Khilafat Centenary Souvenir 1908-2008 — Page 51
force to deal with the rebels but he refused to comply with their requests, and sent them instead to protect their own houses. Earlier, his powerful governor and relative, Muawiya bin Abu-Sufian, had invited him to shift to Damascus, but he was not prepared to leave Medina. He laid down his life but did not allow the use of force. Commenting on Hadhrat Uthman's ra policy, Madelung writes: The numerous reports stressing Uthman's opposition to armed initiative to violence, even in defense against the besiegers are basically reliable. Fully conscious and respect/ul of the still recognized sanctity of the life of Muslims, he wishes that no blood be shed in resistance to rebels, and that they should not be provoked to violence. Ma d elung, p. 131 Hasan, in his book on the third Khalifa, has given the funeral oration of Hadhrat Uthman's ra daughter, Ayesha ra. Among other things, she said: "He was against any bloodshed. He preferred to give up his own life rather than resort to measures which were likely to promote civil war" (Hasan, p. 204). Ha d hrat A Wa bi n Abi Talib Hadhrat Ali'a was the fourth Khalifa whose brief reign is identified with a protracted civil war and its attendant problems, but contrary to the following picture painted by Kennedy, Hadhrat Ali ra succeeded in maintaining a good record of human rights: "But for the first time there had been civil war among the Muslims, the gate of fitna (a strife) had been opened, and like Pandora's box, once opened, it was impossible to close" (Kennedy, p. 76). The secret of his success was his adherence to principles. Hasan writes that Hadhrat Ali's ra rival, Mu'awiya, embarked upon the policy of mounting raids on the border of Iraq with a view to stirring trouble in those areas. Hadhrat Ali ra was advised to do the same in retaliation along the Syrian border, but he rejected the proposal simply for the reason that that policy would disturb the innocent people. He was very strict in the matter of Baitul Mal (the public treasury) and expected all governors to live up to his expectations. Nadvi reproduces Hadhrat Ali'sra instruction to Ka'ab bin Malikra who was sent as the head of an inspection team to look into the situation in the provinces: "You proceed with your team and investigate the high officials of every district of Iraq and keep a vigilant eye on their acts" (Nadvi, p. 98). According to Hasan, this is what the Caliph wrote to his cousin, Abdullah bin Abbasra, the governor of Basra: "You are my nominee and I am responsible for your actions. I repose confidence in you; see that this confidence is not betrayed" (Hasan, p. 353). On the receipt of some reports, Hadhrat Alira demanded that Abdullah bin Abbasra should submit a detailed record of income and expenditure along with payment vouchers. Abdullah, not withstanding that pressure, resigned his post and left for Mecca. In the era of political crisis, it was a profound shock and huge loss, but Hadhrat Ali ra remained firm. 1. Khal i fa in t he C ourt of Law Hadhrat Umar ra used to refer to Hadhrat Alira as the Umma's best judge. He was able to deliver good judgment in very difficult cases. He can be called the Solomon of his times. He was a staunch believer of the independence of Judiciary. Rauf has reported an interesting incident. The Khalifa's armor was lost when a bag fell from a camel during Siffin encounter. Later on it was found with a Christian. Hadhrat Alira made a claim in the court of Qadi Sharaih Gudge), who dismissed the case against the head of state for lack of a supporting witness and Hadhrat Ali had to accept the verdict (Rauf, p. 102). The Christian defendant was moved by the supremacy of Islamic Judiciary and accepted Islam. 2. Pro t e c t i o n o f N on - Muslims