The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 77
77 this manner. Hence, written correspondence began and it was decided that a few people from all the provinces should set out towards Madinah in the form of delegations. There, they should deliberate as to the future course of action, and certain questions should also be posed to Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra so that these discussions may be publicised in all directions and people may become convinced that the allegations levelled against Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra have been proven beyond doubt. After deciding the matter they all left their homes and headed for Madinah. When they reached close to Madinah Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra learnt of their arrival. He sent two men to enquire about them and ascertain the real purpose of their arrival, and then report back to him. The two of them left and met this caravan outside Madinah. During the course of discussion these people revealed to the two informants their state of affairs. The two of them asked whether anyone from the people of Madinah was with them. This treacherous group replied that there were three people in Madinah and besides them, they did not have a fourth supporter. The two enquired, “Then what is your intention?” They replied: “Our intention is to go to Madinah in order to speak to Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra regarding certain matters which we have already instilled into the minds of people. Then we will return to our towns and tell everyone that we raised many objections against Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra and established their validity, but he has refused to abstain from these things and did not repent. Then we will leave, under the pretence of going for hajj and besiege him upon reaching Madinah. If he steps down from Khilafat, then well and good, otherwise we will kill him. ”