Section One :: During the Lifetime of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a)

Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), the possessor of unparallel merits, virtues and qualities, was belittled, envied and troubled during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) himself. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) extolled the virtues of Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) all his life, while this made the believers happy, there were many hypocrites and disbelievers who got jealous of him and his closeness to the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) and jealous of his closeness to Allah, the Almighty.

This jealousy increased in their hearts each passing day and converted from jealousy to hatred for Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.). There are numerous incidents from the lives of the companions of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his wives which indicate towards this jealously. We present here few such incidents.

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) warned his nation to not be jealous of Imam Ali (a.s.) or be inimical to him even during the severe ailment just before passing away from this transient world. Below is an extract from a lengthy tradition quoted in Hayat al Quloob by Allamah Majlisi narrating from Imam Mohammed Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) that,

“when the time of the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) approached and his illness took a serious turn, the Prophet called for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and Abbas. The house of the Prophet was crowded by the Companions of the Prophet, and Emigrants and Helpers.

… Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, O sons of Hashim and O sons of Abdul Muttalib, and O Muslims, do not be inimical to Ali and do not disregard his commands or you shall go astray. Do not feel jealous of him, and do not become aloof from him and be inclined to others, or you will become deniers.”¹

We quote below few incidents during the blessed lifetime of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) where companions exhibited their jealousy for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and incidents of sufferings of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) soon after proclamation of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

Sufferings after Be’sat of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) himself narrates, in a tradition that after the proclamation of Prophethood of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), initially none believed in Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) except him and Janabe Khadija (s.a.), others cut off associating with Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), rejected him and confronted him. They abandoned and argued with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), while Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) was the only one who rushed to him, accepted him and believed in him.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) always used to accompany and be with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), and whenever the Quraish troubled the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Imam Ali (a.s.) also bore the sufferings along with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

Allama Majlisi narrates in Hayat al Quloob, one day the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was walking through Mecca accompanied by his cousin, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s uncle was throwing stones from the back and shouting.

The stones they threw at Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) also hit Ali (a.s.).

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) asked Imam Ali (a.s.), tell me, how many wounds are caused in your body due the stones they threw on us? Imam Ali (a.s.) said: I suffered four wounds yesterday. The Prophet said: You’ve got four and I got six!

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) was approximately thirteen years of age at that time.

And this hitting of stones continued till the night of migration, when again stones were hurled at Imam Ali (a.s.) by Quraish, when Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) was sleeping on the bed of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

Jealousy of Amr Aas for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)

This incident not only highlights that the jealously of Amr Aas and few other companions of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) for the Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.), but also shows how they never intended that Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) should succeed in the tasks and duties assigned to him by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). They were always ready to ridicule, rebuke and criticise Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). Indeed, a person needs to have a very heavy heart so as to deal with such behaviour almost on a daily basis.

Shaykh Mufeed has narrated with regards to the expedition of Zatul Salasil that one day a desert Arab came to the Prophet and reported that a party of Arabs had gathered in Ramal Valley and made an agreement to attack Medina. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) collected the Muslims and told them that a party of disbelievers has plotted to attack them and they must be prepared to defend themselves. Ashab Suffa volunteered in sincerity. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) drew lots from the eighty persons and appointed Abu Bakr as their chief and gave him the standard, instructing him to punish the Bani Sulaym. Idolaters had appointed watches on mountain peaks. Since Abu Bakr travelled by the highway he was at once detected and they armed themselves. When he reached the heavily wooded and rocky land and the infidels lived in a valley that was difficult to enter. When he attempted to enter it, the disbelievers came out and slain many Muslims. At last he had to return unsuccessful from there.

Then the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) gave the standard to Umar and sent him on the same expedition. He also followed the usual route and was soon detected by the disbeliever who hid beneath the trees and rocks. When he stepped into their valley, they came out and drove him away.

When he also returned unsuccessful; the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was extremely aggrieved. Amr Aas said: “O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), please send me as the result of a battle depends on trickery, perhaps I can overcome them through my cunning.” He was also sent, and he also followed the usual road and he also returned defeated. According to another report, Khalid bin Walid was sent instead of Amr. Thus, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was aggrieved for many days and he continued to condemn them.

Then he called Imam Ali (a.s.) and gave him the Islamic standard and said: O Lord, now I have appointed one who is a fighter and he never flees from the battle. O Lord, You know that I am Your Messenger. So, help him for the sake of my sanctity and make him victorious. According to another report, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) came to Lady Fatima (s.a.) and asked for his special headwear and she asked where he was being sent to by her father. “Ramal Valley,” said the Imam. Lady Fatima (s.a.) was worried for the difficult expedition.

Meanwhile the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) arrived and asked her why she was crying. He asked: “Do you think that your husband will be killed? Insha Allah it will not be so.” Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Do you not want me to be killed and be rewarded with Paradise?”

Thus, he set out for the expedition and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) accompanied him upto Masjid Ahzab. Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) was astride a red horse and had a Yemeni sheet over his shoulders. He held the Khati spear aloft. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) prayed for their success and returned and also sent Abu Bakr, Umar, Amr Aas or Khalid bin Walid with him. Imam Ali (a.s.) took the Iraq route leaving the usual highway. Companions thought that he was heading somewhere else. Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) took them through a secret route. They travelled during the nights and hid themselves in mountain passes during daytime.

Amr Aas saw that the Imam was following an appropriate procedure which was sure to yield victory, so he was overcome with jealousy. He told Umar, Abu Bakr and other men that Ali is ignorant of these paths, while we are experts of this terrain, “which is infested by wild beasts, which are more dangerous for our forces, so you must stop him from taking this route.” People reported this talk to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) who said: “One who obeys Allah and His Prophet should follow me and one who intends to oppose Allah and His Prophet may go by any road he likes. All fell silent and followed the Imam. They passed mountain passes during the nights and concealed themselves during the day.

The Almighty Allah made the wild beasts obedient to the Imam and they did not harm the Muslims. Till the Imam reached upto the enemy territory. Ali (a.s.) told his men to tie up the snouts of the horses so that they may not make noises. So Muslims were stopped and he proceeded. When Umar saw that victory was near, he said: “There are many wolves, lions and wild beasts in this valley. Ask Ali to permit us to scale the mountain face.”

Abu Bakr tried to discuss the matter with Imam Ali (a.s.) but he paid no attention to him. Umar said: “Why should we kill ourselves? Come, let us climb up from this valley. Muslims said: “The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) ordered us to obey Ali. We will not disobey him and follow your ideas. This went on till the morning.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) launched a surprise attack and killed the men, took their women and children as prisoners. Tied their remaining men in chains and ropes; that is why this battle is known as the Battle of Zatul Salasil. The field of battle was five marches from Medina. That same morning, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) came out and prayed the Morning Prayer with the people. In the first rakat he recited Surah Adiyat. He said: “It is a chapter just revealed on me and the Almighty Allah has informed me that Ali has overcome the enemies,” and he explained the jealousy of Amr Aas as jealousy to him. And Qunud is in the meaning of Husud and that is the love of world which was very strong in one who feared the animals. And in another report instead of Amr, Khalid bin Walid is mentioned. And according to the report of Ali bin Ibrahim the one who is jealous is a denier of bounty and they are Abu Bakr, Umar and Amr Aas who said that there are many wild beasts and they should take the usual road.

Thus, Shaykh Mufeed has narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) informed the companions about the victory of Imam Ali (a.s.) and with them came out to welcome them outside Medina. Companions stood in two rows. When Imam Ali (a.s.) looked at the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), he jumped from his mount and ran to meet the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and kissed the feet and stirrups of the Prophet.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “Ali, get mounted as Allah and His Messenger are pleased with you.” Imam Ali (a.s.) was moved to tears and they returned happily from there. War booty was distributed among Muslims. The Prophet asked some of the army what they had observed in their chief during the expedition. They replied, “We saw nothing bad in him, but his conduct was strange in one particular way; in every prayer we performed with him, he recited the Surah: Say, God is one God; the eternal God, he begets not, neither is he begotten: and there is not any one like unto Him.”

The Prophet inquired of Ali for what reason he did this. He said it was because he had a very great affection for that chapter: “and Allah loves you with a like warmth,” replied the Prophet. “Verily, were it not that I fear a community of my followers will say of you, what the Christians affirm of Isa, I would this day declare some things in your praise, so that you would pass no company that would not gather the dust on which you tread, for the blessing it confers.”²

The First Enmity Expressed for Imam Ali (a.s.)

On the night of migration, after Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) made Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) sleep on his bed and left for Medina, Abu Bakr accosted the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and joined him (s.a.w.a.) without being asked to do so. They left Mecca together and as is famously known that they were in the cave together where the later even cried due to the fear of the Quraysh.

But historians narrate, that although he was with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) left from Mecca and even when he (s.a.w.a.) was in the cave, but this companion was not with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when he entered Medina!

He actually reached the vicinity of Medina and as per few narrations entered Medina before Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a). The reason for this is explained by Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) in the below narration.

Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) explains, that when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was waiting for Imam Ali (a.s.) at Quba, Abu Bakr wanted to go ahead and not wait for Imam Ali (a.s.). Hence, he was angry that the Prophet waited for Imam Ali (a.s.) before entering Medina, and conceived great jealousy for him. This was the first enmity that was expressed against Ali (a.s.) and this was the first opposition to the Prophet that he expressed. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) remained in Quba waiting for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). So, he left the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and came to Medina.³

This incident and other such incidents highlight the jealously which the hypocrites, amongst the companions harboured for Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.).

The same incident is narrated thus as well, at the time of Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Yathrib and their halt at Quba; at that time:

 “Abu Bakr insisted that they enter Medina as soon as possible but the Prophet said: I will not enter Medina unless my brother, I mean, the son of my mother, Ali and my daughter Fatima (s.a.) come and join me. So, he went alone to Medina in Ali’s jealousy.”⁴

Historical sources mention that:

“The Prophet stayed in Quba for fifteen days until Ali arrived. 

He told the Prophet: Ali may not come for a month! People of Medina are waiting for you!

The Prophet said: No, it is not so. He will come soon. I too shall not move unless my cousin, my brother, the dearest one among my family and one who risked his life to save me, comes.

This answer of the Prophet pained him. He left the Prophet at Quba and went to one of his friends’ house in Sunha locality in Quba.”

Hatred of the Wives of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) for Imam Ali (a.s.)

If we study the life of Ayesha and her behaviour with Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s), we will find a strange and surprising thing. There is no explanation for it except her envy and enmity to the household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). History has recorded her incomparable hatred and malice towards Imam Ali (a.s.). She reached the point where she was not even able to mention his name, not able to stand the sight of him.

Imam Ahmad reports that Abu Bakr once came to the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.), and sought permission to enter. Before he went in, he heard A’isha’s voice raised, saying to the Prophet (P): “By Allah! I surely know that Ali is dearer to you than me and my father”, she repeated this twice or three times.”⁵

Her hatred for Imam Ali (a.s.) was so much that she always tried to distance him from the Prophet (P) whenever she could find the means to do so. The Mu’tazili Ibn Abi al-Hadid, in his commentary on the Nahj al-Balagha said the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.) beckoned to Ali to come close. He came close until he sat between him and ‘A’isha, and he and the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) were clung together. She said to him:

“Can you not find a seat for this one except [on] my thigh?”

He also narrated that one day the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.) was walking with Imam Ali (a.s.) and the conversation became prolonged. She approached as she was walking from behind until she came between them saying: “What is it between you two that you are taking so long?” Upon this the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.) became angry.⁶

It is also reported that she once came upon the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) while he was conversing quietly with Imam Ali (a.s.). She screamed and said: “What is it with you and me, O son of Abu Talib? I have [just] one day with the Prophet of Allah (P).” Thereupon the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) became angry.

How often did she anger the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) with her conduct, which arose due to her intense jealousy and furious nature and her offensive words? Would the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) be pleased with any believing man or woman whose heart was filled with hatred and malice towards his cousin, the leader of his progeny, he of whom he said: “He loves Allah and His Prophet, and Allah and His Prophet love him?” He also said about him: “Whoever loves Ali has loved me and whoever hates Ali has hated me.⁷

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), himself describes her jealousy for him in these words,

As regarding a certain woman, she is in the grip of womanly views and malice is boiling in her bosom like the furnace of the blacksmith. If she were called upon to deal with others as she is dealing with me, she will not have done it.⁸

Hadith e Tayr – Tradition of the Roasted Bird

The most beloved to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was Imam Ali (a.s.). He (s.a.w.a.) preferred Imam Ali (a.s.) over all his other companions, loved him more than his other companions and he (s.a.w.a.) himself preferred to be in the company of Imam Ali (a.s) and not his other companions. The companions observed and knew of his (s.a.w.a.)’s affection for Imam Ali (a.s.) but still disregarded Imam Ali (a.s.) in the lifetime of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) himself.

Ibne Maghazali Shafei has narrated this tradition through thirty channels. Among them is that Anas bin Malik used to say: A roasted bird was brought to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as gift; when it was placed before him, he said: O Allah, send the most beloved person to me, so that he may share this bird with me. I said to myself: O Allah, be it a person from Ansar, but Ali (a.s.) arrived and knocked softly. I asked: Who is that? He replied: Ali. I said the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is busy. He went away.

When I went to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), he again said: O Allah, bring the most beloved person to me so that he may share this bird with me.

Again, I said to my mind: O Allah, be it a person from Ansar, but again Ali (a.s.) arrived and knocked at the door. I asked: Who is that? He replied: Ali. I said: The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is busy. He went away again. When I came to the Prophet, he repeated the same request.

Then Ali came again and knocked the door hard. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said thrice: Open the door. When I opened the door and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) saw him, he said thrice: Come.

Ali (a.s.) sat down and the two gentlemen consumed that bird.

According to another report, Ibne Hanbal has narrated from Anas that when Imam Ali (a.s.) entered, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked: Why are you late? I prayed to the Almighty Allah three times to send to me His most beloved creature to share this bird with me; if you had not come the third time also, I would have prayed to Allah naming you to bring you to me.

Imam Ali (a.s.) said: O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), I came three times and every time Anas turned me away. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked Anas to explain his action. He said: I wanted it to be someone from my community. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Everyone favours his own community.

According to another report, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked: Is there anyone among the Ansar more excellent than Ali?⁹

Jealously Shown on the Day of Ghadeer

The jealousy of the companions for Imam Ali (a.s.) knew no bounds on the the Day of Ghadeer, when in the heat of Arabia they were stopped by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on the command of Allah, the Almighty to officially announce the Mastership of Imam Ali (a.s.) in front of a big gathering of companions. In the light of the exegesis (tafsir) of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.), we present three verses revealed on the Day of Ghadeer, which have captured the jealousy of companions for Imam Ali (a.s.).

Verse 1 - Surah Tauba (9) : Verse 74

 

يَحْلِفُونَ بِاللَّهِ مَا قَالُوا وَلَقَدْ قَالُوا كَلِمَةَ الْكُفْرِ وَكَفَرُوا بَعْدَ إِسْلَامِهِمْ وَهَمُّوا بِمَا لَمْ يَنَالُو

 

“They swear by Allah that they did not say [anything against the Prophet] while they had said the word of disbelief and disbelieved after their [pretense of] Islam and planned that which they were not to attain.”

Surah Tauba (9) : Verse 74

 

Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stood on the day of Ghadeer with Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), there were with him seven people from the Munafeqeen, they were, Fulaan and Fulaan, Abdul Rehman bin Auf, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, Abu Ubaida, Abu Huzaifa, and Mogaira. The third said, did you look at his eyes, they were as if eyes of a Majnoon – meaning the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) at the time when he stood up and said, my Lord told me, then when he stood up he said, who is having more authority on you then yourselves. They said, Allah and His messenger. He (s.a.w.a.) said – O Allah, bear witness, that of whomsoever I am master, Ali is his master. Then they greeted him with (the title) Ameerul Momineen. Then Gibrael (a.s.) descended and made him Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) aware of their conversation. Then he (s.a.w.a.) called them and asked them, then they denied and swore. Then Allah, the Almighty descended the above verse.¹⁰  

Verse 2 – Surah Qalam (68) : Verses 1 – 6

ن وَ الْقَلَمِ وَ ما يَسْطُرُونَ (1) ما أَنْتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍ (2) وَ إِنَّ لَكَ لَأَجْراً غَيْرَ مَمْنُونٍ (3) وَ إِنَّكَ لَعَلى‏ خُلُقٍ عَظيمٍ (4) فَسَتُبْصِرُ وَ يُبْصِرُونَ (5) بِأَيِّكُمُ الْمَفْتُونُ (6)

Noon. I swear by the pen and what the angels write. By the grace of your Lord you are not mad. And most surely you shall have a reward never to be cut off. And most surely you conform (yourself) to sublime morality. So you shall see, and they (too) shall see. Which of you is afflicted with madness.

Surah Qalam (68) – Verses 1 to 6

It is narrated in Tafseer e Furat al Kufi from Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.), when the Wilayat of Ali (a.s.) was revealed, Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stood in front of the people and said, “Of whomsoever I am Master, Ali (a.s.) is his master”. Then a man said, most certainly he is captivated (fascinated) by this youth (referring to Ali (a.s.)). Then Allah revealed this verse, “Noon. I swear by the pen and what the angels write. By the grace of your Lord you are not mad. And most surely you shall have a reward never to be cut off. And most surely you conform (yourself) to sublime morality. So you shall see, and they (too) shall see. Which of you is afflicted with madness.”¹¹ 

Verse 3 – Surah Ma’arij (70) : Verse 1 

سَأَلَ سائِلٌ بِعَذابٍ واقِع‏

One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall

Surah Ma’arij (70) : Verse 1

 

It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) concerning the above verse, when Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) announced the Wilayat of Hazrat Ameerul Momineen, Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), Haris bin Noman, went upto the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and said,

 O Messenger of Allah, you invited us to say, La ilaha illal Allah, then we did that. Then you invited us to testify that you are His Messenger. Then indeed we did that. Then you told us to recite namaz, we recited namaz. Then you asked us to fast and we fasted, then you asked us to perform Hajj, then we performed Hajj. Then, (now) you tell us Of whomsoever I am master, Ali (a.s.) is his master. O Allah! Love him who loves him and bear enmity with him who bears enmity with him. Then, is this from you or from the side of Allah? Then he (s.a.w.a.) told him, from Allah. Then he (Haaris) said, O Allah! If what the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is saying is true then throw a stone upon me from the sky! Then Allah threw a stone on his head and then he fell down and died and the above verse was revealed. ¹²

Jealousy During the Last Days of the Life of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.), Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) and Umme Salma, Ayesha, etc narrate that in the last stage of the Prophet’s illness Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) had gone out for some work, when the Prophet said: “Call my helper, my friend and my brother.” Then the two wives called for their fathers. When they arrived and the Prophet saw them, he covered his head and face with a cloth. The two went away. Then the Prophet removed the cloth from his face and again said: “Call my friend, my beloved and my brother.” Then the two wives called their respective fathers. When they arrived, the Prophet turned away from them or concealed his face. They said: “Not us, he has called for Ali.” Lady Fatima (s.a.) summoned Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). When he arrived, the Prophet embraced him and placed his holy mouth to his blessed ear and covered his face with his cloth and spoke to him in private for a long time till perspiration dripped from their faces.

Hypocrites and Imam Ali (a.s.)

The below is extract from the book Hayat al Quloob - Vol. 2, which again highlights the enmity and hatred for Imam Ali (a.s.) in the hearts of prominent companions of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

Now that Ansari asked Huzaifa: The hypocrites, and Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah agreed to join because they were from Quraish, but why did they admit Salim? He was neither from the Quraish nor from the Muhajireen or Ansar. He was a freed slave of an Ansari lady. Huzaifa said: Due to the jealousy of hypocrites, they wished that Ali should not get the Caliphate. They were inimical to Ali (a.s.) because the Imam has slain their infidel relatives on the path of religion and his slashing sword had hurt their beings, so they wanted to take revenge from him. Since they considered Salim also in support of this, they admitted him. Ansari asked Huzaifa to relate to him the matter of the written document executed by the hypocrites. Huzaifa said that it was reported to him by Asma binte Umais as she was the wife of Abu Bakr at that time. She says that the rebellious group met at her husband’s house and Asma heard them. She got to their conspiracy till they reached consensus and ordered Saeed bin Aas Amawi to put it all in writing and he followed their instructions. The text was as follows:

Text of the Document

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

The nobles of Muhajireen and Ansar, whom the Almighty Allah had praised in His Book through His Messenger have reached consensus after much consideration that this document is prepared with much love and regard of Muslims so that the generations that come in the future may follow this document. The Lord of the worlds, sent Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) with His mercy and chose him for His message and sent him to all humanity. So the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) conveyed the message and propagated the laws sent by Allah. He also made it obligatory on us to remain steadfast on all those matters. So much so that he completed our religion, obligated the duties and fixed the practices. Then the Almighty Allah raised the status of the Prophet and then summoned him to the heavens. This was without the Prophet having appointed anyone as his Caliph, leaving the choice to the people so that they may appoint one they trust. Indeed it is obligatory on Muslims to follow the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as he deserves to be followed. Thus the Almighty Allah has said in the Holy Quran:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ

“Certainly you have in the Apostle of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day.”

Indeed the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) did not appoint anyone as his Caliph so that this successorship should not remain in one family; it should not become a dynastic rule whereas the other Muslims are deprived of it. And that the affluent ones may rotate it among themselves. So that any claimant of Caliphate may not be able to say that this post will remain in his descendants till Judgment Day.

After the death of one Caliph, it is obligatory on Muslims that their elders must come together and discuss this matter and appoint as Caliph one they find eligible. After that if anyone claims that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has appointed him as the Caliph and had issued text in support of his Caliphate, his claim is invalid and his statement is false as known by the companions of the Prophet. In this way he has opposed the ranks of Muslims and if anyone claims that the successorship of the Prophet is inherited, it is an absurd statement because the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: We the group of prophets, do not leave any inheritance. Whatever we leave is Sadaqah. If anyone claims that Caliphate is restricted to only one man and no one is eligible for it, because Caliphate is the successorship of the Prophet; hence such a one is a liar, because the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: My companions are like stars, you will gain salvation if you follow any of them. If anyone claims that he is deserving for Caliphate and Imamate due to his relationship to the Prophet and it is for him and after him his sons as one son inherits his father in every age, and no one else can get that inheritance. This will continue till the earth and whatever is in it reaches to the Almighty Allah as inheritance and is destroyed. Therefore, caliphate is not for one who makes such statement and neither is it there for his sons even if he is closely related to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Because the Lord of the Worlds says that all are obliged to obey His commands.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ

“O you men! surely We have created you of a male and a female, and made you tribes and families that you may know each other; surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful (of his duty).”

And the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) has said that the refuge of Muslims is one who gives refuge to the lowest of the Muslims and all of them are like a hand for one who is not from them and they remain united against their common enemy. Such a person brings faith in Allah and His Book and accepts the practice of the Prophet, such a person is on the Straight Path is inclined to the truth and he has chosen the right path.

And one who detests the character of Muslims and their appointment of Caliph has opposed the truth and the Book of Allah and has gone out of the Muslim community. Therefore, he must be eliminated. Because eliminating would be in the interest of the community. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) has said: Kill the one who divides my community when they have united. And kill the one who separates from the opinion of the Ummah, whoever he may be. Indeed, congregation is a blessing and living in disunity brings divine chastisement.

My Ummah can never have consensus on deviation and wrong path. Indeed, all the people of the Ummah are like a single hand because no one separates from the Muslim community except one who becomes aloof to them and who harbors malice to them and helps their enemy against them. The Almighty Allah and the Prophet have legalized the elimination of such a person. This document was written by Saeed bin Aas in the month of Mohurrum in the tenth year of Hijra with the consensus of a group of people, whose names are mentioned at the end of the document. And praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and may Allah bless our Chief, Muhammad and his family.

The Document is buried in Kaaba

After that the document was entrusted to Abu Ubaidah to bury it in Kaaba, and it remained there till the Caliphate of the second caliph.

This tradition and the text of the document clearly shows the jealousy which they harboured for Imam Ali (a.s.) and how they were continuously plotting against Imam Ali (a.s.).

Constant Taunting of the Hypocrities

Imam Ali (a.s.) says, that one day I passed from Sahhaki, so he said to me, “The example of Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) is just like the tree of dates which is planted in a dirty place.”

So, I came to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and told this to him.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) became very angry and came to the pulpit. The Ansar got frightened and came armed when they saw how angry the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was.

He (s.a.w.a.) said: “What has happened to those communities that people hurt me in connection with my relatives although they have heard their merits and the virtues that Allah has given them all, and those things in which Allah has specialized them is that that He has kept all evil away from them and particularly Allah has declared them pure”.

“And you people have heard what I have told concerning him who is the best and most virtuous in my Ahlul Bayt in those things that Allah has declared specially for him. He has blessed him with reputation and virtues in a manner that he is the first one in Islam and his difficulties in Islam are too many, and he is my relative”.

“He is from me in such a manner like Haroon was to Musa and then you think that I am, in my Ahlul Bayt, like a tree of dates that grows in a dirty place”?¹³

The hypocrites could not directly exhibit their jealousy and animosity for Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and therefore taunted Imam Ali (a.s.) and Bani Hashim, as is apparent from the above narration.

Complain of Companions

Below is an extract from Haqqul Yaqeen of Allamah Majlisi (a.r.), where he has narrated another incident which exhibits the jealousy of companions towards Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).

In Sahih Muslim and Sahih Tirmidhi, it is narrated from Amr bin Haseen that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) sent an expedition and appointed Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) as the commander of that force. Imam Ali (a.s.) won the battle and took for himself a slave girl from the booty. The people in the army didn’t like this.

Four of the companions decided that when they return they will complain to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.). The rule was that when Muslims returned from battle they first met the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and greeted him; then they headed to their homes.

When they met the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), one of them complained about Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) turned his face away from him. Another man repeated this protest and the Prophet also turned away from him. The third lodged his complain and the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) looked away.

When the fourth also repeated the same complaint, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) looked at them, while anger showed on his countenance; and he said thrice: What do you want from Ali; indeed Ali is from me and I am from him and he is the guardian (Wali) of every believer man and woman.¹⁴

Not Given Place to Sit

It is narrated from Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.), that once after the incident of Ghadeer, Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was sitting along with a number of his companions.

Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) entered that gathering and intended to go near the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Neither did the companions stand up from their place to give him a place to sit nor did they even move a little to make space for him to go near the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) saw that they are not making space for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) he asked them to give way to Imam Ali (a.s.). When Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) came near, Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) caught his hand and made Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) sit with him on the mat. Then he (s.a.w.a.) said,

“O People! These are my Ahle Bait! You are disregarding and belittling them while I am still alive amongst you!…”¹⁵

Footnotes

1. Hayat al Quloob, pg 912, English, Chp 63 – “Bequests of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and incidents that occurred at the time of his (s.a.w.a.) death”. ↩

2. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, pg 612 ↩

3. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, pg 458 ↩

4. Dr. Ali Akbar Hasani: Tarikh Tahlili wa Siyasi Islam, Vol. 1, Pg. 179 ↩

5. Musnad Ahmad Hanbal, Vol. 4, page 275 ↩

6. Sharh Ibn Abil Hadeed, Vol. 9, page 195 ↩

7. Mustadrak al-Hakim, Vol. 3, page 130, who mentions that this tradition is authentic as set by the two standards of Bukhari and Muslim. ↩

8. Nahjul Balagha, Sermon No. 155 ↩

9. Haqqul Yaqeen, pg 243, English – Section Three: Love of Imam Ali (a.s.) for Allah ↩

10. Tafsir al-Qummi, Vol. 1, Page 301 ↩

11. Tafseer e Furat e Kufi, Page 495 ↩

12. Al Burhaan fi Tafsir al Quran, Vol. 5, Page 484 ↩

13. Kitab Sulaim bin Qais, Tradition No. 14 ↩

14. Haqqul Yaqeen, Page 118 (English), Chapter 5, Fifth Objective, First Verse ↩

15. Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 23, Page 154, Chapter 7, Tradition 118 ↩