The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 131
131 reason as well, the rebels were unable to exploit their advantage in number. When Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra learned of this battle he forbade the companions from fighting. However, at that time, they viewed abandoning Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra to be against honesty and contrary to the teaching of obedience. Hence, they refused to return despite Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra appealing to them in the name of God. H A D RAT ‘ UTHM A N RA ORDERS THE COMPANIONS In the end, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra took a shield in his hand, came out and lead the companions inside his house. He then had the doors closed and enjoined the companions and their helpers: “God the Exalted has not given you the world so that you may incline towards it. In fact, he has granted you the world so that by this means, you may gather provisions for the hereafter. So, let not that which is to perish make you unmindful. Give precedence to that which shall remain over that which is to perish. Be mindful of you meeting with God the Exalted and do not allow your community to disperse. Do not forget the Divine favour that you were on the brink of a pit of destruction and God the Exalted saved you out of His bounty and made you as brothers. ” Having said this he dismissed them and said: “May God the Exalted be your Guardian and Helper. All of you leave the house now, and call for those companions who have been barred from reaching me, especially Hadrat ‘ Al i ra , Hadrat T al h ah ra and Hadrat Zubair ra. ” These people stepped out and the other companions were also