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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Reaction of Khawarij Against Arbitration The armies of Iraq and Syria were still in Siffin when the terms of reference for the arbitration were decided, when a whispering campaign was started against it. Therefore, when al-Ash`ath ibn Qays went to the different tribes and read to them the terms of reference, the feelings against the arbitration were aroused.

The same people, who were strongly talking in favor of arbitration to stop unnecessary bloodshed, started speaking against it. When the tribe of Banū-Anza heard the terms of reference, two brothers from the tribe, Ju`d and Ma`dan, raised the slogan of “There is no referee but Allah”, took swords in their hands, came in the open and died fighting with others.

When Banū-Murad heard about the terms, Salih ibn Shafiq said, “There is no arbitrator but Allah, even if it is not acceptable to the hypocrites.” When the terms were read to Banū-Rasib, they opposed the arbitration saying, “In Allah’s Faith, men cannot be made the arbiters!” The majority of the opponents of the arbitration were from Banū-Tamim. When the terms were read to them, `Urwah ibn Adiyyah al-Tamimi said to al-Ash`ath: “Have you appointed men as arbitrators in the matters of Faith?

O al-Ash`ath! If this was to happen, then why our men were killed in the battle?”[1] Then he took his sword and attacked al-Ash`ath. Al-Ash`ath was astride his horse at that time. In escaping from the attack, the sword hit the rear of the horse without any injury to him. Because of the cessation of the hostility and the controversy of arbitration, the unity of the Iraqis was disturbed.

When Muhriz ibn Khunays saw the circumstances getting worsened, he came to the presence of the Imam (a.s) and said, “O Amir al-Mu’minin! Is there no way of canceling the agreement? I have a doubt that it might give rise to a great mischief and you will have much difficulty because of that!” The Imam (a.s) said: [1] Al-Akhbār al-Tiwāl, Page 196 “Can I breach an agreement after signing it?

It is not permissible in any condition!”[1] When Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s), did not like to make access to arms after laying them down in terms of the agreement, the germs of rebellion arose and besides the parties of `Ali (a.s) and `Uthman, a third group raised its head and people started joining the new formation.