ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Uprising of Ashura and Responses to Doubts Why did Imam al-Hasan (as) Make Peace while Imam al-Husayn (as) Rose up in Arms? The issue of the peace treaty of Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (as) with Mu‘awiyah ibn Abu Sufiyan is one of the subjects about which there is controversy and differing opinions among historians.

Some historians have accused Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (as) of being unworthy and say that Imam al-Hasan (as) was not fit for the caliphate and Imamate. Some even believe that the Holy Imam (as) did not possess enough strength and fortitude to handle the responsibilities of government affairs.

Other historians say that Imam al-Hasan (as), just like his father, ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (as), had the capability for the caliphate, but sensitive circumstances which prevailed during his time demanded that he should make peace. In other words, Imam al-Hasan (as) was forced to make peace and avoid war. In this topic, we intend to give a clear explanation and description of the events that led to Imam al-Hasan’s (as) peace agreement with the people of Sham.

Imam ‘Ali’s (as) reproach of the people of Kufah In order for us to understand the conditions of the people of Kufah, the people who pledged allegiance with Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (as), it is important to refer to Imam ‘Ali’s (as) words about them, because he lived with them for many years and was their leader.

Addressing the people of Kufah, Imam ‘Ali (as) said, «الحمد لله على ما قضی من أمر، وقدّر من فعل، وعلى ابتلائي بکم أيتها الفرقة التي اذا امرتُ لم تطع، واذا دعوت لم تُجب...» “I praise Allah for what He willed and destined. And I praise Him for my entanglement in the troubles created for me by you, the people of Kufah. O people! You who did not follow any of the orders which I gave! Whenever I called out to you, you did not respond positively…”[^1] Elsewhere, Imam ‘Ali (as) says, «...

لقد کنت أمس أميراً فاصبحتُ اليوم مأموراً، وکنت أمس ناهياً فأصبحت اليوم منهيّاً، وقد أحببتم البقاء وليس لي أن أحملکم على ما تکرهون...» “Until yesterday, I was a leader and commander, but today I am the one who is being commanded. Until yesterday, I was the one preventing people from acting in certain ways, but today I am the one who is being prevented. You love staying alive.