Introduction
By the Grace of the Almighty and under the shade of the attention and guidance of the universal wisdom, the guide of the path, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), we begin the book TASHREEH WA MUHAAKAMAH DAR TAAREEKH-E-AALE MUHAMMAD [Analysis of the History of Aale Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)]. With all humility, the author hopes this book will be considered as the foremost among such works.
It is well known that love and affection for the family of the infallibles and pure ones (Ahle Bayt (a.s.)) is incumbent on the Muslim Ummah. Hence, it is our most important duty to know the conditions and the history of events connected with this pious household (a.s.).
It is highly regrettable that, until now, what is going on is quite the opposite. That is, the Islamic scholars, who have compiled huge tomes on various subjects, have made no contribution to the history of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) whose love and affection is the basic and important condition for true faith. For instance, many works have been published on the history of Samanids, Seljuks, Buwayhids, Ottomans, etc. but we have no book on the history of the Aale Muhammad (s.a.w.s.). Is this not a matter of shame and regret?
The Muslim scholars have not paid more attention to any science other than history and the transmission of events. The works of Ibne Khaldun, Ibne Athir, Ibne Khallekaan, Masoodi and other well-known scholars are the best examples of the science of narration and history.
The best examples of the extraordinary importance given by Muslim scholars to such narration and history are History of Damascus by Ibne Asaakir in fifty volumes and History of Baghdad by Khateeb-e-Bagdadi in eighty volumes. In the field of narration too, we have works like Osodul Ghaabah. Also, some of the valuable works have been side tracked despite their importance. In spite of all these works of great importance what is regrettable is that the history of the Holy Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) progeny has not received any serious attention. Historians have not paid as much attention to Imam Reza (a.s.) as they have given to Mutanabbi (a false prophet). It has paid more regard to Abu Yusuf than to Imam Moosa Kazim (a.s.).
If prejudice is set aside and the matter is looked into impartially, what will appear is quite the opposite. If somebody claims otherwise, the pages of history would readily support the truth.
It is very regretful that a well-known historian like Tabari, in his famous Tarikh, does not given importance to some really important events and regards them as unworthy of mention. He does not utter even a few words in favour of the established rights of the Holy Progeny of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) but discusses worthless things like Nimrud riding a vulture, which raises him, high towards the sky! He lifts the head of Awj bin Unaaq right into the clouds! Wonderful! What was the wisdom behind all this neglect and indulgence? Astonishing! Did it not occur to Tabari that his works would be critically evaluated in future? It is the duty of every impartial historian to make thorough investigation in every matter even if it is minor, because those preceding try their best to enlighten the minds of the coming generations. They do not want to leave them groping in the darkness of superstitions, confused! While facts related to Islam and Muslims remained concealed and unknown to the Muslim world, those, which were vain and had nothing to do with the world of Islam, have been discussed at length. The fact that the position of the Holy Progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has a very high rank is as bright as the sun and nobody is unaware of it.
We have said earlier that love and affection for the Holy Progeny (a.s.) is among the most important duties of a Muslim. It is indeed astonishing as to why a proportionate study has not been made in this significant matter? In my humble opinion, this subject does deserve a detailed study.
It is a clear and established fact that in the early period of Islam, Khilafah from the time it got deviated from its original and natural course, the rights of the Holy Progeny of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) have been suppressed and trampled upon. The period of caliphs did not last long but the duration was enough to change the course of history for the worse. The oppressive and hated regime, and sinister and usurper rule of Bani Umaiyyah came into power. People lacking wisdom and Islamic behaviour, gathered around the oppressive and cunning Moaviyah. Reality was suppressed under pressure of deceit, threat, oppression and punishment.
White turned into black and black into white. Hypocrisy flourished and truth vanished. What is more regrettable is that the Companions (of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)), while witnessing a whole series of events, due to absolute cowardice and timidity to testify against the same, did not display the requisite courage to fulfil the duty entrusted to them. The pits were that some companions even rose up openly and followed the path of falsehood and innovation, and dived into the depths of abominable deeds and hateful acts! Let me state a little more explicitly. Abu Hurayrah, who was a permanent companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and has narrated hundreds of thousands of hadiths and events from the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), in order to safeguard his honour and respect, was just a mute spectator in front of the oppressions and tyranny of Bani Umayyah. So much so that he did not feel an iota of shame to dine on the table of Mu'awiyah, the evil oppressor, whose innumerable cruelties and savageries can astonish the reader? (The details, of course, will deviate us from our aim). But Abu Hurayrah supported him shamelessly, devouring royal delicacies. He is reported to have said, “Prayer behind Ali is most perfect but the table of Mu'awiyah is more colourful.”
Despite his confession that prayer behind Ali (a.s.) is better, the tasteful food of Syria supplied by Mu'awiyah lured him and he disregarded the best of prayers. Thus, meanness and voracity made him accept abjectness and drove him to give licence to the deeds of the oppressors and cruel tyrants.
The notorious enemy of the Holy Progeny (a.s.), Basar bin Artaat, who had stormed, massacred and plundered Medina on behalf of Mu'awiyah. He was known in history by the name of the Perpetrator of the Night of Hurra, wherein he killed seven hundred companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and dishonoured nearly three hundred women. In this entire sorry episode, Abu Hurayrah had been his assistant and even his deputy! How lowly and mean can a creature become! What is regrettable is that despite this wickedness, Abu Hurayrah is remembered in history with reverence! Only being a narrator of traditions makes him honourable and respectable!
In the humble view of the author, after gaining the honour of being the Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) companion, Abu Hurayrah's friendship with the likes of Mu'awiyah, Marwan and Basar bin Artaat is the proof of his apostasy, the decay of his intent, the hypocrisy behind his deeds and the deception in his righteousness. Moreover, Mughairah bin Shu'bah, a famous companion, who supervised all these evils, crimes and innovations, gained terrible notoriety and infamy in the world of Islam!
In order to serve the lust and greed of Mu'awiyah and to please his commanding desires, he continuously abused the Holy Progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) (we seek refuge in Allah). He cursed Ali (as), in particular, publicly from the pulpit. The description of such heartrending events here is not intended to narrate history but to confirm that in those days, discussion of the excellence and virtues of the Holy Progeny (a.s.) was extremely difficult.
Yes, in the time of the rule of Bani Umayyah, there was no trace of truth and truthfulness. Therefore, facts remained concealed behind the veil of intrigue. The era of Bani Umayyah ended as a result of the great and earnest self- sacrifices of the blessed nation, and through the revolution of Abu Muslim Khurasani. Consequently, the Bani Abbas came to power. During the regime of this autocratic and tyrannical dynasty too, the Holy Progeny of Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was deprived of its rights. Just as Bani Abbas attained caliphate through the nations grand sacrifices, the Holy Progeny, as was its condition during the treacherous rule of Bani Umayyah, continued to remain in the clutches of strangulation and negation. It became forlorn and distanced with the deceit and intrigues of the native and each one of them was either poisoned or killed. Verily, this era also was turned into a time of calamities.
Any sympathy for the holy family (a.s.) in itself was extremely risky. Rather nobody dared even the mention their names. The scholars, traditionalists and jurists, who belonged to the Holy Progeny (a.s.) were pushed aside. They were intentionally kept away from the people. Self-interest and greed made people to align with those in power. They alienated Baqir, Kazim, Reza-e- Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) from the nation through perfidy and oppression under the pretext that the progeny of Fatima (a.s.) was desirous of caliphate. So they drove them away one by one from public arena.
If a deep insight is made in the history of the lives of the Holy Progeny, it will be known that all of these precious personalities were either made captive or were made to drink the nectar of martyrdom at the merciless and ruthless hands of the treacherous rulers.
It will be understood from the above that during the rule of Bani Abbas, conditions were not favourable for the Holy Progeny and it was difficult to talk about their rights.
After the attack of Genghis Khan on the Islamic world, an era of feudal rule began. This era, which began in the seventh century Hijri, though did not last long, to some extent, was favourable for freedom of expression. The scholars born in this period were, compared to their predecessors, away from blind following and nearer to research and scrutiny. Among the scholars who came up in this era were Khaandmir, Mirkhaan, and the author of the book 'Rawzatus Safaa' wherefrom the book 'Rawzatul Ahbaab' was translated. Again after this period, conditions turned for the worse. Old politics returned and undue prejudice became the order of the day. Truth and reality again went into concealment. Yes, a kingdom opposed to the Ottoman was founded.
The expansion of the circle of this epoch was quite essential. The outward (zahiri) caliphate too shifted to Sultan Salim-I, who was a very competent king. He also made efforts to unite the Muslim countries but, unfortunately, an aim that should have been pursued with logic, was instead sought through force. What a pity that this high and popular view was not followed through proper and natural channels. History has proved, time and again that the structures based on force and false foundations do not yield good results.
Against this great conqueror, rose another contender who longed to capture the whole world. Shah Ismail Safavi, for fulfilling his desire of conquering the world, resorted to some means and ways. To achieve his selfish aim and motive, he used religion to the hilt. Yes, two kings, with a view to expand their territories and strengthen their influence, created a world of a difference (in religious matters) in the nation. Both the parties, following their desires besides wielding the sword, also used the pen. They wrote books explaining their aims and objects and penned their views unceasingly. Can you imagine the extent to which the truth was concealed? How much falsehood concocted? How much of the white has been turned into black and vice versa, which were later converted to acceptable facts? A group of scholars sacrificed their conscience and intelligence for self-interests at the altar of the rulers and influential people. Selfishness and prejudice ruled the roost and consequently, thousands of books were left as heritage for us! Yes, swords were silenced but blood still drips from the body of Islam because of the wounds inflicted by the pen!
Yes, we deeply desire that this wound should be healed through expert medical treatment with pens and self-sacrificing deeds of Islamic scholars. You know that this era also is not congenial for the upliftment and spread of truth. A book has been written about Karbala. Though the intention of the author is to exhibit the heart-rending event he has under cover of the description of the calamities, been partial toward the filthy Yazid and his obstinate companions and says at the end,
“On the day of Qiyamat, Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) will arrive in the field of Mahshar with the blood-stained shirt of her son and will complain about the oppression to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) will say, “O my daughter! This day is not the day for making complaints. This is the day for intercession.” So, all the offenders will be forgiven and admitted to Paradise!” Now, see how the writer of the tragedy while describing the calamities, wants to defend Shimr, Yazid, Umar Sa'ad, Ubaidullah ibne Ziyaad and their cahoots. How he provides the means of their pardon and permits their entry to Paradise! But this shameless fellow, does not, even for a moment, ponder how can the merciless killer of the son of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s.) and the dearest offspring of Lady Fatima (s.a.) in the desert of Karbala be forgiven at all? They are unpardonable because the cursed ones had turned deniers and a denier's permanent abode is hell. So much so that even those who were delighted or satisfied with what happened at Karbala are in the hell-fire too.
Yes, what we want to establish is that the history of the Holy Progeny has not been written truthfully. If there are books on this subject, most are based on selfishness and malafide intention. Thus the history of the Holy Progeny has remained under cover of prejudice and selfishness.
We want that this problem should be studied more deeply. Just see as to what extent the politics of establishing a state in Islam has created harmful functions and executed them? Here are some examples from Bani Umayyah: Once when, in the time of Bani Umayyah, Abdullah Ibn Zubair claimed caliphate in Mecca and confronted Abdul Malik Marwan, and fought for few years, Abdul Malik, merely with an intention that the people of Syria and all Muslim countries should stop visiting K'abaa, built a mansion and called upon people to visit that house for performance of Hajj! Imagine the extent the question of kingdom and rule has, through this route, harmed religion, that a cursed fellow, for securing his own kingdom, changes the holy Kaaba, among the greatest pillars of Islam!
Here is another example from Bani Abbas:
When the people of Medina refused to recognize the caliphate of Ja'far Mansoor Abbasi and paid allegiance to a man from the family of Zahra whose name was Muhammad bin Abdullah and they battled several times with Ja'far Mansoor. On the one hand, he fought with Muhammad bin Abdullah, and on the other, with an intention of turning away the Muslims from the holy shrine of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and from the holy city of Mecca, built a house and named it “Qubba-e-Khazraa” (Green Tomb) and invited people to visit that place instead of visiting Mecca for Hajj.
Now, an Abbasi Caliph, like the ruler of Bani Umayyah, for safeguarding his government, massacred even the progeny of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and executed them and distorted quite a few Islamic rules and regulations.
Another example:
The caliphs of Bani Abbas not only did not popularise the respect for the Holy Progeny but, instead, gave rewards to poets to libel the pure and pious progeny. There are thousands of proofs substantiating this claim but we suffice here with only one:
A poet named Abaan bin Abdil Hameed wanted to earn a prize from Haroon Rashid. In order to gain access to his court, he approached Yahya Barmaki. Yahya told him, 'The condition to attend the court and gain access to the caliph is to curse Ali (a.s.) and his sons. Initially Abaan was reluctant to commit this abominable deed but later, wilting under the pressure of Yahya, composed a poem cursing Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and presented it to Haroon. Haroon rewarded Abaan by appointing him as one of his councillors!
The aim of these statements is to show that during the days of Bani Umayyah and Bani Abbas, the life and condition of the Holy Progeny was in a great danger. This noble race was pushed aside and having been cut off from the entire ummah, they were passing their days in social isolation. Not only that it was not possible to show any sympathy toward the Holy Progeny's condition but even taking their name was regarded as a great offence and disloyalty.
One of the errors and negligence of the historians was that they followed the idiom “to find fault in the great ones is a fault” to the hilt. They almost seemed bewitched and enchanted. They not only refused to condemn one of the many Muslim oppressors who passed in the history of Islam nor did they ever criticise them, rather, they listed their names among the truthful ones. They regarded the deadly poison that had permeated into the body of the ummah, as a useful and effective tonic. They named most of the criminals as reformers and benefactors, thereby beguiling the innocent ummah.
Of course, the problem later turned into a deadly disease and an incurable wound for Islam, whose sufferings continue unabated.
We are obliged to give here some examples for further clarification. Take a glance at Tarikh-e-Tabari, which claims maximum importance among other history books because of its antiquity and being replete with quotations. You will see that many tyrants have been mentioned therein as truthful. This history showers great appreciation for people like Abu Hurayrah and Mughirah bin Shu'bah. Tabari has never taken the trouble to critically evaluate the deeds of these characters. For him, their company with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was sufficient to accord them honour and reverence. This attitude, in my humble opinion, is a big mistake and a serious error.
How is it possible that sheer company of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prevents a historian from a critical dissection of a person? On the contrary, being a companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) must make the punishment of their mistakes all the more severe.
You can see what Allah the Almighty, in the verses relating to the wives of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), says, “O wives of the Messenger! You are not like all other women. If any one of you commits a sin her punishment will be doubled.” (Ahzaab: 30) Hence reward and punishment is proportionate to one's status. It is incumbent for everyone to follow the good deeds of the Prophet's companions and also to avoid praising those who committed wrongs. Such people should be criticised instead.
It is true that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “Do not malign my companions”. But, then, criticism of erroneous and evil deeds is not slander. Not only the companions, is slander not permitted of anybody. If criticism is called defamation then the criticism or looking into the deeds of any of the evildoers is also disallowed. Such a belief is totally wrong and what is correct is that the deeds of every person without discrimination, is worth praise and/or censuring.
Abu Hurayrah might have been worthy of God's Grace because of his being one of the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). But thereafter he became a puppet of Mu'awiyah and, worse than that of Basr bin Artaat. We shall condemn him because of this very fact and due to his misdeeds afterwards! If one looks at the reward of one's good deeds one should also think of the punishment of his evil deeds and mischief. We do not deny that Abu Hurayrah was one of the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his servant and also a narrator of many traditions. But then, do you know, apart from this, what Abu Hurayrah has done? If no, then ask me.
When Mu'awiyah intended to obtain allegiance for his son Yazid, the people of Medina objected to this criminal innovation and intended to oppose that evil move. Mu'awiyah, in order to frighten the gentle citizens of Medina, sent the harshest and heartless beast Basr bin Artat to Medina to get the said allegiance. Then, on Mu'awiyah's orders, Basr killed seven hundred persons and also arrested three hundred honourable and chaste Muslim women and engaged himself for three consecutive days, in allowing the Syrian robbers plunder and ravage the residents around the Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) shrine!
At that time, Abu Hurayrah, this very companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), was a helper and accomplice, in all of his cruel and oppressive misdeeds! Now, we cannot overlook this crime because, otherwise, we will also be considered as selfish destroyers of truth. Yes, it is due to this cruelty that we will always condemn Abu Hurayrah.
Another historical fact that needs to be pondered upon. It is clearly known that Ziyad, on behalf of Mu'awiyah, killed one by one all the partisans of the Holy Progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). At that time, he sent Hujr bin Adi, who was a famous companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), with his friends to Mu'awiyah. There Hujr and others of his like, as a result of the plots of Abu Hurayrah and his ilk, who had sold their religion for gold coins (dinars), were martyred on the charge of being in favour of the Holy Progeny. In this crime, Abu Hurayrah was with Mu'awiyah and so also in every cruelty that was meted out to the holy family. Therefore, we will never close our eyes from the crimes of Abu Hurayrah even though all historians have ignored these crimes only on account of his being a companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).
Now let us consider some other blunders of Tabari and the rest of historians. It cannot be imagined that there is anyone who does not know that Mughairah bin Shu'bah, who also was an accomplice of Mu'awiyah in all his crimes, was always maligning Ali (a.s.) from the pulpits of the mosques and was using bad words for the Holy Progeny too. Yes, many historians have not taken into account the evils of Mughairah bin Shu'bah and they take his name with respect only because he kept company with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) for some time!
His being in the circle of the companions is praiseworthy but what about his being in favour of Mu'awiyah and Yazid and his becoming the cause of the coming to power of a snake like Yazid, who fanned a fire which will not cool till the Day of Judgement? This sin is so serious that it is not at all pardonable and we can never ignore it. While we agree that he was a companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), we will openly condemn his evils and atrocities during our discussion.
Here, let us elaborate how the historians have erred. It is common knowledge that the battle of Jamal was a serious tragedy in the history of Islam and that it was the first blow to the unity of Muslim ummah. History records this battle in detail. It even separates truth from untruth. Why the condemners of this tragedy narrated it in a particular way is not a secret, to some extent. The only regret is that the historians have attempted to describe this event in such a way that truth and untruth and the identities of the oppressor and the oppressed are ambiguous, and most of the facts remain hidden. They have, through stupid excuses and baseless pretexts, concealed the truth both in ignorance and intentionally. Alas! Alas! They have forgotten the ultimate aim of chronicling history, curtailed its importance and also delivered a deadly blow to this respectable science.
In our opinion, the cause of this covering up is 'companionship'. True, the perpetrators of the battle of Jamal were among the companions, rather the closest companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Simply because they were companions, historians did not take into account their serious misdeeds and the harm they caused to the world of Islam. They did not display the courage of discriminating truth and falsehood. They did not like to express their opinion in this matter. They thought they were doing Islam good turn by resorting to unfair forgiveness and unreasonable overlooking.
But we say that the duty of a historian is to reveal the root and the truth of the facts to the public so that the succeeding generations may not remain helpless in identifying truth from falsehood. Pardon and forgiveness is related to the Lord of the Day of Reckoning on the Day of Judgement. To forgive and pardon is not the duty of the historian.
It is absolutely clear that the ummah has, against the wish of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), disintegrated into different branches and the cause of this dissipation has been the said silence in telling the truth and the nonchalance in adjudication. It is known to all as to how much the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has prohibited the ummah from disunity.
Let us come somewhat closer to reality.
In days gone by, the policies whereof we still continue to follow, might was right. In the era of Bani Umayyah, and Bani Abbas, writers, poets, and even religious scholars had entered the assemblies and courts of the notorious caliphs. They have praised loudly their pomp and glory and luxury in magical words and songs. Not a single fellow has ever condemned such gatherings of evil and sin. They only earned thousands of gold coins and engaged themselves in luxury. All this pleasure was before the eyes of the people and needs no explanation. Though rule and power do not justify anybody's evil deeds in the eyes of the just, Mu'awiyah bin Abu Sufyan and Harqoos bin Zuhair should have ranked equal but the power and kingdom of Mu'awiyah placed him prominently in the line of caliph and Amirul Momineen making him look honourable! The unlucky Harqoos, because of being powerless, was condemned and maligned! Had he possessed power, his oppressions also would have been covered. To be more explicit,
Harqoos bin Zuhair was one of the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and also one of the Ashaabe Badr (who had fought at Badr) and other Islamic battles and displayed enough courage too. But fortune did not favour him and he became a criminal by forsaking Ali (a.s.) in the tragedy of Siffin. He fought in the battle of Nahrawan and became one of the Khawarij. Now all the historians have mentioned Harqoos with contempt and condemnation and no one has taken into account his companionship with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) because he rebelled against the rightful Imam and, after fighting for one day against him, was killed. But Mu'awiyah, whose atrocities put Islam to various calamities, who made many innovations, who had abused the Holy Progeny of Prophet (s.a.w.a.), who went up the pulpit of the Prophet's mosque and abused Ali (a.s.) and his holy sons before many companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), who turned an Islamic State on the pattern of Caesar and Chosroes,
and who killed great companions of the Prophet (s.a.) like Ammar Yasir and Owais Qarni, has been converted into a reverend and honourable figure! We can say that even if we overlook all of his misdeeds and discuss only the killing of Hujr bin Adi, we will find no reason at all for not considering Mu'awiyah as a mischief maker, oppressor, rebel and condemnable! Alas! Despite all these innumerable cruelties Mu'awiyah has been given the title of Amirul Mu'minin and all of his evils have been put behind the veil of forgetfulness. Not only this, his misdeeds and offences too have been regarded as his Ijtihaad. It has been mentioned that in his own Ijtihaad (thinking), despite being in error, he has earned a prize or reward (sawaab)! I say down with such a Mujtahid,1 who martyred the Prophet's favourite son Hasan Mujtaba (a.s.) and made this misdeed an object of Ijtihaad! The whole world should condemn such a Mujtahid, who hoisted a dishonest man like Yazid on the head of the pitiable Muslim Ummah and then rejoiced at it!
Umar an-Nasafi in his book Aqaaid an-Nasafi says that the battles and all other acts of Mu'awiyah were based on Ijtihaad! If someone asks why the deeds of Harqoos bin Zuhair also should not be considered as Ijtihaad? What will be his reply? Astonishing indeed! In the humble view of the writer, Harqoos neither possessed dirham and dinaar nor a bloodthirsty sword so as to get the power of 'Ijtihaad'. It is a popular saying that 'a king can do no wrong'.
It is a fact that the pomp and power of Bani Umayyah has covered all the misdeeds of Mu'awiyah. The ulamah and the historians have not dared to discuss and criticise his cruelties and oppressive acts and all the rules and policies of that era became a continuing style of law.
Here the aim of all this detail is to show that the historians have, in most of the affairs and events, kept mum without expressing what is right and therefore, the history of the Progeny of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has also remained behind the curtain of secrecy and it has not been revealed as it deserved to be. In order to substantiate this claim we find it necessary to mention some historical examples. A scholar named Yaqub bin Sikkit was sitting in the court of Mutawakkil, the Abbasi emperor, when two sons of the caliph viz. Motamad and Motaz entered the assembly. At that moment the caliph asked Yaqub, “Who are more graceful, these two children of mine or Hasan and Husain (the sons of Ali)?” Yaqub, due to the faith in his heart, retorted, “By God! Even Qambar, who was a servant of Ali, is more graceful than these two sons of yours!” Hearing this blunt reply, Mutawakkil ordered the executioner to pull out the tongue of the scholar!
A Mujtahid is he who makes effort to find the decision or verdict of religion. Please analyse for yourselves. In such times and circumstances, was it at all possible to discuss the Holy Progeny? The sun of the truth remained hidden behind the clouds of cruelty and tyranny.
Let us cite another example of Mutawakkil's era.
After the tragic event of Karbala, Muslims used to visit the holy grave of Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.). With the passing of time, the respect for the holy tomb increased and a big mausoleum was built there. When Mutawakkil learnt of this, he ordered its demolition, considering it incompatible with the Muslim ummah and the group that loved the Holy Progeny!
Now, just ponder. All important affairs of Islam are in the control of the caliph. When he indulges in such gestures, what should the people do? In those days, the Mutazela were on a high. Among caliphs, Mamoon and Mutasim favoured them. As soon as Mutawakkil came to power, he dissuaded the people from accepting the creed of Etezaal. He became a favourite of the Sunnah and was also embellished with the title of “Muhyi al-Sunnah” (Reviver of the Sunnah)! Kindly try to understand what types of anti-religious, unjust and despicable deeds, this establisher of the Sunnah does. Does an establisher of the Sunnah demolishes the holy shrine of Imam Husain (a.s.) and turns it into rubble? Can a just caliph commit such atrocities merely on a doubt that someone is opposed to his political ambitions and against his personal worldly interests? Thus it has become clear that in that time facts and truth too had remained behind tall obstructions. How strange! How did the caliphs and amirs of Muslims and the judges of the courts tumble in such a deep abyss?
For proving our point we felt it necessary to present some historical evidences so that it may be known that the history of the Progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has been neglected to a great extent. So much so that even in the early days of Islam, their rights were not appreciated with honour. Rather, they were treated worse than second class citizens. Everyone knows that the third caliph expired; all the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) insisted for the caliphate of Imam Ali (a.s.) and accepted him as a popular caliph.
Finally, they all paid allegiance to him heartily. Great companions led by Talha and Zubair along with the people of Hijaz came to Hazrat Amirul Mu'minin Ali (a.s.) to pay perfect allegiance to him and to thank him for accepting their popular demand. These things did not take place secretly but in the presence of all the great companions and respectable believers. And shortly thereafter, the tragic event of the battle of Jamal happened. Talha and Zubair, who were considered among the ten 'Ashara-e-Mubas hsharah'2, ran after the desire to obtain caliphate, broke their oath of allegiance and duped the people of Basra saying that they were forced to pay allegiance to Ali (a.s.). My only intention by mentioning this is to point out that the people of Basra, in order to verify the accusation of Talha and Zubair that they were forced to give allegiance to Ali The ten companions, who were informed of their place in Paradise by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). (a.s.), sent a man to Medina. After a journey of some weeks, the testifier arrived in the holy city of Medina. By chance, it was a Friday and people had assembled in the mosque of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) for Friday prayers. That companion got up and addressed the gathering:
O companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)! O the people of Badr and Rizwan, O faithful people! Talha and Zubair are saying in Basra that, “We gave allegiance to Ali (a.s.) under pressure” The people of Basra have sent me to you to clarify the matter from you as you were present at that time. Was the allegiance to Ali (a.s.) obtained perforce or the people had given it voluntarily and happily?” In response to this question, the entire audience kept mum and none considered himself worthy of speaking the truth. Finally Usamah bin Zaid got up and said, “Talha and Zubair had given the allegiance to Ali under threats of Malik Ashtar!”
Astonishing indeed! What a state of affairs is this? What compelled Usamah to act in this manner? What made him consider that such a degree of opposition to Ali (a.s.) was proper? Why did the Companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) conceal such an obvious thing? Why did they sow the seeds of hypocrisy and disunity among the pitiable ummah?
Let us assume that Ali (a.s.) was neither the son-in-law of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) nor was he the husband of Fatima Zahra (s.a.), but that he was only an ordinary Muslim. Even then, does not a faithful Muslim have any right on another Muslim? This incident makes it known to what extent the rights of the Holy Progeny were being trampled upon. No more proof is required to substantiate this fact. This incident itself shows the state of affairs.
The examples and events so far mentioned show that in the early days of Islam, ulamah have, as a result of some historical events, not given even the slightest importance to the history of the Holy Prophet's progeny (s.a.w.a.). Sufficient discussion of the lives of the members of the Holy Progeny has never been undertaken.
Thus the claim of this humble creature has been proved.
By the Grace of the Lord Almighty, I have tried to research the history of the Holy Progeny in this book. I hope I will be able to narrate properly the events relating to the history and lives of the members of the Holy Progeny and to state with accuracy going deep into the matter. Maybe I can show how much oppression has been caused by the nation to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and how many rights of his Holy Progeny have been destroyed. While writing this book, I have kept prejudice and blind following away. My only aim is to reveal the truth and the facts.
It is already known to the pitiable ummah that the Muslim community has now been divided in two important groups: Shia and Sunni. The Shia has concern for the history of the Holy Progeny but the Sunnis have gone toward tafreet (excessiveness). Now when nothing except this difference and disunity is visible, this humble creature has stood up between the two dear and honourable brothers. I extend my hand toward both. I call upon them to come to a point of concurrence and unity, so that they may understand that there is no point of dispute between the two brothers. And that if our unity is an obligation, then they should never fall in dispute only concerning the Holy Progeny. Since the poor ummah has differed in the matter of the Holy Progeny, it is also imperative that the same Holy Progeny should be the point of unity. I hope the Muslim brotherhood will study this history, leaving aside blind following and prejudice and excessiveness with spiritual delight and will understand the truth and fact and may Allah help us.
Now we shall begin the history of Aale Muhammad in a systematic manner. By Aale Mohammad (Peace be upon him and his progeny), we mean Hazrat Amirul Momineen Ali (a.s.), the blessed daughter of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)- Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and her two dear sons (a.s.). All of them comprising the people of the cloak - and also the twelve Imams (a.s.) were from this family.
The life history of these personalities, their usurped rights and the difficulties befalling them would be discussed, analyzed and judged. Therefore, we shall begin our discussion with Amirul Momineen (a.s.), the first member of this family.
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Author: Qadi Bohlool Afandi
