Day of the Siege (II)

“After 20 days had elapsed, the rebels thought that a quick decision was required, lest the armies from the surrounding provinces arrived and they were made to suffer the consequences of their actions.” They knew that they were in the wrong and that majority of the Muslims were with Hazrat Uthman (ra).

“For this reason, they stopped Hazrat Uthman (ra) from leaving his house and also forbade the transfer of food and drink into his house. They thought that perhaps in this manner, Hazrat Uthman (ra) would be compelled to accept their demands.” However, Hazrat Uthman (ra) had already told them he would not remove the cloak that Allah the Almighty bestowed to him.

“The administration of Medina was now in their hands. They collectively accepted Ghafiqi, the commander of the Egyptian armies, as their commander in chief. So, it was as if Ghafiqi was the ruler of Medina at the time; Ashtar commanded the army of Kufa and Hakim bin Jabalah” – the same robber who had been imprisoned in Basra, on the order of Hazrat Uthman (ra), for robbing the wealth of non-Muslim subjects – “commanded the army of Basra, under the leadership of Ghafiqi.” Hakim bin Jabalah and Ashtar both worked under Ghafiqi.

“Once again, this proves that the rebels of Egypt were the root cause of this conflict, where Abdullah bin Saba was at work. Ghafiqi would lead the prayers in Masjid-e-Nabawi while the companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) would either remain locked up in their homes or would be compelled to offer prayers behind him. The rebels did not cause people much hindrance until they decided to lay siege upon the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra). However, as soon as they laid siege [upon his house], they began to oppress other people as well. Instead of being Dar-ul-Aman [the House of Peace], Medina had now become Dar-ul-Harb [the House of War]. The respect and honour of the people of Medina was in danger; no one would step out of his house unarmed and the rebels would kill anyone who confronted them.

“When the rebels had surrounded Hazrat Uthman (ra) and even went so far as to stop water from entering [his house], he sent a neighbour’s son to Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Talha (ra), Hazrat Zubair (ra) and the noble wives of the Holy Prophet (sa) for assistance, saying, ‘The rebels have even cut our water supply. If you are able to do something, then please arrange for water to be conveyed to us.’

“From among the men, Hazrat Ali (ra) was the first to arrive. He admonished the rebels saying:

“‘What sort of a behaviour have you adopted? Your actions neither resemble those of the believers, nor the disbelievers. Do not prevent food and drink from entering the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra). Even the Romans and Persians provide their prisoners with food and water. According to Islamic practice, your conduct is not acceptable in the least. Besides, what harm has Hazrat Uthman (ra) done to you that you deem it permissible to imprison him and kill him?’

“This admonition of Hazrat Ali (ra) had no influence on them whatsoever. They plainly said, ‘Whatever the case may be, we shall not allow food or water to reach him.’ This was the reply the rebels gave to the person who they deemed to be the wasi of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his true successor.” The rebels used to claim that Hazrat Ali (ra) was the rightful successor to the Holy Prophet (sa) and this is the reply they gave to him.

“After this reply, does the need for any other testimony remain in order to prove that this party, who declared Hazrat Ali (ra) to be the wasi, had not left their homes in support of the truth or out of their love for the ahl-e-bait; rather, only to fulfil their base desires?

“From among the noble wives of the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Umm Habibah (ra) was the first to come to the aid of Hazrat Uthman (ra). Mounted on a mule, she brought a water-skin along with her. However, her real objective was to safeguard all the wills of the orphans and widows that belonged to the Banu Umayyah, which were in the possession of Hazrat Uthman (ra). When she saw that the rebels had stopped the water supply of Hazrat Uthman (ra), she became fearful that they might destroy these wills as well and thus desired to somehow safeguard these documents. After all, there were other means by which she could have delivered the water. When Hazrat Umm Habibah (ra) reached the door of Hazrat Uthman (ra), just as the rebels were about to stop her, the people exclaimed, ‘This is Umm-ul-Momineen, Umm Habibah (ra).’

“However, the rebels still persisted and started beating her mule. Umm-ul-Momineen, Umm Habibah (ra) explained, ‘I fear lest the wills of the orphans and widows of the Banu Umayyah should be destroyed. For this reason, I wish to go inside in order to arrange for their safekeeping.’

“However, these wretched people replied to the blessed wife of the Holy Prophet (sa), ‘You are lying.’ The rebels then attacked her mule and cut the straps of its packsaddle. The saddle fell to one side. Hazrat Umm Habibah (ra) was on the verge of falling off and being martyred under the feet of the rebels, but a few people of Medina, who were close by, dashed to her aid and escorted her home.

“This was the treatment which they meted out to the blessed wife of the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Umm Habibah (ra) possessed such profound loyalty and love for the Holy Prophet (sa) that after a separation of about 15 to 16 years, when her father, who was the chief of Arabia and held the position of a king in Mecca, came to Medina on a special political mission and came to meet her, she pulled away the bedding of the Holy Prophet (sa) from beneath him”; when her father was about to sit down on the sheet, she pulled it away from underneath him. “This was because she could not bear to see the pure cloth of the Messenger (sa) of Allah touch the impure body of an idolater.” She did not even let her father sit on it. “It is surprising that in the absence of Muhammad (sa), the Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Umm Habibah (ra) safeguarded the sanctity of even his cloth, whereas these rebels did not even show veneration to the revered wife of Muhammad (sa), the Messenger of Allah, in his absence. These foolish people said that the wife of the Holy Prophet (sa) was a liar, even though she was correct in her statement. Hazrat Uthman (ra) was the guardian of the orphans of Banu Umayyah. On seeing their growing enmity, her concern that the wealth of the orphans and widows may go to waste was correct. The true liars were those who took up the task of destroying the faith whilst claiming to love Muhammad (sa), the Messenger of Allah; not Umm Habibah (ra), Umm-ul-Momineen.

“When news of the treatment meted out to Hazrat Umm Habibah (ra) spread throughout Medina, the companions and residents of Medina were left shocked. They understood that now it was useless to hope of any good to come from the rebels. It was at this very time that Hazrat Aisha (ra) decided to go for Hajj and she began to make preparations for the journey.

“When people learned that she was about to leave Medina, some of them requested that if she remained behind, perhaps this would be conducive to bringing an end to the conflict and the rebels would take heed. However, she refused saying, ‘Do you want me to receive the same treatment as Umm Habibah (ra). By God! I cannot put my honour at risk” as she was [a symbol of] the honour of the Holy Prophet (sa). “If I am targeted in any way, what will be the means of my protection? Only God knows the extent to which the rebels will grow in their mischief and what will be their outcome.’

“Just as Hazrat Aisha Siddiqah (ra) was leaving she devised a strategy; had it succeeded, this conflict may have been suppressed to some extent. She sent a message to her brother, Muhammad bin Abi Bakr”, who owing to his naivety or being of weak faith had joined with the rebels, “that he should also accompany her to perform Hajj, but he refused. Upon this, Hazrat Aisha (ra) said, ‘What am I to do? I am helpless. If I had the strength, I would never allow these rebels to succeed in their designs.’

“Hazrat Aisha (ra) had gone for Hajj and some companions, who were able to leave Medina, also left. The remaining people, except for a few prominent companions, remained in their homes. Ultimately, even Hazrat Uthman (ra) felt that the rebels would not settle through leniency and he dispatched a letter to all the provincial governors, the summary of which is as follows:

“‘After Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra), without any desire or request of my own, I was included among those who were entrusted the duty of holding counsel regarding Khilafat.’” Hazrat Uthman (ra) stated this in the letter he wrote. “‘Then, I was elected to the office of Khilafat without any desire or request of my own. Without fail, I continued the works which the previous Khulafa (ra) undertook, and I did not introduce any innovations in the faith of my own accord. However, the seed of evil was planted into the hearts of certain people, mischief arose and then they began to plot against me; they expressed one thing before the people, while concealing another thing in their hearts. These people began to level such accusations against me as were levelled against the Khulafa (ra) before me as well. However, I remained silent despite knowing of this. Taking advantage of my mercy, these people grew even more in their mischief. Ultimately, they attacked Medina in the likeness of disbelievers. So, if there is anything you can do then please arrange for some help.’

“Similarly, a few days later, Hazrat Uthman (ra) wrote a letter to the people who had come to perform Hajj. The gist of [this letter] is:

“‘I draw your attention towards God the Exalted and remind you of His favours. At this time, certain people are creating mischief and are engaged in attempts to cause divide in Islam. However, these people have not even taken into consideration that God appoints the Khalifa, just as He says:

وَعَدَ‭ ‬اللّٰهُ‭ ‬الَّذِيْنَ‭ ‬اٰمَنُوْا‭ ‬مِنْكُمْ‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬عَمِلُوا‭ ‬الصّٰلِحٰتِ‭ ‬لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ‭ ‬فِي‭ ‬الْاَرْضِ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Meaning, ‘Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth.’ [Ch.24: V.56]

“‘Moreover, they did not value [the importance of] unity, even though God the Exalted has commanded:

وَاعْتَصِمُوْا‭ ‬بِحَبْلِ‭ ‬اللّٰهِ‭ ‬جَمِيْعًا‬‬‬

“Meaning, ‘And hold fast all together by the rope of Allah.’ [Ch.3: V.104]

“‘Furthermore, they accepted the words of those who accused me and did not pay heed to this command of the Holy Quran:

يٰۤاَيُّهَا‭ ‬الَّذِيۡنَ‭ ‬اٰمَنُوۡۤا‭ ‬اِنۡ‭ ‬جَآءَكُمۡ‭ ‬فَاسِقٌۢ‭ ‬بِنَبَاٍ‭ ‬فَتَبَيَّنُوۡۤا‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Meaning, ‘O ye who believe! if an unrighteous person brings you any news, ascertain the correctness of the report fully.’ [Ch.49: V.7]

“‘They did not honour their bai‘at to me, even though Allah the Exalted says with relation to the Holy Prophet (sa):

اِنَّ‭ ‬الَّذِيْنَ‭ ‬يُبَايِعُوْنَكَ‭ ‬اِنَّمَا‭ ‬يُبَايِعُوْنَ‭ ‬اللّٰهَ‬‬‬‬‬

“Meaning, ‘Verily, those who swear allegiance to thee indeed swear allegiance to Allah.’ [Ch.48: V.11]

“‘And I am a successor of the Noble Messenger (sa)’”, i.e. Hazrat Uthman (ra) was the successor to the Holy Prophet (sa) and therefore this applies to him also. “‘No nation can progress without a leader and if there is no imam, then the community is destined to be ruined and destroyed. These people desire to destroy and ruin the Muslim ummah’”; these rebels wished to destroy and annihilate Islam.

Hazrat Uthman (ra) further wrote, “‘This is their only objective because I accepted their wish and promised to change [various] governors but despite this, they did not seize making mischief. Now, they demand one out of three things.’” The rebels had given three options to Hazrat Uthman (ra). “‘Firstly, they demand that revenge should be sought from me for all those people who have received punishment in my reign. If I do not agree, then I should step down from Khilafat and they will appoint someone else in my place. If I do not agree to this either, then they threaten that they will send a message to all their supporters to no longer be obedient to me’”; if Hazrat Uthman (ra) did not agree to this they threatened to stop obeying him.

“‘The answer with respect to the first demand is that the Khulafa (ra) before me also committed judgmental errors but they were never punished.’” If there were any judgmental errors passed by the Khulafa previously, they were not punished for it. Hazrat Uthman (ra) also acted in the same manner. “‘Furthermore, what other motive besides killing me can there be in imposing so many punishments upon me.’” By making these demands of seeking revenge or punishment only means that the rebels wished to kill him.

“‘As for my deposition from Khilafat, my reply is that if these people tear my flesh into bits with pincers, I can accept this, but I cannot step down from Khilafat.’” Since Allah the Almighty had bestowed him this cloak, he would never take it off.

“‘Now remains the third point that they will send their men in all directions telling people not to obey me. For this, I am not held responsible by God if they wish to act in violation of the Shariah. Even before, when they pledged allegiance to me, I did not compel them. Neither I, nor God the Exalted is pleased with the action of anyone who wishes to break his covenant.’” Hazrat Uthman (ra) said that he did not compel them to pledge allegiance to him previously, nor would he do so now. But he would not be pleased with their actions as they were wrong, nor would Allah be pleased with their actions. “‘Of course, such a person may do as he wishes on his own accord.’

[Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) said:]

“Since the days of Hajj were fast approaching and people were converging upon Mecca Mukarramah from all corners, Hazrat Uthman (ra) appointed Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Abbas and dispatched him as the Amir for Hajj lest the rebels created disorder there as well. This way Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Abbas could also urge the Muslims gathering for Hajj to assist the people of Medina. Even Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Abbas submitted, ‘I would prefer to do jihad against these people.’” He said that he was being appointed as amir for the Hajj, but he desired to perform jihad against the rebels.

“However, Hazrat Uthman (ra) compelled him to go for Hajj and discharge his duties as the amir for Hajj, in order to prevent the rebels from spreading their mischief there and also to urge the pilgrims gathering there to help the people of Medina. The above-mentioned letter of Hazrat Uthman (ra) was sent along with him as well. When the rebels learned of these letters, they increased in their atrocities. They began to look for an excuse to fight so that they could martyr Hazrat Uthman (ra). All their efforts, however, were in vain and Hazrat Uthman (ra) would not give them an opportunity to make mischief.

“In the end, out of frustration, the scheme devised by the rebels was that they would stone the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra) at nightfall when everyone would fall asleep. In this manner, they would provoke the members of the household so that they too would throw stones in retaliation; so the rebels could say that they [the household of Hazrat Uthman (ra)] initiated the attack and they were compelled to respond. However, Hazrat Uthman (ra) had prohibited all the members of his household from retaliating. One day, upon finding an opportunity, he approached the wall and said:

“‘O people! In your view I am a sinner, but what wrong have the others committed?’” i.e. that they thought he was a sinner, but what did the other people do wrong? “‘When you throw stones there is also a risk of others being injured.’ The rebels plainly denied and said that they had not thrown any stones. Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, ‘If you do not throw them, then who does?’ The rebels replied, ‘God the Exalted probably throws them,’ God forbid.

“To this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) responded, ‘You utter lies! If God the Exalted had thrown stones at us, then not one of His stones would have missed; but the stones thrown by you miss their targets as well.’ After saying this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) left them to their work.

“Although the companions were no longer given a chance to gather in the company of Hazrat Uthman (ra), even still, they were not negligent of their duty. They had divided their work into two parts as a wise measure at the time. Those men who were elderly and who, due to their morals, possessed a great influence on the public, spent their time admonishing the rebels; as for those people who possessed no such influence, or were young, would remain engaged in efforts to protect Hazrat Uthman (ra).

“From among the former group, Hazrat Ali (ra) and Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Waqas, the conqueror of Persia, strove the hardest to suppress the conflict. Hazrat Ali (ra) had especially devoted his time to this cause, leaving aside all his other work. As such, a person by the name of Abdur Rahman, who was an eyewitness of these events, says:

“‘In the days of disorder, I saw that Hazrat Ali (ra) had abandoned all his work. Day and night, he would remain concerned about how he could calm the temper of the enemies of Hazrat Uthman (ra) and bring an end to his sufferings. On one occasion, when there was a delay in conveying water to Hazrat Uthman (ra), he became very displeased with Hazrat Talhah (ra) to whom this task was assigned. Hazrat Ali (ra) did not rest until water had reached the home of Hazrat Uthman (ra).’

“In ones and twos, whenever they could find an opportunity, the second group began to gather in the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra) or in neighbouring houses. This party had firmly resolved that they would give their lives but not let Hazrat Uthman (ra) come in harm’s way. Besides the children of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Talhah (ra) and Hazrat Zubair (ra), even a party of the companions themselves was a part of this group. These men guarded the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra), day and night, and would not allow any enemy to reach Hazrat Uthman (ra).

“Although this small party could not stand up to such a large army, but since the rebels were after an excuse to kill Hazrat Uthman (ra), they would not put up much of a resistance either. The events of that time shed such light upon the level of devotion Hazrat Uthman (ra) possessed for the welfare of Islam that one is left astonished. An army of 3,000 strong stood at his door and no strategy to save himself was devised. He even stopped those who endeavoured to save him, saying, ‘Leave! Do not put your lives in danger. These people only hold enmity for me; they have no objection against you.’

“His eye could foresee the time when Islam would be in grave danger at the hands of these rebels; not only apparent unity, but even the spiritual administration would reach the verge of falling apart. Hazrat Uthman (ra) knew that at that time each and every Companion (ra) would be required for the protection and establishment of Islam. For this reason, he did not want the companions to lose their lives in a futile attempt to save his life and continued advising all of them not to withstand the rebels. He desired that insofar as possible, the community which had benefited from the company of the Messenger (sa) of Allah, should be safeguarded, in order to dispel disorders which were to arise in the future. Despite his instructions, however, the companions, who would happen to find an opportunity to reach the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra) did not fail in fulfilling their obligation. They gave precedence to the danger at hand over such dangers that were yet to come. If the lives [of the companions] were secure at the time, then it was only because the rebels felt no need to hurry and were on the lookout for an excuse” to attack Hazrat Uthman (ra).

“Ultimately, however, the hour arrived when it became impossible to wait any longer, because the heart-rendering message of Hazrat Uthman (ra), which he had sent to the Muslims who were gathering for Hajj, had now been read out before the crowd of pilgrims. The valley of Mecca echoed this voice from one end to another. The Muslim pilgrims had decided that after the Hajj, they would not remain deprived of gaining the spiritual reward of performing jihad as well; they would uproot the rebels of Egypt and their associates. Rebel spies had informed their people of this intention and now signs of agitation began to arise in their camp. This was to such extent that murmurings within the rebel camp began to take place suggesting that now there was no other option but to kill this man; if they did not kill him, there would be no uncertainty in their own massacre at the hands of the Muslims. This anxiety was further intensified by the news that the letters of Hazrat Uthman (ra) had now reached Syria, Kufa and Basra as well, and the people there, who were already waiting for the orders of Hazrat Uthman (ra), had been further enraged upon the receipt of these letters. Not to mention that taking it upon themselves, the companions had drawn the attention of all the Muslims towards their obligations in mosques and gatherings, and they had issued the verdict of performing jihad against the rebels. The companions said, ‘A person, who does not perform jihad on this day, is as if he has done nothing.’

“If, in Kufa, Uqbahra bin Amr, Abdullah (ra) bin Abi Aufa, Hanzalah bin Rabi Al-Tamimira and other noble companions had roused the people into supporting the people of Medina, then Imran (ra) bin Husain, Anas (ra) bin Malik, Hisham (ra)bin Amir and other companions had done the same in Basra. If, in Syria, Ubadah (ra) bin Samit, Abu Umamah (ra) and other companions had motivated the people to answer to the call of Hazrat Uthman (ra), then Kharijah and others had done the same in Egypt. Armies from every province were joining forces and marching towards Medina.

“Hence, this news intensified the anxiety of the rebels. Finally, they attacked the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra) and sought to forcefully enter. The companions confronted them and a fierce battle ensued. Although the companions were few in number, but their honour for their faith was covering for this disadvantage. Since the area where this battle took place, i.e., in front of the house of Hazrat Uthman (ra) was narrow, due to this reason as well, the rebels were unable to exploit their advantage in number. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) learned of this battle he forbade the companions from fighting. However, at that time, they viewed abandoning Hazrat Uthman (ra) to be against honesty and contrary to the teaching of obedience. Hence, they refused to return despite Hazrat Uthman (ra) appealing to them in the name of God. In the end, Hazrat Uthman (ra) took a shield in his hand, came out and led the companions inside his house. He then had the doors closed and enjoined the companions and their helpers:

“‘God the Exalted has not given you the world so that you may incline towards it. In fact, he has granted you the world so that by this means, you may gather provisions for the hereafter. This world will come to an end, and only the hereafter will remain. So, let not that which is to perish make you unmindful. Give precedence to that which shall remain over that which is to perish. Be mindful of your meeting with God the Exalted and do not allow your community to disperse. Do not forget the Divine favour that you were on the brink of a pit of destruction and God the Exalted saved you out of His bounty and made you as brothers.’

“Having said this, he dismissed them and said:

“‘May God the Exalted be your Guardian and Helper. All of you leave the house now and call for those companions who have been barred from reaching me, especially Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Talha (ra) and Hazrat Zubair (ra).’ These people stepped out and the other companions were also called. At the time, such a mood was developing and such a degree of sorrow was overshadowing the atmosphere that even the rebels could not remain unaffected.”

At the time, such an atmosphere was created that when Hazrat Uthman (ra) told them to leave, the rebels did not attack them. Nonetheless, they left and the prominent companions were gathered.

“Why would this not be the case? Everyone was observing that a candle lit by Muhammad (sa), the Messenger of Allah, upon completing its life in the world was now about to disappear from the eyes of the people. Therefore, the rebels did not cause much hindrance and all the companions gathered.

“When everyone had come together, Hazrat Uthman (ra) climbed the wall of his house and said, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had all come close to him, Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, ‘O people! Sit down.’ At this, the companions sat down and inspired by the awe of the gathering, so did the rebels. When they had all sat down Hazrat Uthman (ra) said:

‘People of Medina! I entrust you to God the Exalted and pray to Him that after me, He may arrange for a better successor than me. After today, until God the Exalted issues a decree in my regard, I shall not step out of my house and I shall not pass on authority to anyone by which he may rule over you in terms of religion or worldly rule. I leave it to God the Exalted to choose whoever He desires for His work.’

“After this he appealed in the name of Allah to the companions and the other people of Medina, not to put their own lives in grave danger by protecting him and to go to their homes. This instruction of Hazrat Uthman (ra) created a serious disagreement among the companions, a disagreement the likes of which cannot be found prior to this. The companions knew nothing but to obey every command, but today, in obeying this instruction, some perceived the stench of treachery, as opposed to obedience.” Some companions felt that if they obeyed this instruction it would be akin to treachery.

“Some companions gave precedence to the aspect of obedience and unwillingly did away with their intention of fighting the rebels from then on. Perhaps they thought that their duty was only to be obedient and it was not their task to reflect upon the results that would come about by obeying this command. However, some companions refused to obey this order because although they knew that it was an obligation to obey the Khalifa, but if the Khalifa commands people to abandon him, this effectively means that they should sever their ties with Khilafat; hence, this kind of obedience actually results in treachery. Furthermore, they also knew that Hazrat Uthman (ra) was sending them home in order to protect their lives”, i.e. to protect the lives of the companions. “How then, could they leave such a loving person in danger and go to their homes?” Out of love for them, Hazrat Uthman (ra) wished to save their lives, so how could they leave Hazrat Uthman (ra)?

“All the prominent companions were among the latter group. As such, despite this command, the sons of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Talhah (ra) and Hazrat Zubair (ra), under the order of their respective fathers, constantly stood guard at the porch of Hazrat Uthman (ra) and did not put their swords into their sheaths.

“The anxiety and ebullition of the rebels knew no bounds when the odd one or two people – who were returning after having completed Hajj – began to enter Medina; they were certain that now the time for their judgement had drawn very close. After performing Hajj, Mughirah bin Al-Akhnas was the first person who entered Medina in order to gain the spiritual reward of jihad. As soon as he arrived, the rebels received news that the army of Basra, which was coming to help the Muslims, had reached Sirar, which was only at a journey of one day from Medina. Overwhelmed by this news, the rebels decided that it was now vital that they fulfil their objective at all costs. Those companions and their friends who had refused to relinquish their protection of Hazrat Uthman (ra) despite his prohibition and those who had plainly said, ‘How will we face God the Exalted if we desert you, despite having the strength in our arms to fight?’ were now standing guard from inside the house due to their small number. Hence, it was not difficult for the rebels to reach the door. The rebels collected piles of wood outside the door and set light to them, so that the door would burn down and they could find an entrance into [the house]. Upon observing this, the companions deemed it inappropriate to remain inside and they desired to step out swords in hand. However, Hazrat Uthman (ra) stopped them from doing so and said:

“‘What more can there be than setting the house on fire? Whatever was to happen, has now happened. Do not put your lives in danger and return to your homes. These people only harbour enmity against myself, but soon, they shall be remorseful for their doing. I absolve every person of his duty who is obliged to obey me and give up my right upon him.’

“However, the companions as well as others did not accept this and stepped out swords in hand. As they were coming out, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) arrived as well and joined them even though he was not the kind of person to engage in battle. Abu Hurairah (ra) said, ‘What battle can be superior to the battle of this day?’ Then he looked towards the rebels and said:

يٰقَوۡمِ‭ ‬مَا‭ ‬لِيۡۤ‭ ‬اَدۡعُوۡكُمۡ‭ ‬اِلَي‭ ‬النَّجٰوةِ‭ ‬وَ‭ ‬تَدۡعُوۡنَنِيۡۤ‭ ‬اِلَي‭ ‬النَّارِ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“‘O my people, how strange it is that I call you to salvation, and you call me to the Fire.’ [Ch.40: V.42]

“This battle was an exceptional one. A handful of companions who were able to gather at the time fought desperately against this grand army. On that day, even Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra), who was extremely peace loving – in fact, was a prince of peace – attacked the enemy and would recite rajaz. The couplets recited by Hazrat Imam Hasan and Muhammad bin Talhah on that day are especially worthy of mention because they provide a deep understanding of their heartfelt feelings at the time.

“Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) would recite the following couplet and attack the rebels:

لَا‭ ‬دِيْنُهُمْ‭ ‬دِيْنِيْ‭ ‬وَلَا‭ ‬اَنَا‭ ‬مِنْهُمُ‬‬‬‬‬ حَتّٰي‭ ‬اَسِيْرَ‭ ‬اِلٰي‭ ‬طَمَارِ‭ ‬شَمَامٖ‬‬‬‬

“‘Their faith is not my faith, nor do I have any relation with them; I shall fight them until I reach the summit of mount Shamam.’

“Shamam is a mountain in Arabia which serves as a similitude for conquering heights and the achievement of one’s goal. Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) meant to say that he would continue to fight the rebels until he attained his objective and would not make peace with them, because the disagreement between both parties was not a trivial one, whereby [the believers] could develop a relationship with them, without having conquered them. These were the thoughts that were billowing in the heart of this prince of peace. Let us now take the rajaz of the son of Talhahra, who says:

اَنَا‭ ‬ابْنُ‭ ‬مَنْ‭ ‬حَامٰي‭ ‬عَلَيْهِ‭ ‬بِاُحُدٍ‬‬‬‬‬ وَرَدَّ‭ ‬اَحْزَابًا‭ ‬عَلٰي‭ ‬رَغْمِ‭ ‬مَعَدٍّ‬‬‬‬

“‘I am the son of he who protected the Holy Prophet (sa) on the day of Uhud and defeated the Arabs despite their full efforts.’

“In other words, this day was also similar to the day of Uhud; just as his father had offered his hand to be pierced with arrows but did not let any harm come to the Holy Prophet (sa), he would do the same.

“Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Zubair also participated in this battle and was badly injured. Marwan also sustained serious injuries and barely escaped the clutches of death. Mughirah bin Al-Akhnas was killed. When the person who had attacked Mughirah saw that not only had he been wounded but that he had been killed, he exclaimed:

اِنَّا‭ ‬لِلّٰهِ‭ ‬وَاِنَّآ‭ ‬اِلَيْهِ‭ ‬رَاجِعُوْنَ‬‬‬‬

“[meaning, ‘Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’]

“The chief of the army reprimanded him saying, ‘You express regret on an occasion of happiness!’ He replied, ‘Last night, I saw in a dream that a person said, “Give news of hell to the killer of Mughirah.” So upon learning that I am his killer I was bound to be shocked by this.’ Besides the above-mentioned people, others were also injured and killed; the party protecting Hazrat Uthman (ra) became even smaller. If, on the one hand, the rebels persisted in their obstinacy despite a heavenly warning and continued to fight against the beloved party of God the Exalted, then on the other hand, the devotees also did not slacken in setting an excellent example of faith. Despite the fact that most guards had been killed or injured, a small party continued to guard the door without fail.”

(Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), The Outset of Dissension in Islam [2013 edition], pp. 114-138)