The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 64
64 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra did not cease at this; he especially summoned his governors in order to answer for the allegations which had been levelled against them. When all of the governors had come together, he inquired of them, “What is the reason for these allegations being levelled against you? I fear that they may be true. ” In response to this, they all submitted: “You have sent reliable people and discovered that no injustice is being perpetrated, nor is anything being committed in violation of the shariah. Furthermore, the reliable people you dispatched inquired of the state of affairs from all the people. Not a single person came before them and claimed that these complaints were valid. What room, then, is there for doubt? By God, these people have not spoken the truth nor have they acted with the fear of Allah. Their allegations have no foundation. It cannot be permissible to hold one accountable for such baseless things, nor can such statements be relied upon. ” Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra responded, “Then suggest as to what should be done. ” At this, many suggestions were given to him. In summary, it was suggested that Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra should act sternly when the occasion demanded and not show leniency towards these mischief-makers, for this only increases them in fearlessness; an evil person can only be reformed through punishment, leniency should only be exhibited towards such a person who derives benefit from it. After listening to suggestions of everyone, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra said: “The disorders which the Holy Prophet sa has informed us about are bound to take place, but they can be deferred