ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Caliphate Its Conception and Consequences Chapter Eight : the Coup D'etat The most daring coup d'état in history was successfully carried out at SAQIFAT BANI SA'IDA, and it was fraught with momentous consequences for Islam. Its coming so soon after the death of the Prophet gives rise to the reasonable awaiting that event. The success of the coup was due to the consummate skill with which it was planned and carried out.

It must also be admitted that the possession by its organizers of a keen insight into the Arab character, and their ability and readiness to utilize the materials at hand to the greatest possible advantage, contributed in no small measure to the fructification of their labors. I propose to give the facts as told by the "conquering" party, and then to discuss them from a rational point of view.

The subject matter is arranged as follows: The presence of the agents and spies of this party among the ANSAR. The denial by UMAR of the death of the Prophet, because the person assigned by his party to the Caliphate (ABU BAKR) was away at "SUKH". The arrival of ABU BAKR, UMAR'S recognition of the death of the Prophet, and ABU BAKR'S condemning mourning for the Prophet as being akin to his worship (for fear that sympathy for the death man might extend to his relatives and children).

The awaiting of news from the ANSAR, its secret conveyance to UMAR who communicates it to no one else except his comrade ABU BAKR, with whom he starts out for the SAQIFA. Their meeting with other agents on the way to the SAQIFA. The deciding factors at the SAQIFA: the desertion from the ANSAR, the arrival of an armed band of helpers, and the cutting short of the arguments by a fait accompli.

The Presence of Agents and Spies of the Opposition Party Among the ANSAR: IBN SA'D relates thus: "A'ISHA says that UAMR made a man from among the ANSAR his brother. Everything which that man heard was communicated by him to UMAR, and everything which UMAR heard was told by UMAR to that man". The Prophet (P) had made brothers among his companions for a specific purpose; generally, friendships or brotherhoods are created for mutual help in one's livelihood or against enemies.

But this "brotherhood" was for the particular object of exchanging news.