The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 92
92 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD taking advantage of this contradiction [in narrations], European writers have distorted the history of that era to such extent that the heart of a Muslim, who possesses indignation, burns when reading these incidents. Additionally, many people who are weak in faith become averse to Islam. It is a pity that even some Muslim historians have carelessly stumbled in this regard and have become the cause of misguiding others. EXONERATION OF H A D RAT ‘ UTHM A N RA & THE OTHER COMPANIONS In this short time I cannot entirely discuss the errors which these people are entangled in. However, I shall briefly present a true account of the circumstances before you, which prove that Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and the other companions were free from every form of mischief and sin. In fact, their behaviour was a manifestation of very high morals and they stood upon a lofty pedestal of virtue. THE REBELS ENTER MADINAH AGAIN I have already mentioned that the rebels returned to their homes while apparently displaying agreement; the rebels of Kufah returned Kufah, the rebels of Basrah towards Basrah and the rebels of Egypt towards Egypt. Upon witnessing this state of peace and security, and feeling relieved upon the withdrawal of the rebels, the people of Madinah returned to their tasks. However, many days had not passed - at a time when the people of Madinah were either engaged in their work, or sitting in their homes and mosques, and had no idea whatsoever that the enemy would invade Madinah — that the rebel army suddenly entered