The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 147
147 When he was also told that they were now repentant, he recited the following verse: “Their example is of that Satan, who tells the people, ‘Disbelieve,’ but when they disbelieve, he says, ‘I am averse to you; I fear Allah. ’” 127 When the armies that were coming to aid Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra learned that he had been martyred, they turned back from distance of only a few miles from Madinah. They did not wish to enter Madinah because their doing was no longer any use to Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra ; in fact, it was apprehended that conflict may have escalated. Moreover, the Muslims were generally never keen to fight without an Im a m. Now Madinah was in the possession of the rebels and their behaviour during those days was extremely shocking. They had already martyred Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra but now they also had an objection with his burial; for three days, he could not be buried. Finally, a group of companions showed courage and buried Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra at night. The rebels placed hindrances in the path of these companions as well, but when some of them threatened to fight them fiercely, they gave in. The rebels took 127. Al- H ashr (59:17)