He even commanded that the Qur'ans should be stuck on to the...

He even commanded that the Qur'ans should be stuck on to the ends of spears and that should be that: ''Judgement between ne and Ali (a s) shall be made only on the basis of the Qur'an.'' It was Mu'awiyah's apparent acceptance of Islam which caused so much hypocrisy and internal division amongst the Muslims community. It was their deceiving facade which caused many of the divine commandments to be changed to fit in with the political situation.

By Means of his officials and cooperation of his close friends, he gathered together a great number of blood - thirsty, mercenary thugs from every corner of the Hijaz. He ordered them to attack all towns and villages which supported Ali (a s), killing or raping the inhabitants and plundering their goods. Mu'awiyah's aim was to ensure that anarchy and corruption spread to every part of the country.

He commanded that the houses of the Shi'ahs, in particular, should be destroyed or set on fire, and that these thugs should do everything possible to make life difficult for the Muslims in general. At Mu'awiyah's word, a great army on his infantry accompanied by several mounted divisions were despatched to attack the Shi'ahs. Neither caravans, markets, nor houses belonging to the Muslims were spared by this attack.

Mu'awiyah's mercenaries were trained to struck down and kill their victims just like hunting dogs lusting after their quarry. Mu'awiyah's friends and supporters were all corrupt and criminal, who recognized neither morals or good behaviour; they stood opposite the faithful upright supporters of Ali (a s) and his sons. the armies and partisans of the tyrant Mu'awiyah were so bloodthirsty that they killed babies, youths and even old men without mercy.

The aim of Mu'awiyah's vicious mercenaries was to prevent or discourage the people from supporting Ali (a s) and the cause of Islam, so that they might more easily plunder the country's wealth and live a life of ease and luxury. Mu'awiyah used such heinous stratagems that he managed to corrupt and bribe almost all those who had made a pledge of support for Imam Hasan (a s).

He planted or infiltrated so many spies in the company and army of the Imam that the latter was obliged , because of the smallness of his army and the hypocrisy which grew around him, to make peace with Mu'awiyah. As a result of this treaty, the way was open for Mu'awiyah and his followers to increase their looting and plundering.