In the circumstances could it be imagined that ‘Ammar would...

In the circumstances could it be imagined that ‘Ammar would exchange all those toils and pains, which even the big mountains, would not be able to bear with acquiring brief comfort for a short period? ‘Ammar could certainly not commit such a mistake and go astray. However when ‘Ammar became free to choose one of the two paths, he decided that the best thing to do was to join the group which was smaller numerically but bigger spiritually.

In those days the Muhajirs as well as the Ansar had formed parties which were indicative of their differences in conduct and taste. Although these differences and disputes existed, more or less, among the people even during the lifetime of the Prophet (S) they were not as evident and open as in these days. ‘Ammar was fully aware of these differences. He had, however, prepared himself beforehand to bear hardships and privations. He now saw that the people of Madina were divided in four parties.

Out of these four parties three were political parties which exist in all ages. The supporters of these three parties are persons who quarrel and dispute with one another as and when their interests so demand, but when their objects are achieved, they reconcile mutually and extend hands of peace to one another.

‘Ammar also knew that the persons belonging to these three political parties had been following a common course since the days of the Holy Prophet (S) and their common interests demanded that they should keep ‘Ali away from his status. He also knew that in spite of all the differences which existed between these three parties most of the members of these parties kept ‘Ali in mind and at the same time there were some persons, who sometimes forsook ‘Ali's support and at other times supported him.

However, ‘Ali always followed the path of truth, so that if someone withdrew his support from him he did not worry, and if some persons aligned with him he did not rejoice. Hence, ‘Ammar had pondered over the programmes of all the four parties and had selected a programme, whose mundane aspect was the weakest. The aspect relating to the hereafter was the strongest. The first party was that of Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.

This party was a spontaneous generation composed of the rejected elements and sundries of Quraysh and persons like Khalid bin Walid, 'Amr bin As, and Abu Ubayda Jarra formed part of it. The leaders of this party were persons who well known for their harshness and severity.