The Outset of Dissension in Islam — Page 66
66 H A D RAT MIRZA BASHIR-UD-DIN MAHMUD AHMAD to send a contingent of the Syrian army for your protection. No one shall be able to make mischief in its presence. ” Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra replied: “Neither can I burden baitul-m a l to such extent in order to safeguard the life of ‘Uthm a n, nor can I tolerate putting the people of Madinah to difficulty by maintaining a military presence. ” Upon this, Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra submitted: “Then my third proposal is that you send off the companions to various countries, because in their presence, people possess the courage to assume that if you do not remain, some else may be put forward in your stead. ” Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra replied, “How is it possible for me to scatter those whom the Holy Prophet sa has gathered?” Upon hearing this, Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra began to weep and submitted: “If you do not accept any of these strategies which I have proposed for your protection then at least announce to the people, ‘ If any harm comes to me then Mu‘ a wiyah shall possess the right to retaliate on my behalf. ’ Perhaps, people shall refrain from making mischief in fear on this account. ” Hadrat ‘Uthm a n ra replied: “Mu‘ a wiyah! What is to happen will surely come to pass. I cannot grant this permission since you possess a stern disposition and may treat the Muslims harshly. ” Thereupon, Hadrat Mu‘ a wiyah ra stood up weeping and said, “I fear this may be our last meeting. ” When he stepped outside, he said to the companions, “The fate of Islam rests upon you. Hadrat