These men have been recognized by the later Sufis as the...

These men have been recognized by the later Sufis as the founders of gnosis in Islam. Others among his disciples became the first teachers of jurisprudence, theology, Quran commentary and recitation. The Transfer of the Caliphate to Mu’awiyah After the death of Imam Ali (a.s), his son, Imam Hasan ibn Ali (a.s), who is recognized by the Shi’ah as their second Imam, became Caliph.

This designation occurred in accordance with Ali’s last will and testament and also by the allegiance of the community to Imam Hasan (a.s) But Mu’awiyah did not remain quiet before this event. He marched with his army toward Iraq, which was then the capital of the caliphate, and began to wage war against Imam Hasan (a.s). Through different intrigues and the payment of great sums of money, Mu’awiyah was able gradually to corrupt the aides and generals of Imam Hasan (a.s).

Finally, he was able to force Imam Hasan (a.s) to hand the Caliphate over to him so as to avoid bloodshed and to make peace. Imam Hasan (a.s) handed the Caliphate to Mu’awiyah on the condition that it would be returned to him after the death of Mu’awiyah and that no harm would come to his partisans. In the year 40/661, Mu’awiyah finally gained control of the caliphate.

He then set out immediately for Iraq and in a speech to the people of that land said: “I did not fight against you for the sake of the prayers or of fasting. These acts you can perform yourself. What I wanted to accomplish was to rule over you and this end I have achieved.” He also said, “The agreement I made with Imam Hasan (a.s) is null and void.

It lies trampled under my feet.” With this declaration, Mu’awiyah made known to the people the real character of his government and revealed the nature of the program he had in mind. He indicated in his declaration that he would separate religion from politics and would not give any guarantees concerning religious duties and regulations. He would spend all his force to preserve and to keep alive his own power, whatever might be the cost.

Obviously, a government of such a nature is more of a sultanate and a monarchy than a Caliphate and vicegerency of The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) of God in its traditional Islamic sense. That is why some who were admitted to his court addressed him as “king”. He himself in some private gatherings interpreted his government as a monarchy, while in public he always introduced himself as the caliph.