Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter Three: The Idea of Prophet's Close Companion about Swearing Allegiance with Abu-Bakr

1. Fazl Ibn-e Abbas

Bani Hashim family were informed of Abu-Bakr and his succession while they were burying Prophet’s corpse. Fazl Ibn-e Abbas came out of prophet's home and cried:" O, people of Ghoraysh! You can't take prophet's succession by trick; we deserve it, not you. Imam Ali is superior to you and excellent for this position."

2. Otbat Ibn Abi Lahab

After hearing about swearing allegiance with Abu-Bakr, he composed the following lines:

..............

..............

..............

..............

I did never think that the succession is taken from Imam Ali, because he is the first one who believed in God and nobody's records in Islam reaches his. He is the wisest in Quran and Islam and is the one who accompanied prophet until his death and preformed his ablution with the help of Gabriel. He has the all the good, virtue and excellence, and others cannot reach him1.

3. Salman

Historian Johari narrates:

Salman, Zobeir and Ansars liked to swear allegiance with Imam Ali. When Salman heard that people had sworn allegiance with Abu-Bakr, he said:" You lost the source of benefit and goodness just for a little of it, selected one old man and ignored Imam Ali. If Imam Ali had become caliph, there would have been no two men in opposition and you would have achieved more benefit of him and his succession2."

Salman also said:" You've done, but not." That means they had done the wrong and if they had sworn allegiance with Imam Ali, they would become happier and more prosperous3.

4. Abuzar

When prophet passed away, Abuzar was out of Medina, and by his return, Abu-Bakr had taken the power; regarding to this, he said:" Achieve nothing and lose prophet's family. If this succession was given to Imam Ali and his family, there would be no two men in opposition4."

5. Meghdad Ibn Amr

Narrator says:

Once upon a time, I went to mosque and saw Meghdad was sitting there. He was sighing so regretfully and melancholy that I thought he had had the entire world and then had lost it. He was saying that how strange had been Ghoraysh's action to take the succession, while the first believer was another one5.

6. Noaman Ibn Ajlan

He composed the following lines when he heard the story of Saqife6:

You claimed that appointment of Saed Ibn Obade was not lawful and Abu-Bakr deserved it. Our choice was Imam Ali. Imam Ali deserved this task. He was prophet’s successor and his cousin. Imam Ali killed Islam's enemy. If it were not fear of God, you would never achieve this task; by the way, for maintaining Islam, patience and fortitude should be considered7.

7. Ome Mestah Ibn Othathah

Sitting at prophet's tomb, he whispered the following lines:

.

O, prophet! After you, lots of dispute happened, which if you were alive, none of them would take place. After you, people, like a land that without rain loses its freshness, have corrupted. Witness these events8.

8. A woman of tribe Bani Najjar

When Abu-Bakr became caliph of Islamic regions, he took into accounts a contribution for women of Ansars and Mohajerans. The contribution of a woman of tribe Bani Najjar was delivered to Ziyad Ibn Thabet to give her. When Ziyad came to that woman, he was asked by her:" What is it?" He answered:" The contribution which Abu-Bakr has determined for you", then she said:" Are you paying this to buy my religion? I swear to God that I will never accept it." She did not accept her portion and gave it back9.

9. Abu-Sofyan

Prophet has sent Abu-Sofyan somewhere out of Medina to do something, so when he passed away, Abu-Sofyan was out of Medina. On the way back, he saw someone, asked him whether prophet had passed away or not. Being informed of prophet's death10, he asked about his successor, wayfarer answered:" Abu-Bakr," then heasked . what was the reaction of Imam Ali and Abbas, those two poor men?

“They’ve tolerated."

“I swear to God that if I live more, I will put them in high position ..............I see a dust which would be subsided by rain of blood."

When he arrived, walked in streets and sang the following lines:

....

...

O, Bani-Hashim! Take the rein of government, especially from tribes Tamim and Addai, of Abu-Bakr and Omar, this government must be yours. Nobody except Imam Ali deserves this government11.

The following verses are also narrated by historian Yaghoubi that Abu-Sofyan sang in streets of Medina:

.

O Imam Ali! Take the government by your wisdom and power because you are wise and powerful. Bani-Hashim will support you; your right is not disregarded or suppressed. Imam Ali! You deserve to be caliph12.

Historian Tabari narrates13 that when Abu-Sofyan arrived to Medina, he said:" O, People what is Abu-Bakr's matter with you? Where are these two poor men, Imam Ali and Abbas?14 "

Then he went to Imam Ali and asked him to stretch his hand in order to swear allegiance with him, but Imam Ali rejected and said:" If I had forty faithful men, I would revolute against them, but I have no assistant.15&16"

10.Khalid Ibn saeid (of tribe Bani-Omaye)

Khalid Ibn saeid was one of theprimary Muslims17. He was of Mohajerans who had immigrated to Yemen, and when Islam became powerful, he and his brother were appointed to collect Islamic taxes.

After arriving Medina, they went to Abu-Bakr and told him:" We, after prophet's death, are not responsible to collect Islamic taxes any more and don't work for you18." Then they went to Imam Ali in order to swear allegiance with him, because they believed that no one except him had this right19. They swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr after Bani-Hashim did it20.

11. Omar Ibn Khattab

Omar in his last year of life, when was performing Hajj ceremony, heard that Ammar had said:" Swearing allegiance with Abu-Bakr was an error that happened at last. If Omar dies, we will swear allegiance with Imam Ali21." Omar became very distress and when returned to Medina, in first Friday, repeated Ammar's statement and added:" yes it was so, but God has guarded us from its evil consequences and mischievous22."

12. Maviye

Maviye, in his letter to Mohammad Ibn Abu-Bakr, wrote:

Your father and I did know the superiority and excellence of Imam Ali and that the succession was his right. After prophet clarified his argument and invited everybody to believe in God, your father, Abu-Bakr and Omar were first ones who took his succession, and occupied Imam Ali's right. They summoned on him to swear allegiance with them, but he rejected, so they made some unjust decisions to kill him, and at last, he swore allegiance23.

13. Saed Ibn Obade

Saed after disputes inSaqife, was alone for a few days. Then he was summoned to swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr, while all member of his tribe had sworn. But he said:” I swear to God that I never swear allegiance with you, until all my spears and arrows are covered in your blood, what do you think, to the last drop of my blood I oppose and fight with you and defend my family and advocators. I will never shake hands with you as swearing allegiance. I swear to God that if all men and jinn help you, I will never give up and recognize you; I will never swear allegiance with you until judge day.

After hearing Saed’s words, Omar recommend Abu-Bakr to force him swear allegiance, but Bashir Ibn Saed said that he was obstinate and would never swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr even he was killed, he said:” killing him is not easy24 while his family and tribe will back him. Let him free, in this case he is just one person.”

Afterward Saed attended in none of public meetings, even Friday prayer or Hajj ceremony25.

Chapter Four: Government’s attitude toward opponents, out of Medina

Killing Malik Ibn Novayrah

Malik Ibn Novayrah, poet and head of Tribe Bani Tamim, was a brave man. He was prophet’s companion and his collector of Islamic taxes.

Malik after prophet’s death didn’t send the Islamic taxes1 and give them back to people; then composed the following lines:

……………………2…………………………………

And I said: take your possession without fight, and if someone revolute against the newgovernment, obey him, obey him, because religion is just Mohammad’s one3.

All historians, Tabari, Ibn Athir, Ibn Kathir, Yaghoubi,… point to the event that Abu-Bakr sent Khalid Ibn Valid accompanied by an army to tribes, those who had not sworn allegiance with him or had not paid their Islamic taxes. Omar recommended Abu-Bakr to wait, but he said: “No, I swear to God that if they don’t pay me whatever they paid prophet, even a rein of camel, I’ll fight with them.”

Malik and his tribe resided in Botah. Abu Ghatadah, a member of Khalid’s army, narrates:

We surprised them by night attack. Being besieged, Malik’s tribe were frightened and prepared themselves to defend. We told them that we were Muslims and they said that they were too,then our commander asked them:” Why are you wearing your arms?” They asked this question too. At last, we put our arms away and said prayer with them4.

Another narrative is that:

When they put their arms away, the army arrested the men and took them to Khalid like prisoners5. Malik’s wife, who was a very beautiful woman, was with them. Abu Ghatadah and Abdollah Ibn Omar witnessed that they had seen their saying prayer, and that they were Muslims, but Khalid commended Zerar to behead Malik. Malik looked at his wife and cried out:” The beauty of this woman causes me to die.” Khalid said:” God kills you, because you turned away from Islam.” Malik said:” I’m Muslim.” And emphasized on it, but Khalid beckoned Zerar and he killed him6. They killed all arrested men and Khalid, that night, lay with Malik’s wife7.

Abu Ghatadah, who was a member of Khalid’s army, took an oath not to fight in Khalid’s army any more because he had killed Muslims8. He turned back to Medina and reported the incidents to Abu-Bakr. Omar recommended Abu-Bakr to stone Khalid to death, because he had committed adultery, but Abu-Bakr didn’t accept. He believed that Khalid had fight for God and Islam, but in wrong manners9. Omar said:” He is a murderer and must be retaliated,” but Abu-Bakr refused.

“Ok, at least dismiss him.”

“I never put the sword which is drawn by God to sheath.10”

Afterwards, Khalid was bestowed a title as “God’s sword”.

When Khalid came to Medina Omar behaved severely with him in the mosque. He went to Abu-Bakr and apologized, Abu-Bakr forgave him,then he went to Omar and insulted him11.

The story of camel

Abu-bakr’s representative in Yemen was Ziyad Ibn Labid, who collected the Islamic taxes. At that time, camel owners would give camel as their taxes instead of money. Among them, there was a camel, which a teenager liked. He told Ziyad not to take this camel and choose another one, but Ziyad did not accept. The head of the tribe asked him too, but he rejected and at last culminated to quarrel12.

When people of Daba became informed of this incident, dismissed him out of town. Ziyad with help of other tribes besieged Daba. People of Daba and Yemen fought with him, but defeated. At last, they gave up and resented to pay their taxes. Ziyad accepted but on one condition that they profess that, they were unjust and Ziyad was right, that their killed persons would go to hell and his to paradise and also obey all his orders at every condition.

They accepted, and Ziyad ordered them to leave the town unarmed. They did it, and on the way, heads and men of distinction were killed by Ziyad’s order, women and children were arrested for slavery. Their possessions were looted and sent to Abu-bakr as booty. From there, they attacked Kendah tribe and killed the heads, the rest were sent to Medina. Abu-bakr wanted to behead their men and get the women as slave, but Omar dissuaded him & they were in prison until Omar’s caliphate time13.

There were no difference between believers and unbelievers for government and act with them similarly, like Arabs before Islam, which Victorians in war took men and women for slavery and looted their possessions14.

Chapter Five: Government’s attitude toward opponents, in Medina

Killing Saad Ibn Obade

When Omar was Caliph, saw Saad Ibn Obade in one of the allies of Medina. Told him:” Saad, are you not the one who was against me?” Saad answered:” yes, it was I & now you are caliph. I swear that I liked your friend more, but I hate to be your neighbor.” Omar said:” In that case immigrate.” Saad said:’ I’ve decided to.” And after a while he immigrated to Sham (Syria) where Yemen tribes lived1&2.

Historian Balazori in his book, Ansabol Ashraf, writes:

Saad did not swear allegiance with Omar & went to Sham. Omar sent some one after him to force him to swear allegiance with him and asked him to use every trick to reach his goal and if he did not, kill him.

Omar’s messenger met saad in Havarian3 & asked him to swear allegiance with Omar, but Saad rejected and told him that he did not swear allegiance with some one of Ghoraysh. The messenger threatened him to death, but Saad did not accept and said:” even if you kill me, I would never swear allegiance.” At last, messenger shot him an arrow and killed him4.

It is written in book Tabsaratol avam that the messenger had been Mohammad Ibn Maslameh and it is narrated that Khalid Ibn Valid had helped him5.

Historian Masudi in his book Marvejo Zahab has written:

Saad Ibn Obade did not swear allegiance with Omar and went to Sham. There he was killed at 15th A.H year6.

Ibn Abdrabeh says:

Saad was found while there was an arrow in his chest & a rumor spread that because he was urinating in standing position, jinn killed him and sang the following lines

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We kill the head of Khazraj tribe, Saad Ibn Obade. We shot two arrows to tear his chest7.

One person of Ansars answered these lines by following lines:

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They say that jinn had killed Saad. Oh, be aware of your trick & deceit. Saad’s sin was not urinating; his fault was rejecting to swear allegiance with Omar8.

Saad was killed in this manner, because killing such an obstinate person was not easy. At that time, none of historians dared to write againstgovernment9, therefore Saad’s death remained equivocal and is reported by some superstitions like jinn10.

Allurement of Abbas, prophet’s uncle

Abu-Bakr held a council, constituted of Omar, Abu Obeide,Moghairat Ibn Shobah in order to decide what to do with those who had not sworn allegiance with him. At last, they decided to allure Abbas and his sons to overwhelm Imam Ali11&12.

Abu-Bakr accompanied by members of council, went to Abbas’s house by night13. There he praised God and said:

God sent prophet to lead Muslims, and he was among them until God admired future life for him; he appointed no one as his successor14 and put this task people’s shoulder. They selected me & I just fear of God. Those who reject to swear allegiance with me, in fact oppose all Muslims, and seek refuge to you. I want you to swear allegiance with me as others did, or at least ask them not to stand against me (his words show that a great number of prophet’s companion had not sworn allegiance with him.). I have decided to give you a post and something of this government in order to support you and your family, because you are prophet’s uncle and people do know that you deserved to be caliph and Imam Ali too, but they did not select you. Bani Hashim be calm because prophet belonged to you and us. Both of us are Ghoraysh and prophet was of Ghoraysh too.

Meanwhile Omar, threateningly, said:” we are here to avoid opposition between Muslims, not because we need you, so care how to act.”

Then Abbas praised God and said:

As you said, God sent Mohammad to help Muslims. We are much obliged to God for this blessing. Then Mohammad put the task of selecting his successor on people’s shoulder to find the right & select him, not follow their passions and carnal feelings and go astray15.

If you have taken the government because of being prophets relative, it is unjust because we are his close relatives, if you have taken because of being believer, we are of believers too, and if you are caliph because Muslims swore allegiance with you, we were of Muslims and did not. By the way, we continuously protest because you do not deserve caliphate.

Your words are in contrast with each other. You said that people oppose you and speak ironically with you; on the other hand, they have selected you as caliph. Oh, this name does not suit you. You are not prophet’s successor; you are just some one whom people have selected.

And about post and position in this government, you do not have the right to give something which is Muslims not yours, and if it is our right, you should give it completely not a portion of it16. About prophet whom you claim is of your family too, he is like a tree that we are its branches and twigs, and you are just its neighbor17. And you Omar, you say that you fear of opposition among Muslims, while the first one who opposed was you.

After hearing Abbas’s word, they left there18.

Attitude toward those who took refuge in Fatima’s home

1. Taking refuge in Fatima’s home

Omar says:” after prophet’s death we were informed that Imam Ali, Zobeir, and their companion were assembled in Fatima’s home in order to oppose us.”

Historians name the following persons as those who refused to swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr and assembled in Fatima’s home19:

Abbas Ibn Abdolmotaleb, Otbat Ibn Abi Lahab, Salman Farsi, Abuzar Ghefari, Ammar Ibn Yaser, Meghdad Ibn Asvad, Bara Ibn Azeb, Obay Ibn Ka’b, Saad Ibn Abi Vaghas, Talhat Ibn Obaydalah, and a group of Bani Hashim Family, Mohajerans and Ansars20.

There is no doubt in Imam Ali and his companion’s avoidance to swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr because all historians narrate it, but about the details, we are not sure because they were against them and did not report the truth faithfully.

One of the historians is Balazori who narrates this event as:

When Imam Ali refused to swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr, Abu-Bakr sent Omar to bring him even by force. Omar and Imam Ali disputed and at last Imam Ali said:” milk the camel ofgovernment, because it will be yours, I swear by God that your attempt for Abu-Bakr’s caliphate has just one reason, being the next21.

Attack to Fatima’s home

Historians name the following persons as those who attacked to Fatima’s home by Abu-Bakr’s order:

Omar Ibn Khattab, Khalid Ibn-e Valid, Abdorahman Ibn-e Euf, Thabit Ibn-e Gheis Ibn-e Shamas, Ziyad Ibn-e Labid, Salamate Ibn-e Salamah Ibn-e Aslam Osaid Ibn-e Hozair22,…

The quality of their attack & attitude with those who were there is narrated:

A group of Mohajerans, constituted Imam Ali,Zobeir, … who refused to swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr assembled in Fatima’s home23 while they were armed. Abu-Bakr & Omar were informed that they wanted to swear allegiance with Imam Ali24&25. Abu-Bakr ordered Omar to go there and disperse them, and if they resisted fight with them.

Omar, obeying Abu-Bakr, accompanied by a group went to Fatima’s home, while he was carrying a torch in his hands. He wanted to set Fatima’s home on fire. When they reached at the door, Fatima told Omar:’ o, son of Khattab, are you here to set my home on fire?” Omar answered:” if you do not swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr, I will do it26.

Historian Balazori about this event writes:

Abu-Bakr sent some one after Imam Ali, but he did not swear allegiance with him, then Omar with a burning torch went to Fatima’s home, where Imam Ali and his companions were. At the door, he met Fatima, she told him:’ o, son of Khattab, are you here to set my home on fire?” and Omar answered:’ yes, because it will reinforce the religion that your father has brought27.

It is written in book Kanzol Omal that:

Omar told Fatima:” I know that prophet loved nobody as much as you, but it does not restrain me not to do caliph’s order, and if this group does not disperse, I will set fire on your home28.”

It is written in book Alememto Vasiyasah that:

Omar went to Fatima’s home and asked Imam Ali and others to leave there, but they did not. Omar said:” I swear by God who is my Creator that if you do not come out, I’ll set fire on this home and whatever is within.” some one told him that Fatima was in, but he said that it made no difference29.

Hafez Abraham, Egyptian poet, regarding this event, composed the following lines:

………………………………………………………………

Omar told Imam Ali, both respectable:” swearallegiance, otherwise I’ll set fire on your home and kill whoever is in, even if she is prophet’s daughter30.”

No one except Omar in front of Imam Ali, who was the most fearless person of Arab, could pronounce such words.

Historian Yaghoubi narrates:

They attacked Imam Ali’s home, at this juncture Imam Ali’s sword broke31 and they dared to enter32.

Historian Tabari narrates:

Omar attacked Imam Ali’s home, while Talhe, Zobeir, and a group of Mohajerans were there. Zobeir tried to defend, but his feet slipped and he fell down, then they arrested him33.

Some discuss that at that time there was no door, and it is impossible that Omar had set fire on the door of Fatima’s home. According to these narratives, which all are valid enough to cite to, at that time there was door & Omar set fire on the door of Fatima’s home, then entered by force.

Two other reasons that prove Omar’s violent action

a . when Abu-Bakr was about to die said:

…………………………………………34……35…

I am sorry of my three acts in this world that I wish I had not done. I wish I had never opened the door of Fatima’s home, although they had closed it in order to stand against me.

Historian Yaghoubi narrates Abu-Bakr’s word in this way:

I wish I had never opened the door of Fatima’s home, prophet’s daughter, and had never attacked them, although they had closed the door in order to stand against me36.

b. It is written in book Kanzol Omal that Omar said to Imam Ali:”………………………I ordered them to set fire on your home.”

The story of burning the door of Fatima’s home had been so famous that after years, when Abdolah Ibn Zobeir forced Bani Hashim to recognize his government and they rejected, he put them in a cave and burned them. His brother, Orvat, justified it by referring to Omar’s act and said:” My brother did it in order to avoid of split among Muslims, and keep their unity like Omar who burned Fatima’s home to keep Muslims’ unity37.”

Attitudes toward Imam Ali

Historian Abu-Bakr Johari narrates that when Imam Ali was taken to Abu-Bakr to swear allegiance with him38 unintentionally, he said: "انا عبدالله و اخو رسول الله " “I am God’s subject and prophet’s brother.” At last, he was taken to Abu-Bakr and when they recommended him to swear allegiance, he said:

I do excel in taking government, so I do not swear allegiance with you; it is you who should swear allegiance with me. You took government of Ansars because of being prophet’s relative & now it is my reason too. Do not follow your carnal feeling and passion and give me my right, act justly, otherwise you yourself will be hurt of your oppressions.

Omar told him that he would not be released unless he swear allegiance, meanwhile Imam Ali answered:” you are milking because it will be yours, make the base of this government firm because it will be given to you, I swear by God that I do not accept your word and do not follow it.” Abu-Bakr said:’ ok if you do not want, you are not compelled to do it.” But Abu Obeide Jarrah said:’ O, Imam Ali, you are young and not experienced enough in comparison with old men of Ghoraysh, and do not dominate the affairs. I am sure that Abu-Bakr is better than you to undertake this important task, so agree and leave this task for him. Be sure that in future you will achieve it because of your attempt for Islam and your relationship with prophet.”

Imam Ali said:

O, Mohajerans, fear of God and do not take the government of prophet’s family by turning away their right. Do not try to put them away from their status. I swear by God that we, prophet’s family, do excel in taking government, because we read Quran, are master of religion and aware of prophet’s affaire. You can find all these tokens in us, so do not follow your carnal feeling and passion, otherwise you are going astray.”

Meanwhile Bashir Ibn Saad said:” if Ansars had heard your statement before swearing allegiance with Abu-Bakr, they would have sworn allegiance with you and there would not have been even one to oppose you, but they have done it and it is all over.”

In this meeting, Imam Ali did not swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr and returned to his home39.

Historian Abu-Bakr Johari continues that:

When Fatima saw what has happened for Imam Ali and Zobeir, came out of home and addressing Abu-Bakr and Omar, said:’ O, Abu-Bakr, how soon you betray and play trick with prophet’s family, you Omar, I swear by God that I will never talk with you40.”

Another narrative is that Fatima, crying, came out of home and tried to move people back and keep them at distance41.

Historian Yaghoubi in his book writes:

Fatima came out of her home and addressing those who had occupied her home, said:” get out of my home, otherwise I will remove my head dress and complain of you to God.” Hearing this, they left there42.

Historian Masudi in his book writes:

While swearing allegiance with Abu-Bakr was finished, people renew it on Tuesday in the mosque. Then Imam Ali addressing Abu-Bakr, said:” you destroyed what Muslims have done, did not counsel with us, and took our right.” Abu-Bakr answered:” yes, you are right, but I have done it to avoid of reVolumet43.

The reaction of prophet’s family after what happened in Saqife

Historian Yaghoubi says:

A group came to Imam Ali in order to swear allegiance with him. Imam Ali told them:” tomorrow morning come here with shaven head.”But tomorrow just three of them came44.

After that Imam Ali, at night, settling Fatima, who was injured severely, on a stool, went to Ansars home in order to ask them to help him take his right, government. Fatima asked too, but their answer was: o daughter of prophet, we have sworn allegiance with Abu-Bakr and everything is finished, if Imam Ali had come to Saqife, we would select him not Abu-Bakr.”

Imam Ali said:’ do you expect me to leave prophet’s corpse without performing ablution to take the government.

Fatima added:’ Imam Ali has done the right, but people have done something for which years later they will be punished45.”

Maviye in a letter, which wrote to Imam Ali, refers to this event:

I remember the time when you, at night, settling your wife on a stool and taking your sons hands, asked Ansars to swear allegiance with you while they had sworn allegiance with Abu-Bakr, and at last, a few number accepted your invitation. Upon my honor, if you were right, they would help you, but your claim was improper. Although I am forgetful, but I never forget your words to Abu-Sofyan who stimulated you to revolute – if I had 40 brave and steadfast men, I would revolute against them46.

Prophet’s clarification

Prophet in order to lead Muslims after hisdeath, did something that one of them was the story of Tathir (purification) verse. Ome Salmeh, prophet’s wife, narrates:

Once when prophet was in my home, Tathir verse was revealed to him. He asked me to call on his people of house to come. I asked him who they were, and he answered:” Imam Ali, Fatima, and their sons Imam Hasan and Imam Hosain.” When they came, prophet settled Imam Hasan & Imam Hosain on his lap, Imam Ali in front of himself and Fatima behind himself. Then he took his outer clothes and spread it onthemselves . Then said:” O God, these are my people of house.” Meanwhile this verses of Quran descended: ………………………………………………………..

God only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, o people of house!And to purify you a (through) purifying (Allies 33).

I told him:” O prophet, do I not belong to people of house?” he answered:” you are a good wife, but not a member of people of house. You are prophet’s wife47.”

Prophet after descending this verse, every day five times-times of saying prayer- went to Imam Ali and Fatima’s home, And put his hand on the door and said:"السلام علیکم یا اهل البیت " “ greet to people of house”, and then he read the verse and called them to say prayer48.

The door of Fatima’s home was opened to mosque, so everybody could see prophet’s act and this easily clarifies their status, but we saw how people behaved with them49.

Chapter Six: Economic war with People of house

The new government needed military expedition to force tribes, out of Medina, swear allegiance with Abu-Bakr, and in order to afford it needed money. On the other hand, the opponents in Medina who were with ImamAli, were dangerous too. In fact, the second one was more dangerous; therefore, the government occupied the possession of people of house included: Fadak- a big garden- their share of taxes and prophet’s heritage.

Prophet’s properties and the quality of their taking possession

Prophet’s properties and the quality of his taking possession on them can be revealed by following verses of Quran:

………………………………………………………………

Whatever God has restored to his apostle from the people of the towns, it is for God and for the apostle, and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer.( Banishment 7)

1.Faia . What isFaia ?Faia , according to Islam, refers to those booties, which were occupied with Muslims without war1. Fadak was a kind Faia2&3. These kinds of booties wereprophet’s and he could give them to his family, the poor, needy persons and travelers who had finished their money. Prophet’s close relatives who had finished their money could not be given alms; therefore, they were given prophet’s share of taxes.

2 …………………………………………………………

And know that whatever thing you gain, a fifth of it is for God and for the apostle and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer…( The Spoils of War 41).

3.Kheibar castles were eight ones which three of them were prophet’s4.

4.Fadak5

5.Vadiolghora , which were seventy villages between Medina and Mecca and their residents were all Jewish. They revolted against prophet, then gave up and agreed to paid two third of their products to prophet or his successor6.

6. Ansars’ land, which could not be irrigated and were given to prophet7&8.

How ness of descending of the verse"و آت ذالقربی حقه" (اسراء26 ) “give your close relative what they need” (The Israilities)

Prophet gave some lands to Abu-Bakr, Omar, Othman, Ayesheh, Hafse9 and once told one of his companions10 to limit a piece of land for himself by shooting an arrow11, but he had not given anything to Fatima, his daughter. This verse descended and prophet gave Fadak to Fatima because of her mother’s devotion that had spent all his wealth for Islam12.

The Usurpation of Fadak by Caliphs

As we said, prophet gave some part of his possessions to others and according to Islamic rules, which is called"قاعده ذوالید the rule of possession” nobody could usurp them, because they were the owner of what were given to them13.

Fadak was given to Fatima, therefore, it was hers and nobody could usurp it14, but Abu-Bakr did. Fatima asked him to return it, but he asked her to bring two witnesses that Fadak was hers – others who were given something by prophet did not bring witness. Fatima told him that her witnesses were Imam Ali and her servant, but Abu-Bakr did not accept and asked her to bring either two men or one man and two women16.

It is also narrated that Abu-Bakr accepted and signed its deed for her, but Omar arrived and torn the deed17.

Usurpation of Prophet’s Heritage

Prophet’s heritages were usurped too18. Fatima asked Abu-Bakr to return them. Abu-Bakr asked her:” do you want home appliance or the garden?” Fatima answered:” both, because I inherit them like your daughter, who inherits your possession after your death.” Abu-Bakr said:” I swear by God that your father was better than I and you are better than my daughter, but I have no choice because I heard of your father that nobody could inherit prophet’s possession and they should be given as alms.” He falsely quoted this statement of prophet19&20.

Fatima’s Lecture in the Mosque

Ten days after prophet’s death21, when Fatima proved her right, but Abu-Bakr ignored them and she could not take her right, she decided to go to mosque to inform people and ask for the assistance of her father’s companions.

Her lecture in the mosque is narrated by several historians; such as, Abu-Bakr Johari, Ibn Abi Alhadid and Ibn Abi Teifur22.

Johari narrates:

When Fatima understood that Abu-Bakr would not return Fadak to her, put her veil23&24 on and accompanied by some women, while her skirt had covered her feet and stepped like prophet, went to mosque. There, Abu-Bakr, Ansars, and Mohajerans were assembled. She stood behind a curtain and sighed. Her sigh upset people, they started to cry, and confusion broke out in the meeting. Therefore, she waited until tumult subsided, then after praising God and prophet said:” I am Fatima, prophet’s daughter, the prophet who was selected from among you, whom your harm upset him and was interested to lead you, and was compassionate with believers.”(Repentance 128)

“If you pay attention, you will find him my father not yours, he was Imam Ali’s cousin not yours …, but now you claim that we can not inherit his heritage. Are you following the rules of ignorance time (time before Islam)? Is it then the judgment of times of ignorance that they desire? And who is better than God to judge for a people who are sure?” (The Food 50)

“Abu-Bakr, you can inherit yourfathers possession, but I can not? Surely, your claim is baseless and strange.”

Then she turned toprophet’s grave and read the following lines:

………………………………………………………

Oh father, after you some troubles happened that if you were alive, none of them would happen. We lost you like a peace of land, which is not rained any more. After you, people went astray, so be witness of it25.

The narrator says until then, he had never seen people so groaning and grievous. Then Fatima addressed Ansars and said:

“Oh, you have chosen persons and guards of Islam! Why do act sluggishly and do not help me? Why do you ignore my right? Did not prophet say that respecting child was equal to respecting his/her parents? How soon you changed Islam customs and introduced new ones! Do you want to destroy the religion after prophet’s death?! On my honor, his death is a great tragic and a gap, which is spreading and never disappears. After him, all the hopes disappeared and everywhere darkened. After him, reverence and safety faded out and all these events were predicted by Quran before his death:

و ما محمد الا رسول قد خلت من قبله الرسل افائن مات او قتل انقلبتم علی اعقابکم و من ینقلب علی عقیبیه فلن یضر الله شیئا و سیجزی الله الشاکرین"(آل عمران )

And Mohammad is no more than a prophet; the prophets have already passed away before him; if then he dies or is killed, will you turn back upon your heels? And whoever turns back upon his heels, he will by no means does harm to God in the least; and God will reward the grateful26. (The family of Imran)

I am talking to you! In front of you, they usurped my father’s possession and you hear my pleading for justice, but do nothing while you are powerful. You are genius persons whom God has selected. You stood against unbelievers and suffered hardship in order to establish Islam and avoid idolatry, but now, after all those bravery and courage, retreat and fear of a group whose faith subsided. Do you fear? Then fight the leaders of unbelief surely their oaths are nothing, so that they may desist (Repentance 12).

Now I see that you tended toward self-indulgence, laziness, your belief is subsided, and what you have achieved difficulty, lost easily; know that if you and all other people become pagan, surely God is needless. I told you whatever should be told, although I knew your humbleness and weakness. Now I leave this (Fadak) for you with all its disgrace and shame that is combined by God’s fire. Take it, God is observing and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back.( The Poets 227) ”

The narrator quotes from Mohammad Ibn Zachariah from Mohammad Ibn Zahak from Hosham Ibn Mohammad from Avamat Ibn Hakam that, after Fatima said whatever she considered, Abu-Bakr praised God and prophet,then said to Fatima:” oh, you are the best woman and daughter of best man! I swear by God that I have done nothing falsely and what I have done is according to prophet’s command. A leader would not say lie to his companion. You angrily said whatever you wished and then turned your face; therefore, I wish God has mercy on us. I have returned prophet’s war material, quadruped and shoes to Imam Ali and I myself have heard of prophet that stated:” Our, prophets’, heritage is faith, wisdom, knowledge and tradition, not gold, silver, land or home.” And I just did as he ordered and God helped me, oh, God help me more.”

In book Balaghaton-Nessa27, it is narrated that Fatima in Abu-Bakr’s answer, said:

O, people, I am Fatima andprophet Mohammad was my father. As I told you …………………you have ignored Quran intentionally, because God, the exalted, in Quran states: و ورث سلیمان داود " and Suleiman was David’s heir” and in story of Zachariah who says:” Therefore, grant me for thyself an heir, who should inherit me and inherit from children of Yaghub. (Miriam 4, 5) and in another chapter: “and the possessors of relationships are nearer to each other in the ordinance of God.” And also:” God enjoys you concerning your children, the male shall have the equal the portion of two females (the women 11) and:” if he leaves behind wealth for parents and near relations, according to usage, a duty upon those who guard (against evil) (The Cow 180). Now in spite of these facts, you claim that I cannot inherit my father property and there has been no relation between us?

Has God sent you a particular verse, which His prophet did not know or maybe you claim that we are from two distinct religions that I cannot inherit his heritage? Maybe you know Islam and Quran better than prophet does! Are you trying to revive the rules of times of ignorance? I told you whatever I was supposed to and I know how weak you are and that you will not help me; your faith has subsided. Fadak be yours. This camel, which you ride, is injured by foot and you cannot get to destination. It will be a permanent shame on you. You will be punished in justice day and God knows." و سیعلم الذین ظلموا ایّ منقلب ینقلبون " and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back.” (Poets 227)

Historian Ibn Abi Hadid writes

Ten days after prophet’s death, Fatima went to mosque to plead for justice and it can be claimed that nobody, men or women, after that event spoke about Fatima’s right, even one word28.

Fatima’s Conversation with Imam Ali

Fatima after returning from mosque told Imam Ali: ……………. Son of Abu-Talib29, you, like an embryo in womb, are isolated in a room, you broke the talon of eagle (refers to Amr Ibn Abdovad), but now are defeated by a weak hen (refers to Abu-Bakr).

Haunted the wolves and now are sitting.

This Abu-Bakr usurped my father’s heritage, which could be enough for our two sons to live with30.

He hostilely behaved with me.

And I found him an enemy while I was talking with him.

Even Ansars avoided helping me.

And Mohajerans, who were of my relatives, cut their relationship.

……………Woe is me in every morning.

……………Woe is me in every evening.

……………My support who was prophet passed away.

……………And my arm weakened.

……………Muslims turned their face away from me.

……………Nowadays, nobody helps or defends me.

……………I left home angrily, but returned hopelessly.

……………I wish I died before this humility.

……………I ask for God’s help and support instead of yours.

……………I complain to my God.

……………And will tell the story to my father.

……………Oh, God you are more powerful than these occupiers are.

Meanwhile, Imam Ali stated:

………..Woe is not you, woe is your enemies. Wait and suffer this oppression. Oh, daughter of God’s prophet and his commemoration, I did not act sluggishly in religion and have done whatever I could. Know that day-bread is guaranteed by God, and God is yoursupporter . What God provides you is better than what they usurped; therefore count them in front of God.

Then Fatima said:” God is sufficient for me and He is the best Just31.”