1. Understanding the Differences amongst the Companions Session 2 Aamir bin Abdullah Tamimi

2. Aamir b Abdullah Tamimi was an eminent Muslim who settled in Busrah. He was intensely religious, and would pray the whole night. Being too much absorbed in religious devotions, he was cut off from the world around him much like Abu Dharr was. He became critical of the irreligious ways of life of the people around him, and the people felt unhappy at his biting criticism. The Governor of Basra complained against him to Uthman, and Uthman directed that 'Aamir b Abdullah be sent to Syria.

3. He has him sent to syria because this is where Muawiyah was Governor. Abdullah Tamimi was lodged in the main mosque at Damascus, and Muawiyahkept a watch over him. ● One of the complaints against 'Aamir was that he did not eat meat. So one day Muawiyah invited 'Aamir to dinner at which meat was served. 'Aamir duly partook of the dish of meat. That convinced Muawiyah that this allegation against 'Aamir was false. ● Another allegation against 'Aamir was that he did not offer Friday prayers. Muawiyah posted some persons to spy on the activities of 'Aamir with regard to Friday prayers. It was reported by these agents that 'Aamir did attend the Friday prayers, but he came last of all, took his seat in the last row and would then leave the mosque before others. ● This showed the wisdom of Uthman and Muawiyah. Before believing the allegations made about a person, investigate to see if they are true as Allah tells us to do in the Quran: ● “O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar - evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done. “ (Quran 46:6)

4. Aamir was a single man so Muawiya h asked him why he had chosen to not marry ● 'Aamir said that he had no objection to marriage, but he felt that as he spent most of his time in prayers, no woman would be happy with him. He said that if he came across any woman who would agree to pray with him, he would be glad to marry her. ● Muawiyah felt convinced that in the circumstances, 'Aamir could not be held guilty of his opposition to marriage. ● Muawiyah then reported to Uthman that the complaints against 'Aamir were not established. Uthman ordered that in the circumstances 'Aamir was free to return Basra, or go anywhere else at his discretion. ● 'Aamir refused to go back to Basra to the people who had lied on him so he e remained in Syria, and participated in the Jihad against Byzantine.

5. The people of Kufa heard about Aamir and invited him to come there to live ● 'Aamir visited Kufa in response to the invitation and the people welcomed him, and humored him in his eccentricities. ● They found that being intensely religious, 'Aamir was critical of the luxurious style of the government of Uthman. They also found that 'Aamir was bitter against Uthman for having exiled him from Basra for no cause. ● The people of Kufa exploited this position, and fed 'Aamir on imaginary tales about the lapses of Uthman and his government. That aroused the indignation of 'Aamir, and he declared that such a man had no right to be the Caliph. Some one suggested that the best Jihad for a man of the caliber of 'Aamir was to tell Uthman in the face that he was not fit to be the Caliph and should resign

6. And so this is often the case even today ● The hypocrites always lay waiting for any bad news they hear against someone they hate and then like vultures they attach themselves and set out to destroy the person. ● The hypocrites of Kufa used Aamir for this. They egged him on to be the one to face Uthman and rebuke him. ● 'Aamir said that he was not afraid of any one except God, and that he had the courage to tell Uthman in the face that he was not fit to be the Caliph. ● The people of Kufa declared their faith in 'Aamir, and chose him to be their emissary to go to Madina and speak to Uthman. ' ● Aamir agreed to undertake the mission ● Aamir agreed to undertake the mission.

7. So Aamir set out from Kufa to Madina and requested to meet with Uthman 'Aamir saw Uthman, and told him bluntly that he was not fit to be the Caliph and should resign. Uthman said that as the Caliph his responsibility was to Allah and not to any person. As Allah had clothed him with the office of the caliphate, he could not withdraw from the office at the behest of any person. He added that he had held the office for over ten years, and during this period he had served the Muslims to the best of his ability. Extensive conquests had been made during his time. The State had become financially prosperous under him. He had increased the stipends of the people; the Baitul Mal was full, and he had discharged the duties of his office honestly and conscientiously. He told Aamir Under the circumstances unless any specific charges were established against him, he could not and would not resign.

8. 'Aamir insisted that charges or no charges, he had forfeited the right to rule, and should step down of his own free will or he would be removed by force. That was pure sedition on the part of 'Aamir and hot words were exchanged between the two, but to show how just Uthman was, all he did was ban the return of Aamir to Kufa, the place that seeded him with these bad thoughts, and instead sent him back to Syria and told Muawaiyah to care for him and keep an eye on him Such is the nature of those who are righteous. Despite the disrespect and lies of others, the Righteous try to remain just and upright hoping that Allah will mend the broken fences and guide the rebellious ones back to the truth Again, this wisdom would later lead to the downfall of Uthman

9. Aamir b Abdullah Tamimi in pressing the demand for the abdication of Uthman had advanced no arguments. Uthman had turned down the demand for cogent reasons. Nevertheless these altercations poisoned the political atmosphere in Madina Barring a few persons who espoused the cause of Uthman strongly, the other companions were either critical or preferred to remain indifferent. Uthman discussed the matter with Ali. Ali talked in cautious and diplomatic terms. He neither came forward to support Uthman through thick or thin; nor did he support the rebels. He was however critical of the leniency of Uthman. He said that because of such leniency on the part of Uthman, the Governors in the provinces had become headstrong, and they were following policies which were not approved by the people. Ali was also critical that under Uthman high office under the State had been monopolized by the Umayyads to the great dissatisfaction of the other sections of the people. Uthman gave his defense, but this did not make Ali change his views. Uthman stuck to the view that he had done no wrong, and he had become a victim of false propaganda Uthman gave his defense, but this did not make Ali change his views. Uthman stuck to the view that he had done no wrong, and he had become a victim of false propaganda.

10. The differences between Uthman and Ali pointed to the fact that something had gone wrong with the Muslim polity, and that the Muslims were no longer a united community. ● The disruption of unity amongst the Muslims set Uthman thinking, and in order to overcome the crisis Uthman decided to summon a council of his Governors. ● The Council of Governors met at Madina. Uthman apprised them of his concern at the virulent propaganda that was being carried against the administration, and wanted their suggestions for overcoming the crisis. Abdullah b 'Aamir the Governor of Basra suggested that the persons responsible for making the propaganda should be sent to the borders for undertaking Jihad. Muawiyah suggested that the Governors should be authorized to suppress the sedition movements within their provinces. Abdullah b Saad proposed that the miscreants should be won over by the grant of favors.

11. Amr b Al 'Aas struck a different note. He had a personal grievance against Uthman because he had been removed from the governorship of Egypt. He also had joined forces with Ibn Saba He observed that there could be no improvement in the situation unless Uthman changed his policies, and instead of favoring his relatives appointed the right men to the right job. ● He observed that there could be no improvement in the situation unless Uthman changed his policies, and instead of favoring his relatives appointed the right men to the right job. ● Uthman ordered the Governors to be just and fair, and redress the legitimate grievances of the people. They should, however, take stern measures against the seditionist. ● Uthman appealed to the people in general to remain united. He said that the enemies of Islam were out to subvert Islam by creating dissension in their ranks, and they should be beware of the enemy. Those who wanted to create differences between the people and the administration could be no friends of the Muslims.

12. Uthman took note of the criticism of 'Amr b Al 'Aas Uthman took note of the criticism of 'Amr b Al 'Aas. ● He said that it was for the Caliph as Head of the State to appoint such persons to State offices in whom he had confidence. ● He pointed out that in an Islamic state, high offices were mere burdens, and one should neither covet them, nor feel aggrieved when deprived of any of such office. He added that he had never coveted the caliphate, but once he had been made the Caliph there was no option with him but to discharge the onerous duties of the office according to the best of his ability. ● He assured all concerned that it would be his endeavor to redress the legitimate grievances of the people. He pointed out that at the same time it was the duty of the people not to indulge in false propaganda or lend ear to what was mere hearsay.

13. So thus began the investigations into the charges against Uthman ● The best the hypocrites could come up with against Uthman was nepotism and living a luxurious life- style ● Despite the lies, Uthman tried to accommodate the people by allowing the investigation to go forth ● Tomorrow we will continue with the findings