Welcome to this week’s episode of the series Let’s Know Islam. The First Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) accepted the caliphate in order to fulfill his duties, while noting that if it wasn’t because of people’s presence, he would have never accepted the Caliphate.
These remarks show that although the Velayat of Imam Ali (AS) was determined by Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny); however, due to the absence of disciples and people in the scene, and their lack of support, establishment of a ruling system was not possible.
In previous weeks we studied the developments and incidents which took place after the demise of Prophet of Islam and mentioned the reasons behind Imam Ali’s withdrawal from power in that sensitive phase in time.
It was also said that although Imam Ali was not present in the organizations of the ruling systems of caliphs, he could not be indifferent toward the problems of Muslims, and the fate of the Islamic government. Whenever the interests of the sacred religion of Islam and Muslims was at stake, Imam Ali guided caliphs in dealing with challenges and problems, with his strategic viewpoints, like a highly prudent and insightful consultant. Meanwhile, caliphs also seized the opportunity to take into consideration Imam Ali’s prudent views. This trend continued more or less throughout the rule of Ottoman.
Upon the instatement of Ottoman’s rule, the stage was set for the infiltration of Omayyad Dynasty, who maintained familial bonds with Ottoman. Ottoman instated Marvan ibn Hekam, who was at odds with the Prophet of Islam, as his consultant. In the phase in time, Omayyad agents were instated to key posts in the ruling system of Ottoman. Throughout the rule of Ottoman, the presence of Omayyad associates in important posts, the hedonism of aristocrats, unfair distribution of treasury, discrimination and injustice, establishment of a wealthy stratum, surge of poverty and economic recession gradually manifested their detrimental impacts on the community. Due to this dire status quo; class gaps widened day by day, resulting in protests against the central ruling system. In that phase in time, people within Islamic territories were fed up of discrimination and wastage of assets by the caliph’s associates and a number of the ruling system’s officials. Despite the surging protests in different parts of the Islamic territory, Ottoman did not take any measures to improve the situation and dispel problems, while insisting on his previous policies. On the other hand, due to the widening gap between the decision-makers and officials of Ottoman’s ruling system from Holy Quran and the tradition of Prophet of God, a number of Prophet’s disciples joined the protesters.
Imam Ali did not approve of Ottoman’s policies, upon observation of the dire status quo of the community, spread of injustice, and the widening gap of Ottoman’s ruling system from Islamic principles and regulations, and whenever necessary criticizes Ottoman’s policies. Imam Ali advised Ottoman and made efforts to persuade Ottoman to revise his approach and to adopt the path to justice and enforcement of Islamic rulings, in order to improve the situation of the Islamic Ummah.
Gradually, widespread protests emerged and a large number of Muslims and residents of Medina joined the protesters. Even, some of the opponents of Ottoman left Egypt, Basra, and Kufa, for Medina. The protesters besieged Ottoman’s house and severed the water supply to his home. Under those circumstances, Ottoman sought Imam Ali’s assistance and requested Imam Ali to act as a mediator between him and the protesters. However, the efforts of Imam Ali for prevention of a rebellion against Ottoman and restoration of calm in Medina remained inconclusive.
Imam Ali even instructed a number of individuals to protect Ottoman. When Ottoman’s house was besieged and water supply to his home was cut, Imam Ali provided water for the caliph and his associates. Ultimately, a number of protesters raided Ottoman’s house and killed the caliph.
Upon the death of Ottoman, the disciples of Prophet of Islam, and people from all walks of life, enthusiastically headed toward Imam Ali’s house and asked Imam Ali to lead people.
Despite the insistence of Muslims from different regions, Imam Ali was reluctant to accept the caliphate. Imam Ali believed that the situation was inappropriate. He knew that under that complicated situation, people were disillusioned and could not steadfast. Imam Ali insightfully foresaw a turbulent future. He realized that due to the previous faulty policies; the leading figures of the community, Omayyad associates and the officials of the ruling system had gained dominance over the treasury and had accumulated huge wealth. Thus, he predicted that these groups would rebel against him in order to protect their illegitimate interests and would cause major challenges for his ruling system. Imam Ali realized that injustice and discrimination were deep-rooted in the community and the thoughts common in the Age of Ignorance had once again resurged. People had got used to the status quo and would obstruct any measure against those dire conditions.
Imam Ali, through his remarks, wanted to show his devotion toward implementation of Islamic teachings, and upon refusal to accept to govern people, intended to test the preparedness of people in regard to establishment of a just ruling system.
Imam Ali was well-aware of the mentality of people and foresaw that they would start to oppose his measures. Hence, Imam Ali noted that he would accept the ruling system as long as he would be able to uproot the corruptions of previous eras, without anyone obstructing him. So, in the beginning, he refused to govern people, noting that they could not bear his justice and principled commitment to Islamic teachings. Imam Ali wanted people to change and to show their commitment towards his righteous path and policies, or to let him go if they were not prepared to accept his ruling system.
In this manner, upon adoption of an especial approach, Imam Ali completely clarified his policies for people and granted them the opportunity to contemplate about his future leadership and policies with open eyes. In this phase in time, upon Imam Ali’s call, people gathered in the mosque, with Imam Ali addressing them. Initially, Imam Ali announced his reluctance to accept to govern people, while adding that meanwhile people insist that he should accept to govern them. In further remarks, Imam Ali pointed out that he would never take a dirham from the belongings of people, while asking people if they were content with his policies, in the response of which people approved of Imam Ali.
In this manner, Imam Ali granted an opportunity to people to vigilantly make their choice. Finally, upon the insistence of people for a number of days, Imam Ali accepted to govern Muslims. Meanwhile, people enthusiastically and freely swore allegiance with Imam Ali (Peace be upon him)
