ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books An Introduction To the Political Upheaval At Medina B. Circumstantial Evidence i) The effort of `Umar ibn al-Khattab to check the news of the Prophet's death from spreading, as he was not just then ready, his associate Abu Bakr being at as-Sunk, is very material in this enquiry. As soon as the latter arrived, he at once started to put his plans into action. His imagination conjured up before his eyes a rally of 'Ali's friends before he himself was ready.

ii) The speech of Abu Bakr on his arrival was altogether a party speech, and not a bemoaning oration. He chastised the people for mourning over the loss of their Prophet and Benefactor; and invited them to select a successor.

iii) When they all were collected round the dead body of the Prophet, one of the spies appointed for the purpose came, and concealing himself behind a wall called `Umar ibn al-Khat- tab alone to himself, and informed him that the meeting at the Saqifah to nominate a Caliph had started.23 iv) `Umar kept the news a secret from all except Abu Bakr whom he took with himself and both started towards Saqifah. On the way, Abu `Ubaydah ibn Jarrah met them as if by appointment.

Of all the muhajirun, these three persons alone were present at the Saqifah meeting. 24 On the way, two more spies met and gave them the news of the Sagifah. v) The next important factor is the place of the meeting. Saqifah was an out-of-the-way place where dacoits, ruffians and women mon gers used to assemble and contrive means for the execution of their nefarious projects. It was at a distance from the mosque of the Prophet and his house.

See how the plan is being kept secret from 'Ali and his relatives. The whole idea was to inflict it upon him as a fait accompli. vi) The time chosen for action was in keeping with this plan. They knew the lofty nature of 'Ali and his high ideals. They were perfectly sure that 'Ali would not leave the dead body of the Prophet to join in the race for worldly, sordid gains.

vii) Had it been a frank, open and honest election or selection, they would have waited till the obsequies were over, and then would have invited the whole nation to a common meeting place, preferably the mosque where such political meetings had taken place before, and were taken after this incident. There was no immediate need. They ought to have suggested to the ansar the advisibility of attending first to the funeral of the Prophet.