As an example I have noted from an authentic source of the...

As an example I have noted from an authentic source of the history of Islam some facts about these so-called 'People of Paradise' during the period of 'Uthman. I shall relate these facts to you so that you should also know that what I am saying is not on account of prejudice or personal fanaticism but my object is that you should study the events which took place gradually after 29- 30 A.H.

You may know the reason which made: lmam Husayn's (P) action necessary and why he came to the conclusion that there was no remedy to counteract the tendency of deviation from truth which had been looming large in the minds of the people except by sacrificing his and his companions lives. God-willing my speech will make this matter sufficiently clear. Those persons who are. acquainted with the history of Islam and its primary sources know Mas'udl very well.

' All bin al-Husayn al-Mas'udi .is a notable Islamic historian and geographer, who is relied upon by all the five-Islamic schools of thought. His book entitled 'Murujuz Zahab' is interesting, exquisite and reliable. Writing about the Caliphate of 'Uthman, Mas'udi says: When the Caliph 'Uthman bin' Affan was murdered he left behind 150 gold dinars and 1,000,000 dirhams in cash. After 'Uthman Imam Ali (P) became the Caliph.

When he was martyred Imam Hasan (P) declared from the pulpit: 'My father has not left behind any gold or silver coin as legacy except 700 dirhams. This amount was also saved by him out of his stipend to make payment to a servant for household work'. (Murujuz Zahab (Vol. 11, p. 426; Printed in Egypt, 1948).

According to a tradition Imam' Ali (P) left 250 dirhams, the Holy Qur'an and a sword as inheritance for his family.) On the other hand besides lakhs of dirhams and dinars mentioned above 'Uthman owned property in Wadi'ul-Qara, Hunayn etc. which was worth one lakh gold dinars. Moreover, he possessed innumerable horses and camels. (Murujuz Zahab, Vol. 11, p. 341.) According to the tradition of 'Ashra-e-Mubashshira, (the ten who were given the good news) 'Uthman was a 'Man of Paradise'.

As the head of the Islamic state the Holy Prophet could not collect even ten dirhams. Imam Ali (P) and Abu Bakr and 'Umar did not also make any material gain from the Office of the Caliph. However, 'Uthman gained a good deal from it. Mas'udi also writes: Zubair bin al-' Awwam got constructed a famous palace in Basra. Besides this he also possessed many houses in Basra, Kufa and Alexandria (Egypt).