FOUR
RIGHTLY - GUIDED CALIPHS OF ISLAM
Were
the consecutive successors of Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
These
four Khulafaa (pl. for Caliph) are called the "Khulafaa-e-Rashidun"
or the "Rightly Guided Caliphs." Together,
these four Khulafaa ruled the Islamic State for about
29 years. They are called "Rightly Guided"because
they ruled the people of that time exactly according
to the Holy Quran and the commands of Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Quotation
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu) has said:
"Those
who are desirous of following anyone, should follow
the Sahaba who were the best of community, whose hearts
were pure, whose wisdom was profound and who did not
believe in the exhibition of outer life. They were a
people whom Allah had selected His Nabi (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) and who extended His religion to the
world. Therefore, try to imitate their ways and manners,
for by Allah, they were rightly guided people."
A Hadith on the Status of the Four Khulafa
In the book, "Shawaa'idul-Haqq", Sayyiduna
Shaikh Abu Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) narrates the
following incident.
Once
I visited the Holy City of Makkah and met a man who claimed
that he never felt thirsty. When I asked him the reason
for this strange event, he replied, "There was
a time when I did not have any respect for the Sahaba
of Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). One night,
I dreamt that it was the Day of Qiyamah and there were
many people in various queues looking very thirsty and
ragged. I decided to follow a queue. We arrived at the
Fountain of Kauther and saw that it had four corners.
At each corner were the four Caliphs, Sayyiduna Abu
Bakr, Sayyiduna Umar, Sayyiduna Uthman and Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhum). I thought that there was no
need for me to approach the first three Caliphs as I
only believed in Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). Yet,
when I approached him, he turned his head away in displeasure.
Feeling extremely alarmed, I approached the other three
Caliphs and they also behaved in the same manner. By
now I was very despondent.
"I
noticed that Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
was also approaching the Fountain. I ran towards him
and explained to him the behaviour of the four Caliphs.
He replied, 'Why should beloved Ali offer you a cool
drink, when you bear hatred and scorn for the Sahaba?'
When I heard this, I asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) whether I would be forgiven or
not if I asked pardon for my incorrect beliefs. He replied
that I would be forgiven. I then recited the Kalimah
again and asked for forgiveness. I was then ordered
to return to the Fountain of Kauther and drink from
it. After this, I awoke from my sleep. From that night
onwards, I have never felt thirsty. I then warned my
family that I would only accept those as my true family
if they accepted my true beliefs. Some of them did accept".
The
presence of the four Caliphs at the four Pillars of
Kauther is also substantiated by a Hadith. Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "The
Fountain of Kauther possesses four Pillars: one commanded
by Abu Bakr, the second by Umar, the third by Uthman
and the fourth by Ali (radi Allahu anhum)".
Again,
explaining the lofty status of these four Caliphs, Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "He
who speaks good about Abu Bakr, his religion is well
established; he who speaks good about Umar, his religious
path has been well grounded' he who speaks good about
Uthman is enlightened with the Noor of Almighty Allah'
and he who speaks good about Ali holds on to a bond
that never breaks. They who speak well of my Sahaba
(Companions) are truly Mu'mins". (Shawaa'idul Haqq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAZRAT
ABU BAKR SIDDIQUE (Raddi
Allah Unho)
The First Caliph of Islam
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) real name was
Abdullah, and he was given the title of "As Siddique"
or"Testifier to the Truth." His father, 'Uthman,
was known as Abu Quhafah and his mother, Salma, was
known as Ummul Khair. He was two and a half years younger
than Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He
was the first among the Sahaba to accept Islam. He accompanied
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
during the Hijrah to Madinatul Munawwarah. Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was a merchant. He freed
many slaves, including Sayyiduna Bilal (radi Allahu
anhu) and Sayyiduna Umayyah bin Qahaf (radi Allahu anhu).
He participated in all the battles in which Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had to fight
the Kuffar.
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) loved his faith more than
anything else. At the Battle of Badr, his son, Sayyiduna
Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu), was fighting on the
side of the Kuffar. After accepting Islam, Sayyiduna
Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu) said to his father,
"O Father, at Badr, you were twice under my sword,
but my love for you held my hand back." To this,
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "Son,
if I had you only once under my sword, you would have
been no more." He was so uncompromising in his
faith.
At
the time of the Battle of Tabuk, he donated all his
wealth to the war effort, and when Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) asked him, "What
have you left for your family,?" he replied, "Allah
and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
AS A CALIPH
After his election as the Caliph, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu) addressed the Muslims with these
words:
"O
People! I have been chosen by you as your leader, although
I am no better than any of you. If I do any wrong, set
me right. Listen, truth is honesty and untruth is dishonesty.
The weak among you are the powerful in my eyes, as long
as I do not give them their dues. The powerful among
you are weak in my eyes, as long as I do not take away
from them what is due to others.
"Listen
carefully, if people give up striving for the Cause
of Almighty Allah, He will send down disgrace upon them.
If people become evil-doers, Almighty Allah will send
down calamities upon them.
"Obey
me as long as I obey Allah and His Rasul (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). If I disobey Allah and His Rasul (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam), you are free to disobey me."
Such
was the first Caliph of Islam. Indeed, the world would
be a better place to live in, if we had leaders like
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu).
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) now sent Sayyiduna Usamah
(radi Allahu anhu) on the expedition to Syria to fight
the Romans, even though he had to attend to all the
internal problems of the Islamic State.
The
news that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) had passed away, made some new Muslims think
that the Islamic State would crumble and they refused
to pay the Zakaah. These new Muslims could not yet get
used to their faith and its requirements until then.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) declared, "By
Allah! Even if a single thread is due from a man, he
must give it. If he refuses, I will declare war against
him."
RENEGADES AND IMPOSTERS
Some others became imposters and renegades. Tulaiha,
Musailimah, Maalik bin Nuwairah, Aswad Ansi and a woman
named Sajah claimed that they were prophets and caused
a great deal of confusion. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi
Allahu anhu) was quick to take action against these
imposters.
Sayyiduna
Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was sent to deal
with Tulaiha who fled to Syria and later became a Muslim.
Maalik bin Nuwarah was killed. Sayyiduna Ikramah (radi
Allahu anhu) and Sayyiduna Surahbil (radi Allahu anhu)
were sent to take action against Musailimah, but they
were defeated. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)
sent Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) to
tackle the notorious Musailamah who married Sajah. In
the fight that followed, Sayyiduna Wahshi (radi Allahu
anhu) killed Musailamah. Musailamah and Aswad Ansi also
claimed to be prophets while Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) was alive. Aswad was killed by
the Muslims of Yemen.
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) swift and bold steps saved
the Islamic State from the serious danger of chaos and
confusion. He could now attend to other urgent problems.
ERA OF CONQUESTS
During his Khilaafat, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu
anhu) had to take action against the Iranian Empire.
The Emperor of Iran, Khusrou Parvez, was killed by his
son, Shirooya, and the whole empire fell into chaos
and disorder. Hurmuz, the Persian governor of Iraq,
was very hostile to the Arabs and he was also cruel
to the Muslims living in that area.
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Muthamia
(radi Allahu anhu) to take action against the Iranians
in Iraq. His forces were not enough and Sayyiduna Khalid
bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was then sent with reinforcements.
The Muslim army captured vast areas of the Iranian Empire
in several battles.
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) then turned his attention
to the Romans who were causing trouble in the North-West
frontier. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) sent
4 separate armies under Sayyiduna Ubaidah bin Jarrah,
Sayyiduna Amr Ibnul As, Sayyiduna Yazid bin Abu Sufyaan
and Sayyiduna Surahbil bin Hasnal (radi Allahu anhumul
ajma'in) to deal with the Roman power.
The
four armies joined into one unit to face the Romans
more effectively. The Romans had amassed 150 000 soldiers,
but the total Muslim army was only 24 000. Reinforcements
were requested. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)
asked Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu)
to take charge of the Iraqi front and Sayyiduna Muthanna
(radi Allahu anhu) to rush to the Syrian front to help
fight the huge Roman army. The armies met in Yarmuk
after Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) passed away.
In this battle, the Romans were totally defeated.
PASSES AWAY
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) fell ill at this
time and passed away on the 21st of Jamadi-ul-Aakhir
13 A.H. (22 August 634). His rule lasted 2 years and
3 months. He was 63 years old.
One
of the many contributions of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi
Allahu anhu) was the collection and compilation of the
Holy Quran.
PERSONAL LIFE
He lived a very simple, pious and upright life. He was
a true servant of Almighty Allah and a meticulous follower
of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He
wore ordinary clothes and his meals were very simple.
He attended to house-hold work and would go out at night
and seek the poor and destitute. Humility and modesty
were the keynotes of his character. He felt embarrassed
when people showered praises on him or showed him immense
respect. He often fasted during the day and spent the
whole night in Salaah and meditation. He was a great
orator and a master of genealogy (one who can trace
a person's family line). In personal life, he was a
Saint. He used all his powers to promote the interest
of Islam and the good of people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAZRAT
UMAR FAROOQ (Raddi Allah
Unho)
The Second Caliph of Islam
ELECTION
Before
he passed away, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)
consulted the senior Sahaba and elected Sayyiduna Umar
(radi Allahu anhu) as the second Caliph of the Muslims.
EARLY LIFE
He was the son of Khattab and is famous in Islamic history
as "Al Farooq" or "One who Distinguishes
between Right and Wrong." His acceptance of Islam
is also very famous.
AS A CALIPH
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) was a very brave and
straight-forward person. He was tough and uncompromising
in Islamic principles. He was a great and talented ruler.
During his Khilaafat, vast areas of the Roman and Persian
empires and the whole of Egypt were brought under Islamic
rule. He was also a gifted orator. He was very concerned
for the welfare of the Muslims. He left a honourable
legacy for Muslims after him. The Holy Quran was given
to him by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) for
safe-keeping.
APPOINTS NEW COMMANDER
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anu) was a strong disciplinarian.
He noticed the tremendous popularity of Sayyiduna Khalid
bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu). He felt that people will
lose trust in Almighty Allah and put all their trust
in Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu). He
feared that the people may think too highly of him,
thereby possibly increasing the self-esteem of Sayyiduna
Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) which would also
breed arrogance, so he removed Sayyiduna Khalid (radi
Allahu anhu) and appointed Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah bin
Jarrah (radi Allahu anhu) as the Commander in Chief
of the Muslim army.
Sayyiduna
Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) happily accepted
the orders of Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) and
then served as an ordinary soldier. This is an example
of the Islamic teachings of obedience to leadership!
DEFEAT OF THE PERSIANS
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) had left
Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu) in command of
the Muslim forces on the Iraqi front when he rushed
to Yarmuk. Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu) was
finding it difficult to counter the enemy and went personally
to Madinatul Munawwarah to ask Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi
Allahu anhu) for re-inforcements. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu) had by that time passed away.
Sayyiduna
Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu's) absence from the Iraqi
front made things worse there. The Iranians regrouped
under the command of Rustam and recaptured the lands
taken by the Muslims. Rustam sent 2 columns of his army,
one to Hirah and the other to Kaskar.
Sayyiduna
Umar (radi Allahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah (radi
Allahu anhu), as Commander, to deal with the situation.
Both the Persian columns were defeated. Rustam sent
an even larger army and defeated the Muslims.
Sayyiduna
Umar (radi Allahu anhu) raised another army and defeated
the Persians. But the Persian court sent yet another
larger army, and forced Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu
anhu) to withdraw. The report of the new situation was
sent to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) and reinforcements
under the command of Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqqas (radi
Allahu anhu) were sent.
The
Persian and Muslim army met at Qadisiyah. After a long
battle on several fronts, the outnumbered Muslim army
defeated the 120 000 Persian soldiers and recaptured
Hirah and their areas in the year 14 A.H. (636 C.E).
DEFEAT OF THE ROMANS
Muslims laid siege to Damascus during Sayyiduna Abu
Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) rule as Caliph. It continued,
after he passed away, and lasted 70 days during the
rule of Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu). After the
long siege, Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu
anhu) took the Romans by surprise and entered the city.
The Governor surrendered and a peace treaty was signed.
CONQUEST OF JERUSALEM
Meanwhile, Sayyiduna Amr ibn As (radi Allahu anhu) was
laying siege to Jerusalem. Sayyiduna Khalid, Sayyiduna
Abu Ubaidah and other Sahaba (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in)
also joined him. The Christians had little hope and
decided to give in. They also suggested that the keys
of Jerusalem be given to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) himself personally. Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) went to Jerusalem. An agreement was signed that
guaranteed the safety of the city and the safety of
the Christians.
ASSASSINATION
A Persian non-Muslim, named Firoz and nicknamed "Abu
Lulu," complained to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) about his master, Sayyiduna Mughirah bin Shuba
(radi Allahu anhu), who imposed tax on him. Sayyiduna
Umar (radi Allahu anhu) told Firoz that the tax was
reasonable. This made Firoz angry.
The
next day, during the Fajr Salaah, he stabbed Sayyiduna
Umar (radi Allahu anhu) 6 times in the back, severely
wounding the Caliph. Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu)
passed away 3 days later in 23 A.H. He was 63 years
old. He ruled the Islamic State for 10 years, 6 months
and 4 days.
REFORMS
In a short space of 10 years, Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) had been well-known for his outstanding achievements
and reforms in Islam. Some of these reforms were:-
1.
He established the "Baitul Maal" (People's
treasury for the state and public).
2.
Judicial courts of Justice were set in the country.
Judges and Magistrates handled all cases.
3.
Establishment of an army headquarters for the defence
of the country.
4.
Construction of roads and canals.
5.
Schools were established. Salaries for Imams, Mu'azzins
and Ustaads were organized.
6.
Masjids were improved and built in Makkatul Mukarramah
and Madinatul Munawwarah. This included facilities for
the Haajis.
7.
Police Stations and prisons were built.
8.
Establishment of the first Islamic Lunar calendar beginning
from the Hijrah.
9.
Proper weights and measures introduced.
10.
Population census established.
11.
Built orphanages and welfare homes.
12.
Established proper punishment system and banned slavery.
PERSONAL LIFE
Simplicity and devotion were the main characters of
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu). He used to wear clothes
that had many patches and yet received Governors, convoys
and diplomats. He took just enough allowance from the
State to have a simple meal and wear simple clothes.
At times he was very poor. He used to visit the old
people and sick and even do their house work. He used
to visit the houses of the soldiers and inquire about
their families. He stayed awake at night in Salaah and
often kept Fast. He always supported and upheld the
cause of Islam, with his wisdom, energy, dynamism, bravery
and little wealth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAZRAT
UTHMAN GHANI (Raddi Allah
Unho)
The Third Caliph of Islam
ELECTION
Before he passed away, Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu)
appointed a six-man Committee to elect his successor
from among themselves. After long discussions and consultation,
they elected Sayyiduna 'Uthman bin Affan (radi Allahu
anhu) as the third Caliph of Islam.
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) belonged to the
Ummayah tribe of the Quraish. He was a very rich cloth
merchant. He was known as "Al Ghani" or "The
Generous." His father's name was Affan and his
mother was Urwa.
He
accepted Islam at the invitation of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu) and migrated to Abyssinia with his
wife, Sayyadah Ruqayyah (radi Allahu anha), who was
also the daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam).
After
she passed away, he married Sayyadah Umme Kulthum (radi
Allahu anha), another daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Because of this, he
earned the title "Zun Noorain" or "Possessor
of Two Lights." He took part in all the battles
with Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
except the Battle of Badr.
CONQUESTS
During the Khilaafat of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu
anhu), the rebellion in Azerbhaijaan and Armenia was
silenced.
Sayyiduna
Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu), with the help of Sayyiduna
Abi Sarah (radi Allahu anhu), captured Cyprus by naval
attack and brought it under Islamic rule. Vast areas
of North Africa including Tripoli, Tunisia and Morocco
were also brought under the Islamic rule.
The
Romans, although defeated several times by the Muslims
in the past, made another attempt, during the Khilaafat
of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu), to recapture
the lands they had already lost. Constantine, the Emperor
of Rome, made great preparations and attacked Alexandria
with a naval fleet five to six thousand strong. But,
the Romans were defeated by the Muslim naval forces
under the command of Sayyiduna Abi Sarah and Sayyiduna
Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhuma).
REBELLION
The Governors of the provinces, appointed by Sayyiduna
Umar (radi Allahu anhu), were removed and replaced by
members of the new Caliph's clan. The majority of the
new governors were inspired by worldly means rather
than by piety and interests of their subjects. People
started to demand the removal of these Governors, but
the Caliph did not respond to their appeals. Delegates
mainly from Iraq and Egypt, submitted their demands
to the Caliph. The situation, however got out of control.
ASSASSINATION
In the turmoil, Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu)
himself was made Shaheed by rebels while he was reading
the Holy Quran inside his house. This happened on Friday,
the 17th of Zil Hajj in 35 A.H.. He was 84 years old.
CHARACTER
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allah anhu) was a very simple
and very kind person. His simplicity and kindness did
not alow him to take strong action against the trouble
makers and rioters. Above all, because of his simple-mindedness,
his administration was not as disciplined as it had
been during the Khilaafat of Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu).
Sayyiduna
'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) was a generous man. He used
to spend a lot of money for Islam and to free the slaves.
He was a great and pious man who feared and loved Almighty
Allah and Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) above everything else. Although he was very
rich, his living was very simple. He did not indulge
in luxury. He was ever mindful of death. Major parts
of the night were spent in Salaah. He also fasted every
second or third day.
THE HOLY Quran
A major achievement of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu
anhu) was the duplication of the Holy Quran from the
records kept by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu),
who handed it to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu),
who then handed it to his daughter, Sayyadah Hafsa (radi
Allahu anha), the wife of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam).
Sayyiduna
'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) made copies of the Holy Quran
from the original and sent it to capitals such as Kufa,
Damascus, Makkatul Mukarramah and Basrah, each accompanied
by a Sahabi for the guidance of the readers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAZRAT
ALI MURTADHA (Raddi Allah Unho)
The Fourth Caliph of Islam
ELECTIONS
After Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) passed away,
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was elected as the
fourth Caliph by the Muslims. During the period of the
first three Caliphs, Madinatul Munawwarah continued
to be the capital of the Muslim world, but Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) transferred the Islamic capital
to Kufah in Iraq.
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was the son of Abu
Taalib, an uncle of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam). Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was
married to Sayyadah Bibi Fathima (radi Allahu anha),
the daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). They had 3 sons, Sayyiduna Hassan, Sayyiduna
Hussain and Sayyiduna Mohsin (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).
Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) took part in the battle of Badr,
Khandaq and Khaibar. At Khaibar, it was Sayyiduna Ali
(radi Allahu anhu) who subdued the Jews with his furious
assault. He also held many important positions during
the time of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) and the first 3 Caliphs before him.
He
had a love for learning and was a great and learned
person himself. He had been given the title of "Baabul
I'lm"or "Gate of Learning" by Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He was also
called "Asaadullah" or "Lion of Allah."
OPPOSITION
The situation in Madinatul Munawwarah after the murder
(Shahaadah) of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu)
was serious. Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu's) first
task was to rid Madinatul Munawwarah of the rebels and
to return the situation to normal.
Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was able to force the rebels
to withdraw from Madinatul Munawwarah and to establish
peace and order in the city. The powerful governor of
Syria, Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu), challenged
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) and refused to pay
homage to him. Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu)
insisted that Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) arrest
the murderers of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu)
and hand them over to him.
Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was a man with a deep sense of
justice and did not want to accuse the wrong people.
He needed a peaceful period to trace the culprits. But,
Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu) began accusing
him of protecting the murderers, and in this way the
old enmity between the two families were revived.
SAYYIDUNA MU'AWIYAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
Unlike most of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu's)
governors, Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) displayed
great administrative ability and was very popular. He
was a God-fearing man and especially known for his mercy.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was very strict in
piety and straight forward. Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi
Allahu anhu) declared his disobedience to him, because
he felt that he was better qualified to lead the Muslim
world.
BATTLE OF THE CAMEL
Another serious development took place. Sayyadah Aishah
(radi Allahu anha) and two leading Sahaba, Sayyiduna
Talha and Sayyiduna Zubair (radi Allahu anhuma) declared
their opposition to the Khilaafat of Sayyiduna Ali (radi
Allahu anhu). They left Madinatul Munawwarah for Makkatul
Mukarramah and from there travelled to Basrah where
they rallied men and new supporters.
Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had to crush all opposition.
A bloody battle took place near Basrah on the 9th of
December 656 A.C. This battle was sparked off by a third
force who were the real troublemakers. Just before the
battle, both parties had already reached an agreement
to settle the dispute. But this third force, the real
assassinators of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu),
launched an overnight attack on both camps simultaneously.
Each side were under the impression that the other had
attacked. The battle began. Several thousand men were
lost including the two Sahaba. Sayyadah Aishah (radi
Allahu anha) was safe. She was riding a camel during
the battle-hence the name "Battle of the Camel."
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) treated her in a most
noble and dignified manner and respectfully sent her
back to Madinatul Munawwarah. She praised him and deeply
regretted opposing Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu).
Kufa was now made the capital of the Islamic world.
BATTLE OF SIFFIN
Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) rallied an army
to face Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). A battle took
place at Siffin on the Syrian border in the July of
567 A.C. Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) was
no match for Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) and began
to retreat. By the clever proposal of Sayyiduna Amr
bin Al As (radi Allahu anhu), the retreating army raised
pieces of the Holy Quran on their spears demanding judgement
between the two parties. Many pious Muslims on the side
of Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) refused to fight
seeing the Holy Quran displayed in the air.
JUDGEMENT
Two men, one from each side, were appointed to settle
the dispute. Sayyiduna Abu Musa (radi Allahu anhu),
a pious Sahaba from Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu's)
side, and the skilled Sayyiduna Amr (radi Allahu anhu)
from Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu's) side.
Sayyiduna Musa (radi Allahu anhu) declared in front
of the Muslims that it was decided to recommend the
removal of both Sayyiduna Ali and Sayyiduna Muaawiyah
(radi Allahu anhuma) and that the Muslims should select
another man for the Khilaafat. Sayyiduna Amr (radi Allahu
anhu) replied that: "He has declared the removal
of his leader, while I would conform Muaawiyah as the
Caliph." Chaos followed.
KHAARIJEES
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) prepared to meet Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) again in battle, but he
was moved from his task by a serious conflict that occurred
among his men. Some narrow-minded people accused Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) of accepting a man-made judgement.
Their slogan was: "There is no judgment but with
Allah." They declared that Sayyiduna Ali, Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah and Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhumul
ajma'in) were unbelievers and that Jihad should be declared
against them. Ever since this event, they have been
known as the "Khaarijees", which means, "those
who left the fold." They maintained that the Khilaafat
should be given to the most eligible Muslim, regardless
of his origin. The Kharijees are not regarded as Muslims.
ASSASSINATION
On the 17th of July 659 A.C., Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhu) overcame the Khaarijees in a battle near Nahrawan,
in which, it is said, that 40 000 lives were lost.
In
the early morning of the 24th of January 661 A.C., Abdul
Rahman bin Muljim, a Khaariji fanatic lay in ambush
in the Masjid of Kufah and stabbed Sayyiduna Ali (radi
Allahu anhu) when he entered the masjid. He passed away
from the wound. He was 63 years old.
PERSONAL LIFE
Sayyiduna Ali (radi allahu anhu) lived a simple life.
He refused any luxury food and wore simple clothes thinking
of the poor. He should sleep on the ground and even
sit on the floor. He repaired his own clothes and shoes
and even did manual labour. He spent nights in Salaah
and should fast for three days in a row. Honesty, piety,
justice and love of truth were the main marks of his
character.
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