Misbah-uz-Zulam, Roots of the Karbala’ Tragedy

Muawiyah and the Derogatory Remarks For His Eminence Ali

It is seen from Sharh Ibn Abil Hadid[^1] that Muawiyah persuaded some companions and Tabein (companions of companions) to forge traditions criticizing His Eminence, Ali (a.s.). Abu Huraira, Amr Ibn Aas, Mughaira, Urwah and Zuhri are those who forged such traditions. Urwah misquoted ‘A’ysha that Ali (a.s.) and Abbas would die without faith and they belong to the Fire! (Allah forbid!).

In the same way, absurd traditions were forged by others also. May Allah’s curse be on the liars. Husayn Karabasi is also included among the enemies of His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) and is one who has forged such traditions. Muawiyah had no way but to seek the help of these false narrators. There was a great need of such imprecating traditions! In the same book[^2], it is mentioned that Muawiyah sent letters to his officers that they should not behave nicely with

Shias and not to trust their testimony. But they should behave nicely with the followers of Uthman. They should respect those who narrate the excellence of Uthman, and to send to Muawiyah their names and their tribe. In this way, traditions of Uthman’s excellence were collected.

According to this command, all officers of Muawiyah narrated the merits of Uthman and were rewarded for it by Muawiyah and due to these traditions, they obtained wealth and honor. After that Muawiyah issued an order that traditions in praise of Abu Bakr and Umar be collected and those who narrate traditions in praise of His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) must be derided. Muawiyah said that he liked that the narrators of excellence of His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) are punished and that it gladdens his heart. The order also stated to be strict with Shias of Ali (a.s.) and that they should narrate the excellence of Uthman, instead of His Eminence, Ali (a.s.). Then he commanded them to narrate the excellence of Uthman from the pulpit. Till the time the teachers instructed the boys, girls and women to narrate the excellence of Uthman and this continued for many years.

We should ask Abu Shakoor Salmi, the writer of gloss on Aqaid Nasafi, if this is the dignity of a just and pious Imam that he should encourage forging of traditions and lies should be attributed to the Messenger of Allah (S)? It is a fact that when people believe Muawiyah to be Imam and Yazeed bin Muawiyah to be the sixth Caliph, so if people like Abu Shakoor are found in religion, it is not surprising!

What a great arrangement to forge and spread traditions in praise of Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman! Allah forbid, Allah forbid. It is the greatest surprise how the traditions in favor of Imam Ali have remained secure? But no doubt Allah is All- Knowing and All-Seeing and Just. Excellence of Ali (a.s.) and the Progeny of the Messenger of Allah (S) and the traditions of the family members of the Holy Prophet (S) are still present and their names will remain till Judgment Day.

[^1]: Pg. 194

[^2]: Vol. 2, Pg. 8.