The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 112
112 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD instructing them not to fight the rebels under any circumstance and to return to their homes. 90 The love which Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra possessed for the companions of the Holy Prophet sa and the ahl-e-bait, 91 undoubtedly, prevented a war which was to break out between a few devoted companions and a rebel army of 2,000 to 3,000 men. However, from this event we are able to effectively ascertain the level of passion that was building up among the companions due to the mischief of these rebels. It is only possible for a few men to become willing to stand up against a fierce army if they believe that subservience to it is worse than death. The involvement of Ab u Hurairah ra and Im a m H asan ra in this group is especially worthy of attention. Hadrat Abu Hurairah ra was neither a soldier, nor he had performed any military service prior to this in particular. Similarly, even though Hadrat Im a m H asan ra was the son of a valiant father and was also brave and courageous himself, he preferred peace and concord, and according to a prophecy of the Holy Prophet sa , he was a prince of peace. 92 The fact that these two men stood up sword in hand demonstrates that the companions and the other people of Madinah were immensely displeased by the sedition of these rebels. 90. T a r i khu t-T abar i , vol. 5, p. 155, Dhikru Mas i ri Mann S a ra Il a Dh i Khashabin Min Ahli Mi s ra. . . . . , Published by D a rul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002 edition [Publishers] 91. Ahl-e-Bait literally means ‘people of the house’ and refers to the household members of the Holy Prophet sa. 92. Mustadrak lil- Ha kam, vol. 3, Kit a bu Ma ‘ rifati s-S a ha bah, B a bu Wa Min Fa da ’ ilil- H asanibni ‘ Aliyyibni Ab i Ta libin, H ad i th No. 4809, Published by D a rul-Kutubil- ‘ Ilmiyyah, 1990 edition