The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 141
141 attention to any other work. In those days, the only other task that he performed before the rebels penetrated the house was to appoint two men in order to guard the treasury, because on that night, the Holy Prophet sa appeared to him in a vision and said, “O ‘ Uthm a n ra ! Break your fast with us this evening. ” After this vision, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra was convinced that he would be martyred that day. Hence, taking his responsibility into account, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra ordered two men to stand guard by the gate of the treasury, so that no one would attempt to loot the treasury during the chaos and mischief. EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE MARTYRDOM OF H A D RAT ‘ UTHM A N RA When the rebels reached inside they found Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra reciting the Holy Quran. Muhammad bin Ab i Bakr was also among the attackers and due to the power he commanded over the rebels, he considered it his duty to be at the forefront of everything. He advanced and took hold of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra by his beard and gave it a violent tug. In response to this action of his, Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra only said this much: “O my brother’s son! If your father ( Hadrat Ab u Bakr ra ) had been here now, he would never have done such a thing. What has happened to you? Are you displeased with me for the sake of God? Are you angry at me for anything other than the fact that I have made you fulfil the rights of God?” Upon this, Muhammad bin Ab i Bakr turned back in shame. However, the rest of the rebels remained there. Since definite news had been received that the army of Basrah would reach