Consultation Regarding the Rebels

The truth is that the rioters wanted to harm the caliphate rather than improving it. In fact this was a wicked attempt to destroy the harmony and unity of the Muslims. This was the situation not only in Kufa and Basra but also in the entire Iraq. This matter could not be handled by transfers and suspension of the officials or punishments. No rectification regarding this matter was sufficient because the agitators were determined to boost sedition whatsoever. When the news of sedition started coming from everywhere, Usman decided to hold a meeting with Ameer Muawiya, Abdullah ibn Sa‟d and some other people in authority and consulted them about the matter. Some suggested to keep people busy in jihad to distract them from upheavals while others thought that if few persons involved in the commotions were arrested and killed, it would put an end to the revolts. Ameer Muawiya suggested that all officials must be made responsible to ensure peace in their respective provinces. He also took upon himself the responsibility to ensure peace in Syria. Abdullah ibn Sa‟d suggested that since all the rebels were greedy so they should be given wealth to put an end to the upheavals. In short, everyone had his own opinion. When agitation against Usman increased, the Companions tried to control the situation. Zayd ibn Thabit and other Companions decided after mutual consultation to send Ali ibn Abi Talib to Usman for discussion on the matter. Thus, Ali went to Usman and said, “People have sent me to you to discuss the matter but I do not know what to say. You are well aware of everything, nothing is concealed from you. You have been in the company of the Holy Prophet, have had conversations with him and are his close relative. You are also his son-in-law.” Then Ali offered some good suggestions to him regarding the matter. Usman responded to him well and then addressed the Muslims in the mosque but this did not reduce the opposition against him.