ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Life of Imam Al-hasan Al-mujtaba Chapter Xi : At Siffin Part 1 Some events happen in the world of existence and go without leaving an important effect that history may mention even if they have great importance during their time. Some other events happen in the field of life and they remain as immortal as time because they leave behind them a social effect bringing about general good to man.

Some other events happen in the arena of life and fill the world with tragedies and misfortunes, and bring about to man unhappiness and enslavement. Among these tragic events and painful misfortunes is the event that took place at Siffin where the conflict was between good and evil, justice and injustice, light and darkness. The religious caliphate aimed at man’s interests and happiness and the chaotic government aimed at nothing except selfishness and trading with peoples’ interests.

The Islamic nation did not decide its fate decisively at the battle of Siffin, so such an attitude led the nation to enslavement, abasement, submission, oppression, and tyranny. Professor Malik al-Jaza’iri has referred to that when he explained the correct foundations that the Bandong Conference has adopted. He has said: “And certainly the Islamic history has come to know of a moment like this (i.e., self-determination) at the Battle of Siffin.

This battle was a sorrowful event from which resulted the hesitation in choosing; the decisive choosing between Ali and Mu’awiya, between Medina and Damascus, between the democratic rule of the caliphate and the family rule. During that decisive point in its history, the Islamic society chose the way that led finally to colonialism.”[^1] Indeed, the Muslim people were forsaken at the Battle of Siffin. They did not decide their decisive fate.

So they deserted Imam Ali and forced Imam al-Hasan after him to accept the peace (with Mu’awiya). Accordingly, the Umayyads undertook the leadership of the country and went too far in killing the good, chasing the righteous, and spreading oppression and tyranny in the land. Therefore, we have to explain the stages of this tragedy briefly and reflect on its horrible conclusions, which are as follows: Mu’awiya’s Mutiny Mu’awiya declared mutiny against Imam Ali’s government.

He refused to pay homage to him and to follow what the Muslims had followed.