The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 63
63 bin Sab a , would highlight this particular issue as a means against the governor. The goodness of intention and sincerity of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra may be gauged from the fact that despite all the delegations giving a verdict absolving the governors, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra valued this single view to such extent that he wrote a letter to all the various regions. The contents of this letter was: “Ever since I have become the Khalifah I have acted upon enjoining equity and forbidding evil and my relatives do not hold a superior right to ordinary Muslims. However, I have come to know from certain residents of Madinah that the governors beat people and hurl abuse at them. For this reason I make an open announcement by way of this letter that whomsoever has been sworn at or beaten in secrecy, should meet me in Makkah Mukarramah 57 on the occasion of hajj. In return for any injustice done by my hand or by my governors, retribution may be sought from me and my representatives, or if such a person wills, he may forgive us. Allah the Exalted Himself rewards those who give s adaqah [i. e. , those who forgive]. When this brief but painful letter was read out upon the pulpits throughout the land, the Muslim world was shook from end to end. Listeners helplessly burst into tears and everyone prayed for Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra. Everyone expressed displeasure towards these transgressors who were attacking and causing grief to a man who held sympathy for the Muslim ummah and carried its burden. 58 57. Literally means, ‘Makkah, the Honoured. ’ [Publishers] 58. 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