Author's Notes: The Digimon or 'Codelimin' like I like to call them, have a bigger role in this story. On another note, the history in this episode is from the book 'The Pious Caliphs'. All credits and right of the history written here go to that book. There will be no more history from 'The Sealed Nectar' and this would be the only episode with history from 'The Pious Caliphs'. Remia...
Spirit Jerebis: Soul of the Believers: Peace Journey
Episode 5: "The Age of Viceroys"
Last time on Soul of the Believers: Helen joined Alan; Stan and A.J. The entire group found out something important and A.J. came up with a name for their location. He told Stan and both approved of it, with their location officially named 'Providora'. A brief look into the Messenger's (P.B.U.H) life was mentioned, though that's not where it ends. A.J.; Stan; Alan and Ememon get the folder on the Hamackif Siblings, yet haven't looked into it. On with the conclusion.
Early next morning, A.J. was the first to wake up. It was a little after dawn and he folded his sleeping bag. He poked Zonemon until he opened his eyes. Greemon was dozing off asleep, with Griffonmon. From what A.J. could see, it seemed Greemon took his shift and went to sleep a few moments before dawn.
"What?" Zonemon asked, yawning.
"I found out a way to get energy for a laptop. I'll need your help. By the way, this location is called Providora. I and Stan agreed on it. I was the one to come up with the name. Help me now to hide this trunk into the lake." A.J. requested.
"Why?" Zonemon asked, up and folding his sleeping bag.
"Providora might be compromised and I'd prefer that the trunk would be safe." A.J. explained.
Zonemon shrugged and put his sleeping bag on his back. He took A.J.'s and also put it on his back. The duo pushed the trunk into the Providora Lake and amazingly it sunk without noise.
"I have more than enough money for a laptop. Come on and let's go get one before the others wake up. Take the CD and folder with you." A.J. whispered.
Zonemon nodded and packed the CD and folder on his back. The two silently headed off.
"Where are we going to get any laptops, especially this early?" Zonemon asked.
A.J. shrugged, "Honestly, I don't know. We'd probably have to break into some store and steal one." He whispered.
"I could go in and get one." Zonemon suggested.
A.J. shook his head, "We'd need to replace it though. We need to find a hardware store." He explained.
"To a hardware store it is. Have it your way sailor." Zonemon grunted.
HADRAT 'ABDULLAH, ABU BAKR.
(11 A.H. - 13 A.H./632 A.D. - 634 A.D.)
START OF THE KHULAFA' AL-RASHIDEEN (AGE OF VICEROYS)
'When Hadrat Abu Bakr (Rad. A.) found the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in a better condition in the morning of the last day of his life, he went a few miles outside Medina to meet his wife Hadrat Kharjah bint Zuhair (Rad. A.). After hearing the news of the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), he immediatly returned and saw great rush at the gate of the Mosque.
'He did not talk to anybody and went straight to Hadrat 'A'isha's apartment where the Holy Corpse was lying. After taking permission he entered the apartment and kissed the Holy Face, tears rolling out of his eyes. Then he remarked, "May my parents be sacrificed for you. I swear by Allah that death will never come twice to you. You have tasted the death which was destined for and now you will get no other."
'He covered the Holy Body with a sheet and came to the Mosque. A multitude of people was crying in the Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) was in a strong emotional state and was that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had not died. Hadrat Abu Bakr (Rad. A.) tried to calm him but 'Umar did not pay any attention to him.
'Noting the delicacy of the situation, Hadrat Abu Bakr stood in another corner of the Mosque and gave his most effective and historical address. All the people gathered around him. He said:
"O People! If any one of you worshipped Muhammad (P.B.U.H) he should bear in mind that Muhammad is dead. But those who worshipped Allah should know that He is Alive and will never die. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "Muhammad is only a Messenger of Allah. There came down a number of Messengers before him. Then would you turn back from Islam, if he dies or is killed?"
'The Address of Hadrat Abu Bakr touched the hearts of the people. Hadrat 'Umar also cooled down. Hadrat 'Abdullah says, "It Seemed that the verse of the Holy Qur'an to which Abu Bakr referred was just revealed, although we had recited it several times in the past." The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) did not nominate his successor and left the choice of his deputy or viceroy (Khilafah) to his Ummah (nation).
'There were two groups of Muslims in Medina viz., Muhajirin (the Immigrants from Mecca), and Ansar (Helpers i.e., Medinites). After the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), Ansar gathered in a bag Hall of Medinah known as "Saqifah-i-Bani Sai'idah" to discuss the appointment of a Khalifah. Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat 'Umar with other prominent Muhajirin were in the Mosque.
'When they were informed about the gathering of Ansar, Hadrat Abu Bakr and 'Umar also went there accompanied by a number of eminent Muhajirin like Hadrat Abu 'Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah. Since Hadrat 'Ali and Hadrat Zubair (two prominent figures among Muhajirin) were not present at the spot, they could not go to the gathering.
'About thirty thousand people took pledge of loyalty (Bai'at) at the hand of Hadrat Abu Bakr in the mosque. The selection (or Election) of Hadrat Abu Bakr is a pointer towards Islamic Democracy and furnishes example for selection of a Leader for Ummat-i-Muslimah (Muslim Nation) till the Day of Judgment.
'Hadrat 'Ali took pledge in loyalty a few months later because he was busy in collecting various parts of the Holy Qur'an. Some other reasons have also been given for her delay in "Bai'at" which is ignored here. It was the 7th of Jamada-ul-Akhira, 13 A.H. that As-Siddiq al-Akbar fell ill. He had a severe fever. When the illness took a serious turn he called the "Shura" (Advisory Council) to consult about his successor, the second Caliph.
'After the "Shura" had agreed on Hadrat 'Umar, Hadrat Abu Bakr asked Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) to write the will:
"Bismillah-irrahmanir-Rahim, this is the declaration which is made by Abu Bakr bin Abi Quhafah while he is about to leave for the next world. At this time even a non-believer starts to believe, and even a great sinner returns to faith, and a disbeliever begins to trust in Allah. I appoint 'Umar bin Khattab as the Caliph. You must follow his orders and obey him.
"I have done everything good for the sake of Allah, for his Holy Prophet and for the welfare of His Religion and Muslims and for myself in appointing him. I hope that he would be honest and just but if he changes his ways, and becomes unjust, I would have no responsibility, as I do not have the knowledge of the unseen. Everybody is responsible for what he does."
'After a fortnight's illness, As-Siddiq al-Akbar passed away at the age of 61 on Tuesday, the 22nd Jamadal-Akhira. 13 A.H. (23rd of August 634 A.D.). Before his death he said to his daughter Lady A'isha' (Rad. A.), "Do not use new cloth for my shroud. Wash the sheet in my use and wrap my corpse in it". His wish was acted upon.
'His next wish was to pay all the money he got as salary for Caliph from "Baitul Mal" (The Public Treasury) after selling his garden. He said, I did not like to take anything from the "Baitul Mal" but 'Umar pressed me to accept some allowance so that I would be relieved of my occupation and devote my full time to the duties of the Caliphate. I was left no choice but to accept his offer."
'After his death 'A'isha asked Hadrat 'Umar to take over that garden as desired by her father. 'Umar remarked: "May Allah bless him. He left no chance for anybody to open his lips against him".
Some time later, Helen was the first to wake up. She found the money trunk gone, along with A.J. and Zonemon. She sighed and shook her head, with a few ideas on what A.J. was up to. Helen looked around for her and her siblings' folder, but to no use. She figured out that A.J. and Zonemon had it. With nothing else to do, she woke Stan; her younger brother and the soul-warrior copedam up.
"Why would A.J. take the folder with him?" Stan asked.
Helen shrugged, "I don't know. I'm sure to ask him when we find him."
"What happened to the trunk?" Alan asked.
"That's missing too." Helen sighed.
"There's no way A.J. and Zonemon could carry it together; it's too heavy for them." Ememon reminded.
"Then where is it?" Greemon asked.
"We better go and look for them. While looking, we might bump into them. Greemon you stay here incase they return. If we're not back in... An hour and a half, don't come looking for us." Stan decided.
"How am I going to know the time without a watch?" Greemon asked.
The entire group burst out laughing.
"A watch?!" Griffonmon exclaimed.
"Where would you put it?" Alan asked.
Greemon huffed, "It was worth a shot." He remarked.
"We better be searching. Our equipment would be safe here." Stan decided.
Stan; Helen; Alan; Griffonmon and Zonemon all took off, leaving Greemon behind to keep Providora safe.
HADRAT 'UMAR IBN AL-KHATTAB
(13 A.H. - 23 A.H./634 A.D. - 643 A.D.)
THE SECOND CALIPH
'As described in connection with the life of Hadrat Abu Bakr, during his illness he consulted the "Shura" about the next "Khalifah" and then gave his decision in favor of Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) who took charge of Caliphate after the death of Hadrat Abu Bakr (Rad. A.) on 22nd of Jamadi-uth-Thani 13 A.H. (23rd of August 624 A.D.).
''Umar (Rad. A.) followed fully the ways of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the policy of his predecessor with his characteristic zeal and vigor. It was his strict adherence to the "Sunnah" of the Holy Prophet. His Caliphate marked the "Golden Age" of Islam. I would like to discuss only main events which took place during the Caliphate of Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) in brief.
'The great defeat at Buwaib shocked the Persian Empire. It was not only a cause of great disturbance to the rulers but to the public as well. For the first time they realized the strength of Muslims. The news of loss of one hundred thousand Persians and only few hundred Muslims was received with great surprise. At that time a woman, Puran Dukht was the Empress.
'The Iranians (Persians) replaced the Empress with a young 21 year old Emperor, Yezdgird. The new Emperor reorganized the army and strengthened the frontier defenses. There arose a number of rebellions in the places conquered by Muslims as a result of which Muslims again lost some of the parts which they had conquered.
'When Hadrat 'Umar heard this news he asked Muthanna to call the border tribes and to return within safer borders till reinforcement reached him. He himself declared "Jihad" all over the land and sent emissaries to collect an army for the Holy War. An army of 20.000 Muslims was collected. Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) himself wanted to lead the army this time but the "Shura" did not agree to it.
'The name of Hadrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (Rad. A.), a great warrior and one of the uncles of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was proposed to lead the army to which Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) agreed. The army was having 70 of those Companions who had participated in the first battle of Islam at Badr.
'When the army was leaving Medina, Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) gave instructions to Hadrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (Rad. A.):
"Allah does not repel evil with evil but he repels evil with good. All men are high and low are equal before Him. One can win Allah's favor only through devotion to His service. Remember that the "Sunnah" (the Way) of the Holy Prophet is the only correct way of doing things. You are going on a heavy mission which you can discharge only by following the Truth. Inculcate good habits in yourselves and in your companions."
'This advice clearly shows that the aim of Muslims was to proclaim Allah's message --- Islam, rather than to fight. The sword was used to clear the barriers in the way. In the meantime Muthanna died and his brother Bashir joined Hadrat Sa'd (Rad. A.) with an army of eight thousand. Hadrat Sa'd was in direct contact with Hadrat 'Umar all the time, who was constantly giving instructions about the movement of the army from place to place.
'Finally Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) sent instructions to it to encamp at Qadisiya and to send an envoy to the Persian Emperor, Yezdgird, with the Message of Islam and peace. The battle of Qadisiya proved to be decisive in the history of Islam. It shattered the strength of the Persian Empire. There were about six thousand Muslim casualties out of 28.000, while the number of the Persians killed wa thirty thousand out of 120.000.
'Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) received the news with great joy. The Muslims gain immense booty which was distributed among the troops according to the Islamic law and a fifth portion was dispatched to the Baitul Mal. Following the victory at Qadisiya, Muslims chased the Persians. They captured Babal and Kutha and then laid siege to Bahrah Sher, a very important and strong fort at the outskirt of the Persian capitol, Mada'in (Ctesiphon).
'The siege lasted for two months and ultimately Muslims captured the fort. The next step was to conquer Mada'in, the capitol itself. The last big battle was fought in the month of Muharram, 19 A.H. (642 A.D.) at Nahawind in which the Persians were completely defeated. Then a number of small battles took place and the Muslims conquered Hamdan, Azerbaijan and Armenia by the year 21 A.H.
'The fall of Damascus; Hims; Qansrim; Busra and Ajnadin made the Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius, furious and he sent a huge army to fight with the Muslims. In order to face this big army, Muslims left some of the places, occupied by them and returned to safer border. When the Islamic armies were leaving the conquered places they paid back the "Jizya" (the Defence Tax) received from the non-Muslim inhabitants of those places saying: "Since we cannot protect you, we are returning it." This was a unique example in history.
'The people of those places were greatly impressed by the Muslims' treatment. It is given in some books that the people of those places cried when Muslims left their places.
'The Battle of Yarmuk happened in Rajab 15 A.H./636 A.D.). After the fall of Damascus, Hims and other places, the Romans fled to Antioch where Heraclius was staying and was thinking of moving to Constantinople, his permanent capitol. They applied to Heraclius to help them against the Muslim armies.
'Heraclius held this court at Antioch and to begin raising a huge army against the Muslims to wipe them out of Syria. The Muslims had already gathered at Yarmuk to face the Roman Byzantine army. The Romans were several times larger in number than the Muslims. In the beginning the command was in the hand of Hadrat Khalid bin Walid (Rad. A.) but during the battle he received the letter of Hadrat 'Umar deposing him from the post of Commander-in-Chief.
'Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) appointed Abu 'Ubaidah bin Jarrah (Rad. A.) as the Commander-in-Chief. A fierce battle was fought on the 20th of August, 636, and at the end of the Romans lost the field. The cavalry fled and the infantry was put to sword. Theodorus, the Commander of Roman army himself fell and his entire army turned into a fleeing, panic-stricken mob.
'According to Tabari, about one hundred thousand Romans were killed in this battle. Muslims casualties were three thousand. The battle of Yarmuk was a turning point in the history of Byzantine Empire. The power of Byzantine was crushed in the battle. The fate of Syria was decided and it fell in the hands of Muslims forever.
'Hearing the defeat at Yarmuk, Heraclius left Antioch and fled to Constantinople saying: Farewell, O Syria! And what an excellent country this is for the enemy". Hadrat 'Amr bin al-'As was in the beginning leading the army in front of Jerusalem. After the capture of Antioch and other key cities of Byzantium, Hadrat Abu 'Ubaidah also joined him along with Hadrat Khalid bin Walid (Rad. A.).
'They laid siege to the great city of Jerusalem, surrounded by a huge wall. Since the people of Jerusalem had already seen the defeat of Byzantine forces, they offered a peaceful truce provided the "Khalifah" came in person to sign the treaty in their presence. The proposal was passed over to Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) at Medina and after consultation with the "Shura" he accepted the offer.
'The glorious rule of Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) came to an end with his death on Wednesday, the 27th of Dhil Hijjah, the year 23 A.H. (643 A.D.) when he was 61 years old. There was a Persian slave of Hadrat Mughirah bin Shu'bah, named Abu Lu' Lu' Firoze. One day he complained about the burden his master imposed upon him. The complaint was not genuine, hence Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) ignored it.
'Next day, early in the morning when Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) went to Masjid to perform Fajr Salat, the slave who was hiding in a corner, attacked him with a dagger and stabbed him six times. People overpowered the assassin but he slew himself with the same dagger. The injuries were so serious that the Caliph died the next morning.'
Zonemon was happy, yet at the same time, his back was tired though straight. He was determined to continue on. He and A.J. found a hardware store and Zonemon snuck into it. It was still a mystery to him, but a few moments later, A.J. appeared in the store with him. A.J. paid the money, putting it on the counter next to the cash register and the two chose and took a laptop. With some fancy work, A.J. made an identical laptop and replaced the one they took.
Both of them were now returning from their successful 'trade'. A.J. thought of whistling, but shook the thought out of his head. He had the laptop nestled in his arm. Zonemon was still carrying both sleeping bags and the Hamackif Siblings folder. A.J. already explained his idea for energy for the laptop to Zonemon. Zonemon was impressed at the idea and was sure, as sure as A.J. that A.J.'s idea would work.
However, they would try it when they returned to Providora. The duo weren't taking any paths, but trudging through the grass and fields of the park, making their own trail. It was known that they would quickly forget the trail. Neither one felt like talking, but like being alone in silence. The soft steps on the grass and rough steps on the dirt was dim, yet both heard it and it was enough sound for both.
"Who are you?" A voice asked, frightened.
A.J. and Zonemon both immediatly recognized Helen's voice. They were close to one of the park trails and in a swift movement, the duo hid behind some trees, poking their heads out to watch what was happening. Zonemon gently put down his load and A.J. carefully, but swiftly, passed the laptop over to Zonemon. Zonemon hid it in between the two sleeping bags.
"Who I am is irrelevant. Those Codelimin that you have are breaking the Code Union's law of No Codelimin accompanying humans. It would be wise for you Codelimin to willingly give yourselves up." Another voice replied.
The voice belonged to a grown male adult, strangely with a German accent. With an inner ring around him and an outer front line, were what appeared to be purple ghosts or phantoms. They were of various sizes and features. Zonemon mentally gasped, recognizing them.
"What are those things?" Stan asked.
The German laughed, "They're agents of mine. I'd like to call them Code Phantoms. What do you think of them?" He asked.
"Code Phantoms?" A.J. whispered.
Zonemon stared at A.J., with A.J. staring back at him.
"Code Phantoms are Codelimin of various levels and types, which died, but were never reborn. As far as I know, no such thing exists. It is said that Code Phantoms are evil, even if there were Code Phantoms that were Jerebi type before they died. All of them are Grasl type, no expectations. They were told by caretakers to embryo and infant or caterpillar leveled Codelimin to frighten them to sleep. It's only what you humans call 'folktales'." Zonemon explained.
"Myths or legends is more like it." A.J. muttered.
"You would want such demons to be associated with your crest?" Zonemon asked, whispering.
A.J. chuckled, "Of course not. Call them whatever you like." He whispered.
"Do ask me about how do deal with them. I only know of their terrors... When I was born and embryo for the first time, the caretakers in my village mentioned it to me. They never said of how to defeat them." Zonemon whispered.
A.J. blinked, "Weren't you embryo when we first met?" He asked.
"Yes but I wasn't 'freshly' born then. I had a life before I met you, you know." Zonemon stated.
A.J. raised an eyebrow, "You did? I'd like to hear it some time."
"Maybe after we return to Meric Land." Zonemon sighed.
Griffonmon and Ememon were both in front of Stan; Helen and Alan, ready to fight if necessary. To Griffonmon, the Code Phantoms seemed familiar to him but he preferred not to mention it.
"So 'amateurs', gonna give up?" The German asked.
"Griffonmon, I don't know about you, but I'll kick his ass." Ememon growled.
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into." Griffonmon stated.
"I'm willing to find out." Ememon remarked, charging at the German.
"We're supposed to protect the humans." Griffonmon reminded.
Ememon ignored him and continued the charge. A code phantom sluggly approached him and attacked rapidly. Ememon was forced onto his back, injured. A.J. had enough of it and signaled Zonemon.
"Distraction only. Attack the German dead on." A.J. informed.
Zonemon nodded and appeared behind his tree. No Code Phantom noticed him. Zonemon grinned.
"Mane Pads!" Zonemon yelled.
The German noticed and his jaw dropped, losing his cigar from his mouth. A Code Phantom instantly intervened and took the blow, it was instantly blown away and grounded into dust. Zonemon blinked.
"Did I just do that?" He asked, pointing.
"Stan and the rest of you! Get the hell outta here and meet us back at you know where. Griffonmon and Ememon, be sure that you two are behind them!" A.J. ordered.
Stan; Helen and Alan hurriedly rushed off. Griffonmon galloped along with them. Ememon hurriedly got to his feet and ran after his friends. A.J. glanced at Zonemon and Zonemon was glancing back. Both nodded and took off into different directions. Zonemon picked up both sleeping bags and rushed off. A.J. moaned and hurried back, picking the laptop up and hurrying away. Luckily, the CD and folder were safe and secure in the sleeping bags.
The German just watched them leave, annoyed. But he let them escape, knowing that he won't be able to capture all of them, even though he did have as many of the Code Phantoms as he did. The German turned around and walked away. The Code Phantoms disappeared underground.
HADRAT 'UTHMAN BIN 'AFFAN: DHUN-NURAIN
(24 A.H. - THE END OF 36 A.H./644 A.D. - 656 A.D.)
THE THIRD CALIPH
'Before his death, Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) appointed a panel of six men to select a "Khalifah" from amongst themselves and then sought his approval through Bai'at (Pledge of Loyalty) by Muslim Public. He also instructed them to make the nomination within three days. The panel included 'Uthman; 'Ali; Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas; Talha; Zubair and 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf (Rad. A.) as the members.
'The panel could not arrive at any decision even after long meetings. Then, Hadrat 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf proposed somebody to withdraw his name in order to decide the matter. When he got no response, he withdrew his own name. The remaining members agreed that he could take a decision. He consulted each member individually except Hadrat Talha (Rad. A.) who was not present in Medina.
'It so happened that Hadrat 'Uthman proposed 'Ali's name and Hadrat 'Ali proposed 'Uthman's name for the post of Khalifah. But Zubair and Sa'd (Rad. A.) were more in favor of Hadrat 'Uthman than Hadrat 'Ali. After more consultations with other companions and thinking over the problem during the third night, Hadrat Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf (Rad. A.) gave his decision in the morning of the fourth day in favor of Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.)
'When Hadrat Talha (Rad. A.) returned to Medina, 'Uthman (Rad. A.) requested him either to accept the post of "Khalifah" (as he was among the people proposed by Hadrat 'Umar for the post) or to acknowledge him as Khalifah by taking Bai'at. Hadrat Talha declined the position of Khalifah and took pledge of loyalty at 'Uthman's hand, saying: "How can I object to your being the Khalifah when all the Muslims have agreed upon you."'
'In the year 25 A.H. (645 A.D.) there was a big rebellion in Alexandria and in 26 A.H., the Roman Army took possession of the city after a fight with the Muslims. Hearing this, Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) directed 'Amr bin al-'As (Rad. A.) to crush the rebellion and beat back the Roman invasion. Hadrat 'Amr (Rad. A.) again attacked the city and drove the Romans out, and recovered the port city of Alexandria.
'Constan II, the Byzantine Emperor, tried to take over Syria and ordered his army to march on the Muslims. Seeing the Roman invasion, Hadrat Amir Mu'awiya (Rad. A.) led an army to Asia Minor where the Romans were gathered. He defeated the Romans and took the city of Amuria. Within a short period of time, he conquered a vast part of Asia Minor.
'Following these victories, Hadrat Amir Mu'awiya (Rad. A.) turned his attention to Mediterranean. The island of Cyprus was very important from the defence point of view. He sought 'Uthman's (Rad. A.) permission for sea-fighting. The Khalifah approved of his plan. For the first time in the history of Islam, a naval force was built and in the year 28 A.H. Hadrat sent a fleet of 500 ships under the command of Hadrat 'Abdullah Qais Harthi. After some fighting, the island of Cyprus was occupied and the inhabitants of the island agreed to pay the same tribute to Muslims as they did the Romans.
'Later on in the year 33 A.H. (653 A.D.), Hadrat Amir Mu'awiya also conquered the great fort of Antalya (also known as Anatolia). He also attacked Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capitol of Byzantium in the year 34 A.H. (654 A.D.) but was not successful in conquering it.'
'As stated before, whole of the Persian Empire was conquered during the time of Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.) and the Persian Emperor, Yezdgird, had ultimately fled to Balkh (a place in Afghanistan). After the death of Hadrat 'Umar (Rad. A.), the exiled Emperor tried to instigate a rebellion in the frontier region of the Empire against the Islamic rule.
'To crush this rebellion, Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) appointed Hadrat 'Ubaidullah bin Ma'mar, but he was unsuccessful and was martyred in a battle. Then Hadrat 'Uthman asked 'Abdullah bin 'Amir, the newly appointed governor, to deal with the rebels. He crushed the rebellion and conquered some more parts like Hisraf; Gazna; Herat and Kabul. He also took over Balkh, thus the whole of Afghanistan was conquered.
'He took over Samarkand; Tashkent; Sajestan; Arghiyan and Turkmenistan. In the year 30 A.H. Hadrat Sa'd bin 'As, newly appointed governor of Kufa, marched towards Khurasan with an army in which some prominent figures like Hadrat Hasan; Husain; 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas; 'Abdullah bin 'Umar etc (Rad. A.) were also included, who had returned from North African expedition.
'At the same time Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Amir (the governor of Basra) also marched there. Before Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Amir reached, Sa'd bin 'As conquered a number of places, including Tabrastan and Jarjan. In the year 31 A.H. Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Amir again marched there after hearing the news of rebellion. Then he conquered the remaining part of Khurasan.'
'In the meantime, Yezdgird, the exiled Persian Emperor, reached the north in Turkmenistan and tried to collect an army but was again defeated by the Muslims at Sistan and fled. There upon one of the Turk chiefs and Naizak Khan invited him. While he was going to meet him, he stayed in a village. There somebody killed him while he was asleep for his precious garments and cash.
'In this way the last Emperor of the vast Persian Empire passed away. 'Abdullah bin Saba, a clever Yemenite Jew who had accepted Islam only for self-interest and to destroy peace of the Islamic State, took the leading part in the agitation against Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.). He was having a number of followers who had accepted Islam only to create disharmony among the Muslims.
'He invented quite a few beliefs and started to preach them. He based his beliefs upon the love of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and his family (Ahli-Bait). Some of the beliefs invented by 'Abdullah bin Saba were:-
(1) Every prophet left a "Wasi" (administrator) behind him, and the "Wasi" was his relative. For example Prophet Musa made Harun his "Wasi". Consequently the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) must have a "Wasi", and his "Wasi" was Hadrat 'Ali (Rad. A.) being the "Wasi", Hadrat 'Ali (Rad. A.) was the only rightful man to be the "Khalifah". He went to the extent of declaration that the caliphate of Hadrat Abu Bakr; 'Umar and 'Uthman (Rad. A.) was unlawful. The only way to redress matters was to remove the Caliph Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.).
(2) He said that it was strange for the Muslims to believe that Prophet Jesus would descend from the heaven to follow Islam and to fight for Muslims against non-believers, and not to believe that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) would not come back. So he believed that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.), being superior to Jesus as the last prophet and the leader of all prophets, would also come back.
(3) He started to give wrong commentaries of various verses of the Holy Qur'an and twisted their meaning in favor of his beliefs.
'When the unrest caused by Sabaites went on growing in all parts of the State, the news began to pour in Medina. The leading Companions asked Hadrat 'Uthman to take steps against them. So he called a conference of the governors in Medina in the year 34 A.H., just after the Hajj. All the governors attended the meeting. Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) enquired from them about the growing unrest in the State.
'They told him that it was due to some mischief-mongers who wanted to overthrow the government. They suggested that such people must be punished and those who were the leaders must be put to the sword. But Hadrat 'Uthman disliked the suggestion and told them that without just cause he would never shed even a single drop of Muslim blood.
'Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) was not willing to take stern action against such people because he didn't want that hundreds of men should be massacred for his interest. Instead, he sent a mission of four people: Muhammad bin Muslimah; Usamah bin Zaid; 'Ammaar bin Yasir and 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Rad. A.) to tour the provinces.
'After the governors' conference was over, Hadrat Amir Mu'awiya (Rad. A.) suggested that he should leave Medina and should pass some time in Damascus but he said, "I would not leave Medina even though people kill me." Then Amir Mu'awiya (Rad. A.) requested Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) to allow him to send an army to Medina for his protection, but Hadrat 'Uthman did not agree to even that.'
'The mission sent by Hadrat 'Uthman toured various places and talked with people. Three of them returned to Medina and reported to Hadrat 'Uthman that the conditions were normal. The fourth member of the mission, Hadrat 'Ammaar bin Yasir (Rad. A.), did not return. He was sent to Egypt were 'Abdullah bin Saba and his followers coaxed him and he started to live with them instead of returning to Medina.
''Abdullah bin Saba wa sin search of some important men who were having some influence over the Muslims. At last, he won over three important figures. One among them was Hadrat 'Ammaar bin Yasir, described above. The other two joined Ibn Saba before Hadrat 'Ammaar. They were Muhammad bin Abu Hudhaifah and Muhammad bin Abi Bakr.
'The insurgents were afraid that the Hajj was coming to an end and after the Hajj, a number of supporters of the "Khalifah" would come to Medina. They decided therefore to assassinate him without delay. As stated before, they did not want to fight with Hashmites like Hadrat Hasan, Husain and 'Abdullah bin Zubair who were standing guard at the main gate of Hadrat 'Uthman's big residence.
'So the insurgents climbed the back walls of the house and entered the room where Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) was reciting the Holy Qur'an. On seeing Hadrat 'Uthman, one of the insurgents hit his head with an axe while the next struck him with a sword. His wife, Nailah, tried to shield her husband but she also got several wounds and her fingers were chopped off.
'Chronicles record that Muhammad bin Abu Bakr was the leader of the assassins. He got hold of Hadrat 'Uthman's beard and pulled it. On this Hadrat 'Uthman remarked, "O my dear nephew if your father were alive, you would not have done this." The remarks of Hadrat 'Uthman cut him to the quick and he turned back and did not take part in the assassination.'
'After giving severe injuries to Hadrat 'Uthman, one of the insurgents, an Egyptian named 'Amr bin Hamq cut off the caliphate's head. Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) was assassinated on Friday, the 17th of Dhul-Hijjah, 35 A.H. (the 17th of July, 656 A.D.). Hadrat 'Uthman (Rad. A.) showed an exemplary tolerance against the insurgents.
'By not using force against the civil public, he set the first example of the highest democratic rule in human civilization. If studied from this point of view, it would be noted that 'Uthman (Rad. A.) was at the peak of modern democratic principles. It is unfortunate that the masses at that time were not trained for that highest form of democracy.
'They have had experience in the past of the tyranny of Persian and Roman Emperors and their officers. However, the base elements took advantage of the Islamic democratic principles and incited some of the Muslim population against the caliph. Hadrat 'Uthman used all the democratic principles, now prevailing in the modern society, to satisfy the insurgents.
'He gave before the public, full explanation of all the allegations brought against him, and the public was fully satisfied with his explanation. He acceded to the demands of the insurgents by appointing Muhammad bin Abi Bakr as the Governor of Egypt. But he did not resign because the majority of the Muslims were in his favor and only a few were the mischief-mongers.
'His words: "I do not want to spill Muslim blood to save my own neck" would be remembered forever.'
A.J. found his way back to Providora and he was the last to arrive.
"Is everyone fine?" He asked.
The team nodded.
"Where did you and Zonemon go?" Greemon asked.
"To get a laptop for the CD." A.J. replied.
"And you were successful?" Stan asked.
A.J. grinned, holding up the laptop, thankful that he didn't forget it.
"Did you figure out how to deal with the power problem?" Griffonmon asked.
"Sure did, through my twivice." A.J. nodded.
"We might have missed some stuff on the CD, so let's just check with our folder. Is that fine with you sis?" Alan asked.
Helen nodded in agreement and A.J. nodded towards Zonemon. Zonemon sighed and took the CD and folder out. The team sat down, close together and Zonemon gave the folder to A.J., for him to handle. Several moments later and A.J. heaved, closing the folders. Both Alan and Helen were silent.
"We have a fourth sibling. I have an older sister?" Helen asked.
"We're also Hamackifs in origin." Alan commented.
"Was the surname of your foster families Hamackif, or just yourselves?" A.J. asked.
"We didn't know the surnames of our foster families." Helen replied.
"So you are all Hamackifs in origin." Stan concluded, lying on his back with his hands behind his head.
"What about this guy Luis?" Zonemon asked.
"He's a cousin of ours apparently." Alan replied.
"We've being meaning to ask you, why did you put the money trunk into the lake?" Stan asked.
"It's safer in there." A.J. replied.
"How are we going to get the cash out now?!" Stan asked, exclaiming.
A.J. sweat-dropped.
"We're so doomed." Alan moaned.
"You can say that again." A voice stated.
COMING UP! EPISODE 6: ISLAM SPLITS
Rainbow of Time - Strife for the Mysteries - Exit a world of Determination - ... of Courage - ... of Truth - ... of Trust - ... of Conscience - ... of Wisdom - Overcome extremely dangerous journeys - ...ambitions - ... fears - Explore a world of Love - ... of Honesty - ... of Virility - ... of Leadership - Spirit Jerebis