The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 60
60 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD were such merits, before which even Mu‘ a wiyah ra could not dare to utter a word. In his presence the awe of Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra could not influence anyone. Therefore, the people who were sent to carry out this investigation were magnificent and neutral people and no one can raise an objection against their findings. The unanimous verdict of these three companions along with the rest of those who were sent to other countries that there was absolute peace and security, no sign of injustice and tyranny, and governors were acting with complete equality and justice; and if they were liable to be blamed then it was only inasmuch that they compelled people to remain within boundaries, was such a verdict which leaves no room for doubt. It is clearly evident that all this disorder was the result of the mischief of a few transgressors and the instigation of ‘ Abdull a h bin Sab a. Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra and his representatives were free from all objections. In truth, this entire disturbance was the result of a secret conspiracy hatched by the Jews. They were joined by certain Muslims who were attracted to the desire of the world and had left their faith. Neither were the provincial governors to blame for this, nor were they the cause of this disorder. Their only fault was that they had been appointed by Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra and the fault of Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra was that he was holding fast to the rope of Islamic unity despite his old age and physical weakness. He was carrying the burden of the Muslim ummah upon his shoulders and was concerned for the establishment of the Islamic shariah. He would not allow the rebellious and tyrannous to oppress the weak and helpless according to their desire. As such, the following incident testifies to the truth of this fact. When