The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 111
111 opposition to Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra had any connection with the companions, or that in reality, they had been compelled to cause a revolt due to certain measures taken by Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra , or that their indignation for Islam was the cause of their rage and fury. Their crimes are sufficient to prove that neither did they have any connection with Islam, nor did they hold any love for religion, nor any affection for the companions. They were bent upon ruining the peace and security of the country in order to fulfil their hidden motives and were trying to penetrate the fortress of Islam. WILLINGNESS OF THE COMPANIONS TO FIGHT THE REBELS Following this terrible event, the companions and people of Madinah understood that the hearts of the rebels were filled with even greater animosity than what was being displayed. Even though there was not much they could do, some companions, who preferred death over such a state, became intent upon fighting the rebels, come what may. Perhaps, four or five men fighting in opposition to an army of 2,000 or 3,000 men may appear to be madness in the eyes of a worldly person, but as for those who had sacrificed all their possessions for the sake of Islam, it was not burdensome for them whatsoever to fight in its defence. The following companions were also among those who were prepared to fight: Sa‘d bin M a lik ra , Hadrat Ab u Hurairah ra , Zaid bin Sa mit ra and Hadrat Im a m H asan ra. When this news reached Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra , he immediately sent them an order