The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 90
90 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD APPOINTMENT OF MU H AMMAD BIN AB I BAKR AS THE GOVERNOR OF EGYPT When the rebels witnessed this state of affairs and were completely disappointed in this regard, they employed the strategy of expressing remorse for their action and only requested that a few governors be changed. When Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n, may Allah be pleased with him, learnt of this he accepted their request with extreme affection and kindness. According to the request of these people, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra changed ‘ Abdull a h bin Ab i Sara h , the governor of Egypt and appointed Muhammad bin Ab i Bakr in his stead. Upon this, they returned seemingly content and the people of Madinah were joyful that God had saved Islam from a grave conflict. Whatever they had perceived, however, was not correct because these rebels harboured other intentions and none of their activities were free from sedition and disorder. REALITY BEHIND CONFLICTING NARRATIONS One should remember that this is the juncture where extreme contradictions in narrations begins. The events which I have just mentioned have been described by various narrators in different ways to such extent that the truth has been veiled completely and many people have been mislead. They have either come to believe that the companions were involved in the entire affair or that in the least, they held a heartfelt sympathy for the rebels. However, this is not correct. A great deal of caution is required with respect to the history of this era, because no era has followed after the one under discussion, which has