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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Agreement For Arbitration When an agreement was reached that there will be arbitrations, the reciters of the Holy Qur’an from Iraq and Syria decided that there will be two referees. One will be nominated by the people of Syria and the other by the Iraqis. Both the referees will give the verdict in the light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (a.s).

Their verdict will have to be acceptable to both the parties. The Syrians nominated `Amr ibn al-`As and from Iraq, al-Ash`ath ibn Qays, Mus`ir ibn Fadki, Yazid ibn Husayn etc. nominated Abū-Mūsa al-Ash`ari as the referee. He was resident in Syria. When Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) heard the name of Abū-Mūsa, he said: “I have no confidence on the opinion and the discretion of Abū-Mūsa.

I want to give the authority for arbitration to `Abdullah ibn `Abbas.”[1] The persons who suggested the name of Abū-Mūsa said that he, `Ali (a.s) and Ibn `Abbas were the same and it would mean that he was himself the referee in the matter concerning him. They said that they want a referee who is independent and impartial. The Imam (a.s) said that in that event why did not they object to the nomination of `Amr ibn al-`As.

They said that they were concerned only about the referee from their side and not about the Syrian nominee. The Imam (a.s) said that if they object to the name of Ibn `Abbas, he would suggest Malik al-Ashtar, instead. They said that he was the person who gave wind to the fire of war and how could he allow the arbitration to succeed.

He will look for further opportunity for conflict The Imam (a.s) then said, “If you insist on having Abū-Mūsa as the referee, I leave the matter to you.” al-Ahnaf ibn Qays said, “O People! If you do not like Ibn `Abbas and Malik al-Ashtar, you may nominate me as the referee. I am well aware of `Amr’s cunning ways and he will not be successful in tricking me. If you do not want me, select [1] Al-Akhbār al-Tiwāl, Page 192 someone else. But do not select Abū-Mūsa.

Instead of setting right the matters, he will complicate them further.” It was a part of the conspiracy that Abū-Mūsa’s name was pushed forward. They adamantly held to their suggestion and Abū-Mūsa al-Ash`ari was nominated as the referee. After the selection of the referees, when `Abdullah ibn Rafi` started writing down the terms of reference, he wrote the following words as a preamble to the document.