Should they ignore all these obstacles?

Should they ignore all these obstacles?! Or what should they do?! This created an unsolvable problem for the coup leaders who spent long hours reflecting on the issue. Meanwhile, Imam ‘Ali (as) confined himself to his house to collect the Holy Qur’an, after realizing the fruitlessness of his efforts to regain his rights. He was virtually secluded from the outside world.

This situation was disadvantageous to the coup leaders, for in ‘Ali's (as) refusal to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr gives a deep meaning and an excuse for others to object to Abu Bakr's seizure of power. Yet, opinions met of the necessity to bring ‘Ali (as) by force to the Mosque, whatever the price may be. Especially in light of the fact, which they later came to realize, that he was more concerned about the Islamic interests than his own.

Therefore, a commissioned force led by Umar's slave boy, Qunfud, was sent to ‘Ali's (as) house. When this force reached the house, Qunfud requested permission to enter so they may speak to him regarding the issue; but ‘Ali (as) refused them permission to enter; after which they returned to the Mosque, and said to Abu Bakr and Umar: "We were refused permission to enter." Umar said: "Go back and if you are denied permission again, then enter (the house) with force." So the group once again asked for permission, but Fatima (sa) said: " You are prohibited from entering my house without permission." Upon hearing this, the members of the force went back, save Qunfud.

They informed Umar that they were not allowed to enter the house. This angered Umar who said: "What do women have in this?!" Events continued to occur, and two pictures are drawn in front to us: First: Umar orders his slave boy to start Fatima’s (sa) house on fire! A man objects by saying: "But Fatima is in it." Yet Umar replied: " So what!!" Second: (According to Jahiz and the author of Abaqat Al-Anwar): The Prophet assigned ‘Ali (as) as his successor.

All the companions had full knowledge of this assignment. Yet, Umar forges the fact for the sake of Abu Bakr, and strikes Fatima's womb, which caused her to miscarry Mohsin. (Two pictures with no comments.) At any rate, ‘Ali (as) was forced to the Mosque. When Fatima az-Zahra (sa) saw this, she followed him, and addressed Abu Bakr by saying: "Do you wish to make me a widow?!