Therefore...

Therefore, they laid hand upon the opportunity, golden to them, the occupation of Ali and his associates and Bani Hashim in the preparations of burying the Prophet's body. Tabari in his history says: "Nicely it came and yielded, invigorated the side of Abubaker and the mobs acknowledged him." There is a clear indication that there were two parties. The other one was Ali because Ansaar already surrendered to Abubaker at SAQIFA.

Sa'ad Bin Ebada and his son were not of much importance as they were ignored. So, it was Ah against whom all this clamor of SAQIFA was conspired and concluded. When Ali came to know he described the whole affair in this brief: "They gained the tree and lost the fruit." 2) ALI'S OPINION OF SAQIFA: In the first chapter we have dealt as to why Imam Ali did not demand his right for caliphate. He did not keep his opinion to himself. He made his opinion known to all so that the history could judge.

It was a robbery of his right and him a victim. He met the incident with astonishment and anguish. His SHAKH SHAKHIA speech in NAHJUL BALAGHA gives vent to his wounded feelings. He did not yield to Abubaker's authority as long as Fatimah was alive. This is the minimum to show his disagreement or his compaign in rejecting the wrong. It is a great injustice to say that the Imam lagged behind in acknowledging the authority of Abubaker.

The justice is that the mobs lagged behind in realizing his right. He should acknowledge to one who had robbed him of his right? If at all none knew, he knew well whose right it was; and in spite of his knowledge he should acknowledge what? How far the injustice has gone and how much he is expected to endure? A day later he came out. A general dedition was accomplished and over. He declared his opinion. In MORAWAJ AL-ZAHAB Ali's words to Abubaker are recorded thus: "You spoiled our right to us.

You did not consult nor did you reserve to us our right." Ali was a man fair, frank, and open. He had nothing to hide nor anything hidden he did. Therefore, they were at caution dreading his wrath. Abubaker admits in his answer to Ali: "Yes, but I feared the mischief." What mischief? The very doing itself was a mischief. History has not recorded for us Ali's reply to Abubaker. Whether the answer of Abubaker sufficed him or made him angry or persuaded him to argue further; we do not know.