A Brief History of Islam

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    I looked for a board which dealt with History of Islam, there is none on this forum, I reluctant choose this board as we will be dealing with broad spectrum events, that occurred in last over 1400 yrs. I decided to start from the point in history which was cause of division in Ummah. Not death of Ameerul Momineen Sayedna Hz. Uthamn Al Ghani [may Allah be pleased with him], but nomination of Yazid as Khalifah, thus laying foundation of succession according to some historians who would have us believe that this was a first instance, this not true, Ameerul Momineen Sayedna Hz. Hassan[ra] succeeded his father Ameerul Momineen Sayedna Hz. Ali[ra]. 
" Th first amongst my followers who will invade Ceaser's city will be forgiven their sins." 
[Sahi Al; Bukhari, Vol. I P. 109, Translation by Mohd. muhsin Khan]

It is an irony that one for whome the prophet[saw] had given good tiding of Paradise and who was recognized and accepted as khalifah by not less then 1000 companions[ra] of the prophet[saw] during his life time was later maligned and against whome unfortunatly a triade of most malicious propoganda was made.

Nomination of Yazid as suuccessor to Khilafah was in the best interest of the Ummah. The follower of Ibn Saba who were crushed by Hz. Muawiyah[ra] during his reign vehemently criticised the nomination so much so that it has been generally felt that the namination was in personal interest.

Nomination of succesor Khalifah was not an innovation as there was precedence for it. Hz. Abu Bakr[ra] had nominated Hz. Umar[ra] as his successor. A son succeeding the father was also not objectionable as there was precedence to it. Hz. Hassan[ra] succeeded Hz. Ali[ra] moreover those who bitterly criticised the nomination themselves believed in Imam, most of whome succeeded their fathers. Hz Muawiyah[ra] as a shrewd administrator successfully controlled the rivalries among various Arab Tribes and maintained Balance of power. The Arab Tribes of Syria were divided into two factions.

1. Himairites or [Yemeni] tribes who had settled in Syria earlier then the muslims conquest and considered themselves as sons of the soil.

2. Modharite tribes were those who came as conquerors. Hz. Muawiyah[ra] was considered Modharite. Since his wife belonged to Kalbi tribe Yazid had full sympathy of the Kalbi Tribe. Thus Yazid in his person represented both tribes.

More over Yazid was brought up on tribal atmosphere and had pro-Arab feeling. These feeling were required to oppose the non Arab elements [mostly persian] who were creating trouble for the Islamic state and were responsible for the murder of three Khalifahs.

Before officially declaring Yazid as his successor, Hz. Muawiyah[ra] brought up proposal before Ummah and the muslims from various provinces pledged supoort for the nomination. 50th year of hijra [670 CE] Hz. Muawiyah[ra] himself visited the Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina and brought the proposal to their notice. People of both the cities took oath of allegiance to Yazid. The four prominent persons viz. Abdur Rehman Bin Abu Bakr [ra] Abdullah Bin Umar[ra], Abdullah Bin Zubair[ra] and Hussain Bin Ali[ra], who had earlier opposed the nomination gave their consent by keeping silence. The repost that they kept silent under the threat are not only false but adversely reflect on the integrity of the above four persons.

WILL OF HZ. MUAWIYAH[RA]

In his will Muawiyah[ra] advised Yazid to deal with people of Iraq with caution as they are troublesome. He should not hesitate to frequently change governor if they so desire. The people of Hijaz should be dealt, with utmost courtesy.

Regardin Hussain[ra] Muawiyah[ra] advised that in case the people of Iraq try to gain his support in creating trouble and if he is over powered he should be treated with compassion and respect. Regarding Abdullah Bin Zubair he advised that no compassion should be shown to him. On 22 Rajab 60 hijrah [680 CE] Hz. Muawiyah[ra] breathed his last.

Hz. Muawiyah[ra] great success in restoring the unity and prestige of the Ummah was mainly due to his sincerity of purpose and his extraordinary qualities. He was clear headed, libral, good tempered and political genius. He had quallity of for-bearance and prudent mildness by which he tried to disarm the enemy, and his absolute self-control made him endure all circumstances and the master of any situation. 
YAZID

After death of Hz. Muawiyah[ra], people from various provinces accepted Yazid as Khalifah and took bai'at, Yazid diverted his attention to places where the bai'at was not yet completed. The Khalifah ordered the Governor of Medina to take bai'at from, Abdullah Bin Zubair, Abdullah Bin Umar and Hussain Bin Ali[ra]

Evening of 27th of Rajab the governor called the dignitiaries of Medina. Hussain[ra] sent word that he will take oath of allegiance next mornning in presence of the public but same night he left for Makkah. Similarly Abdullah Bin Zubair[ra] also left for Makkah and took residence in the Haram. Abdullah Bin Umar[ra] sent word that when all the others will take bai'at he will also follow suit. Later he and Abdullah Bin Abbas[ra] to the oath of allegiance.

In Makkah people of Kufa continued to keep contact with Hussain [ra] and letters started comming in large numbers pressing him to come to Kufa and assuring him their full co-operation. Abdullah Bin Zubair[ra] realizing that Hussain[ra] stay in Makkah wouold be dangerous for his future plans advised him to proceed to Kufa.

When Khalilfah recieved reports from Medina, he sent a letter to Abdullah Bin Abbas[ra] who was a senior member of the family of Huaain[ra] requesting him to prevent Hussain[ra] from taking any step which will create discord in the Ummah. On reciept of the letter Abdullah Bin Abbas[ra] sent reply to the Khalifah informing himthat he would suitably advise Hussain[ra] and that hopefully Hussain[ra] will not take any undesirable step
Hussain[ra] stayed in Makkah for over four months. During all the time letter and delegations continued to come from Iraq. The official wee aware of it and kept Khalifah informed but the attitude of the Khallifah was soft. The Iraqies were not stopped from visiting Hussain[ra].

Hussain[ra] could not decide to go. Out of 17 sons of Ali[ra] only five were with Hussain[ra]. The remainning brothers including Muhammad Bin Hanifiyah[rta] did not support Hussian[ra]'s favourable response to the rebellion of Iraq. Outside the family also no one was in support of his intended move. 

Edited by Fatah-Momin