesoffhisbodywillbothgotoHell!"Mu 'awiyainterruptedAmrAsandsaidinareproachfultone: Whatyouaresayingisadangerousjest.Thesetwopersonsarefightingonoursideandyouare tellingthemthatbothofthemwillgotoHell!" Amrsaid:IswearbyAllahthatthisisafactandyoualsoknowit.IwishthatIhaddiedtwenty yearsearlierthantoday". WhenAbdullahbin'AmrAswasreturningfromSiffinalongwithhisfatherandMu'awiya,he turnedtohisfatherandsaid:"Father!IheardtheHolyProphet(s)sayingtoAmmar:Arebellious groupwillkillyou. Afterhearingthesewords'AmrAsturnedtoMu'awiyawithapeculiarmaliceandsaid:"Doyou hearwhatthisboyissaying?" Mu'awiyasaid;"Havewekilledhim?Thisisnotatalltheposition.Ihopepeople,whobrought himintothebattlefieldhavekilledhim". Thenthetwoslypersonslaughed. Oneday'AmrAssaidtohiscompanionswhohadgatheredroundhim:"IwishthatwhentheHoly Prophet(s)breathedhislasthemightnothavehatedanyone,sothatAllahmightnotsendany persontoHell!" Hiscompanionssaid:"WhatwefeltwasthattheProphet(s)lovedyouandappointedyouto governorship". Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    'Amrsaid:"Allahknowsbetterwhetherhelovedmeorwaskindtomejustbywayofaffability. However,Iobservedthathelovedaparticularman. 'Amrwasasked:"Whowasthatman?"Hereplied:HewasAmmarYasir". Thenhewasasked:"WashethesamemanwhomyoukilledintheBattleofSiffin? 'Amrreplied:Yes,byAllah!Wekilledhim".Anyhow,afterAmmarwaskilledtheSyrianswere leavingtheirownstandardandwerescattering,andastheydidnotwishtobestyledthe rebelliousgrouptheyweremixingwiththepeopleofIraq.Itwasatthisjuncturethat'AmrAs endeavouredtotesttheintelligenceandinsightofhis'king'inrespectofthisdifficultyandinthe meantimetostrengthenwhathehadinjectedinthemindsoftheSyriansregardingAmmarandto confirmtheconstancyoftheirpowerofinsight..Mu'awiyaturnedhisfacefromhisministerand wenttohisarmy,stoodattheheadoftherowandsaidtothem:"Iamgoingtospeaktoyou aboutthemostsensitivematteroftheday.Thisisthemostimportantofallthetopicsandit concernstheHadithregardingtherebelliousgroupwhichisbeingpassedonfromonemouthto another. ItshouldbeknownthattheHadithrelatingtotherebelliousgroupistoouradvantageandnot detrimentaltous.AllofyoushouldcometoyoursensesandpondercarefullyovertheHadithof theHolyProphet.Nodoubtthe'rebel'stingsusandwehavebecomesubjectedtoreproof.Well, letitbeso!Butitshouldbeasked:"Arewenotthesamerebelliousgroupwhohaverisento avengethemurderofUthmanandhavebeentouchedonaccountofthatmanhavingbeen oppressed?Yes,wearearebelliousgroupinthissense. ThehearersheardthisbombasticlogicofMu'awiyaandwereconvinced.TheSyriansthen departedwithalightheartandatranquilconscience. 'AmrAslaughedandappreciatedMu'awiya'sskill. Ammar'sbeingmartyredcreatedatumultintheIraqicampandtheechoofthistumultdrawsa mostvividpictureoftheconditionandpositionofImamAli.Itisnotnecessaryforustodiscuss thispoint. AssoonasthenewsofAmmar'smartyrdomreachedAlihebeganweeping.Thenhelookedat thosepresentroundhimandsaid:"HowlongdidyouwishAmmartolive?" ItmightbesaidthattheCommanderoftheFaithfulwantedtoask:"HowlongdidyouwishIslam tolive?" Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Thenhestoodupandwenttowardsthecorpsesofthosewhohadbeenkilledandreachedbythe sideofthedeadbodyofAmmar.Atthatmomentheexpressedgriefoverthemartyrdomof Ammarinthesesplendidwords:"AnyMuslimwhodoesn'tconsidertheeventofAmmar'sbeing killedtobegreat,anddoesn'ttreatittobeapainfultragedy,won'tberecognizedtobeadultand mature.MayAllahblessAmmaronthedayonwhichheembracedIslam,thedayonwhichhewas killedandthedayonwhichhewillrisefromearthonceagain!IsawAmmaratsuchapositionthat ifthecompanionsoftheHolyProphet(s)werereckonedtobefourhewasthefourthandifthey werefivehewasthefifthandnoneofthecompanionsoftheProphet(s)doubtedthis.Paradise hasbecomeessentialforAmmarandhisentitlementtoParadisedidnotdependononeortwo instances". Ithasbeensaid:"Ammarisrighteousandtruthiswithhim.TowhicheversideAmmarturnstruth turnsalongwithhim.OnewhokillsAmmarwillgotoHell". Anyhow,AliorderedthatthefuneralsofAmmarandhisstandardbearerandaidedecamp HashimMarqilmightbeplacedsidebyside.Hethenofferedprayersforbothofthemwithout, bathingtheirbodiesandthereaftertheywereburiedinSiffinin37A.H. Forallthoseacquaintedwiththemysteriesofrealities,andallthereflectiveandclearsighted personsamongwhomAmmaroccupiedthepositionofaleader,nothingwasmoresuprisingthan thatthereshouldbepersonswhoshouldbeknowingthepersonalityofAmmarandthewayofhis thinking,andconsideritthecriterionoftruth,butmaynotapplythesameargumentinthecase ofAli.YetallknewthattherewasaworldofdifferencebetweenthestatusofImamAliand Ammar. Againhowsurprisingitisthatthesepeopleneglectedanddidnottakeintoaccountthe indisputableremarksoftheHolyProphet(s)basedonauthenticevidence,regardingtheposition andrankofAli,whichreachedtheearsofthepeopletimeandagain,andhisexplicitstatement that"TruthiswithAlijustasAliiswithtruth,andAlialwaystravelsintheorbitandpathoftruth!" TheseremarkswhichareexclusivelyusedforImamAlishouldnotbeusedinrespectofthe conductandmeritsofAmmar. InanycaseMu'awiyaandhisministerendeavouredtofindfaultwiththepiousconductofAmmar andtoremovethisobstaclefromtheirpath.Attimestheytriedtodiminishhispositionandat othertimesactedtocounteracthisarguments.However,theireffortsdidnotmaterializeatany stageandtheydidnotachieveanysuccess.Duringtheplotswovenbythemtheyoncesenttwo menofZulKala'Humyari,aboutwhomtheyknewthathisfaithinAmmarwasdangerousforboth AmrAsandMu'awiya,tohiscousinAbuNuhHumyari,whowasoneofthesupportersofAli,so astodissuadehimfromhisfaithanddegradeAmmarinhiseyes.Inthisinterviewthediscussions betweenthesetwopersonscentredroundthetopicoftheeminenceofthepersonofAmmar. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AbuNuhwonderedthatthesepersonshadsomuchfaithinAmmar,whohimselfwasastaunch followerofAli,butcalledAliaheretic! TheargumentswhichAbuNuhputforwardagainstthesepersonsonthesubjectwerevery eloquentandexpressive.Laterinameetingthesetwopersonshelddiscussionswith'AmrAs aboutAmmar. Ammarwasalsoinvitedpersonallytoattendthemeetingsothathemightwonderallthemore abouttheweaknessoftheirviewsabouthimastheyconsideredhimtobethecriterionoftruth butdidnotadmitAlitobethecriterionoftruth,andmightconsequentlyquarrelwiththemand censurethemwithhisauthoritativespeech,asharshwordsaremorepenetratingthanarrows.[3] IncidentallyitshouldberememberedthatAllamaIbnAbilHadidMu'tazali[4]hassolvedthis problemveryclearlyandthoroughlyanalysedit.AfterexplainingthecharacteristicsofAmmarand thesonofTayhinandKhuzaymabinThabit,allofwhomweremartyredinthisbattle,thesaid AllamaconsiderstheirselfsacrificeandmartyrdomaproofoftheinvalidityofMu'awiya'sclaim andsays:"Oneofthemostshamefulandindecentincidentswhichhavearisenandarisefromthe indecentandabominablepartyspiritisthefactthatAbuHayyanTawhidihaswritteninhisbook entitledalBasa'irthatKhuzaymabinThabitwhowaskilledinSiffinandwasasupporterofAliwas someoneelseandnotthewellknownKhuzaymabinThabit,whereasallthebooksongeneology andHadithhavestatedexplicitlythatamongstallthecompanions,whethertheyweretheAnsar ornonAnsar,therewasonlyoneKhuzaymabirThabitZushShahadatayn.However,thetroubleis thatcapriceisanirremediableailment. AnotherpointisthatthenotablehistorianTabarihasprecededAbuHayyaninmakingthis suggestionandthelatterhasquoteditfromhim,butallthebookswhichhavementionedthe namesofthecompanionsgiveevidenceagainsttheAbuHayyan. BesidesallthiswhyshouldthesupportersofImamAli,theCommanderoftheFaithful,take troubletopreparealonglistofpersonslikeKhuzayma,AbulMaysamAmmaretc? InshortthematterisabsolutelyclearthatifallthepeoplehadreflectedaboutImamAliandseen himwiththeeyesofjusticetheywouldhavecertainlyrealizedthatevenifhehadstoodaloneon onesideandallthepeoplehadrisentocampaignagainsthimhewouldhavebeertrueandall otherswouldhavebeenfalse. Notes: [1]Na'thalwasanoldJewwhosecountenanceandbeardresembledthoseofUthman.Forthis Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    reasontheMotheroftheFaithfulAyeshausedtolikenUthmantohim.Duringthedayswhenthe conditionsweredisturbedowingtothepeoplebeingunhappywithUthman'sadministrationand UthmandidnotcomplywiththewishesoftheMotheroftheFaithful,shesaidtothepeople:"Kill Na'thal". [2]AbuMusa,theGovernorofKufa,isknownasagentofAshtarbecauseAshtarsettledinKufa andgaveAbuMusathegovernorshipofKufaandUthmansupportedhim. [3]InthisconnectionrefertoNahjulBalagha,vol.II,p.27. [4]SharheNahjulBalagha,vol.II,p.539. Chapter15:Conclusion ThefactswehavediscussedherearebasedonthehistoryofIslam,andIamneitherthefirst persontoinitiatethisdiscussionnoramIthelastpersontoundertakesuchadiscussion. Thisactionwhichhasbeenperformeddoesnotnecessitatetheassertionthatmanypersonshave alreadyspokenonthissubjectanditisnotanewtopicwhichshouldbeworthyofbeing propounded,regardlessofthefactthatconsistencyandfirmnessoftruthisamatterwhichis relatedwithcontinuation,repetitionandreference. Anotherpointwhichdeservesconsiderationisthatweshouldtakelessonfromhistoryasitis linkedwiththoroughthinkinginrespectofallhistoricaltopicsandisalsolinkedwithcommentary, regulation,amplification,explanationandresearchinit,andtheshortageoftheinvestigatorsand narratorshasnothingtodowithit.Andpossiblyinthissenseanoriginalsubjectmaynotbe existingandagaintheremaybeoriginalmattersaboutwhichtheremaybedifferenceofopinion, andtheremaybemanycapableandpowerfulbrainswhichmaybeabletofindoutsomething valuablewiththeirpowerofinitiativefrompastrecord. Anyhownothingismoreinneedofrevision,narrationandpresentationintothemodernlanguage thanhistory.Historyhasalwaysbeenoneofthecausesofourbackwardnessandisoneofthe factorswhichhaspreventedouradvancementandhasdrivenusback. Thishasbeenduethefactthatwehavealwaysperceivedhistorywithareactionaryspiritand havebeenunabletotreattheailments,becausethehardshipsofhistoryhaveaffectedus,and Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    therehasbeennojustificationforthesupremacyofhistoryexceptitsremoteness,intricaciesand ambiguity.Moreover,historyhasalsobeensubordinatetocommercialandpoliticalexplanation. Hence,ifweareabletoextricarehistoryfromthesebondsitwillbecomeafactorofourprogress andadvancementinthesameproportioninwhichithassofarbeenthecauseofour backwardness. Historyisacollectionoftheexperimentsoflife.Inthiscollectionhonestandpiouspersonshave attainedsuccessandthesinfulanddeviatedpersonshaveremainedunsuccessfulandhelpless. Andagainhistoryshowsthatmanysinnershavesucceededandmanyhonestandworthypersons haveremaineddeprivedandoppressed. Whenwelookarhistoryfromthispointofviewwefindcomfortandprofitfromit,andinthe mearitimedoorswhichshowanevolutionarybrilliantfutureareopenedbeforeus.However,if welookathistoryasitisWithitsmeritsanddemeritsndremainunmovedandstagnant consideringourselvesboundinthesamemannerinwhichthepastpeopleconsideredthemselves tobebound,itwillbeasgoodascondemningourselvesasgreatsinnerswhoshouldretrograde forcenturies,andthisiswhatwearedoingatpresent. Inthistreatiseourmainobjecthasbeentoexplainthemostimportanteventsoftheearlydaysof Islamandthegreatestfactorswhichhavebeenatworkinconnectionwiththedevelopments whichhavetakenplacefromthedayofSiffintillthepresenttimes.Therehasbeennomotive otherthansincerityandsearchfortruthandthepartyspiritwhichissocommonthesedayshas beenavoidedatallcosts.

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

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