The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 36
36 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD charity and alms. Even in the time of the Holy Prophet sa some of his companions were rich. If they had not been well-off, how could Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra have afforded to provide ten thousand soldiers provisions of travel at the time of the ghazwah 34 of Tab u k. The Holy Prophet sa never reprimanded such people. In fact, some of them were very dear to the Holy Prophet sa. Hence, being affluent was no crime; instead, it was in direct accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Quran and Hadrat Ab u Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, was mistaken in this regard. However, whatever the case may have been, Hadrat Ab u Dharr ra was adamant in respect of his own view. Nonetheless, it is also worthy of mention that although he would exhort people in light of his own view, he never took the law into his own hands. The commandments of the Holy Prophet sa forever remained under his consideration. However, the people in whose company he would sit and express these views were unacquainted with his virtue and piety and took his statements in a different light. Finally, the end result of these views was that certain poor people began to extend oppressive hands towards the affluent in an attempt to take their own rights from them by force. These people complained to Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra , who then submitted the matter before Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra. Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra issued an order for Hadrat Ab u Dharr ra to be sent to Madinah with honour and dignity. As per this instruction, Hadrat Ab u Dharr ra arrived in Madinah. Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra inquired from him, “Why do the people of Syria complain against you?” He replied, “I differ 34. A military expedition in which the Holy Prophet sa took part himself. [Publishers]