The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 65
65 for some time through gentleness and love. Therefore, except in the case of apparent violations of the law, I will treat them with leniency so that no one may hold a valid objection against me. Allah the Exalted knows that I have not been miserly in showing kindness to people. It would be joyous if ‘Uthm a n were to die and the flood of disorders, which are soon to overcome Islam, had not yet surged forth. Go, therefore, and treat people with compassion; give them their rights and overlook their faults. Of course, if someone violates the injunctions of Allah the Exalted, then do not show leniency and forgiveness to such people. ” 59 On the return from hajj, Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra also accompanied Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra to Madinah. After having stayed there for a few days, when he was about to depart, he met Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra in privacy and said, “It appears that disorder is growing, if you permit, may I submit something in this regard?” Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra said, “Go on. ” Upon this, he said: “My first proposal is that you accompany me to Syria as it is peaceful there in every respect; there is no disorder whatsoever. I fear that if disorder suddenly arises we may not be able to make arrangements at the time. ” Hadrat ‘ Uthm a n ra replied, “I cannot leave the neighbourhood of the Holy Prophet sa under any circumstance, even if my body is torn to pieces. ” Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra said: “Then my second proposal is that you grant me permission 59. T a r i khu t-T abar i , vol. 5, pp. 148-149, Dhikru Mas i ri Mann S a ra Il a Dh i Khashabin Min Ahli Mi s ra. . . . . , Published by D a rul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002 dition [Publishers]