THE
KHULAFAA -E- RASHIDUN |
Introduction
Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr, Sayyiduna
Umar Al Farouq, Sayyiduna
'Uthman Ghani and Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) were the consecutive successors of
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
These four Khulafaa (pl. for Caliph) are called the "Khulafaa-e-Rashidun"
or the "Rightly Guided Caliphs." Together, these four Khulafaa ruled
the Islamic State for about 29 years. They are called "Rightly Guided"
because they ruled the people of that time exactly according to the Holy Quran
and the commands of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Quotation
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) has said:
"Those who are desirous of following anyone, should follow the Sahaba who
were the best of community, whose hearts were pure, whose wisdom was profound
and who did not believe in the exhibition of outer life. They were a people whom
Allah had selected His Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and who extended His
religion to the world. Therefore, try to imitate their ways and manners, for by
Allah, they were rightly guided people."
SAYYIDUNA
ABU BAKR SIDDIQUE (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
THE FIRST CALIPH OF
ISLAM
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's)
real name was Abdullah, and he was given the title of "As Siddique" or
"Testifier to the Truth." His father, 'Uthman, was known as Abu
Quhafah and his mother, Salma, was known as Ummul Khair. He was two and a half
years younger than Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He was the first among the Sahaba to accept Islam. He accompanied Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) during the Hijrah to Madinatul
Munawwarah. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was a merchant. He freed many
slaves, including Sayyiduna Bilal (radi Allahu anhu) and Sayyiduna Umayyah bin
Qahaf (radi Allahu anhu). He participated in all the battles in which Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had to fight the Kuffar.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) loved his faith more than anything else.
At the Battle of Badr, his son, Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu), was
fighting on the side of the Kuffar. After accepting Islam, Sayyiduna Abdur
Rahman (radi Allahu anhu) said to his father, "O Father, at Badr, you were
twice under my sword, but my love for you held my hand back." To this,
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "Son, if I had you only once
under my sword, you would have been no more." He was so uncompromising in
his faith.
At the time of the Battle of Tabuk, he donated all his wealth to the war effort,
and when Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) asked him,
"What have you left for your family,?" he replied, "Allah and His
Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
AS CALIPH
After his election as the Caliph,
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) addressed the Muslims with these words:
"O People! I have been chosen by you as your leader, although I am no
better than any of you. If I do any wrong, set me right. Listen, truth is
honesty and untruth is dishonesty. The weak among you are the powerful in my
eyes, as long as I do not give them their dues. The powerful among you are weak
in my eyes, as long as I do not take away from them what is due to others.
"Listen carefully, if people give up striving for the Cause of Almighty
Allah, He will send down disgrace upon them. If people become evil-doers,
Almighty Allah will send down calamities upon them.
"Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Rasul (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). If I disobey Allah and His Rasul (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), you
are free to disobey me."
Such was the first Caliph of Islam. Indeed, the world would be a better place to
live in, if we had leaders like Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu).
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) now sent Sayyiduna Usamah (radi Allahu
anhu) on the expedition to Syria to fight the Romans, even though he had to
attend to all the internal problems of the Islamic State.
The news that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had passed
away, made some new Muslims think that the Islamic State would crumble and they
refused to pay the Zakaah. These new Muslims could not yet get used to their
faith and its requirements until then. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)
declared, "By Allah! Even if a single thread is due from a man, he must
give it. If he refuses, I will declare war against him."
RENEGADES AND IMPOSTERS
Some others became imposters and
renegades. Tulaiha, Musailimah, Maalik bin Nuwairah, Aswad Ansi and a woman
named Sajah claimed that they were prophets and caused a great deal of
confusion. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was quick to take action
against these imposters.
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was sent to deal with Tulaiha who
fled to Syria and later became a Muslim. Maalik bin Nuwarah was killed.
Sayyiduna Ikramah (radi Allahu anhu) and Sayyiduna Surahbil (radi Allahu anhu)
were sent to take action against Musailimah, but they were defeated. Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu)
to tackle the notorious Musailamah who married Sajah. In the fight that
followed, Sayyiduna Wahshi (radi Allahu anhu) killed Musailamah. Musailamah and
Aswad Ansi also claimed to be prophets while Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) was alive. Aswad was killed by the Muslims of Yemen.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) swift and bold steps saved the Islamic
State from the serious danger of chaos and confusion. He could now attend to
other urgent problems.
ERA OF CONQUESTS
During his Khilaafat, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu) had to take action against the Iranian Empire. The Emperor of
Iran, Khusrou Parvez, was killed by his son, Shirooya, and the whole empire fell
into chaos and disorder. Hurmuz, the Persian governor of Iraq, was very hostile
to the Arabs and he was also cruel to the Muslims living in that area.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Muthamia (radi Allahu anhu)
to take action against the Iranians in Iraq. His forces were not enough and
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was then sent with reinforcements.
The Muslim army captured vast areas of the Iranian Empire in several battles.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) then turned his attention to the Romans
who were causing trouble in the North-West frontier. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi
Allahu anhu) sent 4 separate armies under Sayyiduna Ubaidah bin Jarrah,
Sayyiduna Amr Ibnul As, Sayyiduna Yazid bin Abu Sufyaan and Sayyiduna Surahbil
bin Hasnal (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) to deal with the Roman power.
The four armies joined into one unit to face the Romans more effectively. The
Romans had amassed 150 000 soldiers, but the total Muslim army was only 24 000.
Reinforcements were requested. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) asked
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) to take charge of the Iraqi front
and Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu) to rush to the Syrian front to help
fight the huge Roman army. The armies met in Yarmuk after Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu) passed away. In this battle, the Romans were totally
defeated.
PASSES AWAY
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) fell
ill at this time and passed away on the 21st of Jamadi-ul-Aakhir 13 A.H. (22
August 634). His rule lasted 2 years and 3 months. He was 63 years old.
One of the many contributions of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was the
collection and compilation of the Holy Quran.
PERSONAL LIFE
He lived a very simple, pious and upright
life. He was a true servant of Almighty Allah and a meticulous follower of
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He wore ordinary clothes and his meals were very simple. He attended to
house-hold work and would go out at night and seek the poor and destitute.
Humility and modesty were the keynotes of his character. He felt embarrassed
when people showered praises on him or showed him immense respect. He often
fasted during the day and spent the whole night in Salaah and meditation. He was
a great orator and a master of genealogy (one who can trace a person's family
line). In personal life, he was a Saint. He used all his powers to promote the
interest of Islam and the good of people.
SAYYIDUNA UMAR FAROOQ
(RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
THE SECOND CALIPH OF ISLAM
ELECTION
Before he passed away, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu) consulted the senior Sahaba and elected Sayyiduna Umar (radi
Allahu anhu) as the second Caliph of the Muslims.
EARLY LIFE
He was the son of Khattab and is famous in
Islamic history as "Al Farooq" or "One who Distinguishes between
Right and Wrong." His acceptance of Islam is also very famous.
AS CALIPH
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) was a
very brave and straight-forward person. He was tough and uncompromising in
Islamic principles. He was a great and talented ruler. During his Khilaafat,
vast areas of the Roman and Persian empires and the whole of Egypt were brought
under Islamic rule. He was also a gifted orator. He was very concerned for the
welfare of the Muslims. He left a honourable legacy for Muslims after him. The
Holy Quran was given to him by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) for
safe-keeping.
APPOINTS NEW COMMANDER
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anu) was a
strong disciplinarian. He noticed the tremendous popularity of Sayyiduna Khalid
bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu). He felt that people will lose trust in Almighty
Allah and put all their trust in Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu).
He feared that the people may think too highly of him, thereby possibly
increasing the self-esteem of Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu)
which would also breed arrogance, so he removed Sayyiduna Khalid (radi Allahu
anhu) and appointed Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (radi Allahu anhu) as the
Commander in Chief of the Muslim army.
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) happily accepted the orders of
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) and then served as an ordinary soldier. This
is an example of the Islamic teachings of obedience to leadership!
DEFEAT OF THE PERSIANS
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) had
left Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu) in command of the Muslim forces on
the Iraqi front when he rushed to Yarmuk. Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu)
was finding it difficult to counter the enemy and went personally to Madinatul
Munawwarah to ask Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) for re-inforcements.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) had by that time passed away.
Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu's) absence from the Iraqi front made things
worse there. The Iranians regrouped under the command of Rustam and recaptured
the lands taken by the Muslims. Rustam sent 2 columns of his army, one to Hirah
and the other to Kaskar.
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah (radi Allahu anhu),
as Commander, to deal with the situation. Both the Persian columns were
defeated. Rustam sent an even larger army and defeated the Muslims.
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) raised another army and defeated the Persians.
But the Persian court sent yet another larger army, and forced Sayyiduna
Muthanna (radi Allahu anhu) to withdraw. The report of the new situation was
sent to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) and reinforcements under the command
of Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqqas (radi Allahu anhu) were sent.
The Persian and Muslim army met at Qadisiyah. After a long battle on several
fronts, the outnumbered Muslim army defeated the 120 000 Persian soldiers and
recaptured Hirah and their areas in the year 14 A.H. (636 C.E).
DEFEAT OF THE ROMANS
Muslims laid siege to Damascus during Sayyiduna Abu
Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) rule as Caliph. It continued, after he passed away,
and lasted 70 days during the rule of Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu). After
the long siege, Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) took the Romans by
surprise and entered the city. The Governor surrendered and a peace treaty was
signed.
CONQUEST OF JERUSALEM
Meanwhile, Sayyiduna Amr ibn As (radi Allahu anhu)
was laying siege to Jerusalem. Sayyiduna Khalid, Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah and other
Sahaba (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) also joined him. The Christians had little
hope and decided to give in. They also suggested that the keys of Jerusalem be
given to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) himself personally. Sayyiduna Umar
(radi Allahu anhu) went to Jerusalem. An agreement was signed that guaranteed
the safety of the city and the safety of the Christians.
ASSASSINATION
A Persian non-Muslim, named Firoz and nicknamed
"Abu Lulu," complained to Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) about his
master, Sayyiduna Mughirah bin Shuba (radi Allahu anhu), who imposed tax on him.
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) told Firoz that the tax was reasonable. This
made Firoz angry.
The next day, during the Fajr Salaah, he stabbed Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) 6 times in the back, severely wounding the Caliph. Sayyiduna Umar (radi
Allahu anhu) passed away 3 days later in 23 A.H. He was 63 years old. He ruled
the Islamic State for 10 years, 6 months and 4 days.
REFORMS
In a short space of 10 years, Sayyiduna Umar (radi
Allahu anhu) had been well-known for his outstanding achievements and reforms in
Islam. Some of these reforms were:-
1. He established the "Baitul Maal" (People's treasury for the state
and public).
2. Judicial courts of Justice were set in the country. Judges and Magistrates
handled all cases.
3. Establishment of an army headquarters for the defence of the country.
4. Construction of roads and canals.
5. Schools were established. Salaries for Imams, Mu'azzins and Ustaads were
organized.
6. Masjids were improved and built in Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinatul
Munawwarah. This included facilities for the Haajis.
7. Police Stations and prisons were built.
8. Establishment of the first Islamic Lunar calendar beginning from the Hijrah.
9. Proper weights and measures introduced.
10. Population census established.
11. Built orphanages and welfare homes.
12. Established proper punishment system and banned slavery.
PERSONAL LIFE
Simplicity and devotion were the main characters of
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu). He used to wear clothes that had many patches
and yet received Governors, convoys and diplomats. He took just enough allowance
from the State to have a simple meal and wear simple clothes. At times he was
very poor. He used to visit the old people and sick and even do their house
work. He used to visit the houses of the soldiers and inquire about their
families. He stayed awake at night in Salaah and often kept Fast. He always
supported and upheld the cause of Islam, with his wisdom, energy, dynamism,
bravery and little wealth.
SAYYIDUNA 'UTHMAN GHANI
(RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
THE THIRD CALIPH OF ISLAM
ELECTION
Before he passed away, Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu
anhu) appointed a six-man Committee to elect his successor from among
themselves. After long discussions and consultation, they elected Sayyiduna
'Uthman bin Affan (radi Allahu anhu) as the third Caliph of Islam.
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) belonged to
the Ummayah tribe of the Quraish. He was a very rich cloth merchant. He was
known as "Al Ghani" or "The Generous." His father's name was
Affan and his mother was Urwa.
He accepted Islam at the invitation of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) and
migrated to Abyssinia with his wife, Sayyadah Ruqayyah (radi Allahu anha), who
was also the daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
After she passed away, he married Sayyadah Umme Kulthum (radi Allahu anha),
another daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Because
of this, he earned the title "Zun Noorain" or "Possessor of Two
Lights." He took part in all the battles with Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) except the Battle of Badr.
CONQUESTS
During the Khilaafat of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi
Allahu anhu), the rebellion in Azerbhaijaan and Armenia was silenced.
Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu), with the help of Sayyiduna Abi Sarah
(radi Allahu anhu), captured Cyprus by naval attack and brought it under Islamic
rule. Vast areas of North Africa including Tripoli, Tunisia and Morocco were
also brought under the Islamic rule.
The Romans, although defeated several times by the Muslims in the past, made
another attempt, during the Khilaafat of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu),
to recapture the lands they had already lost. Constantine, the Emperor of Rome,
made great preparations and attacked Alexandria with a naval fleet five to six
thousand strong. But, the Romans were defeated by the Muslim naval forces under
the command of Sayyiduna Abi Sarah and Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhuma).
REBELLION
The Governors of the provinces, appointed by
Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu), were removed and replaced by members of the
new Caliph's clan. The majority of the new governors were inspired by worldly
means rather than by piety and interests of their subjects. People started to
demand the removal of these Governors, but the Caliph did not respond to their
appeals. Delegates mainly from Iraq and Egypt, submitted their demands to the
Caliph. The situation, however got out of control.
ASSASSINATION
In the turmoil, Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu
anhu) himself was made Shaheed by rebels while he was reading the Holy Quran
inside his house. This happened on Friday, the 17th of Zil Hajj in 35 A.H.. He
was 84 years old.
CHARACTER
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allah anhu) was a very
simple and very kind person. His simplicity and kindness did not alow him to
take strong action against the trouble makers and rioters. Above all, because of
his simple-mindedness, his administration was not as disciplined as it had been
during the Khilaafat of Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu).
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) was a generous man. He used to spend a lot
of money for Islam and to free the slaves. He was a great and pious man who
feared and loved Almighty Allah and Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) above everything else. Although he was very rich, his living was very
simple. He did not indulge in luxury. He was ever mindful of death. Major parts
of the night were spent in Salaah. He also fasted every second or third day.
THE HOLY QURAN
A major achievement of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi
Allahu anhu) was the duplication of the Holy Quran from the records kept by
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu), who handed it to Sayyiduna Umar (radi
Allahu anhu), who then handed it to his daughter, Sayyadah Hafsa (radi Allahu
anha), the wife of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) made copies of the Holy Quran from the
original and sent it to capitals such as Kufa, Damascus, Makkatul Mukarramah and
Basrah, each accompanied by a Sahabi for the guidance of the readers.
SAYYIDUNA ALI (RADI
ALLAHU ANHU)
THE FOURTH CALIPH OF ISLAM
ELECTIONS
After Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) passed
away, Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was elected as the fourth Caliph by the
Muslims. During the period of the first three Caliphs, Madinatul Munawwarah
continued to be the capital of the Muslim world, but Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhu) transferred the Islamic capital to Kufah in Iraq.
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was the son of Abu
Taalib, an uncle of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was married to Sayyadah Bibi Fathima (radi
Allahu anha), the daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). They had 3 sons, Sayyiduna Hassan, Sayyiduna Hussain and Sayyiduna
Mohsin (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) took part in the battle of Badr, Khandaq and
Khaibar. At Khaibar, it was Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) who subdued the
Jews with his furious assault. He also held many important positions during the
time of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and the first 3
Caliphs before him.
He had a love for learning and was a great and learned person himself. He had
been given the title of "Baabul I'lm" or "Gate of Learning"
by Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He was also called
"Asaadullah" or "Lion of Allah."
OPPOSITION
The situation in Madinatul Munawwarah after the
murder (Shahaadah) of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) was serious.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu's) first task was to rid Madinatul Munawwarah of
the rebels and to return the situation to normal.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was able to force the rebels to withdraw from
Madinatul Munawwarah and to establish peace and order in the city. The powerful
governor of Syria, Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu), challenged Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) and refused to pay homage to him. Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah
(radi Allahu anhu) insisted that Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) arrest the
murderers of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) and hand them over to him.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was a man with a deep sense of justice and did
not want to accuse the wrong people. He needed a peaceful period to trace the
culprits. But, Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu) began accusing him of
protecting the murderers, and in this way the old enmity between the two
families were revived.
HASHIMITES AND UMAYYADS
Abd Munaf
Abd Shams Hashim
Ummayah Abdul Muttalib
Abu Al Asi Harb Abdullah Abu Taalib
Affan Abu Sufyan Rasoolullah Ali
'Uthman Mu'awiyah
SAYYIDUNA MU'AWIYAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)
Unlike most of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu's) governors, Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) displayed great administrative ability and was very
popular. He was a God-fearing man and especially known for his mercy. Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was very strict in piety and straight forward. Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) declared his disobedience to him, because he felt
that he was better qualified to lead the Muslim world.
BATTLE OF THE CAMEL
Another serious development took place. Sayyadah
Aishah (radi Allahu anha) and two leading Sahaba, Sayyiduna Talha and Sayyiduna
Zubair (radi Allahu anhuma) declared their opposition to the Khilaafat of
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). They left Madinatul Munawwarah for Makkatul
Mukarramah and from there travelled to Basrah where they rallied men and new
supporters.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had to crush all opposition. A bloody battle
took place near Basrah on the 9th of December 656 A.C. This battle was sparked
off by a third force who were the real troublemakers. Just before the battle,
both parties had already reached an agreement to settle the dispute. But this
third force, the real assassinators of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu),
launched an overnight attack on both camps simultaneously. Each side were under
the impression that the other had attacked. The battle began. Several thousand
men were lost including the two Sahaba. Sayyadah Aishah (radi Allahu anha) was
safe. She was riding a camel during the battle-hence the name "Battle of
the Camel." Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) treated her in a most noble
and dignified manner and respectfully sent her back to Madinatul Munawwarah. She
praised him and deeply regretted opposing Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). Kufa
was now made the capital of the Islamic world.
BATTLE OF SIFFIN
Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) rallied an
army to face Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). A battle took place at Siffin on
the Syrian border in the July of 567 A.C. Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu)
was no match for Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) and began to retreat. By the
clever proposal of Sayyiduna Amr bin Al As (radi Allahu anhu), the retreating
army raised pieces of the Holy Quran on their spears demanding judgement between
the two parties. Many pious Muslims on the side of Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhu) refused to fight seeing the Holy Quran displayed in the air.
JUDGEMENT
Two men, one from each side, were appointed to
settle the dispute. Sayyiduna Abu Musa (radi Allahu anhu), a pious Sahaba from
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu's) side, and the skilled Sayyiduna Amr (radi
Allahu anhu) from Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu's) side. Sayyiduna Musa
(radi Allahu anhu) declared in front of the Muslims that it was decided to
recommend the removal of both Sayyiduna Ali and Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu
anhuma) and that the Muslims should select another man for the Khilaafat.
Sayyiduna Amr (radi Allahu anhu) replied that: "He has declared the removal
of his leader, while I would conform Muaawiyah as the Caliph." Chaos
followed.
KHAARIJEES
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) prepared to meet
Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) again in battle, but he was moved from
his task by a serious conflict that occurred among his men. Some narrow-minded
people accused Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) of accepting a man-made
judgement. Their slogan was: "There is no judgment but with Allah."
They declared that Sayyiduna Ali, Sayyiduna Muaawiyah and Sayyiduna 'Uthman
(radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) were unbelievers and that Jihad should be declared
against them. Ever since this event, they have been known as the
"Khaarijees", which means, "those who left the fold." They
maintained that the Khilaafat should be given to the most eligible Muslim,
regardless of his origin. The Kharijees are not regarded as Muslims.
ASSASSINATION
On the 17th of July 659 A.C., Sayyiduna Ali (radi
Allahu anhu) overcame the Khaarijees in a battle near Nahrawan, in which, it is
said, that 40 000 lives were lost.
In the early morning of the 24th of January 661 A.C., Abdul Rahman bin Muljim, a
Khaariji fanatic lay in ambush in the Masjid of Kufah and stabbed Sayyiduna Ali
(radi Allahu anhu) when he entered the musjid. He passed away from the wound. He
was 63 years old.
PERSONAL LIFE
Sayyiduna Ali (radi allahu anhu) lived a simple
life. He refused any luxury food and wore simple clothes thinking of the poor.
He should sleep on the ground and even sit on the floor. He repaired his own
clothes and shoes and even did manual labour. He spent nights in Salaah and
should fast for three days in a row. Honesty, piety, justice and love of truth
were the main marks of his character.