“Amir al-Mu’minin `Ali and Mu`awiyah ibn Abi-Sufyan has...

“Amir al-Mu’minin `Ali and Mu`awiyah ibn Abi-Sufyan has decided that…” `Amr ibn al-`As objected to the word “Amir al-Mu’minin” and said that he might be the Emir of others but not theirs! He therefore asked the word to be deleted from the document. Only his name and the father’s name are entered. Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays told the Imam (a.s) that he should not agree to the deletion of the word “Amir al-Mu’minin” even if it caused renewal of the conflict.

He added that if this word was deleted today, the Emirate would not ever come back to him. Al-Ash`ath ibn Qays and his supporters were insisting that the word be deleted. In utter unconcern, the Imam (a.s) was sitting quietly in his place and seeing the reflection of the Treaty of al-Hudaybiyah in the events of the day.

After a few moments of quiet he said, “When I drafted the agreement of the Treaty of al-Hudaybiyah, I wrote the word “ rasūlullah (Allah’s Messenger)” in the preamble when the representative of the Quraysh, Suhayl, said that they did not recognize him as Allah’s Messenger and wanted me to delete the word and to enter “Muhammad ibn `Abdullah” instead. I was hesitant to score away the word “ rasūlullah ”. But the Prophet (a.s) said: Write what he wants.

One day you too will face a similar situation and you will be helpless.”[1] At this `Amr said angrily that he considered them infidel like those people. The Imam (a.s) replied: “O son of al-Nabighah! When were you not the friend of the transgressors and the enemy of the Muslims? You are like the mother who bore you!”[2] Ibn al-`As said, “After today, we shall never sit together nor see each other’s face “The Imam (a.s) replied, “I too wish this!

May Allah keep my company free of persons like you!” [1] Al-Sīrah al-Halabiyyah, Vol 3, Page 33 [2] Tārīkh al-Tabarī, Vol 4, Page 37 When the word “Amir al-Mu’minin” was struck off and the writing of the document was re-commenced, the Imam (a.s) was asked if he considered Mu`awiyah and the people of Syria Muslims? He said: “I do not accept Mu`awiyah and his companions are Muslims and mu’min.

But Mu`awiyah is free to write what he wants about himself and his men, admit whatever he wishes to admit and suggest whatever name he wants to.”[1] At last, the agreement was drafted that had the following terms: (1) It will be binding on the referees on both sides that their decision will be based on the Qur’an.