BIOGRAPHY OF IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB (Translation of Sirat Amir Al-Mu Minin)

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Translator: Sayyid Tahir Bilgrami
Publisher: Ansariyan Publications – Qum
Category: Imam Ali

BIOGRAPHY OF IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB  (Translation of Sirat Amir Al-Mu Minin)

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Translator: Sayyid Tahir Bilgrami
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BIOGRAPHY OF IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB  (Translation of Sirat Amir Al-Mu Minin)

BIOGRAPHY OF IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB (Translation of Sirat Amir Al-Mu Minin)

Author:
Publisher: Ansariyan Publications – Qum
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103. THE ATROCITIES OF BASAR BIN ARTAT

Yemen was under Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) but there was a sizeable number of Othmanis as well. Although they had entered into the Bai-at of the Imam (a.s) their hearts were elsewhere! Their attitude with the governor of Yemen, Obaid Allah ibne Abbas too was inimical. When Mohammed ibne Abu Bakr was killed in Egypt, and the guerilla attacks on the Iraqi territory by the Syrians continued at regular intervals, the inimical element in Yemen too started their act. They started instigating people to claim the Qasas for the blood of Othman. When Obaid Allah ibne Abbas knew about this intrigue, he called some important persons and told them what he was hearing about them.They said what he had heard was right. They said that from the very beginning they thought that the killing of Othman was a calamity and that those who had killed him, and those who created the circumstances for the killing, must be punished. When Obaid Allah felt that the intrigue was rising in the province, he put those persons under house arrest. They sent messages to the armymen who subscribed to their thinking to create a revolt in their ranks and remove the chief, Saeed ibne Nimran. Therefore they revolted and snatched away the command from him. The army was totally demoralized and splinter groups were formed. Since the martial strength was affected, the civilian unrest started raising its head. Those who were quiet till then, started airing their views openly. And even those who didn’t subscribe to their views, joined with them to avoid paying the Zakat and the tribute.

Obaid Allah ibne Abbas, Saeed ibne Nimran and important Shias met to decide the strategy to face the situation. They decided to inform about the situation to Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) in detail and act on his advice. They thought that if they themselves started hostilities with the Othmanians they didn’t know what will be the consequences. Therefore, the details were communicated to the Imam (a.s). When he read their report, folds appeared on his forehead. He wrote to Obaid Allah and Saeed,“Whatever has happened is because of your poor politics! Otherwise they were not important enough to be given any importance! Niether they are more in numbers nor do they have any power. You must talk and convince them to be the men of piety. If they come back to the Right Path, we shall thank Allah! If they want to fight, we shall be ready to fight as well! “The Imam (a.s) simultaneously sent a letter to the Othmanians of Yemen with a person from the tribe of Hamadan, “I have been informed of your rebellion and headstrong attitude! Abstain from rebellion and go back to the peace of your homes! If you hesitate in doing this, an army is coming to teach you a suitable lesson and crush you.” But those people remained adamant. When the courier found them reticent, hetold them that the Imam (a.s) has got readied an army under Yazid ibne Qais Arhabi which is waiting for me to inform about your reaction. If you don’t change your attitude, the troops will rush for Yemen. When they understood that this was not just a threat, they said that if Obaid Allah and Saeed were removed from there,midst they will become obedient to the Imam (a.s). This was their trick to save time. They wouldn’t have remained content only with the change of the functionaries. They had already sent a message to Muawiya asking him to send out a contingent to deal with the Shias of Yemen. They promised to cooperate with the army in its operations.

Muawiya, who was carrying on his guerilla operations on various towns of Iraq, couldn’t have kept quiet at this initiative of the Yemenis. He immediately called Basar ibne Artat, who was a tyrant of much ferocity, and sent him with a contingent of 3,000 troops to proceed to Yemen via Madina and Makka. He had instructions that whichever place he passed through, he should force the people to owe allegiance to Muawiya. Those of the Shias of Ali (a.s) who refuse his call must be excuted forthwith.and plunder their homes and hearths. Therefore, commanding the contingent he started for Madina. On the way, wherever he came across a source of water, he confiscated the camels of the people who were there to water their animals. When he reached near Madina terrorizing and looting the people enroute, the tribe of Bani Qaza welcomed him.and slaughtered camels to feed his contingent. When he entered the environs of Madina, Abu Ayoob Ansari, the governor went out of the city awed by seeing the huge contingent of troops.and escaped towards Koofa. There was none there to resist him. Basar went straight to the mosque and threatened the people who assembled there. He frightened them so much that they thought that death would come to them any moment. Some people asked Havetab ibne Abd al Uzza, in whose house Basar’s mother lived, to do something to save them. He told to Basar,“These people are the companions of the Prophet (s.a). They are neither the killers of Othman nor did they have anything to do with the conspiracy of killing him!Leave them alone!” Basar didn’t agree. When they agreed to enter the Bai-at of Muawiya, he allowed them to go home. But those on whom he had doubt that they wouldn’t owe allegiance to Muawiya, he got their homes burned down. These were the homes of Abu Ayoob Ansari, Abd Allah ibne Saad, Rafa-aa ibne RafehZarqi and Zarara ibne Harun.

At the arrival of Basar lots of people abandoned their homes and had fled. Among them was Jabir bin Abd Allah Ansari who left his home and took shelter elsewhere. When Basar didn’t see Jabir, he told to a branch of Bani Salama that if they didn’t produce jabir in front of him, the safety of their lives and property could not be guaranteed. When Jabir learned that the lives of the people of his tribe were in jeopardy, he went in the darkness of the night to the Umm al Momineen Hazrat Umm e Salama and told her,“I have come to you to take your advice! What should I do in these circumstances? “She said, “For you there is no other alternative than owing allegiance to Muawiya and saving the lives of your men and your own! Although this Bai-at is sheer deviation, I have also advised my son Omer ibne Abi Salama and my son-in-law Abd Allah ibne Zam-aa to save themselves by entering into it” Therefore Jabir very unwillingly went to Basar and entered into the Bai-at of Muawiya. All the days that Basar was in Madina the clouds of terror and fear were hovering over the place.and people were forced to owe their allegiance to the tyrannical force of Basar! Basar spared their lives and said,“O people of Madina! You didn’t deserve that even a single person here should be allowed to live because in front of your eyes Othman was killed and you didn’t do anything to help him. Although I am forgiving you in this world, I hope that you will be deprived of Allah’s Blessings in the Hereafter! I am appointing Abu Hurarira as the governor of Madina on behalf of the government of Syria. Beware! Don’t act against his orders!” Then he proceeded towards Makka. When he reached near Makka, spreading terror at all the places on the way, the governor of Makka, Fatam ibne Abbas quietly left the city. Most of the inhabitants of Makka had left the place. Among these people was Abu Moosa Ashari as well. When Basar heard that even Abu Moosa had run away because of fear, he said that at least he shouldn’t have any fear! One who had deposed Ali (a.s) despite being his own nominee, he cannot be killed! Basar threatened and frightened the people of Makka and addressed them thus,“We thank Allah that He has given us control and authority! Our enemies have been shamed by Him! Look at Ibne Abi Talib (a.s)! He is sitting in an insignificant corner of Iraq! The areas of his own realm are shrinking for him! Allah has given retribution for his sins! His companions too are abandoning him! Today, the leader of the Muslims is Muawiya who is the successor of Othman and the standard bearer for claiming the Qasas for his blood! There do Bai-at with him and don’t put your lives in jeopardy by turning away from him!” The people were already in fear and confusion. Seeing the bloodied swords they agreed to owe their allegiance to Muawiya. After the Bai-at he appointed Shaiba ibne Othman as the governor of Makka. Now Basar moved towards Taef.

When Basar went some distance, he sent one Qarshi to Nabala saying that there were many Shias there and he must kill them one by one. The man went there and made them captive. They said that they were from his own place and tribe. They wanted some respite to send a person to Basar to request him for amnesty. If he gave us amnesty in writing, it would be fine. Otherwise you will be free to kill us. The man gave permission and Muneeh Baheli went to Taef where Basar was waiting for the return of the Qarshi. Muneeh made the request for amnesty with Basar. Some important persons of Taef too supported him. He agreed to give amnesty because of their recommendation but was hesitant to write down his approval. When he thought that his man must have already killed all the other persons in Nabala, he wrote the order and gave to Muneeh. When he went to the house of the woman where he was satying, he found that she wasn’t there.He didn’t want to delay his departure anymore and, instead of the saddle he put a sheet of cloth on the back of the camel and started for his place, Nabala. There the people were losing hope of his returning in time to save their lives. The Qarshi and his men had already brought the persons to the ground for the execution. In fact the sword was used on the neck of one person, but it had broken. They talked with one another that to make the swords work they must be swung around. When Muneeh reached Nabala after spending one day and one night on camel back, he saw the swords shining from a distance. He thought that some fighting was going on. He speeded up his camel and waved his white shawl to indicate that he was coming. The person on whose neck the sword was about to fall was Muneeh’s own brother. He rushed and gave the letter to the Qarshi and their lives were saved just in time.

Basar left taef and went towards the habitations of Bani Kanana where two young sons of Obaid Allah ibne Abbas, Fatam and Abd ar Rehman and their mother, Umme Hakim Hooria binte Qariz Kanania were living. Basar sent his men to bring the children for killing them. Obaid Allah ibne Abbas had left the children in the care of a Kanani. When he saw that Basar wanted to kill them, his consicience would n’t allow him to see the children, who were in his care, getting killed before his eyes. He took out his sword and was ready to kill and get killed. Basar said that they had nothing to do with him.nor any need for them to kill him. He asked him to keep away and leave the children alone. He said that the duty of guardianship is more precious than his own life. Saying this he attacked the enemies and died fighting valiantly. Basar searched Fatam and Abd ar Rehman and killed them with great barbarity. When the women of Bani Kanana heard this they came out of their homes. One lady said,“Till this day men were seen executed. Even during the days of ignorance children were never executed! This tyrannical rule will not exist for long which is based on cruelty and barbarity!A rule in which there is no consideration even for small children and old persons!” Basar said,“By Allah! I wish to kill all these women with my sword!” The woman said,“Allah knows! If you do that the pain of our hearts would be relieved!” when Umm Hakim saw her children immersed in dust and their own blood,, she was disconsolate with sorrow. She went round as if she was searching for her little children. During the days of Haj thereafter she used to make the pilgrims cry with her couplets full of pathos!

When Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) heard of the sad ending of those children, he was very sad and cursed Basar in these words:

“O Allah! Snatch away the Faith and wisdom from him!”

Ref: Tariq e Kamil, Vol 3, Page 193

And really it did happen like that!A time came when he lost his mental capacities. But even in this lunacy he used to utter the word,“Sword! Sword” . In the end he was given a sword made out of wood and a sheepskin filled with air was placed in front of him to hit with his wooden sword! He used thus to quench his thirst for tyranny till he died.

Coming back to the narrative, Basar reached Najran killing and maiming people along the way. In Najran he killed Abd Allah ibne Abd al Madan Harti and his son Malik. After troubling and torturing the people of Najran, he went to Arhab and killed Abu Karb who was an ardent Shia of Ali (a.s) and a chief of the tribe of Hamadan. Then Basar proceeded to San-aa, the capital of Yemen. Umro ibne Araka Saqafi, who was the deputy of Obaid Allah ibne Abbas in his absence, valiantly fought with the men of Basar with the remnants of his troops and was martyred in the process. Basar entered the city and ordered general massacre and killed hundreds of innocent persons. During this whirlwind tour Basar destroyed complete towns, looted materials and indulged in wholesale arson. 30,000 Muslims were the victims of his unparalleled barbarity.

Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) asked the people of Koofa to give a befitting reply to the atrocities of Basar. But they exhibited their disinterest and avoided pursuing the enemy. After repeated proddings by the Imam (a.s), Abu Burada ibne Auf Azdi said,“If you go commanding the troops, we are ready to go!” The Imam (a.s) said,“Your suggestion is not proper! It is not good that I leave the head quarters and keep chasing a marauder and brigand all over the relam!” Jaria ibne Qadama Saadi said,“Ya Ameer al Momineen! I am ready to go in the pursuit of the enemy!” The Imam (a.s) said,“You take a contingent of 2,000 troops from Basra and chase him in Hejaz and then upto Yemen and give him punitive punishment!” Wahab ibne masood Saqafi said,“Ya Ameer al Momineen (a.s)! I shall take a contingent of 2,000 men from Koofa to teach a lesson to the enemy! “The Imam (a.s) gave him the permission as well. Both of them started on the campaign. After they went, the other persons felt that they did not respond to the call of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s). Therefore some important persons came to the presence of the Imam (a.s) and said, “Ya Ameer al Momineen (a.s)! We are really sorry that we tried to avoid fighting with the enemy! It is the result of our shortcomings and lethargy that the enemy could take courage in his hands to attack our territory. Order us! We shall prepare an army and chase the enemy and finish him!” The Imam (a.s) said,“I have sent a person who will not return without chasing the enemy out of the borders of the realm! However, you must prepare for a result oriented war instead of these chases! That will totally eliminate the repeated incursions by the enemy! Rise and prepare to fight with Muawiya ibne Abu Sufian and finish that mischief for all time! “Saeed ibne Qais Hamadani said , “Ya Ameer al Momineen (a.s)! We are in your service and my tribe shall always be at your beck and call! We can fight with the enemy within our borders and also away from our realm! We shall shatter the idols of ignorance and treachery!” The Imam (a.s) said,“May Allah Bless you! What you have said is very correct! “Then Ziyad ibne Khasfa too assured of his whole-hearted cooperation. Seeing the sangfroid of the koofans, the Imam (a.s) ordered Mauqal ibne Qais to arrange for men and materials of war. Then he addressed in a general gathering of the people of Koofa in this manner, “O People of Koofa! I am mobilizing troops to fight with the Syrians. Those of you who want to do Jehad in the way of Allah should report to join the contingent.” The people of Koofa sharpened their swords and getting together other arms joined the army in large numbers. The number of troops rose to 40,000 men. On a contingent of 10,000 men the Imam (a.s) appointed his son Hussain (a.s). Another 10,000 troops were put under the command of Qais ibne Saad, and 10,000 under Abu Ayoob Ansari. In this manner different contingents were under the command of different persons..The Imam (a.s) wanted to move with this army on the campaign to Siffin after a week. But a Khariji, Ibne Muljim Muradi struck the head of the Imam (a.s) with such ferocity that he was martyred. With this great calamity the conditions in the realm became very uncertain. The rebellious ruler of Syria got the opportunity to play his treacherous tricks. The contingents got together so meticulously were disbursed over night. At the crucial time when arrangements had been made to crush the tyrannical enemy, the accursed Kahriji turned everything upside down!On the other side Jaria ibne Qadama reached Yemen with his regiment. When the Othmanians of Yemen knew of this, they went into the hills to hide themselves. But Jaria’s men chased and surrounded them. Some of them were killed. Jaria inquired about Basar and he was told that he had gone towards the habitations of Bani Teem. Jaria chased him. The tyrants are generally cowards. When he learned that the Iraqi army was in his pursuit, he went towards Yamama. He ran away even from there, running from place to place to make the Iraqis miss his trail. People were aware of his cruelties. Wherever he went, people used to attack him and Bani Tamim even looted some of his goods. Jaria chased him till Haras and the tired contingent rested there for a month. Then they went to Makka. Jaria asked the people of Makka if they had owed their allegiance to Muawiya. They said that they did the Bai-at but they didn’t have any other choice. Jaria asked them to renew their Bai-at with the Imam (a.s). They asked, Whose Bait? Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) is no more in the world!” He said,“You must owe your Bai-at to the person to whom the Companions of Ali (a.s) have owed their allegiance.” Therefore the people of Makka pledged their Bai-at to Imam Hassan (a.s) and Jaria proceeded towards Madina. There Abu Huraria had started to lead the congregations of prayers. When he heard of the arrival of Jaria he went underground. When Jaria heard about this, he said:

“By Allah! If Abu Huraira was caught by me, I would have cut away his head!”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 4, Page 107

Then he told to the people of Madina to owe their allegiance to Imam Hassan (a.s). All the people did the Bai-at and Jaria proceeded towards Koofa. Basar had saved his life and reached Damascus and sought encomiums from Muawiya for his dark deeds.

Muawiya ibne Abu Sufian wanted to extend his sway as far and wide as possible. For this purpose he was attacking the areas under Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) and used tyrants like Zohak Fahri and Basar ibne Artat for this nefarious purpose. The gangs of Syrians played havoc on the unarmed, innocent civilians for no fault of theirs. Although this nefarious activity was carried out under the excuse of claiming Qasas for the blood of Othman, the real purpose was to extend the tyrannical sway of Muawiya. To achieve this they rendered buildings into ruins, obliterated habitation after habitation from existence and the survivors had to fly to safer places. The sanctity of Makka and Madina was compromised by spreading fear psychosis in those holy places. Although Makka is the place where there is no justification for disturbing the peace nor of causing death or injury to any person! The Prophet of Islam (s.a.) by declaring general amnesty at the time of conquest of Makka had forgiven the worst of offenders of peace and had said:

“One who has Faith in Allah and the Hereafter, for him it isn’t legitimate to shed blood and cut trees in Makka!”

Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Vol 3, Page 167

Similarly Madina too is sacrosanct and spreading terror there and torturing the residents there are foul acts. Therefore the Prophet (s.a) has said:

“One who frightens the people of Madina as an act of cruelty; on him there will be the curse of Allah, His angels and the entire humankind! Allah will neither accept the mandatory prayers nor the optionals of such a person!”

Ref: Wafa al Wafa, Vol 1, Page 32

104. THE MARTYRDOM

In 40 H after the Battle of Nahrwan the remnants of Khawarij had a conclave in Makka and discussing about the loss of lives in their ranks, they put the blame of these killings on Ali (a.s), Muawiya and Umro Ibne Aas. To avenge all those killings, they wanted to do away with all the three The blood of the Khawarij was already aboil seeking revenge. They unanimously agreed that Barak bin Abd Allah Saremi would kill Muawiya, Umro ibne Bakr Tamimi to kill Umro ibne Aas and Abd ar Rehman ibne Muljim to assassinate Hazrat Ali (a.s). They also agreed that all the three killings were to be committed on the same day and at the same time. They didn’t want any of the three to get the wind of the killing of the other (s) and get wary and make the attempts fail. Therefore they fixed the day and time and sent Barak ibne Abd Allah to Damascus, Umro ibne Bakr to Egypt and Abd ar Rehman ibne Muljim to Koofa.

For this difficult task they had fixed 19TH of Ramadan and the time was the morning prayer. Therefore Barak bin Abd Allah reached the Jama Masjid of Damascus and when the congregation stood up, he took station behind Muawiya in the first row. When Muawiya bent forward in genuflection, he struck a blow with his sword. The wound was small and healed within a few days. The assailant was taken captive. Umro ibne Bakr reached the Jama Masjid of Egypt on the night of 19th Ramadan with the plan of killing Umro ibne Aas during the morning prayer. But it so happened that Umro ibne Aas suffered from a bout of colic and had deputed Kharja ibne Hazafa Sahmi to lead the prayer in his place. Umro ibne Bakr wasn’t able to identify in the darkness that it wasn’t Umro ibne Aas. He killed Kharja in that confusion. The people caught hold of him, bound him in ropes and took to Umro ibne Aas. When he realized that Kharja was killed by him in place of Umro ibne Aas, he felt sorry for the failure of his design. Umro ibne Aas addressed him and said,“You wanted to kill me, but the death turned towards Kharja and you have failed in your attempt on my life!” Then he was killed for killing Kharja.

Abd ar Rehman ibne Muljim arrived in Koofa around the end of the month of Shaban and stayed in the locality of Bani Kinda with some Khawarij. He didn’t inform anyone of his plans nor he gave any indication of his intention through his behaviour. In that time he developed acquaintance with a Khariji woman, Qutam binte Timia. He fell for her at the first sight. When he knew that she was a spinster, he proposed marriage to her. Qutam’s father and brother were killed in the battle of Nahrwan and she wanted to wreak vengeance on Hazrat Ali (a.s). But she didn’t find any way to fulfil her wish. When Ibne Muljim proposed to her, she saw a ray of hope in the proposal. Therefore she said,“I am willing to marry you but my Meher is 3,000 Dirhams, a male slave, a slave girl and the killing of Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s)” Ibne Muljim was already having plans for that crime, he had come there for that purpose and now another strong motive presented itself to make him more determined for the act. But outwardly he expressed surprise at the suggestion and he said,“Killing Ali (a.s) is not an easy task!” Qutam said,“You can make a surprise attack and kill him. If you succeed, it is well and good. Even otherwise you will get the Blessings of the Hereafter!” When Ibne Muljim saw that Qutama had the same feelings as himself, he told her that he had come to Koofa with the same purpose and wanted to avenge the deaths of his men in the battle of Nahrwan. Then Qutam told him that he must act with determination and she would talk to dependable persons of her tribe to extend their cooperation. Therefore she prepared Dardan ibne Majalid to assist him. Ibne Muljim took Shabib ibne Bajra Asjaee and Ashas ibne Qais into confidence and kept waiting for the day and time of the act.

During that month of Ramadan, Hazrat Ali (a.s) was alternately going to the houses of his children and that of Abd Allah ibne Jafar to break his fasts. His appetite had gone down very much and he used to take only a few morsels of food. When asked about it, he would say:

“I wish that when my death comes, I should be on an empty stomach!”

Ref: Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 3, Page 195

On the night of 19th Ramadan, the Imam (a.s) went to her daughter Umm Kulthum’s house. She offered him two breads of barley, a bowl of milk and some salt. When he saw the food he said,“In following the foot steps of the Prophet (s.a) I have never had more than one type of food on my spread. O Daughter! There is accountability for the Halal ( legitimate) and Retribution for the Haram ( illegitimate). Do you want your father to stay longer at the station of accountability of the Day of Judgement? Remove one of the two things from the spread!” Umm Kulthum took away the bowl of milk and Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) ate a few morsels of the bread with the salt. After the meal, according to his practice, he stood up on the mat to offer his prayer.But he was looking up reteatedly at the twinkling stars and said:

“By Allah! I am not lying nor am I making a worng statement! This is the night about which promise has been made to me!”

Ref: Sawaiq Mohriqa, Page 134

In uneasiness he sometimes recited Surat al Yasin, sometimes he said“Inna lillahi. wa inna ilaihi rajeoon” and sometimes“La haula wa la quwwata illa billahil Ali ilazeem” and also“Alla humma barik li fil maut - O Allah ! Make death felicitous for me!” When Umme Kulthum saw this, she asked,“Baba! Why are you so worried today?” He replied,“I have the Hereafter in front of me! I am going to the Presence of Allah!” Tears welled in the eys of Umm Kulthum and she said,“Baba! Today you shouldn’t go to the Mosque! Jauda ibne Habira is there. Ask him to lead the prayer!” The Imam (a.s) said,“La mafar min qaza Allah__ there is no escape from the Fate fixed by Allah” The night was in its last stages when the Muezzin, Ibne Tabaj came and informed about the prayer. The Imam (a.s) rose to move towards the mosque. When he came to the courtyard of the house, the domesticated geese started shouting and swaying their wings. Someone wanted to move them aside, but the Imam (a.s) said,“Leave them alone! After a short time the sounds of crying and wailing would start” Imam Hassan (a.s) or Umm Kulthum said,“Baba! What sort of things you are saying today!” He said,“This is the truth that has come out of my mouth!” Then the Imam (a.s) told to Umm Kulthum,“My daughter! These birds cannot speak! Take care of feeding them! If you cannot do that, then you must free them so that they find their food by going around on the earth!” When he reached near the door, he tied a shawl around his girdle and recited two couplets of Raheha Ansari:

Ashdad hayaz yamak lil maut

Fa an al maut laqeeka

Fasten you rigdle for the death

Because the death is coming before you

Wa la tajza min al maut

Iza hal bawa deeka!

When death comes

Don’t show unease

Umm Kulthum bid adieu to her father with tears in her eyes. Imam Hassan (a.s) wanted to go to the Mosque with the Imam (a.s). But he asked him not to come. When he reached the Mosque, there was darkness there. He offered a few genuflections of prayer in the darkness. After reciting the supplications the reddish dawn was around. He then went to the place from where the Adhaan is sounded and called the Faithful to prayer! This was the last time that his voice resounded calling the people to pray.and was heard in every household of Koofa. Then he went round calling“as-salat, as-salat” waking people for the prayer. Among these people was Ibne Muljim as well. The Imam (a.s) found him sleeping face down and said,“This is the way the Satan sleeps! Sleep on your left shoulder which is the way of the Momineen or sleep on the right shoulder that is the wont of the scholars, or sleep with you face up that is the way the Prophets sleep! Get up and pray. I know with what purpose you have come here and what you have hidden under the lapel of your cloak!”

After awaking people the Imam (a.s) stood in the arch for the prayer. When he raised his head from the first prostration of the morning’s optional prayer, Shabib ibne Bajra attacked with his sword, but the sword hit the pillar of the Mosque and the attack went in vain. Then Ibne Muljim hit his poisoned sword on the head of the Imam (a.s) that cracked his skull.The Imam (a.s) immediately said,“Bismillah wa ala mannat Rasool Allah fazat wa Rabbil Kaaba--- By the Rab of Kaaba! I am successful! O People! The son of the Jewess, Ibne Muljim, has killed me” The Imam(a.s) is like the spirit of the world. When the spirit is hurt the limbs and other parts are affected. Therefore, at that time the sky shivered and the earth had a cataclysm! The doors of the mosque dashed against each other. The following words were heard between the earth and the sky,“Tahadmat wallah! Arkaan al huda qatl ibne am al Mustafa qatl al wasi al Mujtaba qatl Alial Murtada - By Allah! The cousin of the Prophet (s.a) has been killed! The successor of the Prophet (s.a) has been killed! Murtada Ali (a.s) has been martyred!” This sound shook up the people of the city of Koofa. People started arriving at the Mosque in hordes. Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (a.s) ran towards the Mosque in panic where the people were crying inconsolably and were shouting,“Ameer al Momineen (a.s) has been martyred!” The sons of the Prophet (s.a) went forward and saw that the arch of the Mosque was immersed with blood and the Imam (a.s) was restlessly turning on the floor in blood and dust. He was picking up the dust from the floor, putting it on his injured skull and reciting the following Verse:

“Minha qalaqna kum wa feeha nayeedakum wa minha nakhrajum tarat ukhra

We have created you from the dust and Shall return you to the dust, and bring you out again from it ( the dust)”

Seeing the face and the head of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) covered with blood, Imam Hassan (a.s) said with choking voice,“Baba! Who has shed your blood! “The Imam (a.s) lifted his head, looked at Hassan (a.s) and said, “My son! First offer your prayer!” Therefore Imam Hassan (a.s) led the congregation and Hazrat Ali (a.s) sat there in prayer. After the prayer the Imam (a.s) was brought to the courtyard of the Mosque. People had already gathered in large numbers inside and around the Mosque. Every eye was wet with tears and every heart was saddened. When Imam Hassan (a.s) inquired about the killer, the Imam (a.s) said,“I have been killed by Ibne Mujim Muradi” He pointed towards the door, Baab e Kinda and said that.“He will just be brought through that door!” Some persons were just then seen dragging Ibne Muljim in through that door. People started shouting,“Ibne Muljim has been apprehended!” The crowd was getting restless with anger and anguish. Every person was cursing him. When he was brought before Imam Hassan (a.s) he told to the wretch,“O unfortunate accursed person! You have killed hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s)! Is it the return for the kindnesses that he showered on you people?” Ibne Muljim stood there with bowed head and didn’t give any reply. Hazrat Ali (a.s) opened his eyes in delirium and looking at him said,“O Ibne Muljim! Wasn’t I your good Imam? Were my kindnesses worth forgetting?” At this Ibne Muljim said,“Afanta tanquz man fin Naar--- Will you get one released who has made the way for the Hell?” Then the Imam (a.s) turned towards Imam Hassan (a.s) and said,“O son! If I remained alive, it will be my prerogative whether I punish him or pardon him!If I pass away because of this injury, you must kill him only with one stroke. After killing don’t sever his limbs! I have heard the Prophet (s.a) say, ‘ Beware! Don’t do Masla---cutting off the limbs---of anyone. Even if it is a dog!’ During the days of his captivity give him the food that you yourself eat and drink!”

Now people carried the Imam (a.s) home on their hands. Outside the house there was loud lamentation. Hearing these sounds Imam Hassan (a.s) came out and told to the people,“Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) is asking you to go to your homes!” Asbag ibne Nabata says that the people disbursed but his heart wouldn’t allow him to go without seeing the Imam (a.s). He kept standing there. When Imam Hassan (a.s) came out again, he said,“O Son of the prophet (s.a)! I wouldn’t like to go without seeing Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s). Please allow me one glimpse of him!” Imam Hassan (a.s) went inside and emerged after some time and took Asbag inside. He saw the Imam (a.s) had a yellow cloth tied around his head. His face too had turned yellow with weakness and loss of blood.. He couldn’t distinguish between the color of the bandage and the Imam (a.s)’s face. He couldn’t control himself and started crying.. When the Imam (a.s) saw Asbag crying, he said,“O Asbag! Don’t cry! I am going towards the Heaven!” He said, “Ya Ameer al Momineen! I know you will go to the Heaven! But I cry because I am getting separated from you! Now who will take care of us?Who will help the orphans and the widows? “Saying this Asbag stood up and the Imam (a.s) went into a delirium with weakness. He was now alternating between delirium and senses. Imam Hasssan (a.s) gave him a bowl of milk. The Imam (a.s) drank a little and left the rest. He said that Ibne Muljim too should be given a beverage of milk. In that time the physicians of Koofa had assembled. Among them was the famous surgeon and physician, Atir ibne Umro Sakuni. After inspecting the wound he said it was mortal and that there wasn’t any chance of survival. The poisoned sword had penetrated the brain and the venom had spread. Hearing this the hearts of the people there started sinking. And tears started flowing from their eyes. The Imam (a.s) spent the nights of 19th and 20th of Ramadan in great pain. When two thirds of the 21 st night was gone, the condition of the Imam (a.s) became very precarious and droplets of the sweat of death appeared on his forehead. He recited the Kalima e Shahadat and breathed his last! The one who spent his life doing Jehad against the forces of evil, ultimately died at the hands of the evil Ibne Muljim!

Murder is a serious crime, but the consequences of the murder depend on the status of the victim and similarly the punishment too varies from case to case. An ordinary person’s killing is a crime and the killing of a Momin is a bigger crime and according to the Nass of the Quran the punishment for the pereptrater of the crime is perpetual burning in the Hellfire. Then killing of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) was a great calamity and the killer qualified for Allah’s curse and perpetusl retribution! This was the killing of the person who used to spend his nights in supplication to Allah! The killer neither considered the sanctity of the Mosque nor thought that he did the heinous act when the Imam (a.s) was in his prostration. One sad aspect of this tragedy is that when this happened, the Imam (a.s) had already mobilized a big contingent of troops and was to leave for Syria soon to fight with the forces of evil. It is quite possible if there was a conspiracy behind the assassination. When a tributary could be used to poison Malik e Ashtar and Jauda binte Ashas too is used to poison Imam Hassan (a.s), it is quite probable that the same forces of evil might have used Ibne Muljim to commit this heinous crime.The person, Ibne Muljim, was the most villainous character. The Prophet (s.a) had compared the assassin of Ali (a.s) to those who killed the Naqa e Saleh. Therefore Jafer ibne Samra says:

“The prophet (s.a) said to Hazrat Ali (a.s), ‘ Amongst the bygone people the most callous was that who killed the She Camel ( Naqa e Saleh)’ The prophet (s.a) was asked by Ali (a.s). ‘ Who is the most callous in the latter days?’ He said, ‘ Allah , and His Prophet (s.a) know that he is your assassin.’”

Ref: Tariq Khatib Baghdadi, Vol 1, Page 135

If the killer of the Naqa e Saleh is deserving of the Hell, then how could the killer of Ali (a.s) escape the Hellfire, when both had extinguished the miracles of the prophets. and erased the verses of Allah! After this there is no weight in Ibne Hazm saying that this killing was the result of Khata e Ijtehadi ( the Error of Interpretation). One cannot lighten the sin of the person and term him deserving of Allah’s Forgiveness and Blessings!

105. THE BURIAL

The 21st Night of Ramadan was in its last stage. The dull radiance of the moon was pervading the environment, the stars were twinkling and there wass silence in the abode of Imamat. On one side were the close relations of the Imam (a.s) and on the other were his Companions. They were all a picture of sadness and pathos. Arrangements were being made for the final bath and giving him the shroud. Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (a.s) gave him the bath in a way that Imam Hussain (a.s) was pouring the water and Imam Hassan(a.s) was rubbing the body. According to one narration, Mohammed ibne Hanafia was pouring the water and the Hasanain (a.s) were rubbing the body. After the bath, the camphor that was left over after the final bath of the Prophet (s.a) was embalmed on the Imam (a.s)’s body. Then the body was shrouded with a white cloth. According to the wish of the Imam (a.s), his mortal remains were buried the same night he died. The bier was taken to the western side of Koofa towards Hira. When it reached Najaf near Hira, the bier was put on the ground and Imam Hassan (a.s) led the funeral prayer with 5 or 7 Takbeers. Dinoori writes:

“Ali Razi Allah Anhu was buried and Hassan (a.s) offered the Funeral Prayer with five Takbeers.”

Ref: Akhbar al Tawal, Page 216

After the funeral prayer, between the white hills, at one place, they removed the soil and found a grave ready. Hassanain (a.s), Mohmammed ibne Hanafia and Mohammed ibne Jafar entered the grave and the body was lowered into it. The grave was then closed with bricks and earth was poured over it and brought to the level of the ground.

In the desert of Najaf the body was quietly consigned to the grave and people learned about this when Hasanain (a.s) and other close persons returned to Koofa. Gossip started among the populace. Some said that he had been interred inside the Dar al Amara, others said that he had been buried in the Koofa Mosque. Some were of opinion that the burial was done in Rahba e Koofa and many thought that the body was taken to the locality of Karq in Baghdad. But the correct location of the grave was known only to the sons of the Imam (a.s) and some close Companions who were in the funeral procession. One reason for keeping the location of the grave secret was that they feared barbarous acts from the Kahrijis and the Umawis that was witnessed at the Battle of Ohod when the limbs of the martyrs’ bodies were severed by the barbarous Ommayads. When the period of Bani Omayya was over, during the reign of Abul Abbas al Saffah, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) came to Iraq and informed about the location of the grave to his Companions, Abu Baseer, Abd Allah ibne Talha, Mawla ibne Khanis, Yunus ibne Zabian and Zarara etc. Then commenced the visits by Shias from all over.

Through the confirmation of Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s) and other Imams (a.s) it is established that the last resting place of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) is Najaf e Ashraf which is a place of pilgrimage from the Abbasid period and the scholars of the Ahl al Sunnat too have mentioned clearly about the location. Therefore Ibne Athir writes:

“The correct belief is that his grave is the same that is visited by the masses for pilgrimage and is a source of felicity for the people.”

Ref: Tariq e kamil, Vol 3, Page 199

Ibne Abil Hadeed writes that Abul Ghnaem Mohammed ibne Ali, who died in 510 H, used to say:

“In Koofa 300 Companions died. But other than the grave of Ameer al Momineen (a.s) the grave of any other Companion cannot be traced. The Imam (a.s)’s grave is the same that is visited by people for Ziyarat.”

Ref: Shara ibne Abil Hadeed, Vol 2, Page 45

106. SOME IMPRESSIONS

Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s)’s martyrdom was a calamitous event in the annals of the History of Islam. Koofa, where this tragedy took place, was a picture of sadness. In the eyes of the next of kin of the Imam (a.s) the world had seemed dark and desolate. The enthusiasm of the companions of the Imam (a.s) was shattered.and their peace of mind was disturbed. Even the enemies acknowledged the personality and character of the Imam (a.s).

A few statements of tribute are mentioned here:

Imam Hassan (a.s), giving a sermon after the burial of the Imam (a.s), said:

“You have assassinated a venerable person in the night on which the Holy Quran was Revealed, Hazrat Eesa (a.s) was taken away to the Firmament and Yusha ibne Naun was killed! By Allah! The forbears could’nt surpass him and those after him will not achieve his status!”

Ref: Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 3, Page 201

Abd Allah ibne Abbas said:

“By Allah! The world in his eyes was less valuable that the strap of the footwear! He was a tiger in combat and a river (of eloquence) in gatherings; in the company of scholars he was a paragon of wisdom ! It is a pity he is no more. But he has achieved elevated position in the Hereafter!”

Sasa-aa Ibne Sauhan put his hand on the grave of the Imam (a.s) and said:

“I plead with Allah to Bless us that we tread his foot prints, act on his example

( Seerat); be friends of his friends and antagonists of his enemies! O Allah! May our end be in the party of his friends! The status that he had none else could reach. The place he was in, wasn’t in the fate of anyone else!”

Ref: Bahar al Anwaar

When Muawiya heard of the assassination of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) he said:

“With the death of Ibne Abu Talib the Fiqh and knowledge has come to an end.”

Ref: Isteaab, Vol 3, Page 45

When Hazrat Ayesha got the news of the Imam (a.s)’s demise, she said:

“Now the people of Arabia can do anything! There is none now who could stop them!”

Ref: Riyad al Nazra, Page 230

107. THE END OF IBNE MULJIM AND HIS COHORTS

There Were four persons involved in the assassination of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s). They were Abd ar Rehman ibne Muljim, Qutam binte Akhzar, Shabeeb ibne bajra and Wardan ibne Majalid. When there was pandemonium in the Mosque after the act, and the people advanced towards the arch of the Mosque, Wardan ran away to his house. One of his relatives, on knowing of his involvement in the assassination, killed him with his sword! Ibne Muljim had run out after inflicting the mortal blow on the Imam (a.s). When the people saw him running away, they chased him. He threatened them that he would kill them if they went near him. But one person from the tribe of Hamadan and Mughira ibne Naufil succeeded in apprehending him and brought him back to the Mosque.He was kept under captivity till Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s) was laid to rest. When Imam Hassan (a.s) came back to Koofa after the funeral, he asked for Ibne Muljim to be brought to his presence. He told him,“O enemy of Allah! For what crime you have killed Hazrat Ameer al Momineen? Did he ever ill treat you?” He said ,“I had swore to Allah that I would kill him. Therefore I killed him! Now you have the right to claim Qasas or to leave me free! If you give me amnesty I shall kill Muawiya and remove your care for ever.” Imam Hassan (a.s) said,“You deserve that you must be be executed!” Therefore he ordered him to be executed. Haitham binte Aswad Naqaia claimed his body for the last rites. The body was given to her. She lighted a pyre and burned the body. Then the uncontrollable crowd went to the house of Qutam. She was killed, her body was rendered to shreds and burned. Her house was looted.

Shabib ibne Bajra was hiding in the crowds and saved himself. When Muawiya visited Koofa after assuming power, Ibne Bajra met him. To get into good books of Muawiya he said that he was an accessory of Ibne Muljim in the assassination of Hazrat Ali (a.s). When Muawiya heard this he got up in anger and told to the people of his tribe that if he saw Ibne Bajra in Koofa, they will all be executed. He asked them to exile him from Koofa. Hearing this he escaped from Koofa in the darkness of the night. When Mughira ibne Shauba was the emir of Koofa, ibne Bajra and his companions were killed fighting with the troops of Ibne Shauba