We are coming to Basra!

We are coming to Basra! Upon our arrival evacuate and prepare the governor's house for us, and transfer the control of the city to us, and consider yourself dismissed as governor!" 'Uthman informed al-Ahnaf ibn Qays who was one of the elders of Basra and well-known for his wisdom of the purport of the letter, and said to him: "al-Ahnaf, Talhah and az-Zubayr's army has reached the vicinity of Basra and the Prophet's consort, too, is with them and for her sake the people from every direction will join that army.

What is your opinion on this matter?" al-Ahnaf said: " 'Uthman! These are the same individuals who instigated the Muslims al-Imamah wa as-siyasah 1/55-62, Jamharat rasa'il al-'Arab 1/379, History of Ibn A'tham 174. al-Imamah wa as-siyasah 1/55-62, Jamharat rasa'il al-'Arab 1/379, History of Ibn A'tham 174. against 'Uthman and shed his blood. Today they are turning to us without shame to claim from us 'Uthman's blood.

With such an intention if they enter our city, they will create division and hostility among the citizens and will put us all to the sword and kill us. 'Uthman! You are the governor of this city and the people are obedient to you. Make use of your strong position and declare war, and attack the enemy with a number of Basra warriors. For if they are given the opportunity to enter Basra the people will obey them and disobey you!" 'Uthman said: "al-Ahnaf!

I, too, realize that our policy is to rise and fight. But what can I do? I fear riot and sedition and have no desire to start it with my own hand. I wish for peace and tranquility, and I can take no step until I receive 'Ali's instruction." After al-Ahnaf, Hakim ibn Jabalah came to 'Uthman and informed him of the content of the letter of 'A'ishah's army commanders.

Hakim confirmed al- Ahnaf's suggestion and encouraged 'Uthman to rise up and fight 'A'ishah's army, but he met with the same response that al-Ahnaf had received. When Hakim found his suggestion to be of no avail, he said: "O 'Uthman! If you are not prepared to rise and fight permit me to rise up against them with the members of my tribe.

If I succeed in forcing them to surrender to Imam 'Ali and bring them under his command and allegiance, all the better, but if they show no submission we will fight them without asking for your help." 'Uthman said: "Hakim, I have no fear of war and death to dissuade me from fighting or to leave you alone. But I am on principle against fighting the Muslims and opposed to mischief and sedition.