All About The Battle Of KARBALA (680 CE) In Just Fifteen Thousand Words

 All About The Battle Of KARBALA (680 CE) In Just Fifteen Thousand Words 

The life of Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib: The Lion of God

Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib, revered as the "Lion of God," was born in 600 CE in Mecca, into the noble Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. From the age of five, he was raised by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hazret   Ali embraced Islam at the tender age of eleven, becoming one of the first converts to the new religion.

At the age of 22, Hazret Ali married Hazret Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).   Despite many notable suitors, including Hazret Abu Bakr and Hazret Umar, the Prophet chose Ali to be Fatimah's husband, recognizing his piety and valour. Hazret Ali distinguished himself as a scribe of the Holy Quran and a formidable warrior, participating in numerous battles that defined the early Muslim community. He fought bravely alongside the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in all the battles of Islam except for the Battle of Tabuk.

Hazret Ali's life, however, was marked by trials and tribulations. Although many anticipated his leadership following the Prophet’s death, the Muslim community elected Hazret  Abu Bakr as the first caliph while Hazret Ali was engaged in the burial of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Islamic history. Hazret Ali refused to give his allegiance to Abu Bark for about six months.  Al-tabari reports that  Banu Hashim did not accept the Caliphate of  Hazret Abu Bakr for a long time.  Hazret Abu Bakr nominated Hazret  Umar as his successor, and  Hazret Umar subsequently suggested a group of six individuals from whom one would be elected as the third caliph of the Muslims. Ultimately, Hazet Ali became the fourth caliph in 656 CE. 

During his caliphate, Ali faced significant challenges. His leadership was marred by internal strife, as he was embroiled in the First Fitna (Islamic civil war). The battles of Jamal (656 CE)  and Siffin (657), fought against prominent companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), such as Hazret Talha, Hazret  Zubair, Hazret Muawiyah and Hazret Aisha, resulted in immense bloodshed, claiming the lives of about one lakh Muslims. 

Hazret Ali's struggle intensified with the emergence of the Khawarij, a faction of his supporters who later rebelled against him. He fought the battle of Naharwan against them in 658 CE.  Despite his efforts to rally the people of Kufa and Basra to his cause ( a war against Hazrat Muawiyah), many turned away, leaving him isolated. His disappointment was compounded when his own brother, Aqil ibn Abu Talib, defected to the side of Hazret Muawiyah, the rival leader who had declared himself caliph. History bears witness that even the bravest of men are deeply broken only when their family members or closest friends turn against them

Hazret Ali's martyrdom came in 661 CE when he was assassinated by Ibn Muljam, one of his former supporters, during his prayers in the mosque of Kufa. The location of his grave remains a mystery, with various beliefs regarding its exact site; some claimed he was buried in his home, others in the mosque and some said that he was buried  in the desert outside Kufa.

Throughout his life, Hazret Ali married nine wives at different times and had fourteen sons and seventeen daughters  including Hazret Hasan and Hazret Husayn, who would later play pivotal roles in Islamic history. His legacy as a warrior, scholar and leader endures, with millions regarding him as a paragon of justice, knowledge and unwavering faith in God. Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib's life exemplifies the complexities and struggles of early Islam, earning him an enduring place as one of its most revered figures. To conclude, Sunni Muslims honour him as the fourth righteous caliph, while Shia Muslims revere him as their first Imam.

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Introduction to Karbala Battle:

The Hashmi-Umayya Rivalry:

In the Battle of Badr, three Hashimites from the Muslim side (Ali, Hamza, and Ubaydah) engaged three Umayyads from the Meccan side (Walid, Utbah, and Shayba). Additionally, Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, a Hashimite, was captured and later released, while Uqba ibn Abu Mu'ayt, an elder of the Umayyads, was captured and executed by the order of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

Following Badr, Abu Sufyan led the Meccans until the conquest of Mecca, while the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led the Muslims. Later, Hazrat Uthman [Uthman ibn Affan ibn Abil-As ibn Umayya ibn Abd Shams ibn Abd Manaf], as caliph, appointed several Umayyads to prominent positions, leading to discontent among the Hashimites and their supporters. This rivalry contributed to the conflicts that followed, including the battles of Jamal, Siffin, and Karbala. 

#Umm Jamīl : She was Abu Lahab's wife and Abu Sufyan's sister. She is cursed in surah Masad. 

#Shimr was brother-in-law of Hazret Ali. [Page 75, vol 02, History of Islam by Najeebabadi]

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Sixty-six important points related to the battle of Karbala :

Starter: Yazid gave licence to loot and destroy the city of Madina 

Abdullah bin Ja‘far said to Yazid: “Do you reckon that if they return in obedience it will be accepted from them?” He said: “They will, as there is nothing keeping them from doing so.” Then Yazid said to Muslim bin ‘Uqbah: “If you arrive in al-Madinah and you are not forced out and they listen and obey you, then do not confront any one of them but instead proceed straight to the deviant Ibn az-Zubayr.”[105] Yazid also said to him, “Leave the people for three days. If they agree to your demands, so be it. Otherwise fight them and when you overcome them, give license to pillage the city for three days.''

[Al-Tabari, Op.cit., Volume XIX, pp.205]

Ibn Kathir comments on this, “Yazid committed a grave mistake by authorising Muslim bin Uqbah to exercise his control over al- Madinah for three days. This was because during those three days, Muslim carried out the most unspeakable and indescribable atrocities to ever be witnessed by the Prophetic land of al-Madinah, whose severity is known by Allah alone. 

[Ibn Kathir, ‘The Khilafah of Banu Umayyah,’ Op.cit., pp.190]

[ Note: If you want to see the worst community in human history, see the community of Muslims who brutally murdered almost all the family members and close friends of their Prophet (PBUH) soon after he (Their prophet , pbuh) passed away. ] 

 

1. The martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA) is a significant event in Islamic history.

2. The Battle of Karbala took place in 680 CE (61 AH).

3. The battle occurred in present-day Iraq. Hazret Hussain (RA) reached Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram in the year 61 AH (680 CE).The Battle of Karbala lasted for about one day, from morning until late afternoon on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE).

4. Hazrat Hussain (RA) was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

5. Hussain opposed the rule of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph.

6. Yazid demanded allegiance from Hussain, which he refused.

7. Hussain saw Yazid's rule as unjust and corrupt.

8. In 680 CE, Hussain left Mecca for Kufa in Iraq.

9. The people of Kufa had invited Hussain, promising support against Yazid. But, they stayed inside their homes when the actual battle started. 

10. Yazid's forces, led by Umar ibn Sa'ad, intercepted Hussain in Karbala.

11. Hussain's camp consisted of about 72 to 80 people.

12. The camp included his family members and companions.

13. Despite being outnumbered, Hussain's camp stood firm in opposition.

14. The battle culminated on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura.

15. Hussain and his supporters were martyred after a fierce battle.

16. Hazrat Hussain (RA) was martyred in the battle of Karbala at the age of 54. 

17. Hussain's sons, Ali Akbar and Ali Asghar, were martyred too.

18. Hussain's brothers, including Abbas ibn Ali, were martyred.

19. A few male members survived due to young age or severe injuries. Zaynab bint Ali, a sister of Hazret Hussain survived too. 

20. Hussain's son, Ali Zayn al-Abidin, survived because he was too ill to fight.

21. The women and children were taken captive.

22. The captives were marched to Kufa and then Damascus. [ If Yazid was not involved in all this, why were captives sent to him after the battle? Why did he not punish the murderers? ]

23. They were presented to Yazid, who had ordered the attack.

24. The captives were eventually released by Yazid.

25. The released captives returned to Medina.

26. They promoted the memory and message of Hussain's sacrifice.

27. Hussain's sacrifice became a cornerstone of Shia Islam. There are about 30 crore Shia Muslims and 170 crore Sunni Muslims in the world today [2024]. 

28. Yazid had sent about 5000 men to fight Hazret Hussain (RA) who had only 80 friends and relatives with him. About 88 men from the forces of Yazid were killed by Hazret Hussain and his men. The battle lasted nine days only. 

29. Umar ibn Sa'ad was the commander of Yazid's army at Karbala.

30. Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan played a direct role in Hussain's martyrdom.

31. Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad orchestrated the campaign against Hazret Hussain. He was the governor of Basra, Kufa and Khurasan from 661CE to 683 CE. Abu al-Mughira Ziyad ibn Abihi or ziyad ibn abi sufiyan was father of Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad. In other words, ziyad ibn Abi Sufiyan was thought to be a bastard as he did not know his father. He knew only his mother, Sumayya. But, Mu'awiya said  to him,'' You are my brother and you are the bastard (biological) son of my father, Abu Sufiyan''. But, Allah knows the truth. 

32. Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan was notorious for his cruelty. He was a son of Shurahbil, a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad [PBUH]. Shimr was an ally of Caliph Hazret Ali (RA 656–661) and fought against Mu'awiya, the governor of Syria and future founder of the Umayyad Caliphate, at the Battle of Siffin, where he received a head wound. He later defected to the Umayyads. After a day of conflict, Hazret Hussain [RA] suffered many casualties, but the Umayyad soldiers hesitated to kill Hussain. Shimr encouraged them to kill him: "Shame on you! Why are you waiting for the man? Kill him, may your mothers be deprived of you!" Shimr then led the final assault. Some accounts name him as the one who ultimately killed and decapitated Hussain, while other accounts name Sinan ibn Anas. He then attempted to kill Hussain's surviving son Zayn al-Abidin, but was prevented by Ibn Sa'd. Afterwards, Shimr led the escort carrying the heads of the dead to Kufa. Later he accompanied the prisoners to Syria. He is reported to have regretted his actions later in his life. 

33. Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi switched sides and fought for Hussain.

Not much is known about the parents and grandparents of Hurr ibn Yazid al-Riyahi. The tragedy of Karbala made him famous among Muslims. Initially, Hurr was tasked with intercepting the caravan of Hussain ibn Ali and preventing them from reaching Kufa. His conscience and deep respect for Hussain led to a dramatic transformation. On the morning of Ashura, he defected from the Umayyad camp and joined Hussain's forces. Hurr fought valiantly on the side of Husayn and was one of the first martyrs in the Battle of Karbala.

34. Umar ibn Sa'ad reluctantly led the attack under orders from Ibn Ziyad.

The father of Umar Ibn Sa'ad, Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqas [RA], was a righteous and pious Muslim. However, his son, Umar ibn Sa'ad, became a disgrace. Ibn Sa'ad is infamous for his role in the Battle of Karbala, where Hazret Hussain (RA) and his companions were martyred. Initially appointed governor of Ray, Ibn Sa'ad was ordered by Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad to confront Hazret Hussain (RA) instead. Despite initially refusing, Ibn Sa'ad complied under threat of losing his governorship and initiated the attack on Hazer Hussain (RA) by shooting the first arrow.

35. Seventy or seventy-two people died on Hussain's side, of whom about twenty were descendants of Abu Talib, the father of Ali. This included two of Husayn's sons, six of his paternal brothers, three sons of Hasan ibn Ali, three sons of Jafar ibn Abi Talib, and three sons and three grandsons of Aqil ibn Abi Talib. 

36. Yazid was aware of and responsible for the events at Karbala.

37. Yazid's orders and governance set the stage for the massacre.

38. The martyrdom of Hussain is remembered as a symbol of resistance.

39. The event is commemorated annually during Muharram.

40. Ashura is marked by mourning rituals and reenactments. However, mourning more than three days over any  dead person is not allowed in pure Islam. 

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SAHIH BUKHARI, BOOK 23: Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)  Volume 2, Hadith Number 371: 👇

Narrated Zainab bint Abi Salama :

I went to Um Habiba, the wife of Prophet, who said, "I heard the Prophets saying, 'It is not legal for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for any dead person for more than three days except for her husband, (for whom she should mourn) for four months and ten days'." Later I went to Zainab bint Jahsh when her brother died; she asked for some scent, and after using it she said, "I am not in need of scent but I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'It is not legal for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for more than three days for any dead person except her husband, (for whom she should mourn) for four months and ten days.' "

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Sahi Bukhari

Chapter 23 [Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)]

Hadith 1297 👇

Narrated `Abdullah:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "[ After a calamity falls] He who slaps the cheeks, tears the clothes and follows the tradition of the Days of Ignorance is not from us."

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41. The event solidified the divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

42. The martyrdom shaped the identity and practices of Shia communities.

43. Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad was eventually killed by Mukhtar al-Thaqafi's forces.

44. Mukhtar led a revolt to avenge the death of Hussain.

45. Mukhtar's forces killed Ibn Ziyad in the Battle of Khazir in 686 CE.

46. Umar ibn Sa'ad was executed by Mukhtar al-Thaqafi's forces.

47. Shimr ibn Dhil-Jawshan was captured and executed by Mukhtar's forces.

48. Harmala ibn Kahil, who killed Hussain's infant son, was executed by Mukhtar.

49. Mukhtar's revolt took place in 685-687 CE.

50. Mukhtar's campaign targeted and punished many responsible for Karbala.

51. Mukhtar was known to be a companion of the fourth Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and developed a close relationship with Ali's family, particularly Hussain ibn Ali. Mukhtar successfully captured Kufa and ruled it for about 18 months. He punished many culprits responsible for Karbala. Over time, Mukhtar became a controversial figure. Some viewed him as a hero who stood up against tyranny, while others saw his actions as politically motivated and accused him of opportunism. Abdullah ibn Zubayr declared himself Caliph in Mecca and opposed Mukhtar's rule. Mus'ab ibn Zubayr, Abdullah's brother, was tasked with dealing with Mukhtar. Mus'ab ibn Zubayr led an army against Mukhtar and martyred him in the battle of Harura ( 687 CE). 

52. Yazid ibn Muawiya died in 683 CE in the city of Damascus due to an illness. He was succeeded by his son Muawiya II. 

53. Abdullah ibn Zubayr was martyred in Mecca by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph, Abdul Malik ibn Marwan in 692 CE. Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf was a prominent and controversial Umayyad general who was sent to complete this mission. 

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    Roots of Karbala? 

54. Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) was martyred by Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz, a Persian slave.He was attacked on 1st November 644 CE (26 Dhu al-Hijjah, 23 AH) and died three days later on 3rd November 644 CE.

55. Hazrat Uthman (RA) was martyred in his home in Medina after a prolonged siege ( 40-days siege) by the rebels on 17th June 656 CE (18 Dhu al-Hijjah, 35 AH).

56. Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was martyred by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam, a Kharijite. He was attacked on 26th January 661 CE (19 Ramadan, 40 AH) and died two days later on 28th January 661 CE. 

57. Hazrat Hasan ibn Ali (RA) is believed to have been poisoned (at the age of 45), and it is widely attributed to his wife, Ja'da bint al-Ash'ath, allegedly at the instigation of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. He passed away in 670CE. 

58.  The family of Yazid? 

 Yazid's father and grandfather, Mu'awiya and Abu Sufiyan, fought against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) until the conquest of Mecca in 630 CE. In the Battle of Badr in 624 CE, Mu'awiya's elder brother Hanzala and their maternal grandfather, Utba ibn Rabi'a, were killed. In the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE, Mu'awiya's mother, Hind bint Utba, mutilated the body of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) uncle (Hamzah) and tried to chew his heart. Mu'awiya's father, Abu Sufiyan, led the Meccan army that martyred 70 Sahaba in the same battle of Uhud, where the Prophet (PBUH) himself was badly injured.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Mu'awiya's widowed sister, Umm Habiba, in 628 CE. Her Muslim husband, Ubayd Allah ibn Jahsh ibn Ri'ab, had died in 615 CE during the migration to Abyssinia, and she had already accepted Islam.

When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) captured Mecca in 630, Mu'awiya, his father, and his elder brother Yazid embraced Islam. (Both his elder brother as well as his son were named Yazid)  Mu'awiya became one of the kātibs (Writers of Wahi), being one of the seventeen literate members of the Quraysh at that time.

Later, he was appointed by Caliph Abu Bakr as a deputy commander in the conquest of Syria. He rose through the ranks during Caliph Umar's caliphate until becoming governor of Syria under Caliph Uthman. He declared himself the caliph of Muslims and  fought with Hazret Ali, arguing that Hazret Ali did not punish the killers of Uthman. However, after the martyrdom of Ali, when Hazret Hasan gave up his right to the caliphate and pledged allegiance to Mu'awiya, he (Mu'awiya) did not punish anyone responsible for Uthman's murder. Additionally, he nominated his son Yazid as his successor. 

Nevertheless, our duty as Muslims is not to abuse or hate anyone among the Sahaba of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We must speak the truth and leave the rest to the judgment of Allah, who knows perfectly who deserves to be sent to Jannah or Jahannum. 

59.  The People of Kufa are Known for Their Treachery [Al-Kufi La Yufi]

Muslim ibn Aqil al-Hashimi was dispatched by Hazrat Hussain to Kufa in Iraq to ascertain their support upon the accession of the Umayyad caliph Yazid (ruler. 680–683). The Kufans welcomed Muslim and overwhelmingly pledged to support Hussain against the Umayyad rule, which they considered illegitimate and tyrannical.

When Ibn Ziyad learned about Muslim’s presence in Kufa, he sent men to arrest him. In response, Muslim ibn Aqil surrounded the governor's palace with about 4,000 men, with the date of this event variously given as 3, 8, 9, or 10 September 680 (2, 7, 8, or 9 Dhu al-Hijja 60 A H). However, through a combination of threats and bribes, Ibn Ziyad successfully induced the tribal leaders to abandon Muslim and withdraw their men.

Muslim was then brought to Ibn Ziyad, who ordered his execution after a sharp exchange. Before his execution, Muslim gave his last will to an envoy, asking him to inform Hazrat Husayn about the treachery of the Kufans, pay his debts, and ensure a proper burial for his corpse. He was executed on 9th Dhu al-Hijja. When the envoy reached Hazrat Hussain with Muslim's will, Hussain initially planned to return to Madina. However, the sons of Muslim ibn Aqil motivated him to proceed to Kufa and avenge their father's death. 

When Hazret Hussain arrived in Kufa and began calling out those who had invited him by their names and their fathers' names, the treacherous people of Kufa grew fearful. Worried that they might also be targeted by the Yazidi forces, they decided to assist the Yazidi forces in hastening Hussain's martyrdom. 

Note: Hazrat Ali, the fourth of the "rightly guided" caliphs and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was stabbed to death in 661 while praying at the Kufa mosque in Iraq. 

60. What is the controversy of Ghadir Khumm in Muslim history? 

Ghadir Khumm is a pond located between Mecca and Medina. On the 18th of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 AH (March 16, 632 AD), the Prophet Muhammad delivered a significant sermon to a large group of Muslims while returning from his Farewell Pilgrimage to Mecca. In his sermon, the Prophet said:

"Man kuntu mawlahu fa'aliyyun mawlahu." ("For whomever I am his leader, Ali is his leader.")

The significance of Ghadir Khumm is viewed differently by Sunni and Shia Muslims:

Shia Muslims: They consider the event as a clear appointment of Ali as the Prophet's successor and the first Imam. The day is celebrated as Eid al-Ghadir, one of the most important Islamic holidays in the Shia calendar.

- Sunni Muslims: While they recognize the event and the Prophet's praise for Ali, they interpret the statement as a recognition of Ali's high status and respect rather than an explicit appointment of succession. 

61.  Who led the prayers when the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] fell ill and passed away?

During the Prophet Muhammad's [PBUH] final illness, he missed several prayers [ Approximately 17 prayers] due to his severe condition. When he was unable to lead the prayers, he instructed that Hazrat Abu Bakr lead the Muslims in prayer. Sunni Muslims interpret this as a hint from the Prophet [PBUH] that Hazrat Abu Bakr should succeed him [the Prophet [PBUH] ] in managing the affairs of the Muslim community.

On the 5th day, before his demise, the Messenger of Allah [PBUH] said,

"The fellow I feel most secure in his company is Abu Bakr. If I were to make friendship with any other one than Allâh, I would have Abu Bakr a bosom friend of mine. For him I feel affection and brotherhood of Islam. No gate shall be kept open in the Mosque except that of Abu Bakr’s." [Sahih AlBukhari 1/22, 429, 449, 2/638; Mishkat Al-Masabih 2/548]

On the 4th day, before the demise of the Messenger of Allah [PBUH] : 

In the evening he grew so sick that he could not overcome the strain of disease or go out to enter the Mosque. ‘Aishah said: The Prophet [pbuh] asked: "Have the people performed the prayer?" "No. They haven’t. They are waiting for you." "Put some water in the washing pot." Said he. We did what he ordered. So he washed and wanted to stand up, but he fainted. When he came round he asked again "Have the people prayed?" Then the same sequence of events took place again and again for the second and the third times from the time he washed to the time he fainted after his attempts to stand up. Therefore he sent to Abu Bakr to lead the prayer himself. Abu Bakr then led the prayer during those days. [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1/99] They were seventeen prayers in the lifetime of Muhammad [pbuh] as stated above. 

62. Hazret Ali versus Hazret Abu Bakr? 

"Hazraat Ali, Zubair, and Talha did not give allegiance to Abu Bakr for 40 days, or in some reports, six months, due to not being consulted about the issue of the Caliphate. [Source: *The History of Islam* by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi, Chapter 03, Page 275.]"

63. Did Hazret Ali allow Hazret Umar to marry Zaynab? 

Umm Kulthūm bint 'Alī, also known as Zaynab al-Ṣughrā, was the youngest daughter of Fatima and Ali ibn Abi Talib. As a child, she was proposed to by the second Rashidun caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (r. 634–644). However, both Umm Kulthūm and her father, Ali, resisted the marriage, likely due to concerns about Umar's reputation for harshness. According to some Sunni sources, Ali eventually consented to the marriage after Umar secured the support of prominent Muslims.

Umm Kulthum bint Abi Bakr?

Hazret Umar's proposal was also met with resistance from Aisha, Umm Kulthūm's elder sister. When Umar expressed his desire to marry Umm Kulthūm, Aisha declined on her sister's behalf, sending a message that questioned Umar's temperament: "You are rough and ready. How will it be with Umm Kulthūm if she disobeys you and you beat her?"

64. Famous wars and battles fought by Muslims [ 624 CE to 683 CE] 

Battles of Prophet Muhammad:

1. Battle of Badr (624 CE): Decisive victory for Muslims against the Quraysh.

2. Battle of Uhud (625 CE): Muslims faced a setback against the Quraysh.

3. Battle of the Trench (627 CE): Successful defense of Medina against the Quraysh and allied tribes.

4. Battle of Khayber (628 CE): Victory over the Jewish tribes of Khayber.

5. Conquest of Makkah (630 CE): Peaceful conquest of Makkah and its return to Islamic control.

6. Battle of Hunayn (630 CE): Victory for Muslims against the Hawazin tribe. 

Battles of Hazret Abu Bakr al-Siddiq:

7. Ridda Battles (632–633 CE): Successful campaigns to reunite the Arabian Peninsula and suppress tribes that had rebelled after Muhammad's death.

8. Battle of Yamama (632 CE): Musaylimah ibn Kazzab, a self-proclaimed prophet, was killed, ending his rebellion against the Muslim state. The leader of the Muslims in this battle was Khalid ibn al-Walid and Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was the Caliph.

Wars of Hazret Umar ibn al-Khattab:

9. Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE):Decisive victory over the Byzantine Empire, leading to the Muslim conquest of Syria.

10. Battle of Qadisiyyah (636 CE): Victory over the Sassanian Empire, paving the way for the Muslim conquest of Persia.

Battles of Hazret Uthman ibn Affan:

No significant battles or wars under Uthman’s direct leadership. His reign was marked by internal dissent and conflict, culminating in his assassination.

Battles of Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib:

11. Battle of the Camel (656 CE): Victory for Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib against the forces led by Hazraat Aisha, Talha, and Zubair. Hazret Aisha later expressed regret for having fought against Ali, who, after defeating her, did not harm her. Instead, he treated her with great honour. 

12. Battle of Siffin (657 CE): Inconclusive battle with Mu'awiya, leading to arbitration.

13. Battle of Nahrawan (658 CE): Victory over the Kharijites.

Battles of Hazret Hussain ibn Ali:

14. Battle of Karbala (680 CE): He was martyred by Yazid’s forces, a pivotal event in Islamic history. 

Battles of Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan:

No major battles of his own; he was involved in the aftermath of the Battle of Siffin and the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Battles of Yazid ibn Muawiya:

14². Battle of Karbala (680 CE): Hazret Hussain ibn Ali was martyred. 

15. Battle of al-Harra (683 CE): Suppression of a rebellion in Medina, resulting in a massacre of its inhabitants.

65.  Funeral Procession of Hazrat Hasan (Hasan ibn Ali)

There is no widely accepted text from the major Sunni collections that explicitly mentions this incident. Most of the details related to this incident come from Shia historical texts. According to Shia sources, arrows were shot at the funeral procession of Hazrat Hasan. This event is said to have occurred in 670 CE (50 AH) after the death of Hazrat Hasan. The attackers are believed to have been followers or supporters of the Umayyad Caliphate, specifically under the orders of Marwan ibn al-Hakam, who was the governor of Medina at that time. The attack was allegedly an attempt to prevent Hazrat Hasan from being buried next to his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.

Shias state that Hazret Hasan could not be buried with his grandfather because of Aisha and Umayyad opposition, and he was buried in the cemetery of Jannat-ul-Baqi. However, sunnis categorically deny it. 

66. Infamous Governors and Army Commanders of Mu'awiya and Yazid (661-680 CE):

1. Marwan ibn al-Hakam:

   —Governor of Medina (661-668 CE)

2. Al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba:

   —Governor of Kufa (661-670 CE)

3. Ziyad ibn Abihi:

   —Governor of Basra and later Kufa (665-673 CE)

   —Initially a supporter of Ali, Ziyad was later acknowledged as Mu'awiya’s half-brother and became a key ally.

4. Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad:

   — Governor of Kufa (675-680 CE)

   — Son of Ziyad ibn Abihi, he was appointed by Mu'awiya and later served Yazid.

 — His role in the death of Hazret Hussain ibn Ali created lasting enmity and unrest.

5. Amr ibn al-As:

   —Governor of Egypt (661-664 CE)

   —A prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Amr was a loyal supporter of Mu'awiya.

6. Maslama ibn Mukhallad:

   —Governor of Egypt (667-682 CE)

7. Abd al-Rahman ibn Khalid:

   —Commander of the army in Syria

8. Amr ibn Sa'id al-Ashdaq:

   —Governor of Medina (680-683 CE)

9. Husayn ibn Numayr:

   —Commander of the army

10. Muslim ibn Uqba:

   — A senior military commander under Yazid.

   — Led the Umayyad forces during the Battle of al-Harra in 683 CE, effectively crushing the Medinan revolt.

11. Hajjaj ibn Yusuf:

   — Initially served as a commander under Yazid and later became a prominent governor under Abdul Malik.

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The prayer of The Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] about Mu'awiya? 

Narrated 'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu 'Umairah - and he was one of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ):from the Prophet (ﷺ), that he said to Mu'awiyah:   O Allah, make him a guiding one, and guide (others) by him.  

Jama Tirmidhi

Hadith 3842 

[ Some scholars label this hadith as fabricated.] 

عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي عُمَيْرَةَ، وَكَانَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، ‏‏‏‏‏‏عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ لِمُعَاوِيَةَ:‏‏‏‏    اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ هَادِيًا مَهْدِيًّا وَاهْدِ بِهِ   . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى:‏‏‏‏ هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ.

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Sahih Muslim

Chapter 46

Hadith 6628 👇 

 < Mu'awiya did not respond to the call of the prophet (PBUH)>

Ibn Abbas reported: I was playing with children that Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) happened to pass by (us). I hid myself behind the door. He (the Prophet) came and patted my shoulders and said: Go and call Mu'awiya. I returned and said: He is busy in taking food. He again asked me to go and call Mu'awiya to him. I went (and came back) and said that he was busy in taking food, whereupon he said: May Allah not fill his belly! Ibn Muthanna, said: I asked Umm Umayya what he meant by the word Hatani. He said: It means he patted my shoulders. 

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  Sahih Muslim

  Hadith 4776

 Chapter 34, the chapter on government 👇🏻

< Mu'awiya ordered his forces to kill Muslims and take their wealth>

It has been narrated on the authority of 'Abd al-Rahman b. Abd Rabb al-Ka'ba who said:I entered the mosque when 'Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As was sitting in the shade of the Ka'ba and the people had gathered around him. I betook myself to them and sat near him. (Now) Abdullah said: I accompanied the Messenger of Allah ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) on a journey. We halted at a place. Some of us began to set right their tents, others began to compete with one another in shooting, and others began to graze their beasts, when an announcer of the Messenger of Allah ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) announced that the people should gather together for prayer, so we gathered around the Messenger of Allah ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ). He said: It was the duty of every Prophet that has gone before me to guide his followers to what he knew was good for them and warn them against what he knew was bad for them; but this Umma of yours has its days of peace and (security) in the beginning of its career, and in the last phase of its existence it will be afflicted with trials and with things disagreeable to you. (In this phase of the Umma), there will be tremendous trials one after the other, each making the previous one dwindle into insignificance. When they would be afflicted with a trial, the believer would say: This is going to bring about my destruction. When at (the trial) is over, they would be afflicted with another trial, and the believer would say: This surely is going to be my end. Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and enter the garden should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day and should treat the people as he wishes to be treated by them. He who swears allegiance to a Caliph should give him the pledge of his hand and the sincerity of his heart (i. e. submit to him both outwardly as well as inwardly). He should obey him to the best of his capacity. It another man comes forward (as a claimant to Caliphate), disputing his authority, they (the Muslims) should behead the latter. The narrator says: I came close to him ('Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As) and said to him: Can you say on oath that you heard it from the Messenger of Allah ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ )? He pointed with his hands to his ears and his heart and said: My ears heard it and my mind retained it. I said to him: This cousin of yours, Mu'awiya, orders us to unjustly consume our wealth among ourselves and to kill one another, while Allah says: O ye who believe, do not consume your wealth among yourselves unjustly, unless it be trade based on mutual agreement, and do not kill yourselves. Verily, God is Merciful to you (Quran: 04: 29). The narrator says that (hearing this) Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-As kept quiet for a while and then said: Obey him in so far as he is obedient to God; and disobey him in matters involving disobedience to God. 

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Sahih Muslim

Chapter 45 ( The Book Of The Merits Of The Companions)

Hadith 6217 👇

Amir b Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas reported (on the authority of his father that Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) addressing 'Ali said: You are in the same position with relation to me as Aaron (Harun) was in relation to Moses but with (this explicit difference) that there is no prophet after me. Sa'd said: I had an earnest desire to hear it directly from Sa'd, so I met him and narrated to him what (his son) Amir had narrated to me, whereupon he said: Yes, I did hear it. I said: Did you hear it yourself? Thereupon he placed his fingers upon his ears and said: Yes, and if not, let both my ears become deaf. 

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 Sahih Muslim

Chapter 45 (The Book Of The Merits Of The Companions)

Hadith 6261 👇

 < The family of the Prophet?>

A'isha reported that Allah's Apostle ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) went out one norning wearing a striped cloak of the black camel's hair that there came Hasan b. 'Ali. He wrapped hitn under it, then came Husain and he wrapped him under it along with the other one (Hasan). Then came Fatima and he took her under it, then came 'Ali and he also took him under it and then said: Allah only desires to take away any uncleanliness from you, O people of the household, and purify you (thorough purifying). [33:33].

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Sahih Muslim

Chapter 45 (The Book Of The Merits Of The Companions)

Hadith 6488 👇

Abu Sa'id reported there was some quarrel between Khalid bin Walid and Abd al-Rahman bin 'Auf and Khalid abused him. Thereupon Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) said: None should abuse my Companions [ Sahaba who accepted Islam first ], for, if one amongst you [ Khalid and other Sahaba who accepted Islam very late ] were to spend as much gold as Uhud, it would not amount to as much as one mudd of one of them or half of it. 

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Sahih Muslim

Chapter 45 (The Book Of The Merits Of The Companions)

Hadith 6229  👇      

 < Mu'awiya party used to abuse Hazret Ali >

 Sahl b. Sa`d reported that a person from the offspring of Marwan was appointed as the governor of Medina. He called Sahl b. Sa`d and ordered him to abuse `Ali. Sahl refused to do that. He (the governor) said to him:If you do not agree to it (at least) say: May Allah curse Abu Turab. Sahl said: There was no name dearer to `Ali than Abu Turab (for it was given to him by the Prophet himself) and he felt delighted when he was called by this name. He (the governor) said to him: Narrate to us the story of his being named as Abu Turab. He said: Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) came to the house of Fatima and he did not find `Ali in the house; whereupon he said: Where is your uncle's son? She said: (There cropped up something) between me and him which had annoyed him with me. He went out and did not rest here. Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) asked a person to find out where he was. He came and said: Allah's Messenger, he is sleeping in the mosque. Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) came to him and found him lying in the mosque and saw that his mantle had slipped from his back and his back was covered with dust and Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) began to wipe it away from him (from the body of Hadrat `Ali) saying: Get up, covered with dust (Abu Turab); get up, covered with dust. 

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 Sahih Muslim

Chapter 45 (The Book Of The Merits Of The Companions)

Hadith 6220 👇

Amir b. Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas reported on the authority of his father that Muawiya b. Abi Sufyan 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 ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) 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 camels. I heard Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) say about 'Ali as he left him behind 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 ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) 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 had 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 ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) called 'Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain and said: O Allah, they are my family. 

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Sahih Bukhari

Book 64 , Kitabul Magazi 

Chapter 43

Hadith 4251 👇

He [ The Prophet PBUH] then said to `Ali, "You are from me, and I am from you.'' 

وَقَالَ لِعَلِيٍّ ‏"‏ أَنْتَ مِنِّي وَأَنَا مِنْكَ.

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Sahih Muslim

Chapter 1 , the book of faith 

Hadith 240   👇

  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. 

عَنْ زِرٍّ، قَالَ: قَالَ عَلِيٌّ: وَالَّذِي فَلَقَ الْحَبَّةَ، وَبَرَأَ النَّسَمَةَ، إِنَّهُ لَعَهْدُ النَّبِيِّ الْأُمِّيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِلَيَّ: «أَنْ لَا يُحِبَّنِي إِلَّا مُؤْمِنٌ، وَلَا يُبْغِضَنِي إِلَّا مُنَافِقٌ»

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Book Sunan Abu Dawood

Chapter 34 Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas)

Hadith No 4131  👇

    

Khalid said: Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib and a man of Banu Asad from the people of Qinnisrin went to Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan. Muawiyah said to al-Miqdam: Do you know that al-Hasan ibn Ali has died? Al-Miqdam recited the Quranic verse We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. A man [ Mu'awiyah] asked him: Do you think it a calamity? He replied: Why should I not consider it a calamity when it is a fact that the Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم used to take him on his lap, saying: This belongs to me and Husayn belongs to Ali? The man of Banu Asad said: (He was) a live coal which Allah has extinguished. Al-Miqdam said: Today I shall continue to make you angry and make you hear what you dislike. He then said: Muawiyah, if I speak the truth, declare me true, and if I tell a lie, declare me false. He said: Do so. He said: I adjure you by Allah, did you hear the Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم forbidding use to wear gold? He replied: Yes. He said: I adjure you by Allah, do you know that the Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم prohibited the wearing of silk? He replied: Yes. He said: I adjure you by Allah, do you know that the Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم prohibited the wearing of the skins of beasts of prey and riding on them? He said: Yes. He said: I swear by Allah, I saw all this in your house, O Muawiyah. Muawiyah said: I know that I cannot be saved from you, O Miqdam. Khalid said: Muawiyah then ordered to give him what he did not order to give to his two companions, and gave a stipend of two hundred (dirhams) to his son. Al-Miqdam then divided it among his companions, and the man of Banu Asad did not give anything to anyone from the property he received. When Muawiyah was informed about it, he said: Al-Miqdam is a generous man; he has an open hand (for generosity). The man of Banu Asad withholds his things in a good manner.

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Sahih Bukhari

Chapter 63 The Virtues And Merits Of The Companions Of The Prophet

Hadith 3753 👇

  Narrated Ibn Abi Nu'm: A person asked `Abdullah bin `Umar whether a Muslim could kill flies. I heard him saying (in reply). The people of Iraq are asking about the killing of flies while they themselves murdered the son of the daughter of Allah's Apostle . The Prophet said, They (i.e. Hasan and Husain) are my two sweet flowers in this world.

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Sahih Bukhari

Chapter 63 The Virtues And Merits Of The Companions Of The Prophet

Hadith 3748👇

Narrated Muhammad: Anas bin Malik said, The head of Al-Husain was brought to 'Ubaidullah bin Ziyad (the Iraqi governor of Yazid bin Mu'awiya) and was put in a tray, and then Ibn Ziyad started playing with a stick at the nose and mouth of Al-Husain's head and saying something about his handsome features. Anas then said (to him), Al-Husain resembled the Prophet more than the others did. Anas added, His (i.e. Al-Husain's) hair was dyed with Wasma (i.e. a kind of plant used as a dye).

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Syedna Ibrahim Nakhaee narrates: "If (suppose that) I were amongst those who killed Syedna Husain, then (suppose that) I was forgiven by Allah and I entered Paradise; I would be ashamed to pass by the Prophet, lest he should look in my face (that this was the killer of Syedna Husain)." 

👆[Source: Mojam Al Kabeer for Tabrani: 2829, Sheikh Zubair Ali Zai said in Fazail e Sahaba: Its chain is authentic]

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Sahih al-Bukhari 

Hadith 2812

Book 56, chapter 17 👇

Narrated `Ikrima: That Ibn `Abbas told him and `Ali bin `Abdullah to go to Abu Sa`id and listen to some of his narrations; So they both went (and saw) Abu Sa`id and his brother irrigating a garden belonging to them. When he saw them, he came up to them and sat down with his legs drawn up and wrapped in his garment and said, "(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 (ﷺ) 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." 

Note: Ammar was martyred by the forces of Mu'awiya in the Battle of Siffin in 657 CE. If the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a true prophet and if Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain authentic Ahadith, then there is no doubt that Mu'awiya was wrong and Hazrat Ali was right. This is my opinion, but the final judgment belongs to Allah alone.  

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Appeal: 

Muslim scholars and Molvis have made Islamic history so confusing to protect their respective sects and institutions that it is almost impossible for an ordinary Muslim to decide what to support and what to oppose. My appeal to you all is to stick to the Holy Quran and Hadith and love the family and close companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

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The End Of Mu'awiya rule/ Umayyid Dynasty? (661 CE - 750 CE)

Abu al-'Abbās As-Saffāh [ Abd Allah] a descendant of the prophet Muhammad's uncle, Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, played a pivotal role in ending the Umayyad dynasty. The Umayyid Dynasty, founded by Mu'awiya and Yazid after the martyrdom of Hazret Hussain and his family at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, faced significant opposition over the years. The saying "neither day rules forever nor night" reflects the inevitable changes in Muslim history. 

In early October 749 (132 AH), As-Saffāh's rebel army entered Kufa, a significant Umayyid  center in Southern Iraq. At this time, As-Saffah had not yet been declared caliph. His primary goal was to eliminate his Umayyad rival, caliph Marwan II. Marwan II was defeated in February 750 at the Battle of the Great Zab River, north of Baghdad, effectively ending the Umayyad Dynasty which had ruled since the martyrdom of Hazret Hussain.  Marwan II fled to Damascus, where he was unwelcome and was ultimately killed  in Egypt that August.

As-Saffāh became the first Abbasid ruler, but he did not receive the pledge of allegiance from the people until after the Umayyad ruler and many of his princes were killed. One of his significant decisions was establishing Kufa as the new capital of the caliphate, ending Damascus's dominance in the Islamic political world. Iraq would become the seat of Abbasid power for many centuries. 

 Na gor-e-Sikandar, na hain qaber-e-Dara

Mitte namiyu Kay Nishan kaise kaise 

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Conclusion: If this case were presented today in the International Court of Justice, the judges would likely conclude that both Shia and Sunni communities have propagated numerous falsehoods about this event. The Shia community often seeks to prove that Mu'awiya was entirely wrong, while the Sunni community attempts to show that Mu'awiya was entirely right. Despite these differences, both sects deeply love and respect Hazrat Hussain and Hazrat Ali. 

Ordinary Muslims should be cautious about fully trusting historical accounts or the words of religious leaders without scrutiny. Instead, they should rely primarily on the Hadith and the Qur'an for understanding the lives and actions of the companions of Hazrat Muhammad [PBUH]. It is important to learn from this historical event without passing judgments or abusing those who have passed away. A true follower of Hussain will always fight for the justice of the oppressed, and a true opponent of Yazid will never harm others to protect personal interests.

Learn the important lessons from this historical event and refrain from casting aspersions and using abusive language. Stop giving judgements.  Let Allah be the judge of who will enter Heaven and who will face punishment in Hell.

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Miscellaneous Points:  

I) List of the People Who Declared Themselves to Be Prophets Soon After the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] Passed Away:

It is true that the first Caliphs of Muslims were pious Muslims, but none of them was great enough to completely replace the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]. That is a reason that things went down with Islam soon after the Prophet's demise. According to "The History of Islam" by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi, about a dozen individuals declared themselves prophets around the time of Prophet Muhammad's [PBUH] death and during the first Caliphate of Abu Bakr. The notable ones include:

1. Musaylima (Musaylima al-Kadhdhab): He lived in Yamama, present-day Saudi Arabia, and was defeated in the Battle of Yamama.

2. Sajah bint al-Harith: She lived in Najd, present-day Saudi Arabia. She declared herself to be a prophetess and married Musaylima.

3. Tulayha ibn Khuwaylid: He was from Asad, present-day Saudi Arabia. He was defeated during the Ridda wars and later repented and returned to Islam.

4. Al-Aswad al-Ansi (Abhala ibn Ka'b al-Ansi): He was from Yemen and was assassinated by his own followers.

5. Laqit ibn Malik (Dhu’l-Taj): He was from Oman and was killed during the Ridda wars. 

II) Are Hazrat Ali and Mu'awiya equal in status?

The following series of questions and their answers will shed significant light on this topic, insha'Allah. However, as ordinary Muslims, our duty is to learn about the Heroes of Islam, not to judge them. Let Allah decide who will enter Paradise and who will not: 

1. When was the first verse of the Holy Quran revealed?

   — The first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed in 610 CE.

2. Who were the first Muslims?

   — Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq and Zayd ibn Harithah were among the first Muslims. They all accepted Islam in 610/11 CE. 

3. When did Hazrat Ali accept Islam?

   — Hazrat Ali accepted Islam in 610 CE, at the age of about 10.

4. Who were the leaders of the Muslims and the non-Muslims in the Battle of Badr?

   — The leader of the Muslims was Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and the leader of the non-Muslims was Abu Jahl.

5. Who were the leaders of the Muslims and the non-Muslims in the Battle of Uhud?

   — The leader of the Muslims was Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and the leader of the non-Muslims was Abu Sufyan ibn Harb [Father of Mu'awiya].

6. Who were the leaders of the Muslims and the non-Muslims in the Battle of the Trench?

   — The leader of the Muslims was Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and the leader of the non-Muslims was Abu Sufyan ibn Harb [Father of Mu'awiya].

7. When was Makkah conquered by Hazrat Muhammad [PBUH]? 

   — Makkah was conquered by him in 630 CE.

8. When did the parents of Mu'awiya and Mu'awiya himself enter the fold of Islam?

   — Mu'awiya and his parents, Abu Sufyan and Hind, accepted Islam after the conquest of Makkah in 630 CE. {In the Battle of Badr in 624 CE, Mu'awiya's elder brother Hanzala and their maternal grandfather, Utba ibn Rabi'a, were killed. In the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE, Mu'awiya's mother, Hind bint Utba, mutilated the body of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) uncle (Hamzah) and tried to chew his heart.}

9. Why did Khalid ibn al-Walid abuse Abdur Rehman bin Auf?

   — Khalid ibn al-Walid once abused Abdur Rahman ibn Auf , but the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] reprimanded Khalid. Khalid bin Waleed accepted Islam shortly after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which was signed in 628 CE. He embraced Islam in 629 CE. Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Auf was one of the earliest converts to Islam, accepting the faith around 611 CE.

Abu Sa'id reported there was some quarrel between Khalid b. Walid and Abd al-Rahman b. 'Auf and Khalid reviled him. Thereupon Allah's Messwger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) said:

None should revile my Companions. for if one amongst you were to spend as much gold as Uhud, it would not amount to as much as one mudd of one of them or half of it.  

Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 6488 [ INT. 2541]

10. What were the first and last Verses of the Quran?

   — The first verse revealed was from Surah Al-Alaq (96:1): "Read in the name of your Lord who created."

 The last verse of the Holy Quran revealed to the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] is widely considered to be Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 281:

"And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged."

(2:281)

Some scholars also consider Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 3, which states, "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion," to be among the final revelations.

11. How much Quran was revealed from 630 CE to 632 CE? And, how much Quran was written down by Mu'awiya as some modern Muslims proudly call him 'Katib-e-Wahi'?

   — A significant portion of the Quran was revealed between 630 CE and 632 CE. The exact amount written down by Mu'awiya is not specified. 

12. Which Scribe, '' Katib-e-wahi '' of the prophet Muhammad [PBUH] apostatized? 

— The scribe of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who apostatized was Abdullah ibn Abi Sarh. He initially embraced Islam and served as a scribe, but later he renounced his faith and fled to Mecca, where he joined the Quraysh against the Muslims.

After the Conquest of Mecca, Abdullah ibn Abi Sarh was initially condemned to death. However, he was later granted amnesty after seeking refuge with his sister, who was married to the Prophet’s companion, Uthman ibn Affan. Uthman interceded on his behalf, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) agreed to pardon him. Abdullah ibn Abi Sarh continued to live among the Muslims afterward, but his apostasy and subsequent return remain a notable part of early Islamic history.

III) Some of the most notable scribes 'Katibeen-e-Wahi' of the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] are listed according to their prominence and status: 

Although the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to memorize the Quran orally and would also help his companions memorize it orally. The Quran was preserved on various materials such as paper, animal skins, bones, tree leaves etc. Generally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would have the Quran written by his esteemed companions such as Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar, Uthman and Ali, among others. However, different traditions mention that the number of scribes of revelation was counted up to forty. Among the most notable are:

‌- Abu Bakr Siddiq

‌- Umar ibn al-Khattab

‌- Uthman ibn Affan

‌- Ali ibn Abi Talib

‌- Ubayy ibn Ka'b

‌- Abdullah ibn Abi Sarh

‌- Zubair ibn al-Awwam

‌- Khalid ibn Sa'id

‌- Aban ibn Sa'id ibn al-As

‌- Hanthala ibn Rabee'

‌- Maymun ibn Abi Fatimah

‌- Abdullah ibn Arqam

‌- Sharhabil ibn Hasnah

‌- Abdullah ibn Rawaaha 

‌- Aamir ibn Fuhairah

‌- Amr ibn al-As

‌- Thabit ibn Qais

‌- Mughira ibn Shu'bah

- Khalid ibn al-Waleed

‌- Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan 

‌- Zaid ibn Thabit 

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IV) Letter From Hazret Ali To Mu`awiyah (ibn Abu Sufyan)

''Verily, those who swore allegiance to Abu Bakr, Umar and Othman have sworn allegiance to me on the same basis on which they swore allegiance to them. Whoever was present had no choice (to consider), and whoever was absent had no right to reject, and consultation was confined to the Muhajirun and the Ansar. If they agree on an

individual and take him to be the Caliph, it will be deemed to imply seeking Allah’s pleasure. If anyone keeps away by way of demonstrating his objection or for innovation, they will return him to the status from

where he kept away. If he refuses, they will fight him for following a course other than that of the believers, and Allah will put him back from where he had run away. By my life, O Mu`awiyah, if you see with your brain without any passion, you will find me the most innocent of all with regard to Othman’s blood, and you will surely know that I was in seclusion from him, unless you conceal what is quite open to you. Then you may commit an outrage (on me) as you like, and that is the end of the matter.'' >

Commentry by Martyr Ayatollah Murtada Mutahhari

 When all the people of Medina swore allegiance to Imam Ali ibn

Abu Talib (RA), Mu`awiyah refused to go along, fearing his own power being jeopardized and to contest Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib’s caliphate. He concocted the excuse that it had not been agreed upon unanimously and that, therefore, after canceling it, there should be another general election, although the caliphate from which (the process of) election was started was the result of a timely situation. There was no question about the common vote so it could be called the result of the people’s election. Rather, it was imposed on the people and assumed to be their verdict. From then, it became a principle that whoever the nobles of Medina elected will be deemed to represent the entire world of Islam; nobody would be allowed to question it, whether he was present at the time of election or not. In any case, after the establishment of this principle, Mu`awiyah had no right to propose a re-election nor to refuse the swearing of allegiance when he had in practice recognized these caliphates which, it was alleged, had been settled by the important people of Medina. That is why when he alleged this election was unbinding, refusing to swear allegiance, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) pointed out to him the (recognized) way of election and smashed his argument. It was a method known as arguing with the adversary on the basis of his wrong premises so as to refute his argument, since Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) never at any stage regarded consultation (with the chiefs) or the common vote to be the criterion of validity of the caliphate. Otherwise, with regard to the caliphate, about which it is alleged that they were based on the unanimity of the Muhajirun and the Ansar, he would have regarded that unanimity of vote as a sound authority, holding it as valid. But his refusal of the swearing of allegiance in the very first period, which could not be denied by anyone, is a proof of the fact that he did not regard these self-concocted methods as the criterion of (validity of) the caliphate. That is why at all times he continued pressing his own case for the caliphate, which was also established on the basis of the Prophet’s statements and actions. However, to place it before Mu`awiyah meant opening the door to questions and answers. He, therefore, attempted to convince him of his own premises and beliefs so that there could be no scope for interpretation nor for confusing the matter. In fact, the real objective of Mu`awiyah was to prolong the matter so that at some point his own authority might gain some support. 

[ Source: Letter 6, page 713,Nahjul-Balagha] 

Ten takeaways (Important points) to be learnt from this letter by Hazret Ali to Mu'awiyah: 

1. Legitimacy of Allegiance: Hazret Ali asserts that his caliphate is legitimate, being established through the same process that appointed Hazraat Abu Bakr, Umar and Othman, involving the Muhajirun and Ansar's consensus. Thus, we also learnt from this letter that Hazret Ali had no objection to the Caliphate of Hazraat Abu Bakr, Umar and Othman as they were elected by a process endorsed by Hazret Ali himself here in this letter. 

2. Binding Nature of Allegiance: The allegiance given to the caliph by the people of Medina is binding, leaving no room for rejection from those absent during the decision. 

3. Consequences of Rejection: If anyone rejects the allegiance based on innovation or objections, they must be brought back to the community's consensus. If they resist, they should be fought against to preserve the unity and course of the believers.

4. Defense Against Accusations: Imam Ali defends himself against the accusation of being involved in Othman's assassination, emphasizing his innocence and distance from the event.

5. Critique of Mu'awiyah's Motives: 

Mu'awiyah's refusal to accept Hazret Ali's caliphate is portrayed as driven by personal ambition and fear of losing power rather than genuine concern for the community. He did not kill anyone or punish anyone involved in Hazret Uthman's assassination after Hazret Hasan handed over the right to Caliphate to him. 

6. Historical Context of Caliphate Elections: The commentary explains the historical context in which caliphs were elected by the prominent people of Medina, setting a precedent that Mu'awiyah himself had acknowledged by recognizing previous caliphs i.e Hazraat Abu Bakr, Umar and Othman

7. Invalidity of Re-election Demand: Hazret Ali argues that Mu'awiyah's demand for a re-election is invalid since he had accepted the legitimacy of previous caliphs chosen by the same process.

8. Hazret Ali's Position on Caliphate Validity: Despite engaging with Mu'awiyah on his terms, Hazret Ali did not fundamentally believe in the legitimacy of the caliphate based solely on consultation or common vote, but rather on divine and prophetic endorsement.

9. Strategic Argumentation: Every Muslim believes that Hazret Ali was a million times wiser and more pious than Hazret Mu'awiya. However, they both had serious misunderstandings about certain things that led them to the battlefield. In this letter, Hazret Ali uses Mu'awiyah's own premises to refute his arguments, aiming to leave no room for misinterpretation or confusion. 

10. Mu'awiyah's True Intentions: The commentary suggests that Mu'awiyah's ultimate goal was to delay and prolong the dispute in hopes of strengthening his own position and authority over time.

 

Disclaimer: I, Sahil Sharifdin Bhat, am a student of Islam. I read Islamic books written by Muslims from different areas and times to understand Islam better. I may be wrong in interpreting certain things, or I may interpret them correctly. However, fans or readers of my books and write-ups must use their heads too.

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Questions for the thoughtful people:

Q.1.Would you ever consider naming any of your children 'Yazid'?

Q.2. Hypothetically, whom would you support if there were a battle between Hussain (RA) and Yazid again?

Q.3. When Hamzah was martyred in the Battle of Uhud, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) wept loudly for several days. He did not weep annually over his uncle Hamzah's martyrdom. Should Muslims mourn annually over the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain, who is in Jannat ul Firdous today?

Q.4. Should we annually weep over those who are in Jannah?

Or 

Should we feel proud of our martyrs or weep annually over their martyrdom? 

Q.5. How should we deal with Muslims who publicly praise Yazid? 

Q.6. Is it alright to abuse Hazret Mu'awiyah? 

Q.7. Are we qualified to solve the conflicts which were not solved in the last 1500 years of Muslim history? 

Q. 8. Is it alright to say that one Hazret Ali is worth one billion Hazret Mu'awiyahs ? 

Q. 9. Why did no Sunni Molvi or Mujahid avenge the martyrdom of Hazret Hussain? Why is Mukhtar al-Thaqafi labelled a Shia? 

10. If Hazrat Umar had not been a good Muslim, the Lion of Allah, Hazrat Ali, would never have married his beloved daughter Zaynab al-Ṣughrā to him. Do you agree? 

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Questions answered by Sahil Sharifdin Bhat since 2024 :

Question 01: It is not written in any Hadith or historical book that Yazid directly killed Hazret  Hussain (RA). So why do you hold Yazid responsible?

Answer: If an influential person is martyred or killed in a part of a country, and the president or the prime minister of that country does not punish the killers, should we not hold that president or prime minister accountable? Wasn't Yazid the caliph of the Muslims at that time? Did not the governor of Kufa and his associates—such as Ibn Ziyad, Umar ibn Sa'ad, and Shimr—work under Yazid? Was any punishment meted out to the perpetrators of the martyrdom of Hazret Hussain (RA) by Yazid? Yazid’s silence regarding this great martyrdom loudly indicates that Yazid is responsible for the martyrdom of Hazret Hussain.

Let’s assume that Yazid did not order the killing or martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA). However, Yazid was the caliph of all Muslims (except for Mecca) at that time. Did Yazid punish the killers of Imam Hussain (RA)? Under Yazid’s caliphate, the killers of Imam Hussain lived a life of luxury.

When the Roman governor Sharjeel ibn Amr martyred a envoy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Harith ibn Umayr (may Allah be pleased with him), near Muta on the way to Basra, the Muslim ruler, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), waged a war against the entire Roman Empire in 8 AH. This war is known as the Battle of Muta in Islamic history. The ruler of the Muslims waged a great war over the martyrdom of a common companion, Harith ibn Umayr, but Yazid, the ruler at the time of Imam Hussain's martyrdom, remained completely silent. Today’s Mullas and Muftis consider Yazid innocent and blameless. If the ruler of the Muslims cannot protect the family of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then he is not a ruler but rather a devil, an enemy of Islam. That’s why perhaps a poet said:

"The martyrdom of Hussain was essentially the death of Yazid;

Islam is energized by battles like  Karbala."

Question.02.Do not listen to scholars like Engineer Ali Mirza  and other Muslims who criticize Hazrat Muawiya and his beloved son 'yazid'. They are less educated and will mislead you. Does this mean we should only listen to those who have studied in Barelvi, Deobandi or Al-Hadees madrasas? Does it mean that if an illiterate person says that two plus two equals four, we should reject his answer because he has no educational degree from any famous educational institute?

Answer; If someone comes to fight and kill you and your relatives with a sword, that person is evil and wrong according to your common sense. However, according to Sunni scholars, if a small Sahabi fights a great Sahabi and close relative of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), such as Hazrat Ali, that person is deemed innocent. What kind of logic is this?

Why did Muawiya fight Hazrat Ali? The reason given by Sunni scholars is that Muawiya wanted to punish the killers of Hazrat Uthman. But did Muawiya punish the killers of Hazrat Uthman after the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Hasan? The answer is no. It is clear that Muawiya had nothing to do with the assassination of Hazrat Uthman; all he cared about was his throne. That is common sense.  You don't need to do research on such an issue. 

It is claimed that scholars like Maulana Maududi and Engineer Ali are less educated than those who tried or try to prove that Muawiya and Yazid were innocent. Does that mean we have to be kind to the people who fought and killed the family of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Shame on such cowardly Sunnis who don't have the guts to speak the truth.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised Muslims to convey to others even if they know only one verse  or one Hadith. [ Balliggu Anni wa Lau aayah.]  He also advised them to accept good teachings even if they come from the devil. [ The devil advised Abu Hurairah to recite Aayat ul Kursi daily.] The speaker is not important in Islam; rather, the speech is important.  If the speech is true, accept it; if it is untrue, reject it. Anyone who says that Yazid was a good person or that Muawiya was better than Hazrat Ali is a hypocrite. Do not find faults with people like Maulana Maududi and Engineer Ali Mirza. Instead, focus on what they say. The words of the speaker should be scrutinized, not the personal life or educational degrees of the speaker. Any educational degree or academic certificate can be bought and sold in modern times. Therefore, don't worry about the speakers; worry about their speeches.

It is not our job to judge whether Muawiya and Yazid will enter Paradise; that is up to Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). Our job is to speak the truth and support the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his close family. This is what makes us good Muslims. The family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) can never be wrong, and narrow-minded and hypocritical views  by cowards should not be accepted. I am certain that Hazrat Ali was right. He was called 'the door of wisdom' by the Prophet himself. However, I leave the judgment of Muawiya to Allah. I am a Muslim and I don't abuse or curse anyone. 

The modern-day Sunni youth will no longer be misled by false scholars. Speak the truth or be ready for the consequences of speaking lies against the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The modern Sunni youth will hold these lying scholars accountable.

Question.03 Has the prophet Muhammad [PBUH] predicted that Mu'awiya and Yazid  will be Caliphs of Muslims? 

Answer: 

Fact:Abu Sufyan ibn Harb [ Father of Mu'awiya] was from the tribe of Quraish. Abd Manaf was the great-great-grandfather of both the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and Abu Sufyan, making Abu Sufyan a distant cousin of the Prophet. 

Hadith 01: It  has been narrated on the authority of Jabir b. Samura who said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Islam will continue to be triumphant until there have been twelve Caliphs. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said something which I could not understand. I asked my father: What did he say? He said: He has said that all of them (twelve Caliphs) will be from the Quraish.

Sahih Muslim 

Book 33 [The Book on Government]

Hadith 1821 

حَدَّثَنَا هَدَّابُ بْنُ خَالِدٍ الأَزْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ سِمَاكِ بْنِ حَرْبٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ جَابِرَ بْنَ سَمُرَةَ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏"‏ لاَ يَزَالُ الإِسْلاَمُ عَزِيزًا إِلَى اثْنَىْ عَشَرَ خَلِيفَةً ‏"‏ ‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ كَلِمَةً لَمْ أَفْهَمْهَا فَقُلْتُ لأَبِي مَا قَالَ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ كُلُّهُمْ مِنْ قُرَيْشٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Hadith 02: Safinah reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying:

The caliphate of Prophecy [ Caliphate on the patten of prophethood] will last thirty years; then Allah will give the Kingdom to whom he wishes; or his kingdom to whom he wishes.

Sunan Abi Dawud

Hadith  4647 [ Hasan Hadith by Albani] 

  Chapter 42 [ Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah) ]  

Hadith 03:Sa'eed bin Jumhan narrated:

"Safinah narrated to me, he said: 'The Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) said: "Al-Khilafah will be in my Ummah for thirty years, then there will be monarchy after that."' Then Safinah said to me: 'Count the Khilafah of Abu Bakr,' then he said: 'Count the Khilafah of 'Umar and the Khilafah of 'Uthman.' Then he said to me: 'Count the Khilafah of 'Ali."' He said: "So we found that they add up to thirty years." Sa'eed said: "I said to him: 'Banu Umaiyyah claim that the Khilafah is among them.' He said: 'Banu Az-Zarqa' lie, rather they are a monarchy, among the worst of monarchies."'

Book : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 

Hadith 2226

33 Chapters On Al-Fitan

Sub-Chapter 48: What Has Been Related About Al-Khilafah  

Grade: Hasan ( by Darussalam)

عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُمْهَانَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي سَفِينَةُ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ الْخِلاَفَةُ فِي أُمَّتِي ثَلاَثُونَ سَنَةً ثُمَّ مُلْكٌ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي سَفِينَةُ أَمْسِكْ خِلاَفَةَ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَخِلاَفَةَ عُمَرَ وَخِلاَفَةَ عُثْمَانَ ‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي أَمْسِكْ خِلاَفَةَ عَلِيٍّ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَوَجَدْنَاهَا ثَلاَثِينَ سَنَةً ‏.‏ قَالَ سَعِيدٌ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ إِنَّ بَنِي أُمَيَّةَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّ الْخِلاَفَةَ فِيهِمْ ‏.‏ قَالَ كَذَبُوا بَنُو الزَّرْقَاءِ بَلْ هُمْ مُلُوكٌ مِنْ شَرِّ الْمُلُوكِ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ عُمَرَ وَعَلِيٍّ قَالاَ لَمْ يَعْهَدِ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي الْخِلاَفَةِ شَيْئًا ‏.‏ وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ قَدْ رَوَاهُ غَيْرُ وَاحِدٍ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُمْهَانَ وَلاَ نَعْرِفُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ حَدِيثِ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُمْهَانَ.  

To conclude, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) predicted that twelve Caliphs will be from the Quraish, but he did not say they would rule Muslims consecutively. Therefore, we cannot include Mu'awiya, Yazid, and their successors in the list of the twelve predicted Caliphs. The rest and best is known by Allah alone.

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Courtesy: Sahil Sharifdin Bhat 

Dua: May Allah bless Sahil Sharifdin Bhat with emaan, health, knowledge, honour, grace and wealth for sharing this important information! 

Say Ameen!