The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 127
127 WORTHY EFFORTS OF THE COMPANIONS IN SUPPRESSING THE DISORDER Although the companions were no longer given a chance to gather in the company of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra , even still, they were not negligent of their duty. They had divided their work into two parts as a wise measure at the time. Those men who were elderly and who due to their morals, possessed a great influence on the public, spent their time admonishing the rebels; as for those people who possessed no such influence, or were young, would remain engaged in efforts to protect Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra. From among the former group, Hadrat ‘ Al i ra and Hadrat Sa‘d bin Waqq as ra , the conqueror of Persia, strove the hardest to suppress the conflict. Hadrat ‘Al i ra had especially devoted his time to this cause, leaving aside all his other work. As such, a person by the name of ‘ Abdur-Ra h m a n, who was an eye witness of these events, says: “In the days of disorder, I saw that Hadrat ‘Al i ra had abandoned all his work. Day and night, he would remain concerned about how he could calm the temper of the enemies of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra and bring an end to his sufferings. On one occasion, when there was a delay in conveying water to Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra , he became very displeased with Hadrat T al h ah ra to whom this task was assigned. Hadrat ‘Al i ra did not rest until water had reached the home of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra. ” In ones and twos, whenever they could find an opportunity, the second group began to gather in the house of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra or in neighbouring houses. This party