The Martyr Guest of Paradise (1/3)

The opposition went on its way, pressing upon the necessity of changing and shifting to what it thought to be much better and more fitting, using the continuous dialogue with the caliph, which was ranging from the state of smoothness to that of roughness. But, it neither spoilt faith, nor did it corrupt the companionship.

On the other hand, the conspiracy went on its way, with the intention to undermine both religion and state, implying all desires, and making use of all opportunities and forces which were opposing to the caliph, taking both falsehood and plotting as means to that.

Although Uthman, the caliph "Allah be pleased with him" attained the age of eighty, his good qualities remained newly fresh and increasingly strong, leading him on his way of persuasion and principles. He disliked bloodshed and violence. So, he went on attempting many times to put an end to the conspiracies, gently at а time, and fiercely, at another time. But neither gentleness nor scolding were beneficial.

Here, а duty, which seemed to the caliph to be the most sacred, concerned him, i.e. to keep completely on the majesty of both the state and its authority. When we go through the news of those last days of the caliph, we could easily notice the voice of his thoughts while studying the case on the light of the following question: For whom would the authority be? Would it be for the state (as an organization) or for the chaos?

As а matter of fact, when а certain state is faced by а destructive affliction, and а rebellion of renegades, aiming at ruining its entity, and obliterating its values, then, its holding fast to its majesty and authority would become the first duty and the most sacred responsibility it has to undertake. The caliph perceived this reality with his truthful insight, and undertook his responsibility so much firmly and determinedly.

Although the news of Abdullah Ibn SаЬа and his movements, as well as those who were preparing for an armed affliction in Egypt, Kufah and Basra reached him. Those rebels had their way of harassment uncover their evil intentions and suspicious objectives, which were much more far-reaching than they apparently claimed, the caliph kept adhering to his principles, qualities and merits.

There was no aspect of such adherence, more wonderful, brilliant and glorious than his absolute rejection of using force for halting the affliction. If it is necessary for anyone to be killed in this dispute, then, let it be him, but not anyone of the other Muslims.

This is а brilliant; image of which, most persons who study the history of this great caliph do not think. It seemed as if it is an image of another glorious Christ, who saw the rebels besieging his home, raising their swords, and he had many opportunities to fight them, and even defeat them, but, he refused all of them, saying his eternal word: "I do not like to (die and) meet Allah, bearing even а single drop of blood of а Muslim."

Then, he had the opportunity of getting out of the besieged home and saving himself from the expecting killers, but he rejected it, announcing that he had an appointment in Paradise with the Messenger of Allah "Allah's blessing and peace be upon him" and his two Companions, and that he was getting himself ready for this time.

Indeed, whoever wants to see the interior personality of Uthman Ibn Affan with its reality and greatness, it would be sufficient for him to consider only this situation. But, why would we be in а hurry, and pass quickly over the events? Let's be back abit.

We mention that а group of rebels had left Egypt for Medina, to which two delegates from both Kufah and Basra had gone. They offered to the caliph their demands. There were а violent dialogue between them, which came to end through the good offices of the grand imam Ali, and with а promise from the caliph to respond to what is right in their demands, and а pledge from them to return to their countries quietly and obediently.

Then, the caliph sent to his appointed governors of different regions, and consulted them. Had they been sincere in helping him, they would have resigned. But, they had а different situation, which made the caliph hesitate to oust them, particularly when he was seeing the fire of affliction flaring up around him.

This first attack on the capital of the caliphate was а dangerous warning and а very clear portent of coming hurricanes. But, the caliph was firmly determined to stand steadfast while facing the dangers. He was satisfied that the crisis escalated to the extent that he had no right to give up the majesty or authority of the state, no matter little it might be.

Despite the fact that there might be some points of critique and dangers, affirming this authority became the first and the most important obligation in facing the overwhelming chaos, not only of attacking the caliph with the most obscene and foul language, but also of threatening the state with the force of arms.

There are lots of pictures, illustrating the brilliant firmness of the caliph, from which we would choose the following: When he finished his meetings with the governors of the different regions, who prepared to return to their countries, Mu'awiyah offered to him to take him to Sham, until it would become more stable. But, the caliph refused and said: "I am not to take а shelter other than that of the Messenger of Allah "Allah's blessing and peace be upon him".

Mu'awiyah offered to him to send а detachment from Sham, to stay in Medina, and safeguard his life. But, the caliph rejected saying: "I am afraid that they would fill Medina, which, in turn, might be too crowded for the companions of the Messenger of Allah "Allah's blessing and peace be upon him" from among the Emigrants and the Ansar to live at ease in it."

Mu'awiyah said to the caliph: "Then, they would assassinate you." The great caliph replied: "Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best upon whom I rely." It was а wonderful firm sticking to his principles, and unique loyalty to his persuasion.

The events passed very quickly, without the least delay for the people even to take their breaths. The chief of affliction in Egypt, Kufah and Basra wrote and exchanged messages with each other, and agreed that their armed groups should get out until they would meet in Medina, in order to oust the caliph by the force of arms.

(Continued)