The Biography of Hazrat Ali, may Allah be pleased with him (Part 29)
Choice of Two Judgments
With the issue of wisdom, the war of Safin practically ended, and dialogues and correspondence between the parties began. Ultimately, the two sides agreed to choose one senior negotiator from each side: one from Hazrat Ali and the Iraqi army, and one from Muawiyah and the Syrian army. The goal was to resolve the crisis, put an end to the war and differences, engage in dialogue and negotiation, and reach an agreement in the best interest of the Muslims.
Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari (Abdullah bin Qays) from the Iraqi army and Amr bin As Qurashi from the Syrian army were chosen as judges and representatives.
Contrary to what is often stated in many historical accounts, the choice of Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari was not due to the imposition of the Khawarij on Hazrat Ali. The Khawarij themselves were staunch opponents of accepting wisdom, which is why they took a stand against Hazrat Ali and excommunicated him. Instead, this choice was made based on the attributes embodied by Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari. He was one of the first generation of Muslims, an emigrant to Abyssinia and Medina, a prominent commander of the Islamic army in the conquest of Iran, and one of the distinguished scholars and jurists among the Companions. Imam Shaabi mentioned him as one of the four great judges of the Companions, alongside Hazrat Umar Farooq, Hazrat Ali, and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit. Moreover, he was a peace-loving individual who was very popular among the people of Iraq, particularly in Kufa and Basra. He served as the governor of Basra and Kufa from the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to that of Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). Even after Hazrat Ali became caliph, despite the dismissal of many governors who preceded him, he was not removed from the province of Kufa.
Hazrat Amr bin As also held a prominent position among Muslims. He embraced Islam in the eighth year of Hijri. The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) remarked about his conversion: «أسلم الناس و آمن عمرو بن العاص» (“Other people converted to Islam, but Amr Ibn As believed”). Hazrat Talha (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he heard the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say: «ان عمرو بن عاص من صالحی قریش» (“Indeed, Amr bin As is one of the good and righteous people of Quraish”). During the caliphates of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), he was a distinguished commander of the Islamic army.
He played a significant role in the Muslims’ victory at the Battle of Yarmouk, which led to the conquest of a large part of the lands of Palestine, Syria, and Egypt. During the caliphate of Hazrat Usman (may Allah be pleased with him), he served as one of his relatives and advisors. When the rebels besieged Medina and ultimately killed the Caliph, Amr bin As was in Medina. However, seeing that he could not take any action against the rebels, he left for the city of Sham, intending to prepare to confront the rebels and the killers of the caliph with Hazrat Muawiyah’s assistance. The characteristics of the two representatives clarify that the accusations made against these noble Companions by their opponents and enemies are nothing but lies and slander.
The Text of the Arbitration Agreement
“In the name of Allah.
1. This contract has been concluded between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, along with their respective followers, in which they agreed to abide by Sharia in the light of the Book and Sunnah.
2. This contract was approved by Hazrat Ali on behalf of the people of Iraq, both those present and those absent, and also by Hazrat Muawiyah on behalf of the people of Syria, both present and absent.
3. We have agreed to follow the ruling of the Quran; we will accept what the Quran accepts and reject what it rejects. This is our judgment, with which we are satisfied.
4. Hazrat Ali and his supporters consented to the arbitration of Abdullah bin Qays (Abu Musa Ash’ari), while Hazrat Muawiyah and his supporters agreed to the arbitration of Amr bin As to oversee and judge the matter of wisdom.
5. Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Muawiyah took a firm covenant from Abdullah bin Qays and Amr bin As, reminding them of their obligation to Allah and the Messenger. They asked them to use the Qur’an as their guide in this matter. If they find a solution to a problem in the Book of Allah, they should act upon it; if they do not find a solution in the Qur’an, they should refer to the comprehensive Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, avoiding decisions contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
6. Hazrat Abdullah bin Qays and Hazrat Amr bin As pledged to Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Muawiyah that they would accept whatever decision is made in accordance with the Book and Sunnah, and they have no right to violate or oppose that judgment.
7. Both judges (Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari and Hazrat Amr bin As) will be guaranteed safety regarding their lives, property, children, and families. Regardless of whether someone is pleased or displeased with their judgment, their rights will not be violated. The Islamic Ummah must support the judgment they make based on the truth according to the Quran and Sunnah.
8. If one of the judges or arbitrators dies before the conclusion of the arbitration, his supporters should select another righteous and just individual to take his place, maintaining the same agreements as before.
9. If one of the two leaders (Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Muawiyah) dies before the date set to resolve this matter, his supporters should select someone just and able to take his place.
10. Both groups should lay down their weapons and engage in discussion.
11. Adherence to all matters raised in this contract is necessary for both Amirs, both rulings, and both groups from the date of conclusion; Allah is the witness of this covenant and sufficient to testify. If any party violates this agreement, the entire Ummah will disapprove of that party’s actions, and thereafter no obligations will remain toward them.
12. All individuals shall have security for their lives, property, and family until the end of the contract. Everyone shall lay down their weapons; the roads should be safe. Those not present at this contract will be committed to adhering to its provisions, just as those present are.
13. The discussion period will last until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. If the two judges wish to convene a meeting before the scheduled date, they may; and if they wish to delay it, they may also do so.
14. If neither party reaches judgments in accordance with the Book and tradition by the end of the contract, both groups will revert to their initial state of war.
15. In this regard, all Muslims make a covenant with Allah to unite against anyone who seeks to violate this covenant, commit injustice, or transgress in this context.
This agreement was signed by the representatives of the people of Iraq and Syria on Wednesday, 15 Safar 37 AH.
On behalf of the people of Iraq, the following individuals signed:
Hazrat Hasan and Husain, the two sons of Hazrat Ali; Abdullah bin Abbas; Abdullah bin Jafar bin Abi Talib; Ash’ath bin Qais Kandi; Ashtar bin Harith; Saeed bin Qais Hamdani; Hussain and Tufail, the two sons of Harith bin Abdul Muttalib; Abu Sa’id bin Rabi’ah Ansari; Abdullah bin Khabab bin Ert; Sahl bin Hanif; Abu Bashar bin Umar Ansari; Awf bin Harith bin Abdulmutallib; Yazid bin Abdullah Aslami; Uqbah bin Amer Jahni; Rafi bin Khadij Ansari; Amr bin Hamaq Khazai; Numan bin Ajlan Ansari; Hajr bin Adi Kandi; Yazid bin Hajiya Nekri; Malik bin Ka’b Hamdani; Rabi’ah bin Shurhbil; Harith bin Malik; Hajr bin Yazid; and Alba bin Hajiya.
On behalf of the people of Sham, the following individuals signed:
Habib bin Muslima Fahri; Abu al-Awar Salmi; Basr bin Artat Qurashi; Muawiya bin Khadij Kandi; Makhareq bin Harith Zubeidi; Muslim bin Amr Sakski; Abdullah bin Khalid bin Waleed; Hamza bin Malik; Sabi bin Yazid bin Abjar Abbasi; Masrooq bin Jablah Aki; Basr bin Yazid Hamiri; Abdullah bin Amer Qurashi; Utbah bin Abis Sufyan; Muhammad bin Abis Sufyan; Muhammad bin Amr bin As; Ammar bin Ahwas Kalbi; Masadah bin Amr Utbi; Sabah bin Jalhama Hamiri; Abdu-Al Rahman bin Dhi al-Kalaa; Tammeh bin Haushab; and Alqamah bin Hikma.
Abu Musa al-Ash’ari and Amr bin As agreed on the location for the first arbitration meeting in the month of Ramadan in Azrouh, located between Iraq and Syria near the Duma al-Jandal region. After reaching the arbitration agreement, both armies withdrew from Safin and returned to their previous positions.
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