The Decisions of the Conference After serious debates...

The Decisions of the Conference After serious debates, the people who attended the meeting decided the following steps: They had to spread spies in the countries under the dominion of Imam al-Hasan, especially Basra and Kufa. The spies had to inform in detail about the news, the intention of the society and the extent of people’s loyalty to the family of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family.

In the meantime they had to spread panic, fear, and terrorism through telling them that Mu’awiya was powerful while al-Hasan was weak. They had to correspond with leaders, great figures, and prominent persons, to bribe them with enormous properties and important offices in the state if they followed Mu’awiya and deserted Imam al-Hasan. As for carrying this decision, it was unanimously postponed to after a short time. As for the first decision, it was soon carried out.

That was when Mu’awiya summoned two experienced men whose ability he trusted, and of whose knowledge and skillfulness he was sure. As for the two men, one of them belonged to Himyar, and the other belonged to Banu al-Qayn and was sent by Mu’awiya to Basra. When al-Himyari arrived in Kufa, and al-Qayni arrived in Basra, they began carrying out the decided plans. When their affair spread, the policemen arrested them.

This is the text of the letter: “You sent men to deceive and carry out assassinations and you sent out spies as if you want to meet (in battle). That is something will happen soon, so wait for it, Allah willing. I have learnt that you have become haughty in a way that no wise man would become haughty…” From this letter we understand that Imam al-Hasan had been resolute and determined to battle against Mu’awiya if he had insisted on aggression, mutiny, and going too far in committing sins.

The letter also indicates that the Imam condemned Mu’awiya for his showing delight and happiness at the death of Imam Ali, the Commander of the faithful. Mu’awiya’s Answer When Imam al-Hasan’s letter came to Mu’awiya, he was afraid of it. So he looked for an excuse in the bag of his cunning, that he might defend himself with it.