The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 134
134 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD certain that now the time for their judgement had drawn very close. After performing hajj, Mugh i rah bin Al-Akhnas was the first person who entered Madinah in order to gain the spiritual reward of jihad. As soon as he arrived, the rebels received news that the army of Basrah, which was coming to help the Muslims, had reached S ir a r, which was only at a journey of one day from Madinah. Overwhelmed by this news, the rebels decided that it was now vital that they fulfil their objective at all costs. Those companions and their friends who had refused to relinquish their protection of Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra despite his prohibition and those who had plainly said, “How will we face God the Exalted if we desert you despite having the strength in our arms to fight?” were now standing guard from inside the house due to their small number. Hence, it was not difficult for the rebels to reach the door. The rebels collected piles of wood outside the door and set light to them, so that the door would burn down and they could find an entrance into [the house]. Upon observing this, the companions deemed it inappropriate to remain inside and they desired to step out swords in hand. However, Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra stopped them from doing so and said: “What more can there be than setting the house on fire? Whatever was to happen has now happened. Do not put your lives in danger and return to your homes. These people only harbour enmity against myself, but soon, they shall be remorseful for their doing. I absolve every person