It was, in fact, behind the spread of Islam's genuine teachings.

It was, in fact, behind the spread of Islam's genuine teachings. HISHAM died in the year 125 of HIJRA, and the UMAYYAD government was deteriorating. Two groups were formed to confront the oppressive regime and assume authority. One of them was led by IMAM AL-HASAN'S sons. The other was led by some of the offspring of AL-ABBAS (the Prophet's uncle). The second group raised the banner of revenge of the martyrs' blood and professed devotion to the Prophet's family.

This happened while IMAM AL-SADIQ was quite occupied with spreading knowledge and different sciences through meetings and daily lessons attended by all those who strove to get the caliphate out of the UMAYYAD dynasty. Figures such as ABO AL-ABBAS AL-SAFFAH, AL-MANSOUR, and others used to attend his lessons and make a show of their love and devotion to the Prophet's offspring.

IMAM AL-SADIQ FACES THE PARTIES At the midst of such events, each group (party) tried to approach IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) and solicit his leadership so that it would achieve success. The group following IMAM AL-HASAN'S grandson could not enjoy full growth to achieve victory, while the other group was more anxious for power and managed to enjoy support of the majority of people who were actually suffering from the injustice of the ruling clique.

The people regarded AL-ABBAS'S party as the real movement that could save them from injustice. Moreover, BANU AL-ABBAS raised slogans of revenge for the martyrs of the Prophet's family and of calls to set al prisoners in the UMAYYAD prisons free. They claimed they would hand over the leadership (the caliphate) to its owners: the Prophet's offspring. Two influential figures joined AL-ABBAS'S party. They were; ABU Muslim AL-KHURASANI and ABU SALAMA AL-KHALLA.

Both men were active in confronting the UMAYYAD domination and in supporting BANI AL-ABBAS'S party. They had a major impact on the events. But soon they discovered that BANI AL-ABBASS were not different from BANI UMAYYAD. Their claims of revenge for the martyrs' blood and devotion to the Prophet's progeny were all lies behind which their lust for power was hidden.

Hence, ABU Muslim and ABU SALAM wrote a letter to IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) in which they offered him leadership of the movement against the UMAYYAD rule. They swore the oath of allegiance to his caliphate. On getting the letter, the Imam burnt it in front of his attendants.