ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib amr Ibn Al- as `Amr’s father was al-`As ibn Wa’il whom the Holy Qur’an has termed abtar or issueless and the enemy of the Prophet (a.s). `Amr’s mother was Salma bint Harmalah and her title was al-Nabighah. She was brought as a captive from Banū-Ghazzah. She was auctioned in the Mart of `Ukaz. Fakihah ibn Mughirah bought her and resold to `Abdullah ibn Jad`an.

Thus, changing hands, she reached al-`As ibn Wa’il and gave birth to `Amr. `Amr had inherited the enmity for Islam from his father. Therefore, he was in the first list of the enemies of the Faith. He used to utter impertinent things about the Prophet (a.s) and take part in the activities against him. When he was helpless with Islam gaining importance and power, he accepted the Faith and joined the ranks of the Muslims.

`Umar, during his caliphate, appointed him the governor of Palestine and Jordan. When that territory came under Mu`awiyah, `Amr was sent with the army to Egypt. He fought with the Egyptians, defeated them, and was named the governor there. After `Umar, `Uthman too kept him in that position for sometime. He deposed him in the year 26 H and replaced him with his relative, `Abdullah ibn Sa`d. `Amr, who was a supporter of `Uthman turned against him because of removal from the governorate of Egypt.

This was not strange because nothing else could be expected from his selfish nature. This enmity became so much that he gathered a coterie around himself and started creating opinion against `Uthman. Ibn `Abd al-Barr writes: “`Uthman removed `Amr from the Emirate of Egypt and he started instigating people against him. He also used insulting words against `Uthman.”[1] He did not stop at this. In anger `Amr divorced his wife Ummu-Kulthūm bint `Uqbah who was half sister of `Uthman.

He worked actively to over-turn `Uthman’s regime. When `Uthman noticed this, he called `Amr and told him, “O son of al-Nabighah! Beware of such acts! Shun hypocrisy and adopt nobility.” `Amr too replied in the same tone and heaped complaints against [1] Al-Istī`āb, Vol3, Page 322 the old person. `Uthman was taken aback at his talk and told him that he had no right to interfere with his work and to criticize him.

He said that even during the days of ignorance he was more respected than him and that presently he was holding a very important position.