Hujr ibn ‘Adi
al-Kindi was a companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He was sentenced
to death by Muawiya for his unwavering support and praise for (Imam) Ali
(a.s.), the fourth Rashidun Caliph of Islam and the first Imam of the Shias,
when he objected to publicly cursing (as ordered by Muawiya). (WIKIPEDIA)
He was one of the companions of the Commander of the
Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). Naturally he was very pious and reported to perform
one thousand raka’ts of salaat every day and night. He had participated in the
Battles of Siffeen and Nahravan. In the battle of Nahravan, he was the
commander of the right wing of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s army.
In an effort to eradicate “freedom of expression”, Muawiya
started with killing of Hujr ibne Adi, who was a famous “Tabi’I” and a
respectable companion of Imam Ali (a.s.). During the time of Muawiya, when Imam
Ali (a.s.) was being cursed from the pulpits of the mosques, it caused a great
pain and grief to the Muslims, but people were patient. However, Hujr could not
bear this anymore hence he started praising Imam Ali (a.s.) and cursed Muawiya.
When Mugheera became the governor of Kufa, he ascended the
pulpit and abused Imam Ali (a.s.) and his Shias. He stood up and recited the Ayah 135 of Surah al-Nisa: “Believers, be
the supporters of justice and testify to what you may have witnessed, for the
sake of Allah, even against yourselves, whether it be against the rich or the
poor.” He further said: “I bear witness that the man whom you have abused, his
merit is far more worthy than the one whom you have praised (Muawiya). While
the one whom you have applauded (Muawiya) is worthy of abuse than the one whom
you slander.” Mugheera replied:
“Woe be to you O Hujr! Restrain yourself from such speech and keep away from
the wrath of the King which would
increase until he kills you.”
After the death of Mugheera, Ziyad became the governor.
Initially he was nice to Hujr but later when Hujr’s popularity increased in
Kufa and his supporters thronged the mosque. False charges were labeled against
Hujr and his twelve supporters which included; that Hur swerved Muawiya,
instigated people to rise against Muawiya, sends blessings on Imam Ali (a.s.),
and believed that the caliphate belonged to Imam Ali (a.s.) and his progeny. Hujr
and his supports were arrested. Ziyad prepared a case against Hujr by asking
four chiefs of Kufa to write a complaint against Hujr and his friends alleging
that he had cursed the caliph (Muawiya). They falsely included the name of the
Qazi (Judge) Shurayh bin Harth as one of the complainant. Qazi Shurayh gave a
letter one of the Hujr’s twelve supporters who were arrested and were being
sent to Muawiya. It stated: “I testify that Hujr offer prayers, gives alms,
performs Hajj and Umra. He enjoins good and forbids evil. His life and property
is worth respect.”
Muawiya ordered Hujr and his supports to be killed but
offered amnesty on the condition that they should curse Imam Ali (a.s.). Hujr replied:
“I cannot utter those words from my tongue that would anger my Lord.”
Dr. Taha Husayn of
Egypt wrote: “A Muslim ruler considered it to be legal to kill those whose
protection was desired by Allah. The ruler ordered them to be killed without
meeting them or giving them a chance to defend themselves.
On May 2, 2013, the Takfiri group demolished the mausoleum of
this great companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.),
dug-up his grave and removed his body which was found in-tact after 1400 years,
and taken away.
Sources used:
History of Tabari volume 4 pages 190 to 206, History of
Ibn Kathir volume 3 pages 230 to 242
History of Ibn Khaldoon volume 3, Al-Istiab by Ibn Abdal
Barr volume 1 page 135
Al Bidaya wa Al- Nihaya volume 8 pages 50 to 55, Islamic-
forum.net
No comments:
Post a Comment