Later, Muawiyah sent an army under the leadership of Amr Ibn...

Later, Muawiyah sent an army under the leadership of Amr Ibn al-Aas to Egypt in the year 38 AH, who fought and captured Muhammad, and then killed him. His body was placed in a belly of a dead donkey and then was brutally burnt. (See al-Istiab, v1, p235; History of al-Tabari, v4, p79; Ibn Kathir, v3, p180; Ibn Khaldoon, v2, p182) (4) Malik Ashtar al-Nakha'i: He met the Prophet and was one of the trustworthy disciple of companions (Tabe'in).

He was chief of his tribe, and after receiving an injury to one of his eyes in the battle of Yarmuk, he became known as Ashtar. He was the general of the army of Imam Ali in the battle of Siffin and known for his bravery and combating the enemies of Islam. At the age of 38, he was appointed by Imam Ali as the governor of Egypt. But on his way to Egypt, near the Red Sea, he died after eating poisonous honey which had been planned by Muawiyah.

The above were the short bibliographies of some eminent Muslim pioneers. It is regrettable that some historians who reported from Sayf's heresy, allege that they followed a mysterious Jew. The mercenary workers did not even hesitate to attack such outstanding companions. They said that Abu Dhar and Ammar Ibn Yasir met Ibn Saba, were affected by his propaganda, and thus turned against Uthman.

However, we should not forget that by their attacking those two prominent companions, they are actually attacking the Messenger of God who attested to their purity and righteousness frequently: The Messenger of God said: "Certainly Allah commanded me to love four persons and informed me that He loves them." The companions asked: "O' Messenger of God, who are those four persons?" The Prophet (PBUH&HF) said: "Ali is from them (repeating that three times), Abu Dhar, Salman al-Farsi, and Miqdad." Sunni references: Sunan Ibn Majah, v1, pp 52-53, Tradition #149 al-Mustadrak, by al-Hakim, v3, p130 Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v5, p356 Fada'il al-Sahaba, by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v2, p648, Tradition #1103 Hilyatul Awliya', by Abu Nu'aym, v1, p172 The Messenger of Allah also said: "Every prophet was given by God seven righteous companions.

I was given fourteen righteous companions". He included in them Ali, al- Hasan, al-Husain, Hamza, Ja'far, Ammar Ibn Yasir, Abu Dhar, Miqdad, and Salman.