The people forcibly dragged Hazrat Ali (a.s.) from his house.[1] Umar was especially harsh on Hazrat Ali (a.s.)[2] and was pulling him mercilessly.[3] The rest of the people followed this procession. Hazrat Ali (a.s.), while talking about this incident says, “I was dragged by the people for bay’at just as a camel is dragged.[4] The swords of the people were drawn and their spears were shining in readiness.” His condition was such that he was in a state of extreme sadness and often was filled with fury. But with great patience he overcame his anger.[5] He was also extremely weary and tired.[6]
In another narration it is reported that he (a.s.) was made to run and brought to the mosque.[7] The people were watching this as if it were some great spectacle or show. The streets of Medina were packed with people.[8] At every place along the journey, he was told, “C’mon do bay’at.”[9] Salman, Abu Zar, Miqdad, Ammar and Boraydah were with him and they kept on telling the people – “Alas, how soon have you have done khayanat with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and openly displayed the malice and hatred, which you had concealed in your hearts.”
Boraydah Ibne Khaseeb Al Aslami narrates, “O Umar, you are mistreating the brother of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and his successor in this manner; and have caused grievous harm to his (s.a.w.) daughter, while the Quraysh are sufficiently aware of your state.”[10]
At that time, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was the victim of treachery and injustice. He was calling out to the people for help.[11] He said to them, “I swear by Allah, if I had my sword in my hand, then none amongst you would have had the courage to perform such deeds. If I had been supported by only 40 companions, I would have done jehad with you and scattered your ranks. May Allah curse those people who turned away and betrayed me after completing my bay’at.”[12]
He was also heard saying, “Alas O Ja’far. Sadly Ja’far is not amongst us today. Nor is Hamzah. Alas, Hamzah is not there with us today.”[13]
The people took Hazrat Ali (a.s.) near the grave of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). He (a.s.) stood there at the grave and recited,
قَالَ ابْنَ أُمَّ إِنَّ الْقَوْمَ اسْتَضْعَفُونِي وَكَادُوا يَقْتُلُونَنِي فَلاَ تُشْمِتْ بِيَ الأعْدَاء وَلاَ تَجْعَلْنِي مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
ْ
(Surah Aaraf: 150)
“O my brother, the people have weakened me and have sought to kill me.” At this, hands were seen raised from the holy grave. The people were aware that these blessed hands were none than those of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.).
Adi ibn Hatim says, “When I saw Ali (a.s.) in this condition my heart was filled with so much pity for him as it had been never been filled before for any person.”
Witnessing this scene, Salman said, “Does one behave in such a lowly manner with somebody[15] of such high stature? I swear by Allah, if these people (Ahle’ Bayt) pray to Allah, the skies would fall down on the earth.” Abu Zar said, “I wish we had been armed with our swords today.”[16]
[1] Al Mustarshid, page 371; Al Ihtejaj, page 76; Al Hidayatul Kubra, page 138/139; Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 2 page 11
[2] Al Mustarshid, page 378; Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 2 page 50 and volume 6 page 47
[3] Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 6 page 49
[4] Ali (as) wrote this in one of his letters to Mua’wiyah – Waqae’ Siffeen, page 87; Al Fotooh by Aaseme’ Kufi, volume 2 page 578; Eqdul Fareed, volume 4 page 308/309; Nahjul Balagha, page 122/123;Al Fosoolul Mukhtarah, page 287; Taqreebul Ma’aref, page 237; Manaqebe’ Khwarazmi, page 175; Al Ihtejaj, page 171; Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 1 page 74/15/173; Jawaherul Matalib, volume 1 page 357/374; As Seraatul Mustaqeem, volume 3 page 11
[5] Misbahul Zaraes, page 463/464
[6] Tareekhe' Tabari, volume 2 page 203
[7] Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 6 page 45
[8] Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 6 page 49
[9] Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 6 page 45
[10] Sulaym Ibne' Qays, page 251
[11] Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 11 page 111
[12] Al Ihtejaj, page 73
[13] Shar'he Nahjul Balagha, volume 11 page 111
[14] Basaerud Darajat, page 275; Al Ikhtesas, page 275; Al Manaqeb, volume 2 page 247; Al Kashkul, volume 3 page 244; Ash Shafi, volume 3 page 79
[15] Al Ikhtesas page 11
[16] Rejale’ Kashi, volume 1 page 37
