Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter Eleven: Government’s Condition in Othman's Caliphate time

Abu-Sofyan's words

At first day of Othman's caliphate, Abu-Sofyan who had gone blind went to him and asked:" Is there any one who is not of Bani Omaye family?" Told him :"No", then he said:" I always desired you take the government and now that's granted, take it and try not to lose it, pass it to yourselves like a ball which children pass to each other. Be sure that there is no resurrection, paradise or hell, that there is no world after death.” Othman shouted on him, but in fact, they obeyed and acted as he desired1. It is also narrated that:

Aged and blind, Abu-Sofyan went to Othman. After a while asked whether there was any strange who would reveal his words.Told him that there was not. Then he said:" the affairs of government are worldly and there is no difference between this government and the one before Islam, so select all your governors of Bani Omaye2."

Once Abu-Sofyan went to cemetery, on Hamze's (Prophet‘s uncle and of primary Muslims. he suffered martyrdom in Ohod war.) tomb and pounded his foot on grave, then said:" Hey Hamze, what we fought for, has become a toy in our children's hand with which they play3."

Valeed, governor of Kufe

Valeed was son of Oghbat4, one of greatest enemy of Islam who was killed by Imam Ali. Valeed believed in God when Mecca was conquered by Muslims and he had no other chance.

Once Prophet sent him to tribe Bani Mostalagh in order to collect their Islamic taxes. He went, but he returned and reported that they had apostatized and had avoided to pay their Islamic taxes. Prophet sent Khalid in order to do this task, he went and did it properly and reported that they were Muslims and believed in God, that they liked Islam and clung to it.

The reason of Valeed false report was that he had seen some people coming toward him. In fact, they were coming to visit prophet's messenger and welcome him, but he had thought that they had planned evil, so he had escaped and had given that lie to prophet.

Then the following verses about Valeed revealed to Prophet5:

....

O, You who believe! If an evil doer comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest your harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done.( The Chambers 6 )

Othman, who claimed that he was the successor of prophet, appointed such a notorious evil-doer as governor of Kufe just for being his relative. Valeed governed Kufe for five years and during these years he fought with unbelievers of north of Iran. Not being faithful enough, once he did an error which according to Islam, he must be punished6. People of distinction gathered to punish him, but Hozaife opposed them and excused that because Valeed was governor and commander of Islam army, he could be exonerated7.

The story of Valeed's wine drinking

Historian Abol Faraj in book Aghani8 and Historian Masoudi in book Morvejo Zahab9 writes:

Valid drank wine with his companion during nights. Once, while he was intoxicated, he saidmorning prayer

four units instead of two units and toldpeople : " Do you want me to add some more units to morning prayer." In the mosque, he threw up the wine, which he had drunk. Thaghafi, who was in the first line and behind Valeed, cried out:" Goddamn you, what had happened to you? I wonder why Othman had appointed you as our governor."

People begun to stone Valeed andhe stumblingly, escaped and went to his palace, while he was murmuring the following poem:"

I never turn my face far from wine and beautiful women/

I never deprive myself of this world’s enjoyment/

I do drink lots of wine to satisfy myself/

Then stumbling pass through people10."

People decided to complain of him to caliph, Othman. One went to Othman and said the story, but Othman ordered to beat him11. Therefore, four men, at night, went to Valeed’s palace and when he was drinking wine, removed his finger ring and Valeed, being intoxicated, didn't understand12.

They brought the ring to Othman and told him how they had gotten it. Othman asked them about wine, and how they knew Valeed had been drinking wine. They answered that they knew wine because before Islam, they had experienced it. Meanwhile, Othman who had become very angry, threatened them to punishment,then send them out.

Thewitnesses who were beaten by Othman, went to Imam Ali and asked him to help them. Imam Ali went to Othman and said to him:" Why have you beaten the witnesses and do not act according to Islam? Why do you change God’s law?13 ”

Ayesheh, to whom witnesses had taken refuge, shouted on Othman:” Do you affront the witnesses and leave what according to Islam, you are supposed to do?14 ”

When Othman was on the way, heard some words from Ayesheh's house, where the witnesses had sought refuge.

He irritated and cried out:" Did rebellious and lowed persons not find some where better than Ayesheh’s house?"

Ayesheh heard Othman's words, so she took the shoes of prophet and rushed out. She cried out:'How soon you leave Prophet's tradition, the owner of these shoes!"

Her words spread mouth to mouth in mosque, some admired her, some reproached. The result was quarrel between them15. This was the first quarrel among Muslims16.

After this event Talhe and Zobair went to Othman and reproachfully told him:" We recommended you not to appoint Valeed as governor, but you did it without thinking about our advice; it is not late, there are people who have witnessed his drinking wine, we advise you to dispose him."

Imam Ali also recommended Othman to dispose Valeed and punish him according to Islam17.

The disposition of Valeed

Othman, who was compelled, disposed Valeed and appointed Saeid Ibn Aes as governor of Kufe. He ordered Saeid Ibn Aes to send Valeed to Medina. Saeid Ibn Aes, after arriving at Kufe, didn't get up to the raise structure which was used for preaching and even didn't go to the palace, because he claimed that they were unclean and should be washed. His companion tried to dissuade him because it would be a permanent sham for Valeed, but Ibn Aes did not accept and ordered to wash them.

Valeed was sent to Medina, there, in spite of Othman's desire, he was adjudged to be lashed. Othman gave him a thick clothe. Whoever went to lash him, Valeed reminded his relationship with Othman, and beseeched him not to lash him,then he would dissuade and leave there. Imam Ali, after observing this event, while his son Imam Hasan was present, took the lash18. Valeed tried to dissuade him, but Imam Ali stated:" Be silent, the reason of children of Israel's destruction was cancellation of punishment19." Valeed escaped, but Imam Ali caught him. Othman protested, but Imam Ali stated:" He has done evil, drunk wine and should be punished20." Then Imam Ali lashed him with two lines whip forty times. He did not raise his hand so much up that his shoulder hole be observable21 and lashed him slowly. It was a custom to cut the hairs of evil-doer,then lash him/her, but Othman didn't agree this custom be done for Valeed22. Later Valeed was employed to collect the Islamic taxes of two tribes, Kalb and Balghain23&24.

Kufe’s Condition in Othman’s Caliphate Time

Muslim's, in Othman's caliphate time, were in bad situation. Othman had appointed his brother25, Valeed, as the governor of Kufe. Valeed realm of government included Iraq, some part of Iran and even some countries of middle Asia. Kufe had been one of the five Islam centers of military which Othman appointed his brother to run.

Saed Ibn Vaghas was the previous governor of Kufe, but Othman disposed him. He was one of the primary Muslims and of Mohajerans. In Omar caliphate time, he was ordered to make a military center and he established Kufe; Omar also appointed him as the governor of there. He was one of the members of the council that Omar constituted in order to select his successor. Saed Ibn Vaghas was respected by people because of his position and good temper;inhabitance of Kufe were content and pleased of him.

When Valeed met Saed Ibn Vaghas in Kufe and gave him the letter in which he was disposed, Saed told Valeed:" I don't know whether you've become a good and clever man or I've become idiot?" (Because Quran had introduced Valeed as bad-doer ) Valeed said:" Don't be sorry, this is government,a group eat of its lunch and a group of its dinner."

Saed Ibn Vaghas Said:" I swear by God that you will change the Islamic government into a monarchy one." Saed returned to Medina26.

The Story of Ibn Masoud

Ibn Masoud27 was the first one of prophet’s companions who loudly read the lines of Quran at Kufe in front of unbelievers, and when they asked him what he was reading, he answered:" what is revealed to Mohammad, the Prophet." Then they attacked and hit him severely. He went to prophet and said to him what had happened. Prophet asked him to read again and he did. Ibn Masoud is also of those who immigrated to Yemen. He had participated in Badr war. Omar sent him to Kufe in order to teach Quran28 and Islamic rules, and also as treasurer of there. Omar wrote to the people of Kufe:" I do prefer you on myself and send Ibn Masoud to you29."

When Valeed became governor, he borrowed one hundred thousand Dirham (silver coin) of treasure (it was a custom of governors and caliphs, but Imam Ali never did so.) After a while, Ibn Masoud asked him to return it. Valeed wrote a letter to Othman and reported, then Othman wrote to IbnMasoud : " You are my treasurer, leave Valeed and forget the money."

Ibn Masoud in his answer wrote:" I thought that I was Muslims treasurer and this treasure was Muslims'.if it is

your treasure, I'm not treasurer any more." He threw away the keys of treasure30.

Ibn Masoud remained at Kufe, but began to reveal about Othman and his evil-doings.

Valeed wrote to Othman and explained what was going in his realm. Othman ordered him to send Ibn Masoud to Medina. Valeed asked Ibn Masoud to leave there, but people gathered around him and asked him to remain. They even promised him to defend, but Ibn Masoud did not accept and said:" In near future, someseditions will be excited and I don't want to be one of the first ones of these seditions.” People saw him off and professed on his faithfulness, virtues, and goodness, they thanked him for teaching them Quran and Islamic rules.

When Ibn Masoud arrived to Medina, he went to mosque, there Othman was preaching. When he saw Ibn Masoud, he said:" Now a humble insect enters whom if you touch his meal, he will throw up what ever he has eaten." Ibn Masoud said:" I'm not, I am one of prophet's companions and feel honor for taking part in Badr and Bey’te Rezvan war31.

Ayesheh who was there shouted on Othman:" Hey Othman, how can you say such things about Prophet's companion.

Othman told Ayesheh to shut her mouth and ordered to send Ibn Masoud out of mosque. Yahmum, Othman’s servant, lifted Ibn Masoud up and pound him on the ground so severely that Ibn Masoud's ridge broke.

Imam Ali, who was observing this event, said to Othman:" Are you doing this with prophet's companion just for Valeed's report?" Then he took Ibn Masoud to his home and cared him until he was recovered, and returned to his home. Ibn Masoud, after this event, resided in Medina; he was not allowed to leave there, even to fight with Romans. Othman also cut his salary.

Ibn Masoud, until his death could not leave Medina and passed away two years before Othman's murder. His residence in Medina was about three years. When Ibn Masoud was ill, Othman went to visit him, he asked:" Of what are you suffering?'

He answered:" Of my sins"

"What do you desire?"

"The mercy and bless of God."

"Do you want me to call for a doctor?"

"Doctor himself has made me ill."

"Do you want me to order to pay your salary32&33 "

"When I needed it, you didn't pay, now that I don't need, you want to pay."

"It will be kept for your children."

"God will supply their daily bread."

"Ask God to forgive me for all oppressions which I've done to you."

"I ask God to revenge me on you."

Ibn Masoud in his will ordered that Ammar, not Othman, say prayer on his corpse. His will was obeyed and without informing Othman, he was buried in Baghi cementry.

When Othman heard about Ibn Masoud's burial, he irritated and told Ammar:" Why did you bury him without informing me?" Ammar answered:" Because it was his will."

A poet according to this event composed the following lines34:

You after my death will praise me and cry

While during my life, you cut my salary.

It was just a part of Ibn Masoud's life during Valeed and Othman's government. Valeed during hisgoverning, did lots of sedition tasks, like his behavior with Abu-Zobeid, a Christian poet and with the Jewish juggler.

The Story of Valeed and Christian Wine Bibber, Abu-Zobeid

Valeed drank wine. Christian Abu-Zobeid was his friend. He drank wine with him. Valeed had given him a house near hispalace, therefore Abu-Zobeid could go to his palace and drank with him. Valeed's palace had a door into mosque and Abu-Zobeid so many times intoxicated, passed from the mosque. Valeed also had given him some agricultural land. Abu-Zobeid, in return composed a poem and praised Valeed35.

Historian Balazori in his book "Ansabol Ashraf36" writes:

Valeed ,from the treasure, bought wine and pigs for Abu-Zobeid, while he was the governor of Muslims, Omar and Abu-Bakr had never done so. Muslims protested and Valeed, having no other way, quit it, but he added to Abu-Zobeid's salary to buy wine and pigs himself instead of Muslims.

the Story of Jondab

Valeed became informed that a Jewish man named Zorarat and famous to Natravi, was living in one of the villages near to Babel.

He was skilled in all magic practices and juggling. Valeed ordered to invite him to Kufe in order to give a show in the mosque. Jewish Juggler, at night, could show an elephant riding a horse or transform himself to a camel and walk on a rope. He could show a donkey which he could enter through its mouth and exit of its back. Once he invited one of thespectator on the scene and with his sward beheaded him, then in front of people's astonished eyes, restored him to life.

Jondab Ibn-e Kab-e Azdi, who was famous for vigil and faithfulness, lived in Kufe. When he heard of Zorarat, borrowed a sword and beheaded Zorarat, then cried out:" If you are right, revive yourself."

Valeed irritated and ordered to kill Jondab, but Jondab's family protested and defended him. Therefore, he practiced a deceit and imprisoned him in order to kill him secretly. The jailer who saw his vigil and prayer at night, couldn't kill Jondab, and released him. Jondab told him:" If I escape, they will kill you.", but he answered:" My life in proportion with the life of one of pious and faithful persons is of least importance."

jondab escaped and went to Medina. There Imam Ali asked Othman to intercede. Othman wrote a letter to Valeed and ordered him to leave Jondab. Jondab returned to Kufe, but that jailer was beheaded37.

The Story of Abdollah Ibn-e Saed Abi Sarh

Abdollah Ibn-Saed was Othman's foster brother who believed in God and accepted Islam before the conquest of Mecca. He was of prophet's writers and immigrated to Medina, but after a while apostatized and returned to Mecca. There he claimed that prophet had obeyed whatever he had recommended. For example once he said:" When prophet asked me to write:" " I recommended to write:"................" and he accepted.

The following verses of Quran reveals about him:

And who is more unjust than he who forges a lie against God, or says:" It has been revealed to me; while nothing has been revealed to him, and he whoever says:" I can reveal the like of what God has revealed? And if you had seen when the unjust shall be in the agonies of death and the angels shall spread forth their hands;Give up your soul; today shall you be recompensed with an ignoring chastisement because you spoke against God other than the truth and because you showed pride against his communication.( The Cattle, 93 ).

After the conquest of Mecca by Muslims, Prophet announced general amnesty, but ordered to kill Abdollah even if he was stricken to Kabe. Abdollah feared and sought refuge to Othman. Othman hided him, later he took him to prophet and asked to spare him. Prophet, for a while, was silent and at last spared him. After they left, prophet stated to the attendance:" I waited for a while until one of you kill him." They said:" You would beckon us." Prophet stated:" It is not descendent for prophet to beckon."

Othman, during his caliphate, appointed such a person as the governor of Egypt38&39, just for being his brother.Abdollah, later conquered some parts of Africa and Othman bestowed him one fifth of booties40.

The Story of Hakam Ibn Abi Aes

Othman had ordered to make a throne for himself and excepthim, just four other people were allowed to sit on it, Abbas- Prophet's uncle, Abu-Sofyan, Hakam Ibn Abi Aes, his uncle and Valeed.

Hakam Ibn Abi Aes, in Prophet's lifetime, was famous for double dealing. He mocked prophet, walked behind him and pulled a wry face,shacked his hands and feet and turned his mouth. Once prophet turned and said to him:"

Remain like this"; Hakam until his death, couldn't control his hands and feet because of shakes.

Once prophet was speaking with Imam Ali in his home and Hakam was overhearing. Prophet ordered Imam Ali to bring him in. Imam Ali took Hakam's ear and dragged him in. Prophet cursed him,then exiled him to Taeif41. The verse" .. And cursed tree in Quran" revealed about Hakam42 and his generation, Bani Omaye43. Hakam and his family were not allowed to live in Medina. Othman interceded and asked prophet to let them live in Medina, but he didn't accept. Later he asked Abu-Bakr and Omar, but they rejected too. When Othman himself became caliph, he let them return to Medina44. Hakam, while had a worn out clothe on and a goat as his only property in front, entered Othman's house, but left there while he had a clothe of fur on45.

Once Hakam went to Othman. Othman and his brother, Valeed, were sitting. Othman asked Valeed to go and give his place to Hakam. When Hakam left there and Valeed returned, he told Othman:" I composed a poem, may I read it; Othman answered that he could, then Valeed said"

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

When I saw how his uncle was respected by him,

Even more than his brother, I desired his sons,

Amr andKhalid, grow up and call me uncle in judgment day.

Othman felt sympathy for his brother and appointed him as the governor of Kufe46.

The Story of Saeid Ibn Hakam, Son of Hakam Ibn Abi Aes and Malik-e Ashtar

Othman after deposingValeed, appointed Saeid Ibn Hakam as the governor of Kufe and ordered him to behave good with people, when he arrived at Kufe, washed palace and the raise structure47, which was used for preaching. He, in contrast with Valeed whose companions were wine drinkers and evil-doers, associated with scholars and learned persons48 who were teacher and interpreter of Quran such as, Malik-e Ashtar, Adi Ibn Hatam Tai, and fourteen other persons of Kufe, they were heads of their tribes too.

Once one of land owners said:" I wish all these gardens and fertile lands49 weregovernor’s ." Malik-e Ashtar said:" Do not desire all these gardens and lands, instead wish him to have better ones."

He said:" What was the harm of my desire for you? I swear to God that if Saeid wants and desires, he can have all these lands."

Malik answered:" I swear to God that he can't."

Saeid Ibn Hakam irritated and told all who were present:" From now on, all these gardens and lands are the property of Ghoraysh."

Malik-e Ashtar told him:" Do you want to usurp the fruits of our wars and what God has given us?" Do you want to share our properties among your family? I swear to God that whoever tries to usurp them, will fall and be ashamed." Then he attacked to that landowner, but people held him. Saeid Ibn Aes wrote a letter to Othman that:" I'm not the governor of Kufe as long as Malik-e Ashtar and other scholars, who are in fact, fool, are here." Othman ordered him to exile them and Saeid Ibn Aes sent them to Sham (Syria), he wrote to Malik-e Ashtarthat : " I see that something is in your heart which if you reveal, you will be killed, so go to Sham."

Malik and all scholars went to Sham.Maviye who was the governor of Sham, honored them. After a while an opposition emerged between Malik and Maviye. Maviye told Malik:" If all people were children of Abu-Sofyan they would be scholars and learned persons. "Malik answered him:" All human beings are offspring of Adam, but all of them are not so.”

Maviye got angry and imprisoned Malik. After him, he was in dispute with other scholars and at last, Maviye imprisoned all them, but then they apologized and Maviye released all of them.

Sham was far from Medina and people knew Islam through Maviye's deed and words.

They had not seen prophet or his companions to learn Islam as it was, in result they lives had no difference with before appearance of Islam. Maviye's palace was like Roman ones who had governed there before Islam. These scholars began to teach people the real Islam. Maviye wrote to Othman that these scholars try to pervert people and Othman ordered him to send them to Hems50. There, governor was son of Khalid Ibn Valeed. He rode a horse andforce them to follow him on foot, and told them:" I show you that you can't do what you have done with Saeid and Maviye.” He tortured them and even called them "son of evil", and at last they repented,then were sent to Kufe51.

In fact, no people and tribes of Kufe were content and pleased of their governor in Othman's caliphate time52.

The Governor of Basra, Abdolah Ibn Amer

Ibn Amer was Othman's cousin. Once, when the heads of Bani Omaye were around Othman, some one entered and said:" Is there not some one poor among you whom you like to be rich? Is there not some one among you whom you desire to be famous and known? If there is, why Abu Musa Ashari, who is not of Bani Omaye, is the governor of Basra?"

Othman who was affected by these words, appointed his sixteen years old cousin, Abdollah Ibn Amer, as the governor of Basra.

Abdolah Ibn Amer was very generous. Once he could not give his lecture, so he said:" These two attributes are not in me, the ability to give lecture and stinginess, now go to Bazaar and take a sheep, I’ll pay them all. He paid them from treasure. After a while, he wrote a letter to Othman that the amount of his treasure did not suffice, and Othman let him to conquer more lands through war and use the booties53.

After Othman's death, he went to Mecca and Medina and he distributed the treasure of Basra among people54.

Maviye in Othman's Caliphate Time

In Othman's caliphate, Obade Ibn Samet, prophet's companion, was in Sham. Once he saw a camel train carrying leather bottles to Maviye's palace. He thought that they were olive oil, but soon he was informed that they were wine, which Maviye had bought. Obade took a knife and torn them all. Some one told Obade:" What's your business with him? He is responsible for his works and sins." But Obade said:" You were present when prophet ordered us to commend to good deeds and prohibit from evil ones55, weren't you?" That man remained silent. Maviye wrote a letter to Othman and asked for permission to sent Obade out; Othman accepted and Maviye sent him out.

Obade went to Medina and gave a lecture:" I heard of prophet that after him the governors would be those who commend to evil deeds and prohibit from gooddeeds, and that they would not be faithful any more." Othman, who was present, remained silent56.

Another companion of prophet, Ibn Sahl, was a member of Othman's army in Sham. Once he saw a camel carrying wine for Maviye. By his spear, torn them all and fought with Maviye's agents. He threatened that he would kill Maviye57&58.

This shows how angry people had been of caliph’s governors and agents.

Othman’s behavior with Ammar

Once, Meghdad, Ammar- two primary Muslims and of prophet's close companions, Talhe, Zobair and other prophet's companions assembled and wrote Othman's evil deeds and errors. They asked him to quit and try to correctthem, otherwise they would revolute against him.

Nobody dare to deliver the letter to Othman other than Ammar.

Othman read it and said:" Do you want to revolute against me?"

Ammar answered:" I'm just a recommender.” Othman ordered his servants to lay him on the ground,then he kicked to his privy part, Ammar who was old, became unconscious59.

Othman and Treasure

Once Othman said:"

If the keys of paradise were with me, I would give them to Bani Omaye to enter, even the last one of them60."

Instead of keys of paradise, he had keys of treasure and generously distributed it among Bani Omaye. Some of his generosities were as follow:

1. Abu-Sofyan 200,000 Dirham61( silver coin )

2. Marvan Ibn Hakam 500,000 Dirham62

3. Abdollah Ibn Khalid 63 300,000 Dirham and for his relatives 1000 Dirham

4. Saeid Ibn Aes64 100,000 Dirham

5. Hareth Ibn Hakam Ibn Abi Aes65 300,000 Dirham

and also the Islamic taxes and rents of the shops of bazaar of Medina where had been prophet’s and he had bestowed them to people66.

6. Hakam Ibn Abi Aes 67 300,000 Dirham

7.Valeed68 100,000 Dirham

8. Abdollah Ibn Khalid 300,000 Dirham, later 600,000 Dirham69

9. Ziyad Ibn Thabet 100,000 Dirham 70

10. Zobeir 59,800,000 Dirham71

11. Talhe 200,000 Dirham72

12. Saed Ibn Vaghas 250,000 Dirham73

13. Himself 3,500,000 Dirham74

14. Abdollah Ibn Saed 100,000 Dirham was the Islamic task of Africa75.

15. Ziyad Ibn Thabet 100,000 Dirham76

16. Abdollah Ibn Euf 2,500,000 Dirham77

Once a bucket full ofjewelries, had been gained of Iran and it was kept in treasure. Othman shared them among his wife and daughters78. Othman also shared among his wife and daughters silvers and gold which Abu-Musa had achieved in war79&80.

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

…………………………………………………………

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:

…………………………………………………………

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.”