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GLIMPSES OF THE LIVES OF THE RIGHTLY GUIDED
CALIPHS
The visitor of
Madina should carry with them some reminders from lives of the
rightly guided caliphs since they are the guiding light for us.
1 -
ABU BAKR SIDDIQUE (RU) (11H-13H)
2 -
OMAR FAROOQ (RU) (13H-23H)
3 -
OSMAN BIN AFFAN (RU) (24H-35H)
4 -
ALI (RU) (35H-40H)
1-
ABU BAKR SIDDIQUE
(RU)
(11H-13H)
Allah (SWT) says
in An-Nisa # 69ţ
" And who so obey Allah and the
Messenger, then they will be in the company of those on whom
Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophet, the siddiqun, the
martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions
are!"
According to
scholars a siddique is the one who accepts Islam right away
without any hesitation or reservation. Such was the case of Abu
Bakr (RU). That is why he is called siddique. Note that the
level of siddique is even higher than a martyr as indicated by
the above verse.
Disbelievers
tortured new Muslims every day. For example, disbelievers used
to lay Khabbab (RU) on burning flames and put stones on top of
him so that he can not move. As mentioned in Ibn Hisham, Abu
Bakr (RU) bought Bilal (RU), Amer bin Fohaira (RU) and Khabbab
bin Arath (RU) and freed them from slavery.
Similarly Zinnera (RUH),
Nahdia (RUH), Umm Abais (RUH) were lady slaves who embraced
Islam. Idolators tortured them in many ways. Abu Bakr (RU)
bought them all and freed them from slavery.
Abu Bakr (RU)
had very clear understanding of Quran.When Prophet Mohammed
(SAS) died, many Companions including Omar (RU) got confused.
Abu Bakr (RU) recited
Al Imran #144
"Muhammad (SAS) is no more than
a messenger, and indeed messengers have passed away before him.
If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels?
And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he
do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are
grateful."
It made the
situation very clear in the minds of all the Companions.
When Abu Bakr (RU) wanted to fight against those who refused
to pay Zakat, many Companions objected. They said,
“Do you wish
to kill those who pray, fast and perform Haj?” Abu Bakr (RU)
replied,
“Those who refuse to pay Zakat are out of the fold of
Islam.” Abu Bakr (RU) crushed such unislamic trends. It is a
reminder for us who are not careful in paying Zakat fully or
partially.
It is mentioned in Ibn Aseer that Abu Bakr (RU) asked, “What
new items I have accumulated since I have become a caliph?” He
was told about the following three items.
a- A camel which is
used to fetch water.
b- A slave who looks after the
children and also sharpens the swords of the Muslims.
c- One piece of
cloth worth less than a present Saudi riyal.
He ordered to
deliver these items to the next caliph after his death.
When Omar (RU)
received these items, he could not help crying and he was
continuously saying, “O Abu Bakr(RU), you have made the task of
your successor very difficult by your extraordinary example.
There is a reminder for those who hold public office and then
accumulate illegal foreign bank balances.
Abu Bakr (RU)
compiled the Quran in the form of a book, since many Huffaz
became martyrs in various battles.
Doors of the houses
of many Companions used to open into Masjid Nabawi. As mentioned
in Bukhari, Prophet (SAS) ordered that all these doors be closed
except the door of the house of Abu Bakr
(RU). This was the prediction that Abu Bakr (RU) will be first
caliph. The exact location of the house of Abu Bakr (RU) can
still be seen in Masjid Nabawi. If you walk westward from the
Minber, this house was near the fifth column from the Minber in
line with the present Bab Siddique.
When the Prophet (SAS)
could not lead salat due to his illness, he appointed Abu Bakr
(RU) to lead the salat in Masjid Nabawi.
Abu Bakr (RU)
was a very close friend of Prophet Mohammed (SAS) even before
the dawn of Islam. A man is known by the friends he keeps. He
embraced Islam the very first day. He had the honor to be with
the Prophet (SAS) during his migration from Makkah to Madina.
Al-Taubah#40
If you help him
(Muhammad (SAS)) not, for Allah did indeed help him when the
disbelevers drove him out, the second of the two; when they were
in the cave, he said to his companion: “Be not sad, surely Allah
is with us.” Then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and
strengthened him with forces which you saw not, and made the
word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, with the Word of
Allah that became the uppermost; and Allah is All-Mighty,
All-Wise.
Abu Bakr (RU)
appointed an advisory council for the selection of next caliph.
He (RU) did not want to repeat the situation created when the
Prophet (SAS) passed away.
An interesting
dialogue took place between him and members of his advisory
council for the selection of his successor.
Abu Bakr (RU) asked
Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RU),
“What do you think about Omar (RU) as my
successor?”
Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RU) said,
“No doubt he is the best person but he is extremely
strict and stringent.”
Abu Bakr (RU) said,
“He is like this since he finds me very soft. When he becomes a
caliph, he will automatically become soft.” Then Abu Bakr
(RU) asked Osman (RU), “What do you think about Omar (RU) as
next caliph?”
Osman (RU) said,
“All I know is that his inner self is better than even his outer
personality. In fact nobody among us is like him.”
He also consulted many other Muhajireen and Ansar.
As mentioned in Ibn
Aseer, Talha bin Abdullah (RU) learnt that Omar (RU) is being
seriously considered as next caliph. He went to Abu Bakr (RU)
and said,
“You know that Omar (RU) is very strict and stringent person. In
spite of this you intend to choose him your successor. How would
you answer Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment about your this
action?”
Abu Bakr (RU) said,
“I shall say to Allah (SWT), O Allah, I have appointed your most
obedient servant as caliph for the believers.”
At the death of Abu
Bakr (RU), Ali (RU) gave a farewell address at the doorstep of
Abu Bakr (RU).
Ali said,
“O Abu Bakr, Allah’s mercy be showered
upon you, Prophet (SAS) loved you. He trusted you with his
secrets. You were his advisor. You were the first to accept
Islam and you were the most sincere believer and most God
fearing person……..”
When Ali (RU)
finished his address, the people started crying bitterly at this
loss and said,
“O son-in-law of the Prophet (SAS). You
said the truth.”
2-
OMAR
FAROOQ (RU)
(13H-23H)
It is mentioned in
Ibn-e-Hisham that one lady servant of Omar’s tribe, Bani Adi
embraced Islam. Omar (RU), as a disbeliever, used to beat her
daily till he became dead tired. He would say to her,
“I am
quitting this beating not out of mercy on you. I am quitting it
since I am dead tired now.”
She was beaten like this daily till
Abu Bakr bought her and freed her.
Al-Jauzi has written in
his book, History of Omar bin Khatab, that one day Omar (RU) hid
himself behind the cover of Kabah. The Prophet (SAS) was
offering salat there and was reciting Surah Al-Haqqah. Omar (RU)
was stun with the eloquence of Quran and he said to himself,
“Mohammed (SAS) must be a great poet.”
The Prophet then recited.
Al-Haqqah # 41
It is not the word
of a poet: little is that you believe!
Then Omar
(RU) said to himself. It must be wording of a soothsayer (or a
foreteller). The Prophet (SAS) recited Al-Haqqah
# 42-52.
"Nor is it the word of a
soothsayer (or a foreteller): little is that you remember! This
is the Revelation sent down from the Lord of all universes. And
if he (Muhammad (SAS)) had forged a false saying concerning Us
(Allah (SWT)), We surely would have seized him by his right hand
(or with power and might), And then We certainly would have cut
off his life artery (aorta), And none of you could have withheld
Us from (punishing) him. And verily, this (Qur’an) is a Reminder
for the Pious. And verily, We know that there are some among you
that believe and indeed it (this Qur’an) will be an anguish for
the disbelievers. And verily, it (this Qur’an) is an absolute
truth with certainty. So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most
Great."
Omar (RU)
said,
“This recitation of Quran affected my
heart and made me believe that Islam is a true religion.”
However, he could not leave the religion of his forefathers and
hence continued opposing Islam violently. One day he came out of
his home with a naked sword to kill the Prophet (SAS). A friend
said to him,
“Do you know your sister and
brother-in-law have embraced Islam?”
This made Omar (RU) very furious. He rushed to the home of his
sister. He beat his brother-in-law and then his sister. Her face
started bleeding. She still recited loudly,
“I stand witness that there is no god
worth worship except Allah (SWT) and stand witness that Mohammed
(SAS) is His messenger.”
Omar (RU) got a bit humiliated to see blood flowing on her
face. He asked her to show him what she was reciting, She asked
him to take a bath to clean himself before touching the Holy
Scriptures. Omar recited.
Ta-Ha # 1-14.
" We have not sent
down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad (SAS)) to cause you
distress, But only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah). A
revelation from Him (Allah) Who has created the earth and high
heavens. The Most Gracious (Allah) rose over the Throne. To Him
belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth,
and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil.
And if you (O Muhammad (SAS)) speak aloud, then verily, He knows
the secret and that which is yet more hidden. None has the right
to be worshipped but He! To Him belong the Best Names and has
there come to you the story of Musa? When he saw a fire, he said
to his family: "Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can
bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at
the fire.” And when he came to it, he was called by name: “O
Musa! “Verily
I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred
valley, Tuwa. “And I have chosen you. So listen to that which
will be revealed (to you). “Verily! I am Allah! None has the
right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me, and perform
As-Salat for My Remembrance. "
Omar (RU) said,
“This is a fantastic and lovely book.
Please, guide me to the house of Prophet Mohammed (SAS).”
He went there and eagerly embraced Islam.
It is mentioned in
Bukhari and narrated by Abdullah bin Omar (RU), that the
idolater surrounded the house of Omar (RU) to kill him for
rejecting the religion of their forefathers. A friend of Omar
turned them away. Al-Jauzi mentioned in his book, one day Omar
(RU) said to the Prophet (SAS),
“Are we not on the truth even if we live
or die?” The Prophet said, “Indeed”. Omar (RU) said, “In that
case why should we pray and propagate Islam secretly? I swear
that Allah (SWT) has sent you as a true messenger. We will pray
and propagate Islam openly.”
Hamza (RU) had embraced Islam three days before Omar (RU) did.
Hence Muslims came out in two rows, one led by Hamza (RU) and
other by Omar (RU). Quraish were very angry to see Hamza (RU)
and Omar (RU) leading the Muslims. The Muslims started praying
openly and also propagated Islam openly. The Prophet (SAS)
called Omar (RU) Al Farooq that day. It is mentioned in Bukhari
and narrated by Ibn Masood (RU) that the Muslims became powerful
and respectful after Omar (RU) embraced Islam.
Omar (RU) had
extraordinary vision and far sightedness. Allah (SWT) loved his
suggestions and made it mandatory for all the coming generations
to follow his valuable suggestions. For example, as mentioned in
Bukhari and narrated by Anas (RU), one day Omar (RU) said to the
Prophet (SAS),
“O dear Prophet (SAS), all kind of people
visit you. Some are good and others are not good. I feel it
would be very appropriate if you order your wives to observe
hijab.” Consequently, Allah (SWT) revealed Al-Ahzab # 53
And when you ask
(his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a
screen: that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.
Another
instruction for observing hijab came for the rest of believers
in Al-Ahzab # 59
"O Prophet! Tell your
wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw
their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better,
that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is
Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
It is
mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim and narrated by Omar Farooq
(RU).
“Allah (SWT) agreed with me in three important matters.
Firstly, I suggested to the Prophet (SAS) that we should offer
salat near Maqam-e-Ibrahim Allah (SWT) revealed Al-Baqarah #
125
And take you
(people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer,
Secondly, as mentioned
above the verses about the hijab were revealed to the Prophet
(SAS).
Thirdly,
when some wives of the Prophet (SAS) became envious and somewhat
jealous of each other, Omar (RU) could not tolerate that since
he loved the Prophet (SAS) deeply. He warned them including his
own daughter Hafasa (RUH) to mend their ways otherwise
Allah (SWT) may replace them with better ones. A verse was
revealed to the Prophet (SAS) to this effect Al-Tahrim #
5
"It may be if he
divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you,
wives better than you - Muslims, believers, obedient (to Allah),
turning to Allah in repentance, worshipping Allah sincerely,
given to fasting previously married and virgins".
The thinking and
judgment of Omar (RU) was very sound. For example, at the end of
the Battle of the Badr seventy of the leaders of idolaters were
taken prisoners by Muslim. There were no instruction from Allah
(SWT) about the prisoners and the booty of war so far. As
mentioned in Tirmidhi and narrated by Ali (RU), the Prophet
(SAS) was asked to give two options to the believers. Firstly,
all prisoners should be put to sword to wipe out the strength of
mighty enemy. Alternately, the prisoners may be released if they
pay ransom.
The Prophet (SAS) asked
his Companions to express their choices. Omar (RU) and Saad bin
Maaz (RU) wished to follow the first option while others wished
to follow the second option.The Prophet (SAS) leaned towards
second option since he is full of mercy for the mankind. Hence
the second option was followed.A
warning came from Allah (SWT) for the Companions who requested
the Prophet (SAS) to follow the second option.
Al-Anfal # 67-68.
"It is not for a Prophet
that he should have prisoners of war until he had made a great
slaughter in the land. You desire the good of this world, but
Allah desires the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment
would have touched you for what you took. "
These two
matters pertaining to prisoners and booty were clarified
further. Allah (SWT) as a special favor to Ummah of Mohammed
(SAS), made booty and ransom halal (permissible) for them and
consoled the Companions for their previous mistake.
Al-anfal # 69
"So enjoy what you have
gotten of booty in war, lawful and good, and be afraid of Allah.
Certainly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "
The caliphate of Omar
(RU) was the golden age of Islam. Omar (RU) conquered mighty
empires of Persians and Rome. Syria, Palestine, Egypt and part
of Turkey were also conquered. Omar (RU) was a genius. His
administration, reforms and service to the people was marvelous.
He introduced Islamic calendar.
Fall of Jerusalem is
very interesting. Abu Obaidah (RU) and Khaled bin Walid laid
siege to the great city of Jerusalem. The people of city agreed
to make a peace treaty with Muslims provided that the Caliph
came in person to sign the treaty.
Omar (RU) appointed Ali
(RU) his deputy in Madina and started his journey to Jerusalem
on a camel in the company of his servant Salem. There was no
other security arrangements for the caliph. Omar (RU) and Salem
took turns to ride the camel while other partner walked on foot.
It happened to be the
turn of Salem to ride the camel when they entered city of
Jerusalem. Salem offered his turn to Omar (RU) but Omar (RU)
said,
“The honor of Islam is sufficient for us
all.”
Hence they entered the city when Caliph was walking on foot
holding the rope of the camel. Peace treaty was signed by Omar
(RU). People were given complete security of their lives and
property. They were permitted to follow their belief without
any fear.
Last but not the least,
Omar (RU) married daughter of Ali (RU), Umm Kalsoom (RUH), and
in this way was proud to be blood relative of Prophet Mohammed
(SAS).
Omar (RU) extended
Masjid Nabawi during 17H. The extension to the southern
direction (or towards Qibla) was about five meters. Hence he
used to lead salat half way between Mehrab Nabawi and Mehrab
Osmani. On 26 Dhul-Hajja 23H, a slave, attacked Omar (RU) when
he was leading Salat-ul-Fajr. This slave was disbeliever (fire
worshipper). Omer (RU) died with these injuries after a few
days.
Omar (RU) appointed an
advisory panel consisting of Osman bin Affan (RU) Ali bin Abu
Talib (RU),Zubair bin Awwam (RU), Talha bin Obaid-ullah (RU),
Abdur Rahman bin Auf, and Saad bin Abi Waqas (RU) to choose the
next Caliph.
Omar (RU) asked his son
Abdullah bin Omar (RU), to seek permission from Aisha (RUH) to
bury him with the Prophet (SAS) and Abu Bakr (RU). Aisha granted
the permission.
When Omar (RU) was
buried there, Aisha remained in full veil (or Hijab) in her hut
all the time till a wall was built between their graves and her
remaining tiny hut. It was because Omar (RU) was not a Mahram
for her.
There is an important
lesson for Muslim men and women who are careless in observing
guidance pertaining to Hijab.
NEAR DEATH
Hafsa (RUH), the
daughter of Omar (RU) came to her injured father crying bitterly
and making loud sorrowful remarks. Omar (RU) said to Hafsa
(RUH), ”
I do not have control over your eyes. Watch that if loud remarks
are made for a dying person, the angels hate such dead bodies.”
Similarly when Suhaib (RU) saw the terrible condition of the
wounds of Omar (RU), he started saying,”
O dear Omar, O dear Omar.” Omar (RU) said to him,”
O dear brother be patient. Don’t you know that if loud remarks
are made about a dying person, a punishment is inflicted on that
dying person.”
Abdullah (RU) was
listening to the will of his father while Omar’s (RU) head was
resting in Abdullah’s (RU) lap. Omar (RU) said, " Put down
my head on the ground.”
Abdullah (RU) said,” Dad, what
is the difference between my lap and the ground.” Omar (RU) said
again,” Put my head on the ground. In this way Allah (SWT) may
be more kind to me and shower His mercy on me.”
May Allah (SWT) make us
humble and God-fearing like Omar (RU).
3-
OSMAN
BIN AFFAN (RU)
(24H-35H)
Osman (RU) embraced
Islam in the very early days of Islam through the counseling of
Abu Bakr (RU). Osman (RU) married Roqayyah (RUH), the daughter
of the Prophet (SAS). When the torture of Quraish became
unbearable Osman (RU) and Ruqayyah (RUH) migrated to Abyssinia.
This was the first Muslim family, which migrated in the path of
Allah (SWT). Later they came back to Makkah on hearing that the
situation in Makkah was not very bad then. The disbelivers
increased torture. Hence both migrated to Madina. Roqayyah (RUH)
became very ill and died when the Prophet (SAS) was away for the
Battle of Badr. Osman (RU) married Umm Kulthum (RUH), the second
daughter of the Prophet (SAS). Consequently Osman (RU) was given
unique title of Dhun-Nurain or the man with two lights.
Some Muslim tribes of Madina had great difficulty in finding
water for the daily use. Osman (RU) bought a well, called Bir
Rumah, from a Jew for free use of Muslims. This was the first
non-profit Islamic Trust in Islam. The Prophet (SAS) gave Osman
(RU) the glad tiding of Paradise for this noble act. The Prophet
(SAS) wished to extend the Prophet’s mosque during 7H.Osman (RU)
purchased the land for this extension. He also donated very
generously at various expeditions. For example, he donated one
thousand camels, fifty thousand horses and one thousand Dinars
for the battle of Tabuk.
Osman (RU) was chosen
as caliph unanimously from the advisory council appointed by
Omar (RU).
Osman (RU) made more
conquests and Islamic State extended from Afghanistan to Morocco
in Africa. It became somewhat difficult to control the far-flung
territories. Due to enormous expansion of Islamic state various
groups were reciting Quran in different ways. It caused some
problems between the people of different lands. Osman (RU)
ordered to distribute copies of Quran compiled at the time of
Abu Bakr (RU) and destroyed all others.
Osman (RU) was
appointed by the Prophet (SAS) to write and record the
revelations of the Quran. He knew the Quran by heart and had
excellent understanding of it.
Osman (RU) further
extended the Prophet’s Mosque during 29H. The mosque was
finished with very decorative stones and Osman (RU) personally
supervised the construction activities. It is interesting to
note that the southern wall of the mosque is still in the same
place where it was at the time of Osman (RU). The present Imam
leads the salat from the same spot where Osman (RU) used to be
as Imam.
Osman (RU) made
outstanding contribution to Islam in many ways.
Unfortunately he became
victim of the conspiracies of Ibn Saba, a Jewish hypocrite. Some
disgruntled Muslims cooperated with them. They killed Osman (RU)
when he was reciting Quran in his house. This house of Osman
(RU) was just outside present Bab Baqee. Osman (RU) was 82 years
old at the time of his martyrdom. He did not fight his opponent
since it would cause bloodshed among Muslims. He chose to rather
sacrifice his own life for God’s sake. The martyrdom of Osman
(RU) was predicted by the Prophet (SAS). One time the Prophet
(SAS) went to mountain Uhud with his Companions Abu Bakr (RU),
Omar (RU) and Osman (RU). The mountain started trembling. The
Prophet (SAS) tapped the mountain with his foot and said,
“Stop trembling, since there is a Prophet,
a siddique and two martyrs standing on you.”
Uhud stopped trembling immediately.
May Allah (SWT) save us
from the mischief of hypocrites and give us ability to see the
difference between the right and wrong.
It is very important to
note that Ali (RU) was one of the closest advisors of Osman (RU)
during this crisis. They had mutually full trust and confidence
in each other. Ali (RU) gave very valuable suggestions to Osman
(RU) when opponents had laid siege to Osman’s (RU) house. Ali
(RU) appointed his sons Hassan (RU) and Hussain (RU) security
guards on the entrance of Osman’s (RU) house. They performed
this duty for one month. Culprits, however, jumped over the back
wall of the house to commit the heinous crime. It should not be
forgotten that during the meeting of the advisory council
appointed by Omar (RU), Osman (RU) suggested that Ali (RU)
should be the next caliph. Similarly Ali (RU) suggested that
Osman (RU) should be the next caliph. This clearly shows how
much regard they had for each other.
Last but not the least,
we note that Omar (RU) married, Umm Kulsoom, the daughter of Ali
(RU). Omar (RU) proudly said that in that way he became directly
blood relative of Prophet Mohammed (SAS).
These facts show that
there were never any differences between Abu Bakr (RU), Omar
(RU), Osman (RU) and Ali (RU). Unfortunately, some people have
fabricated and magnified some statements under the influence of
hypocrites. May Allah (SWT) guide us to the right path.
4-
ALI (RU)
(35H-40H)
Ali (RU) was brought up
by Prophet Mohammed (SAS). Hence Ali (RU) learnt, cherished and
practiced all the qualities in the extraordinary character of
the Prophet (SAS). The first instruction to the Prophet (SAS)
for propagation of Islam was
Ash Shuora # 214
"And warn your tribe of
near kindred."
Hence the Prophet (SAS)
invited his relatives to a dinner and introduced them with
Islam. No body paid any attention to him except Ali (RU). Ali
boldly
announced,
“Although my eyes are sore, my legs are
thin and I am the youngest of all those present here, I will
stand beside you, O Messenger of God.” The leaders of
Quraish laughed loudly at his remark.
Hence Ali (RU) accepted
Islam when he was a child. He never prostrated himself to any
idol in his life. That is why we say with his name
ßŃă Çááĺ ćĚĺĺ
Allah (SWT) honoured his face.
Ali married Fatima
(RU), the most beloved daughter of the Prophet (SAS). They had
three sons Hassan, Hussain and Mohsin (who died in infancy) They
also had two daughters Zainab and Umm Kulthum.
Although Quraish of
Makkah were after the life of the Prophet (SAS) but they knew
that he was the most trustworthy and honest person. Hence even
his worst enemies used to put their precious items in the
custody of the Prophet (SAS). Ali (RU) was more mature and wise
than his age. The Prophet (SAS) valued his qualities. When the
Prophet (SAS) migrated to Madina, he asked Ali (RU) to lie down
on his bed and distribute the various items of trust to their
owners.
Ali (RU) took part in
all the battles and showed exceptional bravery. Here are a few
examples of Ali’s (RU) bravery. In the beginning of the Battle
of Badr Walid bin Utba challenged the Muslims. Ali (RU) killed
him in no time and raised the morale of the Muslims.
Similarly in the battle
Ahzab (trench) a disbeliever Abd Al-Wudd crossed the trench with
his horse and challenged the Muslims. Among all the Muslims Ali
(RU) came forward to face him. Al-Wudd said to Ali (RU),
“I hate to kill a young man like you. Send somebody most
outstanding amongst you since Al-Wudd was a famous Arabian
warrior.”
Ali (RU) insisted to face him. In this case, Ali (RU) again cut
his opponent into pieces. The Prophet (SAS) was very pleased.
Due to exceptional bravery, Ali (RU) was popularly known as
Asadullah or the Lion of Allah (SWT).
Muslims could not conquer one Jewish fortress in spite of their
repeated efforts during the Battle of Khaiber. The Prophet (SAS)
said to his Companions,
“I shall give tomorrow the Islamic flag to
such a person who loves Allah and His Prophet (SAS) and whom
Allah and His Prophet (SAS) love.”
Everybody was anxious to receive this honor. To their surprise,
the Prophet (SAS) chose Ali (RU) who happened to be sick at that
time and his eyes were very sore. The Prophet (SAS) put his
saliva on his hands and touched Ali’s (RU) eyes with his hands.
Ali (RU) was fully cured. Ali (RU) had the honor to conquer this
fortress of Qumus in Khaiber.
Abu Bakr (RU) was
appointed leader of the pilgrims in 9H. A new revelation came to
the Prophet (SAS) after Abu Bakr (RU) left for Makkah. The
Prophet (SAS) sent Ali (RU) to publicly announce the new
instructions pertaining to the relationship between the
believers and disbelievers. He also announced that no naked
person would be allowed to perform Hajj in future. The Prophet
(SAS) chose Ali (RU) for such important announcements.
Ali (RU) became Caliph
on the 21 Dhulhija in the year 35H. Most of the Mulims and even
Ibn Saba group gave him the pledge. A few prominent Muslims
declined due to political reasons. Ali (RU) got encircled by
many problems from all directions. For example, he asked the
followers of Ibn Saba to leave Madina on the third day of his
office. They refused and they wanted to create mischief and
confusion as and when possible during their stay in Madina.
He felt that it was
necessary to have a stable government and attain strength for
solving the problems. His opponents believed that the assassins
of Osman (RU) should be tried and punished before any other
action on part of the Caliph. The gap between two thinkings
widened as time went on while the assassins had gone underground
or had escaped. Instant hunting for these culprits was not easy.
Another dangerous group surfaced. They were called Khawariji.
They tried to fight Ali (RU) but suffered defeat. They went
underground and planned to kill Ali (RU), Muawayah (RU) Amr bin
As (RU) as they came out for Salat-ul-Fajr.
The three khawarijis
struck their respective targets on 17th Ramadan in the year 40H.
Muawayah (RU) received injuries and he escaped. Amr bin As (RU)
did not come for Salat-ul-Fajr. Ali (RU) was fatally wounded by
Ibn Muljam. Ali (RU) passed away on the 20th Ramadan in the year
40 H. Ali (RU) was sixty three years old and was caliph for four
years and nine months.
Ali (RU) had to face
some unforeseen circumstances and hurdles. The difficulties were
enormous and very complicated in nature. Ali (RU) showed
examplary character and courage and did his very best to unite
the Muslims. The civil war, the Kharijite movement and followers
of ibn Saba shattered the unity of the Muslims.
In
these circumstances Ali’s (RU) sincerity, courage and
determination was tremendous. The capacity of Ali (RU) to cope
with odd circumstances was enormous indeed.
Poet Iqbal said:
The present issues of
religion and homeland are bigger than that of Khaiber. Is there
any very brave person like Ali (RU) these days.
May Allah (SWT) save
the Muslims from the anti-Islamic elements and keep the Muslims
on His Straight Path.
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