The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 129
129 did not fail in fulfilling their obligation. They gave precedence to the danger at hand over such dangers that were yet to come. If the lives [of the companions] were secure at the time, then it was only because the rebels felt no need to hurry and were on the lookout for an excuse [to murder Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra ]. Ultimately, however, the hour arrived when it became impossible to wait any longer, because the heart-rendering message of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra , which he had sent to the Muslims who were gathering for hajj, had now been read out before the crowd of pilgrims. The valley of Makkah echoed this voice from one end to another. The Muslim pilgrims had decided that after the hajj, they would not remain deprived of gaining the spiritual reward of performing jihad as well; they would uproot the rebels of Egypt and their associates. Rebel spies had informed their people of this intention and now signs of agitation began to arise in their camp. This was to such extent that murmurings within the rebel camp began to take place suggesting that now there was no other option but to kill this man; if they did not kill him, there would be no uncertainty in their own massacre at the hands of the Muslims. This anxiety was further intensified by the news that the letters of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra had now reached Syria, Kufah and Basrah as well, and the people there, who were already waiting for the orders of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra , had been further enraged upon the receipt of these letters. Not to mention that taking it upon themselves, the companions had drawn the attention of all the Muslims towards their obligations in mosques and gatherings, and they had issued the verdict of performing jihad against the rebels. The companions said, “A person, who does not