|
Amir ul mumineen (SA) was martyred on the 19th of Ramadan in the masjid of Kufa, by the poisoned sword of Ibn-e-Muljim. The world was plunged into darkness and despair.
Hasan Imam (SA) ascended the arsh of Imamat. Six months later, in the month of Rabei ul Awwal 41 H. he set out with his army from Kufa to Madain. He sent a regiment of 12000 troops to confront Muawiyah's army in Shaam. Muawiya wrote to Imam Hasan (SA) asking to sign a peace treaty. Imam Hasan (SA) refused, whereupon Muawiyah resorted to treachery and bribery and lured a majority of the Imam's army to desert and side with him. The situation was bleak, the army had nearly disbanded, and the people of Iraq had withdrawn their support.
To protect the few who remained faithful, Hasan Imam (SA) opted to sign a peace treaty with Muawiya. He set many conditions. Among these was that Muawiya and his followers would refrain from cursing Amir ul Mumineen (SA).
Hasan Imam (SA) met with Muawiya to complete the formalities of the treaty. This done, Amr bin Aas provoked Muawiya to ask Hasan Imam (SA) to ascend the mimbar and address the people. "Let us see what he has to say" he suggested slyly. In his khutba, Imam Hasan (SA) after hamd and salawaat, stated, "This peace that Muawiya offers us is without merit or justice. If you will come forth with your weapons, I will throw the treaty back at him; else I am forced to accept it even though I know that it is unbeneficial in the long term." The people cried out, "At taqqiyyat, at taqiyyat! (diplomacy/ political dissimulation). Imam Hasan (SA) stated, "Indeed this condition will be fleeting, for nothing remains stable in this world. As Allah had said to Rasulullah (SAW), "Although I know there is a conspiracy in this against you and despair till the day of Judgement." The people began to wail and cry. Muawiya looked at Amr in disgust. "This was your suggestion!" he exclaimed. He stopped Imam Hasan (SA) immediately, fearing that muslimeen would be drawn to take arms with Imam Hasan (SA).
It was very difficult even for many of the loyal As-haab to accept the peace treaty. Rasulullah (SAW) appeared by m'ojeza and proved to Jabir that Imam Hasan (SA) had indeed done as Rasulullah (SAW) himself would have done.
Muawiya got what he wanted; he took over the zahiri khilafat. Yet he continued to harass Imam Hasan (SA). He did not honor the promises made in the peace treaty. The people of Medina, where Hasan (SA) now resided, flocked towards him. How could they not, for he was the true Imam, the son of Maulatuna Fatema (SA) and Maulana Ali (SA), and the grandson of Rasulullah (SAW). Muawiya could not bear this. He sent poison through Laeena J'ada , a wife of Hasan Imam, promising her that if she succeeded in murdering him Muawiya would marry her to his son, Yazeed. Hasan Imam (SA) was martyred by the poison that was sent by Muawiyah.
Hasan Imam (SA) had wished to be buried beside Rasulullah (SAW), and if that was not possible, then beside Maulatuna Fatema (SA). Husain Imam (SA) led the janaza mubaraka towards Rasulullah's (SAW) qabr mubarak to fulfill his final wishes. Muawiya's people, the Bani Umayya, vowed never to let this happen. Marwan, an enemy of Ahl ul Bayt, led a band of Umayyids brandishing their weapons to confront Husain Imam (SA). Aisha was among them, mounted on a mule. Bloodshed seemed imminent. To prevent arrows shot at Hasan Imam's (SA) janaza, Husain Imam (SA) relented and buried Imam Hasan (SA) beside Maulatuna Fatema (SA) in Jannat ul Baqi. Alas! Husain Imam (SA) was now left entirely alone.
|
