The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 58
58 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD ‘ Amm a r bin Y a sir was delayed and no news came from him. 54 I will mention why ‘Amm a r bin Y a sir was delayed later on, but first I would like to mention something about this investigative committee and the significance of this investigation. The reason being that the true reality of this disorder becomes clearly evident by fully understanding the specifics of this delegation. The first thing that is worthy of attention, is the stature of the three leading members of this delegation who returned to submit their reports. The status of the people carrying out this investigation demonstrates the significance of the investigation. If such people had been dispatched as part of this delegation, who desired something from Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and his deputies, or who, on account of their low and insignificant spiritual and worldly status may have feared the governors or harboured greed, it could be suggested that these people refrained from disclosing the truth on account of their greed or fear. However, such an allegation cannot be levelled against them. Furthermore, by selecting these people to perform this task, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra has furnished clear evidence of his pure intention. Us a mah ra , the one sent to Bashrah, was not only the son of Hadrat Zaid ra , who was first among those who believed, but was also from among the closest and dearest ones of the Holy Prophet sa. He was the very person upon whom the Holy Prophet sa conferred the position of being commander-in-chief of the magnificent army that he was prepared during his final illness. He also positioned eminent companions like Hadrat ‘ Umar ra in subordination 54. T a r i khu t-T abar i , vol. 5, p. 148, Dhikru Mas i ri Mann S a ra Il a Dh i Khashabin Min Ahli Mi s ra. . . . . , Published by D a rul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002 edition [Publishers]