The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 48
48 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD attempted to restrain them but they did not even pay heed to him; and beat the two until they both fell unconscious. When the public received news that certain people had committed such an act of mischief in the very presence of Sa‘ i d, they gathered outside his house armed. However, the perpetrators begged and pleaded Sa‘ i d for forgiveness and asked for his refuge. How could the generosity of an Arab, and then a one from the Quraish, possibly bear to refuse the plea of an enemy for refuge at such an occasion. Sa‘ i d stepped out and said to the public, “A few people fell to confrontation; the matter is of no significance and everything is now in order. ” Everyone returned to their homes, and once again these people began to feel at ease. When Sa‘ i d was certain that the perpetrators were out of danger, he let them go. Then he addressed the people who had been beaten and said: “As I have already given these people refuge, do not publicise their crime, or I shall be disgraced. Rest assured, however, that they shall not be allowed in my company again. ” 46 The rebels had already succeeded in their real objective i. e. to create disturbance in the Islamic administration. Now, they had began to openly criticise Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and Sa‘ i d in their homes. The public was greatly offended by this behaviour and complained to Sa‘ i d saying: “These people are causing mischief in this manner. They criticise Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra and you, and seek to uproot the unity of Islam. We cannot tolerate this; please resolve the matter. ” 46. T a r i khu t-T abar i , vol. 5, pp. 133-134, Dhikru Tasy i ri Mann Sayyara Min Ahlil-K u fata Ilaih a , Published by D a rul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002 edition [Publishers]