AN EXAMPLE FROM ALI IBN ABI TALIB

In 35 AH, a group of rebellious Muslims entered Madinah and killed the third Caliph, Uthman. After this, such chaos erupted that Madinah remained without a Caliph for five days. Then, allegiance was pledged to Ali ibn Abi Talib. However, a large group of Muslims did not agree to this pledge. Their demand was that the killers of Uthman be punished first, and only then would they accept the fourth Caliph’s authority. In contrast, Ali argued that the matter of the caliphate should first be stabilized, and only after that could necessary action be taken against the killers.

Thus, two groups formed among the Muslims—one of Ali’s supporters and the other of his opponents. There was serious disagreement between them, and the conflict continued to escalate until it led to war between the two sides.

Ali left Madinah with his supporters and headed toward Basrah. People asked him where he was going. He replied that his aim was to calm people’s anger and bring unity to the community. One person asked, “What will you do if the people of Basrah do not accept what you say?” Ali said, “We will leave them alone as long as they leave us alone.”

The person then asked, “If they do not leave you alone and insist on war, what will you do?” Ali replied, “Then we will fight in self-defense.” Abu Salam al-Dalani asked, “What will be the fate of us and them if we end up clashing tomorrow?” Ali responded, “I hope that whoever among us or them is killed with a heart pure for the sake of God, God will surely admit him to Paradise.”  (Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah by Ibn Kathir, Vol. 7, p. 238)

This incident from the life of the fourth Caliph shows that even if a disagreement escalates to the point of war, a believer still maintains a positive opinion about the other side. A difference of opinion, under no circumstances, becomes a reason for bitterness or corruption of the heart.