OBJECTIONS AGAINST HAZRAT FATEMAH ZAHRA (SA) AND THEIR REPLIES - OBJECTION NO 14

Objection 14: Ali (a) conceded his right; why you Shia do not concede it?

It is mentioned as follows in this objection of Wahabis:

If according to the claim of Shia, rightfulness was with Ali (a), Ali himself conceded it; now, why you Shia do not concede it like Ali (a)?

Logical reply

This objection can be studied from two angles:

1- Amirul Momineen (a) conceding his right.

2- Followers of Ali (a) and defenders of the school of Ahle Bayt (a) should have remained silent and must not have defended their rightful religion and beliefs.

Amirul Momineen (a) and the Caliphate of the Caliphs

Stance of Amirul Momineen (a) to the Caliphs is clearly mentioned and identified in history in numerous discussions; even though the initial usurpation of Caliphate was through efforts to erase, distort and conceal the facts, but despite this, through the miracle of Ahle Bayt (a), numerous facts yet remain in the books of opponents and have reached us.[1]

Traditional sources and historical records are replete with the protests and objections of Amirul Momineen Imam Ali (a) addressed to the nominees of Saqifah.

Muslim has narrated in his Sahih:

Umar bin Khattab addressed Abbas and Amirul Momineen Ali (a) and said:

When the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) passed away, Abu Bakr said: “I am the successor of the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him).” Both of you came to demand your shares from the property (left behind by the Messenger of Allah). (Referring to His Eminence, Abbas), he said: You demanded your share from the property of your nephew, and he (referring to Ali) demanded a share on behalf of his wife from the property of her father. Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) had said: “We do not have any heirs; what we leave behind is (to be given in) charity.” So both of you thought him to be a liar, sinful, treacherous and dishonest. And Allah knows that he was true, virtuous, well-guided and a follower of truth. When Abu Bakr passed away and (I have become) the successor of the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) and Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him), you thought me to be a liar, sinful, treacherous and dishonest…[2]

The Opressions begin

The supporters of Abu Bakr had reached a sizeable number. Abu Bakr and Umar maintained their pressure on people to swear their allegiance. At that time, ‘Umme’ Mustah Ibne Asasi’ recited these verses at the grave of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.):

“We have been deprived of your grace in the same manner as the earth is deprived of rain. Your ummat has silently betrayed you. You come and give witness to all that is happening.”

It is said that Zubayr and Miqdad would regularly present themselves before Hazrat Ali (a.s.), would consult him and then go back to the people. At that Umar came to the house of Janabe’ Zahra (s.a.) and spoke with her, “If these people continue to visit you, I will order your house to be burnt down.”[1] In another narration, it is reported that Umar said, “I will destroy this house.”[2]

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[1] Al Musannif Ibne Abi Shayba, volume 14 page 267

[2] Al Jawab al Hasim (compiled by Qazi Asad Abedi), volume 20 / volume 2 page 299

Hazrat Ali (a.s.) refused to pay allegiance to Abu Bakr - Part 1

All the members of Bani Hashim who were present there were rounded up and taken to Abu Bakr. They were told, pay your allegiance to Abu Bakr as others have done. And by Allah, if you don’t, we will use our swords against you. In such a helpless situation, Bani Hashim offered their allegiance to Abu Bakr.[1]

However, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) refused to pay allegiance to Abu Bakr and countered, “I am more worthy of this position than you. You all should swear allegiance to me. You have sought allegiance from the Ansar on the basis of your proximity to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and now you wish to snatch this right from us, Ahle’ Bayt (a.s.)? Did you not offer this argument that on account of your closeness to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) you are more eligible for the caliphate than them? Surely it is on this account that they handed over this position to you.

what was the conduct of the ummat towards Ahle’ Bayt (a.s.)?

When Hazrat Ali (a.s.) completed the burial of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), he busied himself in those works, which the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) had entrusted him with. He remained within the confines of his house.[1] Few members of Bani Hashim, some Ansar[2] and some Mohajirs presented themselves before him. Amongst these were Abbas[3], Zubayr[4], Miqdad[5], Talha[6], Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas[7] and No’man.

These people were displeased with the bay’at (allegiance) to Abu Bakr and wished to free themselves from it.[8] They desired to express their disapproval of the same[9] and wanted to pledge their support to Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.).[10]