FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

murderers. He wanted to wait until the conditions were normalized. But the supporters of Usman did not listen to what Ali had to say. They thought that Ali was trying to evade the issue. The murder of Usman had far reaching effects on Islamic history. The united and determined Muslim community was divided forever. Instead of going out to the frontiers they were involved in internecine clashes. Instead of concentrating on consolidation Ali had to spend all his time in pacifying the warring factions. He did his best to restore peace but he failed to do so without receiving the support of the people. Ali wanted to establish his rule on the Islamic ideals of social justice and equality. But the Quraysh aristocracy of Makkah which had amassed too much wealth in the wake of conquests opposed Ali vehemently. It was this group led by Muawiya that demanded the immediate trial of the murderers of Usman. When Ali failed to meet their demand to bring the murderer to book without delay, they revolted against Ali. Aisha, Prophet’s wife, Talha, and Zubayr, prominent Companions of the Prophet, also took a leading part. This episode, known as “the battle of the camel” was suppressed, although after much bloodshed. Ali had now established himself as Caliph by defeating his rivals. He had shifted the capital from Madinah to Kufah. The first priority in the matters of the state was given to the dismissal of the provincial governors. Muawiya ibn abi Sufiyan, governors of Syria and a relative of Usman too was dismissed. But Muawiya who had established himself securely in Syria did not accept the dismissal order. He came out openly to avenge the martyred Caliph. It was an issue on which he could mobilize a great majority of Muslims. He made eloquent speeches to play upon Muslim emotions. He took the stand that since the new Caliph is evading the issue of bringing the assassins to account, which is the demand of justice, the Caliph therefore stands disqualified for the office of the caliphate. In this way Muawiya justified his insurrection against the elected Caliph. Muawiya gathered a large army of Syrians while the army of Ali comprised 50,000 Iraqis. The encounter look place on July 28, 657. Malik al-Ashtar was commanding Ali’s forces. Ali was on the point of victory. But the shrewd Muawiya and his supporter Amr ibn al-As managed to avert defeat by proposing arbitration. Ali saw through this trick. But A hopeless man sees difficulties in every chance, but a hopeful person sees chances in every difficulty. — Ali ibn Abi Talib