4. Talhah ibn 'Ubayd Allalh:

He is one of the renowed Companions, and of the six men nominated by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab for assuming the post of caliphate, and one of ten promised with Paradise as alleged by Ahl al-Sunnah.
When probing into history books about the real character of this man, we come to know of his being among the


( 179 )

world-lovers, who have been tempted and seduced by the world, selling out their religion for its sake, ruining thus their souls, so their commerce does not prosper, and on the Doomsday they be among the repentants.
He used to annoy the Prophet (S) by saying: When the Messenger of Allah dies, I shall marry 'A'isha, since she is my cousin.When this reached the Prophet, he took ill at it.
When the verse of hijab (Islamic covering ) was revealed and the Prophet's wives corvered themselves,Talhah siad: Does Muhammad keep our cousins from us and marry our wives after our death? When he passes away we shall verily marry his wives.160
When the Prophet (S) took ill at this, the following holy verse was revealed:
"....And it is not for you to cause annoyance to the Messenger of Allah, nor that ye should ever marry his wives after him.Lo! that in Allah's sight would be an enormty". (33:53)
He has also entered upon Abu Bakr, before his death, and when he has committed caliphate to 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, he said to him: What shall be your answer to your Lord as you have made a rude harsh man to rule over us? Thereat Abu Bakr abused him with obscene words.161
After the new caliph's assuming power, he has kept silent, becoming among his supporters k,and striving to hoard up wealth and getting slaves, especially when he has covetted for caliphate after being nominated by 'Umar for it.
It is Talhah who has disappointed al-'Imam 'Ali and has taken the side of Uthman ibn 'Afan, due to his pre-knowledge of the fact if the caliphate goes to 'Ali, no coveted object would remain for him.In this regard 'Ali said : "One of them turned against me because of his hatred and the other got inclined the other way due to his in -law relationship and this thing and that thing...."
Muhammad 'Abdah says in his Sharh: Talhah used to get inclined to 'Uthman dur to the in-law relationship between
____________
160. Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qurtabi, and Tafsir al-'Alusi, and others, all have mentioned this in regard of the interpretations of the Almighty's saying: "And is not for you to cause annoyance to the Messenger of Allah, nor that ye should ever marry his wives after him..."
161. Ibn Qutaybah, al-'Imamah wa al-siyasah, bab wafat Abi Bakr wa istikhlafihi 'Umar.

( 180 )

them, as reported by the narrators.His turining away from 'Ali is a sufficient prooffor proving toward 'Uthman, as he is from Taym, and it is known that there used to be intense emotions of anger between Banu Hashim and Banu Taym because of the greed for caliphate by Abu Bakr.162
Undoubtedly Talhah was one of the Sahabah who has attended the Ghadir Allegiance (bay'ah), and heard the Prophet's saying: Of whom I am his master, this 'Ali is also his master (mawla).
Certainly he has heard the Messenger of Allah (S) say: " 'Ali is withe the Truth, and Truth is with 'Ali, and was present on Khaybar Day when the Prophet has handed 'Ali the banner, saying that he loves Allah and His Messenger, and they both love him.He knows also that 'Ali had the position in relation to Meses, and knows much more than this. But his heart was filled with hidden grudge and envy, that he could never see but only fanaticism for his tribe and partiality towards his cousin 'Aishah bin Abi Bakr, with whom he was covetous to marry, after the Prophet's demise,but the Qur'an prevented this.
Thus Talhah has sided with 'Uthman, acknowledging him as a caliph since 'Uthman used to grant him gifts and donations.When 'Uthman assumed the throne of caliphate, he gave Talhah abundantly from Muslims' fortune, 163 till he accumulated plenty of weath, cattle and slaves, to the extent that the daily proceeds from Iraq alone amunted to one thousand dinars.
Ibn Sa'd in his Tabaqat says: When Talhah passed away, he left behind thirty million dirhams, two million and two hundred thousand dirhams, and two hundred thousand dinars in cash, and the rest as offers and real estates ('aqar)164
For all this, Talhah has turned to be a tyrant and despotic, embarking on instigating (people) against his intimate friend 'Uthman, with the aim of toppling him and seizing power in his place.
____________
162. Muhammad 'Abduh, Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, vol. i, p.88, from the sermon of al-Shaqshaqiyah.
163. Al-Tabari, Ibn Abi al-Hadid, and Talhah has borrowed fifty thousand from 'Uthman, and one day he sent a letter to him saying: your money is ready, send someone to take it. 'Uthman said to him: It is for you , O Abu Muhammad, as a help to you for your magnimity! It is said that 'Uthman has bestowed upon him hundred thousand (dirham?) too.
164. Ibn Sa'd, al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol.iii,p.858.

( 181 )

Probably 'Aishah has tempted him with caliphate since she has also tried her best to topple 'Uthman, not doubting that caliphate will revert to her cousin Talhah.When she heard news fo moudering 'Uthman, and people's swearing allegiance to Talhah, she rejoiced and said: "Far and remote be with Na'thal! Welcome O Dhu al-'Isbah ', welcome O Abu Shibi, welcome O cousin! They have verily found Talhah competent for it".
Such is the case with Talhah, He has taken the side of 'Uthman and elected him for caliphate, for depriving 'Ali from it, and since 'Uthman granted him gold and silver.But then he instigated people against him asking them to kill him, preventing from giving him water, and from burying his corpse in the Muslims' graveyard, so they have buried him in "Hashsh Kawkab", a place for burying the dead of the Jews.165
After that he was the first one to acknowledge 'Ali as a caliph after murderin of 'Uthman, but thenhe has violated his allegiance and joined his cousin 'Aisha in Makkah, turning our suddenly to call for taking the revenge from the killer of 'Uthman .Subhan Allah ! Is there calumny (buhtan) bigger than this?!
Some historians justify this by saying that 'Ali has refused to appoint him as a governor over Kufah and the land behind it, so he has violated the allegiance, and revolted against the Imam whom he has acknowledged before.
This is the mentality of that who has drowned in the love of the world totally, selling out his hereafter, and being not concerned but with authority, fame and wealth.
Taha Husayn says:
"Hence Talhah has represented a special sort of oppsotion; being pleased with that which brings him opulence and high rank ; but when being avaricious for much more,he opposed till he caused others to perish and he perished".166
After acknowledging 'Ali as a caliph, he revolted against him, accompanying the prophet's wife 'Aishah to
____________
165. Ta'rikh al-Tabari, Ta'rikh al-Mada'int, and Tarikh al-Waqidi, about murder of 'Uthman.
166. Taha Husayn, al-Fitnat al-Kubra, vol. i p. 150.

( 182 )

Basrah, killing the innocent, looting the properties, raising intimidation in people's hearts, for compelling them to declare rebellion against 'Ali, standing then shamelessly to fight the Imam of the age, with whom he has voluntarily and submissively committted covenant of allegiance.
Nevertheless when al-Imam 'Ali asked about him, and found him in the front of the battle, he asked him: Haven't you acknowledge me (as a caliph)? What made you revolt O Talhah?
He said: To avenge 'Uthman's blood (murder).
'Ali said: May God kill whoever is nearer in claiming to avenge for 'Uthman's blood.
It is reported by Ibn 'Askari, that al-'Imam 'Ali said: I adjure you by God O Talhah, haven't you heard the Messenger of Allah say: "Of whoever I am his master this Ali is also his master .O God, lover whoever loves him and be the enemy of his enemy"?
He replied: Yes, I did. 'Ali asked him: Why do you fight me then?!
He replied: To avenge 'Uthman's blood .'Ali said: May God kill whoever is nearer from us in claiming to avenge for 'Uthman 's blood .'Ali's prayer was heard by Allah, as Talhah was killed on the same day,by Marwan ibn al-Hakam, who was brought by Talhah to fight 'Ali.
Thus Talhah proved to be source of sedition and falsehood, and reversing the facts, observing no word or conscience, breaking his promise and covenant, heeding not to the call of Truth though being reminded by al-'Imam 'Ali, who has established the Proof against him. But he has disdainfully and stubbornly insisted on this education, ttill he went astray and misguided others, that his sedition led to the massacring of a large number of innocent people, who have never shared in killing 'Uthman, nor recognized him throughout their life, and have never gone out from Basrah.
It is reported by Ibn Abi al-Hadid, that when Talhah


( 183 )

reached Basrah, he was encountered by 'Abd Allah ibn al-Hakam, carrying the letters sent by Talhah to him, and saying to him: O Abu Muhammad, aren't these your letters to us? He replied Yea. He said to him: First you have sent us letters calling us to depose and kill 'Uthman .After killing him, you have revolted for avenging his blood.I swear that this is not your aim, your real target is this mundane world.Take your time, if this be your purpose, so why have you accepted 'Ali's offer for allegiance, and acknowledged him submissively and willingly.But then you breached your faith, coming to us with the intention of causing us enter in your sedition.167
This is the true nature of Talhah ibn 'Ubayd Allah, bare as mentioned by the authors of sunan and biographies form among Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah .After that, they claim that he is one of those ten promised with Paradise, counting i like Hilton Hotel, that is visited by millionaires and brokers among businessmen, and containing the killer and the killed,the oppressor and oppresed, the believer nd bebauches,and the pious and libetine.
They are asked to listen to these Qur'anic verses:
"Doth every man among them hope to enter the Garden of Delight?" (70:38)
"Shall We treat those who believe and do good works as those who spread corruption in the earth, or shall We treat the pious as the wicked ?" (38:28)
"Is he who is a believer like unto him who is an evil-doer? They are not alike ".(32:1)
"But as for those who believe and do good works, for tham are the Gardens of Retreat-- welcome (in reward) for what they used to do .And as for those who do evil, their retreat is the Fire .Whenever they desire to issue forth form thence, they are brought back thither.Unto them it is said : Taste te torment of the Fire which ye used to deny". (32:19--20)

____________
167. Sharh Ibn Abi al-Hadid al-Mu'tazili, vol.ii, p.500.
( 184 )

5. Al-Zubayr ibn al-'Awwam:

He is one of the great Sahabah, and earlier Emigrants (Muhajirun), and has blood consanguinity with the Messenger of Allah (S), as he is the sone of Safiyyah bin 'Abd al-Mutallib, the Prophet's aunt.He is the husband of Asma' bint Abi Bakr, the sister of 'Aishah, aand he was one of the six men nominated by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab for the post of caliphate, 168and one of the ten proomised with Paradise as claimed by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah.
It is no surprise that he is always found in the company of his counterpart Talhah, to the extent that no one of them is mentioned except with the mention of the other.
He is also one of those who has contested about this world (dunya), filling the bellies from it, as it is reported by al-Tabari that his legacy (after his death) amounted to fifty thousand horses, one thousand slaves, and many estates and farms in Basrah, Kufah and Egypt and other places.
In this regard Taha Husayn says:
"People differ regarding the amount of al-Zubayr's legacy that was disturbed among the heirs.Some says it is (35) million, others believe itt to be (52) million, and the moderate say it is (40) million.169
It is reported by al-Bukhari that Talhah left behind fifty thousand and two hundred thousand.170
From this survey we do not intend to call the Sahabah to account for what they have earned of estates and hoarded up of wealth, that all might be lawful (halal). When taking into consideration their greediness for the world, knowing that they have breached the allegiance of Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, because of his determination to restore the funds, taken by 'Uthman, to the Muslims' treasury house (bayt al-mal), only then we shall verily suspect these two men.
____________
168. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab has innovated this sagacious idea, for creating opponents and contenders for 'Ali, as all the Sahabah were fully aware that caliphate was 'Ali's and was usureped from him by Quraysh. when they were disputed by Fatimah (A), they said to he: Had your husband and cousn preeceded others to take our allegiance, we would have never equalled anyone to him. But 'Umar never desire that caliphate be returned to its legitimate owner, after his death, so he created contenders for him, who all coveted for caliphate and power, leading them to sell our their religion with their world, and their commerce did not prosper.
169. Taha Husayn, al-Fatimat al-Kubra, vol. i, p.147.
170. Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. iv, p.53, bab fard al-Khums barakat al-ghazali fi malihi hayyan wa mayyitan.

( 185 )

Added to this, the fact that when 'Ali assumed the caliphate, the first thing he did was restoring people to the prophetic sunnah, and justly distributing the treasury, giving every Muslim three dinars whether he be an Arab or non-Arab (A'jami),which being the same thing done by the Prophet (S) throughout his life.Thus 'Ali managed in annuling the heresy (bid'ah) innovated by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab who gave the priority to the Arab over the non-Arab, giving the former twice the latter's share.
'Ali's striving to restore people to the prophetic Sunnah was a reason enough to be exploited by the Sahabah who admired 'Umar's heresy, to revolt against him ('Ali).
This being a fact we neglected to include among the reasons for Quraysh's love and glorification for 'Umar, who prefered them to other Muslims, awakening inside them the Arab chauvinism, Qurashi tribalism and bourgeous caste.
After a quater of a century from the time of the Prophet's demise, comes 'Ali to return with Quraysh to the time of the Prophet who equalized in gifts ('ata') among Muslims, that Bilal al-Habashi used to recieve the same stiped s that of al-'Abbas, the Prophet's uncle .But Quraysh disapproved this equality of the Prophet (S), and by going through the Prophet's sirah(Biography), we shall observe that they, most the time, used to oppose the Prophet in this respect .
For this reason also, Talhah and al-Zubayr have angrily revolted againt 'Ali, due to his equality in the stipend between them, and his refusal ot make them attain their demands for governorship.Then he intended to call them to account for the fortunes they have aaccumulated, in other to restore the looted funds tto the oppressed people.
It is noteworthy to know that when al-Zubayr felt desperate of being appointed governor of Basrah by 'Ali and prefered by him over others, fearing that he might be called to account by the new Caliph for his imaginary wealth, he came with his friend Talhah to ask 'Ali 's permission to travel for


( 186 )

performing the 'Umarah .But 'Ali realized their real concealed intention, and said: By God, they never intend (to perform ) the 'Umrah, but they intend the treachey (ghadrah)
So al-Zubayr has also joined 'Aisha bint Abi Bakr, who was his wife's sister, and has taken her out with Talhah toward Basrah, due to their awareness that her inflence being more effective than theirs.Throughout twenty-five years, they have made people believe in her being the Messenger's darling and al-Siddiq 's daughter, al-Humayra ' who having half the religion.The surprising point about al-Zubayr is that he has also rebelled for claiming to avenge 'Uthman's blood, as alleged by him, while some of the equitable Sahabah have accused him of being responsible for urging to kill him.
Al-Imam Ali, when facing him in the battle- field,said to him: Do you want to avenge 'Uthman 's blood from me while you have killed him?171
Another narration was reported by al-Masudi, that 'Ali said to him: Woe to you O Zubayr ! What made you rebel? He said : To avenge 'Uthman's blood .'Ali said: Mya Allah kill that who is nearer in claiming to avenge 'Uthman's blood.
In his book al-Mustadrak, al-Hakim has reported : Talhah and al-Zubayr came to Basrah, and people asked them: What brought you here? They replied: To avenge 'Uthman's blood, Al-Husayn said to them: Glory be to Allah, do not people have intellects and tell them that: by God no one killed 'Uthman other than you.
So al-Zubayr has acted like his friend Talhah, by betraying 'Uthman and urging to kill him, aknowledging then came to Basrah for claiming also to avenge 'Ut hman 's blood!
On entering Basrah, he himself has taken part in those times, killing more than seventy of the guards of bayt al-mal before plundering it.The historians say that he has concluded a contract of true with 'Uthman ibn Hunayf (Basrah governor), and they have committed themselves to
____________
171. Ta'rikh al-Tabari, vol. v, p.204, Ibn al-Athir, al-Kamil, vol. iii, p. 102.
(187 )

abide by it till the coming of 'Ali.
By that time they have broken their promises nd convenant, assailing 'Uthman ibn Hunayf while leading people in 'isha (evening) prayer.They have tied the worshippers, and after slaying them, they intend to kill 'Uthman ibn Hunayf, the governor appointed 'Ali .Fearing that this news being heard by his brother Sahl ibn Hunayf the governor on al-Madinah, leading him to revenge from their familes,they have sufficed with beating him severely
Taha Husayn says about this treason:
"These people (Talhah and Zubayr) have never been contended with breaching the allegiance they have sworn for 'Ali, but exaccrbated it by violating the true they have agreed upon with 'Uthman ibn Hunayf. killing a large number of Basran people who disapproved the true violation, imprisonmen of the governor, plundering of byat al-mal, and the killing of its guards".172
On 'Ali 's reaching Basrah, he did not begin fighting them, but invited them to (follow) the Book of Allah, but they refused this call and killed the emissary who carried the Qur'an to them. Despite this, al-'Imam 'Ali called al-Zubayr also and reminded him (with the Qur'an) as he did to Talhah, and said to him: "O Zubayr, do you recall to mind the day, I and the Prophet passed by Banu Ghanam, when the Prophet looked at me and I smiled for him, whereat you said: Ibn Abi Talib never forsake his ostentation (zahw).Then the Messenger of Allah said to you : Hush, it is not zahw in him, and you will surely fight him while being unjust to him.173
Ibn Abi al-Hadid has cited a sermon by Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, saying:
"O God, al-Zubayr has cut my uterines relation (rahim), breached his swear of allegiance unto me, and
____________
172. Taha Husayn, al-Fatimat al-Kubra, vol.ii, p.37.
173. Ta'rikh al-Tabari, in Battle of al-Jamal; Ta'rikh al-Mas'udi; Tarikh A'tham; and others.

( 188 )

supported my enemy against me, so save me against him (his evil) with whatever You will".174
In Nahji al-balagha, 'Ali said in respect of Talhah and al-Zubayr:
"O God, they have severed my relation, and oppressed me, broken my allegiance, and instigated people against me.Do not confirm for them what they have concluded, show them the evil of what they hoped and acted for.I have asked them t o repent before fighting, called them to take t heir time, but they have been ungrateful and repulsed health.175
In a letter he sent to Talhah and al-Zubayr before the start of fighting, he said: You should give up your way now, before you face the question of shame coupled with the Hell-fire; and that is an end to the matter.176
This is bitter fact, and this is the end of al-Zubayr.Whatever efforts exerted by the historians to convince us that he has remembered the Prophet's discourse, with which 'Ali has reminded him, so he has repented, forsaken fighting and gone out of al-Siba ' valley, where he was killed by Ibn Jarmuz.But this claim can never go on with the prophecy of the Prophet (S), who said to him: "You shall verily fight 'Ali while being unjust to him".
Some historians say that he has intended retirement, when being remineded of the (Prophet's) hadith by al-'Imam 'Ali.But when his son taunted him with cowardice, he was taken by fervour, and returned to fight till he was killed.
This is nearer to truth and the hadith hadith that has contained foretelling about the Hidden, form the one who never speaks out of desire.
Had he actually regretted, repented, and desired from his enticement and wrong, why would not have he adopted the Prophet's hadith: "Of whomever I am his master, 'Ali also his master .O God, love whoever loves him and be
____________
174. Ibn Abi al-Hadid, Sharh al-Nahj, vol. i, p.101.
175. Nahj al-balagha, sharh of Muhammad 'Abduh, p.306.
176. Ibid, p.626.

( 189 )

the enemy of his enemy"?
Why hasn't he helped and beferiended 'Ali, or sought his pleasure? If we suppose that he was not able to do so, then couldn't he address people whom he brought for the war, telling them that he had been enlightened to Truth and has recalled that which slipped his mind, asking them to abandon warring, sparin thus the lives of innocent Muslim?
But nothing the sort has occured, indicating that the myth of repentance and forsaking (fight) was only fabricated byi composers, who were dazzld by 'Ali's truth and al-Zubayr's friend Talhah was killed by Marwan ibn al-Hakam, so they have chosen Ibn Jarmuz to kill al-Zubayr treasonously, so that they be able to interpret in regard of the fate of Talhah and al-Zubayr, for not being deprived the Paradise, believing the Paradise to be of their properties, letting in whomever they wish, and preventing whomever they dislike.
The evidence that proves the falsehood of the narration, can be found in al-'Imam 'Ali's letter to them calling them to return and give up the war, beside his saying: "... when the great question before you is only one of shame, before you face the question of shame coupled with the Hell-fire".
We have never been told by any narrator that they (Talhah and al-Zubayr) have responded to his call, or obeyed his order or even given reply to his letter.
Added to this, al-'Imam has invited them, before the beginning of the battle, to follow Allah's Book, as said earlier, but they have refused to comply and killed the man who carried the Qur'an to them, al-'Imam 'Ali has considered fighting them as lawful.
We may read some humours (mahazil), reported by sokme histosrians, indicating their unawareness of the truth, such as: some of them say that when al-Zubayr knew that 'Ammar ibn Yasir come with 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, he has trembled,


( 190 )

letting the weapon shake in his hand. Threat one of his companions said: May my brother be bereaved of me, Is this al-Zubayr, with whom I wished to die or live? By Whom in Whose hand my soul is, that which afflicted him is surely due to something he has heard or seen from the Messenger of Allah (S).177
By composing such narrations, they mean that al-Zubayr has remembered the Prophet's hadith : 'Woe to 'Ammar, he will be killed by the tyrannous (baghiyah) band". so he felt scared and trembled, fearing that he be among the tyrannous band!
These people want to humiliate our minds and deride us, but our minds are perefect and sound, and we never accept this from them.How could al-Zubayr fear this hadith, while not fearing a large number of traditions said by the Prophet (S) in regard of 'Ali?Has al-Zubayr considered 'Ammar superior to and nobler than 'Ali ? Hasn't he heard the Prophet's ahadith about the virtues of 'Ali (A),the last of which being his hadith to al-Zubayr: "You will fight him while being unjust to him? So how can al-Zubayr ignore all these realities, that are known by all strange and far-off people, while he being the Prophet's cousin and 'Ali 's cousin?
Such people have patrified minds, which, after failing to refute he historical incidents and their implied facts, try their best vainly to find lame excuses to decieve people, and making them to think that Talhah and al-Zubayr are among those promised with Paradise.
About the Qur'an says:
"These are their own desires. Say: Bring your proof (of what ye state) if ye are truthful. (2:111)
Lo! they who deny Our revelations and scorn them, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened nor will they enter the Garden untill the camel goeth through the needle's eye.Thus do we require the guilty".(7:40)

____________
177. Ta'rikh al-Tabari, vol.v, p.205.
( 191 )

6.Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas:

He is also one of the Sahabah who preceded others in embracing Islam, and of the earlier emigrants who attended the Battle of Badr.He is one of the six men nominated by Umar ibn al-Khattab for the post of caliphates after him, and one of the ten promised with the heaven, as alleged by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah.
He is the hero of al-Qadisiyyah Battle during the caliphate of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab .It is said that some of companions used to doubt and suspect his lineage (nasab), annoying him in this regard, narrating that the Prophet (S) has affirmed his lineage, his being from Banu Zuhrah.
Ibn Qutaybah has reported in his book al-'Imamah wa al-siyasah, that Banu Zuharah have gathered, after the Prophet's demise, near Sa'd and 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf, in the mosque .When Abu Bakr and Abu 'Ubaydah entered the mosque, 'Umar said: Why do you sit in seperate circles? Raise and swear allegiance to Abu Bakr, as I and al-'Ansar have done.Threat Sa'd and 'Abd al-Rahman, with those present from among Banu Zuharah stood and swore allegiance.178
It is said that 'Umar ibn al-Khattab has desposed him from governoship, but he has recommended the caliph succeeding him, to appoint him as a governor if the caliphate missed him, since his deposition for him was not due to teachery.So 'Uthman has fullfilled 'Umar's recommendation and made him the governor of Kufah.
It is observed that Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas has never left behind immense wealth, in contrast to his companions, and the narrators say that his legacy was three hundred and he has also never taken part in the murder of 'Uthman, nor instigated against him like Talhah and al-Zubayr.
Ibn Qutaybah reports in his Ta'rikh that: 'Amr ibn al-As has sent a letter to Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas, asking him about the slaying of 'Uthman and who has slain him?
____________
178. Ibn Qutaybah, Tarikh al-khulafa', vol. i, p.18.
( 192 )

Sa'd replied: You have questioned me about who has killed 'Uthman? I tell you that he was killed by a sword unsheathed by A'ishah, burnished by Talhah, poisnoned by Ibn Abi Talib ('Ali), and al-Zubayr kept silent but signally by his hand, and we astained, and we could repel him if we changed. If we did good it is good, and if we did wrong we seek God's forgiveness, and I inform you that al-Zubayr is defeated with the defeat of his household, and by the demanding of his sin, and if Talhah sees necessity in reipping his abdomen out of desiring for governorship he would do so...179
The strange point about Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas, is that he has not known allegiance to Amir al-Muminin 'Ali, and never helped him though being aware of his right and honour .He himself has narrated several merits, some of which were reported by al-Nasa'i and Muslim in their Sahih's:
Sa'd said: I heard the Prophet (S) say :" 'Ali has three merits, of which if I have only one is more lovable to me than the best of favours". I heard him say also: "'Ali's position in relation to me is as that of Aron in relation to Moses, but there is no prophet after me".And: 'I will give the banner tomorrow to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and loved by Allah and His Messenger"
I also heard him say: " O people, who is your master?"
They replied : Allah and His Messenger (thrice). Then he took 'Ali by the hand and said: "Of whom Allah and His Messenger are masters, this 'Ali is also his master.O God, befriend whoever befriends him and be hostile to whoever is hostile to him".180
In Sahih Muslim, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas said: When I heard the Prophet say: I 'll give the banner ...., all of us desired for it, but the Prophet said: Call 'Ali ... And when the following verses was revealed : "...Say (unto him) :Come ! We will summon our sons and your sons.." (3:61), the Prophet (S) summoned 'Ali, Fatimah, al-Hassan and al-Husayn, and said: May God
____________
179. Ibid, vol. i, p.48.
180. Khasa'is al-'Imam al-Nasai'i, pp. 18 and 35.

(193 )

these are my household (ahli).181
How could Sa'd refuse to acknowledge 'Ali after knowing all these facts ?! How wouldn't he befriend and help 'Ali after hearing the Prophet's call to befriend him?!
How would Sa'd forget the Prophet's hadith :"Whoever dies without undertaking or swearing any allegiance, his death is that of ignorance (jahiliyyah) ", which is narrated by 'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar, dying a death of ignorance, refusing to acknowledge Amir al-Mu'minin and master of executors (Sayyid al-Wasiyyin) ?!
The historians report that Sa'd has come once to 'Ali, asking his pardon, saying :By God, O Amir al-Mu'minin there is no doubt that you are the best one entitled to caliphate, and you are trusworthy on religion (Din) and the world (dunya), but you will be contested by other people on this master.If you desire my swearing allegiance to you (bay'ah), give me a sword having a tongue that tells me : take this and leave this!
'Ali said to him : Has the one, before you, ever contradicted the Qur'an in speech or deed? The Muhajirun and Ansar have sworn allegiance to me, provided that I apply the Book of Allah and His prophet's Sunnah .If you desire, you may swear allegiance, otherwise you can stay hom, as I can't coerce you to anything.182
Isn't Sa'd stance strange? ! He witnesses that no doubt it raised against 'Ali, acknowledging his being that best one entitled to caliphate and trustworthy over religion and world, but then asks him to furnish himwith a speaking sword as a condition for swearing allegiance, so the truth can be distinguished from falsehood?!
Isn't that a contradiction rejected by men of intellect? Is his request other than the impossible that being not requested but only by an obstinate, who has recognised truth from the message-bearer (S) through numerous tradtions of which he (Sa'd) has narrated more than five?!
____________
181. Sahih Muslim, vol.vii, p.119, bab fada'il Ali ibn Abi Talib.
182. Ta'rikh A'tham, p.163.

( 194 )

Hasn't Sa'd attended the swear of allegiance for Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman, during which they have all the judgee to kill every abstaining one for fearing of insurrection?
Sa'd has, on the other hand, unconditionally sworn allegiance to 'Uthman and titled to his side, and heard 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf threaten 'Ali, unsheathing the sword over his head, saying: Allow no way against yourself, it is the sword, nothing else.183
He has also witnessed 'Ali's abstaining form swearing allegiance to Abu Bakr, facing thus the threat of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab who said to him: Swear allegiance or otherwise, by God who no god is there except Him, we will cut your head.184
Was there any factor, other than Sa'd refraining, that embodied people like 'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar, Usamah ibn Zayd and Muhammad ibn Maslamah to abstain from aknowledging the Prophet's executor (wasi), transgressing his right?
You can observe that the five men appointed by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab for contesting 'Ali to caliphate, have played the role exactly as designed for them by 'Umar, being preventing 'Ali from getting access to caliphate by all means.As an example for this, 'Abd al-Rahman 's choosing his brother in law, 'Uthman (for caliphate), threatening to kill 'Ali when refusing to swear allegiance, mainly due to 'Umar's prepondering 'Abd al-Rahman over others. After the latter's death, and murder of 'Uthman, no one was to contest 'Ali for the post of a caliph except Talhah, al-Zubayr and Sa'd .
When these three noticed the rushness of the Muhajirun and Ansar for swearing allegiance to 'Ali, ignoring every one of them, then they have harboured evil for him, seeking his bad, Talhah and al-Zubayr have chosen fighting him, while Sa'd has disappointed him.
It is known that 'Uthman has, before his death, formed and created for 'Ali new rival, being the most dangerous, cunning and sagacious of all of them, having more
____________
183. Ibn Qutaybah, al-'Imamah wa al-siyasah, vol. p.31.
184. Ibid, vol.i, p.20.

( 195 )

readiness and followers,Uthman, has paved the way for his seizure of caliphate through subjugating under his twenty year rule, the most important regions that could earn more than two-thirds of proceeds for the entire Islamic Ummah.This rival being Mu'awiyah who had neither religion nor morals, and no concern but to attain at any cost and by all means.
Nevertherless, Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali has never coerced people to swear allegiance by force or compultion, as done by the Caliphs beore him, but has adhered to the rules of the Qur'an and Sunnah with no least change.
Be delighted, O Ibn Abi Talib, who have revived the Qur'an and Sunah after being obliterated of God's Book:
"Lo! those who swear allegiance unto thee (Muhammad ), swear allegiance only unto Allah.The Hand of Allah is about their hands. So whosoever breaketh his oath, breaketh it only to his soul's hurt: while whosover keepeth his convenant with Allah, on his will He bestow immense reward ". ( 48:10)
"Wouldst thou (Muhammad) compel men untill they are believers?" (10:99)

There is no compultion in religion, and no swearing allegiance by coercion in Islam, and Allah has never commanded His Prophet to fight people for swearing allegiance unto him.
The prophet's Sunnah and sirah tell us that he has never compelled anyone to swear allegiance unto him. But this bid'ah (heresy) was innovated by the Caliphs and Sahahbah, who threatened people with death, should they refuse to swear allegiance unto them.
When Fatimah herself being threatened with burning should those hiding in her house refuse to go out for swearing allegiance ! And when 'Ali, after being appointed by the Prophet as a Caliph, be encounted with unsheathed swords, and threatened with death should not he swear


(196 )

allegiance, so how would be the case with the other oppressed (mustad'afin) Sahabah, like 'Ammar, Salman, Bilal and others?
That which concerns us is that Sa'd refusal to swear allegiance unto 'Ali, as he has abstained from slandering him when being ordered by Mu'awiyah, as reported in Sahih Muslim. But this being not enough and never ensures heaves for Sa'd, since the school of I'tizal which he has founded under the motto: "I am neither with you nor against you", is not recognized by Islam at all, as Islam says: Nothing is there after truth except deviation . And since the Book of Allah and His Messenger's Sunnah have manifested the dimensions of the sedition and forecasted it, identifying its limits, so that he who perished (on that day) might perish by a clear proof (of His Sovereignty), and he who survived by a clear proof.
Everything was mansifested by the Prophet (S) through his saying in regard of 'Ali: "O God, love whoever loves him, and be the enemy of his enemy, helip whoever, helps him, disappoint whoever disappoints him, and keep the haqq (truth, righteousness) always with him.
Al-'Imam 'Ali has manisfested the reasons and factors that barried Sa'd from joining him, leading him to refuse swearing allegiance unto 'Ali,,when he said in the sermon of al-Shaqshaqiyyah) : One of them turned against me because of his hatred".
In exposing his phrase Muhammad 'Abdah says: 'All (Karrama Allah Wajhah), from the side of his uncles, since his (Sa'd's) mother is Hamrah bint Sufyan ibn Umayyad ibn 'Abd Shams, whose valiants were killed by 'Ali as widely known.185
The concealed grudge and jealousy have blinded Sa'd's insight, making him unable to ascribe a merit to 'Ali that he ascribes to his opposnents. It is reported from him, that when 'Uthman assigned him the governorship of kufah, has addressed its people saying: "Obey the best of people, Amir al-Mu'minin 'Uthman".
____________
185. Sharh Nahj al-Balaghah, by Muhammad 'Abduh, vol. i, p.88.
( 197 )

Sa'd used to be faithful follower of Uthman during his lifetime and even after his death. This clarifies his accusing 'Ali of taking part in slaying 'Uthman; when he sent a letter to 'Amr ibn al-As; saying: Uthman was killed by a sword unsheathed by 'A'ishah; and poisoned by Ibn Abi talib '' .
It is a false accusation, proved to be untrue by history, as no better adviser and consolatory was there for 'Uthman other than Ali, should he have an obeyed opinion.
The conclusion we get from Sa'd's diappointing stances is his being exactly as described by al-Imam 'Ali, that he was a man of grudge that despite of his awareness of 'Ali 's right, but his hatred and grudge used to be a barrier between him and truth. So he was perplexed between a remorsing conscience awakening in him flame of faith, and a mean soul dismayed by the pre-Islamic habits, adhering then to its grudfe. Thus Sa'd's soul, enjoining unto evil, has overpowered his con science, knocking him down and preventing him from supporting the truth.
The evidence for this can be found through his enbarrassing attitudes reported by the historians. Ibn kathiehas reported in his Ta'rikh, saying:
Once upen a time Sa'd ibn Abi waqqas has entered upon Mu'awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, who said to him; why don't you fight Ali ?

Sa'd replied: A dark wind passed away, whereat I have recognized the way and proceeded.
Mu'awiyah said: The Book of Allah never contains Ah, Ah, but the Almighty Allah has said:
''And if two parties of believers fall to fighting, then make peace netween them . And if one party of them doeth wrong to the other, fight ye that which doettn wrong till it return unto ordinance of Allsh'',(49;9),by God you have never been with the trespassing one against the just, nor with the just agaimst the trespassing one.


( 198 )

Said Sa'd: I would never fight a man addressed by the Messenger of Allah thus; ''Your position in relation to me is as that Aron had in relation to Moses, but no prophet is there after me''.
Mu'awiayah said; Who else has heard this?
He replied; fulan (mentioning some names) and Umm Salamah. Then Mu'awiyah stood and went to Umm Salamah, who confirmed to him what Sa'd told him, wheerat Mu'awiyah said; Had I heard this before, I would have been a servant for Ali till his death or my death.186
Al-Mas'udi reports in his Ta'rikh a similar conversation between Mu'awiyah and sa'd, mentions that Mu'awiyah, after hhearing the hadith of position (manzilah), said to Sa'd; You have never been more spiteful than you are now, why haven't you supported him? Had I heard from the prophet (S) as that you heard in his ('Ali's) regard, I would have been a servant for 'Ali all my life.187
That which is reported by Sa'd to Mu'awiyah in regard of 'Ali's excellence (fadl), is only one from among hundreds of ahadith (traditions), concentrating upon the aiming at one goal, being that 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib is the sole persson truly representing the Islamic message after the Prophet (S), with no contestor. The case being so, all the upright believers have to be his servants as long as they live.
Mu'awiyah saying is but the truth deserving to be the pride for every believing man and woman. But Mu'awiyah has said this just out of division from Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas, for the sake of reviving himwith spitefulness, since he has refused to slander and curse 'Ali, not fulfilling his "(Mu'awiyah's) desire.
But Mu'awiyah knows well that 'Ali has many more virtues, and that he is the most rightful one after the Prophet (S), as expressed by Mu'awiyah in the letter he has sent to Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, that will be refered to later on.
____________
186. Ta'rikh Ibn Kathir, vol.vii, p.77.
187. Ta'rikh al-Mas'udi, known with the name Muruj al-dhahab, about the life of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqas.

( 199 )

When hearing this hadith from Sa'd that being testified by Umm Salamah, has Mu'awiyah abstained from reviling and cursing Amir al-Mu'minin?
No. he has exaggerated in his seduction, feeling proud in sinning, that he used to curse 'Ali and his household, urging people to so doing, till the young has grown up and the old became decrepit upon that habit, that lasted for eighty years, or more.
The Qur'an says:
"And whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord ) and (solemnly ) invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie. (3: 61)