I cannot state all the reasons in this letter...

I cannot state all the reasons in this letter, but it is necessary to mention that if one believes in the validity of the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and Umar, one cannot believe in the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) to be a true martyrdom and he cannot claim to be mourning for Imam Husayn (a.s.) sincerely or being sympathetic to him.

Here it would be worthwhile to quote the statement of Yazeed Ibn Muawiyah after the incident of Karbala’ when Abdullah Ibn Umar wrote to him that the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) was a serious matter; Yazeed said: “You fool, I have only walked the path shown by your father.” No doubt, it is true. If Saqifah had not occurred, Karbala’ would not have come into being. Undoubtedly, the incident of Karbala’ is the natural consequence of Saqifah.

Therefore, one who believes Saqifah to be true, has no right to view Karbala’ sympathetically. Now, I shall explain how Abu Bakr and Umar caused the tragedy of Karbala’. It is clear from the books of Saqifah that Caliphate was given to Abu Bakr with the help of Umar while His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) and the family of the Holy Prophet (S), that is Bani Hashim, were removed from power. So Abu Sufyan, father of Muawiyah came to His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) and said: “O Ali (a.s.)!

Give me your hand, I want to pledge allegiance to you. How is that rivals have achieved the Caliphate and you are debarred from your rights?

I am sending Meccan riders to fill the desert of Medina and destroy the Caliphate of Saqifah.” His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) said: “O Abu Sufyan, when you were a disbeliever, then also you were involved in mischief and disturbance and now that you have converted to Islam, you still want to create mischief and disturbance.” The reply of His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) was prudent as will be proved later.

Anyhow, after getting this reply, Abu Sufyan went right away to Abu Bakr and Umar and spoke to them in an angry tone: “You obtained the Caliphate and did not care for my rights? I shall destroy your Caliphate just now.” His tone shook up Abu Bakr and Umar said: “If we treat you fairly, would you still take such a severe action?” Abu Sufyan was neither concerned with His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) nor with Abu Bakr’s Caliphate. He was interested only in personal gain.

He said: “Grant me a share in your Caliphate.” So in order to save the Caliphate, Abu Bakr and Umar made him the governor of Syria. Since Abu Sufyan himself could not go to Syria due to old age, he sent his son, Yazeed bin Abu Sufyan instead.