But what a pity, that, except for a few, no one supported Ali (a.

But what a pity, that, except for a few, no one supported Ali (a.s.) and did not act on the command of the Prophet. Those who supported Ali (a.s.) were Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari, Salman Farsi, Miqdad and Malik al-Ashtar. Another result of the incident of Saqifah is that thousands of Muslims (even in this time) if not openly, they harbor suspicions in their heart with regard to Muhammad’s Progeny. Though I can mention many examples of this aloofness, here I present only two examples.

Three years ago, Maulana Shibli Nomani was in Calcutta and I was also present in the house where he stayed. One day Mirza Hairat Dehalvi was mentioned in the conversation. People of India are aware of the animosity of Mirza Hairat to Muhammad’s Progeny and especially to Ali al-Murtadha’ (a.s.). For some moments, the opposition of Mirza Hairat to Ali (a.s.) was discussed. It is not hidden from people of awareness that the Mirza has not left anything unsaid against Ali (a.s.).

Although, this is something which any common person would oppose. So I was not surprised when Shibli Nomani said that many scholars of Ahlul Sunnat have supported the views of Mirza Hairat. However, I was surprised when the Maulana went on to relate what those scholars have said in this regard. “They said that we cannot say anything about the elders of Shias but they criticize our Caliphs without any restraint.

At least now there is a person who speaks bad of the elders of Shia and takes revenge on our behalf for the bad they say about our elders.” This, at least shows that many people of Ahlul Sunnat, though they themselves may not curse Ali (a.s.), they are pleased at the cursing of Ali (a.s.). How can such people support Ali (a.s.) in a time of turmoil that was prophesied by Holy Prophet (S)? Second Example: There was person of Pathan (Afghan) origin in a family of Delhi.

He used to visit me daily and remain in my company for a long time. I knew he was a Sunni and a staunch one at that. So I never mentioned the family of the Prophet before him. By chance, I involuntarily uttered a couplet of Saadi in praise of Ali (a.s.). Although my face was turned away from him the Khan became very angry. He wanted to say something severe to me but his anger was so intense that he was at a loss of words.

At last, when he regained control, he said: “This is a religious matter and in this, swords can also be used.” It is worth noting that the Khan was under obligation to us, and I had not said anything related to cursing.