{"id":10712,"date":"2021-02-14T08:02:11","date_gmt":"2021-02-14T08:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shiastudies.com\/en\/?p=10712"},"modified":"2021-02-14T08:02:11","modified_gmt":"2021-02-14T08:02:11","slug":"shia-islam9-major-challenges-imam-%ca%bfalis-reign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiastudies.com\/en\/10712\/shia-islam9-major-challenges-imam-%ca%bfalis-reign\/","title":{"rendered":"Shia Islam(9): Major challenges during Imam \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s reign"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Ayatull\u0101h Ja\u02bffar Sub\u1e25\u0101n\u012b<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter 9: Major challenges during Imam \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s reign<\/h1>\n

Even though \u02bfAl\u012b was chosen as Caliph in a massive gathering in the Prophet\u2019s Mosque, this added nothing to his status, since he had already been appointed to this position by God. However, it remains true that without a popular consensus even a divinely appointed Caliph could not be influential in society.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, after \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s election, whispers of dissent could be heard from many quarters. These came mostly from those who stood to lose materially from \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s accession, whether by being removed from their current posts or, due to not being qualified in terms of faith and moral virtue, saw opportunities being closed to them. During his caliphate, the Imam confronted three groups of opponents, all of whom he overpowered and suppressed. However, in the end, he was assassinated and became a martyr.<\/p>\n

In a famous sermon, known as the sermon of\u00a0al-Shaqshaqiyya<\/em>, \u02bfAl\u012b refers to these groups: \u2018When I took up the reins of government one party broke away and another turned disobedient while the rest began acting wrongfully as if they had not heard the word of Allah saying:\u00a0This is the abode of the Hereafter which We shall grant to those who do not desire to domineer in the earth nor to cause corruption, and the outcome will be in favor of the Godwary<\/em>\u00a0(Q28:83). Yes, by Allah, they had heard it and understood it but the world appeared glittering in their eyes and its embellishments seduced them\u2019 (Nahj al-Bal\u0101gha<\/em>, Sermon 3).<\/p>\n

In the above passage, the Imam describes these three groups. In what follows we refer to their story.<\/p>\n

Those who \u2018broke away\u2019<\/h2>\n

Those who \u2018broke away\u2019 (n\u0101kith\u012bn<\/em>) are \u1e6cal\u1e25a, Zubayr, and their followers, who after publicly making the pledge of allegiance because they feared that this pledge would go against them, broke their pledge and claimed that it had not been given in earnest. the Imam said in response to such a claim: \u2018He claims that he swore allegiance to me with his hand but did not swear with his heart. So he does admit pledging allegiance! As regards his claiming it otherwise then with his heart he should come forward with a clear argument for it. Otherwise, he should return to wherefrom he has gone out.\u2019 (Nahj al-Bal\u0101gha<\/em>, Sermon 8).<\/p>\n

On one occasion they claimed; \u2018We are prepared to swear allegiance to you on condition that we have a share with you in this matter,\u2019 but the Imam rejected their claim saying, \u2018No, but you will have a share in strengthening it and in affording assistance, and you will both be helping me at the time of need and hardship.\u2019 (Nahj al-Bal\u0101gha<\/em>, Aphorism 198).<\/p>\n

In reality, they had assumed that the Imam would appoint Zubayr to govern Iraq and \u1e6cal\u1e25a to govern Yemen. But what he did instead, with regards to distributing the public wealth (Bayt al-mal<\/em>) and appointing people other than them, added to their opposition and antagonism. Accordingly, they left Medina in secret and went to Mecca. Then, in a public meeting in Quraysh, Zubayr stated: \u2018Is this what we deserve? We revolted against \u02bfUthm\u0101n and paved the way for his ruin, while \u02bfAl\u012b was sitting at home and doing nothing; but now that he is in the position of power and the Caliph, he gives all the executive and administrative jobs to others!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr did not enjoy sufficient popularity to gather a large group of people to revolt against \u02bfAl\u012b, the chosen Caliph of the Muslims. Therefore, inevitably they attempted to use \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha\u2019s popularity and reputation to build up an army.<\/p>\n

On her return from Mecca to Medina, \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha stopped at Sarf, a stopping place and met a man called Ibn Umm Kall\u0101b. She asked him about the state of affairs in Medina. He said, \u2018The Caliph\u2019s house was besieged for eighty-two days, then he was killed and people took oaths of allegiance to \u02bfAl\u012b.\u2019<\/p>\n

Upon hearing this, she became so anxious and disturbed that she exclaimed: \u2018May the sky falls down on me!\u2019 then immediately turned back to Mecca.<\/p>\n

\u02bf\u0100\u02beisha was among those who were constantly critical of \u02bfUthm\u0101n; she called him Na\u02bfthal (Na\u2018thal was a long-bearded Jew who resembled Uthman) and used to say: \u2018Kill that Na\u2018thal\u2019 (Am\u012bn\u012b, 9\/81). But when she learned that Imam \u02bfAl\u012b had been elected Caliph, she changed her mind and said: \u2018I swear to God that \u02bfUthm\u0101n was killed unjustly and I will avenge him.\u2019 At this moment, the one who gave her news of \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s election questioned her: \u2018You were the first person to call \u02bfUthm\u0101n a disbeliever! What has become of you now that you have changed your opinion?\u2019 She hastily replied: \u2018The murderers of \u02bfUthm\u0101n made him repent and then killed him. Previously, all the people used to talk about \u02bfUthm\u0101n, just as I did, but my recent comment is better than the previous ones.\u2019<\/p>\n

Right in front of the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha came out of her litter and went toward the Stone of Ism\u0101\u02bf\u012bl and draped a veil over it. People gathered around and \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha addressed them: \u2018People! The murder of \u02bfUthm\u0101n was unfair and I will avenge him\u2019 (\u1e6cabar\u012b, 3\/172).<\/p>\n

No doubt the mustering of an army from Mecca to fight against \u02bfAl\u012b or to take Basra so as to prevent any help from its governor to the Caliph required substantial funding, which was provided by the former governors of \u02bfUthm\u0101n. At last, after a series of secret communications with \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha via \u02bfAbd All\u0101h the son of Zubayr, \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha, together with \u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr, departed for Basra. At the time of their departure from Mecca, they proclaimed:<\/p>\n

\u2018Behold! The Mother of the Believers, \u1e6cal\u1e25a, and Zubayr are setting off for Basra. Anyone who desires to support Islam, to fight against permit the blood of Muslims to be shed and to revenge the murder of \u02bfUthm\u0101n, come with us and you need not be worried as to the financial requirements of this journey\u2019 (\u1e6cabar\u012b 3\/167).<\/p>\n

The army of \u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr, accompanied with \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha, quickly left Mecca for Iraq. On their way, people were bewildered by \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha\u2019s presence in the army. They criticized \u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr, and probably her as well. Now we refer to one instance of such criticisms.<\/p>\n

When the army stopped at a place which was the territory of Ban\u016b Sa\u02bfd tribe, a man of the tribe addressed \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha: \u2018O, Mother of the Believers! The Killing of \u02bfUthm\u0101n was easier and more endurable for us than your leaving the house and sitting on this cursed camel. Are you not aware that you have been granted the veil of sanctity and respect by God?\u2019 (This alludes to the verse directed to the Prophet\u2019s wives: \u2018Stay in your houses and do not display your finery with the display of the former ignorance.\u2019 (Q33:33))<\/p>\n

A young man from the same tribe addressed \u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr and said: \u2018Zubayr, you were the Prophet\u2019s disciple, and you \u1e6cal\u1e25a, who protected the Prophet from dangers, I can see your mother (meaning \u02bf\u0100\u02beisha) is with you. Have you brought your wives with you as well?\u2019 They retorted: \u2018no. \u2019 Then he continued, \u2018At this moment, I will leave your camp.\u2019 Then he composed some verses: \u2018You have left your wives at your houses, but brought your mother \/ This is among the most unfair deeds\u2019 (\u1e6cabar\u012b 3\/482 and\u00a0al-Kamil<\/em>\u00a03\/213-14).<\/p>\n

Ultimately they pitched their tents at Basra and besieged the city. After a series of negotiations and conversations, they decided to attack by night and capture the mosque and the governor\u2019s office. This resulted in them killing the guards stationed at the mosque and the office. At first, they had in mind to kill \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s governor, \u02bfUthm\u0101n b. Han\u012bf but they sufficed with torturing him, fearing his brother, Sahl b. Han\u012bf, who lived in Medina. Afterward, when they broke into the treasury and were surprised by the huge wealth of the city. Zubayr recited the following verse: \u2018All\u0101h has promised you abundant spoils which you will capture. He has expedited this one for you\u2026\u2019 (Q48:20)<\/p>\n

Having been informed of the coup, \u02bfAl\u012b dispatched Mu\u1e25ammad b. Ab\u016b Bakr, Imam \u1e24asan, and \u02bfAmm\u0101r to Kufa, and set off for Basra with a well-equipped force. Before the battle began, Imam \u02bfAl\u012b gave them an ultimatum to the rebels. He told his men: \u2018Do not hasten to fight before the ultimatum is delivered.\u2019 Then he gave a copy of the Qur\u2019an to Ibn \u02bfAbb\u0101s and instructed him: \u2018With this Qur\u2019an in your hands, go to the leaders of the oath-breakers and invite them to the reference to the Qur\u2019an. Moreover, ask \u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr: \u201cHave you not taken an oath of loyalty to me? Why did you break it? May the Qur\u2019an be our judge.\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n

However, the Imam\u2019s message fell on deaf ears and it had no effect on those blinded by greed and power. At last, a bloody battle began. It culminated in \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s victory and the deaths of both \u1e6cal\u1e25a and Zubayr, the decimation of their army, and needless slaughter of 14,000 people as the result of their ambition and lust for power (al-Jam\u0101l<\/em>, 223).<\/p>\n

After the battle, the Imam decided it was best to make his capital in Kufa since he enjoyed strong support in the city.<\/p>\n

\u2018The wrongdoers\u2019<\/h2>\n

After establishing the caliphate in Kufa, and appointing new and effective governors while removing the corrupt ones, everywhere people were speaking about \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s Caliphate except in one region: Syria. Syria was still under the influence and dominance of Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya, who had made his oath of allegiance to the Imam conditional on being given those responsible for \u02bfUthm\u0101n\u2019s murder.<\/p>\n

Clearly, this was a mere pretext for refusing to pledge allegiance so that, in the long run, Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya would become the ruler of Syria, just as had happened during the reign of the previous two caliphs. However, his scheming stood in opposition to \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s virtue, and thus Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya had to be dealt with head-on.<\/p>\n

In the end, the Imam set off for \u1e62iff\u012bn to confront Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya\u2019s forces. When he reached the battleground, he saw that Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya had blocked access to the Euphrates in order to deprive \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s army of water. the Imam was worried about the thirst and dehydration of his soldiers. He delivered a short sermon then, in a sudden attack broke Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya\u2019s lines and took the control of the water source. However, he did not repeat what Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya had done and allowed everyone access.<\/p>\n

When the battle eventually began in earnest, the two sides engaged in some heavy fighting, but \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s soldiers were mainly the winners. In this situation, \u02bfAmr b. al-\u02bf\u0100s, the keenest and most intelligent of Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya\u2019s subordinates, devised a plan in order to arouse dissension among the Imam\u2019s army. On the dawn of Tuesday 13th<\/sup>\u00a0of the month Rab\u012b\u02bf al-Awwal, the Syrian army, under the command of Amr b. al-\u02bf\u0100s lifted Qur\u2019ans aloft on their spears, and even the huge Qur\u2019an of Damascus was raised aloft by two soldiers on two spears. Then, all of them began to cry out unanimously that God alone will be the judge between the two armies.<\/p>\n

The moving scene of the Qur\u2019ans on the spear-heads, accompanied by the obliging moans and groans of the Sham\u2019s soldiers greatly affected \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s army. As a result, the fighting men, who mere hours ago were on the verge of victory, acted as if they were under a spell, while only a few like M\u0101lik al-\u02bf\u0100shtar continued fighting. As a result of this ploy, \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s soldiers became averse to fighting, a fact which compelled him to reluctantly yield to their demands for peace negotiations. Accordingly, it was decided that two individuals, each from one side of the battle, go in a place far from the battleground and decide over the confrontation of \u02bfAl\u012b and Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya; however, regrettably, Ab\u016b M\u016bs\u0101 al-Ash\u02bfar\u012b, the representative \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s soldiers imposed on him, was deceived by Amr b. al-\u02bf\u0100s, who had persuaded him that each of them should remove their the Imam and then a new one would be elected by the vote of the Muslims. But, in practice, first, Ab\u016b M\u016bs\u0101 removed \u02bfAl\u012b, then, Amr b. al-\u02bf\u0100s, standing atop of the pulpit, announced: \u2018Just as Ab\u016b M\u016bs\u0101 removed \u02bfAl\u012b, I appoint Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya as the Caliph, just as I wear this ring.\u2019<\/p>\n

The Imam had not consented to this arbitration and was determined to continue the battle, yet the majority of the army was insisting on accepting the peace offer. At last, the Imam unwillingly accepted Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya\u2019s peace offer. It was now that those very same people who had been so insistent on accepting the peace proposal, thereafter, became the most obstinate opponents of \u02bfAl\u012b. This group is known as the Khaw\u0101rij<\/em>, with whom \u02bfAl\u012b later engaged in serious battles.<\/p>\n

When the Imam was informed of the results of Ab\u016b M\u016bs\u0101\u2019s and Amr b. al-\u02bf\u0100s\u2019 arbitration, he became furious and said: \u2018Their judgment is unjust; it was supposed that they decide based on the Qur\u2019an and the Prophet\u2019s tradition.\u2019<\/p>\n

The \u2018disobedient\u2019<\/h2>\n

The \u2018disobedient\u2019 (m\u0101riq\u012bn<\/em>) refers to those who, in the Battle of \u1e62iff\u012bn, forced Imam \u02bfAl\u012b to accept Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya\u2019s offer of peace negotiations but, after a short while, changed their minds and demanded that \u02bfAl\u012b break the peace. However, \u02bfAl\u012b would not go back on his agreement without adequate reasons. Around Kufa, this group had already begun to cause trouble and attempt robbery. When he was making his preparations to go to \u1e62iff\u012bn, Imam \u02bfAl\u012b heard about their activities and some advised \u02bfAl\u012b to do away with this group before going to war against Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath, after sending a series of messages to the\u00a0Khaw\u0101rij<\/em>, the Imam personally went to them and delivered a sermon saying: \u2018You were the ones who obliged me to accept that arbitration. And now you are the ones who reject the same arbitration!\u2019<\/p>\n

Finally, a battle between them and \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s army took place. \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s forces surrounded and attacked them. All but nine of the\u00a0Khaw\u0101rij<\/em>\u00a0were killed; two of whom escaped to Khorasan, two to Oman, two to Yemen, two to the Jaz\u012bra of Iraq, and one to Tell Mozan in Syria. It is through these figures that the\u00a0Khaw\u0101rij<\/em>\u00a0would continue\u2019 (Kashf al-Ghamma<\/em>, 1\/267\u201370).<\/p>\n

The Companions of the Imam thought that\u00a0Khaw\u0101rij<\/em>\u00a0had been utterly defeated, but Imam \u02bfAl\u012b told them: \u2018By All\u0101h! No, not yet. They still exist in the loins of men and wombs of women. Whenever a chief would appear from among them, he would be cut down till the last of them would turn thieves and robbers.\u2019 (Nahj al-Bal\u0101gha<\/em>, Sermon 60)<\/p>\n

These three events, each of which requires a book to be fully explained, mostly occupied the Imam, who was supposed to occupy the position of Caliph in order that his knowledge and teachings could be heard, instead of becoming embroiled in civil wars and the suppression of rebel factions.<\/p>\n

The Events after the Battle of Nahraw\u0101n<\/h2>\n

After the three battles of the Camel, \u1e62iff\u012bn, and Nahraw\u0101n, the Imam\u2019s army did not respond to his calls to fight against Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya. The more he called them to fight, the less interest they showed. This is best illustrated by the occasion on which the Imam addressed them as follows:<\/p>\n

Which is the house beside this one to protect? And with which leader would you go fighting after me? By All\u0101h! Deceived is one whom you have deceived while, by All\u0101h! He who is successful with you receives only useless arrows! You are like broken arrows thrown over the enemy. (Nahj al-Bal\u0101gha<\/em>, Sermon 29;\u00a0Al-Gh\u0101r\u0101t al-Thaqaf\u012b<\/em>\u00a02\/416; \u1e6cabar\u012b,\u00a0T\u0101r\u012bkh<\/em>, 4\/104; Ibn Ab\u012b al-\u1e24ad\u012bd,\u00a0Shar\u1e25<\/em>, 2\/111-125)<\/p>\n

The indifference of \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s army opened the way for Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya\u2019s new plot, which was to cause insecurity, chaos, and the slaughter of the innocent people within \u02bfAl\u012b\u2019s domain, especially in Iraq and Yemen. Now we refer to some instances of these attempts:<\/p>\n

Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya dispatched \u1e0ca\u1e25\u1e25\u0101k b. Qays al-Fihri with 4000 soldiers to Kufa, raiding those tribes who were loyal and obedient to the Imam. They moved with such speed that if they entered a city in the morning they would be gone by afternoon. When \u1e0ca\u1e25\u1e25\u0101k arrived at the village of Tha\u02bflabiyya, which was located on the route of the \u1e24ajj pilgrims coming from Iraq, he looted whatever they had and killed \u02bfAmr b. Umays, the nephew of \u02bfAbd All\u0101h b. Mas\u02bf\u016bd.<\/p>\n

He sent Basr b. Ar\u1e6d\u0101h with 3000 soldiers towards Hijaz. He entered Medina, where he burned many houses to the ground and looted civilian properties on his way to Mecca. Then he went to Ta\u2019if, where he killed a dozen of people for no reason. After Ta\u2018if, he set off toward Yemen. There, he learned that the two children of \u02bfUbayd All\u0101h b. \u02bfAbb\u0101s, the Imam\u2019s governor in Sana\u2019a, were in that land with their mother; so Basr, with extraordinary brutality, murdered the two children. This was but one instance of Basr\u2019s wickedness and savagery, a full account of what he did demands a complete book.<\/p>\n

Finally, the Imam made resolved to confront Mu\u02bf\u0101wiya militarily, despite his shortage of manpower. In his last days of life, he said: \u2018Servants of God!\u00a0Jih\u0101d<\/em>\u00a0is your obligation. Today, I will make camp and prepare; anyone who wants to accompany me should make ready to depart.\u2019<\/p>\n

The words of the Imam were so inspiring that they roused the Iraqis and almost 40,000 of them gathered to join him for a second campaign to \u1e62iff\u012bn. Imam \u02bfAl\u012b gave his son, \u1e24usayn, Qays b. Sa\u02bfd, and Ab\u016b Ayy\u016bb al-An\u1e63\u0101r\u012b a banner each, and ordered them to be the commander in chief of groups each consisting of 10,000 soldiers. He gave some other banners to other individuals and appointed them as leaders of other groups. Alas, only a few days later, the Imam is martyred by the blade of \u02bfAbd al-Ra\u1e25m\u0101n b. Muljam. This was the Imam who came into this world in the House of God (the Ka\u2019ba) and died in the house of God (the mosque). As the Brilliant poet says: \u2018No one is so blessed as \u02bfAl\u012b \/ In Ka\u02bfba to be born, in the mosque to be martyred.\u2019<\/p>\n

Shia Islam (8): Why did Imam \u02bfAl\u012b remain silent for 25 years?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n