The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 76
76 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD Instead, the Holy Prophet sa has merely stated that there should be a ruler over the people. ” These were the views of those people who had spent their entire lives in the service of Islam and who had heard the teachings of Islam directly from the lips of the Holy Prophet sa. Moreover, they had received an attestation of approval by acting upon these teachings in his presence. What to talk of praying behind these rebels, they did not even desire to become their Im a m in prayer and considered them liable for capital punishment. Can it be said about such people that they were a part of the conflict in the era of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra or that Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra and his governors were usurping the rights of the citizens? Similarly, in light of these events can it be accepted that these rebels were creating disorder on their behalf. Of course not! In fact, this rebel party was bent upon creating disorder out of its jealousy towards the community of companions and these people hid their heartfelt views. Their real objective was the destruction of the Islamic government and this objective could not be achieved without moving Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra aside. Not catching on to their deception, certain ignorant or faithless Muslims, joined them as well either out of their selfishness or simplicity. ANOTHER CONSPIRACY OF THE MISCHIEF-MAKERS After the appointment of Hadrat Ab u M u s a Al-Ash‘ar i ra as governor, there remained no reason for these people to create disorder. However, the real instigators of this conflict could not have been pleased with all their efforts going to waste in