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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Dismissal of Functionaries and Reasons Thereof When Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) assumed the caliphate, the functionaries appointed by the previous regimes were holding the positions in all the provinces. These governors had made the life difficult for the Muslims. They used to trouble the people as they wanted. They had no fear of getting questioned by the center. The Imam (a.s) decided to do away with these functionaries.

Mughirah ibn Shu`bah got wind of this plan and he came to the Imam (a.s)and said, “I am your well-wisher and feel that I must give you a suggestion that you do not immediately remove Mu`awiyah, `Abdullah ibn `Amir and other functionaries of the time of `Uthman. When they enter your bay`ah you might do as you wish!” The Imam (a.s) replied, “Your advice is very right from the worldly point of view, but: “By Allah!

I cannot be two sided in the matters of Faith nor will I tolerate dishonor and indignity in my reign.”[1] Now Mughirah had no face to talk any more and went away. He was feeling for the turning down of his advice. The next morning he again went to the presence of the Imam (a.s) and said, “The suggestion that I gave yesterday was not good.

After more thought I have come to the conclusion that it will be better to remove all the functionaries.” Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) was surprised at this change of heart when Ibn `Abbas came and inquired on what purpose Mughirah was there. The Imam (a.s) replied that he visited him the previous day and on that day to give advice. “Yesterday his suggestion was that I continue to retain the functionaries and do not effect any changes.

Today he suggests that I must change all of them!” Ibn `Abbas said, “In yesterday’s advice there is an element of thoughtfulness and today’s suggestion smacks of his anger because of the turning down of yesterday’s suggestion. Today’s advice smells of his deceit. I endorse his first advice and suggest to you to continue with the functionaries until they give their allegiance to you.

They may be removed thereafter.” said: [1] Tārīkh al-Tabarī, Vol 3, Page 461 “If I leave Mu`awiyah on his position, it will mean that I am making the misguided as my associates.”[1] Similarly Ziyad Ibn Hanzalah al-Tamimi too gave a similar advice. But the Imam (a.s) did not give any cognizance to all these suggestions and depended on the veracity of his own decision.