Another chief from the Ansar...

Another chief from the Ansar, namely al-Habbab ibn al-Munzir, delivered a speech in which he warned his people from the people of Quraysh and advised them to give the people of Quraysh a share in power because he anticipated that the descendants of those whose fathers, sons, and brothers were killed during the Prophet’s campaigns would come to power and revenge themselves on the Ansar.

Unfortunately, the anticipation of al-Habbab ibn al-Munzir came true; when Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, whose relatives were killed by those who defended Islam during the Prophet’s campaigns, came to power, he intentionally humiliated the Ansar and spread poverty among them. His son, Yazid, made what is worse; he usurped their properties, shed their blood, and abused their honors.

Sudden Arrival of the Mohaajerun While the Ansar were discussing the affairs of the next leadership, they were surprised by the arrival of Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Salim, and others from the Mohaajerun. Despite secrecy of their congress, the Ansar were revealed and all their plots failed. Taking advantage of the situation, Abu Bakr delivered a smooth-tongued speech in which he referred to the Mohaajerun as the foremost in embracing and defending Islam.

He then offered the position of vizierate to the Ansar and kept the position of leadership to his people and him. In his speech, Abu Bakr did not refer to the death of (s.a.w.a.) or to the Ahlal-Bayt (a.s.). He should, at least, have demanded with postponing that congress for some time because the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.)Holy body had not been buried yet. He also should have referred to the Prophet’s(s.a.w.a.) repetitive instructions of nominating Imam Ali (a.s.) as his successor and representative.

However, his party hurried to support him and pay homage to him as the next leader, Umar ibn al-Khattab, by using his famous stick and tough style, played the greatest role in this play. In fact, they did their roles so successfully, because their plot had been already known and agreed upon. Omitting any participation in the funeral ceremonies of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), the party of Abu Bakr carried him to the Prophet’s Masjid in procession like a bride.

Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Illegal Homage When he heard of their plots, Imam Ali Amir al-Mu’mineen (a.s.) refused to pay homage to the illegal government of Abu Bakr, because he considered this matter as flagrant violation of his right.