The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 59
59 to him. This selection by the Holy Prophet sa was not merely an act of encouragement. In fact, later events established that he was capable of achieving great feats. The Holy Prophet sa displayed so much love for him that spectators would be unable to differentiate whether he loved him more or Hadrat Im a m H asan ra. Muhammad bin Muslim, who was sent to Kufah, was also from among the most venerable companions. He was looked upon with great reverence amongst the companions and was very influential. ‘ Abdull a h bin ‘Umar ra , who was sent to Syria, is among those who require no introduction. He was among the foremost Muslims who pledged their allegiance. He was so great in his piety and righteousness that on account of this particular merit, even the most prominent companions displayed a special respect for him. After Hadrat ‘ Ali ra if the sight of the companions and other noble men fell upon anyone for succession to Khilafat , then it was him. However, he had made it a practice to remain secluded from the world. He possessed such indignation for those things that were deemed sacred in religion that on certain occasions, he even vehemently debated ‘ Umar bin Al-Kha tta b ra. Hence, in speaking the truth, he was an unsheathed sword. His appointment for Syria was a most perfect appointment. Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra had long been the governor of Syria and held a position of great awe upon the residents there. Due to his intelligence, investigating his administration was not the task of an ordinary person. It was futile to send anyone else to this region and no one would have been satisfied with the investigation of such a person. However, his excellence in faith, indignation for Islam, farsightedness, righteousness and piety