He had always been on the forefront in opposing me and has...

He had always been on the forefront in opposing me and has separated people from me.” But the people of Iraq were bent on appointing Abu Moosa. At last Imam ‘Ali (a) said: “Do whatever you want.” After that an agreement was written down for the rulers. Some of its conditions are as follows: This is an agreement between ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan.

We shall obey the commands of Allah We shall abide by the Book of Allah The rulers shall ponder over the book of Allah and settle the dispute through it. If they don’t find a solution from Quran they shall look for it in Prophetic Practice ( Sunnah ) common to us.

Then the opposing parties should guarantee the protection of the lives and properties of each other.[^1] Senior persons from both sides signed the agreement and it was decided that the two rulers would meet each other in a place called Domastul Jindal and announce the verdict. Imam ‘Ali (a) came back to Kufa with his army and Muawiyah started for Damascus.

When the delegates met on the said date at the place called Domastul Jindal, Amr ibn al-Aas told Abu Moosa Ashari: “Why don’t you hand over the Caliphate to Muawiyah?” Abu Moosa replied: “Muawiyah is not worthy of Caliphate.” Amr ibn al-Aas said: “Don’t you know that Uthman was killed while he was innocent?” Abu Moosa Ashari replied in affirmative.

Amr ibn al-Aas said: “Muawiyah wants to avenge Uthman’s death.” Abu Moosa Ashari said: “Amr, the son of Uthman is alive and Muawiyah cannot be his heir in the presence of his son.” Amr ibn al-Aas said: “If you follow my words the practice of Umar ibn Khattab would be enlivened. Let my son, Abdullah become the Caliph.” Abu Moosa Ashari said: “Why shouldn’t I appoint Abdullah ibn Umar instead of your son?” Amr ibn al-Aas said: “Abdullah ibn Umar is not worthy of Caliphate.

We require a person for Caliphate who has two molars; he should eat with one and enable the people to eat with the other.” Abu Moosa Ashari said: “I want to dismiss both ‘Ali and Muawiyah and give choice to Muslims to select their Caliph.” Amr ibn al-Aas said: “I liked your decision.

It would be better if we go and declare this in public.” The delegates came to public and started their speech saying: “Finally, we have come to a conclusion which is purely for the benefit of the Ummah.” Amr ibn al-Aas said: “Sure, you are right.” Abdullah ibn Abbas told Abu Moosa Ashari: “Hold on! If you have come to a conclusion, ask Amr ibn al-Aas to come and speak to the public first.