The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 82
82 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD tolerated that the peace and security which they had achieved by sacrificing their lives be done away with in this manner by the mischief of a few wicked people. They could see that the Islamic state would crumble if these people were not promptly punished. However, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra was an embodiment of mercy and he desired, in any way possible, for these people to be rightly guided so that they would not die in a state of disbelief. As such, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra would show leniency towards these people and looked upon their actions of manifest rebellion as a mere intention to commit rebellion, and would put off their punishment. This incident also illustrates that the companions greatly detested these people. The reason being that firstly, the mischief- makers stated themselves that only three people of Madinah were with them and no more. If other companions were also on their side, they would have named them as well. Secondly, the companions demonstrated through their actions as well that they abhorred the actions of these mischief-makers; and looked upon their deeds as being in violation of the shariah to such extent, that in their view, no punishment lesser than execution was acceptable. If the companions supported these people or the people of Madinah held the same views as the mischief- makers, they would not have needed any further justification or excuse; and would have killed Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra there and then, and elected another person for the office of Khilafat in his stead. However, we observe that instead of these people being successful in killing Hadrat ‘Uthm a n, may Allah be pleased with him, their very own lives became endangered by the unsheathed swords of the companions. It was only due to the favour and