THE ARBITRATION
At-Tabari narrates the episode of the arbitration as such: ‘ Ali sent four hundred men led by Shurayh Ibn Hane’ Al- Harethi and ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas to lead them in prayer and be in charge of their affairs. Among his delegates was Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari, too. Mu’awiyah sent ‘Amr IbnAl-‘As along with four hundred men from Syria. The two delegations met at Dawmat Al-Jandal. The encounter was witnessed by ‘ Abdullah Ibn ‘ Umar, ‘ Abdullah Ibn Az-Zubayr and Al- Mugheerah Ibn Shu’ bah Ath-Thaqafeyy. The two arbitrators met, whereupon ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘As gave precedence to Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari saying: “You are a companion of the Prophet’s and you are also my elder. So you speak First.” It was ‘ Amr’s plan to let Abu Musa precede him all the way so that he would be First to depose ‘Ali. They contemplated the issue. ‘ Amr suggested that Mu’awiyah be in charge, but Abu Musa rejected. ‘ Amr next suggested his son, and again Abu Musa rejected. Abu Musa, in turn, suggested ‘ Abdullah Ibn Umar, yet ‘ Amr did not accept. ‘ Amr asked him: “What do you think we should do, then?” “I think we should depose both men,” answered Abu Musa, “and leave the whole affair up to Muslims to choose whomever they please.”’Ann* returned, “I agree.”
The two arbitrators then stepped out to speak to the gathered delegates. ‘Amr said: ” Tell them that we have reached an agreement, Abu Musa.” Abu Musa took the floor and spoke saying: “‘Amr and I have agreed on something which we pray shall be to the benefit of this nation.” ‘ Amr commented: “He speaks the truth. Step forward and speak, Abu Musa.” So Abu Musa did. Ibn’Abbas cried: “Woe unto you! 1 swear I think he has deceived you. If you have truly agreed on something, let him break it to us first, then you take the floor. I would not put it beyond him that he only pretended to agree with you, but will object to what you say the moment you step out to address the public.” Abu Musa returned, “We have reached an agreement.”
Abu Musa then stepped forward and took the floor. He started off praising Allah, exalted be He. He then proceeded to say: “Fellow Muslims, we have contemplated the issue and have concluded that nothing would be more beneficial to this nation or would help more to bring it together except one thing that ‘Amr and I have agreed on. We decided to depose both ‘ Ali and Mu’awiyah. So take the matter in your hands and appoint whomever you believe is best suited for the post.” He then stepped down and ‘ Amr took the floor. He began his words by praising Allah and glorifying Him. He then said: “As you heard, Abu Musa has just deposed his friend (i.e. ‘Ali). As for me, I endorse my friend (i.e. Mu’awiyah) as he is ‘ Uthmaan’s companion. He demands that he be avenged and he is the one most entitled to succeed him.”
Just as asking to resort to the arbitration of the Qur’an was a ploy devised by ‘ Amr, the result of the arbitration, too, was a trap on the part of ‘ Amr. Unfortunately, Abu Musa was taken in too easily. He was shocked at this bitter act of betrayal. So he insulted ‘ Amr. ‘ Amr, too, returned the insults. Swear words and libels Hew between the two parties until the gathering broke up. People of Syria went back to Mu’awiyah thinking they won the round. They therefore addressed him as the caliph. ‘ Ali’s supporters went back to Kufah, more dedicated to him and ever more committed. The result of the arbitration only caused them to grow closer to ‘ Ali and to be more confident that he did merit the caliphate.
(Source: Biographies of the Rightly Guided Caliphs )
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