ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Amir Al Mu’minin’s Discreet Silence Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) openly challenged the Democratic Caliphate and proved his Right with the same proofs that his opponents used at the Saqifah. His proof was, in fact, more valid than that of his adversaries. His was a protest against the politics that resulted in the ‘elected ruler’ who assumed the status of Caliph of the Prophet (a.s)!

In his protest, there was neither wish for acquiring power nor craze for position of strength. If he had such ambitions, he could have also indulged in politics of the same order that the other group did. He could have accepted the cooperation of persons who had offered their support to him for such moves. But he discreetly turned their offers down. When the selection of Abū-Bakr was taking place in Saqifah, the Umayyad Chief Abū-Sufyan was not present in al-Madinah.

The Prophet (a.s), during his last days, had deputed him for some work away from there. When he returned after the Prophet’s demise, and heard about the passing away of the Prophet (a.s) and the elevation of Abū-Bakr to the Caliphate, he raised a hue and cry. He went running to `Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib and after discussing with him came to `Ali (a.s) and wanted to assure him of the support of his tribe to stand against the self-styled rulers.

Therefore, in a very confident tone he said: “How has the governance gone into the hands of a person from the lowliest family of the Quraysh? If you wish, by Allah, I can fill al-Madinah with cavaliers and foot-men!”[1] Any ordinary person would find it very difficult to control his emotions. He might tend to accept such an offer in a similar situation. But Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) was never influenced by emotions nor could he be tricked by wearing a cloak of friendship.

He read through the subterfuge of Abū-Sufyan that it was not the spirit of friendship and fairplay that motivated his offer. But it was his ulterior motive to cause trouble in the fledgling Islamic State and usurp power in the bargain. Refusing his offer, the Imam (a.s) angrily said: [1] Tārīkh al-Tabarī, Vol 2, Page 449 “By Allah! Your aim is only to create disorder.

You have always opposed Islam and I do not need your sympathies and advice!”[1] This fact needs consideration that what enmity Abū-Sufyan had with Abū-Bakr that immediately on arrival he started lobbying against him.