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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role of Aisha in the History of Islam (volume 3) The Shi'ah in Torture and Molestation Do not remove the chain from my hands, and do wash away blood from my body, for, I wish to face Mu'awiyah in this condition in the presence of Divine Justice.

Hujr ibn 'Adi We have already said that Mu'awiyah, in his order to the governors of the land under his rule, the example of which was his recommendations to al- Mughayrah ibn Shu'bah, had insisted that torture and molestation should be implemented towards the supporters of Imam 'Ali and their beloved Imam and leader should be openly abused and cursed. This order was carried out and in its execution the whole administration of the caliphate was busy at work.

Al-Mughayrah ibn Shu'bah, who was the governor of a large and flourishing province, never neglected this wicked policy, and during the whole period of his office he persisted in his abuse, falsehood and calumny towards Imam 'Ali. Of course Hujr ibn 'Adi, a great Shi'ah devotee, on these occasions rose courageously and confronted him.

After al-Mughayrah's death, Ziyad ibn Abihi was appointed as governor of Kufah, and he continued the same evil conduct according to the same pre-arranged plan, and Hujr continued bravely to answer his abuses. Historians say: One day the sermon of Ziyad ibn Abihi became very lengthy. Hujr, fearing that the time for prayer could pass, cried out: "Prayer time!" But Ziyad paid no attention and went on with his speech. Hujr rose once more and reminded Ziyad of the time of prayer.

Ziyad ignored the reminder again. This incident was repeated for the third time, but it produced no result. At last Hujr took a handful of pebbles and threw it at Ziyad, and stood up himself for prayer. The people, too, followed his example and stood up. Thus Ziyad was compelled to abandon speaking and to join the people for prayer.

When the prayer was over, Ziyad ordered the guards to bring Hujr to him, but the relatives of Hujr (of the Kanda tribe) defended and concealed him, and thus Ziyad's agents were unable to find him. Ziyad then resorted to a trick, and in his talks with the chiefs of the Kindah tribe, he declared that he would give asylum to Hujr and send him to Mu'awiyah to reach a decision about him. They agreed, and then Ziyad imprisoned Hujr and eleven of his friends.