The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 133
133 instruction, some perceived the stench of treachery, as opposed to obedience. Some companions gave precedence to the aspect of obedience and unwillingly did away with their intention of fighting the rebels from then on. Perhaps they thought that their duty was only to be obedient and it was not their task to reflect upon the results that would come about by obeying this command. However, some companions refused to obey this order, because although they knew that it was an obligation to obey the Khalifah , but if the Khalifah commands people to abandon him, this effectively means that they should sever their ties with Khilafat ; hence, this kind of obedience actually results in treachery. Furthermore, they also knew that Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra was sending them home in order to protect their lives. How then, could they leave such a loving person in danger and go to their homes? All the prominent companions were among the latter group. As such, despite this command, the sons of Hadrat ‘ Al i ra , Hadrat T al h ah ra and Hadrat Zubair ra , under the order of their respective fathers, constantly stood guard at the porch of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and did not put their swords into their sheaths. 113 ANXIETY OF THE REBELS UPON THE RETURN OF THE PILGRIMS The anxiety and ebullition of the rebels knew no bounds when the odd one or two people – who were returning after having completed hajj – began to enter Madinah; they were 113. T a r i khu t-T abar i , vol. 5, pp. 176-179, Dhikrul-Khabari ‘ An Qatlih i Wa Kaifa Qutila, Published by D a rul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002 edition [Publishers]