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Attacking the House of Fatimah (AS)
A Sunni Brother mentioned that the Caliphate of Abu Bakr is the Consensus
of scholars (Ijma'). It is incumbent upon Muslims to accept the Ijma'.
First I would like to point out that we also believe that Ijma'a is
binding. But, my brother, how can Sunni scholars make Ijma'a on something
that the Prophet and some of his companions opposed it? This opposition is
a clear evidence to the fact that there is no Ijma'a in that very matter.
As for the Prophet (PBUH&HF), I mentioned the authentic Sunni traditions in
the previous articles where he gave Imam Ali the position that Haroon had
to Moses. That position is explained in Quran whose verses I mentioned. The
verses show that:
1-Allah is the one who appoints the Caliph.
2-The verse also uses the word "Ukhlofni" which is exactly the verb form of
Khalif.
Moreover, I reproduced the historical reports documented by the Sunni
scholars concerning the fact that the Messenger of Allah unequivocally
announced Imam Ali (AS) as his successor in his first open preach. I also
mentioned the authentic and frequent tradition of Ghadir Khum where the
Prophet declared the leadership of Imam Ali (AS) officially.
Now, my brother, how can Ijma'a exist on this important issue when the
Messenger of Allah oppose it? This is enough for us to close the issue of
Ijma'a on this subject. However let us, now, go a little further:
Even the companions did not all agree that all these four individuals are
the legitimate successors of the Prophet (PBUH&HF). Muslims agree that the
caliphate of Abu Bakr came through election by a limited number of people
and was a surprise for all other companions. By limited, I mean, a majority
of the prominent companions of prophet had no knowledge of this election.
Ali, Ibn Abbas, Uthman, Talha, Zubair, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas, Salman al-
Farsi, Abu Dhar, Ammar Ibn Yasir, Miqdad, Abdurrahman Ibn Owf were among
those who were not consulted or even informed of. Even Umar confessed to
the fact that the election of Abu Bakr was without consultation of Muslims.
(See sahih al-Bukhari, Arabic-English, v8, Tradition #817)
My dear brother, we can not close our eyes to the undeniable facts
documented even by the Sunni scholars, and yet claim to have Ijma'a. After
the demise of the Prophet (PBUH&HF), those who heed what the Messenger of
Allah ordered them such as Ammar Ibn Yasir, Abu-Dhar al-Ghafari, Miqdad,
Salman al-Farsi, Ibn Abbas, and others such as al-Abbas, Utbah Ibn Abi
Lahab, Bara Ibn Azib, Ubay Ibn Ka'b, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas ... etc., all
gathered in the house of Fatimah (AS). Even Talha and al-Zubair were loyal
to Imam Ali at the beginning and joint the others in the house of Fatimah
(AS). They assembled in the house of Fatimah as a place of refuge since
they were opposing the majority of people. According to the authentic
traditions in Sahih al-Bukhari, Umar confessed that the Imam Ali (AS) and
his followers OPPOSED Abu Bakr.
Al-Bukhari narrated:
Umar said: "And no doubt after the death of the Prophet we were
informed that the Ansar disagreed with us and gathered in the shed of
Bani Sa'da. 'Ali and Zubair and whoever was with them, opposed us,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
while the emigrants gathered with Abu Bakr."
Sunni Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Arabic-English, v8, Tradition #817
Other Sunni traditionists narrated that on the day of Saqifah:
Umar said: "Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Zubair Ibn Awwam and those who were
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
with them separated from us (and gathered) in the house of Fatimah,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
the daughter of the messenger of Allah."
Sunni References:
- Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v1, p55
- Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, by Ibn Hisham, v4, p309
- History of Tabari (Arabic), v1, p1822
- History of Tabari, English version, v9, p192
Also:
They demanded confirmation of the oath, but Ali and al-Zubair stayed
away. Al-Zubair drew his sword (from the scabbard), saying, "I will
not put it back until the oath of allegiance is rendered to Ali." When
this news reached Abu Bakr and Umar, the latter said, "Hit him with a
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
stone and seize the sword." It is stated that Umar rushed (to the door
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
of the House of Fatimah) and brought them forcibly while telling them
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
that they must give their oath of allegiance willingly or unwillingly.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sunni reference: History of al-Tabari, English version, v9, pp 188-189
Dear brother, let's just think a little! What kind of election was that?!
Election implies choice and freedom, and that every Muslim has the right to
elect the nominee. Whoever refuses to elect him does not oppose God or His
Messenger because neither God nor His Messenger appointed the nominated
person by people.
Election, by its nature, does not compel any Muslim to elect a specific
nominee. Otherwise, the election would be coercion. This means that the
election would lose its own nature and it would be a dictatorial operation.
It is well known that the Prophet said: "There is no validity for any
allegiance given by force."
Now let us see what Umar did on those days. Sunni historians reported that:
When Umar came to the door of the house of Fatimah, he said:
"By Allah, I shall burn down (the house) over you unless you come out
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
and give the oath of allegiance (to Abu Bakr)."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sunni References:
- History of Tabari (Arabic), v1, pp 1118-1120
- History of Ibn Athir, v2, p325
- al-Isti'ab, by Ibn Abd al-Barr, v3, p975
- Tarikh al-Kulafa, by Ibn Qutaybah, v1, p20
- al-Imamah wal-Siyasah, by Ibn Qutaybah, v1, pp 19-20
Also:
Umar Ibn al-Khattab came to the house of Ali. Talha and Zubair and
some of the immigrants were also in the house. Umar cried out:
"By God, either you come out to render the oath of allegiance, or
I will set the house on fire." al-Zubair came out with his sword
drawn. As he stumbled (upon something), the sword fell from his hand
so they jumped over him and seized him."
Sunni Reference: History of Tabari, English version, v9, pp 186-187
In the footnotes of the same page (p187) in the English version of the
History of al-Tabari the translator has commented:
Although the timing is not clear, it seems that Ali and his group
came to know about Saqifa after what had happened there. At this
point, his supporters gathered in Fatimah's house. Abu Bakr and
Umar, fully aware of Ali's claims and fearing a serious threat from
his supporters, summoned him to the mosque to swear the oath of
allegiance. Ali refused, and so the house was surrounded by an armed
band led by Abu Bakr and Umar, who threatened to set it on fire if
Ali and his supporters refused to come out and swear allegiance to
Abu Bakr. The scene grew violent and Fatimah was furious. (See Ansab
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ashraf, by al-Baladhuri in his , v1, pp 582-586; Tarikh Ya'qubi,
v2, p116; al-Imamah wal-Siyasah, by Ibn Qutaybah, v1, pp 19-20).
Abu Bakr said on the authority of an authentic report that, after the
demise of the holy Prophet when the people had paid fealty to him, Ali and
Zubair used to go to Fatimah al-Zahra, daughter of the Prophet, for
consultation. When this fact was known to Umar, he went to Fatimah and
said:
"O' daughter of the Prophet! I didn't love anyone as much as I
loved your father, nor anyone after him is more loving to me as
you are. But I swear by Allah that if these people assemble
here with you, then this love of mine would not prevent me from
setting your house on fire."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sunni references:
- History of Tabari, in the events of the year 11 AH
- al-Imamah wa al-Siyasah by Ibn Qutaybah, v1, beginning of the book,
and pp 19-20
- Izalatul Khilafa, by Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlavi, v2, p362
- Iqd al-Farid, by Ibn Abd Rabbah al-Malik, v2, chapter of Saqifah
Also it is reported that:
Umar said to Fatimah (who was behind the door of her house): "I know
that the Prophet of God did not love any one more than you, but this
will not stop me to carry out my decision. If these people stay in
your house, I will burn the door in front of you."
Sunni reference: Kanz al-Ummal, v3, p140
In fact Shibli Numani himself testifies the above event in the following
words:
"From Umar's irritable and peevish temperament such an action on his
part was not improbable."
Sunni reference: al-Faruq, by Shibli Numani, p44
It is also reported that:
Abu Bakr said (on his death bed): "I wish I had not searched for
Fatimah's house, and had not sent men to harass her, though it would
have caused a war if her house would have continued to be used as a
shelter."
Sunni references:
- History of Ya'qubi, v2, pp 115-116
- Ansab Ashraf, by al-Baladhuri, v1, pp 582,586
The historian named the following people among those who attacked the house
of Fatimah to disperse people who sheltered there:
- Umar Ibn al-Khattab
- Khalid Ibn Walid
- Abdurrahman Ibn Ouf
- Thabit Ibn Shammas
- Ziad Ibn Labid
- Muhammad Ibn Maslamah
- Salamah Ibn Salem Ibn Waqash
- Salamah Ibn Aslam
- Usaid Ibn Hozair
- Zaid Ibn Thabit
The revered Sunni scholar, Abu Mohammad Abdullah Ibn Muslim Ibn Qutaybah
Daynuri in his history of Caliphs known as "al-Imamah wa al- Siyasah"
reported:
Umar asked for wood, and told those people inside the house: "I swear
by Allah who has my soul in his hand, that if you do not come out, I
will burn the house." Someone told Umar that Fatimah was inside the
house. Umar said: "So what! It doesn't matter to me who is in the
house." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^
Sunni reference: al-Imamah wa al-Siyasah by Ibn Qutaybah, v1, pp 3,19-20
Another Sunni historian, al-Baladhuri, reported that:
Abu Bakr asked Ali to support him, but Ali refused, then Umar went
toward the Ali's house with a burning torch. At the door he met
Fatimah who said to him: "Do you intend to burn the door of my house?"
Umar said: "Yes, because this act will strengthen the faith brought to
us by your father."
Sunni reference: al-Ansab Ashraf, by al-Baladhuri, v1, pp 582,586
Also Jouhari in his book said: "Umar and a few Muslims went to the house of
Fatimah to burn it down and to burn those who were in opposition." Ibn
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Shahna said the same statement adding "to burn the house and inhabitants".
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Furthermore, it is reported that:
Ali and Abbas were sitting inside the house of Fatimah, Abu Bakr told
Umar: "Go and bring them; if they refuse, kill them." Umar brought
fire to burn the house. Fatimah came near the door and said: "O son of
Khattab, have you come to burn our house on me and my children?" Umar
replied: "Yes I will, by Allah, until they come out and pay allegiance
to the Prophet's Caliph."
Sunni reference:
- Iqd al-Fareed, by Ibn Abd Rabb, Part 3, Pg. 63
- al-Ghurar, by Ibn Khazaben, related from Zayd Ibn Aslam
Everybody came out of the house except Imam Ali (AS), who said: "I have
sworn to remain home until I collect the Quran." Umar refused but Lady
Fatimah's remonstration caused him to return. He instigated Abu Bakr to
pursue the matter, and he send Qunfuz (his slave) several times but
received a negative reply each time. Ultimately, Umar went with a group of
people to the Fatimah's house. When she heard their voice, she cried
loudly; "O father, O Messenger of Allah, how are Umar Ibn al-Khattab and
Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Quhafah treating us after you and how do they meet us."
The Sunni scholars, Ahmad Ibn Abdul Aziz al-Jawhari in his book 'Saqifah',
Abu Waleed Muhibbuddin Mohammad al-Shahnah al-Hanafi in his book 'Rawdhat
al-Manadhir Fi Akhbaar al-Awayil wal-Aawaakhir', Ibn Abil Hadid in his book
'Sharh al-Nahj', and others have reported the events to the same effect.
Also refer to the esteemed Sunni historian Abul Hasan, Ali Ibn al-Husain al-
Mas'udi who in his book 'Isbaat al-Wasiyyah' describes the events in detail
and reports that: "They surrounded Ali (AS) and burned the door of his
house and pulled him out against his will and pressed the leader of all
women (Hadhrat Fatimah (AS)) between the door and the wall killing Mohsin
(the male-child she was carrying in her womb for six months)."
Salahuddin Khalil al-Safadi another Sunni scholar in his book 'Waafi al-
Wafiyyaat' under the letter 'A' while recording the view of Ibrahim Ibn
Sayyar Ibn Hani al-Basri, well-known as Nidhaam quotes him to have said:
"On the day of 'Bay'aat' (paying allegiance), Umar hit Fatimah (AS) on the
stomach such that child in her womb died."
Why do you think an 18 year old young lady was forced to walk with the
help of a walking-stick? Unbelieveable acts of cruelty and oppression
had led Hadhrat Fatimah al-Zahra (AS) to lament: "Such calamities have
visited me that had they descended on the day it would have darkened
it." She fell into bed till she was martyred as a results of these
calamities and injuries while she was just eighteen years old!
During her last days, when Abu Bakr and Umar sought the mediation of Imam
Ali (AS) to visit the ailing Hadhrat Fatimah (AS), as quoted by Ibn
Qutaybah, she tured her face to the wall when they greeted her and in
response to their plea for appeasement reminded them of the prophetic
declaration that one who displeases Fatimah (AS) has displeased the Prophet
and finally said: "I take Allah and the angels to be my witness that you
have not pleased me; on the other hand, you have angered me. When I shall
meet the Prophet (PBUH&HF) I will complain about you two." (al-Imamah wa al-
Siyasah, by Ibn Qutaybah, v1, p14).
For the same reason, she willed that those who have hurt her should not
participate in her funeral rites and that she be buried at night. al-
Bukhari in his Sahih attests to this fact that Imam Ali (AS) complied with
the will of Lady Fatimah (AS). al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of
Aisha that:
... Fatimah became angry with Abu Bakr and kept away from him, and did
not talk to him till she died. She remained alive for six months after
the death of the Prophet. When she died, her husband 'Ali, buried her
at night without informing Abu Bakr and he said the funeral prayer by
himself.
Sunni references:
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Chapter of "The battle of Khaibar", Arabic-English,
v5, tradition #546, pp 381-383, also v4, Tradition #325
Howsoever they tried, people failed to locate her grave. It was known only
to a handful of Imam Ali (AS)'s family members. And to this date, the
grave of the daughter of prophet is unknown which is another sign of her
unhappiness from some of the companions.
=====================================================
The Opinion of the Prophet About He Who Hurts Fatimah
=====================================================
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) had frequently said:
"Fatimah is a part of me. Whoever makes her angry, makes me angry."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sunni references:
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Arabic-English, v5, Traditions #61 and #111
- Sahih Muslim, section of virtues of Fatimah, v4, pp 1904-5
According to al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Messenger of Allah has testified
that Fatimah is the best of the ladies of the worlds:
Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith: 4.819
Narrated 'Aisha:
The Messenger of Allah said to Fatimah (who was crying at her father's
deathbed): "Are you not satisfied that you are the chief of all the
ladies of Paradise or the chief of all the believing women?"
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Furthermore, Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) said: Four women are the mistress of
the worlds: Mary, Asiya (the wife of Pharaoh), Khadija, and Fatimah.
And the most excellent one among them in the world is Fatimah."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sunni references: Ibn Asakir, as quoted in Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthoor
Allah, Exalted He is, said in Quran:"(O Prophet) tell (people) I don't ask
you any wage except to love my family." (Quran 42:23).
He also said:"(O Prophet) tell (people) whatever I asked as wage (in return
for my prophethood) is in the benefit of you (people)."(Quran 34:47).
The above two verses of Holy Quran explicitly indicate that the Prophet,
with the order of Allah, has asked people to love his family as a command.
Moreover loving them is in our benefit since "true love" requires to follow
and obey the purified members of his family who carry his true Sunnah.
It is unfortunate that those who claimed to be his sicere compnions
inflicted such horrible pains to his family while a week had not been
passed since the death of the Prophet (PBUH&HF). Is this the love, Allah
ordered for the family of prophet?!
**************************************************************************
From: IN%"ashah@bass.gmu.EDU" 25-NOV-1992 18:59:27.59
Subj: In remembrance of Hadhrat Fatimah al-Zahra (AS)
Where his her grave?
The Muslims have been deeply pained.
Their beloved prophet has passed away.
And especially for his kith and kin,
it is one of their lives saddest day.
A lady who happens to be his daughter,
above all is the most afflicted one.
She was the nearest to her father.
Alas her troubles have just begun.
What in the Prophet's eyes was her status,
unfortunately the people shall forget.
She should be respected by all of us.
But a harsh treatment, she'll be met.
Everyone had heard her father say,
"My daughter is a part of me".
For her safety he would often pray;
Not wanting her to bear any agony.
But his words fell on deaf ears.
His followers were lead astray.
So, were realized those worst fears,
and his tidings were disobeyed.
Each forthcoming day brings her sorrow
and only a few more months she'll live.
Each night she worries about her woes.
Her tormentors, she may not forgive.
In her last days, she is seen weeping.
Awake all night, she seldom sleeps.
Of her troubles, she keeps thinking.
The wounds in her heart are so deep.
The thoughts of her father alone
cause tears from her eyes to flow
and what will happen to her children?
What fate do they have in stow?
"Be kind to them and take care",
she wills about her poor children,
because she'll be no longer near
and they'll soon be orphans.
As she spends the time crying,
her neighbours come and complain.
But look! She is already dying.
Their complaint will be in vain.
And that dark moment finally comes,
for her heavenly abode, she departs.
Holding back their tears, her children,
see their baba, who, with a heavy heart,
hands trembling and with great anguish
takes away her coffin during the night.
He makes sure to fulfill her last wish.
She will rest, out of everyones sight.
Has gone from this world forever,
the mother of children so brave!
But why was she buried in a manner
that no one knows, where is her grave?
Ali Rizwan Shah,
14th Jamadiul Awwal, 1413 A.H.
ashah@bass.gmu.edu
**************************************************************************
But also they cut all the financial resources of Ahlul-Bayt in order to
crush the opposition. In Sahih al-Bukhari the following has also been
narrated by Aisha:
Fatimah the daughter of the Prophet sent someone to Abu Bakr (when he
was a caliph), asking for her inheritance of what Allah's Apostle had
left of the property bestowed on him by Allah from the Fai (i.e. booty
gained without fighting) in Medina, and Fadak, and what remained of
the Khumus of the Khaibar booty. ...but Abu Bakr refused to give
anything of that to Fatimah. So she became angry with Abu Bakr and
kept away from him, and did not task to him till she died. She
remained alive for six months after the death of the Prophet. When she
died, her husband 'Ali, buried her at night without informing Abu Bakr
and he said the funeral prayer by himself.
Sunni References:
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Chapter of "The battle of Khaibar", Arabic-English,
v5, tradition #546, pp 381-383, also v4, Tradition #325
(Please see the appendix for the whole tradition.)
Now either Fatimah was liar or Abu Bakr treated her unjustly. If she was
liar, then she did not deserve such a saying from the Prophet that Fatimah
is a part of me and whoever angers her, angers me. This itself is a clear
indication of her infallibility. The purification sentence of the Holy
Quran (the last sentence of verse 33:33) is another indication of her
infallibility, as Aisha herself testified (See Sahih Muslim, 1980 Edition,
Arabic, v4, p1883, Tradition #61). Hence there is nothing left for the
sensible people but to accept the fact that she was unjustly treated, and
that she was easy to be branded as a liar by Umar who was willing to let
her burn unless the remaining people in her house come out to vote for Abu
Bakr.
So logical conclusion from the above traditions in Sahih al-Bukhari and
Sahih Muslim is that Fatimah was treated unjustly, and that she was angry
at Abu Bakr and Umar, which follows Allah and his prophet are angry at them
according the above tradition in Sahih al-Bukhari.
The excuse that Abu Bakr used to refuse to pay the right of Fatimah (see
Appendix) was against the text of Quran. How can he be the executor of
prophet while he does not obey the clear text of Quran? Abu Bakr claimed
that prophet has said: "We prophets do not leave any inheritance, and
whatever we leave should go to charity." This is false allegation that he
has made up, because prophet can not contradict Quran which in two verses
testifies that prophets had heir, and their children inherited from them.
Allah says in Quran:
"And Solomon (Sulaymaan) inherited from David." (Quran 27:16)
While both Sulaymaan and David were prophets and very wealthy. They were
kings of their times. Allah , Exalted, also says:
"(Zakariya prayed to Allah by saying)... Grant me a son from yourself,
who inherits from me and inherit from the children of Jacob, and make
him, O' my Lord, the one with whom you are well-pleased."
(Quran 19:5-6).
These are examples that prophets left inheritance. In fact, Fatimah (AS)
mentioned these verses as her proof for her right, but Abu Bakr refused due
to the suggestion of Umar, and they intentionally went against the clear
text of Quran.
Historical facts testifies that prophet even had already transferred Fadak
(Which was a big and rich piece of land in Hijaz) to Fatimah and it was the
property of Fatimah long before the demise of the Prophet. As such, even it
was not even the matter of inheritance as claimed by Abu Bakr. The reason
that the Prophet has transferred Fadak to Fatimah was to provide financial
resources for the followers of Ahlul-Bayt. But after the Prophet passed
away, Abu Bakr and Umar dismissed the managers of that land (who were
assigned by Fatimah in the life time of his father), and confiscated that
land and other properties of Ahlul-Bayt. The reason is very simple: They
knew that if this rich property remains in the hand of Imam Ali and
Fatimah, peace be upon them, they will spend its revenues to their
followers and this would give strength to the rival party and endangers
their position. Abu Bakr and Umar realized the fact that in order to
control the oppositions, it is necessary to remove all the funding
abilities first.
Thus the problem was not a simple financial problem. It was absolutely
political in nature. The quarrel Fatimah (AS) was not for the pleasure of
this world. History testifies that Imam Ali and Fatimah have had a very
simple life during the life time of prophet as well as thereafter. It is
well known that verses (76:8-9) of the holy Quran was revealed for them
when for 3 consecutive days, they gave their meal to needy people at the
time of IFTAR, when they were going to break their fast, and there was
noting left for them and their children to eat for three consecutive days.
So such pious people do not struggle or GET ANGRY because of such worldly
things. THAT IS WHY, ANGER OF FATIMAH IS ANGER OF PROPHET. They were, in
fact, struggling for the sake of Allah and for spending their ligitimate
properties for His Right Path and its followers.
At the time of Harun al-Rashid (one of the Abbasid Tyrants) the
Islamic country was in its biggest extent. It was extended from
Afghanistan and central Asia to the North Africa. So it was not
important for government to give up a piece of land. Moreover, by
returning it they could make propaganda for their interest. According
to some reports, Harun told to Imam Musa al-Kadhim (the 7th Imam of
the Ahlul-Bayt): "Let us know the location of the land of Fadak so
that I could return it to you." The Imam (AS) replied: "I would accept
it only in its entirety." Harun said: "Specify its boundaries then."
The Imam (AS) said: "If I specify its borders, you will not return
it." Harun said: "I swear in the name of your grandfather that I shall
return it." At this time, the Imam (AS) said: "It extends from one
side to Aden (Southern part of Arabian peninsula), and from one side
to Samarqand (Afghanistan), and from one side to Armenia (south of
Russia) and from one side to Egypt in Africa." The face of Harun
turned red and said: "This does not leave anything for us." The Imam
(AS) replied: "I told you that you will not return it if I specify its
limits!" (al-Bihar, v48, p144, Hadith #20).
Wassalam.
------------------------------- APPENDIX ----------------------------------
Here is the whole tradition which was referred above:
Sahih Bukhari Hadith: 5.546
Narrated 'Aisha:
Fatimah the daughter of the Prophet sent someone to Abu Bakr (when he
was a caliph), asking for her inheritance of what Allah's Apostle had
left of the property bestowed on him by Allah from the Fai (i.e. booty
gained without fighting) in Medina, and Fadak, and what remained of
the Khumus of the Khaibar booty. On that, Abu Bakr said, "Allah's
Apostle said, "Our property is not inherited. Whatever we leave, is
Sadaqa, but the family of (the Prophet) Muhammad can eat of this
property.' By Allah, I will not make any change in the state of the
Sadaqa of Allah's Apostle and will leave it as it was during the
lifetime of Allah's Apostle, and will dispose of it as Allah's Apostle
used to do." So Abu Bakr refused to give anything of that to Fatima.
So she became angry with Abu Bakr and kept away from him, and did not
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
talk to him till she died. She remained alive for six months after the
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
death of the Prophet. When she died, her husband 'Ali, buried her at
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
night without informing Abu Bakr and he said the funeral prayer by
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
himself.
^^^^^^^
When Fatimah was alive, the people used to respect 'Ali much, but
after her death, 'Ali noticed a change in the people's attitude
towards him. So Ali sought reconciliation with Abu Bakr and gave him
an oath of allegiance. Ali had not given the oath of allegiance during
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
those months (i.e. the period between the Prophet's death and Fatima's
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
death). 'Ali sent someone to Abu Bakr saying, "Come to us, but let
nobody come with you," as he disliked that 'Umar should come, 'Umar
said (to Abu Bakr), "No, by Allah, you shall not enter upon them alone
" Abu Bakr said, "What do you think they will do to me? By Allah, I
will go to them' So Abu Bakr entered upon them, and then 'Ali uttered
Tashah-hud and said (to Abu Bakr), "We know well your superiority and
what Allah has given you, and we are not jealous of the good what
Allah has bestowed upon you, but you did not consult us in the
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
question of the rule and we thought that we have got a right in it
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
because of our near relationship to Allah's Apostle ." Thereupon Abu
Bakr's eyes flowed with tears. And when Abu Bakr spoke, he said, "By
Him in Whose Hand my soul is to keep good relations with the relatives
of Allah's Apostle is dearer to me than to keep good relations with my
own relatives. But as for the trouble which arose between me and you
about his property, I will do my best to spend it according to what is
good, and will not leave any rule or regulation which I saw Allah's
Apostle following, in disposing of it, but I will follow." On that
'Ali said to Abu Bakr, "I promise to give you the oath of allegiance
in this after noon."
So when Abu Bakr had offered the Zuhr prayer, he ascended the pulpit
and uttered the Tashah-hud and then mentioned the story of 'Ali and
his failure to give the oath of allegiance, and excused him, accepting
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what excuses he had offered; Then 'Ali (got up) and praying (to Allah)
for forgiveness, he uttered Tashah-hud, praised Abu Bakr's right, and
said, that he had not done what he had done because of jealousy of Abu
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Bakr or as a protest of that Allah had favored him with. 'Ali added,
"But we used to consider that we too had some right in this affair (of
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rulership) and that he (i.e. Abu Bakr) did not consult us in this
^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
matter, and therefore caused us to feel sorry." On that all the
Muslims became happy and said, "You have done the right thing." The
Muslims then became friendly with 'Ali as he returned to what the
people had done (i.e. giving the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr).
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