The Biography of Hazrat Ali, May Allah Be Pleased with Him (27)
Amr bin As (May Allah Be Pleased with Him) – Judge of the People of Sham
The inhabitants of Sham (Syria) selected Hazrat Amr as their arbiter. The Khawarij’s behavior toward Amr was well-known, as he was the first target of destructive attacks and rumors within the Islamic Caliphate. This same group was responsible for his dismissal from the governorship of Egypt, and they were more hostile toward Amr than Abu Musa. Therefore, it is understandable that Amr’s actions would be criticized and slandered by this group.
However, Amr bin As’s justice and his selection by the Prophet (peace be upon him), as well as by Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), prevent us from accepting any negative narrations about him.
Reasons for Acceptance of Arbitration
Hazrat Muawiya’s presentation of the wisdom of the Qur’an—without emphasizing the handing over of the murderers of Hazrat Uthman or their retribution—and Hazrat Ali’s acceptance of this wisdom—without stressing the necessity of obedience and allegiance from Hazrat Muawiya and the people of Syria—was a significant event influenced by the circumstances surrounding the Battle of Safin. The war had already led to the destruction of a large number of Muslims, thereby strengthening the collective stance of both parties that ending the conflict and preventing further bloodshed was a necessity to preserve the power and unity of the Islamic Ummah.
Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed to halt the war at Safin and accepted the proposal for arbitration, viewing it as a victory and conquest. He then returned to Kufa, hopeful for the unity of Muslims, resolution of differences, the strengthening of the Islamic state, and the resumption of Islamic conquests.
Several factors prompted both parties to consider wisdom and resolution in the conflict, including:
1. The arbitration plan was, in fact, the last attempt to prevent war and bloodshed among Muslims. Efforts initiated either individually or in groups since the Battle of Jamal had not been successful. Many letters had been exchanged between the parties for this purpose. The last attempt was a letter that Hazrat Muawiya sent to Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) during the most difficult conditions of the war, urging him to cease hostilities. He stated, “If we had known that this war would continue indefinitely, we would never have engaged in it. If our intellect and planning have proven ineffective so far, there is still an opportunity to repent from the past and make amends for the future.”
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