The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 117
117 they decided to lay siege upon the house of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra. However, as soon as they laid siege [upon his house], they began to oppress other people as well. Instead of being D a rul-Amn [the House of Peace], Madinah had now become D a rul- H arb [the House of War]. The respect and honour of the people of Madinah was in danger; no one would step out of his house unarmed and the rebels would kill anyone who confronted them. H A D RAT ‘AL I RA ADMONISHES THE BESIEGERS When the rebels had surrounded Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and even went so far as to stop water from entering [his house], he sent a neighbour’s son to Hadrat ‘ Al i ra , Hadrat T al h ah ra , Hadrat Zubair ra and the ummah a tul-mu’min i n 99 for assistance saying, “The rebels have even cut our water supply. If you are able to do something, then please arrange for water to be conveyed to us. ” From among the men, Hadrat ‘Al i ra was the first to arrive. He admonished the rebels saying: “What sort of a behaviour have you adopted? Your actions neither resemble those of the believers nor the disbelievers. Do not prevent food and drink from entering the house of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra. Even the Romans and Persians provide their prisoners with food and water. According to the Islamic practice your conduct is not acceptable in the least. Besides, what harm has Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra done to you that you deem it permissible to imprison him and kill him?” 99. A title for the wives of the Holy Prophetsa and literally means, ‘the mothers of the believers. ’ [Publishers]