THE RASHIDUN

CALIPHATE
English Translation of Urdu book
KHULFA-E-RASHIDEEN
THE RASHIDUN
CALIPHATE
English Translation of Urdu book
KHULFA-E-RASHIDEEN

AUTHOR
SULTAN-UL-ASHIQEEN
SULTAN MOHAMMAD NAJIB-UR-REHMAN

TRANSLATED
FATIMA NOOR SARWARI QADRI

SULTAN-UL-FAQR PUBLICATIONS
LAHORE
 PAKISTAN
Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications Regd. Lahore, Pakistan.
©All copyrights reserved with translator and
Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications (Regd.)
No part of this book may be used or reproduced or used in any
manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of
brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Published
in Pakistan with the permission of the copyright owner.
First Edition October 2022
ISBN 978-969-2220-24-8

Sultan-ul-Faqr Publications Regd. Lahore,

Pakistan.
Sultan-ul-Faqr House, 4-5/A Extension, Education Town, Wahdat Road,
Lahore, Post code-54790 Pakistan.
Contact # +9242-35436600, +92322-4722766, +92321-4507000
Email: sultanulfaqrpublications@tehreekdawatefaqr.com
www.sultan-ul-ashiqeen.com www.sultan-ul-faqr-publications.com
www.sultan-ul-ashiqeen.pk www.tehreekdawatefaqr.com
 This book is dedicated to my beloved
perfect spiritual guide
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen
Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman
Whose slavery has granted me with success
and good fortune.
 CONTENT
Page
Interpreter‟s Preface 13
Author‟s Preface 18
The Genealogy of The Holy Prophet and The Caliphs 24

THE FIRST CALIPH - ABU BAKR SIDDIQ 26

The Glory of Abu Bakr 29
Birth 39
Acceptance of Islam 40
Preaching of Islam 40
Love for Prophet Mohammad 41
Verification of Miraj 43
Title 44
Migration to Madina 44
Companion in the Thawr Cave 46
Stay in Quba 49
Madina-tun-Nabi - City of The Prophet 50
Leader of The Companions 51
Life in Madina 51
Conquest of Makkah 52
Sickness of The Prophet 52
Death of The Prophet 52
Imamate of Abu Bakr 55
Confidant of Prophet Mohammad 55
Caliph of The Prophet 56
The Best of All Mankind 56
Second After Prophet Mohammad 57
Oath of Allegiance to Abu Bakr 57
Caliphate of Abu Bakr 58
First Sermon of Abu Bakr 58
Respect of the Prophet‟s Decision 59
The Apostay Wars 60
Deniers of Zakat 60
Roman and Persian Empires 61
Military Organization 62
Establishment of the World‟s Biggest Islamic, Welfare and
Democratic State 62
Military Code of Conduct 63
Sacrifice 64
Returning the Allowance to Treasury 64
Leader of Sufism 65
Death 66
Burial in Tomb of The Prophet 67

THE SECOND CALIPH - UMAR IBN KHATTAB 68

Birth 68
Wish of Prophet Mohammad 69
Open Invitation to Islam 72
Companionship of Prophet Mohammad 72
Umar‟s State on the Death of Prophet Mohammad 73
Title 75
Key Role in the Caliphate of Abu Bakr 76
Caliphate of Umar 76
First Sermon 77
Title of Amir al-Mu'minin 78
Founder of Modern, Social, Economic and Democratic State 78
Expansion of The Islamic Empire 80
Opinions of Umar Regarding the Ruling Matters 83
Umar‟s Justice and Accountability 84
Patrolling at Night 91
Rich and Poor were Equal to Umar 92
Dropped Jizya (Tax) for Old and Needy 93
Allowance for the Newborn 93
Homeless Children were responsibility of Government 94
Umar on Women‟s Rights 94
Indigence of Umar 95
Compassion for Others 96
Miracles 97
The Man of Divine Inspiration 99
Excellence of Umar in the Court of Prophet Mohammad 100
Beneficence of Umar 110
Martyrdom of Umar 112

THE THIRD CALIPH - USMAN IBN AFFAN 114

Acceptance of Islam 114
Du an-Nurayn (The Possessor of Two Lights) 115
Sahib al-Hijratain (Man of Two Migrations) 117
Modesty 117
Usman‟s Hand - The Hand of The Prophet 119
Did not Circumambulate Kaaba without The Prophet 120
Generosity of Usman 121
Insight of Usman 123
Grandeur of Usman in the Court of Holy Prophet 123
Included in the List of Companions with Glad Tiding of Paradise 131
Caliphate of Usman 131
Beginning of Revolts 133
The Victories 133
Establishment of Navy 134
Commands to High Officials 134
Public Welfare 135
Extension of the Prophet‟s Mosque 135
Commands to the Military Officials 135
Increase in the Stipend 136
Administrative Work 136
Establishing Standard Version of Quran 137
Start of Rebellion and its Causes 137
Fitna of Abdullah Ibn Saba 138
Consultation Regarding the Rebels 141
The Accusations of the Rebels 142
Gathering of Rebels in Madina 143
Demanding Resignation From Usman 144
Usman‟s House was Besieged 145
Martyrdom of Usman 149
Aftermath of the Martyrdom of Usman 150
Faqr and the Usmaniyya Order 151

THE FOURTH CALIPH - ALI IBN ABI TALIB 154

Embracing Islam 156
Ali‟s Announcement of Accepting Islam 157
Migration to Madina 158
Ali‟s Marriage to Fatimah bint Mohammad 160
The Arena of Badr 163
The Battle of Uhad 163
Battle of The Trench 164
Treaty of Hudaybiyyah 166
The Conquest of Khaybar 167
Grandeur of Ali ibn Abi Talib in the Words of Prophet Mohammad 170
Death of The Holy Prophet 180
Ali and The Caliphate of Abu Bakr 181
Ali and The Caliphate of Umar 185
Caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib 188
Ali‟s Pledge of Allegiance and First Sermon as a Caliph 190
Demanding Retribution of Usman‟s Murder 190
Aisha‟s Demand of Retribution of Usman‟s Murder 191
Ali‟s Departure towards Basra 194
Mediation of al-Qa‟qa ibn Amr al-Tamimi 196
Battle of The Camel 197
The Battle of Siffin 204
Reasons Behind the Battle 204
Usman‟s Bloodstained Shirt and the Severed Fingers of Naila 205
Diplomatic Efforts to Reconcile 205
Ali Departing from Kufa 206
Attempt of Reconciliation 207
The Legation of Muawiya 208
Start of the Battle 209
Outcomes of the Battle of Siffin 211
The Suggestion of Arbitration 211
Writing the Arbitration 212
Meeting of the Arbitrators 213
Announcement of the Decision 215
After Arbitration 215
Fitna of Kharijites 216
Beliefs of Kharijites 217
Battle Against Kharijites 217
The Fight of Karkh 218
The Kharijites of Basra 218
The Battle of Nahrawan 218
Aftermath of the Battle of Nahrawan 220
Change in the Capital 221
Martyrdom of Ali ibn Abi Talib 222
Last Moments of Ali ibn Abi Talib 223
Grandeur of Ali 225
Excellence in Knowledge 225
Bravery and Valour 226
Contentment and Asceticism 229
Simplicity 231
Abandoning World 232
Staying Up at Night 233
Love for The Prophet 234
Hospitality 236
Forgiveness and Tolerance 236
Generosity 238
Trustworthiness and Honesty 239
Children of Ali are Progeny of The Holy Prophet 240
Door of Faqr and Heir of the Trust of Faqr 242
The Successors of Ali ibn Abi Talib 247

THE FIFTH CALIPH - HASAN IBN ALI 249

Birth 252
The Sacred Name 252
Feeding Saliva and Performing Aqiqah 253
Resemblance with The Holy Prophet 253
Childhood 254
Marvels of Hasan ibn Ali 256
Fear of Allah 256
Forbearance 257
Hasan‟s Status in Faqr 258
Intelligence and Wisdom 259
Generosity 260
Bravery 261
Caliphate of Hasan ibn Ali 262
Death 264
Children of Hasan ibn Ali 265
 INTERPRETER‟S PREFACE

No words are enough to send salutations on Prophet Mohammad,

his Companions and People of the Cloak. As this universe exists
by virtue of their beneficence and spiritual attention.
This book is the English translation of the Urdu book, Khulfa-e-
Rashideen, written by my beloved perfect spiritual guide, Sultan-
ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman. Growing up I
had always heard and read that there are four Rashidun Caliphs,
until I read the Urdu version of this book. All history books
mention the Rashidun Caliphate till Ali ibn Abi Talib, and no
one ever mentioned Hasan ibn Ali as the fifth Caliph. This was a
surprise to me so I started asking questions regarding this to
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen. The more I inquired, the more I realized
how much love, regard and devotion he reveres for the Holy
Prophet, his Companions and People of the Cloak. I want to
adulate his tireless efforts in going above and beyond to collect
sufficient arguments that verify and confirm Hasan ibn Ali‟s
status as the fifth Caliph. I will not burden the reader by rewriting
them here but I have to say I am heartbroken when Hasan‟s
name as the Caliph is altogether skipped from history books.
The Rashidun Caliphs are the luckiest as they gained direct
beneficence from the sacred company of the Holy Prophet
without any medium. Fortunate are the ones who witnessed the
Rashidun era and gained benevolence of the Prophet through
them. I often used to wonder why I was not born in the era of the
Holy Prophet so I could be blessed with his beneficence like his
Companions. I was so wrong! The Holy Prophet is the reason
behind the creation and existence of this universe. If we think
that the Holy Prophet and his beneficence no longer exist, then
technically the universe should not exist. And people on the Day
of Judgement may argue in front of Allah Almighty that He
 14

deprived them of the beneficence of the Holy Prophet by not

sending them in his era. Well! Allah Almighty cannot be unfair.
The spiritual beneficence of the Holy Prophet at first transferred
from him to the Rashidun Caliphs. When Prophet Mohammad
passed away, Abu Bakr-the first Caliph, not only led the Muslim
umma physically but also spiritually. The people of that era got
the beneficence of Prophet Mohammad through the medium of
Abu Bakr, who was the Universal Divine Man (al-Insan al-
Kamil) of his time. This pattern continued till the last Caliph
Hasan ibn Ali. After Hasan, the spiritual and the physical
leadership was separated. The system of caliphate was demolished
because Muslims let go the spiritual values they got from the
Holy Prophet and latched onto the worldliness. Muslims chose
world over the Divine proximity, this led to the downfall of the
Muslims.
The policies that the Rashidun Caliphs put in place met the
spiritual and physical needs of the people. This is why that era
was the golden era for the Muslims. The policies of that era are
exemplary and act as gold standard for not only Muslims but
also for the occidentals. Most of the policies of the welfare states
in Europe are inspired from the same prosperous principals of
the Rashidun Caliphate. Yet they could not fully implement them
because the five rightly guided Caliphs were not only leaders for
their people but were also their perfect spiritual guides. The
Rashidun Caliphs understood both the physical and spiritual
needs of the people and would translate them into policies. These
policies were implemented to its perfection. It was all possible
because what Prophet Mohammad left behind was not only
religion but his reflection in the form of the five Rashidun
Caliphs, his perfect spiritual and physical followers, the perfect
men who took Islam to the pinnacle of its glory.
Those who followed the five rightly guide Caliphs whole-
heartedly, got the spiritual beneficence of the Holy Prophet
 15

through their medium. On the other hand, those who held grudge
against them fell off the cliff and started plotting schemes against
them. There are several books written describing the heart-
wrenching events that took place in the era of the Rashidun
Caliphs. Different scholars and analysts tried to give arguments
in an attempt to figure out who was at fault and what possibly
went wrong that resulted in the end of the caliphate. What makes
this book unique is the unbiased approach of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen.
His picturesque words have painted the clear picture of the
painful events that took place in the Rashidun era. The reader is
engrossed in them in such a way that he feels he himself is
witnessing those events and then can decide for himself what
went wrong to cause the downfall of the Muslims.
The Rashidun Caliphate was meant to end, this decision was
already made and sealed in the Mohammadan Assembly.
Therefore, when Husayn ibn Ali inquired Hasan of his decision
of leaving caliphate, Hasan replied to his dear brother that Allah
Almighty will not join the physical rule and spiritual leadership
under People of the Cloak. Allah has decided to give the beloved
followers of the Prophet, his real heritage, spiritualism. Thus, the
spiritual orders flourished from them which exist even to date.
These spiritual orders are the medium for the seekers of Allah to
guide them towards closeness of Allah.
Whenever I reach out to Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen to seek guidance in
any matter, be it outward or inward, he always refers to the life
of Holy Prophet, People of the Cloak and the Rashidun Caliphs.
This intrigued my interest to read the Urdu version of this book
and was over the moon when Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen blessed me
with the opportunity to translate it into English. If I were to
describe my experience of translating this book in one sentence,
I would say that the book made me spiritually live through the
incidents happened in the era of Rashidun Caliphs. There were
times when I engrossed in the words of the book so deeply that
 16

my body would shiver from the pain and sensitivity of the

situations and what the Rashidun Caliphs went through. At
times, I was so conscious that I would not dare to write a word
until I sought Divine help and felt it has taken me under the
wings and given me the strength to transcribe the Urdu version
into the English language for the world to benefit from this
precious piece of writing by Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen. For sure, I
could not depict the true colour and spirit of the words used by
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen in the original version. I can say this with
utmost certainty that all the good in this book is the spiritual
beneficence of my spiritual guide and all the shortcomings are
solely mine.
I will be forever thankful to Sahibzadi Muneeza Najib for
boosting my confidence in times when I almost gave up on this
enormous task. Her precious advice clanged to me throughout
the process. She said, “Believe and depend on the spiritual
beneficence and help of your spiritual guide and not on your own
abilities.”
I am obliged to her and Mrs. Ambreen Moghees Sarwari Qadri
for proofreading my book and providing their expert opinion in
improving it.
Lastly, I want to mention that I consider myself very fortunate
that destiny took me to the sacred company of Sultan-ul-
Ashiqeen, who is the 31st Shaikh of the Sarwari Qadri order. I
have witnessed that with his spiritual attention he washed the
filth of my inner self and bestowed me regardless of the
boundaries of time and space. The spiritual beneficence of the
Holy Prophet still exists in the present era and will forever exist.
In the previous era, the Rashidun Caliphs acted as a medium
between the seeker and the Prophet and now the perfect spiritual
guides of Sarwari Qadri order are the medium and advocate for
the seeker of Allah in the Mohammadan Assembly.
 17

May Allah grant us the ability to yearn for this spiritual

benevolence! (Ameen)
Fatima Noor
October-2022
 AUTHOR‟S PREFACE

ُ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ َّ ۤ َ ّّٰ
)3:2( ‫ الل ُہ لا ِالّٰ َہ ِالا ہوَ ۙ الح ّی الق ّیوۡ ُم‬
Meaning: Allah! None is worthy of worship but He, the Ever-
Living, Self-Subsisting and Sustainer (of the entire universe with
His strategy). (3:2)
َ َ ُ َ َّ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ ََ
ّ ‫ ؕ ب َی ِدک الخیر ؕ ِانک َعلّٰی ک‬:‫ٓا‬
ُ ُ ُ
ۡ َ ّ َُ ََ ُّ ُ
)3:26( ‫ ق ِدیۡ ٌر‬:ٍ ‫ل ش ۡی‬ِ
ۡ َ َ
ِ ‫ و ت ِذل من تش‬:‫ و ت ِعز من تشٓا‬
Meaning: You confer honour on whom You will, and You
dishonour whom You will. All good is in Your mighty Hand.
Surely, You have absolute authority and control over everything.
(3:26)

Infinite blessings and salutations upon the best among the creations,
Prophet Mohammad sall’Allahu alayhi wa’alihi wasallam, the
People of the Cloak and the Companions.
After the Prophets, the most sacred and exalted are the lovers of
the Holy Prophet, among whom Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar ibn
Khattab, Usman ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib are the leaders
of people of paradise. They gave countless sacrifices in the life
of the Prophet, were sincere, loyal and dear to him. History has
marked countless occasions that depict their honest and selfless
love to the Prophet of Allah. They not only helped to prosper
Islam in the life of the Prophet but continued their efforts as the
Caliphs of the Muslims after the Prophet passed away. They
made tireless efforts to prevail Islam in the entire world and set
such examples that elevated the glory of the Muslims. They laid
the foundation of a practical democratic Islamic state when there
was no concept of democracy and welfare state in the world.
They not only laid the foundation of the world‟s biggest Islamic
state but also established such a system of justice, parallel of
which is not seen even in the present most developed countries
of the world.
 19

The Rashidun Caliphs hold the prestigious rank not only because
of the aforementioned but most importantly because these exalted
personalities gained direct beneficence without any medium
from the Mohammadan light attaining eternity in both the
worlds. They are the reflection of the four most notable attributes
of the Prophet. The sacred self of the Holy Prophet is the ultimate
institution while the four Caliphs are like his branches.

ؓ‫لع‬
ؓ ‫امثعن و‬
ؓ ‫ںیہ رکںین اکی یہ لعشم یک اوبرکبؓ و رمعؓ و‬

‫ ھچک رفق ںیہن ان اچاروں ںیم‬،ؐ‫مہ رمہبت ںیہؓایارانؓ یبن‬

Explanation: The four Caliphs; Abu Bakr, Usman, Ali and Umar
are the rays emerging from one source that is (the light of)
Prophet Mohammad. The rank of all four friends of the Prophet
is the same. They are all reflection of the Holy Prophet.
Sultan Bahoo described the outward and inward exalted status of
the four Caliphs in the following words:
 Abu Bakr Siddiq is an embodiment of sharia, Umar ibn
Khattab is an embodiment of tariqa, Usman ibn Affan is the
embodiment of reality (haqiqa), Ali ibn Abi Talib is the
embodiment of gnosis (marifa) while the Holy Prophet is the
Divine secret. (Ain-ul-Faqr)
 Abu Bakr is air, Umar ibn Khattab is water, Usman ibn Affan
is fire, Ali ibn Abi Talib is soil while the Holy Prophet is the
soul of man‟s body made of these four elements. (Ain-ul-Faqr)
 Abu Bakr is truthfulness, Umar ibn Khattab is justice,
Usman ibn Affan is modesty, Ali ibn Abi Talib is generosity
and kindness while the Holy Prophet is Faqr1. (Ain-ul-Faqr)

1
The spiritual path that leads a seeker of Allah to His vision, gnosis and union under the
guidance of the perfect spiritual guide. The Holy Prophet said, “Faqr is my pride and
Faqr is from me.” See chapter one of the book Sufism-The Soul of Islam for further
details on Faqr.
 20

The beneficence from all four Caliphs will continue till the
doomsday and the seekers of Allah of every era will keep
gaining guidance from them. If we confine the contribution of
these eminent personalities in the spread of Islam to just their
physical lives, it will be the denial of the spiritual excellence
they achieved from the company of the Holy Prophet, which is
the reason behind their exalted rank in the court of Allah and His
Prophet. The beneficence these personalities gained from the
sacred company of the Prophet is transferred and will continue to
transfer to the seekers of Allah through their medium as per
capacity of each seeker. This is the marvel of these sacred
personalities and this brilliance is eternal. This fact showcases
the excellence of the Prophet who bestowed this beneficence and
the exalted rank of these personalities who attained it.
All four Caliphs equally had basic attributes of love for the
Prophet, perseverance, loyalty, sincerity and sacrifice etc. on the
basis of which they got the status of Allah‟s beloveds. It is
impossible to grant anyone a rank higher than the other on the
basis of these attributes as to have the status of belovedness one
must have all of them upto a certain extent. All four having the
honour of the chosen Caliphs and having Hadiths in their regard
verify that their ranks were not even slightly different as far as
these basic attributes are concerned. However, they had some
such attributes regarding which they excelled the other like Abu
Bakr was the best in truthfulness, Umar was the best in justice
and self-accountability, Usman was an epitome of modesty and
humility while Ali had the best command in knowledge and
Faqr. These are the attributes which were distinct part of their
personalities since eternity and they excelled in them through the
enlightened company of the Holy Prophet. Hence, they became
the light of guidance and the medium to inculcate these attributes
in the seekers of Allah of every era. As Sultan Bahoo says:
 21

 When a seeker enters the Mohammadan Assembly, first of

all his being is blessed with four kinds of efficacy through
the spiritual sight of four sacred personalities. By the efficacy
of spiritual sight of Abu Bakr Siddiq, the seeker is blessed
with the attribute of veracity, as a result hypocrisy and lie are
removed from his being. By the spiritual sight of Umar ibn
Khattab, the seeker adopts the attributes of justice and self-
accountability hence the sensual desires and satanic
apprehensions are eliminated from his inward. By the efficacy
of spiritual sight of Usman ibn Affan, he becomes modest
and obedient and gets rid of immodesty and disobedience. By
the spiritual sight of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the seeker is blessed
with the Divine knowledge, righteousness and Faqr, as a
result he is liberated from ignorance and love of the world.
Thereupon the seeker becomes eligible for spiritual persuasion.
The Holy Prophet takes oath of allegiance from him personally
and grants him the eternal and non-declining rank of the
perfect spiritual guide which is the level where there is no
fear or grief. (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)
 Who is a true seeker of Allah? The virtuous one who
circumambulates the inward (which is the abode of Allah),
one who is perfectly sincere like Abu Bakr Siddiq, as just as
Umar ibn Khattab, as modest as Usman ibn Affan, fighter
against the self and completely resigned to the will of Allah
like Ali ibn Abi Talib. (Ain-ul-Faqr)
 Four significant attributes are the unique marvels of four
Companions. Abu Bakr Siddiq has command over sincerity,
Umar ibn Khattab has command over justice and self-
accountability, Usman ibn Affan has generosity and modesty
while Ali ibn Abi Talib has Faqr and knowledge. (Asrar-e-Qadri)
 22

‫امثعن وبد‬
ؓ ‫دصقیؓ دصق و دعل رمعؓ و رُپایح‬
‫وگےئ رقفش از ربمغیپؐ اشہ رمداں یم ؓاروبد‬
Explanation: From the Holy Prophet, Abu Bakr Siddiq got the
attribute of truthfulness, Umar ibn Khattab got justice, Usman ibn
Affan got modesty and Ali ibn Abi Talib got Faqr. (Ain-ul-Faqr)
Therefore, without the spiritual sight and beneficence of these
four Companions, the seeker of Allah can neither attain presence
in the Mohammadan Assembly nor can have the ability to
achieve direct beneficence from the Holy Prophet. When a
seeker of Allah acquires these attributes by the benevolence and
spiritual attention of these kind personalities, only then he is
granted Faqr by the Holy Prophet. These personalities are the
fount and origin of the morals and attributes that are most liked
by Allah Almighty. Due to excellence in these attributes the
Holy Prophet has granted them the utmost authority over them
i.e. veracity, justice, modesty and knowledge. It is their favour
that they grant beneficence to the seeker of Allah and sometimes
even the seeker does not know that he is being bestowed. Their
spiritual attention eliminates spiritual diseases, evil and wrong
from the seeker‟s inward and manifests the strength of pure
virtues and morals. If a seeker of Allah has sincerity, it is because
of the spiritual favour of Abu Bakr, if he has justice then it is
because of the spiritual attention of Umar while the attributes of
obedience, modesty and generosity in the seeker of Allah are due
to the spiritual attention of Usman. Similarly, if the inward of the
seeker of Allah is enlightened with knowledge and Faqr, it is
because of Ali‟s beneficence. Although, all this beneficence
reaches the seeker of Allah by the medium and spiritual sight of
the perfect spiritual guide of the Sarwari Qadri order. He is the
bridge between the seeker of Allah and these sacred personalities.
The Rashidun Caliphs achieved remarkable accomplishments in
their lives that glorified Islam and after their death they have
 23

kept the true spirit of Islam alive in every era through the
spiritual attention of their pure souls.
Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman and Ali‟s Lord is one, Prophet is one,
beloved is one and their order is one. They are the exquisite
flowers of Prophet‟s garden and rays of the Mohammadan moon.
The differences and divisions are created by the ones who do not
have spiritual enlightenment otherwise there is no such division
at their level of spiritual elevation and Faqr. May Allah grant
everyone the insight to understand the righteous religion and
walk on the straight path. As far as the people following Faqr
are concerned, they understand that without the beneficence and
spiritual attention of the four Caliphs they cannot attain anything
in this path.
Numerous books written on the Rashidun Caliphs do not include
Hasan ibn Ali, although he is the fifth Caliph. If the tenure of his
caliphate, which is five months and ten days, is excluded then
the caliphate era does not reach the full term of thirty years as
per the Hadith of Prophet Mohammad, “The era of caliphate will
continue for thirty years after me.”2 This proves that Imam
Hasan is definitely the rightful Caliph.
May Allah grant us the ability to understand the reality and
acknowledge the ranks of the Rashidun Caliphs. (Amin)

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen
Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman

2
Abu Dawud 4646, 4647-Musnad Imam Ahmad ibn Hunbal 22264, 22274- Tirmidhi 2226
 THE GENEALOGY OF THE HOLY
PROPHET AND THE CALIPHS

Some genealogists have mentioned the lineage of the Holy

Prophet and Quraish till Prophet Adam and some have described
it till Prophet Abraham. The researchers and scholars have
agreed to the genealogy till Adnan. There are differences in the
genealogy before him. The Holy Prophet always described his
genealogy till Adnan. Umar ibn Khattab has also mentioned his
genealogy till Adnan and says that he does not have knowledge
of his genealogy before him. Every genealogist, researcher and
Companion agrees that forefather of Adnan was Prophet Ishmael
who was the son of Prophet Abraham. I will also mention the
genealogy of Prophet Mohammad, Caliphs and Quraish till
Adnan:
25
 THE FIRST CALIPH
ABU BAKR SIDDIQ

The first Caliph, Abu Bakr Siddiq razi Allah anhu is honoured
with the title of “Caliph of the Prophet‟ (Khalifa tur-Rasool). He
has such elevated rank that he is remembered as the leader of the
Mystics, superior among all pious, chief of the people of
separation (tajrid3) and isolation (tafrid4). He is the friend of
Prophet Mohammad, leader of the truthful and is titled as
superior to all humans after the Prophets. No Mystic can reach
his status. He is a guiding light for the seekers on the way to
Allah. It is must for the seeker of Allah to follow Abu Bakr with
sincerity and truthfulness as when Prophet Mohammad announced
his Prophethood, Abu Bakr believed in him with absolute faith
without asking for any miracle and when the Prophet declared
that he was blessed with Miraj, Abu Bakr affirmed him. He is
called the leader of the truthful because when Allah mentions the
four rewarded groups in the Quran, He names one of the groups
as „the truthful‟ (siddiqeen) after his title Siddiq. This group is
ranked the second after the Prophets. Allah says in the Quran:
ّ َّ َ ّّٰ ۡ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ ّّٰ ُ
‫الرَ ُسوۡ َل فاولٰٓ ِئک َمع ال ِذیۡ َن ان َع َم الل ُہ َعل ۡی ِہ ۡم ِّم َن الن ِب ّٖی َس َو‬
ّ ‫اللہَ َو‬ ‫َو َم ۡن ّی ِط ِع‬ ◄
َ ۡ ّّٰ ‫ َو‬:ِ ;‫الش َہ َد‬ُّ َ َ ۡ ۡ ّ ّ
)4:69( ‫الص ِل ِحیس‬ ‫الص ِدی ِقیس و‬ ِ
Meaning: And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (blessings
and peace be upon him) are the people who will be in the
company of those (spiritual dignitaries on the Last Day) whom

3
Tajrid (separation) is the spiritual stage where a seeker becomes separated esoterically
from each and everything and attains Divine presence.
4
Tafrid (isolation) is the state in which the seeker esoterically becomes alone by negating
even his ownself and engrosses totally in Lordship.
 27

Allah has blessed with His (special) favour, the Prophets, the
truthful, the martyrs and the most pious. (4:69)
Here „the truthful‟ refers to the Mystics. Many other Companions
held the status of the truthful, but Abu Bakr is entitled „the leader
of the truthful‟ and „the prime truthful‟. Prophet Mohammad said:
َْ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َ ّ َ ْ َ َ َ ّٰ َ ّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ
‫والصوْ ِم َولّٰ ِک ْن شیْ ٌی َو ق َرف ِ ْی قل ِب ّٖہ‬ ‫ابکثر ِۃ التلاو ِۃ‬
ِ ‫مافضل ابابک ٍر ِبکثر ِۃ الصلو ِۃ ول‬ ◄
Meaning: Excellence of Abu Bakr Siddiq is not because of
excessive prayers, recitation or fasting rather it is because of a
remarkable thing in his inward (love for the Prophet).
This proves that the ardent love for the Prophet is in fact
truthfulness, piety and faith.
This Hadith also testifies that Abu Bakr is the Imam of all the
Divine lovers and his every act verifies that.
There is another Hadith:
ْ َ َ َّ ً ّّٰ َ َ َ
‫اص ّب الل ُہ ش ْیئا ف ِ ْی َص ْدرِ ْی ِالا ق ْد َص ْب َتہُ ف ِ ْی َص ْد ٍر اب ِ ْی بَک ِر‬ ‫م‬ ◄
Meaning: What Allah inculcated in my inward, I inculcated the
same in Abu Bakr‟s inward.
Sultan Bahoo mentions in his book Sultan-ul-Waham:
 The disciple should be like Abu Bakr Siddiq who sacrificed
his each and every possession for his spiritual guide (Prophet
Mohammad) with sincerity and truthfulness. When such
spiritual guide and disciple come together (spiritually as
well) then the spiritual level of the disciple is raised day by
day and their inward connection is strengthened with every
moment. As the Holy Prophet said about Abu Bakr:
َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ
‫اس لَرَ َجع‬
ِ ‫ان الن‬
ِ ‫لو وزن ِایمان اب ِی بک ٍر مع ِایم‬ ◄
Meaning: If the faith of Abu Bakr is compared with the
combined faith of all the people then his faith will be greater
and superior.
 28

There exist certain spiritual veils that is why the spiritual

beneficence gained by Abu Bakr due to his sincerity and
veracity could not be acquired by Abu Hurairah and Zayd
ibn Harithah. Even though, the Holy Prophet blessed everyone
equally. Just like the sun shines equally upon everything,
however beneficence is gained according to one‟s capability
and capacity.

‫رپوت وخاردیش عشقت رب ؓمہ اتدب‬

‫ونکیل گنس کیب ونع تسین ات وگرہ وشدن‬

Explanation: The light of your love enlightened everything,
but not all the stones are capable of transforming into pearl.
So, everyone gained beneficence from the Holy Prophet
according to his sincerity and inward purity. The spiritual
elevation of a seeker requires capability and courage from
both sides i.e. from the disciple as well as the spiritual guide.
If any of them is incapable (either disciple is not a true
seeker or spiritual guide is imperfect) the gnosis5 of Allah
can never be gained properly. (Sultan-ul-Waham)
Sultan Bahoo says:
 The spiritual guide should be perfect like the Holy Prophet
who did not keep his spiritual powers and knowledge with
himself (rather blessed his Companions with them also) and
the disciple should be like Abu Bakr Siddiq who sacrificed
his each and every possession for his spiritual guide with
sincerity and truthfulness. (Sultan-ul-Waham)
In short, seeker of Allah must be like Abu Bakr in truthfulness.

5
Marifa in Arabic. It refers to the knowledge and recognition of Allah which keeps on
increasing as the seeker of Allah progresses towards His closeness. It includes Divine
vision, knowledge of His Essence and attributes, acquiring the attributes on annihilating
in Him and finally becoming one with the Essence having the ultimate gnosis.
 29

THE GLORY OF ABU BAKR

Allah says in the Holy Quran:
ۡ َۡ ۡ َۡۡ َ ََ َّ ۡ َ ۡ ّّٰ َ ََ ۡ َ َّ
‫ِالا تن ُص ُر ۡو ُه فق ۡد ن َص َر ُه اللہُ ِاذ اخ َر َجہُ ال ِذیۡ َن کف ُر ۡوا ثانِیَ اثنی ِس ِاذ ُہمَا فِی الغارِ ِاذ‬ ◄
ََ ّّٰ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ َ ّّٰ َ ّ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َُ
)9:44( ‫ۚ فانز َل الل ُہ َس ِک ۡینتہ‬ ‫یقوۡ ُل ل َِصا ِح ِب ّٖہ لا تحزن ِان اللہ معنا‬
Meaning: If you do not help him (the Holy Messenger of Allah
in the struggle for the dominance of Islam then what!). Indeed,
Allah helped him (also at the time) when the disbelievers drove
him away (from Makkah, his homeland,) whilst he was the
second of the two (emigrants). Both (the Messenger and Abu
Bakr) were in the cave (of Mount Thawr) when he said to his
Companion (Abu Bakr), “Do not grieve. Allah is surely with us.”
So, Allah sent down His serenity upon him. (9:40)
According to exegetists, in this verse the title „Companion‟ is for
Abu Bakr who was with the Prophet in cave of Mount Thawr on
their way to migration to Madina. And the one blessed with
serenity was Abu Bakr because Prophet Mohammad was already
calm. Abu Bakr says, “I told Prophet Mohammad in the cave
that if these infidels see underneath their feet, they will find us.”
Prophet replied, “O Abu Bakr! What do you think about the two
who have Allah with them.” (Muslim 6169, Bukhari)
Hassan of Basra says: Allah expressed His wrath for everyone on
earth except Abu Bakr by saying:
ّّٰ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ُ ُ ۡ َ َّ
)9:44( ‫◄ ِالا تنص ُر ۡوه فقد ن َص َره الل ُہ‬
Meaning: If you do not help him (the Holy Messenger of Allah
in the struggle for the dominance of Islam then what!). Indeed
Allah helped him. (9:40)
Allah also remembers Abu Bakr Siddiq in the Quran as the most
pious one:
 30

َّ ُ ّ ۡ َ ّّٰ َ َ َّ ََۡ َّ
‫َو َس ُی َجن ُب َہا الۡاتقی ﴿﴾ ال ِذ ۡی یُ ۡؤت ِ ۡی َمالَہ یَتزکی ﴿ۚ﴾ َو َما لِا َح ٍد ِعن َده ِم ۡن نِ ۡعمَ ٍۃ ت ۡج ٰۤزی ﴿﴾ ِالا‬
ّٰ َ ۡ َ َ َ ّٰ ۡ َ ۡ ّ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ
)92:77-21( ﴾﴿ ‫ف یَ ۡرضی‬ ‫ وج ِہ ر ِب ِہ الاعلی ﴿ۚ﴾ و لسو‬:‫اب ِتغٓا‬
Meaning: But the most pious one shall be saved from this (fire).
Who gives his wealth away (in the cause of Allah) to attain to
purity (of his soul). And who owes no favour to anyone that he is
seeking to pay back. Rather (he spends) seeking the pleasure of
his Lord, the Most High. And soon shall he be well-pleased
(with Allah for His bestowal and Allah with him for his fidelity).
(92: 17-21)

All the exegetists agree that this verse is revealed in the favour of
Abu Bakr.
 Prophet Mohammad said about Abu Bakr, “Whenever I
invited anyone to Islam, everyone in the beginning was
uncertain and indecisive but Abu Bakr in this regard is
distinct and the only one who did not have any ambivalence
in accepting Islam. Would you stop bothering my friend for
my sake!”
Prophet Mohammad recalled, “O people! When I said that I
am sent as a Messenger of Allah to you, you all denied but
only Abu Bakr believed it.” (Bukhari)
Following are some of the many Hadiths in regard of Abu Bakr
Siddiq:
 Except Prophets, the sun did not rise or set on any person
more pious than Abu Bakr.
 Abu Bakr is the best of all people after the Prophets.
 Allah dislikes this on heaven that Abu Bakr makes a mistake
on earth. (Tabarani)
 Anas ibn Malik narrates that while he was in the court of
Prophet Mohammad, Abu Bakr and Umar were seen coming
towards them. Prophet Mohammad said, “Do not tell them
 31

but besides Prophets these two are the leaders of all the
elders in the paradise.” (Tirmidhi 3664)
This Hadith is narrated by Ibn Umar and Abdullah ibn Abbas as
well.
 Imam Zayn al-Abidin relates from Ali ibn Abi Talib that
Prophet Mohammad said, “Among my umma, Abu Bakr is
the kindest towards all.”
Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, Abu Sa‟id Khudri and Jabir ibn Abdullah
also narrated this Hadith.
 Prophet Mohammad said, “There is no Prophet who had two
ministers from the angels in heaven and two from the people
on earth. My two ministers from heaven are Gabriel and
Michael while those from earth are Abu Bakr and Umar.”
 The lower rank people in the heaven will look upon those at
the higher ranks in such a way as you see the bright stars in
the sky. Abu Bakr and Umar are among the high ranking
people of the heaven.
 Once Prophet Mohammad came to the gathering of emigrants
and the Ansar6, where Abu Bakr and Umar were also
present. Nobody in the gathering could set his eyes upon the
Prophet except these two. They would constantly look at the
Prophet and he would gaze back. At times, they smiled and
he would smile back.
 Once Prophet Mohammad was going towards the Prophet‟s
Mosque from his residence in such a glorious manner that
Abu Bakr and Umar were holding his hands. Prophet
Mohammad said, “We will rise in the same manner on the
doomsday.”

6
Local inhabitants of Madina.
 32

We can see this arrangement as both the Companions are buried

on each side of the sacred grave of the Prophet.
 Prophet Mohammad said, “On the doomsday, I will rise first,
followed by Abu Bakr and Umar.”
 Once Prophet Mohammad said on seeing Abu Bakr and
Umar, “They are my eyes and ears.”
 Prophet Mohammad told Abu Bakr, “You are my Companion
of cave and will be my Companion by the pond of Kawthar
in paradise.” (Tirmidhi 3670)
 Abu Sa`id al-Khudri relates that the Holy Prophet said, “Abu
Bakr Siddiq has favoured me more than anyone else regarding
wealth and companionship. If I had to befriend anyone other
than Allah, I would have made Abu Bakr my dearest friend.”
(Bukhari 3654)

Following Hadith is narrated by thirteen Companions and Imam

Suyuti added it in mutawatir7 Hadith.
 Prophet Mohammad said, “There is no such favour that I
have not returned except that of Abu Bakr. His favour will
be returned by Allah Himself on the doomsday. Nobody‟s
money has given me benefit as much as that of Abu Bakr.”
On hearing this Abu Bakr cried and said, “O Prophet! Is my
money not yours!”
 One day Prophet Mohammad asked Hassan ibn Thabit8 if he
had written anything in the honour of Abu Bakr? Hassan
replied in affirmation. The Holy Prophet asked him to read it
out. He recited the couplets, “In the cave he was second of
the two and when he climbed up the mountain with the
Prophet (trying to protect him), the enemy surrounded them.
All the Companions of the Prophet know that he is his

7
A Hadith is said to be mutawatir if it is reported by a significant number of narrators
through multiple chains leading back to same source.
8
The Companion who was a poet of the court of the Holy Prophet.
 33

beloved and nobody is peer to him in the Prophet‟s eye.” On

hearing this, the Holy Prophet was so delighted that he
smiled broadly. The Prophet said, “O Hassan! You said it
truly and this is how it is.”
 Abi Arwa narrates that once he was in the court of Prophet
Mohammad when Umar and Abu Bakr also came there. On
seeing them Prophet Mohammad said, “Thanks to Allah who
helped me through both of you.”
 Prophet Mohammad said, “Abu Bakr was my friend and
Companion in the cave. Close all the windows opening
towards the mosque expect that of Abu Bakr‟s house.”
When the Prophet‟s Mosque was built, houses of few Companions
were also built around it. The windows of the houses opened
towards the mosque. When Prophet Mohammad was on his
deathbed, he ordered to close all the windows expect Abu Bakr‟s.
(Part of this Hadith is also narrated by Muslim and Tirmidhi)

 Prophet Mohammad said, “O Lord! Grant Abu Bakr the

same rank in the heaven as mine.”
 Prophet Mohammad said, “O Abu Bakr! Allah has prohibited
hell on you.”
 A Hadith narrates that the Holy Prophet said to Abu Bakr,
“You have been granted the biggest happiness from the court
of Allah.” Abu Bakr asked about it. The Prophet replied,
“Allah will manifest His theophany for everyone while for
you it will be a special one.”
 The Holy Prophet said, “O Abu Bakr! Allah and the true
believers dislike anyone contradicting you. If anyone does
not find me, he must go to Abu Bakr.”
A female Companion of the Prophet came to Madina to discuss
her problem with him. Before leaving she asked, “O Prophet!
 34

With whom should I discuss my problem if I do not find you in

future?” The Prophet said the aforementioned Hadith in reply.
 The Prophet said, “Order Abu Bakr to lead people in salat.”
Before death when Prophet Mohammad could not lead the salat
due to sickness, he ordered Abu Bakr to do so.
 Once Prophet Mohammad was discussing about the doors of
heaven and the people who would enter through these doors.
Abu Bakr asked, “Will there be a person who will be called
to enter through all the doors?” The Prophet replied, “Yes!
And I hope you are one of them.” (Muslim 2371)
 It is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim that Amr ibn al-As
asked, “O Prophet who is the dearest to you of all human
beings?” The Prophet replied, “Aisha.” Amr ibn al-As further
inquired, “Who is the dearest among men?” The Prophet
replied, “Her father.” Amr ibn al-As then asked, “After him?”
The Prophet replied, “Umar ibn Khattab! Certainly, Allah
dislikes this on heavens that Abu Bakr commits a mistake on
earth.”
 Mother of the Believers, Aisha says, “Before passing away
when the Holy Prophet was not well, he said to me, „Bring
your father and brother to me so I can give a statement
because I am afraid that a wisher may wish, and a speaker
may speak that he deserves more but Allah and true
believers do not consider anyone more deserving than Abu
Bakr‟.” (Muslim)
 Aisha bint Abi Bakr relates, “Prophet Mohammad during his
terminal disease asked me to instruct Abu Bakr to lead the
prayer. I replied, „In case Abu Bakr performs this duty, he
will keep crying thus he will not be able to recite. With your
permission may I ask Umar for it?‟ The Prophet repeated,
„Ask Abu Bakr to lead the prayer.‟ Then I asked Hafsa bint
Umar, „Will you request the Prophet to instruct Umar to lead
 35

the prayer because if Abu Bakr will stand at the place of the
Holy Prophet, he will keep weeping and people will not be
able to hear his recitation.‟ Hafsa then requested the Prophet
but he said, „You are like the women of Egypt (of Joseph‟s
era). Instruct Abu Bakr not Umar‟.” (Bukhari 7303, Musnad Ahmad
10983)

 Ammar ibn Yasir relates that the Prophet said, “O Ammar!

Angel Gabriel came to me and I asked him the views of
inhabitants of heaven about the grandeur of Umar ibn
Khattab. Gabriel replied, „O Prophet! If I keep narrating you
the virtues of Umar ibn Khattab for the time equal to the age
of Prophet Noah even then his virtues cannot be explained.
Moreover Umar ibn Khattab is one of the virtues of Abu
Bakr Siddiq‟.” (Abu Ya’la, Tabarani)
 Abu Hurairah relates that Prophet Mohammad said, “O Abu
Bakr! You will be the first person to enter paradise from my
umma.”
 Umar ibn Khattab says, “Abu Bakr Siddiq was our leader,
the best amongst us and the beloved of the Holy Prophet.”
(Tirmidhi)

 Abu Hurairah narrates that Prophet Mohammad said, “There

is no favour due upon me except Abu Bakr‟s. Verily! Allah
will repay him on the Judgement Day. Moreover, no one‟s
wealth benefitted me more than Abu Bakr‟s wealth. (Tirmidhi
3661)

 Prophet Mohammad said, “Allah sent me as His Messenger

towards you. You denied me while Abu Bakr brought faith
in me and served me whole-heartedly.” (Bukhari)
 Jalaluddin Suyuti relates that Ali ibn Abi Talib once asked
his followers, “Do you know who is the bravest of all?”
They replied, “You are the bravest.” Ali said, “I always
competed with people equivalent in strength to me. Do you
know who is the most daring?” They requested him to tell as
 36

they did not know. Ali replied, “Abu Bakr is the most daring.
On the day of Badr we prepared a shelter for the Prophet and
asked each other who would be with him for his protection
so that disbelievers do not come that way? I swear to God!
Nobody among us came forward except Abu Bakr. He drew
a sword to protect the Prophet and whenever an infidel tried
to approach the Prophet, he attacked fearlessly. Therefore
Abu Bakr is the bravest.”
 Jalaluddin Suyuti in his booklet and Ibn Hajar Makki in his
book Asna al-Matalib refer that Al-Bazzaz and Abu Nuaym
in his book Fadail al-Khulafa, have quoted the narration of
Ali ibn Abi Talib, “O people! Tell me who is the bravest of
all?” They replied, “Please you tell us, we do not know.” Ali
said, “It is Abu Bakr. I witnessed that Quraish had grasped
the Prophet. One man was trying to overcome him and
another was trying to push him to the ground. They were
bawling at the Prophet that you are the one who has claimed
many gods as one. I swear to God! Nobody among us
stepped forward to protect him except Abu Bakr. While
striking one of them he pushed the other and said, “May you
all die! You are trying to martyr the honourable Prophet just
because he affirms Allah as his Lord.”
Ali then lifted his shawl and wept so bitterly that his beard
got wet. He then asked, “I question you, was a believer from
Moses‟ nation better or Abu Bakr?” People remained silent.
Ali said, “Why you do not reply? I swear to God! One
moment of Abu Bakr‟s life is better than the perfect believer
of Moses‟ nation who hid his faith while Abu Bakr
(fearlessly) announced it.”
 Al-Bazzaz relates from Usaid ibn Safwan, “When Abu Bakr
passed away, his body was covered with a cloth. An
atmosphere of grief prevailed in Madina and the same state
of distress aroused in people as was when the Holy Prophet
 37

had passed away. Ali came to the funeral while crossing the
crowd sharply and kept reciting, “Verily, we belong to Allah
and verily to Him shall we return”9. He uttered, “Today one
era of the Prophet‟s caliphate has ended!” He then eventually
stopped at the door of the house where Abu Bakr‟s body was
kept and said:
“O Abu Bakr! May Allah have mercy on you. You were the
first to believe in the Holy Prophet and adopt Islam, the most
honest in faith, strongest in belief, feared Allah the most,
bore the most pain, protected Prophet the most, fastest in the
way of Islam and trusted by all the Companions. You were
the best in companionship, excelled all in abilities and
virtues, highest in rank and the closest to the Prophet. You
had the most resemblance to the Prophet in his nature,
morals and age. In the court of the Holy Prophet, your were
the most honourable, trustworthy and respected. May Allah
grant you with the best reward on behalf of Islam, the
Prophet and his umma.”
 Abu Juhaifa who was a security guard of Ali, narrates one of
his sayings, “Among Muslim umma, the most honourable
personality after Prophet Mohammad is Abu Bakr and then
Umar.” Abd Khair heard the same words from Ali while in a
mosque of Kufa and elaborated, “When he (Ali) used to say
that he could name the third person in the chain he referred
to Usman ibn Affan.”
 Nireed bin Wahab states that once Suwaid bin Ghafla went
to see Ali in the era of his caliphate. Suwaid said, “O Leader
of the Believers! I have met certain people who try to belittle
Abu Bakr and Umar and deny their splendid services.” Ali
clenched his fists in anger, went to the pulpit and said:

9
Sura al-Baqarah, verse 156.
 38

“I swear to God Who germinates a seed and feeds the

creatures! Only a true believer and noble person can love
both of them. Having any grudge or rancor against them is
misfortune and depravity. Endearment to them results in
nearness to Allah and enmity results in disgrace. What is
wrong with the people that they talk disrespectfully about
these brothers, viziers and friends of the Prophet who are
also the leaders of Quraish. I sever all connections with those
who slander them. Such people will bear the consequences.”
 Ali says that once he was alone in the Prophet‟s Mosque
with the Prophet. Meanwhile Abu Bakr and Umar came
holding each other‟s hand. On seeing them Prophet
Mohammad said, “Ali you shall see that besides all the
Prophets and the Messengers, these two will be the leaders
of all the elderly people of every era in the heaven. O Ali
keep this secret to yourself, do not pass it on to them.” Ali
says that he did not give this good news to them or disclose
it to anybody while they were alive. (Shabi and Salib have also
narrated this Hadith)

 After Ali had won the Battle of Nahrawan, one day he said,
“The most honourable people of the umma after Prophet
Mohammad are Abu Bakr and Umar. After these two passed
away our problems have worsened to an extent that now
only Allah can take us out of them.”
 Jafar narrates from a Companion named Mohammad who
heard from his father that someone from Quraish asked Ali
ibn Abi Talib, “O Leader of the Believers! Sometimes in
your sermons you pray to Allah to grant us the same qualities
as those of the Rashidun Caliphs. Who are those Caliphs?”
He says that tears started rolling out of Ali‟s eyes and he
replied, “Son, I refer to my beloved friends and your uncles
Abu Bakr and Umar. They are the leaders of righteous
guidance, Shaikhs of Islam and imams in salats after the
 39

honourable Prophet Mohammad. Their obedience takes to

the path of righteousness, saves us from being astray and
protects from sins.”
 Ismail ibn Abdul Rahman narrates from Abd Khair that he
heard Ali saying, “Allah has made Abu Bakr and Umar the
ultimate standard and example for all the leaders and the
Saints.”

BIRTH
Abu Bakr‟s birth name was Abd al-Kaaba. After he accepted
Islam, Prophet Mohammad named him Abdullah. Abu Bakr is
his teknonym and he is mostly known by it. He belongs to Banu
Taym of Quraish tribe. His lineage joins that of Prophet
Mohammad at the sixth step. His lineage is as follows:
Abu Bakr Siddiq son of Usman Abu Quhafa son of Amir son of
Amr son of Ka‟b son of Sa‟d son of Taym son of Murrah son of
Ka‟b son of Lu‟ayy son of Ghalib.
At the sixth step, Murrah the son of Ka‟b, the lineage of Abu
Bakr joins Prophet Mohammad. The name of Abu Bakr‟s father
is Usman and his teknonym is Abu Quhafa. At the time of
conquest of Makkah, his father adopted Islam at the age of
ninety. He died in 14 AH during the caliphate of Umar. The
name of Abu Bakr‟s mother was Salma and her teknonym was
Umm al-Khair. She embraced Islam at the very early stage of its
spread.
Abu Bakr was born in 573 AD, two and a half years after „Year
of the Elephant‟10 (i.e. two and a half years after the birth of the
Holy Prophet). In the era of ignorance, Abu Bakr was among the
10
According to the Islamic traditions it is the year when Prophet Mohammad was born
i.e. 570-571 AD. In that year Abraha, the Christian king of Yemen, marched upon Kaaba
with a large army including war elephants. However the lead elephant stopped at the
boundary of Makkah and Allah sent swarms of birds that pelted with stones ultimately
demolishing them. This incident is mentioned in chapter al-Fil of the Quran.
 40

elites of Quraish. His ancestors were traders. They used to travel

to Syria and Yemen for trade. Abu Bakr‟s source of income was
also trading and he was affluent.

ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM
It is said in the narrations that Abu Bakr had love and affection
for Prophet Mohammad since ever. At the time when Prophet
Mohammad declared his Prophethood Abu Bakr was out of
Makkah. On hearing about this announcement he immediately
returned, went to the Prophet and embraced Islam. The people of
Quraish openly mocked Abu Bakr‟s such extravagant devotion
and belief. Abu Jahl, Utbah ibn Rabi‟ah and Shaybah ibn
Rabi‟ah were the spearhead to ridicule him. In fact, Abu Bakr
was among the seekers of righteousness. He had a very sound
and clement nature. He had witnessed Prophet Mohammad‟s life
prior to his Prophethood, therefore he not only embraced Islam
without any hesitation but also used his affluence and dignified
status to serve Islam.
Jalaluddin Suyuti, the author of Tareekh al-Khulafa writes:
 Prophet Mohammad said, “Whenever I invited anyone to
Islam, everyone in the beginning was uncertain and indecisive
but Abu Bakr in this regard is distinct and the only one who
did not have any ambivalence in accepting Islam.”

PREACHING OF ISLAM
Abu Bakr was thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old when he
embraced Islam. Even before accepting Islam, Prophet Mohammad
and Abu Bakr had cordial relations. Abu Bakr was already aware
and inspired of the Prophet‟s great morals, truthfulness, sincerity
and piousness. Therefore, he did not hesitate to adopt Islam.
Soon after embracing Islam he started persuading his friends and
close relatives to accept Islam. He also generously spent his
 41

wealth for the cause of Islam. In later years he paid large

monetarily compensations to free the Muslim slaves.
Because of Abu Bakr‟s persuasion many dignitaries of Banu
Umayya, Banu Asad, Banu Zuhrah and Banu Taym accepted
Islam. Among these dignitaries are Usman ibn Affan, Az-Zubayr
ibn al-Awam Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas
and Talhah ibn Ubaydullah. All of them are included in the list
of ten noble Companions of the Holy Prophet who were
promised paradise. In short, all the efforts and persuasion of Abu
Bakr tremendously strengthened Islam.
Abu Bakr used his wealth to pay compensation for the release of
many incapacitated slaves of which Bilal ibn Rabah is worth
mentioning. Abu Bakr spent his wealth munificently not only for
emancipation of slaves and to prosper Islam but also to serve
Prophet Mohammad. His such efforts increased the number of
Muslims and also resolved a lot of their financial problems.

LOVE FOR PROPHET MOHAMMAD

When Prophet Mohammad officially started inviting people
towards Islam, the infidels opposed him with full force. Despite
all opposition, Abu Bakr always requested the Holy Prophet to
openly invite people towards Islam and spread its teachings even
though Muslims at the time were only thirty-nine and non-
Muslims were in majority.
Keeping in view Abu Bakr‟s request, Prophet Mohammad aimed
to persuade people towards Islam openly. Hence, one day
Prophet Mohammad and Abu Bakr went to Kaaba. Abu Bakr
invited people towards Allah and His last Prophet. This was the
first time ever that someone had proclaimed Islam inside the
boundary of Kaaba. The infidels got very furious and they
knocked Abu Bakr down on the ground and started hitting him.
Utbah ibn Rabi‟ah even hit on his face. Seeing this, people from
 42

Abu Bakr‟s tribe came forward to save him and took him home.
Other Companions of the Holy Prophet took him to a secure
place. In the evening, when Abu Bakr regained consciousness,
the first thing he inquired was, “How is Prophet Mohammad?”
At first his mother said that she had no knowledge about him.
Later, through Fatimah bint Khattab he found out that the
Prophet was safe and sound. Abu Bakr inquired again, “Where is
the Prophet?” He was told that the Prophet was at the house of
al-Arqam ibn Abi‟l Arqam11. Abu Bakr then insisted that he
would not eat or drink anything until he sees the Prophet. His
mother took him to Prophet Mohammad. On seeing Abu Bakr in
such a misery, Prophet Mohammad‟s eyes filled with tears and
he kissed him on forehead.
Abu Bakr‟s mother had not adopted Islam till then but that day
she herself took her son to the court of Prophet Mohammad. Abu
Bakr requested the Prophet to pray for her. He prayed for her,
hence she adopted Islam.
Abu Bakr was among the closest Companions of the Holy
Prophet and the one who could unreluctantly sacrifice his life for
him. He took part in many battles alongside the Prophet. That is
why he was considered an experienced general in the army of
Prophet Mohammad. Abu Bakr‟s love for Islam and Prophet
Mohammad can be determined by an incident. Once his son Abd
al-Rahman said that when he had not embraced Islam and they
were opponents in the Battle of Badr, his father (Abu Bakr) came
under his sword but he let him go because of the blood
relationship. On hearing that, Abu Bakr immediately replied, “I
swear to God! Had you been under my sword, I would have
killed you.”

11
It was a safe house to avoid harassment by the disbelievers of Makkah in the early
stages of Islam. There the Prophet of Islam would meet converts to pray and teach about
faith.
 43

In 9 AH, on the occasion of Expedition of Tabuk, Prophet

Mohammad asked Muslims to donate for the cause of Allah to
make arrangements for the safety and defense of Madina and the
Muslims. At the time, Umar was considered among the rich
people of Madina and someone who could sacrifice everything
for the Prophet. Therefore, Umar thought that this time he would
outdo Abu Bakr. He immediately went home and brought a large
sum of money and goods to present to the Holy Prophet. Seeing
his immense devotion and sacrifice the Prophet was delighted
and asked, “O Umar! Did you leave anything for your family?”
Umar replied, “Yes! I left half of my wealth for my family.” The
Holy Prophet then asked the same question to Abu Bakr who had
also presented a large donation, he humbly replied, “The love of
Allah and His Prophet is enough for my family.” Regarding this
answer and the extent of devotion and sacrifice from Abu Bakr,
Umar stated, “I can never outdo Abu Bakr.”

VERIFICATION OF MIRAJ
On the night of Miraj, Allah took his beloved Prophet to al-Aqsa
Mosque, the lote tree (Sidrat al-Muntaha) and wherever He
wanted. Prophet Mohammad first physically went to al-Aqsa
Mosque and then escalated to the journey of vision of Allah,
which is the most unique journey in the history of the universe.
During that journey Allah showed His beloved Prophet His signs
that exist in the universe. What were those signs? This is beyond
words, expressions and understanding of human intellect. Allah
blessed the Prophet with His vision and the distance between the
Loved and the Beloved was of two bows length (qab qausain) or
even less than that.
The devotion and endearment with which Abu Bakr verified the
event of Prophet‟s Miraj is matchless. Regarding this Prophet
Mohammad said, “When I announced that I am Prophet, Abu
Bakr believed in me and embraced Islam without asking for any
 44

miracle. When I proclaimed that I have been blessed with Miraj,

he verified it and said, „Had Prophet Mohammad said he was
blessed with Miraj along with his whole family, I would have
believed it because I am aware of the reality of Prophet‟.” On
account of this verification he is called „the truthful‟ (Siddiq).
Verily, only the one who truly is aware of the reality of Prophet
can testify this event.

TITLE
Abu Bakr is entitled as „the truthful‟. Tabarani and Hakim narrated
from Yahya ibn Sa‟id that he had seen Ali swearing to Allah that
the title of Abu Bakr descended from the heaven. Ibn Asir has
written that Abu Bakr was also called „Ateeq‟ because of his
handsomeness.

MIGRATION TO MADINA
Miraj of the Prophet brought infinite blessings and endowments
for the believers. The infidels gave ridiculous meanings to this
ultimate ascension of humanity to Allah. They did not gain any
guidance from this event rather now they were so aggravated by
the preaching of Prophet Mohammad that they made horrible
plans of taking the Prophet‟s life (I seek refuge in Allah12). In
contrast, Allah had a different plan.
Meanwhile, the message of Islam was spread in Madina (then
Yathrib), which is approximately two hundred and eighty miles
away from Makkah. Therefore, many groups of people from
Madina came to Makkah and secretly embraced Islam. Now
there were numerous devotees of Prophet Mohammad in Madina
who wished to invite him to their city. In that era, Madina was

ّ ّٰ
12
An Arabic expression. Nauzubillah (‫ )نعوذ باللہ‬means „May God save us‟ or „I seek refuge
in Allah‟. Often repeated on hearing something evil and abominable.
 45

full of greenery, orchards of dates and rich green fields. The

weather was also pleasant in contrast to the extreme heat of
Makkah. People were very welcoming, forbearing and friendly
in nature. To a great extent the residents of Madina were peace
loving. Even before migration of the Holy Prophet, many groups
of people from Madina had already embraced Islam. In the first
and second pledge at al-Aqabah13, they had not only accepted
Prophet Mohammad as the Messenger of Allah but also pledged
to stay true and loyal to him. Hence, Prophet Mohammad
ordered Muslims to migrate towards Madina. In a short time
majority migrated.
When the non-believers saw that most of the Muslims had
migrated to Madina, they could foresee the Muslims over there
developing and making progress socially and economically.
Also, Muslims could easily prosper their religion in Madina,
which made the infidels envious, therefore they planned to
murder the Prophet. For this purpose, they appointed a young
man from each clan of Quraish and other powerful tribes. Then
one night they besieged the house of the Prophet. Plan was to
murder the Prophet in the morning when he would leave his
house for morning salat. However, Allah had already ordered the
Prophet to migrate towards Madina. At the time, only Ali and
Abu Bakr were left with the Prophet. A day before migration,
Prophet Mohammad went to Abu Bakr‟s house in the afternoon
and said, “O Abu Bakr! Allah has ordered me to migrate from
here and made you my Companion in this.”

13
The first pledge at al-Aqabah: In the 11th year of the declaration of Prophethood, some
people of Khazraj tribe came from Madina for pilgrimage and camped a few miles away
from Makkah at al-Aqabah. One night Prophet Mohammad visited them to preach. When
they saw Prophet Mohammad and heard from him the Divine revelations they
immediately accepted Islam and on returning to Madina, these Companions spread the
light of faith. The next year, twelve people arrived for pilgrimage. They accepted Islam
and swore allegiance to the Holy Prophet which is called the first pledge at al-Aqabah.
The second pledge at al-Aqabah: In the 13th year of declaration of Prophethood, the
second pledge at al-Aqabah took place in which there were seventy-two men and two
women from the tribes of Aws and Khazraj. They had come with the intention of inviting
the Prophet to migrate to their city, Madina.
 46

COMPANION IN THE THAWR CAVE

After receiving this good news and order, Abu Bakr quickly
gathered a few required provisions and managed two camels for
the journey. Following special instructions, he arranged to send
them near the Thawr Cave.
Thawr Cave is located six miles to the south of Makkah. The
passage to the cave was very rocky and difficult to travel. This
cave was the first point of stay of the Prophet and Abu Bakr
during migration. On the hint of Prophet Mohammad, Abu Bakr
got the clue of what difficulties they might face while their stay
in the cave, therefore he made arrangements to provide food and
milk worth a couple of days stay. For this purpose, he sought the
help of his daughter Asma, his son Abdullah and his trustworthy
freedman Amir bin Fuhayra. He also instructed them to report
actions of enemies.
Prophet Mohammad was famous for his honesty and titled
trustworthy (al-Amin) by the people of Quraish. Despite the
hatred and enmity towards the Prophet, they had kept their
valuables with him in trust. Therefore, Prophet Mohammad
handed over everything in his trust to Ali ibn Abi Talib and
directed him to return them to their owners before coming to
Madina.
On the night of migration, on Allah‟s orders, Prophet Mohammad
had Ali sleep on his bed as a strategy and also assured him
saying, “You can sleep on my bed without any fear, no one will
harm you.”
According to the narrators and historians, Prophet Mohammad‟s
house was surrounded by twelve besiegers, so they could murder
him when he leaves his house in the morning for prayer.
However, per Divine order, Prophet Mohammad left his house in
the night rendering besiegers unable to see him and they
remained unaware of the Prophet‟s departure.
 47

The Holy Prophet accompanied Abu Bakr and headed towards

the cave as planned. While travelling on the rocky path to cave,
Abu Bakr lifted Prophet Mohammad on his shoulders at many
points. Not only this, Abu Bakr also stayed alert to the
surroundings and guarded the Prophet.
When they reached at the threshold of the cave, Abu Bakr once
again proved his loyalty to the Prophet by entering the cave first
to clean it from stones or pebbles and blocked every hole of the
cave with pieces of cloth by tearing his own garment to save the
Prophet from stinging and biting insects.
Prophet Mohammad and Abu Bakr took shelter in the cave for
three days and three nights. Abu Bakr stayed restless during this
time in the fear that the Holy Prophet might be located by the
enemy but Allah guarded both of them in every way.
When the infidels and besiegers found that the Prophet had
already left and Ali was on his bed, they were startled. In this
agony and rage they sent people to the outskirts of Makkah to
find the Prophet and fulfil their wicked plan. They announced a
reward of one hundred camels for whoever beheads the Prophet,
this incited many greedy people to go look for him.
Abu Bakr was still protecting him despite being surrounded by
enemies. Many times, the stalkers reached the threshold of
Thawr Cave following their footprints. But on Allah‟s command,
a spider made its web on the cave‟s opening, therefore the
enemies were fooled and did not think that the Prophet could be
inside. The enemies reached so close to the cave once that the
Prophet and his Companion could hear their voices outside. Abu
Bakr got very anxious because had the enemies leaped over a
little bit, they could have gotten glimpse of both of them. In that
apprehensive moment, Prophet Mohammad empathized Abu
Bakr and recited the verse, “Do not grieve. Allah is surely with
us.” (9:40)
 48

Abu Bakr often said while reflecting about the frightful night in
the cave, “After that night, I was not worried about the matters of
religion or any other issue ever again.”
During the three days and nights that Prophet Mohammad and
Abu Bakr spent in the cave, an army of angels guarded them on
Allah‟s command. Every night Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr brought
food to the cave. On the third night, the Prophet and his beloved
Companion departed for Madina riding their camels.
During this journey these two loyal friends briefly stayed at the
house of Umm Ma‟bad in Ghadir where the Holy Prophet
showed a miracle regarding her goat14. During this journey the
Holy Prophet also met his two acquaintances, Urwah ibn Zubayr
and Barida Aslami. Barida Aslami along with seventy people of
his tribe accepted Islam on the invitation of Prophet Mohammad.
Prophet Mohammad and Abu Bakr then proceeded towards
Madina in the form of a large group which also included Barida
Aslami and seventy people of his tribe who had recently
accepted Islam. Barida Aslami was now in the front rows
holding the flag of this caravan. On the other hand, in Makkah,
infidels were in rage on failure of their plans, so they were
torturing Abu Bakr‟s family.
Abu Quhafa, father of Abu Bakr, was helpless in Makkah. He
was also financially empty handed as Abu Bakr had taken all the
cash with him. Asma, the beloved daughter of Abu Bakr was
injured by the brutal and cold-hearted Abu Jahl who slapped on
her face so hard that tore her earlobe. The family of Abu Bakr
endured all those hardships and pains in the love of the Prophet
and for Allah‟s will.

14
The goat was meek and could not give milk. When the Holy Prophet touched the udder
of goat, by his miracle it gave so much milk that everyone drank it till satiated.
 49

STAY IN QUBA
Prophet Mohammad and Abu Bakr reached the outskirts of
Madina travelling through a shortcut along the shoreline. The
inhabitants of Madina and the emigrants from Makkah had been
eagerly waiting the arrival of Prophet Mohammad. Every
morning the Muslims of Madina gathered at Harrah to welcome
the Prophet. Then one day a Jew brought the news of his arrival
saying, “O Muslims! Your beloved Prophet has arrived for
whom you have been waiting desperately.”
Overjoyed by the news, the Muslims instantly made arrangements,
carried some simple weapons and gathered to welcome the
Prophet and his caravan. Meanwhile, the Prophet stopped at
Quba and honoured the family of Imran ibn Awf to host him.
Here also, Abu Bakr was standing next to the Prophet all the
time so off and on he used his shawl to provide him shade from
the scorching heat. Many Muslim emigrants had settled at Quba.
One after another, they were coming to see the Prophet. Ali ibn
Abi Talib who walked all the way from Makkah to Madina after
returning people‟s trusts also joined the Prophet at Quba.
A large group from the tribe of Najjar, of whom many were
armed, also came to welcome the Prophet. Now Prophet
Mohammad was leading the caravan riding his camel, followed
by Abu Bakr who was followed by the people of Najjar. It is said
that the people of Najjar celebrated the arrival of Prophet the
most. On this delightful occasion the girls of Najjar played
tambourine and recited poetry in the praise of the Prophet, its
famous lines are:

‫الوداع‬ ‫ثنیات‬ ‫من‬ ‫علینا‬ ‫البدر‬ ‫طلع‬

ّّٰ
‫داع‬ ‫اللہ‬ ‫دعا‬ ‫ما‬ ‫علینا‬ ‫الشکر‬ ‫وجب‬
Explanation: The full moon (Prophet Mohammad) has risen
upon us from the hills of Widaa. It is incumbent upon us to
 50

express our gratitude till there are believers who pray to Allah
(i.e. till the doomsday).
In those joyful and exuberant moments everyone had the desire
of hosting the Prophet. On seeing this love and enthusiasm, the
Holy Prophet said that at whosoever‟s house his camel will stop
on Allah‟s command, will be his host.
On Allah‟s order, the camel knelt in front of the house of Abu
Ayub Ansari and the Prophet blessed him with the honour of
hosting him.15
Prophet Mohammad along with Abu Bakr reached Madina on
Monday 12th Rabi al-Awwal. That year marks the start of the
Islamic calendar.

MADINA-TUN-NABI
CITY OF THE PROPHET
The people of Madina welcomed Muslims with open hearts,
love, kindness and empathy. They embraced Islam in a short
span of time and considered it mandatory upon themselves to
help the emigrants. Prophet Mohammad entitled the Muslims of
Madina as Ansar, the helpers. Ansar helped the emigrants in
every possible way and proved that a Muslim is like a brother to
the fellow Muslim. The Ansar and emigrants set an exemplary
behaviour for the society that is unprecedented.
Abu Bakr was hosted by Kharijah bin Zayd who lived in Sakh, a
town of Madina.
Earlier Madina was called Yathrib but the Holy Prophet renamed
it as Madina-tun-Nabi (City of the Prophet) and it was prohibited
to call it Yathrib. He also started the construction of the

15
The Divine wisdom in choosing Abu Ayub Ansari‟s house is explained in chapter two
of the book Celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi by the same author.
 51

Prophet‟s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabwi) right away and completed

it in a very short time.

LEADER OF THE COMPANIONS

Prophet Mohammad had listened and praised the speeches and
sermons of Abu Bakr. Verily he was a great scholar. Abu Ishaq
says, “Abu Bakr was the greatest scholar of all the Companions
of the Prophet.” Several Companions consulted him for their
queries.
As Abu Bakr was very close to the Holy Prophet and was his
confidant, thus he was the witness of many events and Hadiths.
Many Companions used to verify Hadiths of the Prophet from
him. Moreover, out of all the Companions he had knowledge of
the Holy Quran the most. Therefore, Prophet Mohammad called
him the leader of all the Companions.

LIFE IN MADINA
Throughout the life of the Prophet, Abu Bakr Siddiq was the
closest to him in the times of joy and grief. During the stay in
Madina as well, he was the most beloved Companion of the
Prophet. His opinions, suggestions and recommendations were
highly valued by the Prophet. It is said, “By the blessings of Allah,
whenever Abu Bakr used to concentrate about a certain matter,
his inward was enlightened with such inspirational knowledge
that everything regarding the matter was unveiled upon him.”
Abu Bakr also became the relative of Prophet Mohammad when
he married his beloved daughter Aisha to the Prophet.
While stay in Madina, he was at the forefront with the Prophet in
the Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhad, Battle of Trench, Pledge of
the Tree, Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Battle of Khaybar rather in
every important moment of the Prophet‟s life. Once Prophet
 52

Mohammad also sent him as his representative and the chief of

hajj.

CONQUEST OF MAKKAH
Abu Bakr was with Prophet Mohammad when the Islamic forces
entered Makkah on 20th Ramadan 8th AH. Later, in the Battle of
Hunayn when other Companions of the Prophet were overwhelmed
by the intense attack of arrows from the enemies, the only two
Companions who stood steadfastly by the Prophet in addition to
the Prophet‟s family, were Abu Bakr and Umar. After the
Conquest of Makkah when Prophet Mohammad came back to
Madina, Abu Bakr also followed him. In short, he accompanied
his beloved Prophet everywhere. He performed hajj with Prophet
Mohammad in 10th AH, which later was famously called as the
Farewell Pilgrimage.

SICKNESS OF THE PROPHET

Prophet Mohammad caught fever on the last day of Safar 11th
AH. Since then his body remained feverish. After being sick for
a couple of days, the Prophet permanently shifted to Aisha‟s
house. Despite the ailment, Prophet Mohammad went to the
mosque to lead prayers and took bath many times a day to
decrease the temperature of his body.

DEATH OF THE PROPHET

One day Prophet Mohammad said, “A person was presented with
the world, but he rather chose the hereafter.” Since Abu Bakr
was his confidant, his intuition realized the reality behind these
words. Thus, Abu Bakr replied, “May our parents, our lives and
our wealth be sacrificed upon you.”
 53

The Holy Prophet began to become feeble day by day as the time
of his death approached, still he led the prayers in the mosque.
Eventually on Thursday, 8th Rabi al-Awwal after leading the
sunset salat, the Prophet commanded Abu Bakr to lead the night
salat. Abu Bakr led seventeen salats during the life of the Holy
Prophet.
On Sunday, Prophet Mohammad offered one salat led by Abu
Bakr and one sitting next to him. Then on Monday as well,
Prophet Mohammad offered the noon salat led by Abu Bakr
which was his last salat. Later that evening on 12th Rabi al-Awwal
11th AH, Prophet Mohammad passed away.
َ
َ َْ ّ َ ّ ّ ّٰ َ
)2:756( ‫اج ُعوْن‬
ِ ‫ ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬
Meaning: Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
(2:156)

When the heartbreaking news of Prophet Mohammad‟s death

was given to the Companions, they went into a state of shock.
Umar could not believe that Prophet Mohammad had passed
away. When Abu Bakr came to know about it, he immediately
went to the Prophet‟s house. He saw the sacred body of his
beloved, touched face to his face, kissed on his forehead, wept
and then said, “My parents be sacrificed for you. Allah will
never pass you through the process of death twice. This was the
only death destined to you.”16
Abu Bakr came to the mosque drenched in sorrow. He gathered
people and announced the death of Prophet Mohammad. After
praises to Allah, he said:
“For those who worshipped Prophet Mohammad, listen up! He
has passed away and for those who worshipped Allah, remember!
Verily Allah is Eternal, He cannot die. Allah has said Himself:

16
Two deaths mean that Prophet Mohammad will die only once and that is physically. He
will spiritually live forever.
 54

َ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ََ۠ ّ ‫ َو َما ُم َح ّمَ ٌد ِالَّا َر ُسوۡ ٌل َق ۡد َخ َل ۡت ِم ۡن َق ۡب ِل ِہ‬

‫الرُ ُس ُل ؕ افائِ ۡن ّمات ا ۡو ق ِت َل انقل ۡب ُت ۡم‬
ّّٰ ً َ ّّٰ َ ُ َ ّ َ َ َ َۡ ُ َ َ
ُ‫اللہ‬ ‫َعلٰۤی ا ۡعق ِابک ۡم ؕ َو َم ۡن ّینق ِل ۡب َعلّٰی َع ِق َب ۡی ِہ فل ۡن یض ّر الل َہ ش ۡیئا ؕ َو َس َی ۡج ِزی‬
ّّٰ
(3:144)﴾﴿ ‫الش ِک ِریۡ َن‬
Meaning: And Mohammad (pbuh) is but a Messenger. Many
Messengers have passed away (from this world) before him as
well. So, if he passes away or is martyred, will you then turn on
your heels (back to your former religion)? And whoever turns
back on his heels shall not harm Allah the least. And Allah will
soon reward those who give thanks (by remaining steadfast in
hardships). (3:144)
After the brief sermon of Abu Bakr and the recitation of the
Quranic verse, Companions of the Prophet and other Muslims
were able to believe that Prophet Mohammad had passed away.
All the Companions were devastated. Umar said, “I am completely
shattered and now (after listening to Abu Bakr) I believe that
Prophet Mohammad has passed away.”
Then the discussion of the funeral rites and burial place initiated.
Several tribes, Ansar, emigrants and the relatives of the Prophet
wanted to have the honour. Everyone mentioned his relationship
and closeness to the Holy Prophet so as to claim the right. On
seeing this, Prophet Mohammad‟s beloved and trustworthy
Companion of the cave, Abu Bakr, came up and said decisively,
“No one has any right in this regard.” He added, “I have heard
from the Prophet of Allah that a Prophet is buried at the same
place where he passes away.” Therefore, the Prophet was buried
at the same place where he passed away i.e. the place of his bed in
Aisha‟s house. However, the funeral prayer of Prophet Mohammad
was offered in different groups. Entombment of Prophet
Mohammad was completed on Tuesday night.
 55

IMAMATE OF ABU BAKR

Abu Bakr was left alone after Prophet Mohammad passed away.
He was the only one to have the honour of leading salat in the
life of the Prophet. The Holy Prophet himself offered salat in his
imamate which proves that Prophet Mohammad had chosen his
leadership for the Muslims.
When the Prophet was feeling light-headed on Thursday, three
days before his death, he ordered to ask Abu Bakr to lead salat.
The person who was conveying the Prophet‟s message could not
find Abu Bakr so he asked Umar to lead the salat. Umar agreed
considering it an order from Prophet Mohammad himself.
According to another tradition, Abu Bakr asked Umar to lead the
salat. Umar‟s voice was loud. When the Prophet heard him
saying the first words of salat, he said, “No, no, Abu Bakr should
lead the salat.”
There is a disagreement of some narrators regarding when and
from which salat did Abu Bakr begin to lead? It is uncertain
whether he led seventeen or twenty-one salats in the life of the
Prophet. Despite the disagreement, it is still the fact that Prophet
Mohammad chose Abu Bakr to lead Muslims in salats during his
life.

CONFIDANT OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD

Five days prior to his death Prophet Mohammad said, “Allah
gave choice to a man to either choose the material blessings of
the world or choose the blessings Allah has for him. The man
decided to choose whatever Allah has.” On hearing this, tears
rolled from Abu Bakr‟s eyes since he understood that Prophet
Mohammad was about to leave the physical world.
 56

Seeing the condition of Abu Bakr, the Prophet said, “O Abu Bakr!
Have mercy on yourself (keep it a secret).” Then the Prophet
addressed Muslims:
 Abu Sa`id al-Khudri relates that the Holy Prophet said, “Abu
Bakr Siddiq has favoured me more than anyone else
regarding wealth and companionship. If I had to befriend
anyone other than Allah, I would have made Abu Bakr my
dearest friend. However, the relation of Islamic companionship
and brotherhood is sufficient.” (Bukhari 3654)

CALIPH OF THE PROPHET

Abu Bakr because of his devotion and sacrifices was the right
hand and a trustworthy Companion of the Prophet. In this regard,
no other Companion of the Prophet could be peer to him. In
addition to that, Abu Bakr was the biggest well-wisher of Islam
as well as was Prophet Mohammad‟s confidant. Therefore, he
deserved the vicegerency of the Holy Prophet. Many a times
during the Prophet‟s life he gave him the privilege to be his
representative. This fact also cannot be denied that the Holy
Prophet only honoured him to be the imam of Prophet‟s Mosque
in his life. Prophet Mohammad also advised the emigrants to be
nice to Ansar which was a clue that after him the Caliphs should
be chosen from the emigrants who must treat the Ansar well.

THE BEST OF ALL MANKIND

The Holy Prophet said about the exclusive rank of Abu Bakr,
“After the Prophets, Abu Bakr is the best of all mankind.” This
shows, Abu Bakr deserved the succession of Prophet Mohammad
the most. At another instance, the Holy Prophet said, “If I had to
befriend anyone other than Allah, I would have made Abu Bakr
my dearest friend. However the relation of Islamic companionship
and brotherhood is sufficient.” To elaborate his status, Prophet
 57

Mohammad even said, “It is compulsory for my umma to love

Abu Bakr and be thankful for his favours.” In another narration it
is mentioned that Prophet Mohammad said, “When I ascended to
Miraj, I was taken around different skies and I saw Abu Bakr‟s
name after my name on each sky.”
It is also said that the Prophet once told that there are three
hundred and sixty different good attributes in the universe. Abu
Bakr asked him, “Do I have any of them?” The Holy Prophet
replied, “O Abu Bakr! You are the one having all these
attributes.” In addition to these attributes and qualities, Abu Bakr
stood by the Prophet in every phase of his hard life in Makkah.
He also helped the Prophet in the progression of Islam and
accompanied him in Madina at every occasion as well as in all
the battles.

SECOND AFTER PROPHET MOHAMMAD

Abu Bakr was the second to adopt Islam after the Prophet‟s wife,
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. He was the second in Thawr Cave
with the Prophet. In the Battle of Badr, he was the second in the
canopy with the Prophet to protect him. He is second in the tomb
of the Prophet. On the day of judgement, when the earth will tear
open, he will rise second to the Prophet among all mankind.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO ABU BAKR

After Prophet Mohammad passed away, different tribes of Ansar
and Quraish started expressing their eligibility for caliphate in
coated words. A group of hypocrites also wanted to be a part of
it. Quraish brought up their ancestral superiority and connection
with the Prophet. Therefore, the debate on choosing the Caliph
was getting controversial. Had this sensitive issue of caliphate
not been addressed, it could have resulted in disputes and
wrangles. Abu Bakr and all the great Companions were well
 58

aware of the situation and its consequences. Abu Bakr handled

this contentious and delicate issue quite wisely. He politely told
the people that services and significance of Ansar and the
sacrifices of emigrants were very worthy. However, this fact was
certain too that Arabs would not bear the leadership and
sovereignty of anyone other than the family of Quraish. The
emigrants were distinguished being the leading ones in embracing
Islam while the family members of the Prophet had their own
significance. Hence Muslims should take oath of allegiance at
the hand of either Abu Ubaida ibn Jarrah or Umar ibn Khattab.
On hearing this, Umar held the hand of Abu Bakr and said, “You
are the most pious and the best amongst us and the dearest to
Prophet Mohammad, so we take oath of allegiance on your hands.”
No one showed any apprehension on Umar‟s pledging allegiance
to Abu Bakr. In fact, following him people in large groups
started taking oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr immediately. Umar
took the initiative and other Companions and Muslims followed
him. In a way, they democratically chose Abu Bakr as the first
Caliph.
This public decision was totally unbiased and based on foresight
rather than emotions.

CALIPHATE OF ABU BAKR

13th Rabi al-Awwal 11 AH till 22nd Jumada ath-Thani 13 AH
(9th June 632 AD – 22nd August 634 AD)

FIRST SERMON OF ABU BAKR

Abu Bakr was sixty-one when he became the first Caliph of
Muslims. Most of the emigrants and Ansar had pledged allegiance
to him on 13th Rabi al-Awwal, 11 AH and accepted him as their
Caliph.
 59

The next day, he went to the Prophet‟s Mosque and took oath of
allegiance from numerous other people. He was titled as Khalifa
tur-Rasool „Caliph of the Prophet‟, marking the beginning of the
Rashidun Caliphate. His first speech as a Caliph is historical. He
started with glorification and praises to Allah Almighty, then
said:
“O people! I am made the custodian of your matters, but I am no
better than any of you. If you find me doing something good,
join me and correct me where I am wrong. Righteousness is a
trust. Weak among you are strong to me, until I get them their
right. The strong among you are weak to me, until I get people‟s
rights from them. Those who will not fight in the way of Allah,
will be humiliated. The nation whose immorality is high will be
punished by Allah. Follow me when I obey Allah and His
Prophet and when I disobey them then you must not follow me.
Get up and offer salat. May Allah‟s mercy be upon you.”
In his first sermon, Abu Bakr devised the action plan of his goals
and obligations to it. The Islamic reign of Rashidun Caliphs is
called the „rightly guided caliphate‟ because in their reign all the
matters of government and leadership were in accordance to the
era of Prophet Mohammad. The Companions appointed as the
Caliphs had the capability to completely follow the set morals of
the Prophet.

RESPECT OF THE PROPHET‟S DECISION

When Prophet Mohammad was sick during the last days of his
life, he had prepared to send a force of seven hundred soldiers
against the Romans under the supervision of Usama ibn Zayd.
After Prophet Mohammad passed away, the condition of
Muslims became insubstantial and it seemed impossible to send
any Muslim force out of Madina. Therefore, people suggested to
postpone the plan, but Abu Bakr had different opinion. He rather
decided to continue the march and said, “I cannot stop the orders
 60

of the Prophet.” It is said that while sending the troops he walked

a long distance with them in order to show support. Hence, the
troop reached its destination under the supervision of Usama ibn
Zayd.
After forty days when this expedition returned successfully, the
Muslims were delighted. This was a dreadful lesson for the
Romans. The timely action of Abu Bakr further strengthened the
Muslims.

THE APOSTAY WARS

Right after Prophet Mohammad passed away, a few fabricators
in Arab claimed false Prophethood. Aswad, Musaylimah and
Sajjah had an erroneous self-assertion of Prophethood. Sajjah
was a Yemeni woman who also falsely claimed Prophethood.
This fitna of claiming false Prophethood was very lethal and
devastating to Muslims. Hence, Abu Bakr had all his focus
towards its eradication. He sent Muslim troops in set directions.
Out of all the fraudulent prophets, Musaylimah-the great liar,
was the strongest. Khalid ibn Walid fought a fierce battle against
him and crushed him. The historian al-Tabari writes:
“The kind of passion Muslims showed in that battle between the
righteous and the evil was exemplary.”

DENIERS OF ZAKAT
Abu Bakr had to face many difficulties and problems during his
caliphate. When he took over the position, many wealthy Muslims
refused to pay zakat. This problem became so crucial and
momentous that even a reliable and trustworthy person like
Umar had to say, “O Abu Bakr these people must be handled
politely, you should approach them differently.”
 61

Abu Bakr replied, “O Umar! You are very strict in Islam, how
come you are so infirm now! Allah has fulfilled His promise and
His will has been implemented. Now you cannot change it. I
Swear to God! I will not hesitate to fight if I need to get zakat
equivalent to even a small piece of rope.” It is a fact that Abu
Bakr stayed true to his words for the rest of his life.

ROMAN AND PERSIAN EMPIRES

In the said circumstances, Abu Bakr gave secondary attention to
his state‟s internal problems and focused his efforts on resolving
the extraneous issues that could jeopardize Islam. It was the era
when the super powers of the world, Roman and Persian
Empires had made plans to harm Islam. The Persians who had
ruled over the Arabs for centuries, could not bear that they
become strong with robust military and be a continuous jeopardy
to their rule. Hormizd was ruling over various provinces of Iraq
and he had started battles against the Arab Muslims. But Allah‟s
will was something else, therefore, despite such extreme actions
from the enemies, the Muslims were soon able to strike Iran. In
addition to that, the Muslim soldiers with the strength of their
faith had captured Iraq.
Muthanna ibn Haritha started raids on Iran with his troops and
gained several major successes. After some time, Khalid ibn
Walid also joined him for the battle. In that battle, Hormizd was
killed and Persians had to bear a lot of detriment. This battle
between Muslims and army of Hormizd was so devastating that
in the end Muslims acquired considerable amount of booty and
collected seven and a half maunds of broken chains. History
recalls this battle as the Battle of Chains.
After the conquest of Iraq, Khalid ibn Walid appointed Muslim
heads on military and administrative positions to run the system
of Iraq. Sa‟id ibn Numan was appointed the military head while
Suwayd ibn Muqrin was made the administrative head. This
 62

clearly states that in the reign of the first Caliph, most of the area
of Iraq was conquered by Muslims. The Persian leaders who
misunderstood Muslims as weak had gained bitter experiences of
battling with Muslims. Later, more decisive battles against Iraq
took place in the era of Caliph Umar.

MILITARY ORGANIZATION
The king of Byzantine empire, Heraclius was ruling most of the
areas of Syria and Palestine. He often teamed up with other
enemies of Muslims, involved in conspiracies against them and
never let go any opportunity to harm them. Under his evil and
hostile rule, many Arab and surrounding tribes were a constant
threat to the Muslims.
In 9th AH, Prophet Mohammad took part in an expedition against
the Romans. In addition to that, he had appointed Usama ibn
Zayd as commander-in-chief to deal with them. Abu Bakr also
sensed the wicked intentions of the Romans and arranged an
army consisting of competent and trustworthy soldiers. For this,
he divided the Islamic force into four parts and gave their
command to Ubaidah ibn Jarrah, Shurahbil ibn Hasana, Yazid
ibn Abi Sufyan and Amr ibn al-As. After organizing the army,
Abu Bakr sent these forces to different battlefronts to Syria.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORLD‟S

BIGGEST ISLAMIC, WELFARE AND
DEMOCRATIC STATE
Abu Bakr laid the foundation of the world‟s biggest Islamic,
welfare and democratic state, which was taken to the heights of
majesty by the succeeding Caliphs. It owed to the establishment
of such democratic and welfare state that even a common citizen
could approach the Caliph and discuss his problems without any
 63

hesitation or even hold the Caliph accountable. Abu Bakr had

declared this democratic independence in his first sermon. He
said, “You are bound to obey me as long as I obey Allah and His
Prophet. And when I disobey Allah and His Prophet you should
not abide by me.” He also said, “Even the weakest among you is
strong to me.” He added, “Follow me if I do any good and
correct me if I head towards the wrong path.” Umar, the second
Caliph, took these democratic values to peak. In fact, these are
the true values of a welfare and democratic state where a ruler is
answerable to common citizens and owe them explanation to
clarify his position. Even today after fourteen centuries, no
country in the world has such democratic values and no ruler can
execute the norms practised by the Rashidun Caliphs.

MILITARY CODE OF CONDUCT

Abu Bakr was the wisest among the Muslims of his age and
distinguished regarding knowledge. He used to say to Khalid ibn
Walid, his army general, “You cannot deny your nobility even if
you wish. If you want death, you will be granted with life.”
Ibn Asir says that Abu Bakr had made certain rules for military
code of conduct. These regulations were a guideline for the army
to follow in their different departments during war and peace.
Abu Bakr had instructed the Islamic military:
 Army must not be financially corrupt.
 No one should lie.
 Do not betray your fellows.
 Do not disobey your ruler.
 Do not mutilate the dead bodies even if they are of your worst
enemy.
 Do not kill the women, children or elderly people.
 Do not cut the fruiting trees and do not burn other trees.
 Do not slaughter animals other than to feed on them.
 64

 Do not kill or disrespect Christian priests or other religious

leaders.
 Never forget the blessings and grace of Allah upon you.
This code of conduct was also implemented during long ventures
and besiegements, and abiding by the basic human and animal
rights was made mandatory. Most important of all, strict
disciplinary action was taken if any Muslim soldier did not follow
the rules.

SACRIFICE
Abu Bakr was very simple, honest, humble and a polite person.
These splendid attributes made him an absolute nobleman. His
contribution in generosity and sacrifice was the most. He was an
affluent businessman of his time. When he accepted Islam, he
had over forty-thousand dirhams, but he had no wealth when he
passed away. He bequeathed nothing despite being a Caliph of
the Islamic Empire.

RETURNING THE ALLOWANCE TO

TREASURY
When Abu Bakr got sick and he realized that he would not live
longer, he inquired from the incharge of the treasury that how
much money had he earned for his services? Six thousand
dirhams! He was told. He got that amount from the treasury in
his two and a half year of caliphate. He then instructed to sell his
personal property and return the amount to the treasury. Therefore,
his property was sold and the money was returned to the treasury.
His personal belongings included a horse and a piece of cloth
which valued only 1.25 dirham. These two belongings were also
sent to the treasury after his death. When Umar found out that
even such low worth items were sent to the treasury, he cried and
 65

out of utmost respect he said, “O Abu Bakr! You have set the bar
so high that it has put people following you into a trial.”

LEADER OF SUFISM
Allah has mentioned four rewarded groups in the Quran17 which
are the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the most pious.
The second group following the Prophets is of the truthful people.
The truthful are the Mystics who pray Allah while beholding
Him. This group is named after the title of Abu Bakr. He was the
first person to give the invocation (dhikr) to the seekers of Allah
for the purity of self and purgation of inward. Junayd of Baghdad
narrates that the best word regarding Oneness of Allah (tawhid)
is Abu Bakr‟s quote:
“Glory to the Lord, Who opened the way for His creation
towards Him by only being humble in His court.”
It is written in Kashf-ul-Mahjub18 that Abu Bakr is the leader of
Sufis and the truthful.
Abu Bakr was perfect in the love of Prophet Mohammad, free
from the filthy love of the material world and he proved it on
many occasions specially the Expedition of Tabuk. When the
Prophet asked him, “What did you leave for family?” He replied,
“Love of Allah and His Prophet is enough for them.”
Shah Waliullah states that Abu Bakr possessed all the qualities
that make base of Sufism like, trust on Allah alone, being careful
in one‟s deeds, submission to Allah, fear from Allah‟s wrath,
truthfulness, best morals etc. There is an incident about Abu
Bakr‟s fear of Allah that once he saw a sparrow on a tree and
said in a wishful manner, “O sparrow how lucky you are! You
eat fruit and spend life in the shade of a tree and you are not

17
Sura an-Nisa, verse 69.
18
Author Ali bin Usman al-Hajveri commonly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh.
 66

worried about any accountability in Allah‟s court. I wish I was

like you.”
He added:
 I wish I was a plant that is cut and eaten.
 I wish I was grass so animals could feed on me.
 I wish I was a hair on the body of a believer of Allah.
 A believer of Allah will be rewarded for everything, even for
being hurt by a thorn and for his broken laces.
While standing in front of Allah during his prayers, Abu Bakr
used to be so fearful that he seemed like a dry wood.
The orders of Sufism that started from Abu Bakr are now
gathered in the form of Naqshbandi order. In this order, Salman
the Persian is his successor who carried it forward and this order
is still continued in the world. However, to whichever order the
seeker may belong, he cannot proceed forward spiritually unless
Abu Bakr bestows him with his attention that inculcates
truthfulness in the seeker. Hence, it can be rightly said that the
benevolence of his truthfulness is still continued in all the orders.
This fact has been explained thoroughly in the preface.

DEATH
On 7th Jumada ath-thani 13 AH cold wind blew in the evening.
Abu Bakr took a bath and caught cold because of the weather.
He got sicker day by day. Some Companions suggested to call
the doctor, but Abu Bakr answered, “He knows.” They asked,
“What?” He replied, Allah says:
ُ ۡ َ ّّٰ َ ّ
ُ ‫ ِان الل َہ یف َع‬
)22:74( ‫ل َما یُرِیۡد‬
Meaning: Surely Allah does what He will. (22:14)
The Companion‟s got the gist of his words and kept quiet. Abu
Bakr could not make it to the mosque for almost fifteen days
 67

because of the ailment. Meanwhile, Umar led all the prayers.

When Abu Bakr was at the deathbed, he called Aisha and said;
“It is my will that when I die, wash my two used shawls and
make my shroud out of them. My rank will not increase if you
bury me in an expensive shroud, while if I am buried in old
clothes, my rank will not decrease in Allah‟s court.
My wife Asma bint Umais must bathe my dead body and my son
Abd al-Rahman should pour water. They must be cautious about
the process.”
Abu Bakr passed away on 22nd Jumada ath-thani 13 AH in
between sunset and night prayer, at the age of sixty-three. His
caliphate lasted for two years and four months.

BURIAL IN TOMB OF THE PROPHET

When Abu Bakr got sick, in his will he instructed that when he
passes away, after performing the final rituals his coffin should
be taken to the tomb of the Prophet and kept in front of the
tomb‟s door. He added, “Then ask the Prophet on my behalf, O
Prophet of Allah! This is Abu Bakr, can we bury him next to
you? If he allows then bury me there, otherwise take me to
Jannat al-Baqi.”
Thus, per his will, his dead body after the last rituals was taken
to the door of Prophet‟s tomb to seek permission. Ali narrates:
“I saw the door of tomb opened and I heard someone saying „Let
the lover meet the beloved, verily the beloved is eager to meet
the lover too‟.” (Al-Khasais al-Kubra)
Abu Bakr is resting in peace beside the Prophet.
 THE SECOND CALIPH
UMAR IBN KHATTAB

Umar ibn Khattab razi Allah anhu is the second Rashidun

Caliph. He is the leader of the ones seeking guidance,
incomparable in the world, the just ruler, utmostly blessed, harsh
on his inciting self, commander of the Companions and Leader
of the Believers. Sultan Bahoo says that a seeker of Allah must
scrutinize his self just like Umar ibn Khattab did.
Ali ibn Abi Talib often remembered him in these words, “He
was always right in his decisions (Rashid-ul-Amr).” This means
that he was always correct in every matter and was not among
the ones who go awry. No one in the history is comparable to the
exalted and eminent rank of Umar. He is one of a kind. Sultan-
ul-Faqr II Shaikh Hasan of Basra said, “If you want your
gatherings to be pure and pleasant then talk about Umar.”

BIRTH
Umar ibn Khattab was purely an Arab, he practised all traditions
of Arabs and portrayed their attributes. He was from Quraish.
His genealogy is as follows:
Umar son of Khattab son of Nufayl son of Abdul Uzza son of
Riyah son of Abdullah son of Qurut son of Razah son of Adiy
son of Ka‟b son of Lu‟ayy son of Ghalib son of Fihr son of
Malik.
Umar ibn Khattab belonged to the Adi tribe. There were two
brothers in this tribe; Adiy and Murrah. Murrah was from the
ancestors of the Holy Prophet. In this way, Umar‟s genealogy
meets that of Prophet Mohammad in the eighth generation. The
teknonym of Umar ibn Khattab was Abu Hafs and al-Farooq was
 69

his title given to him by the Holy Prophet. History remembers

him by the name Umar al-Farooq. He was born in 583 AD in
Makkah. About his birth, he himself says that he was born four
years prior to the second Harb al-Fijar19.
Umar ibn Khattab had fair skin tone, tall height, big eyes and
fine hair. He had straight nose, fuller cheeks and swift walk.
According to Salamah ibn al-Akwa, he was left-handed. Ubaid
ibn Umair said that Umar al-Farooq always stood out among
everyone because of his tall height.

WISH OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD

Umar ibn Khattab was the answer to the prayer of Prophet
Mohammad in the court of Allah. Since Muslims were a
minority in the beginning, they had to bear torture and cruelty of
the infidels. Thus, one day the Holy Prophet prayed Allah to
strengthen Islam either through Umar ibn Khattab or Amr ibn
Hisham (Abu Jahl).
 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates that the Holy Prophet prayed,
“O Allah! Strengthen Islam either through Amr ibn Hisham
or Umar ibn Khattab, whoever is your favourite.” (Tirmidhi
3683, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal 5696)

Umar ibn Khattab was the beloved of Allah among the two.
Thus, Allah accepted the prayer of Prophet Mohammad in his
favour and he adopted Islam. The incident of Umar‟s conversion
goes as:
One day Umar left his home in sheer exasperation with a sword
in his hand. On his way an individual from the Zuhrah tribe
inquired, “Where are you headed to?” He replied, “I intend to
kill Mohammad.” The man replied, “Then Hashim and Zuhrah

19
Harb al-Fijar means the sacrilegious wars. These were the series of wars fought during
the four sacred months (Dhul al-Qadah, Dhul al-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab) in which
war was forbidden. These wars were fought in late 6th century.
 70

tribes will not spare you.” Umar said, “Seems like you have also
renounced the religion of our ancestors.” The man provoked him
and said, “To your surprise, your sister Fatimah bint Khattab and
brother-in-law Sa‟id ibn Zayd have accepted Islam.” On hearing
this Umar became furious and went to his sister‟s house. The
minute he walked in the house he furiously shouted, “What are
these whispers I am hearing?” At that time Khabbab ibn al-Aratt
was reciting the verses of sura Taha. Umar‟s sister and brother-
in-law immediately hid him and the pages of the sura and said
that they were just having a conversation. Umar in a very
intimidating tone hollered, “Probably you have been misled.”
His brother-in-law, Sa‟id ibn Zayd replied, “What if your
religion is misleading (instead of ours)?” Umar got furious and
attacked him. Fatimah bint Khattab tried to save her husband but
Umar slapped her so hard that her face started bleeding. After all
she was the sister of Umar ibn Khattab, injured yet fearless, she
shouted, “O Umar! I believe in Allah and Prophethood of
Mohammad.”
On hearing this, Umar was disappointed and appeared to relent.
So he asked his sister to show him the verses they were reciting.
His sister refused and added that there are certain etiquettes to
recite them, that is, the reader must be pure and clean. Out of
curiosity, Umar agreed to her terms. After shower and ablution
he started going through the pages of Holy Quran, the Book of
gnosis. He had hardly read the following verse when an immense
desire to see Prophet Mohammad aroused in his inward;
ۡ َ َ
ۡ ‫الص ّٰلوۃ ل ِذکر‬ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۤ َّ ۤ َ ّّٰ َ َ ۤ َ ّ
ۡ ‫ ِانن ۡی انا الل ُہ لا ِال ّٰ َہ ِالا انا ف‬
ّ ‫اع ُبدن ۡی ۙ َو اقِم‬
)20:74 )﴾﴿ ‫ی‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ
Meaning: Verily, I am Allah. There is no God other than Me. So
always worship Me and establish prayer for the sake of My
remembrance. (20:14)
Instantly, Umar yearned to see the Holy Prophet and requested,
“Take me to Prophet Mohammad.” Khabbab ibn al-Aratt, who
 71

was still hiding, came out and said, “Umar I had faith that the
Holy Prophet‟s prayer in your favour will certainly be granted.”
Umar then went to the house of al-Arqam where Prophet
Mohammad was staying at that time. He met the Prophet, recited
shahada and embraced Islam.
 Abdullah ibn Abbas narrates that when Umar accepted Islam,
Angel Gabriel came and said, “O Prophet Mohammad!
Indeed, the dwellers of the heavens have celebrated and sent
felicitations on Umar‟s acceptance of Islam.” (Mustadrak 4491,
Ibn Hibban)

 Abdullah ibn Abbas narrates a tradition that when Umar

accepted Islam the disbelievers said, “Now our nation is
divided into two parts (meaning it is left half).” (Musnad
Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Tabarani, Mustadrak 4494)

Imam Hakim says this Hadith is authentic with an unbroken

chain of narrators.
 Abdullah ibn Umar relates that when Umar accepted Islam,
Prophet Mohammad struck his hand on the chest of Umar
thrice. And (every time) he said, “O Allah eliminate the past
obliviousness (effects of past enmity to Islam) from the
inward of Umar and instead fill it with the (light of) faith.”
(Tabarani, Mustadrak 4492)

Imam Hakim says this Hadith is authentic with an unbroken

chain of narrators.
 Abdullah bin Masud narrates, “Umar‟s acceptance of Islam
was indeed a victory for us while his caliphate was a
blessing. I Swear to God! We were not able to offer prayer in
the house of Allah (Kaaba) until Umar accepted Islam.
When he adopted Islam, he faced the disbelievers of Makkah
courageously. Hence, we started preaching Islam openly and
offered prayer in Kaaba.” (Tabarani)
 72

OPEN INVITATION TO ISLAM

When Umar embraced Islam, almost forty other men and women
had already adopted Islam. Upon his conversion, house of al-
Arqam was blissed and the Muslims on this joyous occasion
raised the slogan, „Allah is the Greatest‟. The echo of this slogan
was heard in the Kaaba as well. Umar, the man of righteousness,
asked Prophet Mohammad, “O Prophet of Allah! Are we not on
the right path?” Prophet Mohammad replied in affirmation. Then
Umar suggested, “If we are on the right path then why not
proclaim it.” After that Prophet Mohammad came out of the
house of al-Arqam which he used as a secret centre.
 Mohammad ibn Sa‟d narrates that after Umar embraced
Islam, the preaching of Islam became public. We started to
gather and circumambulate around Kaaba. Moreover, we
started reacting to the hateful comments of people about our
religion.

COMPANIONSHIP OF PROPHET
MOHAMMAD
After accepting Islam, Umar spent the rest of his life in the
slavery of Prophet Mohammad and for the cause of Islam. His
companionship to the Holy Prophet after adopting Islam
continued till the last breath of the Prophet. During that time, he
did not miss even a single important event, be it migration to
Madina, Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhud, Battle of Trench, Pledge
of the Tree, Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Battle of Khaybar, Conquest
of Makkah or Battle of Hunayn. In short, Umar was always on
the forefront in all major events. Moreover, he was one of the
two main advisers of the Holy Prophet. Egyptian historian and
writer Mohammad Hussein Heikal writes:
 Prophet Mohammad used to consult his Companions. In this
regard, of all the Companions, Abu Bakr and Umar were the
 73

chief consultants. Prophet Mohammad often said, “I Swear to

Allah! If both of you agree on a matter then I never
disapprove of it.”
Umar was immersed in the love of the Prophet. He committed at
the time of accepting Islam that he will completely abandon the
world for the sake of religion. The following narration is enough
to verify this fact:
Khalaf bin Haushab relates that Umar said, “I have pondered a
lot regarding religion and the world. Finally, I came to the
conclusion that if I incline towards the world, I will loose the
religion. Whereas, if I completely turn towards the religion then
my world will be wasted. After thoroughly thinking about it I
have decided to keep what is everlasting and renounce what is
going to end anyway.”
The aforementioned saying of Umar can be verified from his
actions. Ibn Sa‟d and Abdul Aziz bin Abi Jamila said, “Once,
during his caliphate, Umar got a little late for the Friday prayer.
Therefore, he apologized to the people as soon as he got on the
pulpit. Explaining the reason of being late, he said that he had
only one shirt which was being mended so his elbows might not
be naked.” Qatada also related this incident but according to his
narration the reason of Umar being late was not mending his
shirt rather it was being washed. The leader of the Muslim umma
had only one piece of clothing which he would wear after every
wash.

UMAR‟S STATE ON THE DEATH OF

PROPHET MOHAMMAD
Umar‟s love for Prophet Mohammad was so intense that upon
hearing the news of his death he went in disbelief. In a state of
sheer stress, Umar went to the Prophet‟s Mosque where he
announced, “The hypocrites are spreading the fake news of the
 74

death of Prophet Mohammad. No! He (is still alive and) has gone
to meet Allah like Prophet Moses did. People had spread the
news of death of Prophet Moses but he returned to the children
of Israel after forty days. Similarly, Prophet Mohammad will
also come back.”
It is also said that due to the emotional outburst, Umar even
declared to kill the person who would call the Prophet dead.
Shibli Nomani writes in his book Al-Farooq, “Circumstantial
evidences do not verify this tradition. I think there was a wisdom
behind this action of Umar. He wisely tried to stop the spread of
news of the Prophet‟s death to prevent the hypocrites from
creating dissension who were waiting for this moment to carry
out their plans.”
Mohammad Hussein Heikal writes about the state of Umar:
 Umar‟s belief that the death of Prophet Mohammad is not
possible is acceptable keeping in view the fact that in terms of
the attributes of Prophet Mohammad, he is alive now and was
alive then. In fact, he will stay alive forever, and death cannot
approach him. That is why, Umar was denying the news of
the Holy Prophet‟s death.
Mohammad Hussein‟s theory is verified by the fact that according
to the lovers of Prophet Mohammad, he is eternally alive. As
Sultan Bahoo says:
 How can such a person be considered faithful, Muslim or
follower of the Holy Prophet who does not believe that the
Holy Prophet is alive! No doubt, such a person is lair,
faithless and a hypocrite, whoever is he apparently. The Holy
Prophet said, “A lair does not belong to my nation.” (Kaleed-ul-
Tauheed Kalan)

 Whoever does not believe in the life of the Holy Prophet, is

disgraced in both the worlds. Only that person denies the
eternal life of the Prophet and considers him dead whose faith
 75

has been confiscated by Satan and whose inward has

darkened.” (Kaleed-ul-Tauheed Kalan)
Since Umar was annihilated in the love of Prophet Mohammad,
therefore, he was seeing the reality of his beloved (the Divine
Essence) who is immortal. In fact, Umar was enraged at the
people who were believing in the death of the Holy Prophet.
Since he was al-Farooq which means he had the ability to
distinguish between the right and wrong, therefore, it made sense
why he was angry at people.

TITLE
Umar has been titled „al-Farooq‟ which means the distinguisher
between the right and wrong. Once Abdullah ibn Abbas asked
Umar the logic behind his title, to which Umar repeated the
words of Usama ibn Zayd. The last part of his statement is;
“Then Prophet Mohammad divided us in two categories similar
to the folds of millstone. Meanwhile, we entered the Mosque.
That was the occasion when I was granted the title of al-Farooq.”
 Ayub ibn Musa related the saying of Prophet Mohammad,
“Righteousness resides in the inward and sight of Umar and
he is the one who distinguishes between right and wrong (al-
Farooq).”
 Mohammad ibn Sa‟d narrated the saying of Abu Umar ibn
Dhakwan that he asked Aisha, “Who was the first to call
Umar by his title al-Farooq?” She said, “The Holy Prophet
was the first one to call him al-Farooq.”
 Nazal bin Sabza-tul-Hilali says that once he with some
fellows went to see Ali ibn Abi Talib and they started talking
about Umar. Ali said, “Umar has such an exalted status that
Allah granted him the title al-Farooq and his sacred self
became the boundary between righteousness and evil. I have
 76

heard Prophet Mohammad praying, „O Allah! Grant supremacy

to Islam by virtue of Umar‟.”

KEY ROLE IN THE CALIPHATE OF ABU

BAKR
When Prophet Mohammad passed away, there seemed to be
occurring a state of disintegration among Muslims. Therefore,
Umar announced:
“Do you want to make different leaders even though Prophet
Mohammad appointed Abu Bakr as the Imam.”
On Umar‟s persuasion all the people took oath of allegiance to
Abu Bakr. After the death of Abu Bakr, Umar became the
second Caliph in Jumada ath-thani 13 AH. He inculcated the
virtues of justice, honesty and righteousness in the people and
implemented a structured and progressive system to run the
Islamic state. However, he became self-accountable for his own
self.

CALIPHATE OF UMAR
23rd Jumada ath-Thani 13 AH till 1st Muharram 24 AH
(23rd August 634 AD – 3rd November 644 AD)
Abu Bakr got sick in Jumada ath-thani 13 AH. During this
ailment, he became so weak and feeble that he could not get up
without assistance. Hence, he ordered Umar to lead the prayers.
Umar followed the order and continued to lead the prayers till
Abu Bakr passed away. Regarding his caliphate Ali ibn Abi
Talib said, “Indeed (as death approached) Abu Bakr indirectly
appointed Umar as the next Caliph and he did not make any
mistake in this regard. Hence, along with other Muslims I also
took oath of allegiance to Umar ibn Khattab.”
 77

In the history book Tabaqat al-Kubrat Ibn Sa‟d writes:

 Aisha bint Abi Bakr says the following about her father Abu
Bakr:
“When my father‟s ailment became acute, certain people
came to him and said, „O Caliph of the Prophet! What will
you say to your Lord when He asks you about appointing
Umar over us?‟ Abu Bakr sat up with help and replied, „Are
you here to teach me gnosis of Allah at the terminal point of
my life? I will say to Allah that I appointed over them the
best among people‟.”
It is narrated in another tradition that Abu Bakr said, “Since
among all of you I know Allah and Umar the most therefore I
will say, „O Allah! I chose the best among Your men‟.”
Few Companions showed their concern to Abu Bakr about the
strict behaviour of Umar, to which he replied, “The heavy
responsibility of caliphate will ultimately make him polite and
mellow.” Abu Bakr called Usman ibn Affan and had him
transcribe his will regarding Umar. Several Companions including
Usman ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib already knew about the
appointment of Umar. Thus, people were not skeptic or surprised
when Umar became the second Caliph.

FIRST SERMON
Abu Bakr passed away on 22nd Jumada ath-thani 13 AH and the
next day Umar took over the position and responsibilities of
caliphate. He then delivered his first sermon which is as follows:
“O people! I am being tested through you and vice versa. I have
been appointed your Caliph after Abu Bakr. I will be residing
among you and resolve your matters myself while appoint strong
and trustworthy governors (true believers according to another
tradition) over the ones who are far away from here. The person
 78

who will perform his duties well will be close to me while the
negligent will be punished and penalized. May Allah forgive
us!”
On the appointment of Umar as Caliph some Companions were
concerned about his stern attitude, therefore Umar prayed in his
sermon “O Allah! I am stern, make me polite. I am weak, grant
me strength. I am not generous, make me one.”

TITLE OF AMIR AL-MU'MININ

When Abu Bakr became Caliph, with the recommendation of
other Companions, he was titled Khalifa tur-Rasool „Caliph of
the Prophet‟. He used to give sermons on the pulpit of the
Prophet but one step below where Prophet Mohammad sat.
When Umar became Caliph, he refused to take the title of
„Caliph of the Prophet‟ because according to him no one in the
world except Abu Bakr was eligible for the title. He said, “Umar
is not eligible for this title at all.” Later, on the suggestion of Ali
ibn Abi Talib, he was titled as Amir al-Mu'minin, which means
the Leader of the Believers. Umar used to give sermon sitting on
the pulpit one step below Abu Bakr‟s place of sermon. Umar was
the first Caliph to be titled as „Leader of the Believers.‟

FOUNDER OF MODERN, SOCIAL,

ECONOMIC AND DEMOCRATIC STATE
The first ever modern, social, economic and democratic state
was established in the reign of Umar. It was established when
there was no concept of such state in the world. Even the present
republic and democratic states of Europe cannot match his era.
Umar laid the foundation of the following modern departments
and offices:
 79

 Umar established a proper consultation committee (Majlis-e-

Shura). Ali ibn Abi Talib and many other reputed Companions
were part of it.
 The department of treasury was established with its designated
officials.
 Establishment of the Accountability Bureau.
 Adopted the title of „Leader of the Believers‟. Before him,
Abu Bakr had the title of „Caliph of the Prophet‟.
 Established the department of professional army. In addition
to the main headquarter, several cantonments were made in
different states.
 Establishment of the Intelligence Bureau.
 Set workshops to manufacture the weapons for the army.
 Establishment of the judicial system. Courtrooms were
established in all areas and judges were hired. Ali ibn Abi
Talib was appointed as the Chief Justice.
 With the consultation of Ali, Umar introduced a separate
Islamic Calendar.
 Establishment of the prison system.
 Conducted the first census.
 Established the Police Department.
 Workers were hired on salaries for collaboration among
different departments.
 The Islamic Empire was administratively divided into various
provinces.
 New cities were developed.
 Department of irrigation was developed and several canals
were dug.
 Establishment of the finance department which was responsible
for collecting the land revenue, taxes and zakat.
 Bureau of Trade was established. Furthermore, rules and
regulations were made for the traders.
 Umar used to patrol at night to inquire about the public
condition.
 80

 Umar introduced an inscriber in every department who noted

the government orders for the department.
 He laid the foundation of the education system and fixed
monthly allowances for institutions and teachers.
 The government was made responsible for the care of the
orphans, lost and homeless children and stipends were fixed
for this purpose.
 Daily allowances were fixed for not only the poor and needy
Muslims but also for the poor Jews and Christians.
 Umar introduced the system of Trusts.
 Lodges were constructed from Makkah to Madina for the
rest of the travellers.
 Guest houses were made in every city for the travellers.
 Initiated educational activities in the mosques. Also
arrangements were made to light up the mosques at night.
 Initiated the congregational Taravih20 salat.
 Punishment of eighty whips was fixed for consuming
alcohol.
 Zakat was made mandatory on horses used for trade
purposes. However, there was no zakat on horses used for
personal riding.
 Umar developed consensus on having four Takbirs21 in the
funeral salat.

EXPANSION OF THE ISLAMIC EMPIRE

The historians state that the expansion Islamic Empire received
in the reign of Umar is incomparable. Over thousand cities and
thirty-six hundred towns were conquered which altogether make
twenty-five lakh square miles. Most of the independent Muslim

20
The prayer offered at night in Ramadan before keeping the next day fast. Before the era
of Umar, the Muslims offered it individually. He initiated congregational Taravih prayer
led by an imam.
21
Takbir means to say “Allahu Akbar-Allah is the Greatest” while raising hands to the
ears in the beginning of the salat.
 81

countries of the present era were conquered in the reign of Umar,

such as: Iraq, Basra, Haifa, Iran, Ctesiphon, Egypt, Syria,
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Khuzestan, Kerman, Sistan, Khorasan,
Alexandria, Makran (Sindh), Aden, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon,
Tripoli, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, South East
Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kuwait, Bahrain,
Sudan. Umar not only conquered two superpowers of that time
(Persian and Roman Empires) but his golden rules on morality
and equality also inspired numerous people from these countries
to embrace Islam.
Of all the victories, the conquest of al-Aqsa Mosque is the
golden and unique victory in the history of Islam. When Umar
arrived near Jerusalem, the people saw that a slave was riding
camel while Umar was holding the reins of the camel and was
wearing patched clothes. On seeing this, the priests of Jerusalem
gave keys of al-Aqsa Mosque to Umar.
There is a similar incident that once the ambassador of Rome
came to Madina. He inquired from the locals, “Where is your
king and his palace?” They replied, “We neither have a king nor
a palace. However, we have the Leader of the Believers. Right
now he is carrying mud to do labour which is his source of
income. He rests under the shade of the wall of the nearby
mosque.” The Roman ambassador went to Umar and said, “Are
you the man whose grandeur frightens the greatest kings of the
world? O Umar! You did justice that is why you are able to sleep
on the hot sand while our emperors tyrannized, therefore even
silk beddings are not comfortable enough to help them sleep.”
The victories of Umar are very impressive and praiseworthy. He
had the most important role in propagation of Islam after Prophet
Mohammad. The speed with which he spread Islam around the
world is matchless. In fact, the regions of the world where Islam
is practised today is because of Umar. Many countries that were
conquered in the reign of Umar are still the Islamic states and are
 82

ruled by Muslims. The spread of Islam in such a vast area of the

world is definitely because of Prophet Mohammad but the
contribution of Umar in progression of Islam to such a great
extent cannot be overlooked. It was due to his incomparable
leadership that many strong and centuries old non-Muslim
empires came under the rule of Muslims. A famous Christian
writer of Lebanon, Jurji Zaydan writes while admiring the
victories, grandeur and majesty of Umar:
“In the golden era of Umar, he had victories over several
countries. The despotic empires were demolished. Due to these
victories, grand treasures of Persian and Roman Empires were
laid under the feet of his soldiers. Even then Umar spent a very
pious, simple and righteous life as a Caliph. He moulded himself
according to the modern and ever-changing needs of the era.
Therefore, no ruler could overlook his reforms in different fields.
He used to address large public gatherings in his old and patched
clothes. His actions always validated his words. The harmony in
his words and actions captivated people and made him their
favourite. He established the best code of conduct in his
administration and army. He closely supervised his governors
and generals and held them accountable. Even a great general
like Khalid ibn Walid was not spared from the accountability of
this pre-eminent ruler. He was honest, generous, impartial and
kind towards everyone. Even the non-Muslims got beneficence
from him.”
One of the European historians writes:
“Umar got prominence not because of extensive victories and his
unmatched majesty but due to his great humane character. Not
only is he an acclaimed leader but also a representative of the
high morals of Islam.”
 83

OPINIONS OF UMAR REGARDING THE

RULING MATTERS
Ayub ibn Musa narrates that Prophet Mohammad once said,
“Righteousness resides in the inward and sight of Umar and he is
the one who distinguishes between right and wrong. Allah has
kept a boundary between right and wrong through him.”
This is proved by the fact that many Quranic verses were
revealed according to Umar‟s opinion. For example, verses
regarding the order of veil, orders at the incident of the Holy
Prophet‟s abstinence from wives22, order of making the station of
Abraham as the prayer point, orders of prohibiting alcohol and
various other orders were implemented according to the opinion
of Umar. This can be verified from the following Hadith:
 Anas ibn Malik narrates that once Umar said, “My Lord
agreed with me on three things:
1. I said, „O Prophet! I wish we take the station of Abraham as
our praying place.‟ Hence came the revelation,
ًّ ََ ُ َّ ً َ َّ ّ ً َ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ
‫اس َو ا ۡمنا ؕ َو ات ِخذ ۡوا ِم ۡن ّمقا ِم ِا ۡب ّٰر ّٖہ َم ُم َصلی‬
ِ ‫ و ِاذ جعلنا البیت مثابۃ ل ِلن‬
(2:125)

22
Prophet Mohammad announced abstinence from all wives temporarily. This continued
for a month, thus some hypocrites spread the news that the Prophet had divorced his
wives. When Umar asked the Prophet about it he said, “My wives are demanding to
increase the amount of their personal expenses, which I cannot do.” The wives soon

ۡ ُّ َ ّٰ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َّ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ّ ۡ ُ ُّ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ
realized that they were at fault. The following verses were revealed in this regard:
ُ ُ ُ ُ َ َ
‫الدن َیا َو زِیۡن َت َہا ف َت َعالَی ۡ َس ا َم ّت ِۡعک َّن َو ا َس ّ ِر ۡحک َّن َس َر ًاحا‬ ‫اجک ِان کنـتس ت ِردن الحیوۃ‬ِ ‫ یایہا الن ِبی قل لِازو‬
َ َ ۡ ُ ّٰ ۡ َ َ ّ َّٰ َ َ َ ّٰ
ّٰ ّ َ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ّ َ ۡ ُ َّ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ً ۡ َ
﴾﴿ ‫الد َار الۡا ِخ َرۃ ف ِا ّن الل َہ ا َع ّد ل ِلمُ ۡح ِسن ِت ِمنک ّن ا ۡج ًرا َعظ ِۡی ًما‬ ‫ج ِمیلا﴿﴾ و ِان کنـتس ت ِردن اللہ و رسولہ و‬
)33:28,29(
Meaning: O (Esteemed) Prophet! Say to your wives, “If you long for the world and its
glitter, then come! I shall make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome
manner. But if you long for Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and the abode
of the hereafter, then surely Allah has prepared for the pious amongst you a tremendous
reward.” (33: 28,29)
 84

Meaning: And (remember) when We made this House (the

Kaaba) a central place for mankind to turn to (and assemble)
and a sanctuary for peace and (commanded,) „Make the
place, where Abraham stood, a place of prayer.‟ (2:125)
2. Second was about the veiling of women. I said, „O Prophet! I
wish you instruct your wives to observe purdah as good and
bad ones talk to them.‟ So the verse regarding it was
revealed.
3. When the wives of the Prophet unitedly made some demands
to him, the following verse was revealed exactly having the
same words that I said to them:
َۡ َۡۤ َ ُ ۡ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ۡ ۤ ُ
(66:5)‫اجا خی ًرا‬
ً ‫ َع ّٰسی َر ّبہ ِان طلقک ّن ان ّی ۡب ِدلہ از َو‬
Meaning: If he divorces you then it may well be that your
Lord will give him in your place better wives than
yourselves. (66:5)
Thus Allah favoured me through this verse.” (Bukhari 402)
(Further detail is mentioned in the Hadith section)

UMAR‟S JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

During his caliphate, Umar laid a lot of emphasis on
accountability. He often said, “Hold yourself accountable before
you are held accountable (by Allah). As self-accountability will
ease your requital on the day of judgement.” He added, “Prepare
yourself for the biggest court (the day of judgement) where none
of your actions would be concealed.”
An incomparable system of accountability was implemented in
the reign of Umar. The example of such system is not seen even
in the modern era. In fact, he himself faced accountability many
times. He put so much emphasis on justice, equality and control
of desires that people and governors were afraid of his
accountability. The public could fearlessly file complaints against
the authorities. When complaint against any governor reached
 85

Umar, he responded right away by calling him in his court. He

did not hesitate to punish that governor if on investigation he
turned out to be at fault. He had strictly instructed his governors
to serve and facilitate the public. He ordered them, “Do not shut
the doors of your houses so a sorrowful person can easily
approach you for his needs. Do not ride on a Turkish horse
because it is a sign of pride and vanity. Do not wear thin silk
clothes and do not consume sieved flour.”
Whenever he appointed a governor for a state, a list of his assets
and wealth was made and kept as record in the office of the
caliphate. If the financial state of that governor drastically
changed during his term, he had to go through the process of
accountability.
It is written in Futuh al-Buldan23 that the first step in the
accountability was that at the appointment of any officer, a list of
his assets was made which was then examined every so often.
The assets were declared publicly at the time of appointment to
hold witnesses. It was also ensured that the state officers were
given enough stipend to fulfil their and their families‟ basic
needs. Their original assets were audited minutely to check for
any discrepancies.
According to a famous tradition, when Abu Hurairah was
appointed the governor of Bahrain and he was taking ten
thousand dirhams with him to Bahrain, Umar immediately
questioned him, “Where did you get this money from?” Abu
Hurairah replied, “I had some mares which aided in financial
gain.” His explanation was reasonable, thus was accepted. Then
Umar asked Abu Hurairah to leave for Bahrain, but he pardoned
by saying, “This is a huge responsibility. I am afraid, even if I

23
Futuh al-Buldan is a renowned book on the conquest of the countries, written in Arabic
by a Middle Eastern historian, Ahmad ibn Yahya al-Baladhuri. This book includes
geographical and political history along with events of the caliphate.
 86

unintentionally do injustice, I would not be spared from your

accountability.”
Umar ibn Khattab had ordained the governors and officers not to
enter Madina in the darkness of night rather enter in the morning
so people could see them.
The accountability of Umar was not limited to only financial
matters, but it actually included every aspect of life of the
officers. They were held accountable on their lifestyle, conduct
and socioeconomic values. Whenever Umar appointed someone
at an important post, he gave him special instructions and
ensured that he practically followed them. He focused on their
character building and also tried to spiritually enlighten their
souls with the Islamic norms and values.
During the pilgrimage days, Umar made public announcements,
offering people to reach out to him for any compliant against his
officials.
Once all the officials were in his court during pilgrimage days.
As usual he made a public announcement so people could reach
out to him for any complaints. A man said, “O Leader of the
Believers! Your officer Amr ibn al-As struck me though I was
not at fault.” Umar replied, “Get up and publicly take revenge
from him.” The conqueror and governor of Egypt, Amr ibn al-As
said, “O Umar! Your such order will disgrace the governors.”
Umar replied, “For me every individual has the same respect and
dignity. I have witnessed Prophet Mohammad permitting
retaliation from his sacred self (to set an example of justice and
equality).” Amr ibn al-As settled the matter with the man by
offering him a gold coin for one strike.
Umar often directed his governors through his sermons. Once
during a sermon, he said, “Remember! People follow their ruler
until he follows Allah‟s ordain. When the leader diverts from the
ordain of Allah then people also kick over the traces and rebel. If
 87

the ruler is depraved and corrupt, the public becomes more

wayward.”
Often in gatherings some opinionated people would criticize Umar.
However, Umar was never rude towards them. He handled critics
very well.
 Umar deposed Khalid ibn Walid from the post of
commander. While travelling to Syria when he talked about
it in a gathering, a man said, “Umar! You did not do justice.
You dismissed the commander whom Prophet Mohammad
had appointed. It is like putting the sword back in scabbard
that the Holy Prophet had taken out. You envied your cousin
and were not compassionate towards him.” Even after
hearing such rude comments of the man, Umar did not lose
his composure and politely gave reasons of his decision.
Such actions of Umar encouraged people to fearlessly question
their rulers and hold them accountable.
 One day, Umar while addressing the gathering said, “What
will you do if I incline towards the world and do injustice?”
One man took out his sword from the scabbard and said,
“We will course-correct you with the sword.” Umar then
said, “Thanks to Allah that there are such men in my nation
who will put me right if I ever go wayward.” This implies
that he wanted people to recognize that it is up to the nation
to ensure that their ruler remains on the right track, they
should keep watch on his actions and hold him accountable.
Umar believed that the accountability of the ruler must not
be limited to him only but his family members should also
be included in it.
 About the accountability of the Caliph, Umar said,
“Government is answerable to the nation. People can hold
their leader accountable rather they should do so periodically
because he is not just appointed by Allah that he is
answerable to Him only (This means people have elected
 88

him so he is answerable for his actions to them as well).

Undoubtedly, everyone is answerable to Allah for his actions
but when an incumbent is elected by people on their
goodwill then he is in fact their guide. If he surpasses his
limits, then people should rectify him. More the people are
determined to hold their ruler accountable, better the ruler
would be. Contrarily, if this determination diminishes in
people, it results in the downfall of not just the ruler but the
nation as well.”
It did not matter whether someone was old or young, rich or
poor, incumbent or elector, everybody was equal in the court of
Umar. During accountability, everyone had to stand in the dock
in the court whether he was governor, ruler or any office holder.
There are several examples of accountability and justice of Umar
among which one is as follows:
 It is narrated by Anas ibn Malik that he was sitting with
Umar when an Egyptian came to him and said, “I have come
to seek refuge in your court.” Umar asked, “Why, what
happened to you?” The man replied, “The governor Amr ibn
al-As sent some horses to Egypt. I also got one of the horses.
The remarkable beauty of my horse got people‟s attention
and admiration. The son of governor, Mohammad ibn Amr
ibn al-As said, „I Swear to the Lord of Kaaba! This horse is
mine.‟ When he passed by me, I repeated his words (in denial
of giving him the horse) „Swear to the Lord of Kaaba! This
horse is mine.‟ On hearing this, Mohammad bin Amr ibn al-As
started beating me horrendously. He hollered as he continued
to strike me, “I dare you to take this horse. Don‟t you know I
belong to the elite class?”
The Egyptian had barely finished his complaint that Umar
said, “You can have a seat.” Immediately after that he wrote
these words to the governor of Egypt, “Leave for Madina
along with your son as soon as you receive this letter.”
 89

Amr ibn al-As called his son and inquired, “Son! Did
something happen or did you commit a sin? Why Umar has
mentioned your name (in the letter)?”
Anyways, both father and son rushed to Madina. Anas ibn
Malik relates, “We were in the company of Umar when Amr
ibn al-As arrived. We witnessed that Umar‟s eyes were
looking for his son, Mohammad ibn Amr. He was behind his
father. Umar asked, „Where is that Egyptian?‟ The Egyptian
responded, „I am here.‟ Umar then ordered him, „Grab the
whip and strike this spoiled brat.‟ The Egyptian started
striking the son of Amr ibn al-As. He groaned in pain but
Umar commanded to continue to beat him until he started
bleeding. Then Umar said:
“You went through this (pain) because of your father. Had
he not gotten the incumbency, you would not have struck the
Egyptian.”
On this the spoiled brat said, “O Leader of the Believers!
What if he struck me, I have already hit him.” On this Umar
was outraged and said, “Regardless, if you beat him again, I
will take strict action against you and ultimately you shall
have to surrender to him.”
This is the conversation Umar had with the son, while the
conversation with the father made history. Umar addressed
the governor and said, “O Amr! Since when you started
treating humans like slaves. Humans are born independent
from the womb of their mothers.”
Then Umar addressed the Egyptian and said, “You can return
home with the peace of mind that you are safe and let me
know right away if you are assaulted again.”
Umar always did justice. In this regard he was strict and fair
not only with public but also with his family. Ismail narrates
from Mohammad ibn Abi Waqas:
 90

 When Umar received some scent from Bahrain, he said,

“How nice it would be if a woman weighs the pieces of scent
precisely so we could fairly distribute it among the
Muslims.” His wife Atiqa bint Zayd said, “I am very precise
in weighing. Allow me to weigh the scents.” Umar did not
agree, upon which Atiqa asked why she could not do it.
Umar said, “I am afraid you will wear it like this.” Then he
slid his fingers through his temples. He added, “Also you
will rub the scent on your neck. In this way I may get more
scent compared to my fellow Muslims.”
 Atara says, “When we received scents, we would sell them
and deposit money in the treasury. Umar used to keep these
scents and other valuable items with his wife who would
then sell them. One day Umar‟s wife sold a small amount of
scent to me. While weighing she had to frequently adjust the
quantity of scent, while doing so some sweet scent was left
on her fingers. She licked her fingers and then wiped them
with the corner of her scarf. When Umar entered the house,
he noticed the corner of her scarf was aromatic. He asked,
„What aroma is this?‟ His wife clarified the whole situation.
Umar said, „Oh! In other words you have been relishing the
scents of the treasury.‟ After saying that he started wiping
the corner of her scarf with water. Even then he was not
satisfied and rubbed the scented corner of the scarf along the
ground to ensure the scent dissipates from it.”
Atara relates another incident, “Once I went to the wife of
Umar. Yet again a little bit of something was left on her
fingers when she was weighing it. I wanted to get the little
bit of that as well. It was sweet so unconsciously she licked
her fingers, however, instantly she rubbed her hands against
the ground. I surprisingly stopped her and asked why she did
that. She replied, „Don‟t you remember what he (Umar) did
to me last time, it got me in trouble‟.”
 91

PATROLLING AT NIGHT
Umar used to meet people and hear out their concerns during the
day while at night he patrolled around to watch their condition
himself. Umar often said, “I am scared that Allah will hold me
accountable on the day of judgement even if a dog dies hungry at
the bank of river Euphrates.”
 Anas ibn Malik says that one night Umar was patrolling
around to witness the condition of his people. He happened
to pass by a bedouin who was sitting outside his camp. Umar
could hear someone sobbing in pain inside the camp. He
stopped and asked the man what was the matter? The man
replied that his wife was in labour. On hearing this, Umar
immediately went to his wife Umm Kulthum and said,
“There is a pious deed awaiting! If you like to be a part of it
then take the essential items and come along, a traveller‟s
wife is in labour pain.” Umar‟s wife gladly agreed to go with
him to help that woman. He took her to the camp and asked
the man, “Do you permit this woman to go to your wife and
comfort her?” He allowed her in. Meanwhile, Umar stayed
with the bedouin and chatted. After some time, they heard
the voice of Umar‟s wife from inside uttering, “O Leader of
the Believers! Give the good news of birth of a baby boy to
your companion.” The bedouin got nervous on knowing that
he was with the Caliph so he drew back. Umar comforted the
man and said, “Brother! Keep sitting at your place.” Then he
advised the man to see him the next morning. When the man
went to see Umar in the morning, he issued allowance for
the child and sent him home with a lot of commodities.
 Zayd ibn Aslam narrates that per his routine, Umar was
patrolling one night. He saw a lady in her shack who was
surrounded by children bawling and crying. A pot filled with
water was boiling on the stove. Umar went in front of her
shack and asked, “O woman! Why are the children crying?”
 92

She replied that they were hungry. Then Umar inquired

about the pot on the stove. She said, “I have put pot filled
with water on the stove to trick them so they are comforted
and may fall asleep.” Umar started crying bitterly. Then he
went to the house of treasury and started stuffing a large bag
with flour, butter, dates, clothes, dirhams and other essentials
until it was completely full. Then he said to Zayd ibn Aslam,
“Put this sack on my shoulders.” Zayd ibn Aslam offered to
carry the bag. Umar replied, “Will you also answer on my
behalf on the day of judgement?” Then Umar carried
everything himself to the woman‟s shack. He took the pot
from the woman, put ingredients in it and placed the pot on
fire himself and kept on blowing the fire to keep it going
until the food was cooked. Then he himself fed the children
until they were satiated and fell asleep. The grateful woman
then said, “May Allah bless you! You deserve to be the
Caliph more than Umar.” He told the woman, “Go to the
Caliph in the morning, I will be there as well, and will get
you the monthly allowance for your children.”

RICH AND POOR WERE EQUAL TO UMAR

A famous Christian ruler of Syria, Jabalah ibn al-Aiham converted
to Islam. While he was circumambulating Kaaba, someone
accidently stepped over a corner of his shawl. Jabalah slapped
him but the other man slapped him back. Jabalah complained to
Umar who told him, “You got what you gave.” Jabalah was
proud of his sovereignty, therefore he said, “I belong to the class
that the person disrespectful towards us is bound to be killed.”
Umar replied, “Yes that was the case in the times of ignorance,
but Islam has given equality to the superior and the inferior.”
Jabalah said, “If Islam is the religion which does not distinguish
between the status of rich and poor (treats both equal) then I am
 93

better off being an infidel.” Umar did not bother about him since
religion was above some big-headed chief.

DROPPED JIZYA (TAX) FOR OLD AND

NEEDY
Once Umar was passing by a street and saw an old blind man
begging. He put a hand on his shoulder and asked, “Which
religion do you belong to and why are you begging?” He replied,
“I am a Jew. Since I am handicaped and deprived, I have to beg
so I can pay jizya24.” Umar held his hand, brought him home and
gave him whatever funds he could. Then he called the treasury
officer and ordered him to find other needy non-Muslims like the
Jew. He said, “By God! This is not fair that we take jizya from
them when they are young but put them in misery of begging
when they get old.” Later on, Umar exempted jizya for all old
and needy people.

ALLOWANCE FOR THE NEWBORN

Once Umar saw a baby crying. He directed the mother to feed
the child. After some time, he passed by again and saw that the
baby was still crying. He angrily said to the mother, “What a
cruel mother are you!” She said, “You are scolding me without
knowing the fact. Actually, per Umar‟s instructions children are
not eligible for allowance until they stop the breastfeed. The
child is crying because I am trying to stop his breastfeed so he
can be eligible for the allowance from the treasury.” On hearing
this, Umar went in a surge of deep grief and said, “O Umar!
How many kids must have suffered because of you!” Later that

24
Jizya is an Arabic term which refers to the yearly tax (instead of zakat) historically
levied on the non-Muslims, permanently residing in Muslim lands governed by Islamic
law.
 94

day, he announced to initiate allowances for kids from their birth

day.

HOMELESS CHILDREN WERE

RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT
In Umar‟s reign, the rights of waif and homeless children were
secured by the treasury. Therefore, when orphans, abandoned or
homeless were found, they were brought to Umar. He fixed the
allowance of hundred dirhams for that child in addition to its
food and other basic needs. Every month the appointed guardian
of the child could collect the allocated allowance from the
treasury. Umar himself went to see those children annually to
ensure their appropriate care and upbringing. He advised their
guardians to be kind towards them.

UMAR ON WOMEN‟S RIGHTS

 Once Umar announced while sitting on the pulpit of Prophet
Mohammad, “The mehr25 given to the woman must be under
four hundred dirhams because if our objective is to be
generous and increase our eminence and ranks by paying it
then obviously we would never be able to reach the exalted
rank and status of Prophet Mohammad.” Umar stepped down
from the pulpit after saying this. A woman from Quraish
stopped him and said, “O Leader of the Believers! You order
that women‟s mehr should not be more than four hundred
dirhams but does not your order contradict the verse twenty
of sura an-Nisa? The verse says that the gifts given to
women regardless of worth are their property even at the
time of separation. Man should not find excuses to get it
back.” Umar exclaimed, “May Allah forgive me! Everyone

25
Mehr is a mandatory payment, in the form of money or possessions paid by the groom
to the bride at the time of marriage, that legally becomes her property.
 95

understands the religious matters better than me.” Afterwards,

Umar allowed to give mehr over four hundred dirhams if
someone wished to or gift other valuables to women. One of
the narrations also quote the following saying of Umar:
“O Allah! I am thankful to You that in the Muslim umma
there exist such women who can hold Umar accountable for
an erroneous order.”
 Sa‟ib ibn Jubayr narrates that once Umar was patrolling at
night and he heard a woman was reciting couplets about the
distress in separation. After some time, the woman said,
“Umar will not know no matter how much misery I may go
through. He does not know what agony I go through being
far from my husband.” Hearing this melted Umar‟s heart.
Then he said, “May Allah have mercy on you.” He aided her
financially and passed the order of sending soldiers home for
vacation every six months.

INDIGENCE OF UMAR
 Once Umar was addressing while on the pulpit and said, “O
people listen to what I am telling you and obey me.” He had
just finished his first sentence, meanwhile a bedouin stood
up and said in a very daring tone, “We will neither listen to
you nor obey you.” Umar quickly stepped down from his
pulpit and reached him to inquire, “What happened? Why do
you neither want to listen to me nor obey me?” The bedouin
once again replied boldly, “You espoused worldliness. You
distributed one Yemeni shawl per head to everyone else, but
you kept two for yourself.” Some narrations say it was a
shirt stitched out of two shawls because Umar was very tall.
On hearing this Umar asked, “Where is my son Abdullah?”
“I am here!” Said Abdullah present in the crowd. Umar said,
“Tell the people especially the complaining person about
these shawls.” Abdullah replied, “One shawl belongs to the
 96

Leader of Believers and the second one belongs to me.”

Then Umar addressed the bedouin, “You hasted in protesting
without knowing the truth. I had washed my only shirt. It
was still wet, and I could not come out of my house in one
shawl therefore I borrowed the other shawl from my son
which he has verified.” The bedouin was satisfied on hearing
this explanation so he said, “Now speak, we will listen as
well as obey you.” Ah! The leader of Muslims and such an
impecunious state!
 Ali ibn Abi Talib says about Umar‟s clothing, “Once I saw
thirty-one patches of leather and one patch of cloth on
Umar‟s dress.” Anas said, “I saw four patches in between the
shoulder of Umar‟s shirt.”
 Abdullah ibn Abbas narrates, “Once I went to see Umar. He
was headed somewhere riding on a mule, therefore I
accompanied him. Umar was wearing a long shirt (Kameez)
with tehmad26. The tehmad was so shrunk that it was
reaching above the shin. I asked him why his tehmad was
so? He replied, “This is because it is the only outfit I have
and it takes time to dry every time I wash it.”

COMPASSION FOR OTHERS

Umar was very compassionate, empathetic and comprehending
person. He was very pious and feared Allah to an extent that he
would pat a camel and say, “Allah will question me about you
too on the day of judgement.” He attentively listened when
people were talking to him and pondered over the matter to fully
understand it. Once he saw a camp on his way back from a far-
off place. When he reached near the camp, he saw an elderly
woman inside. Umar had this interesting dialogue with the old
lady:

26
A large piece of cloth tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs.
 97

Umar: Do you know how is Umar?

Old lady: I have heard that he has set out from Syria. Neither I
know more about him, nor do I care to know.
Umar: Why is that?
Old lady: Why would I want to learn about someone who does
not care to learn about my condition?
Umar: Did you inform Umar about your condition?
Old lady: This is not my job, this is Umar‟s job.
Umar: How could Umar be aware of your condition from so far
away?
The old lady‟s response to this is worth pondering. She said, “If
Umar cannot be cognizant of the condition of his citizens then he
should not be their leader.” Umar‟s eyes filled with tears
whenever he recalled this incident. He used to say, “That old
lady from Syria taught me how to be a true leader.” This is why
once Umar said, “If I stay alive then I will travel throughout the
year to find out the condition of my citizens, as people from far
off places cannot reach me and I cannot validate whether my
subordinates are keeping me well informed of the needs of every
citizen or not. I will visit Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Basra and stay at
each place for two months so I can find out the condition of their
inhabitants myself.”

MIRACLES
There are many miracles of Umar ibn Khattab that are found in
the traditions:
 Umar appointed Sariyah to lead an army. While the army
laid siege to the gate of Nahavand, he faced great difficulty.
Muslims were outnumbered and were about to face defeat.
 98

At that time Umar was delivering a sermon in Madina during

which he loudly said thrice:

‫یا ساریہ الجبل‬ 

Meaning: O Sariyah! Head towards the mountain.
When a messenger from the army came to Madina, Umar
asked about the detail of the war. He told, “During the fight,
we were about to face defeat when we heard a voice, „O
Sariyah! Head towards the mountain!‟ Hence we headed
towards the mountain and eventually the enemy lost the
war.” The messenger added, “No doubt! That voice was yours.”
(Bayhaqi 2655, Suyuti 28657, Mishkat 5954)

 Umar appointed Amr ibn al-As as the governor of Egypt. In

those times there was a custom in Egypt that a young virgin
was thrown in the river Nile every year. When Amr objected
on this custom, people said, “O governor! The Nile will not
flow otherwise.” However, Amr did not allow saying that
Islam does not permit such superstitious acts. For some days,
the Nile did not flow at all and people thought of migrating.
Then Amr ibn al-As wrote to Umar who wrote back, “You
have done right. I have sent you a piece of paper in this
letter, throw it into the Nile.” When Amr received the letter,
he took the piece of paper on which was written:
“From the slave of Allah and Leader of the Believers to the
Nile of people! If the decision of flowing is up to you, then
do not flow, for we do not need you. But if you flow by the
command of Allah, the One, Who makes you flow, then we
ask Allah to make you flow.”
Amr threw the piece of paper into the Nile and the very next
day the people of Egypt found that Nile was flowing to a
depth of sixteen cubits. (Al-Bidayah wa an-Nihayah)
 Once, an earthquake hit Madina. Umar took his whip and
lashed the earth two or three times with full force and said,
 99

“Halt O earth! Has Umar not maintained justice on you that

you are shaking?” Immediately, the earthquake stopped. It is
said that afterwards Madina was never hit with earthquake
during the reign of Umar.
Suyuti mentions in his book Tareekh al-Khulafa:
 In the year 17 AH, Umar expanded the Prophet‟s Mosque.
That year there was a drought in Hijaz. It was named the
Year of Cinders (Am al-Ramada). Umar prayed for rain by
means of the Prophet‟s uncle Abbas. Ibn Sa‟d narrates from
Niyar al-Aslami that when Umar came out to pray for rain,
he was wearing the cloak of the Holy Prophet. Ibn Awn
narrates, “Umar took Abbas‟s hand and raised it up saying,
„O Allah! We ask You by means of Your Prophet‟s uncle
that drive away from us the drought and water us with rain‟.”
(Tareekh al-Khulafa p.140)

As soon as Umar finished the prayer, it started raining.

These are some of the famous miracles of Umar. The world got
the beneficence of Islam through Umar for ten years. His reign is
famous for justice and fairness with people around the world.

THE MAN OF DIVINE INSPIRATION

The ultimate honour of Umar is to be an inspired person. It refers
to the person with enlightened conscience upon whose inward
Divine secrets that are not known to others are revealed by
Allah. He then conveys them to others. In Majma al-Bihar, a
lexicon of Hadith, it is written, “Inspired man is the one upon
whom Allah discloses a secret, then he through the light of
sagacity, conveys it to others. Only those are blessed with this
rank whom Allah bestows.”
 Abu Salama heard from Aisha bint Abi Bakr, who heard
from Prophet Mohammad, “There had been inspired persons
 100

among the past nations and in my umma, Umar is bestowed

with this status.” (Muslim 6204)
 Abu Salama narrates a Hadith from Abdul Rehman who
heard it from Abu Hurairah that the Holy Prophet said, “In
the previous eras, different umma had people who were
blessed with inspirational knowledge and in my umma,
Umar is the blessed one to receive inspiration.”
Six authentic books of Hadiths have narrated this tradition, but
Bukhari has narrated it in these words:
 There were some people among the children of Israel who were
inspired although they were not Prophets. In Mohammadan
umma this status is granted to Umar. (Bukhari 3689)

EXCELLENCE OF UMAR IN THE

COURT OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD
 Anas ibn Malik relates that a Companion asked Prophet
Mohammad, “When will the day of judgement arrive?” The
Prophet asked him, “Have you prepared for it?” The
Companion replied, “I have no (good) deed of my own,
except that I love Allah and His Prophet Mohammad. Then
the Holy Prophet said, “On the day of judgement, you will
accompany the one you love.”
Anas ibn Malik says that they did not cherish any news as much
as they revered this saying of the Holy Prophet, “You will
accompany the one you love.” Anas ibn Malik added, “I love the
Holy Prophet, Abu Bakr and Umar. Thus, I hope because of my
love for them I will be amidst them. Although my deeds are not
as good as theirs.” (Agreed upon Hadith)
The Companions loved Abu Bakr and Umar due to their exalted
status in the court of Prophet Mohammad.
 101

 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates, “People gathered around the

sacred body of Umar during his funeral. Everyone was
praising and praying for him. People were paying salutations
to him before his burial. I was also among them. Suddenly
someone put his hand on my shoulder from behind. I was
shocked, I turned around immediately. It was Ali ibn Abi
Talib. He sought blessings for Umar and (addressing Umar‟s
sacred body) he said, „(O Umar!) There is no one after you
whose virtues I would like to adhere to, before I meet Allah.
I am sure that Allah will keep you with your two friends (the
Holy Prophet and Abu Bakr) as I often heard the Prophet
saying, „Abu Bakr, Umar and I came. Abu Bakr, Umar and I
entered. Abu Bakr, Umar and I left.‟ I am sure that Allah
will bless you with the company of your both friends.”
(Bukhari 3685)

 Jabir ibn Abdullah narrates a tradition that Umar ibn Khattab

addressed Abu Bakr Siddiq as, “O the best person after
Prophet Mohammad!” Abu Bakr replied, “If you call me so
then listen, I have also heard Prophet Mohammad saying,
„The sun has not risen upon any person who is better than
Umar‟.” (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)
 Abdullah bin Hisham narrates that they were with Prophet
Mohammad, and he had held the hand of Umar. Umar said,
“O Prophet of Allah! I endear you more than everything
except my life.” Prophet Mohammad replied, “I swear by
Allah Who has the possession of my life! No one amongst
you can be a believer until he endears me more than his life.”
The effect of this statement spiritually elevated Umar, thus
he said, “O Prophet of Allah! Now I endear you more than
my life.” Prophet Mohammad said, “O Umar! Your faith is
now perfected.” (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)
 102

 Uqbah ibn Amir relates that Prophet Mohammad said, “If

there was to be a Prophet after me, it would have been
Umar.” (Tirmidhi 3686, Mustadrak 4495, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)
 Abu Sa„id al-Khudri relates that Prophet Mohammad said,
“If Allah had intended to send a Prophet after me, surely it
had been Umar.” (Imam Haithmi says that this tradition was reported
by Tabarani)

 Mohammad ibn Sa‟d relates from his father Sa‟d ibn Abi
Waqqas that Umar took permission from the Prophet to enter
his house while some women of Quraish were talking to the
Prophet in loud voices. However, when they saw Umar they
went behind the curtain. The Prophet gently smiled. Umar
said, “O Prophet Mohammad! May Allah keep you smiling
all your life.” The Prophet said, “I am astonished at these
women. They were talking to me but disappeared behind the
curtain as soon as they heard your voice.” Umar replied, “O
Prophet! You deserve that they must fear you more than
anyone else.” Then Umar said to the women, “O the enemies
of yourselves! You fear from me but not the Prophet?” They
said, “You are stricter than the Prophet.” Then Prophet
Mohammad said, “O Umar! I swear by Allah Who has my
life, if Satan would come across you, undoubtedly, he would
change his path.” (Muslim 6202)
 Buraida relates a tradition that the Prophet came back from
one of his expeditions. A black slave girl came to the Prophet
and said, “O Prophet! I vowed to beat the tambourine and sing
on your safe return.” He said, “Beat it if you have vowed
otherwise do not.” She started beating tambourine.
Meanwhile Abu Bakr Siddiq came. Afterwards Ali ibn Abi
Talib came while she was beating it, then Usman ibn Affan
came and she kept beating it. As soon as Umar came she
stopped beating and sat on the tambourine. The Prophet said,
“O Umar! Certainly, Satan is afraid of you (let alone this
 103

woman). She was beating tambourine in my presence, then

Abu Bakr came but she kept beating it. She did not stop even
when Ali and Usman came. O Umar! She stopped only when
you came.” (Tirmidhi 3690)
 Aisha bint Abi Bakr relates, “Once the Prophet was sitting
with me, meanwhile, we heard the voices of some children.
The Prophet stood to see it. In fact there was a black woman
who was dancing in the street and the children had
surrounded her. He said, „O Aisha! Come here and see.‟ I
went and gently put my chin on his shoulder to watch her.
Then he said to me, „Have you watched amply?‟ I said no to
check my importance for him. Meanwhile Umar came and
all dispersed. The Prophet said, „I am watching the jinns and
human devils running away from Umar.‟ Then I returned.”
(Tirmidhi 3691, Nisai)

 Sadisa, maid of Hafsa bint Umar, relates that the Holy Prophet
said, “Indeed, Satan passes by Umar with his head down
since the day Umar has accepted Islam.” (Tabarani, Nisai)
 Abd al-Rahman ibn Hameed relates from his father who
heard it from Sa'id ibn Zayd that the Holy Prophet said, “Ten
Companions are promised paradise. Abu Bakr is granted
paradise, Umar is granted paradise, Usman is granted paradise,
Ali is granted paradise.” (This Hadith proceeds with names
of rest of the Companions.) (Tirmidhi 3748, Nisai)
 Sa'id ibn Zayd said, “I testify for nine men who are granted
paradise. I will not be sinful if I name the tenth one as well.”
Someone inquired, “Who are they?” He told that he was
accompanying the Prophet at Mount Hira. The Prophet said,
“Be firm, Hira! There is no one upon you other than the
Prophet, the truthful or the martyrs.” Then someone asked,
“Who were they?” He replied, “The Prophet, Abu Bakr
Siddiq, Umar ibn Khattab, Usman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi
Talib, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, Zubayr ibn al-Awam, Sa'd ibn
 104

Abi Waqqas and Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf.” Again someone

asked, “Who is the tenth?” He replied, “I am.” (Tirmidhi 3757,
Nisai)

 Ubayy ibn Ka'b relates a tradition that the Prophet said,

“Umar will be the first one with whom Allah will shake
hands and greet with salutations. Umar will be the first
person whom Allah will hold hand and send to paradise.”
(Ibn Majah 104, Mustadrak)

 Anas ibn Malik relates that once Prophet Mohammad asked

his Companions, “Who offered the funeral prayer today?”
Umar replied, “I have.” Then Prophet Mohammad said,
“Who attended a sick person today?” Umar again said, “I
have.” The Holy Prophet then asked, “Who gave sadaqah
(charity) today?” Umar again replied positive. When the
Holy Prophet asked, “Who kept fast today?” Umar‟s response
again was a yes. On this Prophet Mohammad said twice,
“Paradise is mandatory on Umar!” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal,
Ibn Abi Shaybah)

 Abu Hurairah narrates that Prophet Mohammad said, “Umar

is the light of the residents of paradise.” (Abu Nu’aym, Daylami)
 Abdullah ibn Umar relates from Umar as saying, “My Lord
favoured me on three occasions which are regarding the
station of Abraham, veiling of women and the prisoners of
Badr.” (Muslim 6206)
 Abdullah ibn Umar relates a tradition that the Prophet said,
“Definitely Allah has put the truth upon the tongue and the
inward of Umar.” Abdullah ibn Umar says, “Whenever any
opinion was shared on a matter among the people and Umar,
Quran was always revealed according to the opinion of
Umar.” (Tirmidhi 3682)
 It was the time when prohibition of wine was not announced.
Umar ibn Khattab prayed, “O Allah! Guide us clearly about
wine.” Therefore the following verse was revealed:
 105

ۡ َ ۡ ۤ ُ ۡ َۡ َ َ ُ
)2:279( ‫ل فِ ۡی ِہمَا ِاث ٌم ک ِبی ٌر‬
ۡ ‫ یَ ۡسـَلوۡنک َعن الخ ۡمر َو المَ ۡی ِس ِرؕ ق‬
ِ ِ
Meaning: They ask you about alcohol and gambling. Say,
“Major sin lies in both of them.” (2:219)
Then Umar was called. The verse was recited in front of
him. He again said, “O Allah! Guide us clearly regarding
wine.” Then the following verse was revealed:
ّٰ َُۡ َ َ َۡ َ ُ َّ ُ َ
ّ ‫ ٰۤیا ّی َہا ال ِذیۡ َن ّٰا َمنوۡا لا تق َربُوا‬
)4:43( ‫الص ّٰلوۃ َو انت ۡم ُسک ّٰری‬
Meaning: O believers! Do not go near prayer in a drunken
state. (4:43)
Then again Umar was called. The verse was recited in front
of him. He again said, “O Allah! Guide us your ultimate
decision regarding wine.” So the verse was revealed:
ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ّ ۡ َ ُ ّٰ ۡ َ ّ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ّ
‫ فِی الخ ۡمرِ َو المَ ۡی ِس ِر َو‬:‫ٓا‬‫ ِانما یرِید الشیطن ان یوقِع بینکم العداوۃ و البغض‬
ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ّٰ َ ّ َ َ ّّٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ّ ُ َ
)5:97( ﴾﴿ ‫ل انت ۡم ّمن َت ُہوۡ َن‬ ‫یصدکم عن ِذک ِر الل ِہ و ع ِن الصلو ِۃ فہ‬
Meaning: Satan seeks only to breed enmity and spite
amongst you by means of wine and gambling and hinder you
from the invocation of Allah and observing prayer. Will you
abstain (from these evil-generating temptations)? (5:91)
Umar said, “We abstained.” (Abu Dawud 3670, Tirmidhi, Nisai,
Mustadrak)

 Jabir ibn Abdullah relates that Ali ibn Abi Talib came to
Umar ibn Khattab who was wearing a shawl. Ali ibn Abi
Talib said to him, “May Allah bless you.” Then he added,
“There is no one dearer to me than the one in the shawl.
Allah reveals His verses considering his opinion.” (Mustadrak,
Ibn Abi Shaybah)

 Mujahid ibn Jabr relates, “Whenever Umar gave an opinion,

Allah revealed verses according to it.” (Ibn Abi Shaybah)
 106

 Imam Ash-Shabi relates that when following words of Umar

ibn Khattab were narrated in front of Ali ibn Abi Talib, “I
am inspired that I shall conquer any enemy I confront,” he
said, “It is not difficult for us to believe it as peace manifests
from his existence. Many instructions in the Quran are
revealed according to the opinion of Umar ibn Khattab.” (Ibn
Asakir, al-Suyuti)

 Anas ibn Malik relates that Umar ibn Khattab said, “Allah
Almighty revealed verses regarding four things conforming
with my opinion. One of them is when the verse was
revealed:
ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َََۡ ََ
َ ‫ َو لق ۡد خلقنا الاِن َس‬
)23:12( ‫ان ِم ۡن ُس ّٰلل ٍۃ ِّم ۡن ِطی ٍس‬
Meaning: And indeed, We originated (the genesis of) man
from the extract of (chemical ingredients of) clay. (23:12).
I said, „Indeed Allah is the most Beneficent and the best
Creator.‟ Then correspondingly this verse was revealed:
ۡ ّٰ ۡ َ ّّٰ َ َ
)23:14( ‫ ف َت ّٰب َرک اللہُ ا ۡح َس ُن الخ ِل ِقی َس‬
Meaning: Allah, (the most Beneficent) is the Best of creators.”
(23:14) (Ibn Abi Hatim, Ibn Kathir, Qurtubi)

 Abdullah ibn Umar relates a tradition that Prophet Mohammad

said, “I dreamt that I was drawing water from a well with the
help of a bucket. Then Abu Bakr arrived and drew a bucket
or two but he faced difficulty. Allah may forgive him. (This
symbolizes the difficulties he faced in his caliphate to
suppress apostasy, deniers of zakat and false claimers of
Prophethood. The two and a half years of his caliphate went
by managing such impediments). After that Umar came.
Then the bucket turned into a very large one. I have never
seen anyone working so hard. (Umar was drawing water so
fast and so much that) not only all the people drank to their
 107

hearts‟ content but also watered their animals and took them
to their destination.” (Bukhari 3682)
 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet said, “In a dream
I drank so much milk that its freshness started exuding from
my nails. I gave rest of the milk to Umar.” The Companions
of the Prophet asked, “O Prophet! What do you interpret from
it?” He replied, “It depicts (esoteric and exoteric) knowledge.”
(Bukhari 82)

 Abu Sa„id al-Khudri relates that the Prophet said, “I had a

dream in which I came across some people who were wearing
shirts. Shirts of some people were so small that they were up
to their chests only while shirts of others were even shorter.
Umar ibn Khattab was wearing such a long shirt that he was
dragging it.” It was inquired, “O Prophet! What do you
interpret from it?” He replied, “It is his faith.” (Bukhari 23)
 Abu Hurairah relates that the Prophet said, “I dreamt that I
was present near a well with a leather bucket on a pulley. I
took water from the well as much as Allah wanted. After that
Abu Bakr took one bucket or two of water from it but he
faced difficulty. Allah may forgive him. Then this bucket
was converted into larger one. Umar ibn Khattab held that
bucket. I never saw a man with such strength. He drew out
so much water that even the camels drank water to their
satisfaction. Then people took their camels to the rest area.”
(Muslim 6192)

 Abu Hurairah relates that Prophet Mohammad said,

“Undoubtedly on the night of Arafah (second day of hajj)
Allah feels pride over his slaves especially on Umar ibn
Khattab.” (Tabarani, Ibn Abi Asim)
 Abdullah ibn Masud relates, “We felt heavenly peace from
the words of Umar ibn Khattab.” (Tabarani, Ibn Abi Shaybah,
Abu Nu’aym)
 108

 Ammar ibn Yasir relates that the Prophet said, “O Ammar!

Angel Gabriel came to me and I asked him the views of
inhabitants of heaven about the grandeur of Umar ibn
Khattab. Gabriel replied, „O Prophet! If I keep narrating you
the virtues of Umar ibn Khattab for the time equal to the age
of Prophet Noah even then his virtues cannot be explained.
Moreover Umar ibn Khattab is one of the virtues of Abu
Bakr Siddiq‟.” (Abu Ya’la, Tabarani)
 Salim Mawla Abu Hudhayfa relates that people of Najran
came to Ali ibn Abi Talib and said, “O Leader of the
Believers! You are responsible for your deeds and you have
authority to intercede. Umar ibn Khattab had exiled us from
our land, grant us permission to return to our land.” Ali ibn
Abi Talib replied, “You are evil. Undoubtedly Umar ibn
Khattab had done everything right, I shall not revert his
decision.” (Ibn Abi Shaybah)
 Abu Safar narrates that Ali ibn Abi Talib was often seen
wearing the same shawl. People asked him the reason of
wearing it so often. He replied, “Indeed, this shawl was
given to me by my beloved, sincere and special friend Umar
ibn Khattab. There is no doubt Umar had devoted himself to
Allah therefore He blessed him with special righteousness.”
Then Ali ibn Abi Talib started weeping. (Ibn Abi Shaybah)
 Aswad relates that Abdullah said, “When there is a discussion
about pious people, discuss Umar ibn Khattab first of all.”
(Ibn Abi Shaybah)

 Zayd ibn Wahab relates from Abdullah that Umar was

undoubtedly a strong fortress for Islam where it was secure.
However, when he was martyred Islam became vulnerable.
Thereafter it never entered such secure premises again
(thereafter umma has never been secure from the onslaught
of fitna). (Ibn Abi Shaybah)
 109

 Abu Wa‟il relates that Abdullah said, “I have always seen an

angel with Umar who rests in between his eyes and shows
him the right path.” (Ibn Abi Shaybah)
 Qudamah ibn Madh‟un says that Umar ibn Khattab and
Usman ibn Madh‟un were riding at the place called Athaya.
Prophet Mohammad was leading the caravan. Ride of Umar
pushed the ride of Usman ibn Madh‟un. Usman said to
Umar, “O averter of fitna! You have hurt me.” When they
stopped, Umar approached Usman ibn Madh‟un and asked,
“May Allah forgive you, why did you call me with this
name?” He replied, “By God! I am not the one who has
given you this name but the Prophet who is leading this army
today has blessed you with this name. O Umar! One day you
passed by us when we were sitting in the company of the
Prophet. While pointing towards you he said, „This man is
the averter of fitna.‟ He also said, „Till the time he is alive,
he is a sealed door between you and fitna‟.” (Tabarani)
 It is narrated by Abu Dhar al-Ghifari that once he met Umar.
Umar held his hand and shook it. As Umar was a strong
man, Abu Dhar al-Ghifari said to him, “O lock on the door
that would block fitna (‫ !)قفل الفتنۃ‬Leave my hand.” On this
Umar inquired, “What is this name?” Abu Dhar al-Ghifari
said, “One day I came to the Prophet. He was sitting
somewhere and people had gathered around him, I sat
behind them. The Prophet said, „Fitna cannot harm you as
long as he (Umar) is present amongst you‟.” (Tabarani)
 Umayr ibn Rabi‟ah relates that Umar ibn Khattab called
Ka‟b al-Ahbar and asked, “O Ka‟b! What does Torah say
about us?” He replied, “I find your description in Torah of
an iron horn.” Umar asked, “What does the iron horn refer
to?” He replied, “The leader with the best judgement who
does not fear criticism of the criticizers in the way of Allah.”
 110

Umar further asked, “What will happen after him?” He replied,

“After him, there will be a Caliph who will be killed by a
brutal group.” Umar then asked, “What will happen after
him?” He said, “There will be a test after him.” (Tabarani)
 Ubayy bin Ka‟b narrates that Prophet Mohammad once said,
“Angel Gabriel has told me that Islam should cry on the
death of Umar.” (Tabarani, Abu Nu’aym)
 Abu Asim says that the grandeur of Abu Bakr and Umar is
so high that they were created with the same clay that Allah
used to create the sacred self of Prophet Mohammad.
 Abu Sufyan relates from Jabir ibn Abdullah that he heard
Prophet Mohammad say, “Hypocrite cannot love Abu Bakr
and Umar while a believer can never hold animosity against
them.”
 Abdullah ibn Hantab relates that he was with Prophet
Mohammad meanwhile Umar and Abu Bakr arrived. Upon
seeing them, Prophet Mohammad said, “They are my eyes
and ears.”

BENEFICENCE OF UMAR
Just like the beneficence of Abu Bakr‟s traits i.e. truthfulness and
veracity continues in all mystic orders similarly beneficence of
Umar‟s traits, justice and self-accountability, is continued in all
orders.
In the path of Faqr, the seekers of Allah gain beneficence of
Umar by attaining his strength of justice and self-accountability.
These strengths are essential to cross the levels of closeness and
gnosis of Allah and progress on the way of Faqr. Until any
person in general and a seeker of Allah in particular develops the
strength of self-accountability, he cannot take even a single step
towards Allah. As the greatest veil between Allah and man is the
 111

self. When the seeker of Allah abstains from sins and renounces
everything other than Allah with the spiritual attention and sight
of Umar, only then he is set on his journey on the path of Faqr.
Self-accountability is obligatory on the seeker till the last breath
so that he does not stray from the path of Allah by the distracting
desires of self. The seeker attains the strength of continuous self-
accountability from the spiritual sight of Umar.
Umar was specifically chosen by Allah to spread Islam fastly in
the world. This is why he spent most of his time in conquering
new lands and spreading Islam there. He provided the great
service of spreading Islam worldwide, due to which orders of
Faqr and Sufism could not emerge from him. Just the Uwaisi
order initiated from him, he passed the trust and succession of
this order to Uwais al-Qarani27, the lover of Prophet Mohammad.
From him the trust was passed to Abu Musa Raee from whom
the order continued. (Tawarikh Aina-e-Tasawwuf page 8)
There are two kinds of the Uwaisi way. One, in which the
follower does not have to hold the throne of guidance and
persuasion but is destined to perform some important responsibility
related to the religion or umma. For example, Allama Iqbal got
the spiritual beneficence from the soul of Jalaluddin Mohammad
Rumi through the Uwaisi way. Although Allama Iqbal had taken
oath of allegiance in the Qadri order when he was young but he
never mentioned the name of his spiritual guide in his poetry.
Rather he considers Rumi his actual spiritual guide.
Second Uwaisi way is that whereby a seeker is given the
preliminary spiritual guidance at the beginning of his journey
towards Allah and then he is sent to the spiritual guide for further
guidance. The seeker may or may not know it.

27
According to some traditions, Ali ibn Abi Talib also blessed Uwais al-Qarani with
succession of one of his orders.
 112

In fact, the Uwaisi order spiritually guides every seeker of Allah

until he reaches the living spiritual guide. As mentioned earlier,
self-accountability is essential in the path of gnosis of Allah.
Every seeker of Allah first learns self-accountability then
progresses on this path. Hence, a seeker when starts his journey,
first of all he attains the strength of self-accountability directly
by the efficacy of spiritual sight of Umar ibn Khattab via Uwaisi
way. The seeker then abstains from sins and stops himself from
cherishing the desires of self. With the benevolence of Umar,
when he crosses this level only then he is guided towards the
spiritual guide whose beneficence takes him to the Mohammadan
Assembly. When the seeker enters the Holy Assembly, his being
is purified. By the efficacy of spiritual attention of Abu Bakr
Siddiq, the seeker is blessed with the attribute of veracity. By the
spiritual attention of Umar ibn Khattab, the seeker adopts the
attributes of justice and self-accountability. By the efficacy of
spiritual sight of Usman ibn Affan, he becomes modest and
obedient and by the spiritual attention of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the
seeker is blessed with bravery, Divine knowledge and
righteousness.
Uwaisi way is very effective and powerful, in which the seeker
of Allah receives beneficence without any physical source. As
Uwais al-Qarani crossed all the stages of Faqr and gnosis through
the spiritual beneficence of Prophet Mohammad without physically
being in his company. In order to gain beneficence of this way,
the seeker of Allah must have a pure inward filled with the
strength of Divine love, otherwise he will not be able to derive
the beneficence.

MARTYRDOM OF UMAR
According to the narrations, Umar went to the Prophet‟s Mosque
for dawn salat on 26th Dhul al-Hijjah 23 AH. He had just started
the prayer that an infidel Abu Lu‟lu‟a Firuz attacked him with a
 113

venomous dagger. He got three deep wounds in his abdomen due

to which he passed out. Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf then led the
prayer. When Umar gained consciousness, he said, “Thanks to
Allah I am being martyred by the attack of an infidel.” On 1st
Muharram, 24 AH, Umar passed away.
When it was confirmed to Umar that he will not survive, he said
in his will, “When I pass away, seek permission from Aisha bint
Abi Bakr to bury me in the tomb of Prophet Mohammad. If she
allows, bury me next to Prophet Mohammad and if she does not
permit then bury me in Jannat al-Baqi.” When Aisha bint Abi Bakr
was reached out for permission, she said, “I had saved that spot
for myself but I give it to Umar.” Therefore, with the permission
of Aisha, Umar was buried in the tomb of Prophet Mohammad.
Umar is rested in the Prophet‟s Mosque next to his sacred grave.
 THE THIRD CALIPH
USMAN IBN AFFAN

Usman ibn Affan razi Allah Anhu is the third righteous Caliph.
He was born in Makkah. His genealogy meets Prophet Mohammad
in the fifth generation. It is as follows:
Usman son of Affan son of Abu al-As son of Umayyah son of
Abd Shams son of Abd Manaf.
The title of Usman is Ghani (rich and generous) as he was an
affluent man who after accepting Islam, generously donated his
wealth for the cause of Allah and His Prophet. Another title of
Usman is Du an-Nurayn (the possessor of two lights) as he
married two daughters of the Holy Prophet, Ruqayyah bint
Mohammad and Umm Kulthum bint Mohammad. He married
Umm Kulthum after the death of Ruqayyah. Since no one else
ever had the honour of marrying two daughters of a Prophet thus
this title became famous.

ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM
Usman embraced Islam at very early stage of spread of Islam
when Prophet Mohammad had not yet taken refuge in the house
of al-Arqam. At the time of embracing Islam Usman was above
thirty years old. Abu Bakr gave him the invitation to embrace
Islam, which he accepted happily. In this regard the following
dialogue occurred between the two:
Abu Bakr: Usman! You are a prudent and sagacious man and
have the ability to differentiate between the right and wrong.
Alas! Don‟t you see how your people are inclined towards
idolatry! Are these idols not blind and deaf which can neither
harm nor benefit anyone?
 115

Usman: You are right. This is the truth.

Abu Bakr: Allah has sent Mohammad ibn Abdullah with His
righteous message. He is the Messenger of Allah for all
mankind. Would you like to go to him and listen to his invitation
and message?
Usman: Sure.
Coincidentally, Prophet of Allah happened to pass by and said,
“Usman! Accept the invitation to the paradise. I am sent as a
Messenger of Allah towards you and all the creation.”
Usman says, “I could not contain myself after hearing these
words and converted to Islam right away. I affirmed Oneness of
Allah and Prophethood of Mohammad. A few days later, I got
married to Ruqayyah bint Mohammad. People congratulated me
saying „If someone wants to see the best couple then he must see
Usman and Ruqayyah‟.”
As a punishment of embracing Islam, Usman‟s uncle Hakim ibn
Abi al-As imprisoned him. He made him suffer through many
hardships, tied him with ropes, assaulted him and said, “You are
humiliating your forefathers for a new religion. Until and unless
you revert to your previous religion, I will not release you.”
Usman said, “I swear to Allah! I will not revert to my previous
religion.”
On seeing Usman‟s determination, his uncle had no choice but to
release him.

DU AN-NURAYN
(THE POSSESSOR OF TWO LIGHTS)
A number of Hadiths are narrated regarding Usman‟s honour of
marrying two daughters of the Holy Prophet due to which he was
titled as Du an-Nurayn. Some of them are as follows:
 116

 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates that the Holy Prophet said,

“Certainly, Allah ordered me to wed my daughter to Usman
ibn Affan.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Tabarani)
 Abu Hurairah relates that Prophet Mohammad met Usman at
the entrance of Prophet‟s Mosque and said, “Gabriel told me
that Allah has wedded Umm Kulthum to you for the same
mehr as Ruqayyah‟s, provided that you treat her well as you
treated Ruqayyah.” (Ibn Majah 110)
 Asma narrates that when the Prophet‟s second daughter (Umm
Kulthum) who was married to Usman also died, the Prophet
said, “Arrange the marriage of Usman. If I had a third
daughter I would have married her to Usman as well. I had
wedded my two daughters to Usman on Divine command.”
(Tabarani)

 Abdullah ibn Umar ibn Abaan al-Jafi says, “My uncle Husayn
al-Jafi asked me, „O son! Do you know why Usman is titled
Du an-Nurayn?‟ I replied, „No!‟ He said, „It is because, since
the creation of Adam till the doomsday, Allah has and never
will command to marry two daughters of any Prophet to one
person, except Usman ibn Affan. That is why he is called
„Du an-Nurayn’.” (Bayhaqi)
 Ubaidullah ibn Adi ibn al-Khiyar has narrated a long
tradition in which Usman ibn Affan said, “Indeed Allah has
sent the Prophet with truth. I was among the foremost who
accepted the invitation of Allah and His Prophet. I established
faith in what was sent to the Prophet, I have the honour of
two migrations and became the son-in-law of the Prophet. I
pledged allegiance to the Prophet. I swear neither I disobeyed
the Prophet nor deceived him till the time he died.” (Musnad
Ahmad ibn Hanbal 480, Bukhari 3696)
 117

SAHIB AL-HIJRATAIN
(MAN OF TWO MIGRATIONS)
Usman is also titled as Sahib al-Hijratain (one who did two
migrations). His first migration was towards the Ethiopian Empire
(formerly known as Abyssinia) along with his wife, Ruqayyah
bint Mohammad, and the second migration was towards Madina.
A Hadith regarding the migrations of Usman is as follows:
 Anas ibn Malik narrates that Usman ibn Affan set out
towards the Ethiopian Empire for migration along with his
wife Ruqayyah. For a long time the Prophet got no news
about them. Therefore, he went out of the city every day to
inquire about their safety. Finally, one day a woman brought
the good news of their well-being. Upon this the Prophet
said, “Verily! Usman is the first person after Lut who has
migrated along with his wife in the way of Allah.” (Tabarani
141)

Usman is the only to have such honour.

MODESTY
The greatest virtue of Usman is his modesty. Even the angels
regarded him for this virtue.
Sultan Bahoo says that a seeker of Allah should be modest like
Usman. He was such a perfection of modesty that he never
undressed even in privacy. There are several Hadiths about the
modesty of Usman. Some of them are as follows:
 Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari narrates, “The Prophet was sitting at a
wet place, one or both of his knees were uncovered (because
his legs were immersed in water). When Usman came, the
Prophet covered them.” (Bukhari)
 Mohammad ibn Abi Harmala relates from Abu Salama ibn
Abd al-Rahman that Aisha bint Abi Bakr said, “The Prophet
 118

was resting in my house and both of his calves were partially

visible. Abu Bakr sought permission to enter the room which
the Prophet granted while lying in the same posture and
continued talking. Then Umar sought his permission which
the Prophet granted while lying in the same posture and kept
talking. Then Usman sought permission upon which the
Prophet sat up and adjusted his clothes. (The narrator
Mohammad relates that this did not happen just once).
Usman came, conversed for some time and then left. When
he left I (Aisha bint Abi Bakr) asked, „O Prophet of Allah!
When Abu Bakr came you did not adjust your clothes, nor
upon Umar‟s arrival but when Usman came you sat up and
adjusted your dress.‟ He replied, „Why should I not regard
the person whom even the angels regard‟.” (Muslim 6209)
 Aisha and Usman narrate that Abu Bakr sought permission
to meet the Prophet while he was lying on bed with the
shawl of Aisha over him. The Prophet gave him permission
to come inside and talked to him while staying in the same
position. When he left, Umar sought permission to meet the
Prophet which he granted and met Umar while lying in the
same posture. He also discussed his matter and then left.
Usman relates that then he sought permission to come inside.
Prophet Mohammad sat up and adjusted his clothes then
Usman presented his matter. When he left Aisha asked, “O
Prophet of Allah! What is the reason that when Abu Bakr
and Umar came you did not adjust yourself but you did for
Usman?” On this the Prophet replied, “Usman is a very
modest man. I doubted that had I stayed in the same posture,
he would not have been able to present his matter.” (Muslim,
Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

 Hafsa bint Umar narrates, “Once the Prophet came to me and

sat down in a manner that his clothes were till his knees.
Meanwhile Abu Bakr Siddiq came and sought permission
which the Prophet granted while he kept sitting in the same
 119

manner. Then Umar came and sought permission from the

Prophet which he granted still sitting in the same manner.
Then other Companions came, to whom also he granted
permission. Then Ali ibn Abi Talib came and sought
permission which also he granted and did not adjust himself.
Then came Usman. The Prophet first covered his legs and
then granted the permission. The Companions kept talking to
the Prophet for some time and then left. I asked, „O Prophet
of Allah! Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali and other Companions came
but you kept sitting in the same way, however when Usman
came you covered yourself.‟ He said, „Should I not honour
the modesty of the man whom even the angels honour‟.”
(Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Tabarani)

 Anas ibn Malik narrates that the Prophet said, “Usman ibn
Affan is the modest of all.” (Tirmidhi 3790)
 Badr ibn Khalid narrates, “On the day Usman‟s house was
besieged, Zayd ibn Thabit stood near us and said, „Are you
not shy of the man from whom even the angels are?‟ We
inquired, „Who is he?‟ He said that he had heard the Prophet
saying, „One of the angels was with me. Meanwhile Usman
passed by. The angel said that this person is a martyr, his
people will assassinate him and we the angels are also shy of
him‟.” Badr (the narrator) says, that afterwards they saved
Usman from a group (of kharijites28). (Tabarani)

USMAN‟S HAND - THE HAND OF THE

PROPHET
One of the greatest honours of Usman is that the Holy Prophet
called his hand as „the hand of Usman‟. At the time of Treaty of

28
Derived from Arabic term Khawarij ( ‫ ) وخاارج‬literally meaning „to go out, leave or set
apart‟. This was the first sect that separated itself from the Muslims on the issue of
caliphate. Anyone who does not love the People of Cloak is considered a kharijite i.e.
„out of Islam‟.
 120

Hudaybiyyah when Usman went to Makkah for negotiations

with the Quraish, rumour of his martyrdom was spread. On that
occasion, Prophet Mohammad took pledge from all the
Companions which is renowned as „Pledge of the Tree‟. Since
Usman was not present on the occasion, the Holy Prophet placed
his one hand on the other and said, “This is the hand of Usman
and I pledge on his behalf.” No one else is ever blessed with
such honour. This incident can be verified by the following
Hadith:
 Anas ibn Malik relates that at the time of Pledge of the Tree,
Usman had gone to Makkah as the ambassador of the Prophet.
When Companions were pledging allegiance at the hand of
the Prophet, he said, “Usman is performing the duties of
Allah and His Prophet.” After that the Prophet placed one of
his hands over the other as Usman‟s hand for swearing
allegiance on his behalf. Hence Usman‟s hand was (many
times) better for people than their own hands. (Tirmidhi 3702)

DID NOT CIRCUMAMBULATE KAABA

WITHOUT THE PROPHET
Another distinction of Usman is that when he was sent to Makkah
as an ambassador of the Prophet to negotiate with Quraish, they
offered him the opportunity to perform circumambulation of
Kaaba which he declined by saying, “I will not perform
circumambulation until my beloved, Prophet Mohammad, is able
to do it.”
Ah! What a priceless action of the lover of the Prophet. The people
were considering him fortunate for having the opportunity to go
to Makkah as an ambassador and be able to perform
circumambulation of Kaaba. When the Prophet heard how people
felt, he said, “Usman will not perform circumambulation without
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me.” This is the matter between the lover and the beloved and a
Divine sign for the seeker of Allah.

GENEROSITY OF USMAN
The title of Usman is Ghani, which means rich and generous. He
was a wealthy man but he spent all his wealth in the way of
Allah and His Prophet. Whenever Muslims or Islam faced tough
time and needed financial help, Usman stepped forward and
donated generously in the name of Allah.
 At the occasion of the Expedition of Tabuk, the Prophet
urged his Companions to spend their wealth for this cause.
Abu Bakr Siddiq brought everything that was present in his
house while Umar ibn Khattab brought half of what he
owned. At that time Usman said, “I present a hundred laden
camels.” When the Prophet persuaded more, Usman again
got up and said, “I present another two hundred camels.”
The Prophet again persuaded upon which Usman said, “I
give an additional three hundred camels.” The Prophet urged
yet again for spending wealth for jihad in the way of Allah
and for the fourth time Usman said, “I present another two
hundred camels and a thousand gold coins.” On hearing this,
the Prophet came down from his pedestal and was so pleased
with Usman‟s unparalleled generosity that while rolling the
coins in his hand, he said:
ْ َ ّٰ َ
)3747ؓ ‫ل ب ْع َد ہذا ال َیوْ ِم (رتذمی‬
ُ ْ ََ
َ َ‫ َما ض ّك ُعثمَان َما َعم‬
Meaning: “From today onwards, no action of Usman can
harm him.” (Tirmidhi 3701)
He then added, “O Usman! Allah has forgiven all your sins.
The ones which you have already committed and the ones
that you will commit.”
 122

 Once severe drought hit Madina that worried everyone.

Meanwhile, Usman received a thousand grain laden camels.
All the traders of Madina offered him much higher rates than
the produce‟s value and tried to buy it but Usman refused to
sell and said, “I am receiving even greater profit than this. I
ask you all to be my witness that I donate all this produce to
the „Fakirs of Madina‟ in the name of Allah.”
Abdullah ibn Abbas says that the same night he saw the
Prophet in dream. The Prophet was riding a white Turkish
horse. He had donned a dress of light and was in a hurry to
go somewhere. Abdullah asked, “O Prophet! May my
parents be sacrificed upon you, I had an intense desire to
behold you.” The Prophet said, “I am in a hurry right now
because Usman has given a charity of thousand camels
which Allah has accepted and as a reward he is being
married to a houri of paradise and I have to attend the
marriage.”
 Usman was the family member of the Holy Prophet as he
was his son-in-law. Being an extremely modest man, after the
death of Prophet Mohammad he carried out the responsibility
of taking the honourable wives of the Prophet to hajj. He not
only took them to hajj but also bore all their travel expenses.
This is yet another special honour that only he was blessed
with.
 When Prophet Mohammad migrated to Madina, he and his
Companions faced an extreme challenge of obtaining sweet
water. At that time, there was only one well of sweet water
in Madina named Bi‟r Roomah that was owned by a Jew
who sold water at a high price of his own choice. Prophet
Mohammad said, “Whoever would buy that well and donate
it in the way of Allah, will be awarded paradise.” Usman
bought the well and donated it.
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INSIGHT OF USMAN
Anas ibn Malik narrates an incident describing the insight of
Usman that one day he went to see him and on his way he gazed
at the beauty of a woman. When he reached Usman he said,
“Some of you have come to me in such a state that your eyes
have clear signs of adultery.” Anas ibn Malik says that he asked
Usman, “Is the revelation still continued even after Prophet
Mohammad.” He said, “No! But insight, intuition and wisdom
still exist.”

GRANDEUR OF USMAN IN THE

COURT OF HOLY PROPHET
 Jabir ibn Abdullah narrates that a dead body was brought to
the Prophet for offering funeral prayer but the Prophet
refused. Someone asked, “O Prophet! We have never seen
you refusing any funeral prayer.” The Prophet replied, “This
dead person had grudge for Usman. Hence Allah has
deprived him of His mercy.” (Tirmidhi 3709, Ibn Abi Asim)
 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates, “The Prophet stood up on the day
of Badr and said, „Indeed Usman is performing the duties of
Allah and His Prophet29 and I take oath of allegiance on his
behalf.‟ The Prophet also fixed the share of Usman from the
war wealth. The Prophet did not do so for anyone else who
was absent that day.” (Abu Dawud 2726, Al-Tahawi)
 Aisha bint Abi Bakr says, “The Prophet asked me, „Call
somebody from my Companions.‟ I asked, „O Prophet of
Allah! Should I call Abu Bakr Siddiq?‟ He said no. Then I
asked, „Should I call Umar ibn Khattab?‟ He said no. I then
asked, „Should I call your cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib?‟ He

29
Usman could not participate in the battle because his wife Ruqayyah, the daughter of
Prophet Mohammad was ill and he was looking after her.
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again said no. I then asked, „Should I call Usman?‟ He said

yes. When he came, the Prophet said, „(O Aisha!) Give us
privacy.‟ Then he started whispering to him and Usman‟s
expressions changed. Then came the day when Usman‟s
house was besieged and he was also constrained. We said,
„O Caliph! Will you not fight?‟ Usman said, „No, verily the
Prophet had advised me (about this day) and I will follow the
advice firmly‟.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Abu Ya’la)
 Jabir ibn Abdullah narrates, “Once we along with the Prophet
were present in a house with emigrants. Abu Bakr Siddiq,
Umar, Usman, Ali, Talhah, Zubayr ibn al-Awam, Abd al-
Rahman ibn Awf and Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas were also
present. The Prophet said, „Each one of you should stand
with his friend.‟ The Prophet himself stood beside Usman.
He embraced him and said, „O Usman! You are my friend in
this world as well as in the hereafter‟.” (Mustadrak, Abu Ya’la)
 Abu Hurairah narrates that he went to Ruqayyah, daughter of
the Prophet. With a comb in her hand she said, “The Holy
Prophet has just departed. I was combing my hair. He asked,
„What is your opinion about Usman ibn Affan?‟ I replied, „He
is an excellent man.‟ The Prophet advised, „Keep respecting
him, verily he is similar to me more than any other Companion
regarding his conduct‟.” (Tabarani 97)
 Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari says, “I was in an orchard with Prophet
Mohammad when someone sought permission to enter. The
Prophet asked to open the door and give him glad tidings of
paradise. Hence I did the same and opened the door. He was
Abu Bakr Siddiq and after listening the glad tidings he
praised Allah. Afterwards another person sought permission.
The Prophet again said to give him glad tidings of paradise
and open the door. When I opened the door, he was Umar
ibn Khattab. I conveyed to him the Prophet‟s message, he
also praised Allah. Then a third person sought permission to
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enter. The Prophet said, „Open the door and give him glad
tidings of paradise along with the trials and hardships which
he will have to face (in world).‟ He was Usman ibn Affan.
When I told him the Prophet‟s words, he praised Allah and
said, „Only Allah is the Helper‟.” (Bukhari 3693)
 Talhah narrates that the Holy Prophet said, “Every Prophet
has a friend and my friend in paradise is Usman.” (Tirmidhi
3698)

 Sahl ibn Sa‟d narrates that once a man asked the Prophet of
Allah, “Will there be sky lightning in paradise?” The Prophet
said, “Yes! I swear to the Lord Who is the possessor of my
life! Indeed, the paradise in which Usman will enter will be
illuminated (with the light of his face).” (Mustadrak)
 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates, “I was with the Holy Prophet
while a man came to him and shook hands. The Prophet did
not withdraw his hand till the man himself released his hand.
Then the man said, „O Prophet of Allah! Usman has come.‟
The Prophet said, „He is amongst those who are destined to
be in the heaven‟.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Sehr says, “Verily a man came to Sa'id bin
Zayd and said to him, „I have grudge against Usman to the
extent that I never had such a grudge against any other
person.‟ Upon this Sa'id bin Zayd said, „Indeed you have
said evil words. You foster grudge towards such a person
who is one of those promised heaven‟.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn
Hanbal)

 Abu Salama ibn Abd al-Rahman narrated that Usman looked

from the roof of his house when the rebels had besieged him
and said, “By Allah, I adjure the person who heard the
Messenger of Allah on the day when the mountain (Uhad)
shook and he said, „O mountain! Be still, for there is no one
upon you but the Prophet, the truthful and two martyrs‟ and I
was with him.” People affirmed this incident. Then he said,
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“I adjure the person who witnessed Pledge of the Tree when

Prophet Mohammad said (about both of his hands), „This is
the Hand of Allah and this is the hand of Usman‟.” Every
one affirmed that saying of the Prophet as well. Then Usman
said, “I adjure the person who heard the Messenger of Allah
saying on the occasion of Expedition of Tabuk, „Who will
spend his wealth in the way of Allah that will be accepted?‟
On hearing this I equipped half of the army with my own
wealth.” Everyone affirmed this. Then Usman said, “I adjure
the man who heard Prophet Mohammad saying, „Who will
extend the mosque in return for a house in paradise?‟ So I
bought the land to extend the Prophet‟s Mosque.” Everyone
affirmed that as well. Afterwards Usman asked people, “I
adjure people who witnessed that I bought Bi‟r Roomah and
allowed wayfarers to use it.” Everyone gave affirmation of
this as well. (Nisai 3639)
 Hasan ibn Ali narrates, “I dreamt that Prophet Mohammad
was on the Divine Throne and I saw Abu Bakr had held him
like a child is in mother‟s womb, Umar was holding Abu
Bakr in the same way and Usman had held Umar like that as
well. Then I saw that blood is pouring from the sky.” When
Hasan was telling his dream, some fellows of Ali were
sitting there who asked, “O Hasan! In what state did you see
Ali?” He replied, “In my opinion no one had held the Holy
Prophet better than Ali, but it was merely a dream.” Thus
Abu Masud said, “Dream of Hasan is true, however we have
witnessed the grandeur of Usman as once we were in a battle
along with the Holy Prophet and the Companions got
extremely hungry to an extent that signs of grief could be
seen on their faces while the hypocrites looked happy. When
the Prophet saw this he said to the Companions, „By God!
He will grant you sustenance before the sunset.‟ When
Usman heard that the Holy Prophet had promised that soon
Allah shall grant sustenance, he bought fourteen camels with
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food laden on them and sent nine of them to the Prophet.

When the Prophet saw the laden camels he inquired about
them. The Companions replied, „This is a gift from Usman
to you.‟ This brought joy on the faces of the Muslims while
the faces of hypocrites were grieved. The Holy Prophet
raised his hands so high that his armpits were visible and he
prayed for Usman in such words that I have not heard for
someone else before or after that. He said, „O Allah! Grant
this to Usman, grant that to Usman‟.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates, “The Prophet told about fitna
and said regarding Usman ibn Affan, „He will be killed
wrongly‟.” (Tirmidhi 3708)
 Abu Sa‟id, the servant of Usman ibn Affan narrates that (on
the day of his martyrdom) Usman freed twenty slaves. He
asked for trousers and donned them. Usman had neither worn
such trousers in the era of ignorance nor after conversion to
Islam. Then Usman said, “Last night I saw the Prophet in
dream, Abu Bakr and Umar were with him. The Prophet
said, „(O Usman!) Have patience, undoubtedly you will
break your fast with us tomorrow‟.” Then Usman asked to
bring Quran to him and he started reciting it, meanwhile he
was martyred while the Quran was still in front of him.
(Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

 Ka‟b ibn Ajra al-Salmi al-Ansari relates that once Prophet

Mohammad while talking about fitna said that it was near
and it would be immense. The narrator says, “Afterwards a
person passed by who had covered his head and face with a
shawl. (Upon seeing the man) the Prophet said, „On the day
(of fitna) this man will be on righteousness.‟ Then I hasted
and went to the man, held him by his wrist and asked the
Prophet „Is this the man O Prophet (about whom you said
that he will be on righteousness on the day of fitna)?‟ He
said: Yes! That man was Usman ibn Affan.” (Musnad Ahmad
ibn Hanbal)
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 Abdullah ibn Umar says, “On the morning (of Usman‟s

assassination) he told us, „Indeed last night I had a dream in
which I saw the Prophet who said to me: O Usman! Break
your fast with us today.‟ Thus Usman fasted in the morning
and was martyred while he was still fasting.”
 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates that one day he was sitting with
the Prophet when Usman ibn Affan came. When he got near,
the Prophet said, “O Usman! You will be martyred in a state
that you will be reciting sura al-Baqarah and your blood will
splatter on the verse:
ۡ ُ َ ّ َ ُ َ ُ ّّٰ ُ ُ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ
)2:737( ‫الس ِم ۡیع ال َع ِل ۡی ُم‬ ‫ فسیک ِفیکہم اللہۚ و ہو‬
Meaning: So Allah is sufficient to guard you against evil and
He is All-Hearing and All-knowing. (2:137)
On the day of judgement, you will be raised as a ruler over
all the downtrodden. East and west will be envious of your
rank and you will intercede for as many people as equal to
the number of people in the tribe Rabi‟ah and Mudhar
altogether.” (Mustadrak)
 Qays ibn Sa‟d ibn Ubada relates that he heard Ali say on the
day of Battle of Jamel, “O Allah! I entreat to be relieved in
Your court from the blame of Usman‟s assassination. Indeed,
I was very furious on the rebels when they martyred him. I
refused to take oath of allegiance from the people when they
came to me and I said: By God! I feel ashamed before Allah
that I take oath from the people who killed the man about
whom the Prophet had said, „Be aware! I honour (the modesty
of) the man who is regarded by the angels as well.‟ Therefore
I also felt mortified before Allah that how could I take oath
of allegiance from people when the dead body of Usman was
still not buried. Thus people left and came back after Usman‟s
burial and asked me to take pledge of allegiance from them.
I said: O Allah! I fear from what I am going to do. However
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I had to do this but when they called me with the title Amir
al-Mu’minin, I was anguished. I prayed: O Allah grant me
the power to accept the responsibility of taking revenge of
the assassination of Usman and grant me the ability to
perform this duty in a way that You are pleased with me.”
(Mustadrak)

 Umar ibn Khattab relates that Prophet Mohammad said, “On

the day of martyrdom of Usman, angels will send salutations
to him from the sky.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates that Usman could not join the
Battle of Badr because his wife Ruqayyah bint Mohammad
was terminally ill. The Holy Prophet said, “O Usman!
Indeed you have reward and share in the spoils of war equal
to those who participated in the Battle of Badr.” (Bukhari)
 Aisha bint Abi Bakr narrates that the Holy Prophet said, “O
Usman! Undoubtedly Allah will bless you with the cloak (of
caliphate). Thus if people try to remove it, you must not do
so.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
 Abu Ashas Sanaani narrates that some scholars were
delivering sermons in Syria. Some of them were the
Companions. The last who delivered sermon was Murrah ibn
Ka‟b. He said, “Had I not heard a Hadith from the Prophet
himself I would not have stood up. The Prophet was talking
about impending fitna. Meanwhile a person passed by who
had covered his face with a cloth. The Prophet pointed
towards him and said, „On that day (of fitna) this person will
be on righteousness.‟ I looked towards him and realized that
he was Usman. I then asked the Prophet, „Is he the one?‟ He
said, „Yes, he is‟.” (Tirmidhi 3704)
 Abd al-Rahman ibn Samra relates, “Usman presented one
thousand dinars to the Holy Prophet. This was when we were
preparing for the Expedition of Tabuk. He put the amount in
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the lap of the Prophet. I witnessed Holy Prophet rolling the

coins in his lap and saying, „Usman! From today onwards
none of your actions can harm you.‟ The Prophet repeated
his statement twice.” (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)
 Qays ibn Abi Hazim relates that Abu Sahlah told him that
Usman said on the day when his house was besieged,
“Indeed, Prophet Mohammad had willed me something
important. Thus I am content on it.” Qays says that Usman
used to await that day. (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)
 Abu Hasanah relates, “I went to Abu Hurairah when Usman
was besieged in his house. I sought permission to have a
discussion with him. Abu Hurairah said, „I have heard the
Holy Prophet talk about impending fitna and disputes. We
asked: O Prophet of Allah! What is your ordain for us (for
that day)? He replied: It will be mandatory on you to obey
your leader and his fellows. He said this pointing towards
Usman‟.”
 Bashir al-Aslami says that when migrating Companions
came from Makkah to Madina, they faced serious shortage
of water. There was a spring with a man from Ghifar tribe
which was called Roomah. He would sell a small leather bag
of water from the spring at a high price. The Prophet said to
him, “Sell to me this spring for a spring in the paradise.” The
man replied, “O Prophet of Allah! There is no source of
income for me and my family except this spring therefore I
cannot do this.” This news reached Usman who purchased
the spring from that man for thirty-five thousand dinars. He
then came to the Prophet and asked, “O Prophet of Allah! If
I purchase this spring and dedicate it, will you give me also a
spring in the paradise in reward of this as you said to that
man?” The Prophet said yes. On this Usman said, “O Prophet
of Allah! I have purchased that spring and dedicated it for
the Muslims.” (Tabarani)
 131

 Abdullah ibn Umar narrates that the Holy Prophet said,

“Every Prophet has a friend from his umma and verily
Usman is my friend.” (Abu Nu’aym, Daylami)
 Abdullah ibn Umar relates from the Holy Prophet, “Usman‟s
attributes are similar to those of our forefather Prophet
Abraham.” (Daylami)

INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF COMPANIONS

WITH GLAD TIDINGS OF PARADISE
Usman is included in the list of ten Companions about whom the
Holy Prophet gave the glad tidings of paradise.

CALIPHATE OF USMAN
1st Muharram 24 AH till 18th Dhul al-Hijjah 35 AH
(3rd November 644 AD – 17th June 656 AD)
On 1st Muharram 24 AH, after the martyrdom of Umar and his
funeral and burial, Usman ibn Affan took the oath of caliphate.
According to the Gregorian calendar he was sixty-eight years old
and per Islamic calendar he was seventy years old at the time of
acceding to the throne of caliphate.
When Umar ibn Khattab had a life-threatening attack, he made a
will to choose one from Usman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi Talib,
Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, Zubayr ibn al-Awam, Abd al-Rahman
ibn Awf and Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas as the next Caliph of
Muslims. He added that to select the Caliph, these prestigious
Companions should gather in a separate room and choose one of
them, this must be done no later than three days. Talhah was not
present on the occasion. Thus the rest of five Companions called
a meeting. Abd al-Rahman withdrew his name from the
candidates of caliphate so the rest gave him the authority to
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choose the Caliph. Abd al-Rahman gave his decision in the

favour of Usman ibn Affan before the end of third day per the
order of Umar ibn Khattab. The efforts he made to come to the
decision are not discussed to avoid prolongation. In short,
everyone including Ali ibn Abi Talib accepted his decision and
pledged allegiance on the hand of Usman.
Abd al-Rahman selected Usman ibn Affan instead of Ali ibn Abi
Talib because every judicious man who met him in privacy,
suggested the name of Usman for caliphate as in their opinion he
was more deserving. According to a narration, Abd al-Rahman
met Ali after getting suggestions of a couple of people and
developing his own opinion. He told him that he had consulted
people to gather their opinion about selecting the Caliph, most of
the people were in the favour of Usman. He added that following
the Sunna of Allah, His Prophet and both the (previous) Caliphs
he was going to pledge allegiance on the hand of Usman. Thus,
Abd al-Rahman was the first one to pledge allegiance to Usman.
All the Companions including the emigrants and the Ansar
followed him.
Abu Wa‟il asked Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf that why did he
pledge allegiance to Usman instead of Ali? He replied, “It is
actually not my decision. At first I offered caliphate to Ali but he
declined it saying that he was not capable of it. Then I offered it
to Usman who accepted the caliphate so I pledged allegiance on
his hand.” (Tareekh al-Khulafa p. 24 with reference to Musnad Ahmad ibn
Hanbal)

The fact is that after the martyrdom of Umar ibn Khattab, a large
number of Muslims wanted Usman ibn Affan to be the next
Caliph because he was mellow, kind towards his relatives and
friends and also donated generously for the welfare of people.
When people had pledged allegiance to Usman, he decided to
deliver a speech but lost words. Thus after praising Allah, he just
said, “In the beginning the journey seems difficult. If I remain
 133

alive I will deliver a quality speech. Also I am not an orator. I

hope Allah will grant me the knowledge.”
Afterwards, when Usman delivered the second sermon he said,
“All of you are headed towards your remaining life. If possible,
try to come towards righteousness before death. Consider that
the future is almost near, it may arrive any morning or evening.
Remember! The world is a deceit, you must not be entrapped in
it. Learn from the people of past.”

BEGINNING OF REVOLTS
Right after assuming the duties of caliphate, Usman had to face
unfavourable situations. The revolts started at several places to
bring down the Islamic rule. Rebellion initiated in Iran as well.
Yazdegerd often instigated the rebels as he wanted to reinstate
the ancient Sasanian Empire. Miscreants were causing commotions
all over in Khorasan, Tabaristan, Fars, Kerman, Armenia and
Azerbaijan. The deputies of Usman crushed these revolts and
conquered the mountainous areas of Iran which were not conquered
by the Muslims till then.

THE VICTORIES
The victories of Muslims continued in the reign of Usman and
the Islamic Empire expanded further. Because of the conquest of
Kabul and Makran, the Islamic state extended to the borders of
China and India. In the east, the conquest of North Africa stretched
the Islamic state to the Atlantic Ocean.
The states of Turks were between the old Iranian and Chinese
kingdoms. When Muslims conquered the province of Khorasan
in Iran, the Islamic state enjoined the Turkish border. Now Turks
had fear of Muslim invasion, therefore, they joined Iranians in
the Khorasan‟s upheavals to confront Muslims. Muslim General,
Ahnaf ibn Qais who was appointed to crush rebellion in
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Khorasan, was successful in defeating the Turks. He conquered

the states of Taleqan, Jowzjan and Faryab which were located in
Tokharistan. This joined the Islamic state to the borders of
China. In addition to this, conquest of all the important areas of
Sistan and Zabulistan like Zaranj, Kabul and Ghazni extended
the Islamic state to the borders of Indian subcontinent. Similarly,
the ruler of Syria, Ameer Muawiya advanced towards Anatolia
and conquered Amuria. Ameer Muawiya had to take this step
because the borders of Syria joined the Byzantine Empire and
the Romans used to attack every so often.

ESTABLISHMENT OF NAVY
Ameer Muawiya felt the need to establish the navy to stop the
Roman invaders. The enemy had the warships with the help of
which they easily attacked the coastal areas. This is why, Ameer
Muawiya with the permission of Caliph Usman established the
marine base which could compete the warships of the Romans.
In 31 AH, when the marine forces of Constantinople (now
Istanbul), attacked the Syrian coast, the Syrian and Egyptian
naval forces surrounded them and destructed them terribly.
Eventually they had to run for their lives. After the establishment
of the Muslim naval forces, Cyprus was also conquered.

COMMANDS TO HIGH OFFICIALS

After adorning the throne of caliphate, first of all Usman issued
commands to the high officials which were:
1. Do not do injustice to anyone.
2. The officials must perform their duty honestly.
3. The rights of non-Muslim citizens must be protected.
4. Do not back off from any treaty made with the enemies.
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5. The officials are like the guardians. They are not the masters
of the public therefore they must be polite and affectionate
towards them.

PUBLIC WELFARE
Several steps were taken for public welfare during the caliphate
of Usman. Many government buildings, travel lodges and bridges
were constructed and wells were dug. He also constructed a dam
to protect Madina from the flood.

EXTENSION OF THE PROPHET‟S MOSQUE

Usman ibn Affan reconstructed the Prophet‟s Mosque with modern
and sturdy material and extended it. Previously, the mosque was
140 feet long and 120 feet wide. He added 20 feet in its length
and 30 feet in width. He made arrangements to improve the
religious schooling and values of the Muslims. He also allocated
stipend for the muezzins.

COMMANDS TO THE MILITARY OFFICIALS

Usman instructed all the officials that they were the guardians of
the public and not better than them in any way. Additionally, he
instructed the military commanders that they were only the
protectors of the Muslims and their possessions. He said, “I am
not unaware of the principles that Umar had set for you, rather
they were implemented with our consultation. In future I do not
want any complaint that you tried to break or alter those rules. If
you indulge in anything like this, Allah will also alter your
grandeur and replace you. Ponder how deserving are you of your
rights that Allah has mandated on me.”
He instructed the tax collectors as follows:
1. Collect only what is rightful and pay the rightful as well.
 136

2. Be very careful in keeping the trust.

3. Fulfil the promises.
4. Do not be cruel to the orphans. Whoever is cruel to them, is
the enemy of Allah.
He also guided the public in these words, “The honour you are
blessed with today is by virtue of obeying the Holy Prophet. You
must not be oblivious towards this responsibility.” He commanded
the chiefs of army on borders to follow every rule set by Umar.

INCREASE IN THE STIPEND

Usman is the first ever Caliph to increase the stipend of Muslims.
In the month of Ramadan, members of every family were
counted and even every newborn was allotted one dirham per
day. The housewives were allotted two dirhams. Meal was sent
to the mosques in Ramadan which was served to the worshipers,
travellers, caretakers of the mosques and the needy. This food
was in addition to the amount that was given to the needy.

ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
Usman used to seek advice from the great Companions and
important officials in all the government matters. Although the
consultation committee (Majlis-e-Shura) no longer existed as
was in the era of Umar. The division of provinces was the same
except Syria which previously was divided into multiple
provinces but in the reign of Usman it was declared as one
province and Ameer Muawiya was made its governor. This was
quite beneficial in Muslim victories. The countries that were
conquered in the era of Usman were made new provinces.
Although Usman was polite, but he took strict action against
those who broke the Islamic laws. If something had a bad impact
on government policies or was against the Islamic morals, he
would immediately dismiss the responsible person. Therefore, he
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dismissed Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas as he was accused of not paying

back the loan he took from the treasury. He suspended and
punished Walid upon receiving a complaint against him. He also
separated Sa‟id ibn al-As and Abu Musa al-Ashari from the state
duties upon receiving complaints against them. During the days
of hajj, public announcement was made in which people were
asked to file complaints against the officials. On receiving the
complaints, Usman would punish the guilty officials.

ESTABLISHING STANDARD VERSION OF

QURAN
In terms of religious services, the biggest achievement of Usman
is gathering Muslims on same recitation of the Quran. The Holy
Quran was compiled in a book form in the era of Abu Bakr but it
was not published yet. The Companions had difference in
pronunciation and spellings of certain words of Quran which did
not change the meaning or context yet could be misunderstood
by the newly converted non-Arab Muslims whose mother
language was not Arabic. Muslims of every region thought of
themselves right in the pronunciation of the words of Quran and
considered others at fault. This led to the fear that there may
occur difference in Quran. Therefore, Usman got the original
script of Quran from Hafsa bint Umar which was compiled in the
era of Abu Bakr. He then made its copies and distributed them to
all Islamic countries. He annulled all other scripts of the Holy
Quran. As a result, Muslims all over the world united on
standard version of Quran.

START OF REBELLION AND ITS CAUSES

The first five years of the caliphate of Usman went by in peace
and harmony. The Muslims had great victories, they collected a
lot of spoils of war and a good amount was also collected as
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Islamic tax. The soldiers and other officials got raises in their
salary and the stipends were also increased. Due to the progression
in agriculture and trade, the country was prosperous. However,
this provoked envy amongst people, the worldly desires sprouted
and people wanted to gather more and more money through fair
or unfair means. Resultantly, a rebellious group initiated sedition
against Usman which created disorder in the system of caliphate.
There were several causes behind this rebellion. Firstly, the
prestigious Companions who truly served Islam had gradually
begun to age and pass away. Many Companions could not
practically serve now because they were elderly. The new
generation had the lust of wealth. They had differences and
envied one another which developed animosity among them.
The second reason of mutiny was that in the era of Umar, the
people of Quraish were not allowed to go out of Madina. Usman
had taken off this restriction due to which the people of Madina
were making large properties outside Madina. This nurtured lust
for power in them. People who had embraced Islam just as a
strategy keeping in view the need of time, were now openly
opposing caliphate and involving in sedition.
The biggest reason of rebellion was leniency and kindness of
Usman. He often forgave the mistakes and blunders of people.
Hence they started to take advantage of his leniency and under
such circumstances Jews and Zoroastrians got the opportunity to
take revenge from the Muslims.

FITNA OF ABDULLAH IBN SABA

The biggest enemy of Islam was a hypocrite Abdullah ibn Saba
who in fact was a Jew but pretended to be a Muslim. Jews were
the worst rivals of Muslims and were trying to erase the
existence of Islam since the era of the Holy Prophet. When the
caliphate of Usman begun to weaken, the Jews started bashing
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him. Ibn Saba was cunning and conniving. He initiated propaganda

against Usman and Umayyads that they usurped the right of
Hashim tribe to the seat of caliphate. He corrupted the views of
some Muslims by claiming that the Holy Prophet will return to
this world just like Jesus Christ.
Ibn Saba and his group called “Saba‟iyya” had woven the web of
their conspiracy in all major Islamic centers. Hence the whole
Muslim Empire was vitiated. A group of Muslims was already
criticizing Usman, therefore, Jews manipulated that group to join
them in their conspiracy.
In addition to the Jews, the non-Arabs who worshipped whosoever
was the king of the time, also held animosity against the Muslims.
The conspiracy of Ibn Saba was very successful in Iraq as over
there the slogan of his movement was „support the People of
Cloak‟ and animosity to the Companions. In fact he was enemy
of both the People of Cloak and the Companions. He was
notoriously wicked and wanted to destroy the unity and harmony
among the Muslims. Some sincere and honest Muslims also fell
in his trap and this was because Usman ibn Affan was not very
intimidating like Umar ibn Khattab, rather was very compassionate
and often pardoned the mistakes of the officials. This was why,
opposers got the chance to defame him.
To further sow the seeds of sedition, Ibn Saba went to Iraq and
Syria and established secret groups to help him in his conspiracy.
Abdullah ibn Amr, the governor of Basra was the first one to
find out about his actions in 33 AH. Therefore, he evicted him
from Basra. Ibn Saba then went to Kufa and was expelled from
there as well. Eventually he settled in Egypt but left an impact of
his wicked propaganda to some extent wherever he went. Since
Iraq was culturally diverse, it became the centre of his sedition.
People of Kufa and Basra had openly started to oppose Usman.
Ibn Saba stated loud and clear that Ali ibn Abi Talib was the
successor of the Holy Prophet and in his will the Prophet had
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nominated Ali as the Caliph. He further said that Usman had

usurped the rights of Ali and did not deserve the caliphate. He
stated that it was unjust of Usman to not fulfil the will of the
Prophet.
The leader of agitators in Kufa was Ashtar al-Nakha‟i. The job
of his people was to defame Usman. They initiated sedition on
petty matters. Sa‟id ibn al-As and other noble Muslims of Kufa
suggested Usman to throw such miscreants out of Kufa. Usman
sent them to Ameer Muawiya in Syria and asked him to course
correct them.
People had started criticizing Usman and his governors for quite
some time but no one had dared to raise voice until the followers
of Ibn Saba got strengthened in 34 AH. First of all, a rebel from
Kufa, Yazid ibn Qays dared to openly condemn the Caliph. He
went to Madina along with Saba‟iyya group with an intention to
forcefully depose Usman but was arrested. He then changed his
statement that his intention to visit Madina was to request the
transfer of Sa‟id ibn al-As, the governor of Kufa. Thus he was
released. Then Yazid ibn Qays reached out to the biggest leader
of rioters Ashtar al-Nakha‟i and requested him to come to
support him. As soon as Ashtar returned to Kufa from Syria, he
started agitation and killed one of the slaves of Sa‟id ibn al-As.
When Sa‟id noticed that the rioters were getting out of control
and they were intending to dismiss him from his post, he went to
Usman and said, “These people want to replace me with Abu
Musa al-Ashari.” Therefore, Usman dismissed Sa‟id and appointed
Abu Musa as the new governor of Kufa to maintain peace. He
wrote a letter to the people of Kufa, “I have appointed the
governor of your choice. By God! I will save my honour from
you, will show patience in your matters and will try my best to
course correct you.”
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CONSULTATION REGARDING THE REBELS

The truth is that the rioters wanted to harm the caliphate rather
than improving it. In fact this was a wicked attempt to destroy
the harmony and unity of the Muslims. This was the situation not
only in Kufa and Basra but also in the entire Iraq. This matter
could not be handled by transfers and suspension of the officials
or punishments. No rectification regarding this matter was
sufficient because the agitators were determined to boost sedition
whatsoever. When the news of sedition started coming from
everywhere, Usman decided to hold a meeting with Ameer
Muawiya, Abdullah ibn Sa‟d and some other people in authority
and consulted them about the matter. Some suggested to keep
people busy in jihad to distract them from upheavals while others
thought that if few persons involved in the commotions were
arrested and killed, it would put an end to the revolts. Ameer
Muawiya suggested that all officials must be made responsible to
ensure peace in their respective provinces. He also took upon
himself the responsibility to ensure peace in Syria. Abdullah ibn
Sa‟d suggested that since all the rebels were greedy so they
should be given wealth to put an end to the upheavals. In short,
everyone had his own opinion.
When agitation against Usman increased, the Companions tried
to control the situation. Zayd ibn Thabit and other Companions
decided after mutual consultation to send Ali ibn Abi Talib to
Usman for discussion on the matter. Thus, Ali went to Usman
and said, “People have sent me to you to discuss the matter but I
do not know what to say. You are well aware of everything,
nothing is concealed from you. You have been in the company of
the Holy Prophet, have had conversations with him and are his
close relative. You are also his son-in-law.” Then Ali offered
some good suggestions to him regarding the matter. Usman
responded to him well and then addressed the Muslims in the
mosque but this did not reduce the opposition against him.
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In 35 AH, after consulting the people of Madina, Usman established

a committee of eminent Companions and asked them to take
rounds of the country and report to him about the situation. After
receiving the report, Usman made a public announcement that
every year he would hold accountability of his officials during
the hajj days, even then if someone was unsatisfied or mistreated,
he must complain directly to him and get his right from the
officials.

THE ACCUSATIONS OF THE REBELS

The rebels accused Usman of dismissing the eminent Companions
from the post and replacing them with the inexperienced young
members of his family. They also accused him of unrightly using
the money from the treasury and giving big amounts to his
relatives. These accusations were completely false and had no solid
ground. The rebels made such false accusations just to defame
him. Usman himself was financially well-off and generous, he
did not take anything from the treasury for his expenditure.
To these accusations Usman responded, “I only fulfil the vital
rights of my relatives and whatever I give them is from my own
money. Marwan did not get anything from the spoils of the battle
of Tripoli. In fact Marwan had bought the spoils of the battle in
exchange of five lakh dirhams.” Usman was also accused of fixing
the pasture of Baqi for himself. Answer of this accusation is that
some pastures were allocated for the livestock of treasury since
the era of Umar. Hence Usman clarified, “I have allocated only
those pastures that were already so. I personally own no livestock
other than the two camels.”
The last attempt to stop the rising storm of accusations was made
on the occasion of hajj. Usman called all the main officials. The
respected Companions Ali, Talhah and Zubayr were consulted.
Ameer Muawiya was also present at the occasion. He suggested
Usman to go with him to Syria and assured that no one would be
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able to harm him there. Usman replied, “Even if I am beheaded,

I will not leave the land where the Prophet resided.” Eventually,
Ameer Muawiya was disappointed and returned to Syria alone.

GATHERING OF REBELS IN MADINA

In Madina, Usman was thinking of ways to get the situation
under control while the insurgents in Kufa, Basra and Egypt
were busy in secretly writing letters to each other and had
decided to collectively march to Madina. Thus, in the end of 35
AH, three groups of rebels headed towards Madina pretending to
be going there with the intention of hajj. On reaching near
Madina they stopped outside the city. They had decided amongst
themselves to dismiss Usman in any condition but could not
agree upon who would replace him. Rebels from Kufa wanted
Zubayr, those of Basra wanted Talhah while the Egyptians
wanted Ali to be the next Caliph. Therefore, a delegation from
all three groups met these prestigious Companions separately and
requested them to accept the seat of caliphate. But all three
Companions refused to do so and drove them out getting angry
on them.
Afterwards, on a Friday, Usman went to the mosque for the
Friday salat, after the salat he tried to negotiate with the rebels
but they stoned the people in mosque and forcefully evacuated it.
They threw so many stones on Usman that he fell from the pulpit
and passed out. People picked him up and took him home. On
seeing such brutality and audacity of the rebels, Sa‟d ibn Abi
Waqqas, Zayd ibn Harithah, Abu Hurairah and Husayn ibn Ali
went to guard the home of Usman but he asked them to return.
After this incident, the Egyptian rebels marched upon Madina to
assassinate Usman. Contrarily, Usman was continuously thinking
of the ways to control the revolts and stop the upheavals. Therefore,
he called Ali to seek his advice and said that he was willing to do
anything to send back the miscreants. On Ali‟s suggestion, a
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group of thirty emigrant Companions and Ansar went to negotiate

with the rioters and sent them back. Then, after consulting Ali,
Usman addressed the Muslims and explained his future strategy.
His sermon left a great impact on the people, many of them wept
on hearing it.

DEMANDING RESIGNATION FROM USMAN

After a few days, unexpectedly a group of Egyptian rebels came
to Madina again. Mohammad ibn Maslamah asked them why
they had returned. They replied, “On our way back we confiscated
a letter of Usman from the government courier that was
addressed to the governor of Egypt in which he has ordered him
to punish and kill us.” Then the rebels went to Usman with Ali
ibn Abi Talib and Mohammad ibn Maslamah and described the
whole incident to which Usman responded, “By God neither did
I write such letter nor I asked anyone to write it. I have no
knowledge of it.” The rebels then realized that it must be Marwan
ibn al-Hakam‟s mischief. Yet they insisted to remove Usman
from caliphate. They just needed a reason and they got it. They
said that the person who has no knowledge of someone issuing
orders on his behalf, using his official seal and sending a courier
on his behalf to an official with an official statement, does not
deserve to be the Caliph. They demanded the resignation of
Usman. Usman said, “I will not remove the robe of honour with
my own hands that Allah made me wear.” Here the following
Hadith is worth mentioning:
 Aisha bint Abi Bakr narrates that the Holy Prophet said, “O
Usman! Undoubtedly Allah will bless you with the cloak (of
caliphate). Thus if people ask to remove it you must not do
so.” He said this three times. (Ibn Majah, Mustadrak, Musnad
Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

To calm down the rebels, Usman added, “However, I am

mortified about whatever happened and will be careful in future.”
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The rebels however were not ready to hear any explanation. They
said, “We will kill you if you do not resign from the post of
caliphate and will fight whoever tries to stop us.” Usman said, “I
would rather prefer to be killed than resigning from the post of
caliphate which Allah has bestowed upon me.” He added, “You
do not need to fight with anyone because I will not permit
anyone to fight with you. Whoever does so, will be doing it
against my will. Had I wanted to fight, I could have gathered the
army from everywhere or I would have fled to a safe place.”

USMAN‟S HOUSE WAS BESIEGED

On this second invasion of the Egyptian rebels, Ali again used
his influence and was successful in repelling them. However,
truth be told, the rebels were thirsty for Usman‟s blood
whatsoever. Hence, the moment Ali left, they besieged Usman‟s
house. They did not allow anything or anyone enter the house.
The sincere Companions were willing to give their lives and do
anything and everything to save Usman but he asked them to go
back. Nevertheless, Husayn ibn Ali, Ibn Abbas, Mohammad ibn
Talhah and Abdullah ibn Zubayr stayed there. How could they
leave alone the Leader of Believers and the Companion of the
Holy Prophet whom he gave the glad tidings of paradise!
Witness the extent of brutality! The rebels seized the supply of
water to the house of Usman. When Ali and Umm Habiba, the
Mother of Believers, heard about this callousness, they went to
counsel the rebels but they were outraged and blinded by their
wicked intentions. They could think nothing beyond taking revenge
from Usman. They even disregarded the honour of the Prophet‟s
Mosque, disrespected the Mother of Believers, Umm Habiba,
and injured the mule she was riding. Some people rescued her
and took her to a safe place.
Madina, the city of the beloved Prophet of Allah, had become
unsafe. The rebels were unstoppable. They were unleashed even
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more because most of the eminent Companions had left for

Makkah to perform hajj. Ali, his sons Hasan and Husayn, and a
few Companions were in Madina to guard Usman. The rebels
took advantage of the situation and did not listen to anyone. The
Companions in Madina were helpless because of two reasons,
firstly they were few in number, secondly, Usman being the Caliph
had ordered them not to take out their weapons and shed blood in
the sacred city of the Prophet. How could the Leader of
Believers bear to divide the Muslims into groups and allow them
to shed each other‟s blood! Chaos in Madina elevated to such an
extent that many people left the city while the remaining
considered it unsafe to come out of their houses.
Ali made all possible attempts to negotiate with the rebels and
stop them but they were uncontrollable and ready to kill anyone
who came in their way. Confronting them or trying to stop them
was like committing suicide. At last Usman sent a message to
Ali to meet him. Ali of course decided to answer the call of the
Leader of Believers but the rebels stopped him forcefully.
Therefore, Ali took his turban off and gave it to the messenger of
Usman saying, “You are seeing the situation here, tell him what
you have observed.”
The siege was very fierce, it was not possible to send a messenger
outside Madina to ask for help from the Companions in other
cities. Yet Usman tried his best to stop the rebels and save Islam
from an irreversible damage. As a last resort, he decided to
deliver a sermon standing on the roof of his house. He said:
“O people! You want to kill me although I am your guardian and
Muslim brother. I swear to God! I always tried my best for the
betterment. Anyhow, I am a human and made mistakes in some
matters. Remember! If you kill me, you will not be able to offer
salat together and perform jihad together ever again.”
He meant that the Muslims would be disunited and divided into
groups and sects forever. This speech of Usman was in fact a
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prediction. It is true that after the assassination of Usman, unity

of Muslims drastically deteriorated and this left such a void
which is not filled even today.
Next day he again delivered the sermon:
“In the name of Allah I ask you, do not you remember when the
Holy Prophet migrated to Madina, land for Prophet‟s Mosque
was very small so he said that whoever would buy land to extend
the mosque and donate it in the way of Allah, will be granted a
better place in the paradise. At that time I followed the order of
the Prophet, bought land and donated it for the Muslims. Today
you do not let me offer salat in that mosque! I question you in
the name of Allah, do not you remember when the Holy Prophet
came to Madina and there was only one well of sweet water, he
asked, „Who will buy and donate this well in the way of Allah?
He will get a better well in paradise.‟ I bought the well and
donated it in the way of Allah. Today you have ceased the water
of that well for me!”
He delivered another speech in which he said:
“I question you in the name of Allah, does anyone remember that
one day the Holy Prophet was on the Mount Uhad and it began
to shake. The Prophet hit the mountain with his foot and said, „O
Mount Uhad! Be still, there is no one upon you but the Prophet,
the truthful and two martyrs.‟ I was with the Holy Prophet at that
time.”
People verified the incident. Then Usman said, “I question in the
name of Allah from the people who were present at the time of
the Pledge of Tree and the Holy Prophet had sent me to talk to
the infidels. At that time, did not the Prophet call his hand as my
hand and take pledge on my behalf?” People verified this incident
and said, “Yes, it is true!” Even after that, when the rebels did
not back off from their intention of killing Usman, he delivered
the last speech and said:
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“O people! Why do you want to kill me? I have heard from the
Prophet of Allah that other than three conditions it is unlawful to
shed blood of your fellow Muslim. The conditions are; a Muslim
after accepting Islam becomes an apostate, indulges in adultery
after being purified or kills someone and then is killed as a
compensation. I am clear of all three accusations. By God! Ever
since Allah has guided me to righteousness, I have not liked any
religion in comparison to my religion Islam. I did not indulge in
any wrong deed even when I was ignorant and neither have I
killed anyone. Then why do you want to kill me?”
Regardless of these reminders, when the rebels did not back off,
then Usman‟s sincere supporters stepped forward. Zayd ibn
Harithah went to Usman with a group of Ansar and said, “Ansar
are here.” Usman said, “If they are here with the intention to start
a war then I do not grant permission of it at all.”
Abdullah ibn Zubayr said, “We are present in a large number
outside your house, if you allow we will sacrifice our lives to
guard you.” Usman said, “I order you in the name of Allah!
Abstain from shedding blood for me.”
Al-Mughira ibn Shu‟ba said, “You are the leader and Caliph of
Muslims and right now surrounded by danger. In this situation
you must adopt one of the three ways; you have sufficient force,
come out with us and fight as you are the righteous and they are
the wrongdoers. The second option is that let us break open the
back door for you since the front door is besieged, and go to
Makkah where people will not fight against you. Third option is
to go to Syria, people there are loyal to you and Ameer Muawiya
will guard you.” Usman refused the suggestions saying, “I do not
want to fight back and be such a successor of the Holy Prophet
because of whom the blood of Muslim umma is shed. I refuse to
go to Makkah as these miscreants will go there as well and
continue to work upon their agenda. I also refuse to go to Syria
 149

because in that case I will be far from the land of the Prophet
which is unacceptable for me.”
In short, Usman did not allow anyone to take out weapons
against the rebels and shed blood. Rather he said, “At this time,
whoever abstains from taking out weapons, will be my biggest
well-wisher.” He did not accept to part himself from the holy
land of his beloved Prophet.

MARTYRDOM OF USMAN
Prophet Mohammad had foretold Usman that he would be
martyred. He had firm belief that it would become true one day
so he was patiently waiting for it. On seeing the intensifying
anger of the rebels, his belief further strengthened so he started
preparing for the martyrdom. He fasted on Friday. Then he wore
trousers which he had never worn before, he always wore
tehmad30 (on the day of martyrdom, Usman, the epitome of
modesty, wore trousers instead of tehmad so that during
martyrdom any of his private body parts may not be accidently
exposed). He also released twenty slaves and engrossed himself
in the recitation of the Holy Quran. Up till now Husayn ibn Ali,
Abdullah ibn Zubayr, Mohammad ibn Talhah and sons of many
other Companions had stopped the rebels at the door of the
house of Usman, which resulted in a minor fight. When the
rebels could not find any other way to enter his house, they set
the door on fire. A few of them climbed the surrounding houses
and made their way into Usman‟s house. Usman was reciting the
Quran at the time and he did not stop it. The rebels were furious,
one of them kicked the holy book. Another man Kinana ibn
Bishr struck Usman‟s forehead with an iron rod which made him
light-headed and he fell down. His blood fell on the holy pages
of Quran. A man named Amr ibn al-Hamiq then climbed on his

30
An unstitched piece of cloth wrapped around waist to cover the lower half of the body.
 150

chest and stabbed him with dagger several times. On seeing this,
Usman‟s wife Naila ran towards him to save him but a cruel
rebel attacked her with sword that cut her three fingers. Then
another brutal man Sudan ibn Hamran attacked Usman and
martyred him.
This incident took place on Friday, 18th Dhul al-Hijjah 35 AH.
Most of the Companions had gone to Makkah for hajj and
because of their absence the rebels could take over Madina. For
two days the dead body of Usman kept lying there unattended. A
few Companions who were in Madina, were powerless and could
not do anything due to the outraged rebels. Eventually, Ali ibn
Abi Talib bashed the agitators and with the help of other
Companions made arrangements of the burial of Usman. On the
third day, a group comprising of only seventeen people secretly
offered the funeral prayer of Usman and buried him near Jannat
al-Baqi. Due to the fear of rioters they had to even conceal the
traces of his grave. At the time of martyrdom, Usman was eighty-
two years old and had been a Caliph a little less than twelve
years.
The heart-wrenching martyrdom of Usman marred the Muslim
unity. Indeed this incident had dreadful impact on the future of
Islam.

AFTERMATH OF THE MARTYRDOM OF

USMAN
Everyone agrees on the dreadful outcomes of the martyrdom of
Usman. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman on hearing the news of the
assassination of Usman said, “The martyrdom of Usman has left
such a vacuum which even mountains cannot fill.”
Abdullah ibn Salam said, “This day marks the end of the
influence of the Arabs.” Usman himself had said addressing the
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rioters, “Remember! If you kill me you will not be able to offer

salat together and perform jihad together ever again.”
The truth is that the martyrdom of Usman tore away the unity of
Muslims. They were divided in groups, sects and clans. Instead
of using their strength against infidels, they wasted it in fighting
among themselves.
Usman‟s murder aroused a state of restlessness among the
Companions. When Ali heard the news of assassination of Usman,
he raised his hands in prayer and said, “O Lord! I am absolved of
Usman‟s murder.”
Abdullah ibn Abbas said, “Had the whole creation participated in
this assassination, Allah would have poured stones on them like
He poured on the people of Lut.” Sa‟id ibn Zayd said, “O people!
Even the eruption of Mount Uhad on you is a fair punishment of
your wicked act.”
When Thumamah ibn Adi heard about it, his eyes filled with
tears and he said, “This day marks the end of the succession of
the Holy Prophet. Now the era of emperorship will begin.” Zayd
ibn Thabit and Abu Hurairah were also saddened and wept on
the martyrdom of Usman.
Aisha bint Abi Bakr said, “Usman came out clean like washed
clothes after this incident.”
The way Muslims split into different groups after this incident, it
ruined the Muslim harmony. Since then, Muslims are continuously
being divided in different groups and sects.

FAQR AND THE USMANIYYA ORDER

In Sufism, Usman is considered the leader of the enduring Mystics.
In al-Risala al-Qushayriyya it is mentioned that Usman was
always engrossed in the observation of the Almighty. He with his
patience, restrained Muslims from humongous bloodshed and
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even in the most sensitive situation accepted his martyrdom but

did not let Muslims fight with each other.
The inward treasure that Allah and His Prophet bless to their
loved ones is limitless and eternal. The beloveds of Allah who
are attributed with generosity, whose purpose of physical and
spiritual life is to spread the religion and who execute the
responsibility to guide the seekers of Allah, they continue to
spread this limitless treasure among the sincere seekers of Allah
till the doomsday. The main objective of all the orders of Sufism
is to transfer this inward treasure to the seekers of Allah. All the
mystic orders initiate from the Holy Prophet and are transferred
to the Muslim umma through his spiritual successors. The order
of Usman is comprised of nine sub-orders, a few of them are
described in detail in the books of Sufism. They are; Usmaniyya
order, Usmaniyya Qudusiyah order, Usmaniyya Hanfiyah order,
Usmaniyya Kareemiya order, Usmaniyya Saeediyah order and
Usmaniyya Madariyah order.
Usman ibn Affan gave the inward succession to his truthful
follower Abd al-Rahman. Later on, Abd al-Rahman got succession
regarding another spiritual status from Ali ibn Abi Talib as well.
All the orders of Usman proceeded forward through Abd al-
Rahman. From him the spiritual succession was transferred to
Shaikh Asim ibn al-Samad. The proficiency in the knowledge of
Quran that Usman gained, he blesses the followers of his order
with the same according to their capability after spiritually
training them. Thus, they develop spiritual connection with the
Holy Prophet through the medium of Quran. (Tawarikh Aina-e-
Tasawwuf)

Although the Usmaniyya order is the personal order of Usman,

however, the Sarwari Qadri order is such an order which
directly connects to the Holy Prophet and because of this, all the
Rashidun Caliphs bless its followers with their spiritual attention
and guidance as well, as verified by the references from Sultan
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Bahoo‟s books quoted in the preface of this book. The seekers of

Sarwari Qadri order and other orders acquire the attribute of
modesty and humility from the spiritual attention of Usman ibn
Affan. Therefore, we can say that the beneficence of Usman ibn
Affan is continued in all the orders. May Allah grant the Muslim
umma the ability to not only follow the footsteps of the Holy
Prophet and his Companions but also benefit from their spiritual
attention and beneficence. (Ameen)
 THE FOURTH CALIPH
ALI IBN ABI TALIB

Ali ibn Abi Talib was born in 30th Year of the Elephant.
According to a tradition, he was born on Friday, 12th or 13th
Rajab. The Holy Prophet was thirty years old when Ali ibn Abi
Talib was born. His genealogy meets the genealogy of Holy
Prophet through Abd al-Muttalib. It is as follows:
Ali son of Abu Talib son of Abd al-Muttalib son of Hashim.
The mother of Ali also belonged to the Hashim clan. Her
genealogy is: Fatimah daughter of Asad son of Hashim. Thus he
was a noble Hashemite from both sides.
Ali‟s father Abu Talib was the brother of Prophet Mohammads‟
father, Abdullah. Abd al-Muttalib loved Abu Talib a lot after
Abdullah. After the death of Abd al-Muttalib, Abu Talib brought
up his nephew Mohammad with love and affection. He adored
Prophet Mohammad and always kept him along even when
travelling for the purpose of trade. He also spent the three tough
years of boycott by the Quraish with Prophet Mohammad in the
valley of Shi‟b Abi Talib and never left him alone.
One of the titles of Ali ibn Abi Talib is Mawlid-e-Kaaba which
means „the one who was born inside Kaaba‟. It is said in the
traditions that his mother, Fatimah bint Asad was circumambulating
Kaaba when she went in labour pain. On the very moment, the
wall of Kaaba split opened which no one else could witness
except her. She then entered Kaaba where Ali ibn Abi Talib was
born. Fatimah bint Asad was blessed with the light of faith, died
in Madina and is buried in Jannat al-Baqi. When she died,
Prophet Mohammad gave his shirt as her shroud and said these
words standing by her dead body:
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“O my mother! May Allah have mercy upon you. After the death
of my mother, you gave me a mother‟s love. You needed clothes
but you bought clothes for me. You were hungry but you fed me
instead.”
The titles of Ali are: Asadullah (Lion of God), Haidar (the
ferocious lion) and Murtaza (the chosen one). His taknonym is
Abu al-Hasan and Abu Turab. The Arabic word Turab means
soil or dust and Abu Turab means „father of soil‟. Ali was really
fond of this teknonym. The reason behind this teknonym was
that once he was sleeping on the ground of Prophet‟s Mosque
and his whole body was covered by soil. Prophet Mohammad
arrived there and upon seeing Ali said, “Wake up O father of soil
(Abu Turab).” From that day onwards, Ali was known with this
teknonym.
Abu Talib had a big family and was financially not sound.
Prophet Mohammad was blessed with stability after marrying
Khadija bint Khuwaylid. He suggested his uncle Abbas that
since Abu Talib was not financially stable, they should help him
out and share his burden. Thus it was decided that Abbas would
bring up his son Jaffar and Prophet Mohammad took the
responsibility of Ali. Ali was exceptionally fortunate to relish the
affection of Prophet Mohammad from a very young age.
Prophet Mohammad came to the world as a blessing for the
whole universe. How could he deprive Abu Talib from his
blessings knowing his financial issues. Abu Talib had taken the
responsibility of Prophet Mohammad‟s brought up after the
death of his mother Aminah and grandfather Abd al-Muttalib. He
had always prioritized his nephew Mohammad‟s needs upon the
needs of his own children.
On the birth of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Prophet Mohammad put his
sacred saliva in his mouth, let him suck his tongue and named
him as well.
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At the time of declaration of Prophethood, Ali was ten years old

and was being brought up at the Prophet‟s residence. How blessed
was his childhood since the Prophet of Allah had taken him
under his wings.

EMBRACING ISLAM
One day, when Ali came home, he was surprised to see Prophet
Mohammad and his wife Khadija bint Khuwaylid offering salat.
When they completed the salat, Ali asked, “What were you
doing?” The Prophet of Allah replied, “We were worshiping.”
Ali asked, “What kind of worship is this?”
Prophet Mohammad said, “This is the religion of Allah. He
chose it for Himself and sent His Messengers for its preaching. I
invite you to have faith in Allah- The One Who has no partners.”
On hearing this, Ali accepted Islam right away. At the time he
was only ten years old.
In the beginning he kept his faith a secret. Ultimately, this secret
was disclosed when one day Abu Talib saw his son offering salat
in one of the valleys of Makkah along with the Prophet. At first
he kept gazing at them in shock, then he asked the Prophet, “My
dear nephew! What religion is it that you have adopted?” Prophet
Mohammad replied, “Respected uncle! This is the religion of
Allah, His angels and His Messengers. This is the religion of our
forefather Prophet Abraham. Allah has sent me as His Messenger.
My uncle! You deserve it more than anyone else that I invite you
to this religion and it is your right that you accept it before
others. Please accept this religion and also help me.”
Abu Talib replied, “Dear nephew! I cannot leave the religion of
my forefathers. But I swear to God! Until I am alive no one can
harm you.”
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Then Abu Talib looked at his son and said, “O Ali! He has
invited you towards righteousness, stick to him.”
Now Ali embarked on the journey of Islam with the peace of
mind as he was not worried about his father‟s reaction anymore.

ALI‟S ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACCEPTING

ISLAM
For three years, the preaching of Islam continued secretly. After
three years, Allah Almighty revealed the verse:
ۡ َۡۡ َ َ ۡ َۡ
)26:274( ﴾﴿‫ َو ان ِذ ۡر َع ِشی َرتک الاق َر ِبی َس‬
Meaning: (O beloved!) Warn your close relatives (of Our torment).
(26:214)

To obey the order, the Messenger of Allah invited his relatives to

his house on a feast. When Prophet Mohammad started his
sermon with declaration of Oneness of Allah, Abu Lahab the son
of Abd al-Muttalib was outraged and dispersed the gathering.
Few days passed by, Prophet Mohammad arranged another feast
and invited everyone. After the meal, he said, “Among the people
of Arab no one ever brought a better message than I have. This
message guarantees success in both this world and the hereafter.
Who amongst you accepts this message?”
On hearing this, everyone turned his back towards Prophet
Mohammad. Ali ibn Abi Talib who had just reached his teenage,
was also present in the gathering. He stood up and fearlessly said:
“O Messenger of Allah! I will help you and fight with whoever
fights you.”
On hearing Ali‟s statement people started laughing at him in
disdain while some mocked him. They were making fun of Ali‟s
weak physique and young age. They were all looking at the not
so strong and young Ali but were not witnessing the strength of
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his faith which he had attained in the company of Prophet

Mohammad. Everyone left laughing and making fun.

MIGRATION TO MADINA
When Allah Almighty ordered His beloved Prophet to migrate
from Makkah to Madina, the polytheists of Makkah had already
decided in a secret meeting that young men from all clans will
siege the house of Prophet, attack him simultaneously and kill
him (God forbid). The night Prophet Mohammad was going to
set for migration along with Abu Bakr, he left Ali at his house
that was besieged by the infidels. Prophet Mohammad had some
valuables of the people of Makkah which they had deposited to
him as a trust. He wanted to return them to their owners
therefore he asked Ali to sleep on his bed and instructed him to
migrate to Madina after returning the trusts. Ali agreed to it
without any hesitation, although he knew that after Prophet
Mohammad would leave, the infidels might kill him. To assess
the inner state of Ali, Prophet Mohammad asked him:
“O Ali! Do you agree on the fact that the enemies find you
instead while looking for me? Ignorants may run towards you in
haste and kill you.”
The lover of the Prophet said, “Yes! O Prophet of Allah! I am
happy to sacrifice my life for your life and myself for you. I
value my life only if it is spent in your service, following your
commands, loving your Companions and battling against your
enemies. Had I not been able to do this, I would have chosen not
to live in this world even for a moment.”
On hearing this Prophet Mohammad said, “The angels appointed
at the Guarded Tablet have verified the veracity of your words
and they have also confirmed the matchless reward that Allah
has prepared for you. It is such a reward that no one has ever
heard, seen or imagined.”
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O claimants of Divine love! O worshipers of intellect! Just look

at the devotion of the Lion of God! Feel the fire of love in Ali,
this fire gave him the strength to sacrifice his soul and body for
his beloved Prophet. Once you have witnessed it then also
witness how Allah Almighty and His beloved Prophet applaud
and reward the ones who sacrifice everything for them.
Ali covered himself with the sheet of Prophet Mohammad and
slept on his bed. Only Ali knows what peace and delight he must
have experienced lying on the Prophet‟s bed.
The infidels of Makkah found out in the morning that Prophet
Mohammad was not at his house. They had sieged Prophet‟s
house all night with their swords ready to attack him the minute
he stepped out of his house but they missed him. Their plan had
failed and they were shocked when they saw Ali walk out of the
house instead of the Prophet. They threatened and pressurized
Ali to tell them about the Holy Prophet but the Lion of God did
not say a word.
Ali returned the trusts to their owners and fulfilled the obligation
on Prophet‟s behalf. He made sure that he owed nothing to the
people who had trusted Prophet Mohammad with their valuables.
Then one night he secretly left Makkah and headed towards
Madina. Such a long journey on foot and alone! In fact, Ali was
on the journey of love. A poet beautifully explains this state of
love as:

‫ ےھجم قشع ےیل اجات ےہ‬،‫ںیم اہکں اجات وہں‬

Explanation: It is not me but the power of love that carries me to
my beloved.
The Prophet had reached Quba when Ali joined him. Although
his feet were blistered, clothes were torn, the difficulties of
journey had drained him but his soul was at the height of peace
and tranquillity since it had reached the destination of love.
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Prophet Mohammad could not stop beholding this traveller of

love. His eyes filled with tears but the feeling of Ali‟s love
overcame the emotions of sorrow and soon his eyes brightened
with joy and love. He hugged Ali and blessed him with countless
prayers. This eliminated all the pain of Ali‟s journey.

ALI‟S MARRIAGE TO FATIMAH BINT

MOHAMMAD
Prophet Mohammad had four daughters. His youngest daughter
was Fatimah. He adored her the most as she is the leader of all
Muslim women of the world. There are two sayings about her
birth. First, she was born five years before the Holy Prophet
announced his Prophethood. At that time Prophet Mohammad
was thirty-five years old. According to the second tradition,
Prophet Mohammad was forty-one years old when she was born,
which means she was born in the first year of declaration of
Prophethood.
Zainab, the eldest daughter of Prophet Mohammad, was married
to Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi. The middle two daughters Ruqayyah
and Umm Kulthum were married to Usman ibn Affan (he
married Umm Kulthum after the death of Ruqayyah). When
Fatimah, the Lady of Paradise, reached adolescence, many well-
off families of Quraish asked for her hand in marriage but
Prophet Mohammad either stayed quiet or said, “She will be
married to whomever Allah wishes.”
Ali was young and was unmarried. He really wished to have the
honour to marry Fatimah but was reluctant to ask because of his
poor financial condition. His father Abu Talib had passed away
and he grew up under the affection of Prophet Mohammad. All
his hopes were pinned on the Prophet of Allah. The Prophet was
also inclined towards him for his daughter.
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One day some Companions had gathered in the Prophet‟s Mosque,

Abu Bakr and Umar were also there busy talking. Abu Bakr said,
“Many nobles of Quraish have requested the Prophet to marry
his daughter Fatimah but no one has gotten a positive response.
Only Ali is left but he is quiet about the matter. Maybe he is not
able to propose because of his not so good financial situation.
We should encourage him and send him to the court of Prophet
Mohammad.” Umar and Sa‟d ibn Muadh agreed on this idea.
Therefore, all three went to the house of Ali. On reaching there
they found out that he had gone to water the orchard of a friend
from Ansar with his camel. They went to Ali and tried to
convince him to go to the court of Prophet Mohammad with the
proposal. On getting the support of such caring and compassionate
friends, Ali‟s eyes filled with tears. He said, “How can I go to his
court! I have nothing.” The Companions assured him of financial
help as well and sent him to the Prophet.
Ali ibn Abi Talib went to the court of Prophet Mohammad. After
paying salutations he quietly sat in front of the Prophet with his
head down out of respect and reverence. He could not vocalize
his intention. Prophet Mohammad encouraged him to speak and
said, “Ali! It looks like you are here to talk about something
important. Tell me what is the matter?” Hesitantly, in a very
respectful and shy tone, Ali presented his proposal. On hearing
it, Prophet Mohammad‟s face shone with happiness. He said,
“Ali! Do you have anything to pay the mehr?” Ali said, “May
my parents be sacrificed on you! You know my condition very
well. I have nothing other than a sword, an armour and a camel.”
Prophet Mohammad said, “Sword and camel are your necessities.
I am willing to give you my daughter‟s hand in marriage for an
armour as her mehr.”
On hearing this, Ali was overjoyed and came back to Abu Bakr
and Umar who were eagerly waiting for him. They were also
delighted to hear that Prophet Mohammad had accepted Ali‟s
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proposal. When all three reached the Prophet‟s Mosque, the

Holy Prophet was already there. Ansar and emigrants were
gathered and Prophet Mohammad tied Ali and Fatimah in the
marital knot. On the suggestion of Prophet Mohammad, Ali went
to sell his armour. Usman bought that armour at a high price of
four hundred dirham. When Usman got possession of the armour
after paying the amount, he then returned it to Ali saying, “Keep
it as a gift from me.” Ali presented both, the armour and the
amount, to Prophet Mohammad and told about Usman‟s favour.
Prophet Mohammad prayed for Usman and gave the amount to
Abu Bakr directing him to buy essentials for Fatimah-tuz-Zahra.
Salman the Persian and Bilal ibn Rabah also went with Abu
Bakr.
The dowry that the beloved daughter of Prophet Mohammad got
from him included; a charpoy, two millstones, two clay pots, a
leather mattress stuffed with leaves of dates in place of cotton
fibers, a waterskin and a spouted leather bottle
They were tied in the marital bond in Rajab 1st AH. However,
Fatimah-tuz-Zahra moved to Ali‟s house a couple of months
later after the Battle of Badr. Ali did not own a house where he
could take the Lady of Paradise, thus, they stayed in a rented
house for some time. One day, the beloved Fatimah went to the
court of Prophet Mohammad and requested, “Harithah ibn al-
Nu‟man has many houses, one of his houses is very close to the
Prophet‟s Mosque. If possible can you please ask him for that
house and grant it to me.” Prophet Mohammad replied, “Harithah
has already given many houses in the way of Allah on my
request, it is not appropriate to ask him again.”
Somehow Prophet‟s words reached Harithah, he rushed to the
court of Prophet and said, “O Prophet of Allah! I present all of
my houses to you, you can take whichever you like. The house
that you will choose is better to me than the house I am left
with.” Prophet Mohammad accepted one house as a gift and
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blessed Harithah with prayers. Ali along with his wife Fatimah
shifted to that house. Prophet Mohammad settled the fortunate
newly-weds in the new house under the shelter of his blessings.

THE ARENA OF BADR

When the Battle of Badr started, Utbah and Shaybah, the sons of
Rabi‟ah, from the infidels‟ side came in the arena for duel. Walid
ibn Utbah followed them with pride. Utbah positioned his brother
Shaybah on his right side and son Walid on the left side and
challenged Muslims to combat. To fight them, three Ansar
Companions entered the battlefield raising the slogans in the
praise of Allah. Utbah refused to fight when he found out that
the Ansar came to battlefield against him instead of Quraish.
Therefore, Prophet Mohammad sent Ali ibn Abi Talib, Hamza
ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Ubaydah ibn al-Harith to combat them.
In no time, Ali killed Walid and Hamza cut Shaybah‟s head off.
Ubaydah and Utbah were still fighting. Ali attacked Utbah like a
fierce lion. Then it felt as if lightning struck Utbah who was seen
dead on the field of Badr.

THE BATTLE OF UHAD

In the Battle of Uhad Prophet Mohammad had assigned Mus‟ab
ibn Umayr to carry the Muslim flag. He like a solid rock was
firmly holding the flag when someone attacked and his right
hand holding the flag was severed. He then held the flag in his
left hand. When his left hand was also severed, he held the flag
against his chest with his arms but did not let it fall. Prophet
Mohammad was witnessing his valour and devotion towards
Islam. When he was martyred, the Prophet ordered Ali to hold
the Islamic flag. Ali held the flag and filled with the zeal to
combat, valiantly raised the slogan, “I am the one to destruct the
false.” Meanwhile, Ali heard the bawl of Talha ibn Talha, the
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leader of the infidels who was provoking Muslims to combat.

How could the Lion of God not respond to this for the reverence
of Islam! Therefore, he swiftly went in front of Talha and before
he could gather himself, he was on the ground with a single
strike of Ali‟s sword. Talha, the idol worshipper who was
bragging about his bravery could not endure the sword of the
Lion of God and collapsed on the ground in misery. The private
parts of that big-headed man were exposed so Ali did not bother
striking him again. However, the hapless man could not succumb
to a single strike of Ali‟s sword and died at the spot.

BATTLE OF THE TRENCH

The army of infidels was marching towards Madina like a storm.
The plans of non-believers were catastrophic. They were certain
that they will attack Madina with full force and destroy the
Muslims. However, when they saw an uncrossable deep and
wide trench around Madina, they were infuriated like a
venomous snake. All their plans of attack and victory were
ruined as they could not reach Madina and had to camp across
the trench.
The horse riders from the army of non-believers made multiple
attempts to cross the trench but failed. One day, Amr ibn Abd al-
Wud, the famous horse rider of Arab, swiftly jumped over the
trench on his horse and was able to cross it. He challenged
Muslims to fight when he reached near the Muslim army. Amr
ibn Abd al-Wud was a great warrior and was said to be stronger
than hundreds of soldiers. Ali ibn Abi Talib was aware of this
but how could the Lion of God fear anyone! When Amr ibn Abd
al-Wud challenged a duel, Ali accepted it and waving his sword
Dhu al-Fiqar in air positioned himself right in front of him,
ready to fight.
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Ali: O son of Abd al-Wud! I have heard that you have

announced that if anyone among Quraish asks you to do two
things you promise to agree on one.
Amr ibn Abd al-Wud (arrogantly): Yes! I do proclaim that.
Ali: I ask you to bring faith on Allah and His Prophet and adopt
Islam.
Amr ibn Abd al-Wud (in a boasting tone): I do not need to do
this.
Ali: Then come fight me.
Amr ibn Abd al-Wud: I had friendly relations with your father
Abu Talib, therefore I do not want you to be cut by my sword.
Ali: But I would like to cut your head off with my Dhu al-Fiqar.
Amr ibn Abd al-Wud got furious on hearing this. He came down
the horse angrily and cut the hamstrings of the horse. Swaying
his sword in air, he furiously started attacking Ali. Both the
soldiers were fighting face to face now. One could hear the echo
of swords striking each other. Prophet Mohammad raised his
hands for prayer. The duel was so ferocious that both the fighters
were lost in the big cloud of dust. The armies on both sides were
not able to see anything. They could only hear the echo of
striking swords or the slogans. Muslims were raising slogans of
Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) while the non-believers
were raising slogans of their idols, al-Lat and al-Uzza. Finally,
the timbre of swords stopped and clouds of dust slowly began to
disperse. Now people could see that the Lion of God was riding
on the chest of Amr ibn Abd al-Wud. The battlefield once again
echoed with the slogans of Allahu Akbar as Ali cut Amr‟s head
off his neck.
On that occasion, Ali recited the following poetic verses:
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Meaning: Amr ibn Abd al-Wud because of his foolishness

helped the idols (made of stones) while I used my senses and
intellect and supported the Lord of Mohammad.
I came out of the duel in a state that I left Amr soiled among the
mounds of soft sand like the ends of tree.
O non-believers! Never think that Allah will leave His religion
and His Prophet in a vulnerable state.

TREATY OF HUDAYBIYYAH
On 1st Dhul al-Qadah 6 AH, Prophet Mohammad along with a
caravan of fourteen hundred Muslims peacefully headed towards
Makkah with an intention to perform umrah. However, the
residents of Makkah did not allow Muslims to enter Makkah on
any condition. Prophet Mohammad and his followers camped at
Hudaybiyyah which is almost ten miles from Makkah. After
negotiations both parties decided to resolve the matter through
diplomacy rather than warfare. A treaty was drawn and Ali ibn
Abi Talib had the honour to write it. The Makkan delegation sent
to conclude the treaty was led by Suhayl ibn Amr.
Ali started writing the treaty as: “This is the treaty on which
Mohammad, the Prophet of Allah, agreed.” Suhayl ibn Amr was
enraged to see this and said, “The whole issue is that the Quraish
of Makkah do not accept Mohammad as Prophet of Allah.” He
demanded to write „Mohammad son of Abdullah‟ instead. Whereas
Muslims insisted on writing „Mohammad, the Prophet of Allah‟.
However, Suhayl was adamant to cancel the treaty if „Prophet of
Allah‟ was written on it. Prophet Mohammad told both parties to
calm down and asked Ali to erase „Prophet of Allah‟ from the
treaty. On hearing this order, Ali got worried. His inward was
screaming that Mohammad is the Prophet of Allah. Erasing those
words of the treaty was like denying this fact. When he hesitated
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to do it, Prophet Mohammad himself crossed out the words on

the treaty.

THE CONQUEST OF KHAYBAR

There were many tribes of Jews living in Khaybar and they had
built many robust forts. Reportedly the Jews of Khaybar had
united with the Jews of Madina and were plotting against
Muslims. After the Jewish tribe Qurayza faced clear defeat from
Muslims, the leader of Jews of Khayber Sallam ibn Mishkam
decided to attack Madina with full force. They planned to get
help from the Jews of Wadi al-Qura31 and Fadak as well if
needed. They contacted Abdullah ibn Ubayy Salul, the leader of
the hypocrites, who encouraged Jews to attack Madina. When
Prophet Mohammad found out about these conspiracies, he
along with his 1600 followers marched towards Khaybar in
Muharram 7 AH.
Ali could not go with the troops because of eye ailment. When
the troops had left, he got worried. When his anxiousness reached
its peak, he followed the troops not caring about his condition.
He was in a state that his eyes were bandaged and he was riding
a camel, eventually he reached Khaybar.
Fort Na‟im was the strongest fortress in Khaybar. The chief
fighter of the Jews, Marhab resided in that fort. His brothers
were also very brutal and were residing with him in the fort. The
Holy Prophet could not command the troops because of severe
headache. He handed over his flag to Abu Bakr and ordered him
to attack the fortress. Abu Bakr fought with full force but could not
succeed. The next day Muslims fought under the commandership
of Umar ibn Khattab but unfortunately could not win. When this
was brought to the Prophet‟s attention, he said:

31
Valley of villages located north of Madina.
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“Tomorrow I will give this flag to the man who with the help of
Allah will conquer this fort. That man will not run away. He is
the lover of Allah and His Prophet. He with his strength will
conquer the fort.”
On hearing this, all Companions of the Prophet wished to have
the honour of conquering the fort. The night went by in this state.
The next morning all the Companions were eager to hear the name
of the blessed commander. It was Friday. Prophet Mohammad
offered the Friday salat and ordered to bring him the flag. He
first delivered a sermon to the Muslims and instructed them to
remain steadfast. Then he asked, “Where is Ali?” He was told,
“He is sick, his eyes hurt.”
Prophet Mohammad said, “Bring him to me.”
Mohammad ibn Muslamah went and brought Ali holding his
hand.
Prophet Mohammad asked, “Ali! What is the matter?”
Ali replied, “O my master! My eyes hurt and I am not able to see
anything.”
Prophet Mohammad said, “Come near me.”
When Ali glided near the Holy Prophet, he rubbed his saliva on
Ali‟s eyes. Immediately, his eyes recovered. It seemed like he
never had any eye problem. Then Prophet Mohammad granted
him the Islamic flag and ordered him to attack fort Na‟im. When
Ali landed the flag in front of the fort, a Jew looked from the
wall of fort and asked, “Who are you?” Ali answered, “I am Ali
ibn Abi Talib.” Jew said in loud voice, “Swear to Lord who
granted Prophethood and Torah to Moses, you will definitely
defeat the Jews.”
Marhab‟s brother, Harith, first came out of the fort and challenged
Muslims to fight. Some Jews came along with him, but he
ordained them to stay away and bragged of his bravery. Ali came
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forward to fight and killed him before he could even position

himself. The Jews who came with him were disappointed to see
this, thus returned. After some time another Jew appeared in the
battlefield. His name was Amir and was a very tall man. Once
again Ali came forward to fight him. When the fight started, Ali
not only defended himself very well but was attacking him
fiercely as well. But the Jew had the benefit of his height and
was unscathed so far. Eventually, Ali struck on his calves and he
fell down. Ali then swirled his sword like a beam of light and cut
his head off his body. After Amir, Yasir came forward who was
also very strong. Ali wanted to fight him as well but Zubayr ibn
al-Awam requested him to allow him to fight and eventually, he
killed the Jew.
When Marhab saw his three robust soldiers were killed, he was
outraged and came forward to fight. He swirled his sword in the
air and entered the battlefield reciting the war poem:
“The walls of Khaybar know that I am Marhab, armed heavily, I
am experienced and valiant. The onslaught of lions intensify my
rage and fury.”
Amir ibn al-Akwa went to fight the Jew. Both of them fought
face to face for some time then Amir‟s own sword struck his
knees, he fell down and was martyred. Marhab roared like a lion.
Then Ali came forward against him chanting the following:
“I am the one whose mother named him lion (Haider). I am as
fierce as lions of jungle. For your every attack, I will counter-
attack more ferociously.”
Marhab stepped forward and abruptly attacked Ali but he swiftly
saved himself and vigorously counter-attacked in such a way that
cleaved his head into two, cutting through his steel helmet. Then
with another strike he cut his head off his body. The Muslim
troops raided the fort, Ali dislodged its gate off the ground and
the fort was conquered. It is said that to conquer this fort the
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Muslim troops had to face great resistance from the Jews and
fight back with full force for several days.
The conquest of Fort Na‟im led to the victory of Khaybar as it
was the strongest fort.

GRANDEUR OF ALI IBN ABI TALIB

IN THE WORDS OF PROPHET
MOHAMMAD
Following Hadiths describe the grandeur of Ali ibn Abi Talib:
 Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas relates that before leaving for the
Expedition of Tabuk, the Prophet appointed Ali ibn Abi
Talib as his deputy in Madina. Ali said, “O Prophet of Allah!
Are you leaving me with children and women?” The Holy
Prophet replied, “Are you not pleased that you hold the same
status for me as Aaron for Moses! But there would be no
Prophet after me.” (Bukhari 4416)
 Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas narrates, “I heard the Prophet when he
appointed Ali as his second in command in Madina. Ali said,
„O Prophet of Allah! Are you leaving me with children and
women?‟ The Prophet replied, „Are you not pleased that you
hold the same status for me as Aaron for Moses! But there
would be no Prophet after me.‟ On the occasion of Battle of
Khaybar, I heard the Holy Prophet said, „I would give the
flag to the person who loves Allah and His Messenger, and
Allah and His Messenger also love him.‟ We all were
anxiously waiting for the blessing. Then the Holy Prophet
said, „Bring Ali.‟ Ali was called, he was suffering from eye
ailment. The Holy Prophet applied his sacred saliva to Ali‟s
eyes and gave him the flag. Allah blessed Ali with victory in
the Battle of Khaybar. Furthermore, when the verse was
revealed:
 171

ُ َ َ َۡ َ َ َ َ َۡ ُ ۡ َ َۡ َ َ ۡ ُ َ
)3:67( ‫ک ۡم‬:‫ٓا‬ ‫نا و ابن‬:‫ فقل تعالوا ندع ابنٓا‬
Meaning: Say! „Come, let us call our sons and your sons.‟
(3:61)
The Holy Prophet called Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn
and said, „O Allah! They are my People of the Cloak‟.”
(Muslim 6220, Tirmidhi 3724)

 Ali ibn Abi Talib says, “Prophet Mohammad granted me

whatever I asked for and when I remained quiet and did not
ask even then he granted me before anyone else.” (Tirmidhi,
Nisai)

 Jabir ibn Abdullah relates that on the occasion of Siege of

Taif, the Holy Prophet called Ali and whispered in his ear.
People wondered what the Holy Prophet had whispered for
so long to his cousin. The Holy Prophet said, “I have not
whispered to Ali rather Allah has whispered to him.”
(Tirmidhi 3726)

 Abu Sa‟id narrates that the Holy Prophet said, “O Ali! No

one can stay in this mosque in a state of post-coital impurity
except you and I.” (Tirmidhi 3727, Musnad al-Bazzar, Abu Ya’la)
Imam Ali ibn Munzar says that when he asked the clarification
of this order from Zarar ibn Sard, he said that Prophet Mohammad
meant to say that it was not permissible for anyone to pass from
(or stay in) the Prophet‟s Mosque in the impure state of post-
coitus except for the Prophet himself and Ali ibn Abi Talib.
 Ali ibn Abi Talib relates that Prophet Mohammad said,
“May Allah have mercy upon Abu Bakr as he married his
daughter with me, migrated with me to Madina and freed
Bilal ibn Rabah with his money. May Allah have mercy on
Umar as he always says what is right, be it harsh, due to
which he has no friends. May Allah have mercy on Usman,
even the angels regard him. May Allah have mercy on Ali. O
Allah always support Ali with the truth wherever he is.”
(Tirmidhi 3714, Mustadrak, Tabarani)
 172

 Hubshi ibn Junadah narrates a tradition that the Holy Prophet

said, “Ali is from me and I am from Ali. No one can fulfil
(my promises and responsibilities) on my behalf but myself
or Ali.” (Tirmidhi 3719, Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)
 Abdullah ibn Umar relates that when the Holy Prophet
established brotherhood between the migrants from Makkah
and the residents of Madina (Ansar), Ali came weeping to
the Holy Prophet and said, “O Holy Prophet! You have
established brotherhood among all your Companions except
me.” The Prophet said, “You are my brother in this world
and in the hereafter as well.” (Tirmidhi 3720, Mustadrak)
 Anas ibn Malik reports that once the Holy Prophet had some
meat of a bird. He prayed, “O Allah! Send Your most
beloved person among the whole creation so that he may eat
it with me.” Then Ali came and ate the meat with the Holy
Prophet. (Tirmidhi 3721, Tabarani)
 Buraida relates, “The Holy Prophet loved his daughter Fatimah
the most among women and Ali among the men.” (Tirmidhi
3868, Mustadrak)

 Jamih ibn Umair Tamimi says that once he visited Aisha bint
Abi Bakr with his aunt and asked her, “Who was the dearest
to the Holy Prophet?” Aisha replied, “Fatimah.” He then
asked, “Who among men?” She replied, “Her husband (Ali).
As far as I know, he is the man who keeps fasts excessively
and offers devotional prayers during night.” (Mustadrak 4744)
 Umm Salama says, “I swear by Allah, Ali was the closest to
the Holy Prophet among all as far as his status was
concerned.” She relates that once they visited the Holy Prophet
when he was not well. The Prophet asked, “Has Ali
arrived?” He asked it several times, it seemed he had sent
Ali for some important task. Afterwards Ali arrived and all
others left the room because they assumed that he had
 173

something to report to the Holy Prophet. Umm Salama further

relates, “We all sat along the door and I was the nearest. Ali
bent and started whispering to the Holy Prophet. On the
same day the Holy Prophet left this world. As per status, Ali
was his confidant.” (Mustadrak 4671, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)
 Usama ibn Zayd relates from his father (Zayd ibn Harithah)
that one day Jafar ibn Abi Talib, Ali ibn Abi Talib and Zayd
ibn Harithah were sitting together. Jafar said, “Among three
of us, the Holy Prophet loves me the most.” Ali said, “Of all
three of us, the Holy Prophet loves me the most.” Similarly,
Zayd said, “Of all three of us, Prophet Mohammad loves me
the most.” Then he said, “Lets go to the Holy Prophet and
ask him that among three of us whom he loves the most?”
Usama ibn Zayd relates that all three of them went to the
Prophet and sought permission to meet. The Prophet asked,
“Who is it?” They replied, “Jafar, Ali and Zayd.” The Holy
Prophet said, “Allow them to come in.” They came in and
asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Who do you love the most?”
Prophet Mohammad said, “Fatimah.” They said, “O Prophet
of Allah! We asked about the men.” Then Prophet Mohammad
said, “O Jafar! Your creation resembles my creation and
your morals resemble my morals and you are from me and
my genealogy. O Ali! You are my son-in-law and father of
my two grandsons (Hasan and Husayn), you are from me
and I am from you. O Zayd! You are my slave, you are from
me and with me and I like you the most in my nation.”
(Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Mustadrak)

 Amr ibn Maymun relates a long Hadith from Abdullah ibn

Abbas that the Holy Prophet sent someone with sura at-
Taubah then he sent Ali after him to get the sura from him.
Prophet Mohammad said, “No one can take this sura except
the man who is from me and I am from him.” (Musnad Ahmad
ibn Hanbal)
 174

 Abu Sa‟id al-Khudri narrates that once people complained

about Ali. The Holy Prophet stood up to deliver the sermon.
I heard that the Holy Prophet said, “O people! Do not
complain about Ali, I swear by Allah that he strictly follows
His path.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Mustadrak)
 Umm Salama relates, “Undoubtedly whenever the Holy
Prophet was annoyed, no one had the courage to talk to him
except Ali.” (Tabarani, Mustadrak)
 Abu Rafay relates that the Holy Prophet sent Ali somewhere.
When he came back, the Holy Prophet said, “Allah, His
Prophet and Angel Gabriel are happy with you.” (Tabarani)
 Abu Barza al-Aslami relates that Prophet Mohammad said,
“A man does not step in the hereafter until he is questioned
about four things. First about his body, that in what deeds
did he indulge his physical body in? About his life, that in
what state he spent it? About his money, that how did he
earn and spend it? And about love of the People of Cloak.”
Someone asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What is the sign of
our love for you?” As a reply, the Holy Prophet patted on the
shoulder of Ali. (Tabarani)
 Zayd ibn Arqam relates that he heard the Holy Prophet while
he was saying, “To whoever I am the master (Mawla), Ali is
his master (Mawla).” (Tirmidhi 3713, Mustadrak 4577)
 Riyah ibn Harith narrates that Prophet Mohammad said on
the event of Ghadir Khumm32, “Anyone who takes me as his
master (Mawla), must take Ali as his master (Mawla).”
(Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal 23959, Tabarani)

 Abu Ishaq relates that Sa‟id ibn Wahab said, “Ali took
witness from people that Prophet Mohammad had said, „To

32
Ghadir Khumm is located near al-Juhfah (now Rabigh) between Makkah and Madina.
The Holy Prophet delivered a sermon at this place on his return from Hajjatul Wida
(Farewell hajj).
 175

whoever I am the master, Ali is his master as well.‟ It was

verified by five or six Companions.” (Ahmad, Nisai)
 Zayd ibn Arqam relates a tradition that Prophet Mohammad
delivered a sermon at Ghadir Khumm and said, “Whoever
has me as his master, has Ali as his master. O Allah!
Befriend the friend of Ali, be the enemy of his enemy, grant
victory to whoever helps in the victory of Ali and help
whoever helps Ali.” (Tabarani, Mustadrak)
 Imran ibn Husain narrates in a long tradition that the Holy
Prophet said, “Undoubtedly Ali is from me and I am from
Ali and Ali is the guardian of every believer after me.”
(Tirmidhi 3712)

 Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas says, “The Holy Prophet narrated three
such qualities of Ali that if I could possess even one of them,
I would have loved it more than keeping red camels. The
Holy Prophet said on one of the occasions, „Ali holds the
same status for me which Aaron held for Moses but there is
no Prophet after me.‟ He also said, „Today I shall hand over
the flag to the individual who loves Allah and His Prophet,
and Allah and His Prophet love him too.‟ I also heard the
Holy Prophet saying, „To whoever I am the master, Ali is his
master‟.” (Nisai)
 Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas relates, “I heard the Holy Prophet
while he was saying, „For whomever I am the guardian
(Wali), Ali is his guardian (Wali).‟ I also heard when the
Holy Prophet said to Ali, „You hold the same status for me
which Aaron held for Moses but there is no Prophet after
me.‟ I also heard when the Holy Prophet was saying, „Today
I shall hand over the flag to the individual who loves Allah
and His Prophet, and Allah and His Prophet love him too‟.”
(Nisai, Ibn Majah)

 Al-Bara ibn Azib narrates, “We performed hajj with the

Holy Prophet. While travelling, he rested at a place and
 176

ordered to offer congregational prayer. Then he held Ali‟s

hand and said, „Am I not closer to the believers than their
souls33?” People replied, „Yes of course!‟ Prophet Mohammad
again asked, „Am I not closer to every believer than his own
life?” People replied, „Yes Indeed!‟ Then the Holy Prophet
said, „Thus, he (Ali) is the friend of everyone who considers
me his master (Mawla). O Allah! Befriend whoever is friend
with Ali and be the enemy of whoever keeps animosity with
Ali‟.” (Ibn Majah)
 Buraida relates, “I had a complaint against Ali during the
expedition of Yemen. On returning to the sacred assembly of
the Prophet, I criticized Ali. I noticed the sacred face of the
Prophet turned red with anger and he said, „O Buraida! Am I
not dearer to the true believers than their lives?‟ I replied, „O
Holy Prophet! Certainly, you are.‟ The Holy Prophet then
said, „For whoever I am the master, Ali is his master‟.” (Nisai,
Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Mustadrak, Musannaf of ibn Abi Shaybah)

 Maymun Abu Abdullah relates from Zayd ibn Arqam,

“When we rested in the valley of Khumm with Prophet
Mohammad, he led congregational prayer in extreme heat.
Then he delivered a sermon. In order to protect the Prophet
from the scorching heat of the sun we had a cloth covering
the branches of the tree. The Holy Prophet said, „Do you not
verify that I am closer to the believers than their lives?‟
Everyone agreed to it. Then Prophet Mohammad said,
„Indeed, whoever has me as his master, must consider Ali his
master. O Allah! Befriend the friend of Ali and be the enemy
of the enemy of Ali‟.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Bayhaqi,
Tabarani)

 Amr ibn Maymun and Abdullah ibn Abbas narrate a long

Hadith that Prophet Mohammad asked his cousins, “Who
amongst you would want to be my friend in this world and in

33
Referring to verse 6, sura al-Ahzab.
 177

the hereafter?” Narrators say that at the time young Ali ibn
Abi Talib was sitting next to the Holy Prophet. Everyone
refused, then Ali said, “I will be friends with you in this
world and the hereafter.” On this the Prophet said, “O Ali!
You are my friend in this world and the hereafter.” Then
Prophet Mohammad addressed a man sitting next to Ali and
asked, “Would you want to be my friend in this world and
the hereafter?” The man refused, upon which Ali again
proclaimed to be the Prophet‟s friend. The Holy Prophet
again said, “Ali you will be my friend in this world and the
hereafter.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Abi Asim, Mustadrak)
 Ibn Buraida relates a long tradition from his father, “The
Holy Prophet said, „Doomed are the people who blaspheme
Ali. Whoever humiliates Ali, he humiliates me and whoever
is away from Ali, he is away from me. Undoubtedly Ali
belongs to me and I belong to Ali. He is created from my
soil and I am created from the soil of Prophet Abraham but I
am superior to Prophet Abraham. Some of us (Prophets) are
the progeny of other Prophets. Allah Almighty hears and
knows everything. He (Ali) is the guardian of all of you after
me.‟ I requested, „O Holy Prophet! Please spare some time
for me and give me your hand as I want to renew my oath of
allegiance.‟ I did not detach myself from the Holy Prophet
until I renewed my oath of allegiance.” (Tabarani)
 Ammar ibn Yasir relates that the Holy Prophet said, “Whoever
believes in me and verifies my Prophethood, I exhort him to
believe in Ali‟s highest rank. One who considers him the
guardian, he considers me the guardian and who considers me
his guardian, in fact considers Allah his Guardian. Whoever
loves Ali, in fact loves me and he who loves me, in fact
loves Allah. Similarly, whoever keeps enmity against Ali, in
fact holds it for me and whoever keeps enmity against me
actually keeps it against Allah.” (Daylami, Ibn Asakir, Muttaqi al-
Hindi)
 178

 Abdullah Jadhli relates, “Once I visited Umm Salama. She

asked, „Do you people abuse the Holy Prophet?‟ I replied, „I
seek refuge with Allah from it.‟ Or I said, „Allah is the Holy
Essence‟ or I uttered some similar sentence. She said that she
had heard the Holy Prophet while he was saying, „Whoever
abuses Ali (in fact) abuses me‟.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal,
Nisai, Mustadrak)

 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates a tradition from Ali, he said,

“The Holy Prophet looked towards me and said, „O Ali! You
are the leader in this world as well as in the hereafter. Your
beloved is my beloved and my beloved is the beloved of
Allah. Your enemy is my enemy and my enemy is Allah‟s
enemy. Disaster for him who keeps spite against you after I
pass away‟.” (Mustadrak)
 Ammar ibn Yasir relates, “I heard the Holy Prophet saying
to Ali, „Felicitations for the one who loves and supports you
and destruction for him who hates and denies you‟.” (Mustadrak,
Abu Ya’la, Tabarani)

 Salman the Persian relates that the Holy Prophet said to Ali,
“Whoever loves you, in fact loves me and whoever keeps
malice against you, in fact keeps it for me.” (Tabarani 5973)
 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates that the Holy Prophet ordered to
close doors of all the houses that opened in the Prophet‟s
Mosque except that of Ali‟s house. (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)
 Abdullah ibn Umar relates, “We the Companions of the
Holy Prophet used to say during his life that he is superior to
all the mankind. After him, Abu Bakr is superior, then comes
Umar. Ali is blessed with three magnificent virtues. If I had
even one of them, I would have loved it more than keeping
high breed red camels. First is that the Holy Prophet married
his beloved daughter to him. Second, the Holy Prophet
ordered to close doors of all houses that opened in the
Prophet‟s Mosque except Ali‟s house and third is that the
 179

Holy Prophet granted him the flag on the day of Khaybar.”

(Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal)

 Aisha bint Abi Bakr relates that the Holy Prophet said to her,
“Bring the master of Arab to me.” She asked, “O Holy
Prophet! Are you not the master of Arab?” He replied, “I am
the master of all mankind and Ali is the master of Arab.”
(Mustadrak, Abu Nu’aym)

 Umm Salama narrates that the Holy Prophet said, “Ali and
the Quran are inextricably linked together. They will never
separate from each other until they come to me on the pond
of al-Kawther.” (Mustadrak, Tabarani)
 Jabir ibn Abdullah reports that the Holy Prophet said,
“People belong to different genealogies but I and Ali belong
to the same genealogy.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates that the Holy Prophet said, “The
foremost ones are three; for Moses, Joshua is the one, for
Jesus it is Habib al-Najjar34 (the believer from the People of
Yasin) and for me it is Ali ibn Abi Talib.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Abbas relates that the Holy Prophet said to
Umm Salama, “This is Ali ibn Abi Talib, his body is my
body and his blood is my blood and he holds the same status
for me as Aaron held for Moses but there is no Prophet after
me.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Hakim says that the Holy Prophet said, “On the
night of Miraj Allah told me three qualities of Ali through
revelation, He is the master of all true believers, head of the
pious and leader of the people with radiant faces (the people
of Faqr).” (Tabarani)

34
Habib al-Najjar is mentioned in the Quran in sura Yasin verses 20-27. He lived in the
time of Christ in Antioch and believed in the message of Christ sent to the People of
Yasin (mentioned in the Quran as the people of the city). Habib persuaded his people to
believe in Christ‟s message and was martyred for his faith.
 180

 Abdullah ibn As‟ad ibn Zurarah relates from his father that
the Holy Prophet said, “Allah Almighty has revealed upon
me the three titles of Ali;
1. He is the lord of Muslims.
2. He is the leader of the pious.
3. He is the leader of those with enlightened forehead.”
(Mustadrak 4668)

 Abdullah ibn Abbas said that the following verse was

revealed regarding the love of Ali:
ً َ َ ّٰ ُ ُ َّ َّ
ّ ‫ ِان ال ِذیۡ َن ّٰا َمنوۡا َو َعملوا‬
ّ ‫الص ِل ّٰح ِت َس َی ۡج َع ُل ل ُہ ُم‬
)79:96( ﴾﴿ ‫الر ۡح ّٰم ُن ُو ّدا‬ ِ
Meaning: Surely, those who believed and did pious deeds,
the most Kind (Lord) will create love for them in the hearts
(of the people). (19:96)
He added, “It means He will create love for Ali in the hearts
of believers.” (Tabarani)
 Abdullah ibn Masud relates that the Holy Prophet said,
“Allah ordered me to get my daughter Fatimah married to
Ali.” (Tabarani)
 Jabir ibn Abdullah says, “During the Battle of Khaybar, Ali
dislodged the door of the fort, hence the Muslims attacked
the fort and conquered it. It is a verified fact that the door
was so heavy that forty people together could lift it.” (Ibn Abi
Shaybah)

DEATH OF THE HOLY PROPHET

The Companions loved the Prophet ardently and intensely. The
death of the Holy Prophet drowned them in the ocean of grief
and sorrow. Ali was brought up under his kind supervision. He
was the Prophet‟s cousin and son-in-law as well. Thus, he was in
an intense grief.
 181

Since Ali was the closest relative, he along with Fadl ibn Abbas
and Usama ibn Zayd had the honour of bathing the sacred body
of the Prophet. While Ali was bathing him, he was uttering,
“May my parents be sacrificed on you. You were pure and
immaculate in your life as well as after (physical) death.”

ALI AND THE CALIPHATE OF ABU BAKR

This is an undeniable fact that Ali ibn Abi Talib took the pledge
of allegiance on the hands of Abu Bakr and accepted him as
Caliph without being forced. The Lion of God could not be
fearful or tactical in the decisions about the truth. As Iqbal says:

‫آنیئ وجاں رمداں قح وگیئ و ےب ابیک‬

‫اہلل ےک ریشوں وک آیت ںیہن اروابیہ‬

Explanation: The great men say the truth fearlessly. They are the
lions of God and are not cunning like fox.
When did Ali pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr?
In answer to this question al-Tabarani says that Ali took oath on
the hands of Abu Bakr forty days after the death of the Holy
Prophet.
Ibn Khaldun writes:
 Ali went to Abu Bakr. Coincidently Umar was also present
there. Ali asked Abu Bakr to speak to him in private. Abu
Bakr asked Umar to give them privacy. Then Ali said, “Why
did you take oath of allegiance from the Muslims in
Saqifah35 in my absence? You did not even consult me. You
could have called me.” Abu Bakr replied, “I did not go to
Saqifah with the intention of taking oath of allegiance, rather

35
Historical importance of Saqifah of Saida clan is that it is the place where Abu Bakr
took oath of allegiance from Muslims after the death of Holy Prophet.
 182

I went there to resolve the dispute among the Ansar and the
emigrants. Ansar wanted to choose the leader from their
community while emigrants wanted a leader from themselves.
Both parties were ready to fight with each other on this
matter. I did not ask people to pledge on my hand, rather
they unanimously decided it. As far as the question is
concerned that why I did not call and consult you regarding
the matter, gauge the situation and decide for yourself
whether I did the right thing or not? You were busy in the
funeral rites of the Holy Prophet, how could I call you just to
consult about this matter! Had I not taken oath of allegiance
immediately on the request of these people, a conflict might
have occurred which could have been beyond control.”
On hearing this, Ali ibn Abi Talib pondered for a few moments
then pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr. (Tareekh Ibn Khaldun Vol.1)
This narration of Ibn Khaldun does not state when did Ali pledge
allegiance to Abu Bakr. However, this fact is crystal clear that
Ali was satisfied with the explanation of Abu Bakr, therefore he
took oath of allegiance willingly and without any hesitation.
Syed Ameer Ali, the famous jurist, belonged to the Shia sect. He
writes in his renowned English book The Spirit of Islam:
 Ali pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr instantly to demonstrate
his true affinity and determination towards the religion and
to save the followers of his master, Prophet Mohammad,
from disintegration. He was overlooked thrice but he pure-
heartedly accepted the decision of the electors. He never
proposed himself as a candidate for caliphate. He supported
the chosen Caliphs in every way and gave useful suggestions.
The Caliphs also regarded him and acknowledged the
explanations of Hadiths given by him. (The Spirit of Islam)
 183

This excerpt of Syed Ameer Ali reflects that Ali pledged

allegiance without any delay and not only fully supported the
Caliphs but also gave them valuable suggestions.
In this regard, it is worth reviewing a tradition from Abu Sa‟id
al-Khudri. Bayhaqi narrates it as follows:
 Abu Bakr sat on the pulpit and glanced at the audience to
acknowledge the presence of all the honourable people of the
nation. He did not see Zubayr ibn al-Awam, thus he sent
someone to call him. When he arrived, Abu Bakr said:
“O cousin and Companion of the Prophet of Allah! Do you
want to shatter the unity of the Muslims?”
Zubayr replied, “O Caliph of the Prophet! Do not be upset.”
After saying this, he got up and pledged allegiance on the
hand of Abu Bakr.
Then Abu Bakr glanced at the audience again and noticed
the absence of Ali. He sent someone to call him. Ali arrived
immediately.
Abu Bakr said, “O cousin and the beloved son-in-law of the
Prophet! Do you want to disintegrate the Muslims?
Ali replied, “O Caliph of the Prophet! Please do not be upset
on this delay.” Saying this, he got up and pledged allegiance
on the hand of Abu Bakr. (Bayhaqi)
Ibn Kathir has narrated many traditions which certify the
support of Ali for Abu Bakr. However, all of them cannot be
mentioned here. Ibn Kathir writes:
 It is true that Ali did not part from Abu Bakr (during his
caliphate) even for a moment. He offered prayers under his
 184

imamate, fought the apostasy wars under his leadership and

followed Abu Bakr till Zhu Qissa36.”
 Habib ibn Thabit relates that Ali was at his residence when
someone told him that Abu Bakr is at the mosque for the
pledge of allegiance. At the time Ali was wearing a long
shirt, he went to the mosque right away (without changing)
so he may not be late in taking the oath and had someone
bring clothes from his home to change. Then he stayed in the
mosque. (Tareekh al-Umam wal Muluk vol. III)
In the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Ali ibn Abi Talib was appointed as
the Counsellor of the state. All important decisions were taken
on his advice. He offered salat led by the Caliph Abu Bakr and
also received the allowance allocated by him. Ali ibn Abi Talib
also served as a scriber during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and
always remained his well-wisher.
In the beginning of the caliphate of Abu Bakr several
impediments harmed the foundations of the state. Especially the
issue of apostasy was so extreme that Abu Bakr did not even
care for his old age and was set to fight against the apostates. Ali
followed him and was able to catch him near Zhu Qissa, he held
the reins of Abu Bakr‟s horse and said:
“O Caliph of the Prophet! Where are you headed to? I request
you the same as I did to Prophet Mohammad in the Battle of
Uhad. For the sake of Allah put your sword back in the scabbard.
Do not go to war yourself, God forbid if you get into any trouble,
the system of the state will not sustain.” (Tareekh Ibn Khaldun Vol. I)
Sa‟id ibn Safwan narrates when Ali was told about the death of
Abu Bakr, he became restless with sorrow. Eyes of all the
Companions were filled with tears and every soul was grieved.
The atmosphere of Madina was stirred with the cry of distress.
Ali, the epitome of bravery and valour, was also in tears. He

36
Location of war against the false claimant of Prophethood, Tulayha.
 185

hasted towards the house where the sacred dead body of Abu
Bakr was kept and presented him accolade in the following
words:
“O Abu Bakr! May Allah have mercy upon you. You were the
first to believe in the Holy Prophet and adopt Islam. Your faith
was sheer sincerity. Your belief was the strongest of all. You
were incomparable in generosity and the fastest in the matters of
Islam. You were the firmest in your love for the Holy Prophet
and careful in the matters regarding him. You were the guardian
of the Companions of the Prophet. You were the best as a friend.
Your virtues were the greatest and best of all. You had the
utmost rank and were the closest to the Holy Prophet. You had
the most resemblance with the Holy Prophet. You had ultimate
splendour and glory in the court of the Holy Prophet and were
the most trustworthy in his eyes.
O Abu Bakr! May Allah grant you the best reward on behalf of
His religion Islam, His Prophet and all the Muslims.
You validated the message of Prophet Mohammad when people
demurred it. Thus, the Holy Prophet entitled you as „the truthful‟.”
The sermon of Ali ibn Abi Talib was a like a roaring ocean
which depicted his emotions for Abu Bakr. I have shortened it to
avoid prolongation.

ALI AND THE CALIPHATE OF UMAR

Umar had great regard and devotion for Ali ibn Abi Talib since
the life of the Holy Prophet and even before holding the seat of
caliphate. This can be verified through various incidents.
 Fatimah bint Mohammad, the Lady of Paradise, was the dearest
to the Holy Prophet. Several notable people of Quraish
wished to marry her but the Holy Prophet did not give
positive response to anyone. Ali, the Lion of God, also
 186

wished to have the honour of marrying her but was hesitant

because of his not so good financial status. Abu Bakr and
Umar observed Ali‟s hesitancy in this regard so they
encouraged him to talk to the Prophet regarding this matter
and promised to financially support him. When the Holy
Prophet accepted Ali‟s proposal, he went to Abu Bakr and
Umar overjoyed. They were also very delighted to hear this
and persuaded Usman as well to support him financially.
(Kashf al-Ghumma Vol. I)

 In Battle of the Trench, when Ali cut the head of the chief
warrior of Arab, Amr ibn Abd al-Wud and presented it in
front of the Holy Prophet, both Abu Bakr and Umar stood up
in joy and kissed the head of Ali. Such ardent love and
devotion is for the dear ones only. (Kashf al-Ghumma Vol. I)
 Before death, Abu Bakr appointed Umar as his successor
Caliph. The people of Islam pledged allegiance to him and
so did Ali ibn Abi Talib.
 Ali ibn Abi Talib was member of the consultation committee
(Majlis-e-Shura) during Umar‟s caliphate. All the political,
jurisprudential and military affairs were decided only after
consulting him. Umar often preferred Ali‟s advice over others‟
suggestions.
 Umar had established an advisory department Dar-ul-Ifta in
which free advice was provided on the legal matters. Several
prestigious Companions having prudence about legal matters
were associated with this department who would give their
valuable suggestions free or on stipend. Ali was also part of
this department. No one in the Islamic state was allowed to
pass fatwa37 except Ali.
 In the Battle of Nahavand, lakhs of Persian troops were
fighting against Muslims. When their famous and experienced

37
Legal verdict on point of Islamic law.
 187

solider Firuzan called for duel, the Caliph, Umar ibn Khattab
himself wanted to fight with him. Several Companions
appreciated the decision but when Ali was consulted, he
said:
“The base of victory in Islam is not on the number of
warriors, rather Islam is the religion of Allah which He has
made dominant. These are the soldiers of Allah, He has
prepared and aided them Himself, that is why they have
achieved success and progression. Allah has promised us, He
will fulfil His promise and grant victory to the Muslim army.
Although the Arab Muslims are smaller in number but they
are significant due to the beneficence of Islam. They have
strength and dominance because of their harmony and unity.
O Leader of the Believers! You become the pivot of your
army and direct them from here. Crush the non-believers and
send them to hell. (Tareekh al-Khulafa, Vol. II)
 When Umar allocated allowance for the Companions from
treasury, he deemed the rank of the Companions. The highest
ranked group was allocated the stipend of five thousand
dirhams annually and Ali ibn Abi Talib was also included in
it. Ali received the allowance in the caliphate of Umar which
depicts two things. Firstly, Ali considered the caliphate of
Umar rightful. Secondly, Umar had extreme regard and
devotion for Ali.
 Umar asked Ali for his daughter Umm Kulthum‟s hand in
marriage to which Ali agreed. The couple was wedded in
Dhul al-Qadah 17 AH. All the authentic historians have
mentioned about this wedding in their books.
Ibn al-Athir mentions in his book Al-Kamil fit-Tareekh (The
Complete History):
 Umar married Umm Kulthum bint Ali who was the daughter
of Ali and Fatimah bint Mohammad. She was given forty
thousand dirhams in mehr.”
 188

This fact is also indirectly narrated in Bukhari, chapter Al-Jihad.

It shows that there was no animosity, hatred or lack of trust
among these Companions of the Prophet.38

CALIPHATE OF ALI IBN ABI TALIB

28th Dhul al-Hijjah 35 AH till 21st Ramadan 40 AH
(27th June 656 AD – 28th January 661 AD)
Martyrdom of Usman had polarizing effects and things got out of
hand. Most of the noble Companions and the sacred wives of the
Holy Prophet had gone to Makkah for performing hajj. The
rebels were freely roaming in Madina. The dead body of Usman
was lying unattended because the rioters were not letting anyone
go near it. Three days passed by. Finally, Ali and some Companions
talked to the rebels but they did not allow the burial of Usman.
Ali, not caring about his life, rebuked them extremely and took
care of Usman‟s burial and last rituals himself. Because of the
circumstances Usman could not be buried in Jannat al-Baqi. He
was buried in a cemetery behind Jannat al-Baqi. Later on, the
wall separating the two cemeteries was demolished and Jannat
al-Baqi was extended in the direction of the cemetery. Now
Usman‟s tomb is inside Jannat al-Baqi. Among the noble
Companions, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah, Zayd
ibn Thabit, Ka‟ab ibn Malik took part in Usman‟s funeral. The

38
If a man loves someone only then he names his children after that person‟s name. Ali
also named his three sons after the names of the three Caliphs. Description of which is as
follows:
1- Ali‟s wife Umm al-Banin birthed four sons; Abbas Alamdar, Jaffar, Abdullah and
Usman. All four brothers were martyred in the Battle of Karbala. Among them
Usman was named after the third Caliph.
2- Ali‟s wife Layla bint Mas‟ud bore two sons. Ali named one of the sons as Abu
Bakr. Although Abu Bakr is a teknonym and not a name but since he loved the first
Caliph thus he named his son Abu Bakr. He named his second son as Ubaidullah.
Both these sons were also martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
3- According to the books on genealogy and the books of history, the progeny of Ali
progressed from his five sons, Hasan, Husayn, Mohammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah,
Abbas Alamdar and Umar al-Atraf. His son Umar was named after the second Caliph.
 189

rioters were agitating even during funeral and burial but Ali
strictly reproached them.
After the martyrdom of Usman ibn Affan, a group of Ansar and
emigrants went to Ali with the intention of pledging allegiance to
him but Ali refused by saying, “I would rather be a vizier than
the ruler, I will vote for whoever you will chose.”
Continuous plea and request of people could not change his mind.
After the martyrdom of Usman, the rioters had to face a lot of
trouble. They knew that the Muslims will not agree upon caliphate
of anyone else except the Quraish. They tried to convince
Talhah, Zubayr, Sa‟d, Abdullah ibn Umar and Ali to take the
seat of Caliph but all of them refused. People from Kufa were
inclined towards Zubayr while the people from Basra wanted
Talhah to be the next Caliph. People from Egypt were
pressurizing Ali to accept caliphate.
When none of the Companions accepted the seat of caliphate, the
miscreants got worried. The ignorant and the malicious ones
among them wanted to go back leaving Madina in such an
indecisive situation but the ones with a little wisdom could see
polarizing situation arising in Madina, therefore, they did not
want to leave without selecting a Caliph. Majority of them were
from Egypt. Finally, they assembled the people of Madina and
said, “You are the members of consultation committee (Majlis-e-
Shura). Your ordain is implemented on the whole Mohammadan
umma. Choose a Caliph from amongst you within two days. We
will leave after pledging allegiance to whoever you choose. If
you fail to do this, we will leave after killing so and so person.”
This was a difficult situation for the residents of Madina. They
had seen what insurgents had done to the innocent Caliph Usman.
Therefore, they went to Ali ibn Abi Talib and insisted him to
accept caliphate. Initially, Ali refused but when the people of
Madina were persistent, he asked them to give him a day to think
over it. Next day the Companions went to him to persuade him
 190

again. Meanwhile, a group of Egyptian rebels went to him with

Hakim ibn Jabalah, along with them accompanied a group from
Kufa led by Ashtar Nakha‟i. All of them pressurized Ali so much
that he could not refuse and had to accept the seat of caliphate.

ALI‟S PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND FIRST

SERMON AS A CALIPH
Ali went to the Prophet‟s Mosque and addressed people in the
following words:
“O people! You have right upon me just because you have
chosen me as your Caliph. Yesterday you came to me full of
tumult and I resisted to accept caliphate. But you all insisted that
I become your Caliph and take decisions for you.”
People said, “Indeed we did that, and we still stand by it.”
Ali prayed, “O Allah! Be my Witness.”
Then people pledged allegiance on the hands of Ali. It was
Friday 28th Dhul al-Hijjah 35 AH.
Talhah ibn Ubaydullah and Zubayr ibn al-Awam pledged allegiance
to Ali on the condition that he would follow and implement the
rules set by Prophet Mohammad and will enforce sharia. It is
also related that because of the pressure from the insurgents, they
had pledged allegiance to Ali before he came to the mosque.
(Tareekh ibn Khaldun)

DEMANDING RETRIBUTION OF USMAN‟S

MURDER
After delivering the sermon, Ali went home. After some time
Talhah ibn Ubaydullah and Zubayr ibn al-Awam followed him.
Ali welcomed them and asked the reason of their arrival. Both of
them said, “We agreed to pledge on the condition that you will
 191

take revenge of the assassination of Usman. We have come to

remind you.” Ali replied, “I am truly saddened at the assassination
of Usman. I care about his rights and retribution. I will definitely
punish his murderers but will not show any haste in it. I cannot
act on your suggestion until the state matters are settled and
people are directed to the right path.” On hearing this Talhah and
Zubayr went back. However, in the streets of Madina, people
started demanding revenge from Usman‟s assassinators in low
voices. (Tareekh-e-Islam by Professor Abdullah Malik)
When Ali ibn Abi Talib came to know that people of Madina were
making various assumptions regarding retribution of Usman‟s
murder, he went to the pulpit of the Prophet‟s Mosque and
gathered people to address them. Ali clearly declared that he was
absolved of Usman‟s murder. He also shared the responsibilities
he had as the Caliph and the problems he was facing. He advised
people to keep calm and assured them that justice would be
done.
The next day, Marwan ibn al-Hakam and some other people
from the Umayyad tribe went to Syria and Ali could not stop
them.

AISHA‟S DEMAND OF RETRIBUTION OF

USMAN‟S MURDER
During the siege of Usman‟s house, Aisha bint Abi Bakr had
gone to Makkah for hajj. After hajj, when Aisha was returning to
Madina, a person named Ubaydullah ibn Abi Salma Layshi met
her. When she asked him about the condition of Madina, he told
her about the assassination of Usman. On hearing the news she
became extremely sad and announced that the revenge for the
murder of Usman would be definitely taken. She also added,
“The insurgents have shed the blood of an innocent person which
is declared unlawful by Allah Almighty. They have stained the
 192

glory of the sanctified city to which the Prophet of Allah

migrated. They shed blood in the sacred month in which killing
is prohibited. They looted what was not legit for them. By Allah!
Single finger of Usman is better than the world full of such
rioters. Undoubtedly, Usman is pure and free of the accusations
rioters blamed him for, just like gold is refined of impurities and
dirt is washed off from the cloth.”
Aisha postponed her return to Madina. Abdullah ibn Hadrami,
who was appointed as the governor of Makkah by Usman, went
to Aisha and said, “I will be the first one to take revenge for the
assassination of Usman.” On hearing this, all the people from the
Umayyad tribe gathered who had left for Makkah after the
martyrdom of Usman. Sa‟id ibn al-As and Walid ibn Uqba were
also among them. From Madina, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah and
Zubayr ibn al-Awam had also come to Makkah. Abdullah ibn
Amir from Basra and Ya‟la ibn Umayyah from Yemen arrived
with six hundred camels and six lakh dinars. Talhah and Zubayr
briefed them about the condition of Madina in detail. They
particularly discussed the assassination of Usman, pledge of
allegiance taken by Ali and the demand of retribution for Usman‟s
murder. Some people suggested to go to Syria. Abdullah ibn
Amir disagreed and informed that in Syria Ameer Muawiya is
enough to deal with the rioters. He then suggested, “We should
go to Basra as the people of Basra are naturally inclined towards
Talhah. Moreover, I have deep rooted relations there. When we
will take control over Basra, people there will also stand with us
in demanding the revenge. Thus, we will be in a better position
to fight the murderers of Usman.” Everyone liked this suggestion
and decided to head towards Basra.
When they were ready to leave for Basra, it was announced in
the city, “Aisha bint Abi Bakr is heading towards Basra along
with Talhah and Zubayr. Those who support Islam and want to
take revenge of the assassination of Usman should come along.
 193

Those who do not have conveyance will be provided.” More or

less sixteen hundred people joined Aisha from Makkah. People
from surrounding areas also joined because of which the number
of troops increased to three thousand. At the time, Umm Fadl,
the wife of the Prophet‟s uncle Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib was
residing in Makkah. She secretly wrote a letter to Ali in which
she described the situation of Makkah.
When Aisha left Makkah, other wives of the Holy Prophet
travelled with her till Dhat‟ Irq39 and from there said goodbye to
her in tears. Here a Hadith is worth mentioning:
 One day the Prophet of Allah was sitting in his house and
most of his wives were present. Suddenly, he said, “I wish I
may find out who amongst you will be the one on seeing
whom the dogs of Chashma Khwab will bark!”
The caravan proceeded from Dhat‟ Irq. Aisha was riding a camel
named Askar. When the caravan reached Chashma Khwab, the
dogs started barking upon seeing the caravan. Aisha asked,
“What place is this?” She was told that it was Chashma Khwab.
She got anxious on knowing it and said, “Take me back! Take
me back!” Instantly, she patted on the neck of the camel, had it
sit down and got off the camel. The caravan stopped. She stayed
there for one night and one day. After remembering the saying of
the Prophet, Aisha was perplexed. Signs of anxiousness were
visible on her face. A day passed by in this state when someone
shouted and said, “Hurry up! Hurry up! Ali has arrived.” On
hearing this the caravan quickly headed towards Basra and
finally stopped on reaching there. Talhah and Zubayr took
control over Basra and expelled the governor of Basra, Usman
ibn Hunaif.

39
A waystation on the way form Makkah to Kufa, located 92 kilometers northeast of
Makkah.
 194

ALI‟S DEPARTURE TOWARDS BASRA

As you have read earlier, Ali was informed of the conditions of
Makkah by his aunt, Umm Fadl, the wife of Abbas ibn Abd al-
Muttalib. She had also informed him that Talhah and Zubayr
were advancing towards Basra. This was an apprehensive news
for Ali, so he started preparations to leave for Basra. Ali
departed for Basra in the end of Rabi ath-thani 36 AH, taking
along troops from Madina, Kufa, Egypt and Makkah.
When Ali reached Rabadha, he got the news that Talhah and
Zubayr had taken control of Basra. This news added to his
apprehensions. He halted at Rabadha and passed several ordains.
While he was still in Rabadha, a group from tribe Tayy came to
him and offered help. Ali appreciated them and included them in
his army. When he left from Rabadha, he came across a man
from Kufa. Ali inquired him about the strategy of governor of
Kufa, Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari. He said, “If you intend to reconcile
then he will obey you but if you choose to fight then he will
part.” Ali replied, “Unless we face some accidental situation, we
intend nothing but reconciliation.” Ali then marched forward and
reached Zeeqar. From there, Ali sent Mohammad ibn Abu Bakr
and Mohammad ibn Jafar to deliver his letter to Abu Musa al-
Ash‟ari. They tried to convince Abu Musa to promise his support
and fight along with them in case of war but he said, “To opt for
war is the way of world and to reconcile is the way to better
hereafter.”
On hearing Abu Musa‟s verdict, the people of Kufa refused to
cooperate with the representatives of Ali. Due to which Mohammad
ibn Abu Bakr and Mohammad ibn Jafar had to take a stern
stance but Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari stood by his decision and said,
“If war is necessary then it must be against the insurgents who
took the path of violence and killed innocent Usman.” Mohammad
ibn Abu Bakr and Mohammad ibn Jafar returned to Ali and
briefed him about the situation in Kufa. Then Ali sent Abdullah
 195

ibn Abbas and Malik al-Ashtar to Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari. Despite

being potentially the best, both of them could not change Abu
Musa‟s mind. When they retunred, Ali sent his son Hasan and
Ammar ibn Yasir to Kufa. On getting the news of their arrival,
Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari went to the mosque to meet them. When
Hasan mentioned his reason of arrival, Abu Musa said:
“I have heard from the Prophet of Allah, he said, „Soon there
will be tribulations, he who will remain seated shall be better
than the ones standing. He who will remain standing shall be
better than the ones walking and the one walking shall be better
than those riding. All Muslims are brothers to one another. It is
unlawful for them to shed each other‟s blood and usurp each
other‟s wealth‟.”
On hearing this speech, Ammar ibn Yasir got furious and started
objurgating and condemning Abu Musa but he did not respond.
However, his supporters attacked Ammar ibn Yasir. Abu Musa
came forward and saved him. Meanwhile, Zayd ibn Suhan
reached there with a letter from Aisha for Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari
and the people of Kufa. Zayd started reading the letter right away
despite that the people around forbade him to do so. The
supporters of Ali were also present there who tried to attack
Zayd. Abu Musa kept trying to stop the fight.
Malik al-Ashtar again came to Kufa and presented two conditions
in front of Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari. First, he would cooperate with
Ali ibn Abi Talib in every condition. If not, he must leave Kufa
before the evening. Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari agreed to leave Kufa
there and then.
Hasan ibn Ali and Malik al-Ashtar along with the people of Kufa
went to meet Ali at the station of Zeeqar.
 196

MEDIATION OF AL-QA‟QA IBN AMR AL-

TAMIMI
When both parties along with their armies were all set to fight,
Ali sent al-Qa‟qa, a Companion of the Prophet, to Aisha in an
attempt to mediate. He first instructed al-Qa‟qa regarding different
aspects of the matter then allowed him to answer any new issue
that may arise during negotiations according to his wisdom and
understanding. Thus, al-Qa‟qa went to Aisha and both had the
following dialogue:
Qa‟qa: O Mother of the Believers! What made you revolt?
Aisha: The conflict among people and the thought to course
correct them.
Qa‟qa: Please call Talhah and Zubayr so we can talk in front of
them.
Aisha called both of them. When they arrived, the discussion
proceeded as:
Qa‟qa: Earlier I asked the Mother of Believers what made her to
revolt. I would like to ask the same question to both of you.
Talhah and Zubayr: Our answer is the same as her answer.
Qa‟qa: Her answer was, “Conflict among people and correction
of the Muslim umma.” I ask what way you all want to follow to
course correct people.
Talhah and Zubayr: We want retribution of the murderers of
Usman and if this is not done, it will be like denying the
teachings of Quran.
Qa‟qa: That is true! We also agree to it, but your approach is
wrong. The six hundred people of Basra whom you killed did not
murder Usman. Such actions will not lessen the conflict among
the Muslims rather will worsen it.
 197

Aisha: Then what do you suggest?

Qa‟qa: You are the Mother of Believers, the source of our peace
and prosperity. Do not deprive us of your beneficence and
indulge us in anarchy otherwise you will also have to face the
trial. Let us work on reconciliation and forget the differences.
When the conflict among us is resolved then together we can
take revenge from the murderers of Usman. In this way, we can
follow the teachings of Islam and the sanctity of Muslims will
also be secured.
Aisha: Your suggestion is valid, we agree to it as long as Ali
approves of it as well.
Qa‟qa: I will go talk to him right now. I am sure he will agree to
it rather he will be pleased to hear it.
Talhah and Zubayr: If Ali will be pleased with this, we will also
be delighted upon the unity among the Muslims.

BATTLE OF THE CAMEL

Battle of the Camel is the battle which stained the sanctity of
Islamic history. In the battlefield, the leader of one army was the
honourable lady whom the Holy Prophet trusted utmostly. She
had the honour of being the Mother of Believers. Prophet
Mohammad stayed at her home in his last days and her home
was chosen as his rest place till the doomsday. This eminent lady
was Aisha bint Abi Bakr. Fighting opposite to her was army of
the man who was not only brought up by the Holy Prophet but
he also married his beloved daughter to him. This was the man
loyal to the Prophet and brave like a lion, he was none other than
Ali ibn Abi Talib.
It did not suit both personalities to fight against each other. They
should not have gotten into a war. In fact, they were not fighting
against one another. The world can attest, they did not fight on
 198

their own will. They were tricked and pushed into the flames of
war through betrayal and deception. Both parties had already
reconciled, they had agreed on the formula of “first unity and
reformation then retribution.” However, the evildoers and the
enemies of Islam never wanted harmony among the Muslims.
The followers of Abdullah ibn Saba and the murderers of Usman
put their heads together in the darkness of night and concluded
that reconciliation between Ali and Aisha would make their lives
miserable. In that case they would be severely punished and
beheaded for sure. How could they bear this! Thus, in order to
protect themselves, they wove a web to trap the believers which
resulted in the loss of thousands of Muslim lives.
After being exhausted for months, both parties were sound asleep
in the joy of reconciliation when the rebellious insurgents attacked
both sides simultaneously. Disrupted from sleep, they got up and
haphazardly held their swords and were forced into killing each
other. The army of Aisha thought that Ali had breached the
settlement and vice versa. When Talhah and Zubayr heard the
screams and saw the storm of arrows, they inquired the reason
and were told that the people of Kufa had attacked without
waiting for the morning. Both simultaneously hollered, “Alas!
Ali is adamant to shed blood.”
On the other hand, when Ali came out of his camp, a person
assigned by the evildoers cried that the people of Basra had
attacked and their troops were marching forward while shooting
arrows. On hearing this Ali said, “Alas! Talhah and Zubayr are
adamant to shed blood.”
Ali rode his horse to the battlefield and directed his troops to
take position. Then the battle initiated and got so horrendous that
no one had the time to comprehend the actual situation.
However, Ka‟b ibn Sur went to Aisha and said:
 199

“O Mother of the Believers! The battle has started vigorously.

The Muslims are beheading each other and cutting each other‟s
chests open. Please go to the battlefield and stop people. Perhaps
the Muslims turn towards reconciliation upon seeing you.”
Then Aisha was seated in howdah and mounted on the camel.
The howdah was covered with armours and brought to a place
from where the scene of the battlefield was easily visible. The
war continued for some time and then the army of Basra started
losing so they began to back off. Ali ordered his troops not to
follow them.
Due to the conspiracies of the miscreants when both the armies
came face to face, they were so close that the necks of their
horses touched one another. At one moment, when Ali looked
up, Zubayr ibn al-Awam happened to be in front of him. Talhah
ibn Ubaydullah was also nearby. Ali said, “You showed animosity
towards me by gathering armaments and soldiers against me.
Will you be able to justify this animosity before Allah? Am I not
your religious brother? Is it not forbidden upon you to shed my
blood and likewise for me to shed your blood? Can you give
even one reason that makes it legit for you to take my life?”
Talhah: Is it not true that you teamed up with the murderers of
Usman? Because of that you are accused of being a part of
conspiracies of the assassination of Usman.
Ali: I seek refuge in Allah Who is the One to complete His
religion. I curse the assassinators of Usman. Allah will also curse
them.
Talhah: Indeed! Allah is the One to complete His religion!
Ali: O Talhah! Did not you pledge allegiance to me?
Talhah: Yes! But it was under compulsion and was subject to
conditions. Have you fulfilled the condition of punishing the
murderers?
 200

Ali: O Zubayr! Do you remember the day when the Holy Prophet
told you, “Indeed! You will rise up in a fight against a man with
whom you will have done wrong.”
Zubayr: Yes! I have recalled these words of the Prophet of
Allah! I wish, I had recalled them before. Now I will not fight
with you at all.
After this conversation, both armies backed off and path of
conciliation was paved. Zubayr announced his separation from
the army. Although some people of his group taunted him but he
did not care because he had remembered the words of the Holy
Prophet and could not disobey him. He parted from his army and
went towards as-Siba valley. On his way, he came across the
army of Ahnaf ibn Qays but no one questioned him. However,
one vile and malign provoking man, Amr ibn Jarmouz started
chasing him. When Zubayr noticed him, he asked him the reason
of his chase. He made an excuse that he was chasing him so he
could ask him a question. Salat time had approached, therefore
Zubayr prepared to offer salat. While Zubayr was offering salat,
Amr ibn Jarmouz attacked and martyred him. He then escaped
from there, stealing Zubayr‟s horse, weapons and ring. When he
proudly told Ahnaf ibn Qays about what he had done, Ahnaf
said, “Allah knows better whether you did the right thing or
wrong.” Then Amr went to the camp of Ali and told the guard to
relay his message to Ali that the murderer of Zubayr would like
to meet him.
Ali said to the guard, “Allow him to come in, giving the news of
his place in hell.”
During the war, an arrow hit Talhah‟s foot, piercing his vein so
deep that he was bleeding terribly. Due to excessive blood loss,
he was feeling very feeble and was in acute pain. His servant
took him to Basra but on the way he fainted and soon passed
away due to excessive bleeding.
 201

Ka‟b ibn Sur who had taken Aisha to the battlefield out of
sincerity to restrain Muslims from shedding blood, stopped her
camel at a prominent place in the battlefield. On seeing her, the
rebellious group that had mingled in Ali‟s army turned their
arrows towards her. Seeing this, the people of Basra who had
backed off earlier, returned to the battlefield. This instigated
horrendous war which resulted in thousands of fatalities.
The Mother of the Believers told Ka‟b, “Leave the camel! Go to
the centre of battlefield with Quran and invite them towards the
ordainment of Book of Allah.”
Ka‟b followed her order, raised the Holy Book of Allah with
respect and went to the battlefield. Why would the rebels want
the decision following the command of Quran because then they
would certainly be punished. Therefore, they started shooting
spears at Ka‟b and martyred the Companion of the Prophet who
was the well-wisher of his umma.
Ali sincerely wanted to end the battle. He thought that as long as
the Mother of Believers was in the battlefield on her camel, the
battle would not stop. He could see that the people were giving
their lives crazily in front of her camel like moths plunge into the
flames. Ali appointed a group to make the camel sit down in any
condition even if they had to hamstring the camel.
On Ali‟s ordain some people attacked the camel and cut off its
hamstrings. As soon as the camel fell screaming, the war slowly
began to end.
It is also said that on the ordain of Qa‟qa, a man named Bajir ibn
Waljah cut the hamstrings of the camel. Anyways, this action
was not based on hostility rather it was done prudently as the
intention behind it was to stop the war. When the camel fell, the
brother of Aisha, Mohammad ibn Abu Bakr and Ammar ibn
Yasir carried her howdah to a safe place where there was no one.
Ali then went to her and had a dialogue:
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Ali: How are you, O Mother?

Aisha: Thanks to Allah! I am well.
Ali: May Allah forgive you.
Aisha: May Allah forgive you as well.
Qa‟qa stepped forward and greeted her. While replying to him
she said:
Aisha: I wish I had died twenty years before today‟s incident.
When Qa‟qa told Ali what Aisha had said, he replied, “I also
wish the same.”
Ali then made arrangements to send Aisha to Basra. From there,
along with forty elite women of Basra she was sent back to Makkah
under the supervision of Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr in Rajab 36
AH. Ali accompanied her caravan to some miles to see her off
and Hasan ibn Ali went with her to a distance of a day. Aisha
then returned to Makkah.
There are different opinions about the number of casualties in
Battle of the Camel. According to a calculated estimate, more or
less ten thousand people died in both armies who included both
emigrants and Ansar of Madina in addition to the people of
Kufa, Basra and Egypt. Several Companions of the Prophet were
also martyred in this battle. At the end of war, when Ali
reviewed the battlefield, he was extremely saddened to see that
Ka‟b ibn Sur, Abd al-Rahman ibn Attab, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah
and many other Companions were martyred.
Ali ordered to gather the dead bodies of both sides at one place
and offered their funeral prayer and made arrangements of their
burial. The injured of both sides were sent to the city for
treatment. All the possessions were gathered in the city mosque
and it was announced that people may take their belongings after
identifying them.
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When two persons or groups fight, it is not necessary that one of

them is right and the other one is wrong. We will have to make
careful opinion about both the groups involved in Battle of the
Camel. One group was led by the chosen leader of the Muslims
who had high level of intellect and prudence. Prophet Mohammad
declared him as the gateway of knowledge and he was
unparalleled in wisdom and sagacity. During the era of his
predecessor three Caliphs, he used his greatest abilities to deal
with very intricate problems prudently.
The three personalities who led the other group were undoubtedly
pious and extremely wise. Whatever was destined to happen, did
happen and it is not appropriate to hold any group fully
responsible for it. Those people were prone to commit mistakes.
May be they were mistaken in understanding the situation and
making judgement. It neither is essential nor it suites us that we
highlight those mistakes and point fingers on the Companions of
the Holy Prophet who are ranked the highest among the Muslim
umma. The evildoers and rebellious group took advantage of the
situation. It can be stated without any doubt that the assassinators
of Usman provoked war between the two groups. They did this
to save their lives as they were certain that in case of reconciliation
they would not be spared.
Both fighting groups were sincere to one another. They did not
want to hurt each other or the Muslim umma. As Ali said:
“I hope that no one amongst us or from the opposite side is killed
anymore. Allah has cleansed our inwards and those who lost
their lives in the war will be sent to heaven by Allah.” (Tareekh ibn
Khaldun)

Ali ibn Abi Talib gave this answer to Abu Salama Doulani when
they were having a conversation about reconciliation and there
was quite a possibility of it.
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Jafar al-Sadiq narrates that Ali said the following about the ones
who fought against him:
“We did not fight because they called us infidel. They thought
that they were right and so did we.” (Qurb al-Isnad)

THE BATTLE OF SIFFIN

The Battle of Siffin was fought between the troops of Ali ibn Abi
Talib and Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan in Safar 37 AH. The battle
started on the 1st of Safar.

REASONS BEHIND THE BATTLE

The biggest reason behind the battle was again the demand of
retribution of Usman‟s murder. After the martyrdom of Usman,
when Ali became the Caliph, most of the Muslims pledged
allegiance to him. However, the pledge of certain people was
conditional. Among them Talhah ibn Ubaydullah and Zubayr ibn
al-Awam were the most prominent. Ameer Muawiya was amongst
the ones who did not pledge allegiance to Ali ibn Abi Talib. Ameer
Muawiya had been governing Syria for almost twenty-two years.
Umar had appointed him governor of Syria and he continued to
govern in the reign of Usman as well. He was a relative of
Usman and was renowned politician and a powerful man.
Undoubtedly, Ali wanted to punish the murderers of Usman and
he had even started the investigations, but the situation was
unfavourable and complicated. The biggest impediment was that
there was no eyewitness of the murder. On allegation of some
people, Ali had arrested Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr but he swore
and testified that he was innocent hence was discharged. Naila,
the wife of Usman, who was the only one present inside the
house at the time of assassination had verified the statement of
Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr, so he was acquitted. However,
nobody could identify the two assassinators who had stabbed
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Usman to death. The investigations were still in process when

the movement of revenge began.
Ameer Muawiya when refused to pledge allegiance and started
preparing for a battle in the name of retaliation, it became
indispensable to fight back. I wish! Ali had gotten chance to
complete the investigations, the situation would have become
favourable and perhaps the biggest tragedy in the history of
Islam might not have happened which led Muslims to the path of
sectarianism and slammed the door of Islamic victories.

USMAN‟S BLOODSTAINED SHIRT AND THE

SEVERED FINGERS OF NAILA
After the assassination of Usman, Nu‟man ibn Bashir took the
bloodstained shirt of Usman and the severed fingers of his wife,
Naila, to Syria. Umayyads from different parts of the country
started marching to Syria as well. Both these items were
publicized in every corner of the country. The orators stirred the
emotions of the public by elaborating the details of the assassination
of Usman. The public sobbed on hearing about the heart-wrenching
murder of Usman and swore to take revenge from his murderers.
Initially, people furtively started blaming Ali of Usman‟s
assassination. Later on, there were open accusations on him.
People were so ignited to take revenge that it provoked a
situation of cold war. People started swearing that unless they
take revenge, they will not:
 Drink cold water.
 Will not take bath other than post-coitus.
 Will not sleep on soft bed, etc.

DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO RECONCILE

After Battle of the Camel, Ali attended towards the situation in
Syria. He was worried to hear that Ameer Muawiya was
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preparing for a battle to demand retribution of the murderers of

Usman. Earlier, when Ali wrote a letter to Ameer Muawiya
inviting him to pledge allegiance to him, he in turn had sent him
a blank letter. Ali sent Jarir ibn Abdullah al-Bajali, the governor
of Hamdan and Ashath ibn Qays, the governor of Azerbaijan as
his ambassadors to Ameer Muawiya. When they reached Syria,
Ameer Muawiya welcomed them and invited them to stay for a
couple of days so they could witness the condition of Syria. He
wanted them to know how people felt about the murder of
Usman and its retribution so they could convey that to Ali. Thus,
Jarir on his return briefed Ali about the situation in Syria.

ALI DEPARTING FROM KUFA

The battle was inevitable after the attempt of reconciliation
failed. Ali appointed Abu Masud al-Ansari as his deputy in Kufa
and headed towards Nukhaylah. There he organized his troops.
Abdullah ibn Abbas also came there with troops from Basra. It is
said that when Ali headed towards Syria with his forces, eighty
thousand soldiers gathered under his flag. It was the month of
Dhul al-Hijjah 36 AH. Along with him accompanied seventy
Companions who participated in the Battle of Badr and seven
hundred Companions who had the honour of taking Pledge of the
Tree.
Ali sent vanguard troop led by Zayd ibn Nasr and Shurayh ibn
Hani and instructed them:
“Beware! Do not fight unless they initiate. Do not go after
personal issues. Repeatedly invite them towards reconciliation.
Neither get too close to them that they might think you intend to
fight nor go too far that they perceive it as your cowardness.”
Ameer Muawiya with his troops had already camped at Siffin
near the bank of river Euphrates. They had the opportunity to
gauge the surroundings and set their trench. They had taken
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possession of the water of river Euphrates. Ali also set his army
in the field of Siffin in front of the Syrian army. They faced
difficulty in obtaining water from the river since the Syrian army
had seized it. Ali sent a message to let them have access to
water. When Ameer Muawiya agreed to give them access, Walid
ibn Uqba and Ibn Abi Sarh opposed and said:
“Torment them by keeping them thirsty the way they tormented
Usman.”
When Syrians did not agree to give access to water, this provoked
a fight between the Syrian and Iraqi troops. The Syrians were
defeated and Ali captured the river and then made it accessible
for both armies. Hence, both the troops equally quenched their
thirst.

ATTEMPT OF RECONCILIATION
Both forces were encamped opposite to one another, but the
battle did not start. Both armies were taking water from the same
place which led to their meetings. This continued for over two
months. Ali sent Bashir ibn Amr and Shabath ibn Ribi at-Tamimi
as his envoys to invite Ameer Muawiya towards obedience and to
pledge allegiance. Bashir ibn Amr after praising Allah, said, “In
the name of Allah, I request you to refrain from dividing Muslims.
Abstain from shedding blood.”
Muawiya: Did you advise the same to your friend Ali as well?
Bashir: He is not like you?
Muawiya: What do you mean?
Bashir: I mean, he is more eligible for caliphate because of his
early acceptance of Islam and kinship to the Prophet of Allah.
Muawiya: Then what do you suggest?
Bashir: Adopt the path of truth towards which he is calling you.
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Muawiya: Do you want us to forego the demand of retribution

for the murder of Usman? By God! I will never do that.
This conversation eventually turned into an argument and the
attempt to reconcile led nowhere.
After the failure of this negotiation, minor fights began but the
official war was not started yet. The month of Dhul al-Hijjah 36
AH passed by like this and the new year 37 AH started.
After a few days, Ali sent another envoy to negotiate with Ameer
Muawiya. This group included Adi ibn Hatim, Zayd ibn Qays,
Shabath ibn Ribi and Ziyad ibn Hafsa. This attempt also failed
after arguments.

THE LEGATION OF MUAWIYA

Ameer Muawiya also sent a legation to Ali which included Habib
ibn Maslama, Sharjeel and Ma‟n ibn Yazid. When they went to
Ali, Habib ibn Maslama started the conversation:
Habib: (After glorification of Allah) Usman was a truthful Caliph.
He practised the Book of Allah and passed ordain according to
its commands. You were displeased with his life so you hastily
pushed him towards death. Indeed you assassinated him. If you
claim that you did not kill him then hand over his killers to us
and resign from the seat of caliphate. Muslims can elect whoever
they want.
Ali: Who gave you the authority to talk about the caliphate. Be
quiet! You do not deserve to deliver spiel like this.
Habib: By God! Soon you shall see me in a state that you will
not like.
Ali: What a foul thought! May Allah not keep you alive for that
day. Go ahead and do whatever you want to do.
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START OF THE BATTLE

Now the battle had become unavoidable. Muharram had passed.
The battle officially commenced on the 1st of Safar 37 AH. For
the first six days, battle continued between different groups.
Although it was fought at limited level, yet both armies faced a
lot of loss.
On the seventh day, Wednesday, 7th Safar the battle started fiercely.
Both armies fought viciously all day. At dusk the swords were
rested.
Next day, the battle started ferociously again and continued even
in the night. That night was later famously called as Laylat al-
Harir. There were piles of dead bodies everywhere. Thousands
of women became widows and lakhs of children became
orphans. According to an estimate, seventy thousand Muslims
were killed in this battle. The army of Ali seemed to be winning
that day.
When Muawiya realized that his army will certainly loose the
battle, he expressed his apprehension to Amr ibn al-As. Amr
said, “Nothing to worry, I have already schemed for such situation.
We will invite the Iraqis to make Quran the judge between us.
This will put them in dilemma. Their army will be divided on
whether to agree or disagree to this call and we will be saved
from defeat.” Therefore, according to the plan, thousands of
Syrians entered the battlefield raising Quran on their spears and
started calling:
“O people of Arab! For God‟s sake, strategize to save your
children and women from Romans and Iranians. If all Syrians
are killed, who will save the people of Arab from the attack of
Romans? And if all Iraqis are killed who will save the Arabs
from the intrusions of Iranians? It is compulsory for all of us to
give respect and reverence to Quran. Agree to the ordain and
judgement of this Book.”
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The Syrians succeeded in their scheme. Everyone bowed his

head on seeing the Quran raised on spears and surrendered
saying:
“We agree to the judgement of the Book of Allah.”
On seeing this, Ali got worried. He knew his forces were about
to gain triumph and clearly understood the Syrians were plotting
a scheme. He tried to convince his people but in vain. Iraqis said,
“How is it possible that we reject the call towards the Book of
Allah!” Ali had no choice but to surrender. He had realized after
seeing the peculiar expressions of people that if they were
compelled to fight they would become rebellious and treat him
the way they treated Usman. Some people were already uttering
such words.
Masar bin al-Fadki and his fellows started shouting that if the
battle was not stopped right away, they would suspend Ali. Thus,
Ali passed strict orders to call Ashtar back from the battlefield.
Ashtar had reached very close to triumph when he came to know
the whole situation, he requested Masar to grant some time. But
Masar and his fellows got furious and were ready to fight with
Ashtar. Ali convinced Ashtar to keep quiet and this was how the
battle officially stopped.
In the plain of Siffin, gems were drenched in blood and mud.
Many honourable Companions of the Holy Prophet were
recklessly slaughtered far away from their homeland at the bank
of the river Euphrates. The ones whom the Holy Prophet honoured
with the certificate of distinction and nobility were lying dead
unattended.
The martyrs of Siffin were approximately seventy thousand.
They included the emigrants, Ansar, Companions from the Battle
of Badr, Companions who had the honour of taking the Pledge of
the Tree as well as eminent Companions like Ammar ibn Yasir
and Ubaydullah ibn Umar ibn Khattab. The Battle of Siffin is
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such a tragic chapter in the history of Islam which was written on

the land of Siffin with blood.

OUTCOMES OF THE BATTLE OF SIFFIN

 Even after massive killing on both sides, the battle remained
indecisive.
 Both the issues i.e. right to the caliphate and retribution of
Usman‟s murder remained unresolved. The caliphate was
divided into two sections.
 The conflicts among Muslims increased and led to
sectarianism.
 The problems of Ali ibn Abi Talib intensified.
 The ways to the victories of Muslims were obstructed.
 Enormous number of valuable lives were lost.

THE SUGGESTION OF ARBITRATION

When the battle ended, there was silence everywhere, no clatter
of swords striking each other and no echo of raising war slogans.
However, one could still hear the moaning of the injured. Ali
then sent Ashath ibn Qays to Ameer Muawiya to find out what
were his intentions behind calling people towards the judgement
of the Holy Quran. When Ashath went to Muawiya, he suggested
that both parties should cease the battle and turn towards Allah,
appoint a person from each side and ask both to pledge that they
would act in accordance to the Book of Allah. Ashath returned
and conveyed Muawiya‟s suggestion. Iraqis accepted his proposal.
Syrians chose Amr ibn al-As as their representative and Muawiya
approved of it. Ashath and his fellows suggested the name of
Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari but Ali objected and said:
Ali: I do not agree on this selection.
Ashath: Why?
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Ali: Because he opposed me previously as well. He forbade

people in Battle of the Camel to support me and people detached
from me.
Ashath: Whatever the case might be, we select him.
Ali: I will not make Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari representative from
my side. Instead, I suggest Abdullah ibn Abbas.
Ashath: How is it possible? He is your relative. We will not
make him our representative at all.
Ali: Then make Ashtar my representative, he is not my relative.
Ashath: Is there no man left on earth other than Ashtar?
Ali: So, you will not make anyone else the representative except
Abu Musa.
Ashath: This is our decision, because Abu Musa had the honour
of being the Companion of the Holy prophet and Ashtar is
deprived of it.
Ali: Fine! Do whatever you want!
This is how Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari was sent as a representative of
Ali.

WRITING THE ARBITRATION

Amr ibn al-As, the representative of Muawiya, came to the court
of Ali to decide the terms of the treaty between the two groups.
While writing the treaty, the scriber wrote „Amir al-Mu’minin‟
(Leader of the Believers) with the name of Ali, to which Amr
objected and said, “We do not consider him our Caliph so this
title should be erased. Ahnaf opposed but Ashath asked the
scriber to erase the words. The treaty was worded as follows:
“This is the pact that has been written with the mutual agreement
between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. Ali
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appointed an arbitrator on behalf of Kufans and other people

accompanying them. Muawiya appointed an arbitrator from the
Syrians and the people accompanying them. Indeed, we depend
on nothing but the ordain of Allah and His Book. We agree that
we will not let anyone intervene but the Holy Quran, it is among
us from the beginning till the end. We shall enliven him whom
the Quran has enlivened and will execute the one whom the
Quran orders to execute. Thus the arbitrators must act on the
ordain in the Book of Allah. The arbitrators are Abu Musa al-
Ash‟ari, Abdullah ibn Qays and Amr ibn al-As. The ordains they
may not find in the Quran, they shall resort to the Sunna which is
agreed upon.”
When the treaty was written, the leading persons of both groups
were asked to sign it. When Ashtar was asked to sign, he refused
which instigated argument between Ashtar and Ashath. Ali
intervened and stopped them otherwise they might have taken
their swords out. This treaty was written and signed on 13th Safar
37 AH.

MEETING OF THE ARBITRATORS

The arbitrators met at a place called Azraj near Dumat al-Jandal.
Ali sent four hundred people with Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari. Shurayh
ibn Hani was made the incharge and Abdullah ibn Abbas was
sent as the imam. Muawiya also sent four hundred people with
Amr ibn al-As. When the meeting started, Abdullah ibn Umar,
Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr, Abdullah ibn Zubayr, Mughira ibn
Shu‟ba, Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas, Abd ar-Rahman ibn Harith, Abd
ar-Rahman ibn Abd al-Yaguth and Abu Jahm ibn Hudhayfah
were also present. Their presence was just as the observers, they
did not have any say in the final decision. The dialogue between
the two arbitrators is as follows:
Amr ibn al-As: Do you know that Usman was martyred.
Muawiya belong to the same family as Usman and is his heir.
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Abu Musa: Yes! That is true.

Amr ibn al-As: Then what is holding you back from giving him
the right of caliphate. He is brother of the wife of the Holy
Prophet, Umm Habiba. He has stayed in the company of the
Prophet and has also served as a scriber for him. He has the
ability of governing a country and has traits of politics. He is the
one who recognizes and returns the favour. If you choose him as
the Caliph, he would make you the ruler of your favourite city.
Abu Musa: “O Amr! Fear from Allah. The criteria to choose a
Caliph and a leader is piety rather than politics. On this basis, Ali
is more eligible to hold the seat of caliphate. As far as attaining
the rule over a city is concerned, I choose not to take bribe in the
matters of Allah.
Amr ibn al-As: I do not agree with your opinion.
Abu Musa: Then elect Abdullah ibn Umar as Caliph.
Amr ibn al-As: What do you think about my son? You are well
aware of his abilities.
Abu Musa: Undoubtedly, your son was pious and truthful but
you have set him on the path of mischief as well.
Amr ibn al-As: (Sarcastically) Well! You recommend giving this
high position to someone very naive.
Abu Musa: O Amr! The nation has given the matter into your
hands after going through immense bloodshed. For God‟s sake!
Do not put the nation into another trial.
Amr ibn al-As: Then what do you suggest?
Abu Musa: I think it is better that we suspend both of them and
then allow Muslims to elect their own leader.
Amr ibn al-As: (Happily) “Yes! That would be great.
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION

After agreeing upon this decision, both arbitrators went to the
crowd who was waiting for the decision. Amr ibn al-As asked
Abu Musa to announce the decision first as he was his senior and
elder. Abu Musa got up and said:
“People! We pondered a lot on the matter and have come to the
conclusion that both Ali and Muawiya should be suspended and
people should be given the right to elect their own leader.
Therefore, I dismiss both Ali and Muawiya.”
After this Amr ibn al-As got up and declared:
“O people! You have heard that Abu Musa al-Ash‟ari has dismissed
Ali, I do the same. However, I do not dismiss Muawiya as he is
Usman‟s heir and has the right to take his position after him.
On hearing that, Abdullah ibn Abbas and Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas
started reproaching Abu Musa and he excused by saying that
Amr retracted from a mutual decision and has backed out of his
words. Thus people got angry on Amr. It is said that Shurayh ibn
Hani took out his sword to attack Amr but people defused the
situation.
Abu Musa was very upset at all this, so he went to Makkah. Amr
ibn al-As went to Syria and appointed Muawiya as the Caliph.
Abdullah ibn Abbas went to Ali and told him what had
happened.

AFTER ARBITRATION
After arbitration, the Islamic caliphate was practically divided
among two sections. When Amr ibn al-As reached Syria, Muawiya
took pledge of allegiance from people. He ruled Syria, Palestine
and the conquered areas of Rome. Later on, he also conquered
Egypt.
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On the other side, Ali was the elected Caliph and his capital was
Kufa. He also ruled Basra, Hijaz and the conquered areas of Iran.
The division of the caliphate terribly harmed the dignity and
honour of the Muslims. The Iranians took advantage of the
situation and instigated anarchy. Under such circumstances, Ali
and Muawiya were forced to agree on the term that both will
restrict their military movements to their own areas. After this
agreement, Ali crushed the revolts arising from the Iranians.

FITNA OF KHARIJITES
People who parted from Ali ibn Abi Talib after the Battle of
Siffin are called the kharijites in history. This was the first sect
or group who seceded from umma.
In the previous pages you have read that when the Syrians raised
the Holy Quran on their spears and appealed to obey the order of
Quran as their strategy to stop war so as to save themselves from
defeat, Ali opposed it and ordered his army to remain steadfast
and continue to combat. However, the soldiers contravened the
order and stopped the battle. Though Ashtar insisted to continue
but Ashath ibn Qays and his fellows, Masar bin al-Fadki Tamimi
and Zayd ibn Hassain at-Tai started threatening. Therefore, Ali
had to cease the battle and agree upon arbitration. Later on, these
people insisted to annul the arbitration and call off the truce.
However, Ali refused to breach the agreement. At that point, the
people who seceded from Ali were called the kharijites. Initially,
twelve thousand people parted from Ali and went to Harura
where they pledged allegiance to Shabath ibn Ribi at-Tamimi.
Some historians believe, they pledged allegiance to Abdullah ibn
Wahb. Most of the kharijites belonged to the clans of Tamim,
Bakr and Hamdan.
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BELIEFS OF KHARIJITES
 In the matters of religion, considering humans as arbitrators
is infidelity. Those who do so and accept the decisions of
arbitrators are infidels.
 Ali and Muawiya, both are excluded from Islam (God forbid).
It is lawful to combat against them.
 All Muslims are equal in rank.
 Caliphate is not essential. An elected group of governors
must run the government.
 The ultimate ruler is only Allah.
 Abu Bakr and Umar were the righteous Caliphs.
 Revolt against Usman was lawful.

BATTLE AGAINST KHARIJITES

One day, Ali ibn Abi Talib was delivering a sermon in the
mosque. A kharijite in the corner of the mosque raised a slogan:
ّّٰ
‫ لا حکم الا اللہ‬
Meaning: There is no rulership other than that of Allah.
Ali said, “Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)! You use the
righteous words to express your inner falsehood.”
Then he continued delivering the sermon but another kharijite
raised the same slogan from another corner of the mosque.
Ali said, “Why do you treat us poorly! Although we are your
well-wisher. We allow you to enter the mosques so you can
invocate Allah, we share the spoils collected in the battles with
you, we neither fight with you nor do we have any such intention
unless you leave us with no other choice. We have left your
matter to Allah.”
Ali went to his residence after rebuking them but the kharijites
went to the camp of Abdullah ibn Wahb and tried to convince
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him to revolt. Those scoundrels were taking advantage of the

lenient behaviour of Ali. Abdullah ibn Wahb advised them that
their strength was not enough to rebel therefore they should first
find a way to get out of there, strengthen themselves somewhere
else then combat against Ali. Harqus bin Zuhair and Hamza ibn
Sanan followed the advice of Abdullah ibn Wahb and decided to
pledge allegiance to him, then escape in the darkness of night in
groups of two or five. They did not want to leave together so the
government might not suspect what they were up to. In this way,
they left for Madain.

THE FIGHT OF KARKH

When Ali found out about the escape of kharijites to Madain, he
asked Sa‟d ibn Masud, the governor of Madain, to stop them.
When Sa‟d tried to stop them, they changed their path and turned
towards Nahrawan. Sa‟d continued to chase them and confronted
them at Karkh. Fight instigated between them which continued
for a day. The kharijites then escaped in the darkness of night,
crossed the river Euphrates and went to Nahrawan.

THE KHARIJITES OF BASRA

A group of five hundred kharijites left Basra under the
supervision of Masar bin al-Fadki to join the kharijites of Kufa.
On the order of Abdullah ibn Abbas, Abu al-Aswad chased them
and confronted them at the bridge of river Euphrates. The battle
continued from afternoon till night. The kharijites took advantage
of the darkness of night, crossed the bridge and met Abdullah ibn
Wahb.

THE BATTLE OF NAHRAWAN

The kharijites of Basra encountered Abdullah ibn Khabbab ibn
al-Aratt in the vicinity of Nahrawan. His wife and three other
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women were with him. When the kharijites recognized him, they
seized him and asked:
Kharijites: What do you say about Abu Bakr?
Abdullah: He was the Companion of the Holy Prophet, truthful
and the rightful Caliph.
Kharijites: How was Umar?
Abdullah: He was the successor of Abu Bakr, Companion of the
Prophet and the rightful Caliph.
Kharijites: What are your thoughts about Usman?
Abdullah: He was Du an-Nurayn and the rightful Caliph.
Kharijites: What do you say about his last era. Was it lawful or
unlawful to revolt against him?
Abdullah: It was a cruel act against the rightful Caliph.
Kharijites: What are your thoughts about Ali?
Abdullah: He is the son-in-law of the Holy Prophet. He is the
rightful Caliph and among the first people to adopt Islam.
Kharijites: Do you know about his decision of accepting the
arbitration of Abu Musa and Amr ibn al-As?
Abdullah: The decision of the Leader of Believers was right in
every way.
On hearing this, the kharijites were outraged. They attacked
Abdullah and slaughtered him. They also slashed the abdomens
of the women who were with him. When this news reached Ali,
he was busy in preparations to attack Syria. His heart bled in
tears especially when he heard how kharijites tortured Abdullah.
Immediately, he sent Harith ibn Marah al-Abdi to investigate the
matter but the kharijites martyred him as well.
Ali postponed his attack on Syria and advanced towards
kharijites. On reaching Nahrawan, he demanded kharijites to
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surrender the murderers of Abdullah and other martyrs. They

replied that they considered it licit to kill them as well as Ali and
his fellows. Furthermore, they claimed that they all were the
murderers. Ali sent Abu Ayyub Ansari to negotiate with them,
however they refused to accept peace.
Before ordering his soldiers to attack the kharijites, Ali declared
that he would welcome and provide amnesty to everyone who
would secede the kharijites and join him. After this announcement
a large number of people detached from the kharijites. Farwah
ibn Nawfal parted from kharijites with his group of five hundred
people. A large number of people joined Ali while some went to
Kufa.
The strength of kharijites reduced to half. Two thousand
kharijites were ready to combat against the army of Ali. When
the battle started, kharijites fought vigorously. There body parts
were being severed, yet they were fiercely fighting. One of the
kharijites, Shurayh ibn Abi‟s foot was cut, yet he continued to
fight. The troops of Ali also fought valiantly and ultimately
defeated the kharijites. Those stubborn people were killed one
after another.

AFTERMATH OF THE BATTLE OF

NAHRAWAN
 The kharijites were crushed and their insurgency was buried
temporarily.
 Except a few, almost all the kharijites were killed in the
battle while only seven soldiers of Ali were martyred.
 The consequences of this battle were not so beneficial in the
favour of Ali because after the battle when he ordered his
army to advance towards Syria with him, they refused. In
spite of their opposition, when Ali decided to march upon
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Syria, only one thousand people were with him. Consequently,

Syrian expedition was forever postponed.

CHANGE IN THE CAPITAL

In 36 AH, after Battle of the Camel, Ali changed the capital from
Madina to Kufa. Apparently, this was because Ali had a large
number of supporters in Kufa and it was near Damascus. From
there he could closely monitor the activities of Muawiya.
Another reason for changing the capital was to save Madina
from the political chaos and revolts, just like Usman preferred to
get martyred but did not allow fight in the sacred city of Madina.
Due to this change in capital, Madina and its people lagged
behind politically. Many Companions of Prophet Mohammad
and their followers (Tabiun) were still in Madina and were not
actively involved in the matters of state. Therefore, the Islamic
state was deprived of their supervision, sincere advices,
cooperation and prayers.
The people of Kufa (Iraq) did not stand by Ali and could not
pass the test of loyalty and obedience as was expected from
them. Several incidents verify that. Here we have mentioned
some of them:
 In the Battle of Siffin, when Syrians realized they were
going to be defeated, thousands of their soldiers came out
raising the Quran on spears and called for peace. Syrians
knew they would loose if the battle was not stopped. Ali
commanded his soldiers to keep fighting and advised them
not to fall into the trap of Syrians. However, a large group
from Ali‟s Kufan soldiers refused to continue and threatened
him that if he would not reconcile and accept the ordain of
the Book of Allah, they would leave him. Ashtar and his
fellows wanted to continue the war but they were halted by
pressurizing Ali. Kufans had also threatened to dismiss Ali.
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 When the treaty of arbitration was being written, the scriber

wrote the title Amir al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers)
with the name of Ali. Amr ibn al-As objected on it and
demanded to erase the title by saying that they did not accept
Ali as their leader. Ideally, the supporters of Ali should have
protested on erasing the title but they did not. Ashath ibn
Qays accepted Amr‟s objection and the title was erased.
 Ali suggested to make Abdullah ibn Abbas or Ashtar the
arbitrator from his side but the Iraqis chose to make Abu
Musa al-Ash‟ari their representative against the will of Ali,
which Ali was forced to accept.
 After defeating the kharijites, Ali ordered Iraqis to prepare to
attack Syria but they tried to evade it by making excuse of
being fatigued from the recent battle. However, Ali refused
this excuse. While returning from the battle of Nahrawan,
Ali camped at Nukhaylah and ordered that no solider would
go back home. Despite, large number of people went to their
homes in the darkness of night.

MARTYRDOM OF ALI IBN ABI TALIB

In the battle of Nahrawan, Ali‟s victory against kharijites was
spectacular. Almost all kharijites were killed other than a few
who managed to escape. Those who survived, had committed to
kill Ali. For this purpose, an Egyptian kharijite Abd al-Rahman
ibn Amr ibn Muljam went to Kufa. In Kufa he met his friends
and gauged the situation but did not disclose the purpose of his
arrival. Meanwhile he met a man named Shubayb ibn Shajrah
who he thought could be helpful. Thus he persuaded him to
assassinate Ali. At first he got furious but then Ibn Muljam
coaxed him with his sweet talk. Both of them included a third
man named Wardan, in their plan.
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It was Friday night, 17th Ramadan. Ibn Muljam, Shubayb and

Wardan hid behind the door of the mosque at night. At the time
of dawn salat, Ali came to the mosque. Upon entering the door
of the mosque, he said, “O people! Salat, salat.”
Shubayb stepped forward and attacked him with his sword, but
he missed him. Ali had walked forward and the sword hit the
door of the mosque. Then Ibn Muljam stepped forward and
attacked Ali on the forehead. On seeing this, Wardan ran away
and went to his home. When he described the incident to his
friends, they killed him. Ibn Muljam was arrested. Ali instructed
his nephew, Ja‟dah bin Hubayra, son of Umm Hani to lead
Muslims in salat. People took Ali home. By this time sun had risen.
When Ibn Muljam was brought in front of Ali, he asked him:
Ali: O brutal man! What tempted you to kill me?
Ibn Muljam: (Ignoring the question) I have been sharpening this
sword for forty days and praying to Allah that may this sword be
used to kill the person who is evil for people.
Ali: I can tell, you will be killed with the same sword.
Ali then addressing the audience said:
“If I survive, it will be up to me whether I pardon or punish him.
If I die, kill him the same way he tried to kill me. O Hasan! If I
die, kill him with a single strike of the same sword. Do not
mutilate his dead body and do not kill anyone other than this man.”
After the martyrdom of Ali, Hasan per his instructions, cut the
head of that man with a single strike of the same sword.

LAST MOMENTS OF ALI IBN ABI TALIB

When it seemed inevitable that Ali would succumb to the injury,
Jundub ibn Abdullah went to him and asked, “O Leader of the
Believers! Should we pledge allegiance to Hasan after you?”
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Ali said, “Neither do I ordain about it nor stop you from doing
so.”
When Ali felt that he had reached his last moments, he called his
children and advised them such words of wisdom that are truly
like the foundation of sacred religion Islam. He said:
 I advise you to always fear from Allah.
 Do not fall for the world even if it comes to you fully
adorned with wealth and riches.
 Do not get upset at not being able to attain a worldly object.
 Always say and support the truth.
 Be kind towards orphans.
 Help the needy.
 Always oppose the cruel and help the oppressed.
 Practise upon the teachings of the Holy Quran and do not be
afraid of those who reproach on following the orders of Allah.
In his last moments on 21st Ramadan 40 AH, he advised Hasan
and Husayn to be kind towards their younger brother Mohammad
ibn al-Hanafiyyah and advised him to obey and respect the elder
brothers. After that he remained silent for some time. Then he
opened his eyes, recited the shahada and passed away.
َ ۤ َّ ّّٰ َ ّ
)2:756( ﴾﴿ ‫ ِانا لِل ِہ َو ِانا ِال ۡی ِہ ّٰر ِج ُعوۡ َن‬
Meaning: Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
(2:156)

His tomb is in Najaf, Iraq.

‫رسہمریمیآوھکنںاکےہاخکدمہنی وفجن‬
Explanation: I adorn my eyes with the dust of Madina and Najaf
(the resting places of Prophet Mohammad and Ali ibn Abi Talib
respectively).
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GRANDEUR OF ALI
Ali ibn Abi Talib was brought up and trained under the affection
of the Holy Prophet. Naturally, he adopted the best attributes
from the Holy Prophet and was the embodiment of greatest
morals, as is the Persian phrase:

‫امجل مہ نیشن دار نم ارث رکد‬

Meaning: All the beautiful attributes of my beloved have
assimilated in me.
He spent his childhood, youth and middle age in the blessed
company of Prophet Mohammad. He was pure in his childhood,
purer in his youth and the purest in middle age. He never uttered
a single word of infidelity nor committed a single act of
polytheism. His scared self was not stained with the filth of sins
even in the era of ignorance. Both the intellectual and practical
aspects of his personality were exemplary and the mirror image
of the life of Prophet Mohammad. The height of the sanctity of
his morals can be determined by the saying of the Holy Prophet:
“Looking at the countenance of Ali is worship.”

EXCELLENCE IN KNOWLEDGE
Undoubtedly, Ali was extremely valiant and the man of action.
However, he is ranked very high as regards excellence in
knowledge as well. He was an unfathomed ocean of knowledge.
Following Hadith is sufficient to prove his eminence in knowledge:
ٌ ْ ْ َُ ََ
)7364،7365،7366‫ انا َم ِدیْنۃ ال ِعل ِم َو َع ِل ّی بَابُ َہا (ادتسملارک‬
Meaning: I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its door.
(Mustadrak 4637, 4638, 4639)

He had not only learnt the Holy Quran by heart but also had full
command on its exegesis. He had an incomparable eloquence in
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speech. The book Nahj al-Balagha which is a collection of his

sermons and letters, certifies his eloquence. It is considered a
masterpiece in Arabic literature. He was not only an extremely
pleasant orator but also an extraordinary writer.
Ali ibn Abi Talib was also unparalleled in the knowledge of
Islamic jurisprudence. He had great command of finding solutions
to the problems based on Quran and Sunna. He resolved very
complicated problems during the reigns of his predecessor
Caliphs. He was the Chief Justice of the judicial system
established by Umar.
Ali ibn Abi Talib was well versed in Arabic language. He is
considered the originator of the Arabic grammatical rules. Under
his supervision, one of his students compiled a book on the
Arabic grammatical rules.
Ali was also a highly accomplished poet. His poetry was like a
treasure chest, full of pearls of wisdom and enlightenment. His
poetic verses have the tendency to make the heart bloom and
erase the darkness of inward. Even to date, his quotes act as
beacon of righteousness and guidance for the people and invite
them to reflect and act. He has narrated five hundred and eighty-
six Hadiths.

BRAVERY AND VALOUR

Bravery was like the jewel of his chaste disposition and the basic
attribute of his personality. The Prophet of Allah while
acknowledging his bravery entitled him Asadullah (Lion of God)
and awarded him his sword Dhu al-Fiqar which became the
symbol of his courage. Brave is the one who is willing to
sacrifice his life for the renaissance of truth irrespective of the
power of his opponents and regardless of the severity of the
situation. Ali had this quality to the utmost level.
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He participated in all the main battles of Islam and set such

examples of valour and bravery that are written in golden words
in the history of Islam. In Battle of the Trench, a great warrior
and wrestler of the Arabs, Amr ibn Abd al-Wud, crossed the
trench and confronted the Muslim soldiers raising slogans of his
bravery and challenged them to fight. How could Ali‟s valour
and his honour for Islam tolerate that some infidel keeps
challenging the Muslims to fight and no one among the followers
of the Prophet respond! Ali accepted the challenge and with the
permission of the Holy Prophet left for the battlefield like an
arrow released from a bow. Ali unsheathed his sword, Dhu al-
Fiqar, swirled it in the air like a lightening and beheaded his
arrogant and evil opponent. In no time his vain head was seen
rolling in blood and dust. The Holy Prophet and his Companions
praised Ali and raised the slogans of „Allah is the Greatest.‟
The fort Na‟im of Khaybar was very strong and its chief guard
Marhab had outstanding warrior skills and bravery. Muslim
soldiers made several attempts to conquer Khaybar but were
unsuccessful. One day, the Prophet of Allah said, “Tomorrow I
will give the Muslim flag to the man who with the help of Allah
will conquer this fort.” Next morning, he called Ali and was told
that Ali was sick. His eyes were aching and he could not see
anything. On the Prophet‟s order, a Companion brought him
holding his arm. The Holy Prophet rubbed his saliva on Ali‟s
eyes and miraculously he recovered as if his eyes never had any
ailment. Ali held the Islamic flag and roaring like a lion attacked
the fort. Marhab came to combat him. Ali cut his head with the
strike of his sword and pulled the heavy gate of the fort off its
hooks and captured the fort.
The life of Ali ibn Abi Talib from beginning till end is full of
such acts of bravery. At the age of ten he announced his adoption
of Islam without fearing the opposition of the Hashim tribe. He
fearlessly declared that he would fight whoever confronted his
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master, the Holy Prophet. What could be a better example of

courage and bravery that on the night of migration of the Holy
Prophet, Ali slept on his bed even though he was aware that the
enemies had surrounded the house of Prophet Mohammad and
were thirsty for his blood. It was most likely that when the
enemies attacked the house in the morning, they might kill Ali in
rage upon not finding the Holy Prophet.
In the Battle of Badr when Utbah and Shaybah refused to fight
with any Ansar soldier, it was Ali who relentlessly confronted
the non-believers while raising slogans of Allah‟s greatness. His
incomparable valour and bravery destroyed them and their remnants
were seen soiled in blood and mud. He first sliced the head of
Walid ibn Utbah then he found Ubaydah ibn al-Harith seriously
injured by Utbah. Thus, Ali swirling his Dhu al-Fiqar, reached
Utbah and attacked him with such power and skill that his sword
sliced Utbah‟s body in two pieces.
The Battle of Uhad pronounces the valour of Ali. Like other
battles, Ali displayed his incomparable bravery in this battle as
well and was praised by the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet had
appointed some soldiers at Mound Uhad‟s pass and ordered them
to not leave the pass in any condition. However, when the non-
believers ran away being defeated and the Muslims were
collecting the spoils, the soldiers appointed at the pass disobeyed
the order and left their assigned posts to collect spoils. Muslim
army was taken by surprise when the brave solider of Makkah,
Khalid ibn al-Walid attacked back on Muslims taking advantage
of the empty pass. It brought chaos in the Islamic troops. The
Holy Prophet was surrounded by enemies and many Companions
were martyred. Muslims had almost gained victory but because
of breaching Prophet Mohammad‟s orders, they neared defeat.
Mus‟ab ibn Umayr had a lot of resemblance with the Holy
Prophet, because of his martyrdom and the propaganda of non-
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believers, the rumor of Prophet Mohammad‟s martyrdom spread.

The Companions were extremely grieved on hearing this news.
Ali says, “When the infidels had surrounded Muslims and I
could not see the Holy Prophet, I got anxious. I could not imagine
that Prophet Mohammad might have escaped so I started looking
for him. I searched for him among the injured but could not find
him. Then I looked for him among the martyrs, he was not
among them either. Then I had a strange thought that Allah
Almighty has probably called his beloved to the heavens. In that
situation I decided that instead of remaining idle or fleeing, it is
better to fight with the enemies until my last breath. Thus, I
attacked the opponents with my sword, I kept on proceeding
until I saw the sacred countenance of the Holy Prophet. I was
overjoyed to see him. While attacking the enemies, I made my
way to the Prophet. Thereby, I saw a group of infidels nearing
the Prophet with their swords. On seeing this, Prophet Mohammad
said, „Ali stop them.‟ I combated that group by myself, some
were killed and some managed to escape. Instantly, another
group of infidels started gliding towards the Prophet with their
swords. The Prophet again said, „Ali stop them.‟ I again started
competing with them alone and did not let even a single
individual come near the Holy Prophet.”
On that occasion angel Gabriel appeared and praised the timely
help and bravery of Ali. Hearing it, Prophet Mohammad said,
“Ali is from me and I am from Ali.” Angel Gabriel replied, “And
I am from both of you.”

CONTENTMENT AND ASCETICISM

Prophet Mohammad, the great personality who raised Ali ibn
Abi Talib, wears the crown of contentment and asceticism. Ali
followed this Sunna of his beloved very well.
Ali passionately and delightedly followed every footstep of the
Holy Prophet. Following the Sunna of Prophet Mohammad, Ali
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made contentment and asceticism the basic part of his life. Being
oblivious of the comfort of soft bedding, Ali once was sleeping
on the ground and dust covered his body. Prophet Mohammad
saw him in this state and blessed him the with title of Abu Turab
(Father of Soil).
When Prophet Mohammad accepted Ali‟s proposal to marry his
beloved daughter Fatimah tuz-Zahra, Ali did not have any cash
to carry out the expenses of marriage. Thus, Ali sold his armour
to Usman ibn Affan to give mehr. He did not own a house either
so a well-off Companion, Harithah ibn al-Nu‟man who had
several houses, pleasingly gifted a house to Ali. His financial
conditions were so bad that sometimes he could not provide food
for the family. Fatimah tuz-Zahra, the Lady of Paradise, used to
do all house chores herself. She did not have a maid. Ali himself
carried water from the well and his beloved wife ground wheat
in the millstone herself. She would get blisters in her hand
because of such strenuous work. When they had financially good
times, even then they often survived only on barley bread. One
of Ali‟s guests was astonished to see that he presented him lavish
food but himself ate dry chunks of barley bread dipped in water.
Surviving on barley bread has become eternally associated with
Ali. Iqbal, grieved about the deteriorating condition of Muslims,
asks Allah in his poetry to grant them the strength similar to that
of Ali. He says:

‫ےسج انن وجںی یشخب ےہ وت ےن‬

‫دیحار یھب اطع رک‬

ؓ ‫اےس ابزوےئ‬
Explanation: O Allah! Grant the Muslims the power and strength
even in their destitute just like You granted Ali the vigour even
on eating barley bread.
Ali never shied away from working hard to earn a living. Once
they had nothing to eat in his house and were starving. Thus, he
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left to find work. In the suburbs of Madina an old lady hired him
to water her fields in exchange of just a handful of dates. The
king of Faqr and such modesty! Indeed, his inward was repleted
with the treasure of piety, abstinence, contentment and patience.

SIMPLICITY
The lifestyle of Ali ibn Abi Talib was very simple. Every aspect
of his life was a sample of simplicity, be it dressing, food or
living style. He took very less and simple food. Often he was
satiated with a few chunks of barley bread. Sometimes he
consumed dry pieces of bread dipping them in water and was
often seen eating barley bread with salt only. Once his daughter
brought him barley bread, a bowl of milk and salt. Ali returned
the bowl of milk saying that barley bread and salt were
sufficient. Sometimes eating merely a few dates was enough for
Ali. Once someone presented him with a bowl of Faluda40, Ali
gazed at it for a few moments and then said:
“You smell good, look appealing and taste delicious but I do not
want to become habituated to you.”
During his caliphate, a bedouin once came to his house for
financial aid. Ali was not home so Hasan welcomed him and
presented lavish food. Meanwhile, Ali also arrived and started
eating his meal in the courtyard of the mosque. The bedouin
witnessed that a man was eating dry pieces of bread dipping
them in water. He said to Hasan, “I do not like that I consume
lavish food while the man over there eats dry bread dipped in
water. Please invite him to have meal with me.” Hasan replied
with teary eyes, “Please you have the meal, he will not join you.
He is my father Ali, Leader of the Believers.” After meal when
the bedouin was sent to meet Ali, he aided him fully and the man
left pleased.

40
A sweet creamy beverage with vermicelli.
 232

Ali not only consumed simple food but also donned simple
clothes. He had only one shawl which was not even big enough
to cover his whole body. If he covered his head with the shawl,
the toes were exposed and if he covered toes, his head was
exposed. He had a very ordinary house in Madina. He was
content with it and never wished for a better house. He hated
luxurious mansions. During his caliphate, when he moved from
Madina to Kufa, he preferred to camp in an open field instead of
residing in the Caliph House. When people expressed their
astonishment, he said, “Umar ibn Khattab also looked down
upon grand mansions and I also do not need them.”
He was a very simple and down to earth man and avoided
formalities. When tired, he did not hesitate to sleep on the earthen
floor.

ABANDONING WORLD
The world is full of attractions and man is naturally drawn
towards them. The world traps man in its deception and forces
him to follow its directions. However, the people whose inward
is filled with Divine love do not pay any head to the attractions
of the world. Love of the world can never sustain in their inward.
Ali ibn Abi Talib is among such chosen men of Allah who remain
uninclined towards worldly attractions. They cannot affect them
even a little bit. In the solitude of night, several times Ali was
heard addressing the world in these words:
“Do you come to me adorned with attractions and try to allure
me? I have separated you forever. You are short lived. Your
company is despicable. You are easy to kill. Alas! Provisions for
the journey are less. It is a long journey ahead and the path is
deserted.”
As per the saying of the Holy Prophet, Ali also called the world
carrion. Just like it is unlawful to consume carrion, it is unlawful
for a believer to seek the world freeing himself from the worry of
 233

the hereafter and abandoning Divine love. Since the dogs pounce
at the carrion, therefore Ali compared the lovers of the world to
the dogs. Regarding the world, Ali‟s following great words of
wisdom are famous:
“World is a carrion. Whoever wants to attain world should get
prepared to be in the company of dogs.”
Ali was so indifferent to the world that even after several years
of his marriage to Fatimah, there was no addition in the basic
household items that Fatimah had brought with her as dowry.
The dowry of the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet only
consisted of:
A charpoy, a leather mattress stuffed with the date leaves,
waterskin, a spouted leather bottle, two millstones, two clay pots
and that‟s it!

STAYING UP AT NIGHT
Ali ibn Abi Talib used to spend his nights staying up for
adorations. Worshiping Allah was the purpose of his life. He got
this devotion from his master, Prophet Mohammad. While
standing before his Creator to offer salat, he became so oblivious
to the world that he did not remain aware of even himself. Once
an arrow pierced so deep in his body that it got difficult to take it
out. He suggested to take it out while he was offering salat.
Hence, the same was done and when the arrow was taken out he
did not mutter even once in pain. Zubayr ibn Sa‟id relates that
amongst the people of Hashim tribe no one worshipped more
than Ali. When he adorned the seat of Caliph, there was no
lessening in his devotions. He stayed busy in resolving the
matters of state throughout the day and stayed up all night in
prostrating his Holy Lord.
Ali was very much devoted to fasting as well. He not only fasted
during the month of Ramadan but also in other days. Sometimes
 234

he did not have any food for breaking the fast so he would break
his fast merely with water or dates and thank Almighty Allah.
Aisha bint Abi Bakr says, “Ali was very devoted to prayers and
fasting. He was the hafiz of Quran.” It is said that he would
recite the whole Quran while riding the horse.
His state of humility and fear of Allah was such that when the
salat time approached, he would become restless, his face
expressions changed and he would shiver in the fear of standing
before Allah. Once a fellow asked him about this state, he
replied, “Salat is the time to return the Trust of Allah. The Trust
that skies, earth and mountains refused to bear. My inward is
perturbed with the fear whether I would be able to justify bearing
the Trust or not.”

LOVE FOR THE PROPHET

Love cannot be claimed merely by words. Rather love is an inner
state in which the lover is ready to sacrifice his life and all
belongings for the beloved. The lover is enticed by the beauty of
his beloved, follows his footsteps and never backs off from him.
He is an ardent well-wisher of his beloved. The Companions of
the Prophet had such love for him, and Ali was fully immersed
in this love. Since childhood he had the honour of enjoying the
blessed company of Prophet Mohammad. How could the
company of ultimate manifestation of Divine beauty not ignite
the flame of love in him! The surging passion of love embraced
his inward and drowned him in the ocean of love of the Prophet.
This love was so strong that there was no diminishing in it with
time. Rather every passing day nurtured his passion for his
beloved.
The Holy Prophet, per the ordain of Allah, began the preaching
of Islam from home. Thus, he invited the people of Hashim tribe
to a lavish feast. During the feast when he invited the idol
worshippers towards Oneness of Allah, they were enraged. At
 235

that time, Ali was only nine years old, he was feeble and sick but
his inward was enlightened with the light of love for the Prophet.
He fearlessly got up and declared his support for the Prophet.
At the time of migration, Prophet Mohammad asked Ali to sleep
on his bed and questioned him, “The infidels are outside with
their unsheathed sharp swords, waiting for the sun to rise, what if
they mistakenly kill you?”
Just listen to the answer of the lover of the Prophet! He said:
“O Prophet of Allah! I am happy to sacrifice my life for your life
and my soul for your soul. I value my life only if it is spent in
your service.”
Imagine the depth of Ali‟s love for the Prophet! His love is not
limited to the boundaries of the physical world rather he is happy
to sacrifice his soul for the soul of his beloved.
In the battle of Uhad when this sincere lover of the Prophet could
not find him and heard the rumour of his martyrdom, he was
struck with extreme dismay. His life became worthless to him.
Thus, he jumped among the non-believers swirling his Dhu al-
Fiqar in the air. He continued to advance recklessly piling up
dead bodies on his way. He then saw his master surrounded by
the infidels. Seeing this, he attacked the infidels like a lion and
compelled them to go away from the Prophet. The Apostle of
Allah smiled at his unique style of devotion and said, “Ali is
from me and I am from Ali.”
At the time of writing the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Suhayl ibn
Amr objected on writing „Prophet of Allah‟ with the name of the
Holy Prophet. The Prophet asked Ali to erase the title, to which he
said, “O master! How can my pen dare to do such impudence!”
Then Prophet Mohammad took pen from him and erased those
words himself.
 236

In short, every moment of Ali‟s life was enriched with the

fragrance of love for the Holy Prophet.

HOSPITALITY
Hospitality was considered a virtue of the Arabs even in the days
of ignorance. The Prophet of Allah promoted it even more
through his good morals. Ali who was brought up under the kind
attention of the Holy Prophet, had cultivated this virtue to the
level of excellence just like other virtues of the Holy Prophet.
Whenever a guest visited Ali‟s home, he always served him
wholeheartedly. He considered guests as the blessing of Allah
and was saddened when there were no guests.
One day Ali was weeping, when someone asked the reason, he
said:
“I am weeping because it has been seven days since I have no
guest.”

FORGIVENESS AND TOLERANCE

Forgiveness and tolerance are ranked very high in moral values.
Prophet Mohammad laid emphasis on it for the growth of society
and always practised it to set a good example. Ali ibn Abi Talib
had this trait to the utmost level. Bearing the wrongdoings of
friends and relatives is not a big deal. However, pardoning the
enemies when you have full power over them is a sign of
greatness. Ali had gotten this marvel from his master, the Holy
Prophet. He had witnessed the Holy Prophet forgiving his arch
enemies at the conquest of Makkah by saying:
ۡ ُ َ َۡ َ
)72:92 ) ‫ لا تثرِیۡ َب َعل ۡیک ُم ال َیوۡ َم‬
Meaning: No blame (or penalty) lies on you today. (12:92)
When the assassinator of Ali, Ibn Muljam was brought to Ali, he
said:
 237

“If I survive, it will be up to me whether I pardon or punish him.

If I die, kill him the same way he tried to kill me. O Hasan! If I
die, kill him with a single strike of the same sword. Do not
mutilate his dead body and do not kill anyone other than this
man.”
Once Ali was combatting with an infidel. At last, Allah gave him
victory over the infidel. He mounted the infidel‟s chest and was
about to chop his head with the sword. When the enemy saw he
was about to be killed, being unnerved he spat on Ali‟s face out
of hatred and malice. Ali got off his chest right away and
permitted him to leave. In the state of astonishment, he asked
Ali, “Why have you spared me?” Ali replied, “I was killing you
merely for the sake of Allah, when you spat on my face, I was
enraged. Had I killed you after that then this act would not have
been purely for the sake of Allah. Therefore, I let you go
adopting forgiveness and tolerance.”
Once during a duel, the opponent could not bear the strike of his
sword and fell down. Upon falling, he got naked. Had Ali wanted,
he could have easily killed the man but he let him go to save him
from embarrassment.
Ali was compelled to fight Battle of the Camel as a result of
conspiracies and in an extreme state of helplessness when there
was no other option left. At the end of the battle he went to meet
Aisha bint Abi Bakr to inquire about her well-being. He ordered
his army not to chase the ones who managed to escape and not to
loot the spoils of war. He ensured that the injured from both
armies got treatment and made arrangements of the burial and
funeral of the dead from both sides.
Ali forgave and tolerated the evildoings of kharijites on several
occasions. He did not initiate war against them until they
revolted openly and started killing Muslims recklessly.
 238

In Battle of the Camel and Battle of Siffin, people who refused

to support Ali were not held accountable afterwards. We can
name several men in this regard.
Finally, a dialogue is presented that occurred between Ali ibn
Abi Talib and kharijites. After reading it, you can clearly
understand how forgiving and tolerant Ali was in response to the
insolence of the kharijites.
Ali: O people! We do not want to fight against you. Surrender
the killers of our brothers to us so we can take the retribution and
leave.
Kharijites: (Swirling their swords) We all are their assassinators.
We consider it lawful to shed their and your blood.
Ali: Why do you think it is lawful to shed my blood?
Kharijites: You committed infidelity by appointing the arbitrators.
Ali: You all compelled me to appoint the arbitrators.
Kharijites: We also committed infidelity by appointing arbitrators
but we repented and became Muslims again. If you also repent
then we will support you.
Ali: How can I call myself an infidel when I am a believer. I
brought faith (in Allah and His Prophet), migrated and did jihad.
Kharijites: (Screamed addressing one another) Do not talk to
him, fight with him.
This dialogue depicts the tolerance and forgiveness of Ali
towards kharijites. After kharijites had revolted to such an
extent, it became crucial to fight against them.

GENEROSITY
Ali ibn Abi Talib donated in the way of Allah very generously
and never returned any beggar empty handed. He always helped
others regardless of his own needs. Once he was fasting. It was
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almost time to break the fast when someone knocked at his door.
On answering the door, he found out that there was a beggar at
the door who was hungry. He gave the meal that was prepared
for him to break the fast to the beggar. He then broke his fast by
drinking water only and thanked Allah.
One can understand the extent of Ali‟s generosity from the
incident that once someone praised the generosity of Hatim al-
Tai and shared an instance that a mendicant begged at the door
of Hatim al-Tai, he granted him alms but then the beggar went to
other door where Hatim al-Tai gave him more. The beggar then
went to his third and fourth door and Hatim al-Tai granted him at
every door. On hearing this, Ali said, “This is not a big deal.
Excellence is to grant the beggar so much on the very first time
that his desire is fulfilled and he has no need to ask anymore.”
Once his wife Fatimah bint Mohammad, the Lady of Paradise,
had an acute illness. She had the craving to eat pomegranate. Ali
was coming home after buying the pomegranate when a beggar
beseeched him. Ali gave him the pomegranate and walked home
empty handed. After a little while, someone knocked at the door.
When Ali answered, a man was standing at the door who
presented him some pomegranates. Ali counted, there were nine
pomegranates. Ali returned them to the man saying they were
not for him. The man said, “At first you took the pomegranates
but why have you returned them after counting?” Ali replied, “I
donated one pomegranate. I have faith in the promise of Allah
that he will grant me ten in return of one.”
The man smiled and said, “You are right! I had ten pomegranates
but I took one out to test you.”

TRUSTWORTHINESS AND HONESTY

Trustworthiness and honesty are not related to things of monetary
value only rather they have vaster meanings. If you have
someone‟s secret then you are trustee of that secret. If you are a
 240

ruler then the rule is also a trust of the nation. If you have
knowledge then that is also a trust in your possession. As far as
the standard to judge the trustworthiness of a trustee is
concerned, it is that if someone holds power then he must use it
for the welfare of the people who have elected him or for
whosoever he is appointed over. If one holds someone‟s secret
then he should not reveal it. If a man is entrusted someone‟s
wealth or property then he should not be dishonest in keeping it.
Just like other virtues of the Prophet, the virtues of
trustworthiness and honesty were also embedded in Ali‟s nature.
Because of these qualities, at the time of migration, Prophet
Mohammad made Ali the trustee to return the valuables of the
people of Quraish on his behalf. Ali guarded them all night and
despite the fact that the infidels of Makkah were not just the
enemies of Prophet Mohammad but had animosity against him
as well, he ensured to safely return all the valuables and then
headed towards Madina.
During his caliphate, Ali was extremely careful in using the
money from the treasury. Once, because of the poor financial
state of Ali, his servant Qanbar took some expensive utensils
from the treasury to use in Ali‟s house. When Ali found about it,
he reproached the servant and said, “Return the utensils. Do you
want to push me towards destruction?”

CHILDREN OF ALI ARE PROGENY OF THE

HOLY PROPHET
It is the rule of nature that progeny of every man continues from
him, however, Ali was blessed with this special honour that
Allah continued the progeny of Prophet Mohammad from Ali.
The children of Ali and Fatimah tuz-Zahra are the children of the
Prophet and his progeny continued from them. Mian Mohammad
Bakhsh says:
 241

‫ لکش وصارت ااہنں دی‬،‫آل یبنؐ اوالد لعؓ دی‬

‫ لیم ادنار دی اجدنی‬،‫انم ایل ھکل اپپ ہن اردنہے‬

Explanation: The children of Ali are in fact the progeny of the
Holy Prophet. They resemble the Holy Prophet in every way.
Remembering them eliminates not only millions of sins but also
cleanses the rust of inward and enlightens it with the light of
Truth.
Ali is included in People of the Cloak, in fact the title „People of
the Cloak‟ is for his family.
 Umm Salama relates that once Prophet Mohammad sall’Allahu
alayhi wa’alihi wasallam was in her house. The verse was
revealed:
ۡ َۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ّ ّٰ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ّ
ّ ‫الل ُہ ل ُِی ۡذ ِہ َب َع ۡن ُک ُم‬
﴾﴿‫الرِ ۡج َس ا ۡہ َل ال َب ۡی ِت َو یُط ِّہرَک ۡم تط ِہی ًرا‬ ‫ِانما یرِید‬ 

)33:33(
41
Meaning: Allah only intends to remove rijs from you, O
People of the Cloak (of the Prophet, [even a doubt]) and
make you absolutely pure and clean by blessing you with
(perfect) purity and wholesomeness. (33:33)
Ali ibn Abi Talib, Fatimah bint Mohammad, Hasan ibn Ali
and Husayn ibn Ali came. The Prophet covered all of them
with his cloak and looked towards the sky and prayed twice,

41
The Arabic word rijs (‫ )ارسج‬is interpreted by different exegetists as:
 Abu Zayd relates that in the verse rijs means Satan.
 Ibn Atyah says, “Rijs refers to sin, torment, impurities and weaknesses. Allah has
saved People of the Cloak from all such things.”
 Ibn Arabi has written in nineteenth chapter of al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, “Since the
Prophet is pure in his essence therefore Allah kept him and People of the Cloak pure in
every respect and made them impeccable. In Arab every impure, flawed and undesirable
thing is referred to as rijs.”
 242

“O Allah! They are People of the Cloak and they belong to

me, purify them from all impurities.”
Umm Salama says that she entered her head in the cloak and
asked if she was also with them. The Prophet said, “You are
on righteousness, you are on righteousness.” (Musnad Ahmad
ibn Hanbal 27041)

 Ismail relates from his father Abdullah ibn Jafar that when
the Holy Prophet was blessed with revelation of the verse 33
of sura al-Ahzab, he said, “Call them! Call them!” Safiyya
asked, “Whom should I call O Prophet?” He said, “My
family; Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn.” Hence they were
called and the Prophet placed his cloak upon them, raised his
hands and prayed, “O Allah! This is my progeny. Bless
Mohammad and his progeny.” (Mustadrak 4709)
 Sa‟d ibn Abi Waqqas relates that when the verse 33 of sura
al-Ahzab was revealed, the Holy Prophet covered Ali ibn
Abi Talib, Fatimah-tuz-Zahra, Hasan and Husayn under his
cloak and said, “O Allah! They are People of the Cloak and
are from me.” (Mustadrak 4708)

DOOR OF FAQR AND HEIR OF THE

TRUST OF FAQR
Sultan Bahoo says:
 Ali got Faqr from the Holy Prophet. (Ain al-Faqr)
 Four Companions of the Holy Prophet have command over
four attributes; Abu Bakr Siddiq over truthfulness, Umar ibn
Khattab over self-accountability and justice, Usman ibn Affan
over generosity and modesty while Ali ibn Abi Talib has
command over knowledge and Faqr. (Asrar-e-Qadri)
First of all, Ali ibn Abi Talib requested Prophet Mohammad for
gnosis of Allah. In this regard Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani says:
 243

 First of all, Ali ibn Abi Talib sought from the Holy Prophet
the easiest and the quickest way of reaching Allah. The
Prophet waited for the revelation so Angel Gabriel came and
taught shahada thrice. The Holy Prophet repeated after him
in the same way. Then Prophet Mohammad taught shahada
to Ali ibn Abi Talib and then to all of his Companions and
said, “We return towards the greater jihad from the minor
one.” Greater jihad is a fight against one‟s self. Once the
Holy Prophet said to some of his Companions, “Your biggest
enemy is your own self (nafs42) which lies between your two
sides.” One cannot win love of Allah unless he defeats his
esoteric enemies that are inciting self, repenting self and the
inspiring self. (Moreover, one cannot achieve closeness of
Allah) unless he is purified of all the undesirable traits like
gluttony, undue sleep, absurd talk and bestial habits like
fighting, abusing, aggression, and satanic attributes like
ignorance, vanity, jealousy, enmity and other such exoteric
and esoteric evils. When a person gets rid of all these vices
then roots of sin are eliminated from his being and he is
counted among the purified and sanctified ones as Allah
says:
َ ُ َ ُ ّ ّ َُّ ّ ّٰ َ
(2:222)﴾﴿‫الت ّوَ ِابی ۡ َس َو یُ ِح ّب الۡمُ َتط ِّہرِیۡ َن‬ ‫ِان اللہ ی ِحب‬ 
Meaning: Undoubtedly, Allah loves those who repent much
and He loves those who keep themselves thoroughly pure
and clean. (2:222)

42
Self is for the Quranic word an-nafs and it has four layers or levels. Each layer
annihilates and is elevated to the next level upon its purgation. The first layer incites man
towards sin therefore it is called „inciting self‟ (an-nafs al-ammarah). On purification it
elevates to the next layer which blames and repents on committing sin. It is called
„repenting self‟ (an-nafs al-lawwamah). The third layer inspires before sin hence the
name „inspiring self‟ (an-nafs al-mulhimah). Whereas fourth layer is pure of sins and is at
peace. It is called „self at peace‟ (an-nafs al-mutmainnah). The self is an abode of worldly
and heavenly desires and is a veil between Allah and His slave. The seeker is blessed
with the vision of Allah only when this veil is removed on the purgation of self.
 244

The person who repents only from the exoteric sins is not
counted among the thoroughly clean and pure ones mentioned
in the verse. He is repentant but not truly because perfect
repentance is the attribute of chosen ones only (who sincerely
repent from all the exoteric and esoteric sins). Such chosen
ones are completely forgiven. The person who only repents
from exoteric sins is like a person who cuts only the stems of
the wild growing grass instead of uprooting it. Such cutting
results in more vigorous growth. On the contrary, the one
who repents from all his exoteric and esoteric sins as well as
all the satanic and undesirable behaviours is like a person
who cuts the wild grass from root which rarely grows again.
After a complete and perfect repentance, the source of
persuasion (Ism-e-Allah Zaat) removes everything other than
Allah from the inward of the seeker. Certainly! The person
who has not removed the bitter plant can never replace it with
the sweet one. O seeker of the Divine vision! Learn lesson
from it so you achieve success and reach the destination. (Sirr
al-Asrar Chapter 5)

 It is related that first of all Ali ibn Abi Talib sought Faqr
from the Holy Prophet. He said to him, “O Messenger of
Allah! Please tell the quickest and the easiest path to Allah?”
The Holy Prophet said, “Invoke Allah‟s name continuously in
solitude.” Ali ibn Abi Talib asked, “How should it be
invoked?” The Holy Prophet said, “Close your eyes and
listen to me invoking thrice and then repeat it.” The Holy
Prophet closed his eyes and recited shahada thrice in a loud
voice. Ali ibn Abi Talib closed his eyes and heard then
repeated it in the same way three times. Since then this
invocation continued among Mystics. (Rehan-ul-Quloob, Sharif-
ut-Tawarikh)

This proves that the Holy Prophet granted the esoteric persuasion
of shahada to Ali ibn Abi Talib before everyone else and took
him to the station of Oneness of Allah.
 245

 It is written in Sair-ul-Aqtab, Sharif-ut-Tawarikh and Tawarikh

Aina-e-Tasawwuf that one day all the Rashidun Caliphs were
present in the Mohammadan Assembly. The Prophet said to
Abu Bakr, “If I grant you the status of Faqr which was
conferred upon me from the Divine court on the night of
Miraj, how would you fulfil its obligation?” He replied, “O
Prophet! I will adopt truthfulness.” The Holy Prophet asked
the same question from Umar and he answered, “I will adopt
justice.” Then the same question was asked from Usman ibn
Affan, he replied, “I will adopt modesty and patience.” When
this question was asked from Ali ibn Abi Talib, he replied,
“If this status will be granted to me, I shall hide the sins of
others and forgive them.”
The Holy Prophet was delighted at this answer and
expressed, “O Ali! You answered exactly as per the will of
Allah and His Prophet. You truly deserve this status.” He
blessed him with Faqr and gave him the glad tidings, “You
are the king of all the Saints and the leader of my umma.”
(Sair-ul-Aqtab, Sharif-ut-Tawarikh and Tawarikh Aina-e-Tasawwuf)

Undoubtedly, forgiveness and hiding sins of others are the attributes

of Allah and Prophet Mohammad. Mian Mohammad Bakhsh says:

‫رپدہ وپیش مک رقف دا ںیم اطبل رقفاواں‬

‫بیع ےسک دے َ ھپول ہن اکسں رہ کہ ںیھت رشامواں‬
Explanation: Faqr hides the weaknesses of others and I am the
seeker of Faqr. I cannot expose anyone‟s sins because I am
embarrassed of my own sins.
Forgiveness and hiding others‟ sins are the most essential
qualities of the holder of Divine Trust to guide umma on the path
of Faqr. If he lacks them, no one will follow him as everyone
has one or the other weakness and every person is indulged in
one or the other sin.
 246

 Once Angel Gabriel presented four turbans to the Holy

Prophet and said, “Allah has sent these turbans for you to
wear.” The Holy Prophet first wore the turban with one crest
and then put it on Abu Bakr‟s head. Then he wore the turban
with two crests and put it on Umar‟s head. Then he wore the
turban with three crests and granted it to Usman ibn Affan.
Lastly he wore four-crested turban and put it on Ali ibn Abi
Talib‟s head and said, “O Ali! I was ordered to grant you this
four-crested turban. This turban now belongs to you and you
can pass it on to the person whom you think deserves it and can
fulfil its obligations.” (Sair-ul-Aqtab, Sharif-ut-Tawarikh and
Tawarikh Aina-e-Tasawwuf)

This shows that the turban was handed over to Ali ibn Abi Talib
as a trust and it was meant to be transferred to umma through him,
by his will and order.
 Jabir ibn Abdullah relates that when the following verse was
revealed:
َ ُ ۡ ۡ ۤ َّ
(13:7)﴾﴿‫ِانمَا اَن َت ُمن ِذ ٌر ّ َو ل ِک ِ ّل قوۡ ٍم َہا ٍد‬ 
Meaning: (O Mohammad)! You are the warner (to the
disobedient) and the guide to every community. (13:7)
Prophet Mohammad put his hand on his own chest and said,
“I am the warner.” Then pointing towards Ali ibn Abi Talib
he said, “You are the guide. The seekers of the right path
will gain guidance from you.”
 Ibad bin Abdullah Al-Asadi relates that Ali ibn Abi Talib said
while explaining the verse “(O Mohammad)! You are the
warner (to the disobedient) and the guide to every community”
that “In this verse, „the warner‟ is the Holy Prophet and I am
„the guide‟.” (Mustadrak 4646)
 247

In the light of this Hadith, Ali will be providing guidance to the

seekers of Allah till the doomsday. In this regard, Mujaddid Alif
Sani who is equally acknowledged in all the mystic orders, says:
 There are two ways of union with Allah. One of them is the
way of Prophethood. Through this way, only the Prophets
are connected and unified with Allah and this way was
sealed after Prophet Mohammad.
The second way is that of sainthood. The people of this way
are connected to Allah through a mediator. This group consists
of the Sufi hierarchy of Qutb, Autad, Abdal, Nujaba (the
nobles) and common Saints. The mediator and the main
source of this way is Ali ibn Abi Talib. This way of union
with Allah is all about the grand status of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
At this station he exercises the authority granted to him by
Prophet Mohammad. Fatimah-tuz-Zahra, Hasan and Husayn
also share this status with Ali. (Maktubat Imam Rabbani)

THE SUCCESSORS OF ALI IBN ABI TALIB

Ali ibn Abi Talib had four spiritual successors; Hasan ibn Ali,
Husayn ibn Ali, Shaikh Hasan of Basra and Kumayl ibn Ziyad. In
Sufism, they are known as the four righteous leaders or the four
mystic caliphs. From these four Imams, fourteen mystic orders
further initiated. Through these orders the beneficence of the Holy
Prophet is transmitted to the umma spiritually. Thus the successors
of Ali ibn Abi Talib established such a strong system of mystic
orders which successfully continues till date.
The spiritual orders of Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali
continued through the Imams who are their progeny. Even the
greatest Saints such as Fuḍayl ibn Iyaḍ, Imam Shafii, Imam Abu
Hanifa, Bayazid Bastami got spiritual beneficence from them and
achieved high spiritual status.
 248

Hasan of Basra is the famous successor of Ali from whom all his
mystic orders started and continued. There were many
successors of Hasan of Basra, among them two are more
prominent, Shaikh Abdul Wahid ibn Zayd and Shaikh Habib
Ajmi. Because of their spiritual beneficence, fourteen mystic
orders were formed, five from Abdul Wahid and nine from
Shaikh Habib Ajmi. All of these orders now collectively exist in
Qadri order, Suhrawardi order and Chishti order. The Qadri
order is ranked above all the orders because of Faqr.
 THE FIFTH CALIPH
HASAN IBN ALI

Hasan ibn Ali is the last and the fifth Rashidun Caliph. He was
the eldest son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatimah bint Mohammad
and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad sall’Allahu alayhi
wa’alihi wasallam. The virtues of Hasan ibn Ali are so many that
it is hard to confine them in a description. Hasan ibn Ali and
Husayn ibn Ali, whom Prophet Mohammad called the two
flowers of his garden, were by no means less than one another in
their proximity to the Holy Prophet. The Hadiths of the Holy
Prophet express his equal love for both of them. He named them
and fed both with his sacred saliva at the time of their birth,
performed their aqiqah43 and expressed equal joy on their births.
They were fortunate to be the riders of Prophet Mohammad‟s
shoulders and played in his lap. He concentrated equally on their
brought up and training. He expressed about them, “Hasan and
Husayn are from me.” The Holy Prophet also said, “O Allah I
love them, so You also love them.”
The Holy Prophet called them both the leaders of youth of the
paradise.
In physical appearance both Hasan and Husayn bore
resemblance to the Holy Prophet. According to the traditions of
the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Hasan ibn Ali‟s face
resembled the sacred countenance of the Holy Prophet while
Husayn ibn Ali resembled the Prophet from chest to feet. After
Prophet Mohammad passed away, when Companions used to
become restless for his vision, they beheld Hasan and Husayn
making them stand side by side. In their vision, they gained the

43
An Islamic tradition of sacrificing animal (sheep or goat) on the occasion of a child‟s
birth.
 250

vision of Prophet Mohammad. The Companions were the witness

of their physical resemblance, whereas the Hadith “Hasan and
Husayn are from me” testifies their inward and spiritual
resemblance to the Holy Prophet. This means they both are the
physical and spiritual heirs of the Holy Prophet. Husayn was
bestowed equally from the heritage of Faqr as Hasan was,
because the Holy Prophet called them both from himself, just as
he called Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima bint Mohammad from
himself. There is not a single Hadith or incident found in the
sacred life of the Holy Prophet where he gave preference to one
prince over the other. Therefore, if umma does an act which our
Prophet did not, then it will be against the Sunna and will of the
Holy Prophet.
According to a tradition, once Hasan and Husayn wrote on a
wooden board and came to Ali ibn Abi Talib and asked him to
decide who wrote better. Ali, who is the gateway to knowledge
and settled big issues, was perplexed that admiring the writing of
one would discourage the other. Therefore, he said that he would
not be able to decide and it would be better if they took it to their
mother. They then went to Fatima bint Mohammad so she could
decide whose writing was better. She also became answerless
and said that their grandfather could make a better decision. Now
both princes went to the Holy Prophet and requested to make the
decision. The Holy Prophet who is the master of the universe,
despite keeping the knowledge of the universe, was bewildered
at the question. How could he call the writing of one prince
better and discourage the other? He said, “Let me consult Angel
Gabriel.” Angel Gabriel came and while sending salutations said,
“O master! Making this decision is beyond my ability. However,
Allah can make a better decision. He has sent this apple from
heaven. I will drop it from the top. Whoever‟s wooden board it
drops at, shall be proved to have nicer writing.” Angel Gabriel
dropped the apple and by Allah‟s will it split in two equal pieces.
 251

One piece dropped on Hasan‟s wooden board and the other on

Husayn‟s. (Nuzhat-ul-Majalis)
This is to say, the status of both princes is equal in Allah‟s court
and even He does not prefer one over the other.
 Anas ibn Malik says that he often visited the Holy Prophet
and watched Hasan and Husayn playing on his belly. The
Holy Prophet would say, “They both are the flowers of my
umma.” (Nisai)
 Abdullah ibn Masud reports that the Holy Prophet was
offering salat. When he prostrated, Hasan and Husayn
climbed his back. People tried to stop them but the Holy
Prophet gestured to let it be. Afterwards he said, “May I
sacrifice everything for them. The one who loves me must
love them too.” (Tabarani 2578)
 Fatimah relates that she presented her sons to the Holy
Prophet while he was on his deathbed and requested him, “O
Messenger of Allah! Please bless them with something from
your inheritance.” The Holy Prophet said, “Hasan is the heir
of my dignity and leadership and Husayn is the heir of my
courage and generosity.” (Tabarani, Shaybani)
 Ali ibn Abi Talib narrates that the Holy Prophet held the
hands of Hasan and Husayn and said, “Whoever loves me
and both of them and their parents, will be with me on my
station on the day of judgement.” (Tirmidhi 3733, Musnad Ahmad
ibn Hanbal)

 Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said, “Whoever

loves Hasan and Husayn, in fact loves me and whoever
keeps malice towards Hasan and Husayn in fact keeps
malice towards me.” (Tabarani 2579)
 Abu Hurairah narrates that once Hasan and Husayn were
sitting on each side of Prophet‟s shoulders. Prophet Mohammad
was kissing them in turns. Someone asked him, “O Holy
 252

Prophet! Do you love them?” He replied, “Whoever loves

them, in fact loves me and whoever keeps malice towards
them, in fact keeps malice towards me.” (Mustadrak 4777)
 Yaelah ibn Murrah relates a tradition, “Hasan and Husayn
walked towards the Holy Prophet. When the first one
approached, the Holy Prophet put his arm around his neck
and when the second one approached, he put his other arm
around his neck. Then the Holy Prophet kissed them both
and prayed to Allah, „O Allah! Please love them as I love
them‟.” (Tabarani 2523)
 Salman the Persian narrates that the Holy Prophet said,
“Hasan and Husayn are my grandsons. Whoever loves them,
in fact loves me and whoever keeps malice towards them,
Allah will punish him by throwing him in the hell.”
(Mustadrak 4776)

 Umar ibn Khattab relates that the Holy Prophet said, “Hasan
and Husayn are the leaders of the youth in paradise.”
(Tabarani 2534)

BIRTH
Hasan ibn Ali was born on the night of first Ramadan 3 AH in
Madina. Yusuf bin Ismail Nabhani writes his date of birth as
15th Ramadan 3AH.

THE SACRED NAME

His name is Hasan, teknonym is Abu Mohammad and titles are
Mujtaba (the chosen one), Taqi (pious), Zaki (the pure one), Sayyid
(master), Shabeeh-e-Rasool (the one who resembled Prophet
Mohammad). Since Hasan ibn Ali remained the Caliph of Muslims
for five months, that is why he is also known as the fifth
Rashidun Caliph. Caliphate came to an end at him, hence he is
also known as the seal of caliphate.
 253

After his birth, the Holy Prophet asked Ali ibn Abi Talib what
had he named his son. Ali responded that he named him Harab.
Prophet Mohammad said, “No! He is Hasan.” According to
some traditions, Prophet Mohammad remained silent, then Angel
Gabriel came and said, “Salutations of Allah for you and a
message from Him to name him Hasan.” Thus, the Holy Prophet
named him Hasan.

FEEDING SALIVA AND PERFORMING

AQIQAH
On the birth of Hasan, the Holy Prophet went to his daughter
Fatimah‟s house and said to Asma bint Umais, “Bring my son to
me.” Asma presented the newborn wrapped in an orange cloth.
The Holy Prophet recited azan in his right ear and takbir in the
left ear. He then performed the ritual of first-ever dose to newborn
by putting his saliva in Hasan‟s mouth.
On the seventh day, the Holy Prophet himself performed
his aqiqah, got his head shaved and ordered to donate silver
equal to the weight of his hair. It is related by Ja‟far al-Sadiq that
while performing aqiqah the Holy Prophet prayed, “O Allah!
accept (the slaughtered animal‟s) bones in lieu of infant‟s bones,
its meat for infant‟s flesh, its blood for infant‟s blood and its hair
for infant‟s hair. O Allah! Make this sacrifice of aqiqah a protectant
of Mohammad and his family.” (Tirmidhi, Tazkirah al-Hammam)

RESEMBLANCE WITH THE HOLY PROPHET

The traditions abundantly mention that the beauty and grandeur
of Hasan ibn Ali resembled his dear grandfather Prophet
Mohammad. Uqba bin al-Harith narrates in Bukhari:
 Once Abu Bakr Siddiq came from the mosque after offering
prayer and Ali ibn Abi Talib was accompanying him. He
saw that Hasan was playing with other kids. Abu Bakr lifted
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him up on his shoulders and said, “May my parents be

sacrificed on this kid. The boy resembles my master Prophet
Mohammad and not his father.” Hearing this, Ali smiled.
(Bukhari)

 Ali relates, “Hasan is the perfect reflection of the Holy

Prophet from head to chest while Husayn is his perfect
reflection from chest to feet.” (Tirmidhi 3779)
 Ali ibn Abi Talib says, “Anyone who wants to see a person
who is exactly like the Holy Prophet from chest to head, he
must see Hasan and anyone who wants to see a person who
is exactly like the Holy Prophet from chest to feet, he must
see Husayn.” (Tabarani 2702)
 Anas ibn Malik states, “Nobody resembled the Messenger of
Allah more than Hasan ibn Ali.”

CHILDHOOD
Hasan ibn Ali spent six years and four months under the kind
attention of the Holy Prophet and was trained by sacred mother
Fatimah bint Mohammad for seven years. His father Ali ibn Abi
Talib graced him with beneficence for thirty-seven years. It is
obvious that getting nurtured in the shadow of these sacred
personalities ingrained same virtues in Hasan ibn Ali as these
personalities themselves had.
Several traditions verify the Holy Prophet‟s extreme love and
affection for Hasan ibn Ali.
 Abu Hurairah narrates, “Hasan ibn Ali is beloved to me
since the time I saw him putting his fingers in the Holy
Prophet‟s beard and the Holy Prophet was putting his tongue
in Hasan‟s mouth and was saying, „O Allah I keep him
beloved, You also make him Your beloved‟.”
 255

 According to another tradition, the Holy Prophet said, “O

Allah I love Hasan, You also love him and love the one who
loves him.” (Anwar al-Absaar)
 Ibn Zubayr narrates, “When the Holy Prophet prostrated
while offering salat, Hasan used to climb his back. The Holy
Prophet remained in that state until Hasan climbed down by
himself. And I saw when the Holy Prophet bowed, Hasan
would enter between his feet. The Holy Prophet would not
go to prostration until he came out of the other side.” (Tabaqat
ibn-e-Saad)

 Ibn Abbas narrated, “I saw the Holy Prophet was carrying

his grandson Hasan on his shoulders when someone said to
Hasan, „O son, your ride is great!‟ The Holy Prophet replied,
„The rider is great too‟.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
This is why, Hasan is known as „the rider of shoulders of the
Prophet‟. This is his famous title because he often used to stroll
around the streets of Madina riding the sacred shoulders of his
grandfather.

‫االایخس‬ ‫دّیس‬ ‫ٰیبتجم‬ ؓ‫نسح‬ ‫وہ‬

‫زعت ہپ الوھکں السم‬

ؐ ‫ارابک دوش‬
Meaning: Countless salutations upon Hasan ibn Ali, the chosen
one, master of the benevolent and the rider of shoulders of the
Holy Prophet.
Along with this love and affection, the Holy Prophet kept
training him physically and spiritually. The already sanctified
inward of Hasan ibn Ali absorbed Mohammadan light from the
Prophet‟s Divine countenance and got enlightened with knowledge
and gnosis of Allah. It is related by Tabarani in al-Mu’jam al-
Kabir that the Holy Prophet said, “I have granted clemency to
my son Hasan.”
 256

Clemency is one of the greatest attributes from the beautiful

morals of the Holy Prophet which includes patience,
perseverance, endurance, forbearance, wisdom and contentment.
Due to the closeness and love of the Holy Prophet, the attributes
of piety, ardent Divine love and all the praiseworthy attributes
transmitted to Hasan.

MARVELS OF HASAN IBN ALI

FEAR OF ALLAH
When Hasan ibn Ali prepared to offer salat in Allah‟s court,
every part of his body started to tremble during ablution and his
face turned pale. Someone asked him about this condition, he
said, “Whoever stands in Allah‟s court truly, it is inevitable that
he turns pale and his every joint trembles (due to Allah‟s
magnificence).”
Ja‟far al-Sadiq narrates:
“When Hasan ibn Ali would offer salat, his body trembled and
his face turned pale.”
According to Tabaqat ibn-e-Saad, during the recitation of Quran
when Hasan would read:
ُ َّ ُ َ
‫ٰۤیا ّی َہا ال ِذیۡ َن ّٰا َمنوا‬ 
Meaning: O believers!
He would say, “O Allah! I am here, I am here.”
He used to read every verse with extreme concentration and
deliberation. He would weep bitterly while reading about heaven,
hell and the states after death.
Traditions verify that Hasan always went for pilgrimage from
Madina to Makkah on foot. The camels were along but he would
 257

not ride them. So much so, his feet would swell due to walking.
He used to say, “I feel embarrassed to go in Allah‟s majestic
court on a ride.”
The people who accompanied him would dismount their rides
out of his respect, but he would tell them, “You do not have to
do this as many among you are weak.” When they hesitated,
Hasan insisted them to change their route so that they would not
hesitate to travel to Makkah on their rides.

FORBEARANCE
Al-Suyuti says that Marwan was an arch-enemy of Hasan ibn Ali
and used to torture him in different ways. He even used insolent
words against him but in response Hasan always remained silent
and let go of it. When Hasan ibn Ali passed away, Marwan wept
bitterly. Husayn ibn Ali asked him, “You used to cause him pain
with your oppression, why do you cry now?” He replied, “I
oppressed the one whose forbearance was as strong as the
mountains.”
Once Hasan ibn Ali was having a meal with some friends, a
slave brought a bowl of curry. The bowl dropped from his hands
and curry fell on Hasan. Seeing this the slave got nervous and
recited the first part of verse 134 of sura aal-Imran:
َ َْ ْ َْ
‫ َوالکا ِظ ِمی َس الغ ْیظ‬
Meaning: The ones who sublimate their anger.
Listening to it, Hasan ibn Ali said, “I have sublimated my anger.”
The slave then recited the next part of the verse:
َّ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ
‫اس‬
ِ ‫ والعافِیس ع ِن الن‬
Meaning: And tolerate (the faults of the) people.
Hasan ibn Ali said, “I forgave you.”
 258

Then he recited the third part of the verse:

ْ ْ ُ ّّٰ
‫ َوالل ُہ یُ ِح ّب المُ ْح ِس ِنی َس‬
Meaning: And Allah loves those who are benevolent.
At this, Hasan ibn Ali said, “Go! I have freed you.” (Ruh al-Bayan)

HASAN‟S STATUS IN FAQR

In Faqr, the status of Hasan ibn Ali is:
ّّٰ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ
‫ ِاذا ت ّم الفق ُر ف ُہوَ اللہ‬
Meaning: When Faqr is accomplished, that is Allah.
Sultan Bahoo says about Hasan and Husayn:
 Hasan and Husayn reached the ultimate station of, “Faqr is
my (Holy Prophet‟s) pride.” They were the source of
happiness for the Holy Prophet and Fatimah-tuz-Zahra.
(Mehak-ul-Faqr Kalan)

Hasan ibn Ali possesses the perfect spiritual attention and is

accomplished in describing the subtle facts of Sufism. In his will,
he stated:
ّّٰ
‫ علیکم بحفظ السرائر فان اللہ مطلع علی الضمائر‬
Meaning: Protect the esoteric secrets as Allah knows what is
concealed in the inwards.
Hasan ibn Ali is stationed at such a high level of gnosis and
mysticism that even a high ranked Mystic, Sultan-ul-Faqr II
Shaikh Hasan of Basra, used to consult him on delicate matters.
Shaikh Hasan of Basra once asked him in a letter:
“O the grandson of Messenger of Allah! What is your view about
our difference of opinion regarding destiny and our curiosity and
authority in its matters? Please enlighten us so that we become
 259

aware of your views as you are the progeny of great Mystics.

You have been taught the knowledge of Allah and you are
witness on people from Allah.”
Hasan ibn Ali wrote in response to this letter:
“My view about this matter is that the person who does not
believe that destiny of everything, good or bad, is from Allah, is
depraved. One cannot obey Allah forcibly neither one can
disobey Him out of compulsion. He does not allow His slaves to
intervene in His kingdom either. Although He has given
authority to His men but He is the Master of everything upon
which He has made His men authoritative. Thus, if they intend to
obey Him, He does not stop them from His obedience. Also, if
they intend to commit a sin and He wills to bestow His favour,
He intervenes between them and the sin. However, if He does
not intervene, then He has neither compelled them to commit sin
nor made disobedience forcibly incumbent upon them. He has
given people the freedom to decide whether to do an act or not,
hence absolved Himself from the responsibility of their deeds.
Nevertheless, He facilitates in adopting the path to which He has
invited them and to abandon the path which He has forbidden.
And only Allah‟s power is dominant. (Kashf-ul-Mahjub)

INTELLIGENCE AND WISDOM

Once in the era of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a case came in his court
where two persons were confessing a single homicide. People
caught one person considering him the murderer while the other
presented himself as guilty. When Ali asked the first accused the
reason of confession, he said, “I was arrested in such circumstances
where I had no choice but to confess the murder as no one would
have believed if I had refused.” Upon asking about the incident,
he explained:
 260

“I am a butcher and I slaughtered a goat near the site of incident.

As I was cutting the meat, I had to go a little far for nature‟s call.
Just as I finished, I saw a dead body nearby. Meanwhile people
started gathering at the site. Seeing my blood-stained hands and
my knife they assumed that I was the murderer since there was
no one around besides me. No one had believed if I refused
therefore I had no choice but to confess.”
When Ali ibn Abi Talib asked from the second person, he said,
“I am a poor bedouin. I killed the man for money. After the
murder, I had not yet taken out the money when I heard people
coming so I hid. Then I saw that people were arresting this
innocent man for the crime I had committed. I was extremely
distressed, so I presented myself.”
After hearing the whole incident, Ali ibn Abi Talib asked Hasan
about his view. He replied, “O Leader of the Believers! If he
killed one person, he also saved the life of the other. And Allah
says:
َّ َ َّ َ َ َ
َ ‫ َو َم ْن ا ْح َی‬
َ ‫اہا فکانمَٓا ا ْح َیا الن‬
)5:32(‫اس َج ِم ْی ًعا‬
Meaning: And whoever (saved a person from unjust murder and)
made him survive, it would be as if he saved the lives of all the
people (of society). )5:32(
Thus, I suggest to forgive the bedouin.” Ali ibn Abi Talib was
pleased at the intelligence and wisdom of Hasan ibn Ali. He
forgave the bedouin on the suggestion of Hasan and commanded
to pay the blood money of the killed from the treasury.

GENEROSITY
Traditions are the witness that Hasan ibn Ali never returned
anyone empty-handed from his court and the door of his generosity
always remained open. Ali ibn Usman al-Hajveri writes in Kashf-
ul-Mahjub:
 261

 Once a bedouin came to Hasan‟s door and began to abuse

him. Hasan ibn Ali, the embodiment of forbearance, said to
him, “O bedouin! Are you hungry or thirsty or are you
suffering from some other misery? Tell me so I can help
you!” He commanded his slave to give some money to the
bedouin and said to him, “Forgive me as this was the only
amount at house. If I had any more, I would not have
hesitated to give it to you.” On hearing this, the bedouin
instantly said, “I testify that you are the son of Prophet of
Allah. I just came to test your patience and forbearance.”
Such are the attributes of Saints who are the knowers of
reality that the appreciation and criticism of people is equal
in their sight. (Kashf-ul-Mahjub)
Al-Ghazali writes:
 Once a person came to Hasan ibn Ali and complained about
his poverty. Hasan gave him fifty thousand gold coins. He
could not pick up the coins, so he called a labourer. Hasan
ibn Ali even paid the fee to the labourer. (Ihya al-Uloom)
Someone asked Hasan why he never returned a beggar empty-
handed even when he was starving himself. He said, “I myself
am a beggar in Allah‟s court. I feel ashamed to return a needy
empty-handed while being a beggar myself.” (Ibn Asakir)

BRAVERY
Hasan ibn Ali performed many heroic deeds in Ali ibn Abi
Talib‟s era of caliphate. The victory in Battle of the Camel owes
to his swordsmanship. He also showed war skills in the Battle of
Siffin. Hasan was one among the people who guarded the house
of Usman ibn Affan for many days to protect him from the
rioters. He supplied food and water to Usman‟s house carrying
them on his back.
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CALIPHATE OF HASAN IBN ALI

Ramadan 40 AH till Rabi al-Awwal 41 AH
(January 661 AD – August 661 AD)
When Ali ibn Abi Talib was wounded by Ibn Muljam‟s poison-
coated sword, people asked him if they should pledge allegiance
to Hasan ibn Ali after his death. Ali ibn Abi Talib replied, “I do
not order you neither do I stop you from this. You people
understand it better.”
Following the Sunna of the Messenger of Allah, Ali ibn Abi
Talib did not nominate anyone for caliphate after him, not even
his most distinguished son. He left the decision of choosing the
Caliph on common Muslims following the tradition of the Holy
Prophet. Who could be better and dearer to common Muslims
than the grandson of the Holy Prophet? Besides being the progeny
of the Holy Prophet, Hasan‟s other qualities and attributes also
made him suitable for the rank of Caliph. Therefore, everyone
took oath of allegiance on the sacred hand of Hasan ibn Ali.
Immediately after becoming a Caliph, Hasan ibn Ali delivered a
sermon:
“O people! Yesterday a man passed away who was better than
those who preceded him and those who will follow him. The
Holy Prophet sent him in battles as the standard-bearer. He never
returned unsuccessful from any venture. Angel Michael and
Angel Gabriel accompanied him from left and right.”
Meanwhile, Syrians pledged allegiance to Ameer Muawiya
considering him their Caliph. When clashes started to arise
between the two groups, Muawiya sent a message to Hasan ibn
Ali in which he said:
“Peace is better than war therefore it is better that you accept me
as Caliph and swear allegiance on my hand.”
 263

Hasan ibn Ali was not desirous of caliphate. The position of

Caliph was not a source of honour for him, rather his being the
Caliph was an honour for the caliphate. Therefore, five months
and ten days after ascending the throne of caliphate he withdrew
himself from it in Rabi al-Awwal 41 AH. This way two predictions
of the Holy Prophet came true. First that the era of caliphate will
continue after him for thirty years, that is from Rabi al-Awwal 11
AH (death of the Prophet) to Rabi al-Awwal 41 AH (Hasan ibn
Ali‟s withdrawal from caliphate). If we do not count the period
of caliphate of Hasan ibn Ali, then the total period of caliphate
from Abu Bakr Siddiq to Ali ibn Abi Talib reduces to twenty-
nine and a half years. Thus, according to the prediction of the
Holy Prophet, Hasan ibn Ali was the rightful Caliph of Muslims.
The second prediction of the Holy Prophet which came true is
narrated by Abu Bakr as:
“Once while showing affection to Hasan ibn Ali, the Holy
Prophet said, „My son is a noble, because of him the conflict
between two Muslim groups will come to an end‟.” (Bukhari)
When Hasan withdrew himself from the seat of Caliph, he set the
following conditions:
1. No citizen of Iraq shall be arrested based on previous enmity.
Safety shall be provided to everyone without exception.
2. Ali ibn Abi Talib must not be slandered.
Hasan ibn Ali withdrew himself from caliphate firstly because he
did not want a conflict between Muslims. Secondly, had he not
left caliphate, the practice of inheriting the caliphate would have
initiated through the family of Prophet Mohammad.
After reconciliation with Muawiya, Hasan ibn Ali addressed the
people before Muawiya arrived Kufa. He said:
“O people we are your nobles and guests. We are People of the
Cloak from whom Allah has removed impurity and has made
 264

them pure.” Hasan ibn Ali repeated these words to the point that
everyone began to cry.
When Muawiya came to Kufa, he requested Hasan ibn Ali to
inform people of what settled between them. At this, Hasan ibn
Ali delivered an extempore sermon. After the praise of Allah, he
said:
“O people! Allah guided you to the right path through our
predecessors and will forgive you through our successors. Wise
is the one who fears Allah while the evildoer is helpless. The
issue of caliphate regarding which I and Muawiya had differences,
either he is more deserving or I am. I withdraw from my right for
Allah‟s will as well as to reform the umma of Prophet Mohammad
and to protect your blood.” Then Hasan turned towards Muawiya
and said:
“I am not aware but maybe it is a trial for you and an advantage
for a certain time.”
When Hasan ibn Ali separated himself from physical caliphate
for Allah‟s will, Allah blessed him and his family with the
spiritual caliphate (Faqr). This way physical caliphate (governance)
and spiritual caliphate separated from each other and never
became one till date.
After withdrawing from the caliphate, Hasan ibn Ali came to
Madina and involved himself in religious activities. According to
a tradition, Muawiya fixed Hasan‟s annual allowance as one lakh
dirham. He spent major part of it in the way of Allah and himself
led a simple life with contentment.

DEATH
Hasan ibn Ali had so much regard for the words of the Holy
Prophet (my son will end the conflict between two Muslim
groups) that when he was poisoned, which led to his death, he
 265

did not reveal the name of the assassin to avoid starting a conflict
again between Muslims on the issue of retribution of his murder.
When Husayn ibn Ali asked him the name of the assassin, Hasan
said, “What would you do after knowing the name?” Husayn
replied, “I shall punish the criminal.” Hasan ibn Ali said, “If my
suspicion is correct, Allah will punish the criminal Himself and
if it is incorrect then I do not find it suitable to arrest anyone for
a sin he has not committed.” Hence, he did not reveal the name
of his murderer. People made different speculations. At times
they blamed Hasan‟s wife Ja‟da bint al-Ash‟at and other times
suspected that it happened on the consent of Muawiya. Allah
knows the truth! If Hasan ibn Ali himself avoided to mention the
name of the murderer, there must be a reason behind it. Hence
umma must also avoid speculations.
Hasan ibn Ali died in 49 AH. There are different opinions
regarding the month of his death, some books mention Rabi al-
Awwal while others state Safar . However, most historians agree
on Safar. Even, there are contradictions regarding the date of
death, either it is 7th Safar or 28th Safar. According to Tehzeeb-
ul-Tehzeeb, entire Madina mourned the sorrowful death of Hasan
ibn Ali. The streets were silent. Abu Hurairah was grieving in
the Prophet‟s Mosque and saying:
“O people! Cry your eyes out today as the beloved of Prophet
Mohammad left the world.”
He is buried in Jannat al-Baqi.

CHILDREN OF HASAN IBN ALI

Hasan ibn Ali had five daughters and twelve sons. Four of his
sons; Abu Bakr ibn Hasan44, Umar ibn Hasan45, Abdullah ibn

44,45
Hasan ibn Ali named his two sons after the first two Rashidun Caliphs which shows
his love and respect for them.
 266

Hasan and Qasim ibn Hasan were martyred in the Battle of

Karbala.
Hasan ibn Ali is erroneously associated to have numerous wives.
The evil enemies of People of the Cloak have associated seventy
or hundred wives with him. Although this is completely
impossible. Firstly, in the presence of that many wives it is
impossible to have only seventeen children. Secondly, to have
that many wives it is necessary to repeat the abominable act of
divorce multiple times since having more than four wives at a
time is not lawful in Islam. Even the thought of associating such
acts with the progeny of Prophet Mohammad is appalling. Hasan
is the sacred personality whom Prophet Mohammad called the
flower of his garden and the leader of youth of paradise. If we
are unable to perform deeds like them then at least we should not
involve our inwards in nourishing evil presumptions about them.
The love and veneration of the beloveds of Prophet Mohammad
provide strength to the inwards and is a source of success in the
world and the hereafter.

ؓ‫یب‬
ؓ ‫دل ںیم ےہ ھجم ےب لمع ےک داغ قشع الہ‬

‫دیحار ےھجم‬
ؓ ‫ڈوھڈنات رھپات ےہ لظ دانم‬
Explanation: Though I have no good deed but my inward is
blessed with ardent love for People of the Cloak. That is why,
Ali ibn Abi Talib himself protects me.