Fate of Ibn Muljam

In one narration, Hazrat Ali (ra) states with regard to the individual who fatally attacked him, i.e. Ibn Muljam, “Sit him down and if I pass away, then kill him, but do not mutilate his body. But if I remain alive, I myself shall decide whether to forgive or punish him.”

(Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 3, [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 219)

Whilst mentioning this point, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“It is mentioned in books of history that a person wielding a dagger attacked Hazrat Ali (ra). He pierced his stomach which was cut open. The assailant was then apprehended.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) has written that his stomach was cut open. Perhaps there was a head wound in addition to the stomach wound, or this may have been Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s (ra) opinion on the matter or perhaps he stated this as an expression. Nonetheless, the majority of the narrations state that he received a wound to the head.

[Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further states:]

“The assailant was apprehended. The companions asked how they should deal with him. Hazrat Ali (ra) called Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) and ordered, ‘If I die, then kill him as retribution for my death. But if I survive, then do not kill him.’”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 15, p. 428)