Myth of The Saintly Companions

Hate for the companions of Prophet (SAW) is not a part of Shiaism (Islam). We love those companions of Prophet (SAW), who did good to others and to themselves.

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves; you will see them bowing down, prostrating themselves, seeking grace from Allah and pleasure; their marks are in their faces because of the effect of prostration; that is their description in the Taurat and their description in the Injeel; like as seed-produce that puts forth its sprout, then strengthens it, so it becomes stout and stands firmly on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the unbelievers on account of them; Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good, forgiveness and a great reward. Quran [48:29]

The companions of Prophet (SAW) were normal fallible human beings. They were neither divine, nor sent by Allah. The companions of Prophet (SAW), who were sincere with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his mission, who strived hard in the way of Islam, who did good to themselves and to others, before and after the demise of Prophet (SAW), will enter paradise through the process of accountability. And to such companions of Prophet (SAW), we pay our tribute and sign of respect.

But respecting all companions and loving all of them, claiming everyone of them to be truthful and pious, is wrong to the fundamentals of Quran and history. When Allah himself doesn't promise forgiveness to all of the companions, except those who believe and do good, then who are we to attribute piety to every one of the companions?

If all companions of Prophet (SAW) were infallibles and couldn't make mistakes, then which men have been condemned in the Quran for displaying niggardly behavior with respect to Jihad;

Behold! you are those who are called upon to spend in Allah's way, but among you are those who are niggardly, and whoever is niggardly is niggardly against his own soul; and Allah is Self-sufficient and you have need (of Him), and if you turn back He will bring in your place another people, then they will not be like you. Quran [47:38]

Similarly, if all companions were saints, then can you show me from history that no Islamic punishment was ever legislated during the time of the Prophet (SAW) or the first four Caliphs, the era during which the Muslim community consisted of no one but the companions?

Prophet (SAW) is the real deal. He is the infallible Prophet of Allah. He is the representative of Allah. He is the fundamental of Islam. To be a Muslim, you need to testify his (SAW) prophethood. Everyone else around him (SAW) is no one in Islam. As long as they adhere to the principles of Islam and Obey Muhammad (SAW), they will be rewarded by Allah. But when they dispute with Muhammad (SAW) or overlook Islam, they will be responsible for their own actions. You can praise Musharaf for something good he does, and you can criticize Musharaf for something bad he does, because Musharaf is not a divine personality, he is a fallible chosen by the people or self proclaimed.

Islam is not about the people you choose. They do not become a part of your faith. It is about the People Allah chose, the people who the Prophet of Allah chose!! Who did Allah choose?

Surely Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the descendants of Ibrahim and the descendants of Imran above the nations. Quran [3:33]

Muhammad wa Aal e Muhammad (SAW) are descendants of Ibrahim (AS). Allah chose them. These are the people who we send durood on. The Ahlulbayt of Prophet (SAW) are the one's who we are told to love in the Quran itself, who were purified from all rijs, and who were taken to Mubahila. Loving these people becomes a part of the Faith and hating these people will surely incur the hate of Allah on us, because Allah chose these people.

Have you not considered those who attribute purity to themselves? Nay, Allah purifies whom He pleases; and they shall not be wronged the husk of a date stone. Quran [4:49]

Some people attribute purity to themselves or to others. There are some people, who the people themselves choose. These do not matter. But then, there are some chosen by Allah himself. These are the people which matter.

…. Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! and to purify you a (thorough) purifying. Quran [33:33]

As for the rest, they deserve our love and respect as long as they do good and obey the Prophet (SAW).

I personally would not have had any issue with loving and respecting all the companions of Prophet (SAW), if all the companions of Prophet (SAW) did not have any issue with loving and respecting each other. How can I believe that all companions were infallible saints and lived like brothers, before and after the demise of Prophet (SAW), when history speaks about so many disputes between the companions of Prophet (SAW), between the wives of Prophet (SAW), between the companions and the Ahlulbayt of Prophet (SAW).

I will talk about historical issues which Sunnis know but have overlooked for decades, in order to live in the lie that all companions of Prophet (SAW) lived in peace with each other, and loved each other.

Starting with the incident of Ifk, where Ayesha was blamed for Adultery. I must make it very clear, that Shias dislike Ayesha because of her hatred towards Mawla Ali. No shia claims that Ayesha committed adultery, because the verdict of the Quran is above everything else.

Those who have invented the slander, are some of your own people. You should not, however, regard this matter as evil for it has good in it for you. Whoso took any part in this, he earned his share of the sin accordingly, and the one, who had the greatest share of responsibility in it, shall have a terrible punishment. When you heard of it, why didn't the Believing men and the Believing women have a good opinion of themselves, and why did they not say, "This is a manifest slander?" Why did the slanderers not bring four witnesses (to prove their charge)? Now that they have not brought witnesses, they themselves are liars in the sight of Allah. Were it not for Allah's grace and mercy towards you in this world and in the Hereafter, a painful scourge would have visited you because of the things in which you were involved. (Just think how erroneous you were,) when you passed this lie on from one tongue to the other and uttered with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge. You took it as a trifling matter whereas it was a grave offence in the sight of Allah. Why did you not, as soon as you heard of it, say, "It is not proper for us to utter such a thing ? Glory be to Allah ! This is a great slander." Allah admonishes you that in future you should never repeat a thing like this, if you are true Believers. Quran [24:11-17]

(Verily, those who brought forth the slander are a group among you.) meaning they were not one or two, but a group. Foremost among this group was `Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul, the leader of the hypocrites, who fabricated the lie and whispered it to others, until some of the Muslims started to believe it, and others thought it might be possible and began to talk about it. This is how matters remained for almost a month, until Qur'an was revealed. Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Tafseer of Surah 24, Verse 11

The lie against Ayesha, might have been started by a hypocrite, but his claim was supported by a group of Sahaba of Prophet (SAW), who are severely condemned for their evil actions and are warned for the future. This proved that the Sahaba were fallible men who could and did sin, and will be strongly punished if they repeated their activity of disobedience to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Minor arguments and disagreements, as well as hatred amongst the companions of Prophet (SAW) existed even before the demise of Prophet (SAW), which should be notified before the major disputes are discussed.

The Sunni Sahihs speak about an argument between Abu bakr and Umer, which almost led to their destruction and ruining of the their deeds, but they were pardoned for this act obviously.

(O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet,) This contains another kind of favorable behavior. Allah the Exalted is teaching the believers that they should not raise their voices above the voice of the Prophet . It was stated that this Ayah was revealed about Abu Bakr and `Umar. Al-Bukhari recorded that Ibn Abi Mulaykah said, "The two righteous ones, Abu Bakr and `Umar, almost earned destruction when they raised their voices before the Prophet who was receiving the delegation of Bani Tamim. One of them recommended Al-Aqra` bin Habis the member of the Banu Mujashi` while the other recommended another man. Nafi` (a subnarrator) said: "I don't remember his name.'' Abu Bakr said to `Umar, `You only wanted to contradict me,' while `Umar said, `I did not intend to contradict you.' Their voices then became loud, thereupon Allah the Exalted sent down this Ayah, (O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds should be thwarted while you perceive not.)'' `Abdullah bin Az-Zubayr said, "After that, `Umar's voice was so low that the Messenger of Allah had to ask him to repeat what he said so that he could understand what he was saying to him.'' Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Tafseer of Surah 49, Verse 2

The Sunni Sahihs also narrate a Sahabi of Prophet (SAW), Urwa, abusing another Sahabi of Prophet (SAW), Hassan bin Thabit.

Narrated Al-Bara: The Prophet said to Hassan, "Abuse them (with your poems), and Gabriel is with you (i.e, supports you)." (Through another group of sub narrators) Al-Bara bin Azib said, "On the day of Quraiza's (besiege), Allah's Apostle said to Hassan bin Thabit, 'Abuse them (with your poems), and Gabriel is with you (i.e. supports you).' " Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 449

..... Narrated 'Urwa: I started abusing Hassan in front of 'Aisha, whereupon she said. "Don't abuse him, for he used to defend the Prophet (with his poetry)." Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 731

Before the demise of Prophet (SAW), he ordered an army to be sent to Syria under the command of Usama bin Zaid. But other companions of Prophet (SAW) not only opposed the decision of the Prophet (SAW) in the beginning, but also criticized Usama's leadership, just like they criticized the leadership of his father, Zaid.

Narrated Abdullah bin 'Umar: Allah's Apostle sent troops appointed Usama bin Zaid as their commander. The people criticized his leadership. Allah's Apostle got up and said, "If you (people) are criticizing his (i.e. Usama's) leadership you used to criticize the leadership of his father before. By Allah, he (i.e. Zaid) deserved the leadership indeed, and he used to be one of the most beloved persons to me, and now this (i.e. his son, Usama) is one of the most beloved persons to me after him." Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Hadith 745

Not to forget the mentioning of the famous dispute and disagreement amongst the companions of Prophet (SAW), at his death bed, also known as the Pen and Paper Incident or the Tragedy of Thursday!

Ibn Abbas reported:.....  Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: Come, I may write for you a document; you would not go astray after that. Thereupon Umar said: Verily Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) is deeply afflicted with pain. You have the Qur'an with you. The Book of Allah is sufficient for us. Those who were present in the house differed. Some of them said: Bring him (the writing material) so that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) may write a document for you and you would never go astray after him And some among them said what 'Umar had (already) said. When they indulged in nonsense and began to dispute in the presence of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him), he said: Get up (and go away) 'Ubaidullah said: Ibn Abbas used to say: There was a heavy loss, indeed a heavy loss, that, due to their dispute and noise. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) could not write (or dictate) the document for them. Sahih Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 4016

Before moving on to major thought provoking and faith shaking disputes amongst the companions of Prophet (SAW), it will also be worthy to note that some of the wives of Prophet (SAW) were jealous of each other, plotted against each other and fought amongst themselves.

... Ibn Awn said: It was believed that she used to go to the Mother of the Faithful (i.e. Aisha). She said: The Mother of the Faithful said: The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) came upon me while Zaynab, daughter of Jahsh, was with us. He began to do something with his hand. I signalled to him until I made him understand about her. So he stopped. Zaynab came on and began to abuse Aisha. She tried to prevent her but she did not stop.
So he (the Prophet) said to Aisha: Abuse her.  So she abused her and dominated her. .... Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 41, Number 4880

Not only that but the often plotted against the Prophet (SAW) himself.

Narrated 'Ubaid bin 'Umar: I heard 'Aisha saying, "The Prophet used to stay for a long while with Zanab bint Jahsh and drink honey at her house. So Hafsa and I decided that if the Prophet came to anyone of us, she should say him, "I detect the smell of Maghafir (a nasty smelling gum) in you. Have you eaten Maghafir?' " So the Prophet visited one of them and she said to him similarly. The Prophet said, "Never mind, I have taken some honey at the house of Zainab bint Jahsh, but I shall never drink of it anymore." So there was revealed: 'O Prophet ! Why do you ban (for you) that which Allah has made lawful for you . . . If you two (wives of Prophet) turn in repentance to Allah,' (66.1-4) addressing Aisha and Hafsa. 'When the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to some of his wives.' (66.3) namely his saying: But I have taken some honey." Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 63, Number 192
Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 63, Number 193
Sahih Muslim Book 009, Number 3496

Read Ayesha's Role in Islam to know more about the quarrels and issues amongst the wives of Prophet (SAW).

Now for the "faith-shaking" disputes as stated above.

Khalid bin Walid, the forged Sword of Allah, after leading the Quraysh against Prophet (SAW) in the battle of Uhud, accepted Islam after the treaty of Hudaibya.

When Khalid led an expedition against the Banu Jadhimah, he persuaded them to disarm by acknowledging that they had become Muslims, and then killed some of them. When Muhammad heard of this, he declared to God that he was innocent of what Khalid had done, and sent 'Ali ibn Abi Talib to pay the survivors compensation. al-Tabari, Victory of Islam, translated by Michael Fishbein, Albany 1997, pp. 188 ff.

Before continuing with the actions of Khalid bin Waleed and his disagreement with Umer ibn Khattab, Saqifa deserves a mention chronologically.

The demise of Prophet (SAW) saw the emergence of the issue of caliphate, or political successor ship. The ansars wanted the caliph to be from them but the Muhajirun argued that as the Prophet (SAW) was from them, the caliph should also be from the Quraysh. The Ansars proposed that there should be two caliphs, one from the Muhajirun and one from the Ansars, but the Muhajirun rejected the proposal. The argument went to such an extent that there were exchange of verbal abuses and hateful dialogue between the two groups.

When Abu Bakr finished his speech al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir stood up and, turning to the ansar, he said: "O' group of ansar ! Do not give your reins in the hands of others. The populace is under your care. You are men of honour, wealth and tribe and gathering. If the muhajirun have precedence over you in some matters you too have precedence over them in other matters. You gave them refuge in your houses. You are the fighting arm of Islam. With your help Islam stood on its own feet. In your cities prayer of Allah was established with freedom. Save yourselves from division and dispersion and stick to your right unitedly. If the muhajirun do not concede to your right tell them there should be one chief from us and one from them."
No sooner al-Hubab sat down after saying this then `Umar rose and spoke thus: This can't be that there be two rulers at one time. By Allah, the Arabs will never agree to have you as the head of the state since the Prophet was not from amongst you. Certainly, the Arabs will not care the least objection in that the Caliphate is allowed to one in whose house Prophethood rests so that the ruler should also be from the same house. For those who dissent clear arguments can be put forth. Whoever comes in conflict with us in the matter of the authority and rulership of Muhammad (p.b.u.h.a.h.p.) he is leaning towards wrong, is a sinner and is falling into destruction.
After `Umar, al-Hubab again stood up and said to the ansar, "Look, stick to your point and do not pay heed to the views of this man or his supporters. They want to trample your right, if they do not consent turn him and them out of your cities and appropriate the Caliphate. Who else than you can deserve it more?"
When al-Hubab finished `Umar scolded him. There was use of bad words from that side also, and the position began to worsen. On seeing this Abu `Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah spoke with the intention of cooling down ansar and to win them over to his side and said: "O' ansar ! You are the people who supported us and helped us in every manner. Do not now change your ways and do not give up your behaviour." But the ansar refused to change their mind. They were prepared to swear allegiance to Sa`d and people just wanted to approach him when a man of Sa`d's tribe Bashir ibn `Amr al-Khazraji stood up and said: "No doubt we came forward for jihad, and gave support to the religion, but our aim in doing thus was to please Allah and to obey His Prophet. It does not behove us to claim superiority and create trouble in the matter of the caliphate. Muhammad (p.b.u.h.a.h.p.) was from Quraysh and they have a greater right for it, and are more appropriate for it." As soon as Bashir uttered these words division occurred among the ansar, and this was his aim, because he could not see a man of his own tribe rising so high. The muhajirun took the best advantage of this division among the ansar, and `Umar and Abu `Ubaydah decided to swear allegiance to Abu Bakr. They had just got forward for the act when Bashir first of all put his hand on that of Abu Bakr and after that `Umar and Abu `Ubaydah swore the allegiance. Then the people of Bashir's tribe came and swore allegiance, and trampled Sa`d ibn `Ubadah under their feet. al-Tabari, Ta'rikh, VI, 263
Peak of Eloquence, Footnotes of Sermon 67, The news of happenings at Saqifah

The dispute of Saqifah, amongst the Muhajirun and the Ansar, was settled within the Saqifah only, with the trampling of the companion, Saad ibn Ubadah, which seriously injured the Sahabi.

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: ...... And then one of the Ansar said, 'I am the pillar on which the camel with a skin disease (eczema) rubs itself to satisfy the itching (i.e., I am a noble), and I am as a high class palm tree! O Quraish. There should be one ruler from us and one from you.' Then there was a hue and cry among the gathering and their voices rose so that I (Umar) was afraid there might be great disagreement, so I (Umar) said, 'O Abu Bakr! Hold your hand out.' He held his hand out and I pledged allegiance to him, and then all the emigrants gave the Pledge of allegiance and so did the Ansar afterwards. And so we became victorious over Sa'd bin Ubada (whom Al-Ansar wanted to make a ruler). One of the Ansar said, 'You have killed Sa'd bin Ubada.' I (Umar) replied, 'Allah has killed Sa'd bin Ubada.' Sahih Muslim, Volume 8, Book 82, Number 817

The nomination of Abu Bakr still faced opposition from the relatives and some of the major companions of Prophet (SAW), known as the Shias of Ali, which included men like Ammar Yasir, Salman farsi, Miqdad, Abu Dharr Ghafari, Talha and Zubair.

Narrated Ibn Abbass: .....And no doubt after the death of the Prophet we were informed that the Ansar disagreed with us and gathered in the shed of Bani Sa'da. 'Ali and Zubair and whoever was with them, opposed us, while the emigrants gathered with Abu Bakr......... Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 82, Hadith 817

With Imam Ali going into political dormancy, the issue of Fadak between Hz Fatima (AS), the daughter and the heart of Prophet (SAW), and Abu Bakr rose. Hz Fatima (AS) claimed Fadak to be her right, supported by the testimonies of Mawla Ali (AS), which were rejected by Abu Bakr. Thus Janab e Zahra (AS) boycotted Abu Bakr.

Narrated 'Aisha: (mother of the believers) After the death of Allah 's Apostle Fatima the daughter of Allah's Apostle asked Abu Bakr As-Siddiq to give her, her share of inheritance from what Allah's Apostle had left of the Fai (i.e. booty gained without fighting) which Allah had given him. Abu Bakr said to her, "Allah's Apostle said, 'Our property will not be inherited, whatever we (i.e. prophets) leave is Sadaqa (to be used for charity)." Fatima, the daughter of Allah's Apostle got angry and stopped speaking to Abu Bakr, and continued assuming that attitude till she died. Fatima remained alive for six months after the death of Allah's Apostle................. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 53, Hadith 325

Imam Ali thought Caliphate to be his right. The argument put forward by Umer at Saqifah suited Imam Ali (AS) more (being the brother of Prophet (SAW)) than it suited the Sheikhs. The usurping of the rights of caliphate and Fadak, in the events of Saqifa and Fadak made Mawla Ali (AS) develop a very negative opinion about Abu bakr and Umer. This was also the reason that Mawla Ali (AS), the lion of Allah, whose sword protected Islam in Badr, Uhud, Khaiber and Khandaq, did not participate in the battles (claimed as Jihad) under the Caliphate of Abu Bakr, Umer or Usman.

Beware! By Allah the son of Abu Quhafah (Abu Bakr) dressed himself with it (the caliphate) and he certainly knew that my (Ali's) position in relation to it was the same as the position of the axis in relation to the hand-mill. The flood water flows down from me and the bird cannot fly upto me. I put a curtain against the caliphate and kept myself detached from it. Then I began to think whether I should assault or endure calmly the blinding darkness of tribulations wherein the grown up are made feeble and the young grow old and the true believer acts under strain till he meets Allah (on his death). I found that endurance thereon was wiser. So I adopted patience although there was pricking in the eye and suffocation (of mortification) in the throat. I watched the plundering of my inheritance till the first one went his way but handed over the Caliphate to Ibn al-Khattab after himself. Peak of Eloquence, Sermon 3, Sermon of ash-Shiqshiqiyyah

It is reported by Zuhri that this tradition was narrated to him by Malik b. Aus who said: Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said:" We do not have any heirs; what we leave behind is (to be given in) charity." So both of you (Ali and Abbass) thought him to be a liar, sinful, treacherous and dishonest. And Allah knows that he was true, virtuous, well-guided and a follower of truth. When Abu Bakr passed away and (I [Umer] have become) the successor of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him), you (Ali) thought me to be a liar, sinful, treacherous and dishonest. And Allah knows that I am true, virtuous, well-guided and a follower of truth. ....... Sahih Muslim , Book 19, Number 4349

Although Imam Ali (AS) chose to be silent and remain in political dormancy for the sake of the survival of Islam, he gave advice to Umer during his caliphate whenever he contacted Mawla Ali (AS). This doesn't mean that Mawla Ali (AS) approved the caliphate of Umer or he loved or supported Umer. Mawla Ali's silence over his right of caliphate was for the sake of Islam, his political advices to Umer was for the sake of Islam.

To cite an example, the king of Egypt was not even a believer, yet he consulted Prophet Yusuf (AS), and the Prophet agreed to help him, for the sake of the people. I do not mean to say that Umer was not a believer. Allah is the judge, who will judge accordingly. What I mean to say was that Imam Ali's assistance in political advice to Umer was for the better of the Islamic empire, not because he thought Umer to be an honest man.

And the king said: Bring him to me, I will choose him for myself. So when he had spoken with him, he said: Surely you are in our presence today an honorable, a faithful one Quran [12:54]

The king, his courtiers, his princes, officers, and men of rank, had by that time, come to know and recognize his (Yusuf's) true worth and had had experience of his moral superiority during the last decade of the vicissitudes of his life. He had proved that there was none equal to him in honesty, righteousness, forbearance, selfdiscipline, generosity, intelligence and understanding. They knew and believed that he was the only one who knew how to guard and utilize the resources of the land and could be safely entrusted with them. Therefore, as soon as he showed his willingness, they heartily put these in his trust. Tafheem ul Quran, By Abul Ala Maududi, Tafseer of Surah 12, verse 55

Imam Ali's honesty, righteousness, forbearance, self-discipline, generosity, intelligence and understanding excelled from everybody else's. Imam Ali's willingness to help Umer administrator some political issues was due to the qualities Mawla Ali possessed.

Mentioning the Profile of Khalid bin Waleed again! Malik bin Nuwaira was appointed as a tax collector by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Sunnis and Shias argue if Malik became a renegade after the death of Prophet (sAW) or not. During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Khalid bin Waleed was sent to deal with Malik. Playing along with the sunni view;

When arrested, Malik was asked by Khalid ibn Walid about his crimes. Khalid's interpretation of Malik's response was "your master said this your master said that". Khalid understood this to be a transparent attempt by Malik to save his own life by any means at his disposal. Khalid having clear evidence of Malik's distributing the tax money on getting news of Muhammad's death and of his pact with Sajjah, declared Malik an apostate and ordered his execution.
al-Balazuri, book no 1, page 107

Malik had a wife, Layla bint al-Minhal. She was a female Companion of Prophet, and was said to be one of the most beautiful Arab woman. Shias claim that Khalid raped Layla on the night he executed her husband, Malik. Sunnis claim that Khalid married Layla the very night.

The same night, Khalid married Malik's widow Layla bint al-Minhal, who is said to be one of the most beautiful women in Arabia at the time. Tabari: Vol. 2, Page 5

Accepting the sunni view that Khalid married Malik's widow the very night he was executed and it was not a rape, i have two issues. I am not a cleric, but i did read in the Quran;

And (as for) those of you who die and leave wives behind, they should keep themselves in waiting for four months and ten days; then when they have fully attained their term, there is no blame on you for what they do for themselves in a lawful manner; and Allah is aware of what you do. Quran [2:234]

1. A wife who saw her husband get killed, or who hears the news of the death of her husband, will not marry the same day willingly, because marriage is about love and relationship. I claim that no wife will marry another man the very moment she hears the news of the death of her husband
2. The waiting period for a widow is four months and ten days, a rough 130 days. According to Islamic principles, she cannot remarry the same night even if she wills to do so.

Thus according to point one, it must be Khalid's will and intentions to marry Layla (as it happened the same night), and not Layla's desire who was a mourning widow. According to point two, the marriage is not valid, and thus it turned out to be adultery (if Layla desired the marriage and consummated it), or rape (if Layla was forced into it and Khalid consummated the claimed marriage). I have more reasons to believe it was a rape rather than believing in the lie that it was a marriage.

Other companions of Prophet (SAW) also saw the obvious, including Umer ibn Khattab, and protested. The marrige of Khalid with layla later became a controversial issue, because there was a group of people who thought that Khalid had killed malik to get Layla, this group also includes Khalid's cousin Umar. Khalid was Called by Caliph Abu Bakr to explain the matter, After due consideration, the Caliph decided that Khalid was not guilty. He did, however, upbraid his general for marrying Layla and thus leaving himself open to criticism, and since there was some possibility of a mistake, as certain people believed that Malik was a Muslim, Abu Bakr ordered the payment of blood-money to the heirs of Malik.

In Medina, Umar was so scandalized that he demanded, from Abu Bakr, the immediate dismissal of Khalid. He said that Khalid had to be put on trial for the twin crimes of murder and adultery. According to Islamic law, Khalid had to be stoned to death. But Abu Bakr defended Khalid, and said that he had simply made "an error of judgment." A Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims, Ali Razwy, Chapter 55

This might be a reason that when Umer became the caliph, he dismissed Khalid bin Waleed from the command and appointed Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah as the new commander of the armies. Umer later on dismissed Khalid from the army completely. Shias and Sunnis give differing reasons as to why umer did so and as these reasons are not the focus of my article, i will not mention them and lengthen the article more.

After Umer's death, Usman was given the caliphate. Economic struggles and distribution of wealth caused great unrest amongst the Muslims of Arab. People started to voice their discontent with the caliphate of Usman. Companions, like Ammar Yasir, Abu Dhar Ghaffari and Abdullah Ibn Masud were beaten, tortured and/or exiled by the Usman administration.

O' Abu Dharr! You showed anger in the name of Allah therefore have hope in Him for whom you became angry. The people were afraid of you in the matter of their (pleasure of this) world while you feared them for your faith. Then leave to them that for which they are afraid of you and get away from them taking away what you fear them about. How needy are they for what you dissuade them from and how heedless are you towards what they are denying you. You will shortly know who is the gainer tomorrow (on the Day of Judgement) and who is more enviable. Even if these skies and earth were closed to some individual and he feared Allah, then Allah would open them for him. Only rightfulness should attract you while wrongfulness should detract you. If you had accepted their worldly attractions they would have loved you and if you had shared in it they would have given you asylum. Nahjul Balaga, Sermon 130, Delivered when Abu Dharr was exiled towards ar-Rabadhah

Thus, due to Abu Dharr's disgrace, dishonour and exile Banu Ghifar and their associate tribes, due to `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud's merciless beating Banu Hudhayl and their associates, due to breaking of the ribs of `Ammar ibn Yasir, Banu Makhzum and their associates Banu Zuhrah, and due to the plot for the killing of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, Banu Taym all had a storm of rage in their hearts. The Muslims of other cities were also brimful of complaints at the hands of his (Uthman's) officers who under intoxication of wealth and the effects of luxury did whatever they wished and crushed whomever they wanted. Al-Baladhuri, Ansab, V, 98, 101

Amr bin Aas, Talha, Zubair and Ayesha played the biggest roles in enticing the people against Usman. Uthman or Usman ibn Affan was later murdered. Who were his murderers? The Muslims themselves, who technically were also the Companions or Sahabis of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Where was Mawiya and Talha and Zubair, Ayesha, when the house of Usman was sorrounded for days, even weeks. Why did they not come to his help then? Their defenders claim that jamal and siffin were a result for the revenge they seeked for the murder of Usman. If they were allies of Usman as the Sunnis claim, then why did not these people, who had money as well as tribal power, come to the rescue of Usman when he was surrounded by Muslims for weeks? You answer this question and you might get a better insight to the murder of Usman.

When the people saw what Uthman was doing, the companions of the Prophet in Medina wrote to other companions who were scattered throughout the frontier provinces: "You have gone forth but to struggle in the path of Almighty God, for the sake of Muhammad's religion. In your absence the religion of Muhammad has been corrupted and forsaken. So come back to reestablish Muhammad's religion." Thus, they came from every direction until they killed the Caliph (Uthman).
 History of al-Tabari, English version, v15, p184

People nominated Imam Ali (AS) as the caliph. Imam Ali took up the post unwillingly and faced rebellion from the likes of Talha, Zubair and Ayesha at Jamal. I will not go into the details of Jamal as they have been discussed in previous articles. But Jamal was a battle, where companions of Prophet (SAW) were a part of both armies, the army of Ali (AS), as well as the army of his opponents.

Mawla Ali (AS) said about Talha and Zubari;

By Allah, they did not find any disagreeable thing in me, nor did they do justice between me and themselves. Surely, they are now demanding a right which they have abandoned and blood which they have themselves shed. If I partook in it with them then they too have a share in it, but if they committed it without me the demand should be against them. The first step of their justice should be that they pass verdict against themselves. I have my intelligence with me. I have never mixed matters nor have they appeared mixed to me. Certainly, this is the rebellious group in which there is the near one (az-Zubayr), the scorpion's venom (`A'ishah) and doubts which cast a veil (on facts). But the matter is clear, and the wrong has been shaken from its foundation. Its tongue has stopped uttering mischief. By Allah, I will prepare for them a cistern from which I alone will draw water. They will not be able to drink from it nor would they be able to drink from any other place. Nahjul Balagah, Sermon 137, About Talha and Zubair

Not arguing whatever the circumstances of the battle of Jamal were, the fact remains, that Talha, Zubair and Ayesha revolted against Mawla Ali (AS).

Mawla Ali said about Mawiya, the cursed;

By Allah, Mu`awiyah is not more cunning than I am, but he deceives and commits evil deeds. Had I not been hateful of deceit I would have been the most cunning of all men. But (the fact is that) every deceit is a sin and every sin is disobedience (of Allah), and every deceitful person will have a banner by which he will be recognised on the Day of Judgement. By Allah, I cannot be made forgetful by strategy, nor can I be overpowered by hardships. Nahjul Balagah, Sermon 200, Treason and treachery of Mu`awiyah and the fate of those guilty of treason

And about Amr bin al-Aas, a companion of Prophet, but a cunning general of Muawiya;

I am surprised at the son of an-Nabighah that he says about me among the people of Syria (ash-Sham) that I am a jester and that I am engaged in frolics and fun. He said wrong and spoke sinfully. Beware, the worst speech is what is untrue. He speaks and lies. He promises and breaks the promise. He begs and sticks, but when someone begs from him he withholds miserly. He betrays the pledge and ignores kinship. When in a battle, he commands and admonishes but only uptil the swords do not come into action. When such a moment arrives his great trick is to turn naked before his adversary. By Allah, surely the remembrance of death has kept me away from fun and play while obliviousness about the next world has prevented him from speaking truth. He has not sworn allegiance to Mu`awiyah without purpose; but has beforehand got him to agree that he will have to pay its price, and gave him an award for forsaking religion. Nahjul Balagah, Sermon 84, About Amr ibn al-aas

Thus Mawla Ali thought Mawiya and Amr bin Aas to be wretched men. Taking the events to the battle of Siffin, where Mawla Ali faced the companions such as Mawiya ibn Abu Sufyan and Amr bin al-Aas. Prophet (SAW) prophesized Ammar (RA) to be martyred by rebels.

Narrated 'Ikrima: ... (During the construction of the mosque of the Prophet) we carried the adobe of the mosque, one brick at a time while 'Ammar used to carry two at a time. The Prophet passed by 'Ammar and removed the dust off his head and said, "May Allah be merciful to 'Ammar. He will be killed by a rebellious aggressive group. 'Ammar will invite them to (obey) Allah and they will invite him to the (Hell) fire." Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Hadith 67

Ammar was martyred on the third day of the Battle of Siffin by the syrian forces, fighting in the army of Mawla Ali against the forces of Mawiya. The prophecy of Prophet (SAW) is self explanatory.

Mawiya, not only hated Imam Ali (AS), but started the activity of abusing him from the pulpit during the sermons of friday prayers, as Mawla Ali had prophesized.

Soon after me there would be put on you a man with a broad mouth and a big belly. He would swallow whatever he gets and would crave for what he does not get. You should kill him but (I know) you would not kill him. He would command you to abuse me and to renounce me. As for abusing, you do abuse me because that would mean purification for me and salvation for you. As regards renunciation, you should not renounce me because I have been born on the natural religion (Islam) and was foremost in accepting it as well as in Hijrah ( migrating from Mecca to Medina). Nahjul Balagah, Sermon 57, Amir al-mu'minin said to his companions about Mu`awiyah

This hadith has been narrated. on the authority of Shu'ba with the same chain of transmitters. Amir b. Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas reported on the authority of his father that Muawiya b. Abi Sufyin appointed Sa'd as the Governor and said: What prevents you from abusing Abu Turab (Hadrat 'Ali), whereupon be said: It is because of three things which I remember Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said about him that I would not abuse him and even if I find one of those three things for me, it would be more dear to me than the red camel. I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say about 'Ali as he left behind hrin in one of his campaigns (that was Tabuk). 'Ali said to him: Allah's Messenger, you leave me behind along with women and children. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said to him: Aren't you satisfied with being unto me what Aaron was unto Moses but with this exception that there is no prophethood after me. And I (also) heard him say on the Day of Khaibar: I would certainly give this standard to a person who loves Allah and his Messenger and Allah and his Messenger love him too. He (the narrator) said: We have been anxiously waiting for it, when he (the Holy Prophet) said: Call 'Ali. He was called and his eyes were inflamed. He applied saliva to his eyes and handed over the standard to him, and Allah gave him victory. (The third occasion is this) when the (following) verse was revealed:" Let us summon our children and your children." Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) called 'Ali, Fitima, Hasan and Husain and said: O Allah, they are my family.

Sahih Muslim, Book 31, Hadith 5915

Lets assume that you do not curse Mawla Ali (AS) and i never told you to abuse Mawla Ali (god forbid). Is there any reason for me to ask you that why you do not curse Ali (AS)? No! The very reason that Mawiya asked Saad that why he did not abuse Ali (AS) was the fact that Mawiya introduced the practice himself.

Seerat ul Nabi, Volume 1, pages 66 to 67 states; Shibli Numani says the same thing, that the caliphs of Banu Ummaya defamed the children of Fatima (AS) throughout the Islamic empire in every Masjid, for ninety years, and abused Ali (AS) from the pulpit during friday prayers.....

... Shah Shaheed asked from Subhan Khan, "Did Tabbara take place on Ameer Muawiya in the court of Ali (AS)"? He replied in negative and that the court of Ali was pure from every abuse. He again asked, "Did Tabbara on Ali (AS) take place in the court of Mawiya?" Subhan replied, without any doubt it did happen. On this, Mawlana Shah Shaheed praised Allah and said that the Ahle Sunnah follow the practices of Hazrat Ali while the Rafidhis follow the practices of Hazrat Mawiya....

.... Mawlana Shah Moinuddin Ahmad Nadvi states in Tareekh e Islam, Volume 1, Pages 13 and 14 that; During his rule, Ameer Mawiya initiated the tradition of cursing and abusing Hazrat Ali from the pulpit, and all of his actions and people would fulfill this purpose. Mughaira bin Shuibah was an elder with alot of qualities but due to his following of Ameer Mawiya, even he could not save himself from this bidat.

Reference :

Khilafat O Malukiyat aur Ulema e AhleSunnat, Abu Khalid Muhammad Aslam, page 120-122 

After the martyrdom of Mawla Ali (AS), hostilities between Mawla Hassan (AS) and Mawiya continued. Imam Hassan (AS) opted to sign a peace treaty rather than fight another battle with Mawiya, which had caused alot of Muslim bloodshed already and saw the death of many Companions of Prophet (SAW).

This peace treaty did not mean that Imam Hassan became a friend to Mawiya or loved Mawiya, for a treaty is only signed between two hostile forces. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) signed the treaty of Hudaibya with the same men who had fought him (SAW) for years.

There is smoke only where there is fire. Strong sunni references have suggested that Mawiya was also responsible for killing Ayesha.

We speak about the most beloved wife of Prophet muhammad (SAW) who has been cited as an example for all women in various Ayats of the Quran itself. That is why her blood was priceless at the age of 64.

Mawiya invited Hazrat Ayesha for dinner. He ordered for a ditch to be dug, and filled it with spears and swords tipped upwards. According to the History of Allama Ibn Khaldun, Mawiya covered this deep well with weak wood and covered it with carpet. He placed a wooden chair on top of this trap in respect for Hazrat Ayesha. As soon as Hazrat Ayesha sat on the chair, she fell into the well and got severely injured with alot of broken bones. To hide his crime, Mawiya ordered the sealing of the well and with it, buried Ayesha in it, thus was responsible for the murder of Ayesha. Ayesha was 64 years of age and this act of his proved his hatred for Prophet Muhammad (SAW)....

Musharaf al Mehboobeen, By Sheikh ul Tareeqat Hazrat Khwaja Mehboob Qasim Chishti Muhsarafee Qadiri, Page 616 

This is one of the claims, as per authentic Sunni references. You may argue against it. But before you do, i will be interested to read something about the death, funeral and burial of Ayesha according to your references.

After the martyrdom of Imam Hassan (AS), Imam Hussain (AS) was brutally martyred on the battlefield of Kerbala, by Yazeed ibn Mawiya (the cursed).

I fail to believe that all the Companions of Prophet (SAW) were good to themselves and to each other if they have been fighting against one another. To conclude, the list includes;

• Companions of Prophet (SAW) spreading the false story of Ayesha committing adultery
• Minor arguments between Abu Bakr and Umer
• Urwa (a sahabi) abusing Hassan (a sahabi)
• Refusal by the companions to accept Usama as their leader when the Prophet (SAW) chose Usama himself. Criticism of Usama's leadership qualities by certain companions included
• Tragedy of Thursday; The argument between two groups of companions infront of the Prophet's death bed, one wants the Prophet to have his will while the other group practicing their personal opinion over the Prophet's demand
• Arguments and fights amongst the wives of Prophet (SAW) with each other due to their jealousy with one another. Plotting against the Prophet (SAW) himself by some of his wives
• Atrocities of Khalid bin Waleed against the tribes of Banu Jadhima, to the disapproval of Prophet (SAW) himself
• The heated argument between the Muhajiruns and Ansars at Saqifah, which led to the trampling of the companion, Saad ibn Ubaidah
• The disagreement of Mawla Ali (AS) and his supporters with respect to the rights of caliphate of Abu Bakr
• The boycott by Fatima (AS) from Abu Bakr due to the usurping of Fadak
• Mawla Ali's opinion regarding Abu Bakr and Umer being liars and dishonest with respect to the issues of Fadak and the caliphate
• Khalid bin Waleed's (a sahabi) killing of Malik bin Nuwaira (a sahabi or a renegade) and raping of his wife, Layla (a Sahabi)
• Umer's anger at Khalid bin Waleed, and his protests against Khalid during the era of Abu Bakr
• Khalid bin Waleed's dismissal from the command by Umer during his caliphate, and later on, dismissing Khalid from the army totally
• Exile of Abu Dharr Ghaffari (a sahabi) by Uthman and his administration
• Beating of Ammar Yasir (a sahabi) and Abdullah ibn Masud (a sahabi) on the orders of Usman (a sahabi)
• Enticing the people against Usman by Talha, Zubair, Ayesha and Amr bin Aas
• Mawla Ali's ill opinion about Talha, Zubair and Ayesha, and the battle of Jamal between the two groups
• Mawla Ali's ill opinion about Mawiya and Amr bin al Aas, and the battle of Siffin between the two groups
• Mawiya's introduction of abusing Imam Ali during friday prayers
• Prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the martyrdom of Ammar yasir by the army of Mawiya
• The treaty between Imam Hassan (AS) and Mawiya
• The alleged murder of Ayesha by Mawiya

If you want me to believe that the companions and wives of Prophet (SAW) had not issues and hatred towards each other, and they all lived together in peace and harmony like brothers, than i can ignore the bulks of history and logic, and start to live in my own world of dreams and myths. But if you ask what the facts are, then the facts are disheartening to those who believe or love to believe that Mawla Ali (AS) loved Mawiya, or Ayesha respected Uthman. Khalid bin Waleed or Amr bin al Aas, can be good strategic warriors and battle commanders, but that does not make them good muslims or Sahabis until their actions prove it. If you love and respect everyone, then that is like loving and respecting Musa (AS) and the Pharoah (firaun) at the same time. Because two sets of people who go to war with each other do not love each other, but intend to kill each other.

The circumstances in which the Prophet (SAW) left this world were so sensitive that just 50 years after his demise, the Prophet's grandson was brutally martyred on the sands of Kerbala, by Muslims, by caliphs, the the sons of the companions of Prophet (SAW).

If you claim that you love everyone, you love both sides, then you are logically incapable of making a decision, and morally confused. Sunnis claim to love all the companions, but most of them do not even know the names of more than five companions.

There is only one option left for you, to choose. Choose either what the people have chosen, or choose what Allah has chosen. For if you choose those who did something in order to hurt Allah, or his Prophet or his Prophet's Ahlulbayt, then you will be highly accountable for why you chose!

If you ask me, i choose the blessed Ahlulbayt over the Companions of Prophet (SAW). Why you may ask? Who is more eloquent than Mawla Ali (AS)!! I will let him answer this.

A party of Muhajirs met martyrdom. They were killed in the cause of Islam and Allah. everyone of them was blessed by Allah with a status and rank. Out of them those who belonged to my family and tribe, Bani Hashim, were granted an excellent status by Allah. Hamza (the uncle of the Holy Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a)) received the title of Chief of Martyrs (Sayyid al-Shuhada). The Holy Prophet (s) himself called him by this name after his martyrdom and at his funeral ceremony. The Holy Prophet (s) recited Takbir ('Allahu Akbar') seventy times as a mark of distinction for him, which is not for any other Muslim. Some Muhajirs lost their hands in the battlefield but when one of us (Ja'far, cousin of the Holy Prophet (s) and brother of Imam Ali (a)) lost both of his hands and died in the battlefield, Allah granted him angelic wings and the Holy Prophet (s) informed us that this martyr received the title of Tayyar (one who flies in Paradise). If Allah had not disapproved man's habit of eulogizing and praising himself, I would have given several such instances which speak of the enhancement of my prestige and status before Allah, instances which are accepted and can be testified by faithful Muslims about which the hearers will have no reason to doubt. Do not be like a man whom the Devil has laid astray. Accept the obvious truth when it faces you.
Listen O' Mu'awiya! We (Ahlul Bayt, the progeny of the Holy Prophet (s)) are unique examples of the creation of Allah. For such a status, we are not under obligation to any person or tribe but the Almighty Allah who granted us these blessings. Human beings have received and will receive perfection through us. The perpetual supremacy and inherent superiority do not prevent us from making contact with human beings or with your clan, we have married amongst you and have established family connections with your (as well as with others) clan, though you do not belong to our class.

How can you be our equal when the Holy Prophet (s) belongs to us and Abu Jahl, the worst enemy of Islam was from amongst you. Asadullah (lit. "the Lion of Allah" - a title of Imam Ali (a)) is from amongst us, while Asadul Ahlaaf (lion of the opposing groups, who had sworn to fight against Islam and the Holy Prophet (s)) was from you. The two foremost leaders of the youth of Paradise (Imam Hasan (a) & Imam Husayn (a)) are from us and the children of Hell are from you. The best woman in the world (title bestowed by Allah upon Fatima (a)) the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (s) is from us, and the slanderer and the wood-carrying woman who tried to spend every hour of her life in doing harm to the Holy Prophet of Islam (s), was your aunt. There are so many other things similar to the few mentioned which praise us and speak ill of your clan and which show how far and superior we are to you. We were faithful followers of the commandments of Allah and you and your clan always opposed Islam and accepted it out of sheer expediency simply to save yourselves from humiliation and disgrace. Our sincerity in Islam and our services to its cause are the facts of history and history cannot deny your enmity against Islam and the Holy Prophet (s).
The credit which you want to take away from us and the honour which you want to deprive us of is the one which the Holy Qur'an is carefully guarding for us. It says: "Some relatives are superior and have excellence over others, according to the Book of Allah" [ Qur'an, 33:6 ] and in another place in the very same Book, Allah informs mankind that: "The nearest people to Abraham, are those who follow him and those who follow the Holy Prophet (s) and the true believers. Allah is the guardian of the true believers" [ Qur'an, 2:68 ]. Therefore we hold two excellences: That of close relationship to the Holy Prophet (s) and that of loyally accepting his teachings. Do you know on the day of Saqifa, Muhajirs told Ansar that they were superior to them because they in one way or the other, were related to the Holy Prophet (s) and therefore they deserved the caliphate and with the aid of this argument the Muhajirs carried the day. If success can be achieved with the help of this argument and if it has got a grain of truth in it then according it, we and not you, deserve the caliphate. If not, then the Ansar still hold their claim over the caliphate. Nahjul Balaga, Letter 28, A reply by Imam Ali to the letter sent by Mawiya

Sunnis claim that following and loving any companion will take you to guidance. They quote the weak hadith as i stated in the Genesis of Shiaism as well;

The Prophet said; My sahaba are like the stars: whoever you follow, you shall be guided. Al-Suyuti, Tarikh al-Khulafa, p. 160. 

Tell me who should i Choose. Because if i choose Ali (AS), you call me a kaafir, because my choice of Ali forces me to dissociate my self from his enemies, from people who Imam Ali (AS) fought, from people who Imam thought were liars! Please read Tabarra; Do Shias curse the companions in order to no what dissociation is.

Zirr reported: 'Ali observed: By Him Who split up the seed and created something living, the Apostle (may peace and blessings be upon him) gave me a promise that no one but a believer would love me, and none but a hypocrite would nurse grudge against me. Sahih Muslim Book 001, Number 0141

Our love is for Ali ibn Abu Talib, and our love is for the Ahlulbayt of Prophet (SAW). Our respect is for those companions and wives of Prophet who stayed loyal to Islam, to Prophet and to his Ahlulbayt before and after the demise of the Prophet. I ask you, what will you choose! Everyone of the companions, or those companions of Prophet (SAW) who feared Allah and did good!

Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger after being wounded (on the day of Uhud); for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allah, there is a great reward. Quran [3:172]

For the reward of Allah is not for everyone of them.

May the blessings of Allah be on Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and his blessed Ahlulbayt. May Allah be pleased with people who supported the cause of Islam and helped the Prophet and his Ahlulbayt (SAW) sincerely, throughout their lives. And the curse of Allah is sufficient for those who acted against Islam, the orders of Prophet (SAW) and transgressed against the Ahlulbayt, for Allah is not with the liars.

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