ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Life of Imam Al-hasan Al-mujtaba Chapter Xxi : the Critics of the Peacemaking Imam al-Hasan’s immortal ordeal and tribulation was not limited to what he met from among the hard trial and the severe ordeal resulted from his making peace with Mu’awiya and his meeting with him. His tribulation exceeded to that which was greatest in influence on him. That is the speech of the critics from among his opponents and his companions.

That was when they criticized him for his making peace with Mu’awiya. They faced him with statements whose effect on him was stronger than that of a sharp sword. He met from them a coarse speech, rude talks, and strong alienation. So he (a.s) was displeased with his followers (Shia) more than he was with his enemies, for they (his followers) knew well the black circumstances and the bitter factors that forced him to make peace with Mu’awiya and to conclude a truce with him.

The following are the statements of the critics along with the Imam answers to them. Hijr Bin Adiy The hero of thought, the example of faith, and the pride of Islam (Hijr bin ‘Adi) went to Imam al-Hasan. He shook with fear, and sadness prevailed him. He said to the imam: “Would that you and we died on that day and did not see this day.

We unwillingly returned with that which we had disliked, and they happily returned with that which they had liked.” I (the author) do not know how Hijr said such a rude speech while he was the most knowledgeable of people of the Imam’s position and reality. He was the most knowledgeable of them in the difficult circumstances and severe hardships that surrounded the Imam (a.s) and forced him to make peace with Mu’awiya.

However he is excused because the agony of the misfortune and the astonishment of the soul make man deviate from the balance of moderation and straightness. Anyway Imam al-Hasan (a.s) rose, took Hijr by the hand and was alone with him in a corner of the house. He explained to him the reason why he made peace with Mu’awiya. He said to him: “O Hijr, I heard your speech in Mu’awiya’s meeting. Not all the people like what you like, nor their opinion is like yours.

Surely I did nothing except keeping you. And Allah, the Most High, is in a state (of glory) every moment.”[^1] [^1] Ibn Shahrashub, al-Manaqib, vol. 2, p. 169.