Abu Sufyan replied...

Abu Sufyan replied, “ Call it by whatever name you will, for me it is a mighty army with immense potential to create an empire .” Abu Sufyan’s attitude never changed throughout his life, though he claimed to have professed Islam and ingratiated himself among the companions of the Prophet (S).

Years later, when Uthman became the third Caliph , Abu Sufyan jumped with joy seeing his dream come true in the shape of the leadership of Islam falling in the hands of his kin, Abu Sufyan gleefully advised Uthman:“ Now that the Caliphate has fallen into your hands, toss it around like a ball and fearlessly perpetuate it among your own kin, the Banu Umayya, for there is neither paradise nor hell .”[^2] The real cause for the jealousy and blood feud between Banu Umayya and Banu Hashim is best set out in the words of Abu Sufyan’s son Mu’awiya.

It is reported that Mutawwaf and his father al-Mughira visited Mu’awiya who was reclining on his couch, and advised him to be considerate and less harsh towards the Ahlul Bayt , now that he was in power. At that very moment, the mu’azzin (the caller who calls out the azan) shouted the call for prayers. Mu’awiya abruptly sat up and declared: “ It is impossible that I take kindly to the Ahlul Bayt. What memory do I leave behind when I die?

Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman ruled for long periods during their caliphates. After their death, does anybody remember them, except occasionally to say that they were the caliphs? Many people benefited from Uthman but they have forgotten his bounties and even what had happened to him. When I die, the same thing will happen and I will be completely forsaken.

But, look what Hashim’s offspring has done - five times every day, till Doomsday the minarets of every mosque around the world will echo, twenty four hours every day, the proclamation ‘I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of God’. What difference does it make if I lead a pious or vicious life? .”[^3] A similar incident is reported with reference to Mu’awiya’s father Abu Sufyan. It is related that Abu Sufyan had grown old and blind.

He was sitting in the mosque along with Abdullah ibn Abbas and several others. The Mu’azzin started calling for the prayers.