Reading "The Succession to Muhammad: A study of the early Caliphate" By Wilferd Madelung and thought of tweeting instead of annotating on the book.

Why? FOR FUN.

The irony of non-Muslim historians like Wilferd Madelung accepting that studying the Quran is a priority to understand Islamic history while dismissing its verses/tafsir/teachings in the same breath. Foreboding.

PS Succession: (5:55) (7:142) (13:43) (17:80) (43:4) to name a few.

Really? Tabari as your cheif mufassir?! What iizzz you doin'?

To take the interpretation that we are to be kind to our OWN family as recompense for HIS work is ludicrous. And what of those who are alone in this world?

And by taking the third interpretation of Tabari, you essentially are taking the Shia interpretation of being kind to HIM and his near ones in a round about way, where the Prophet and his family (namely wives) are related to us. And by that virtue we show them kindness.

What a selfish and self-serving way of recompensating the Holy Prophet for his selfless sweat, blood and tears.

Can it be? Finally a reason not to throw hands? Hallelujah!

There's, however, a clear aversion to really delve into the House of Bibi Fatima (SA), and to constantly refer back to the Holy Prophet's patronage. Maybe b/c he wants to keep the reader invested in Arabian politics.

Louder!!

mA I feel like I saw the author get purified in real time as he mentioned the Ahlulbayt, faulty as his interpretation may be.

*chef's kiss* Mr. Madelung! Bravo! On the nose and beautifully said!

Indeed, the Quran is enough to identify the cognitive dissonance of those people who find it legitimate to elect Abu Bakr as successor while denying Sunnah of Allah in how He chose His other Vicegerents.

Whether you're reading from Aisha or ibn Umar's (RA) perspective, one thing is clear, Umar ibn Kattab was a person who made EVERYONE upset

Also, imagine accusing Imam Ali, Imam Hasan, and Imam Husain of a monopoly?! Imam Hasan threw the Caliphate at Muawiya's face.

Aisha treated Imam Ali (AS) like Hillary Clinton treated Bernie Sanders.

NO CAP

Team ibn Abbas

Lanatullah ala Bani Abbas tho

It is so clear in history, and especially to western historians, that 1) Aisha hated Imam Ali 2) Umar wanted to keep power away from Imam Ali

Yet, we, the lovers of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) are supposed to venerate those figures??? Never.

The tragic irony of Sunnis claiming that the kin aka Imam Ali (AS) of the Holy Prophet has no stronger claim to Caliphate for Muslim Ummah when Abu Bakr himself championed being Quraysh as the strongest caveat for leadership.

It's clear LINEAGE ALWAYS MATTERED.

First of all, these old men jumped on a sickly Sahabi until he died?

Secondly, Umar was scared that the Ansar would do to them what the two of them did to the Caliph of Allah, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). The hypocrisy reeks.

Like SAN said, Saqifah is one of history's most sham elections!

Even Umar admitted it was a sham but only after thinking himself secure in a position of power. The arrogance is overwhelming, especially considering he was killed shortly after admitting to injustice.

Peace be upon the Caliph of Allah, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), who silenced not only himself but the praises he deserved to avoid bloodshed between the followers of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and perpetuate peace on this earth.

Exactly

The dramatic irony of Abu Bakr's cunning claim did not escape Madelung!

I've seen many historians dismiss Imam Ali (AS) as aa weak statesman on account of him ruling for only a few years and be plagued with civil war the entire time.

These people don't realize that Imam Ali is the Most Merciful's politician so he never aimed to rule by the sword!

The ego of Bani Abd Manaf was secondary. And that's all that Abu Sufyan's aid had represented: their ego.

Imam Ali was born an Arab, undoubtedly, but, he did not come to this world for Arabian rulership. At every step he looked at Islamic ascendancy and Muslim unity.

The purely Arabian ruler has taken the throne & now we'll see Muslims descend back to the guiding principles of injustice that was prevalent before Islam.

I wouldn't say hollow just yet. That's when Muawiya will rule.

Right now, I'd say their shell cracked and are leaking.

You get power for 5 minutes and want to cut everyone's heads off at the slightest provocation. Wow. You're an old man, you clearly didn't just become this way. You were like this for decades but kept it concealed in front of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

Also Abu Bakr is not even known for being a warrior. He only musters this bravado b/c now he has an army.

Imam Ali (AS) singlehandedly faced the swords of thousands upon thousands of hardened soldiers w/o hesitation at Hunain. This one man army, in contrast, practiced diplomacy.

Abu Bakr, Khalid, and co. undoubtedly killed multiple Sahabi of the Holy Prophet. Their crime was nothing except that they did not accept this VIOLENT system of rulership after the Holy Prophet.

Will Muslims put (RA) next to the killers and the killed? Will Muslims not ponder?

How can you not send lanat on him? How? HOW?!

Abu Bakr took away all the comfort and peace of mind her father and husband gave her.

Bibi Fatima (SA) is the first Mujahid against the tyrant Caliph and the first martyr in the name of Imam Ali's Wilāyat. Salaam Ya Husain.

The daughter of the Holy Prophet, the manifestation of Surah Kawther, the Leader of the women in the Alameen, being upset at *your* leaders SHOULD sting. It's gross that these Nasibi make up stories for their own peace of mind.

Also, if he did say this, LANAT on ibn Kathir.

Mr. Madelung, are you telling me the worldly Arabian Caliph elected via a sham election practiced his rule not in accordance with the Book Revelealed from the Unseen?

Shocked I tell you. Absolutely shocked.

Saying he stood for a "rigorous, unconditional backing of the cause and principles of Islam" and immediately after giving examples of him resisting the Holy Prophet's actions is quite the paradox and belies the description of his zeal.

He ever actually stood for his own "pride."

Also, I knew there were conflicts here and there between the two during the campaigns against various countries but, I'm surprised the conflict b/w Umar and Khalid was this prominent.

Especially given that their respective modern day followers mostly, if not completely, overlap.

Very merit based system you have there, Mr. Umar.

Just an innocent question

Could you put those who ran away from the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and those who remained with him on the same level?

Can the one who ran be placed in higher authority than the one who fought?

Abu Bakr only ruled for two years. Meaning that not much had changed in the domestic sociopolitical climate. Meaning, Umar did not rule differently from his predecessor b/c of circumstances but, b/c he had objections.

Are they not both Rightly Guided? Then why the disparity?

The appointment of Muawiya (la) will lead to Siffin, to the binding truce of Imam Hasan (AS) on the despot, to Karbala, and to a lasting system of monarchial rule in which Muslims will be exposed as never caring about meritocracy for rulership.

Such a pivotal moment in history.

The reliability of this report is another matter but, it follows a trend. The "Sahih" books are littered with Umar criticizing the Holy Prophet under the pretense that he himself knows what's better for Islam than God's Apostle.

More ridiculous that there are people who agree.

Umar was the father-in-law to the Holy Prophet (SAWW), via Hafsa. Imagine proposing to the granddaughter of your son-in-law--even if we ignore the lack of the cultural stigma of an old man marrying a child?

You're the father-in-law of her grandpa! What are you doing?!

Lā fatā ʾillā ʿAlī; lā sayf ʾillā Zulfiqar.

"There is no youth like Ali; there is no sword like the Zulfiqar."

You fear the youthfulness that Allah praised?

And this mythos of Imam Ali engaging in nepotism is such an insult to the upbringing of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black, nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action."

-Holy Prophet (SAWW)

Hazrat Abu Dhurr al-Ghifari (AS), for whom the Holy Prophet (SAWW) said, "There's no one under the sky or in the earth more truthful than Abu Dharr," would like to have a word with you.

Time and time and time again, the Arab aristocrats, those who enjoy prestige, wealth, lands, and other government sponsored benefits prioritize keeping the Chosen One at Ghadir-e-Khumm away from Caliphate.

It is CLEAR they respected the Holy Prophet's conquests, not his ideals.

Would Uthman be able to do any of this before the rule of Abu Bakr and Umar? Never.

His predecessors had paved the way for false hadith and twisting verses of the Quran to establish their power and reject Imam Ali.

Now Uthman does it for his iwealth and rejection of commoners.

Donald Trump in office, where we see him amassing fortunes and giving his family arbitrary positions of power & status has been a close visualization of the past for me whenever I think about how the Caliphate of Uthman may have been.

All three historical figures are found having an (RA) next to their name, and all three are considered just Companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

I will never understand the cognitive dissonance of aswj.

May Allah's perpetual peace be upon Hazrat Abu Dhurr al-Ghifari.

These people are supposed to be "Rightly Guided"

The predecessor is always seen contradicting the successor, and there is nothing "Rightly Guided" about false hadith, withholding due rights of the Prophet's Household, racism, bribery, and nepotism.

That awkward moment when you keep trying to bribe people & they keep returning your "gifts."

Doesn't he claim to be the Vicegerent of God? So isn't it God Who is Giving them the money? Are they not rejecting God by rejecting him?

Undoubtedly, the Hand of Allah is someone else!

The dying Caliphate yelled in a frenzy, "Ya Ali Madad!"

Reminds me of Holy Quran (10:90-91).

What a cathartic end to the last of the three.

Hazrat Abu Dhurr, Hazrat Ammar, Bibi Umm Salama, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, Talha, Aisha, and so many more Companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) were OPENLY against Uthman.

And today we are expected to think that all the Companions were on the same level? Impossible.

Undoubtedly, the reason he lost his foothold was not because he turned his face from Islam. That was the reason he lost pious supporters but, not his foothold.

He lost his foothold because he angered the non-Ummayyad aristocrats who were used to more privelage.

"O ‘Ali! No faithful Muslim will ever be your enemy and no hypocrite will ever be your friend."

-Holy Prophet (SAWW)

There's something about the tone and energy of these past few passages that tells me even Wilferd Madelung is excited about getting to the Caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).

Ya Ali Madad!

Who the hell does al-Mughira think he is threatening the Lion of Allah?

And truly, Imam Ali's sincerity knows no bounds to CONSTANTLY give sound advice to usurpers of his own rights.

Yet, the usurpers give their ear to the slaves of Satan instead of to the Vicegerent of God.

As-Salaamu Alaika, Ya Aba Abdillah al-Husain ibn Ali, ash-Shaheed al-Mazloom bi-Karbala!

I think it is safe to say that none of these people thought of Uthman as Rightly Guided.

Also, Uthman should have sent lanat on Marwan in his dying breaths.

Tabarrah really is so important!

I get that you want to add details but, critical of failing to defend a despot? There are just so many things wrong with that.

The Masters of the Youths of Paradise are above such reproach.

After pages upon pages reading about Uthman's bribery & nepotism we are expected to believe Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba, who abhors injustice like his father and grandfather, was fond of such a character.

This is when the cognitive dissonance of Sunni apologists is in full throttle.

What I hate about Caliphate apologists is their readiness to portray Imam Ali as someone who is lacking and being scolded for his failures (Astaghfirullah).

Whether the Holy Prophet, Bibi Fatima (SA), or now even his own son! If this isn't leaking resentment then what is?!

Indeed, Imam Husain (AS) has already made it clear for the entire world in the matter with Yazid ibn Muawiya (la), that someone like himself can never give the oath of allegiance to someone like him.

Undoubtedly, Imam Ali, Imam Hasan, Imam Husain & the nine sons of Imam Husain are like each other; pure, just intellectuals.

And the usurping despots who engage in classism, racism, nepotism & injustice are like each other.

The former can never pledge allegiance to the latter!

His last act before death was defending his disgusting, abased, disgraced, and treacherous cousin, Marwan, after the latter KILLED a Companion of Holy Prophet (SAWW).

That's the type of person the Ahlulbayt are pleased with? Never.

They're pleased w/ Abu Dhurr-not his enemy.

Abu Bakr took the oaths swiftly with as little people involved, virtually in secret.

Umar took the oaths like he inherited it.

Uthman took the oaths after being chosen by a private counsel.

Imam Ali taking the oaths in public shows he is an inclusive leader w/ nothing to hide!

Imagine if Imam Ali did take the oaths of crooked people, whose loyalty is circumstantial, w/o witnesses. Later, those people could make up anything to delegitimize their pledge of allegiance.

Which is exactly what Talha tried to do here. Too bad for him, he was outmaneuvered.

For 30 years Imam Ali dealt with the arrogant attitudes of these people. It's no surprise that he himself had a lax attitude since THEY need HIM, not vice-versa.

The Holy Prophet has already said that he is like the Holy Kaaba, and the Kaaba stays in place.

Forgot which Sheikh but, he said it beautifully that Allah did not use force to make us believe and obey Him, so why would you expect His Vicegerent to use force to believe in him and obey him?

ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI ALI WALI

Let's say Talha did become Caliph, wouldn't Uthman still have been a poor murdered ex-Caliph? Why wasn't Aisha thinking of the repentance of Uthman w/ Caliph Talha?

Painfully obvious she cares ZERO for Uthman and his empty merits. She's driven by her HATE for Imam Ali. Gross.

The Justice of the Hand of Allah

Holy Quran (17:81). SI.

وَقُلْ جَآءَ ٱلْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ ٱلْبَٰطِلُۚ إِنَّ ٱلْبَٰطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا

"And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'"

With all due respect, Mr. Madelung, you're far out of your depth to judge the political instincts of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).

It does not matter is he is in the cradle or has a white beard, he is God's Politician, maneuvering through the glitter to give people real gold.

Fine, let's not go ascetic and look at worldly standards for a moment.

Abu Bakr, Umar, their supporters kept power away from Imam Ali b/c they thought him too young. Imam Ali is ~60 years old now. He has dealt with all kinds of politicians for 30 years. There is no naiveté.

Imam Ali is an intellectual no one can compare to. The three Caliphs constantly sought the advice of the Imam to save their skins.

Animosity has always surrounded the Imam, and he came out on top. The Imam is the manifestation of prudence and calculated moves.

It is sad that historians and political scientists are so used to seeing politicians in any era and place be self-serving, that to see true sincerity in the exercising of justice on the basis of morality is seen as foolish.

May Allah purify our hearts.

Peace be upon Mohammad and the family of Mohammad!

Those who would think that Imam Ali EVER deferred any religious/legal matter to those three when he himself is the fountainhead of knowledge and his sons are the Masters of the Youths of Paradise are deaf, mute, and blind.

Aisha wanted Talha over Uthman, and wrote letters inciting rebellion amongst the people.

Marwan, at every turn, advised Uthman to be cold blooded against the people.

While Imam Ali (AS) mediated b/w Uthman & the people, & advised Uthman to admit and make up for his crimes.

Yet, hordes are ready to raise their swords against Imam Ali. Why? Because those people trust Aisha, Talha, Zubayr, Marwan, and other persons of infuence.

"And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped."
-Quran (28:41)

Imam Ali was never short of manpower. Nevermind Quraysh, he is a one man army himself who could have done anything he wanted with force after the Holy Prophet (SAWW). But, he prioritized not shedding Muslim blood.

History bears witness that his enemies prioritized no such thing.

Talha & Zubayr are said to be of those ten promised Paradise.

Aisha had the title, "Mother of the Believers."

Yet, what did they do? Could they not have quelled hostilities? Should they not have submitted to the judgement of the Holy Prophet's successor?

Why should they not be blamed for Jamal? Because of secret group of rebels, identified as Kharijites?

Kharijites are irrelevant when assessing their personal animosity towards the Caliphate of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). They incited violence for personal gain--plain & simple!

Abul-Aswad be making those good points against Aisha

I don't understand how Allah can address you so openly in Surah Tahrim in front of the Alameen, and still your hatred for your Divine husband's favorite is this strong.

She could have lived such a comfortable life...

Very sad what happened but, I think it was for Uthman ibn Hunayf that I heard in a Majilis, that when he reunited with Imam Ali, Imam Ali made a joke about how Ibn Hunayf's captors had made him young again (since they... albeit violently... got rid of his white hair).

Lol

Hukaym ibn Jabala picked up his cut off leg, and used it to beat another person. That is so freaking metal.

Also, the Talha/Zubayr/Aisha party is treating the killing of Uthman like how Americans treated 9/11 when invading Iraq. OMG THAT'S THE PERFECT ANALOGY!!

May Allah's lasting curse be upon Ibn Hind, the son of the liver-eater. It is a tradition in his family to desecrate the sanctity of the dead.

How, just HOW can anyone even entertain putting (RA) next to his name?

Let no one forget that HE refused to help Uthman.

He lost. Plain and simple the lanati lost.

And what does he do?

The same thing his father did: Hide behind Islam.

He raised the silent Quran on lances, and his son will raise the speaking Quran on a spear.

May Allah's be curse be upon all of them.

So many times Madelung has referred to groups of Quran readers as a class of people, and again they are being referred to so as to make the reader understand the appeal for the propositions.

I hope he did not forget there is only one Quran reader that matters: Imam Ali (AS).

He is Siratal Mustaqeem.
He is Kitābo la raiba fee.
He is the one who sold his nafs for the Pleasure of Allah.
He is the one who said, "Verily we belong to Allah, and to Him we return."
He is the one who gives zakat in ruku.
He is Ummul Quran.
AND MORE!!

ALI ALI ALI ALI ALI ALI

And he says to fight! He declares them enemies of faith. He declares them fitnah.

"And fitnah is worse than killing" Holy Quran (2:191)

This pivotal act of disobedience by the POLITICAL followers of Imam Ali are setting the stage for Karbala.

You stand in front of the greatness of Imam Ali (AS) who earnestly guided you towards victory... and threaten him?

May they burn with an everlasting burning.

The Holy Prophet (SAWW) has already told the world that your Quran reading-your anything-means NOTHING without Ali!

When is this LANATI not a snake?!

Imam Ali (AS) from the very beginning wanted to avoid bloodshed, and throughout proposed for a duel so there is minimum loss in life.

But Muawiya will throw anyone into the grave for power.

Whenever I read this letter in the Nahjul Balagha the euphoria I feel... just can't put into words.

"Then is one who was a believer like one who was defiantly disobedient? They are not equal."

-Holy Quran (32:18). SI.

Amr ibn Ãs (la) just recently ran away from the sword of Imam Ali (AS) in the war, and failing to be quick in expressing his retreat he took off his clothes in a frenzy.

Yet, he DARES show attitude like he's not a coward? His shamelessness truly knows no bounds.

Until the Day of Judgement...

"There is no god but Allah"

"Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah"

"Ali is the Commander of the Faithful, the Imam of the God-fearing, and the Vicegerent of Allah"

Disobedience of the Imam has brought clear disgrace to the mission of Islam.

It's parallel to Ohad when Muslim disobeyed the Holy Prophet and lost a battle they were on the verge of winning.

Political blunder? No. He's accomplishing his goal of guiding the God-fearing Muslims.

Kalaamul-Imam Imamul-Kalaam

And indeed, the Quran does speak but only through the heart and tongues of the Ahlulbayt.

All those prostrations and you lead an army against Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)?

Those prostrations are no different than the prostrations of Iblis who delined the Allah's Caliph, Nabi Adam.t

These Kharijites philosophy closely... very closely... resemble certain persons and people in the past... and certain groups today

But who... hmmmm...

I kept wondering why Madelung hadn't made mention of Ghadīr Khumm in the section of Saqifah. So in his eyes, Imam Ali (AS), his Ahlulbayt, and his companions hadn't reminded the people of this hadith 30 years ago.

I wonder why he thinks that...

MAN KUNTO MAWLA ALI ALI

Hazrat Shurayh is all of us (who love the prevailing of truth and justice).

If Imam Ali has cursed you, then seek penance, b/c the Quran joins the truthful in their cursing of the liars--not vice-versa!

Imagine introducing a curse upon Ammerul Momineen and the Masters of the Youths of Paradise.

Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat

Reading the historical accounts one after another since the disobedience at Siffin and the division at Nahrawan, the situation just feels so dire. And it still is but, the roar of the Lion of Allah puts the heart at rest.

Ya Ali Madad
Ya Ali Madad
Ya Ali Madadm

Muawiya is an old wrinkled up witch. Confirmed.

Even Aisha sends Lanat on the Muawiya ibn Abu Sufyan in her prayers. And in Qunut! How can anyone not send lanat on him???

On a side note, it really is a pity that there are entire groups of Muslims deprived of the beautifying their salat via qunut.

It really is heartbreaking the way they have disrespected the sanctity of a believer such as Hazrat Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr (AS). Killed thirsty and violently burnt inside the flesh of an animal.

The Umayyads care not for human rights nor human dignity.

Shia, Sunni, religious, secular, liberal, conservative, no matter through which lens you read (so longas you have an ounce of justice in you), Muawiya is a despicable stain on human history and the target of every verse of hypocrisy and fitnah in the Quran.

Not for a single day was Muawiya ever a follower of Islam, and with power he made that clearer and clearer.

Yet JAHILEEN from then to now still call him Amir. Astaghafirullah.

Is there a more stark contrast between those with honor and those with disgrace?

Ya Ali Maddad

Bar Muawiya Lanat

The Kharijites are truly losers in both this world and the next.

"Who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the losers."
Holy Quran (2:27). SI.

I wish Shia and Sunni could just unite behind rememberance of the "Mother of the Faithful" Umme Salama (SA), y'know, the one not condemned in Surah Tahrim and the one who didn't raise an army against Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)

The champion of Badr, Ohad, Khandaq, Khaybar, & Hunayn, instead of being rigid, has such a soft heart that he not only makes time to lament those martyred in battle in God's cause but, history records it in such a way that Western historians note it down.

Ya Ali Madad!

Had Imam Ali (AS) not cared about the sanctity of the Holy Prophet's (SAWW) dignity, I would imagine it would be easy for him to persuade any of the other "Mother of the Faithful" (like Bibi Umm Salama (SA)) to accompany his army on a camel.

But he's not Talha & Zubayr & Marwan.

Zubayr & Hazrat Hurr (AS) are such polar opposites in life.

The former started out from a lofty station and ended up abased.

The latter started from an abased station and ended up on a lofty one.

The former's son hated Imam Ali, while the latter's son died for Imam Husain.

Imam Ali (AS) showed the world who wants to make the Quran the arbitrator and who does not, before any Muslim blood was to be spilled.

Just like when he showed in the Shūrā when he said he'd judge only by the Quran and not by Abu Bakr & Umar's practices, in contrast to Uthman.

Even just reading about it, what a violent & messy battle. I imagine the emotional scars really took a toll on everyone involved in Jamal.

Could she have asked anyone except Imam Ali (AS) for clemency?

And by this report, she really did prioritize rulership-not Uthman's blood.

The regret is heavy real.

Yet, apparently not enough to finally befriend Imam Ali al-Murtaza (AS). Not enough allow Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS) a dignified burial.

I genuinely believe Imam Ali (AS) is not only admonishing them but asking them if their mental faculties are okay because of how much foolishness they displayed in their lifetime right in front of the Imam's eyes.

Like... were y'all on crack?

I like how Madelung's tone seems to be making a judgement on Marwan as him being swine incapable of any genuinity.

Lanatullah ala Marwan wa alē Marwan!

I love how Muawiya is repeatedly slapped in the face by the Shia of Ali whenever he's tried to bribe them.

At this point in time, whether you're a follower of Ali politically, religiously, spiritually or what-have-you, the only way to leave Imam Ali is to leave justice.

I do not doubt Imam Ali (AS) kept his trust in Qays ibn Sa'd, especially considering he saw through the deceptive rumors.

However, did the common people see through the decpetion? Those rumors must have done damage to the public relationship b/w Egypt and Medina.

And right after a bloody civil war, there is no room to entertain any sort of crack in solidarity. Surely, Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr, regardless of him being more or less capable than the ex-governer (so long as he's just, of course), was sent more symbolically than anything else.

This is what 30 years of patience gets you: artillery to expose society's hypocrisy.

Imam Ali let them play with ethics, and followed their unjust system, and now that he dominates their own established system the flee? You better believe he's going to call them out on it!

"O you son of a freed slave!"

-Bibi Zainab daughter of Ali (SA) to the haughty tyrant Caliph, Yazid son of Muawiya

Muawiya just gave a whole speech about how he wants to avenge his kin, Uthman. When Uthman was killed, Amr ibn Ās immediately started celebrating while boasting that he had a big part to play in his killing.

Why is the public asleep?! Muawiya doesn't care about Uthman!

Shurahbīl, you naive petty b*tch.

BAR MUAWIYA (and I cannot stress this enough) LANAT!

Those who say they believe in the authority of the 4 Rightly Guided Caliphs and say "Ameer Muawiya" in the same breath are hypocrites, imposters, and/or mentally crippled at the highest level.

The fact that Muawiya is so openly taunting the Imam in a very matter of fact way is further proof (not that anyone besides Sunni need it), that there was harshness between the Imam and Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, and EVERYONE KNEW.

Also, may Muawiya's hands burn like Abu Lahab.

I do not doubt for a second that Imam Ali (AS) is referring to himself and Imam Hasan (AS) when he says khalīfa, and khalīfa of the khalīfa.

Had Muawiya kept going until the the twelfth khalīfa, Imam Ali would surely have thrown it back at him and send his blessing on all!

This is further strengthened by the fact that he mentions the Caliphs directly and openly later in the letter, and expresses his disapproval of their ways.

And, as before mentioned, EVERYONE KNEW the Imam's disapproval of them while they still drew breath.

The Imam's call back to Abu Sufyan is an amazing compliment to his criticism of Saqifah and the establishment of the Shura: THE ENDS DO NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS.

And Imam Ali walked the walk on that philosophy every second of every single day for decades, and even now.

It seems Madelung has accepted Shia view that Imam Ali had indeed been cheated to claim what was his. And, although a historian on a mission to not be hindered by any sectarian narrative, it seems he's judged Muawiya as a decpetive antagonist & Imam Ali as an earnest protagonist.

He is a general who fought non-Muslims during Umar's time, and he says he'd rather fight so-called Muslims? Why?

Oh right, b/c real Jihad by an Infallible actually satisfies the soul!

"Give tidings to the hypocrites that there is for them a painful punishment"

Quran (4:138)

The fact that there is still so much reluctance to shed Muslim blood after 30 years of war, conquests, and imperialism by the Caliphs, shows how much the Muslims right after the merciful Holy Prophet (SAWW) didn't want war.

Yet, Abu Bakr had no problem spilling blood for power.

The way to do tabarrah on the living, as per our eminent Imam

Peace be upon Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr.

Who knows better than him than the grudge his father and sister held and expressed against Imam Ali, yet for years upon years he never wavered for a single second in his love for Imam Ali (AS) and declaring his Divine station openly.

The irony of the son of Abu Bakr and Muawiya CLEARLY stating the superiority of Imam Ali in such a matter of fact way, one a Shia and the other an an enemy... how does the Sunni narrative even exist from the source material???

The irony of Muawiya praising Imam Ali to invoke some kind of hidden insecurity in Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr while trying to gain legitimacy by saying he's the successor of his father and Umar. History is weird.

It shouldn't be lost on anyone that Muawiya is presenting Abu Bakr and Umar as an antithesis to Imam Ali. Again.

And no one refutes him.

Why?

Indeed, the Momineen have verified the news of this Fasiq.

I highly doubt the lanati is saying anything Hazrat Mohammad ibn Abi Bakr hasn't pondered over before.

Undoubtedly, Aisha praised their father much more to persuade him to her side.

But he knows where truth is; where Allah and His Prophet's Vicegerent is.

Also... "slightly debauched"? The lanati's son was debauchery in the flesh!

Ironically, the "not inclined to joking detail" made this hilarious.

Imam Ali (AS) has said that Hazrat Malik al-Ashtar (AS) is to him like Imam Ali was to the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

If you want to aggravate the master, then be prepared for his lion to roar.

I love how there are reports that the Holy Prophet (SAWW) already cursed Abul-Awar in his life.

30 years later we see him stopping water from Imam Ali's powerful army.

Imagine the curse of the Holy Prophet on the ones who stopped water from reaching his adorable grandchildren!

"If you want, we can just fight about water, instead of our main issue"

*goosebumps*

Imam Ali (AS) is not playing around. And undoubtedly to him the Syrian's false pretense about avenging Uthman holds less value than this anyways.

You. Cannot. Challenge. The. Sharp. Wit. Of. The. Imam's. Shia.

Sa'sa'a taking all kiiiiiinnndddss of W's here. Bravo!

Peace be upon the 72 lions of Imam Husain

Ya Abbas!

Peace be upon Hazrat Hurr ibn Yazid Ar-Riyahi (AS)!

If only the Umayyads learned from al-Muarra ibn al-Aqbal instead of chastising him.

Hazrat Shabath ibn Ribi (RA) saying it how it is, plainly and clearly... beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

The Shia of Imam Ali must be like this. So what if you're talking to a bloodthirsty general of thousands of savages when your guardian is Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib?

Hazrat Shabath said nothing but the plain truth, that the lanati is treating Uthman's death to rouse manufactured emotions like how the US used 9/11.

Making the lanati uncomfortable: W.

Yes, Madelung, I, too, believe he's a badass

How many W's will you take?! Peace be upon Hazrat Malik al-Ashtar for his devotion to his Mawla!

Muawiya expressing his desire to kill Hazrat Ammar ibn Yasir (AS), one of the dearest companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW).

Yet, there are Muslims who would ignore this and still put (RA) next to his accursed name.

Flexing the Quranic verses on the chief munafiq who tries to bribe you to give up your love of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS): Goals.

I can't believe there are people who call this munafiq the "scribe of the Prophet." Astaghafirullah.

I will never understand how people like the lanati say, "May God..." which God?

Surely, you don't really believe any God is accepting your prayer because you don't even have a concept of One God, Whole, Without Equal.

Our heart is like that of a single man because our heart is given to our Imam, Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)!

Shurahbil, you not knowing your place bi*ch.

Stopped Imam Ali's army from getting water? Exposed yourself as an oppressor and lost someone.

Started cursing Imam Ali's army? Exposed yourself as an oppressor and lost people.

The lanati really was such a clear burden on people's conscience.

Not only did he disgrace himself by running away, the lanati added to his sins by killing the Companion of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), Ammar ibn Yasir (AS), whose parents were the first martyrs of Islam while he himself is one of the first believers.

(RA) for both? If you're crazy.

"Then what is [the matter] with them that they are, from the reminder, turning away,

"As if they were alarmed donkeys

"Fleeing from a lion?"

Holy Quran (47:49-51). SI.

ALI HAQ

I need this to be seen in theaters everywhere!!

ASWJ have no excuse for being apologists for this barking dog. He is literally threatening Mecca for the dake of his won power.

He is a despot without any fear of Allah (SWT).

May this tool of a barking dog burn in his grave before the Everlasting Flame touches him.

Aisha curses Muawiya.
Bibi Umm Salama curses Muawiya.
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari curses Muawiya.
IMAM ALI CURSES MUAWIYA.

Muawiya is surely cursed by the Holy Prophet and Allah.

I'm honestly ill reading about the atrocities that Busr ibn Artat (lanatullah) committed. Except for the detailed account of his killing of two young boys, Madelung has quickly summarized his murders in every sentence for over a page.

Yuck.

Surely, to Allah is the final return.

No matter how cruel the world becomes, and how dirty, immoral and unethical the worldly people become, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) taught us to always prioritize justice & mercy.

Ameerul Momineen, Imammul Muttaqeen, Yasub ud-Din, Kalifatullah, Waliyyullah, Islam Manifest!

The Kharijites have been expelled, the will of those who wanted arbitration was executed and expectedly failed, Muawiya has done every underhanded tactic he can think of until finally directly harming the Ansar, Muhajir, and innocent towns, his general exposed the Umayyad...

...to be without Islam, and Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib has thus purified his support and supporters of all defective arguments from Satan.

It truly breaks my heart, that history could not bear witness to the epic of jihad of the Alamdar of the Holy Prophet.

Allahumma kulle waliyyiekal faraj!!

Madelung,

Imam Jafar ibn Mohammad as-Sadiq (AS), the undisputed professor/scholar/teacher of Islam, will tell us who was foolish and who was not, and without hesitation he extolls the wisdom of his grandfather, the Door to the City of Knowledge, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Umar had called the Holy Prophet afflicted with lunacy, and even before the Holy Prophet was on his deathbed, Umar regularly questioned the wisdom of the Holy Prophet's politics.

So no surprise that Umar found the same honesty & justice in the Holy Prophet's successor foolish.

These worldly people did not rule over Islam but, used Islam to rule over Muslims.

It is as simple as that.

While the Holy Prophet and his 12 successors rule Islam, whether the world gives them their place or not, for God has given them their rightful place.

Furthermore, there are groups of Muslims who still believe that the Holy Prophet (SAWW), for whom Allah and his angels constantly send peace, is fallible.

So it is no surprise that an outsider will not comprehend the infallibility of the Holy Prophet, much less his successor.

Undoubtedly, the world has always pointed its fingers at them while Allah extols His representatives.

"By the Lord of the Kaaba, I have achieved success!" -Imam Ali

Madelung, according to him he achieved his goal in this temporary life, and his success is manifest even today.

The real precedent is the Muslim people refusing and/or failing to preserve the declaration of the successive representative.

Surely, no one leaves anything precious behind without having first appointed a guardian to protect it.

Undoubtedly, Islam is precious to the Ahlulbayt.

Today, the Master of the Youths of Paradise, Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba, would be scolded for weeping over a martyr by certain lanati persons.

The clear trend in both Imam Ali's claim to the Caliphate and Imam Hasan's claim to Caliphate is that they always start from the first usurping of their rights.

They don't start from after Uthman, like Muawiya, as such delegitimizing Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman as well.i

Madelung has been heavily influenced by the Sunnite legacy of Imam Hasan as a mere peacemaker while contrasting him with the "militant" rule of Imam Ali.

This is very reductive.

Imam Ali was a peacemaker for THIRTY YEARS & fought only in self-defense in the face of aggressors.

Not to mention Madelung's insistence on Uthman not shedding Muslim blood and Imam Hasan taking after that, when he himself narrated that a COMPANION OF THE HOLY PROPHET WAS MURDERED and Uthman covered for him.

Recognize Uthman via the villains he surrounded himself with!

These fables of Imam Hasan getting along with Bani Umayya always needed work, which is why they were never sold en masse. Madelung should be more cautious.

While the historical accounts are scrutinized but the portrayal of Imam Hasan ibn Ali (AS) is inconsistent and awkward.

Bar Muawiya, Ameerul Fasiqeen, Lanat!

Basically he said that since Imam Ali had the most right but Abu Bakr still snatched the Caliphate, he has a precedent to snatch away Caliphate from Imam Hasan even if the Imam has the most right.

Abu Bakr (la) really is the OG of fitnah.

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) had urged his army to keep fighting at Siffin, and said there was such a mutiny that he may have been killed by his own men.

Imam Hasan ibn Ali (AS) urges his men to be ready for peace, and there's such a mutiny that there was an attempt on his life.

It is clear that Kharijites are just like those who shout Takbir before blowing themselves up; they don't have any principles except for being anti-Imam/anti-Wilayat/anti-Justice of Islam.

Always look at who benefits the most. Then: Muawiya. Now? ......

Imam Hasan (AS) is the Master of the Youths of Paradise.

He needs a righteous army to fight a righteous cause.

A righteous cause can not exist when there are impure people in the mix. Too bad those who only think in terms of dirty politics will never understand that.

Speaking of dirty politics

How treacherous that you would do the most textbook act of selling your afterlife for this life?

It's only been 30 years since the Holy Prophet left this world and this is the state of his Ummah, where they attack and betray his pure grandson.

I would even dare say that they showed more restraint with Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. It is as though they truly hate the blood of the Holy Prophet more than anything.

But, more than likely, it is because Imam Ali, the Lion of Allah, scared them to blatantly act out like this.

We stan Hazrat Qays ibn Sad (RA)

I am reminded of when Nabi Nuh(AS) built his ship with the believers, and years and yesrs went by and there was no flood. Slowly, believers turned into disbelievers, until only a few truly pious remained.

Imam Hasan (AS) has united all Muslims for a clear purification process.

Bar Muawiya Lanat

As if the one who just sent Busr to kill tens of thousands of innocent people only for intimidation and is himself prone to bribery and immortality ever cared about the tenets of Islam.

He cares about land and soldiers.
Lanat on those who take him as Ameer.

Let's see...
2 years of Abu Bakr: unity
11 years of Umar: unity
12 years of Uthman: untiy
5 years of Imam Ali: DISUNITY
Months of Imam Hasan: DISUNITY
Literally a few months of Muawiya: year of unity

That Muslim community is SICK which cannot even tolerate the Ahlulbayt's rule.

"No longer..." Madelung says it like it was ever a criterion, and not merely lip service best for the times right after Holy Prophet to seize power.

Irony of that criterion being illegitimate b/c of Ghadir e Khumm is that that criterion should have given Imam Ali Caliphate too.

And no one should forget that Muawiya's whole argumentation against Imam Ali (AS) and Imam Hasan (AS) was that his precedent for taking away their rightful reign is that the three Caliphs had done so.

The Umayyads are open fitnah but, the real dangerous fitnah are those three.

Bar 1, 2, 3 Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Imam Ali (AS) was constantly proven right throughout!

And to think there are historians who accept giving the semblance that the pride of the Ahlulbayt gave way to any form of greed, especially from a harami like that despot.

From the beginning to the end of this book, whenever Madelung has mentioned Lammens, he's disparaging the character of the Ahlulbayt.

And for that reason...

BAR LAMMENS LANAT

Tabari has reported on horrific, and I mean absolutely HORRIFIC, things which go against the honor of the Holy Prophet.

But, Muawiya poisoning Imam Hasan (AS)... to name the murderer & murdered, the oppresser & oppressed... THAT'S what will damge the faith?? What are you doing?!

Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat
Bar Muawiya Lanat

Peace and blessings be upon Hazrat Hujr ibn Adi (RA)

Peace and blessings be upon Hazrat Hujr ibn Adi (RA)

Peace and blessings be upon Hazrat Hujr ibn Adi (RA)

Peace and blessings be upon Hazrat Hujr ibn Adi (RA)

Peace and blessings be upon Hazrat Hujr ibn Adi (RA)

False testimonies, death ultimatums, being buried alive, all because we have love for Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).

How can the Shia NOT do Tabarrah on the wicked, on the usurpers, on the enemies of the family of the Holy Prophet?

We will do it until the Day of Judgement.

Omg these pages have been nothing but a vile race to the rock bottom of depravity

Bar Marwan Lanat

Wow he really died by being suffocated by around a half a dozen women sitting on a pillow to suffocate the life out of him.

Just thinking about how low we've gotten from when we were dicussing the Quran, purity, inheritance, etc in the beginning of the book.

I'm surprised and confused as to why Wilferd Madelung skipped over Karbala, even though he's made mention of it periodically. Did he not realize its significance in the succession to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) when writing the book? Or did he not find it compatible with his aims?

أَللّٰهُمَّ خُصَّ أَنْتَ أَوَّلَ ظالِمٍ بِاللَّعْنِ مِنِّي، وَابْدَأْ بِهِ أَوَّلاً، ثُمَّ الْعَنِ الثَّانِيَ وَالثَّالِثَ وَالرَّابِعَ.

"O’ Allah! Particularly curse the first tyrant, a curse from me, and begin the first curse with him, then the second & the third & the forth!"

أَللّٰهُمَّ الْعَنْ يَزِيدَ خَامِساً، وَالْعَنْ عُبَيْدَ اللّٰه ِبْنَ زِيادٍ وَابْنَ مَرْجَانَةَ وَعُمَرَ بْنَ سَعْدٍ وَشِـمْراً

"O’ Allah curse Yazid, the fifth (tyrant) and curse ‘Ubaydullah b. Ziyad and Ibne Marjanah and ‘‘Umar b. Sa’d and Shimr!"

وَآلَ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ وَآلَ زِيَادٍ وَآلَ مَرْوَانَ إِلىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ.

"And (curse) the family of Sufyan and the family of Ziyad and the family of Marwan until the day of Judgement."

Beshumar!!!

أَللّٰهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي شَفَاعَةَ الْـحُسَيْنِ يَوْمَ الْوُرُودِ، وَ ثَبِّتْ لِي قَدَمَ صِدْقٍ عِنْدَكَ مَعَ الْـحُسَيْنِ وَأَصْحَابِ الْـحُسَيْنِ الَّذِينَ بَذَلُوا مُهَجَهُمْ دُونَ الْحُسَيْنِ˛ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ

AMEEN

Wow, I really didn't think this thread would become so long.

But, it was fun! I should do this more with books exploring Islamic history.

Tabarrah & Tawallah gives life to my soul.

Ya Ali Madad!