Abdullah Ameer :
The whole Muslim world is now divided into two camps. The split became exposed four years ago when the Western sponsored guerilla organization ‘Free Syrian Army’ started civil war against the Assad government. The recent military alliance announced by Saudi Arabia has made it more visible.
With the death of the Prophet Muhammad (SM) in 633 A.D., his Sahabies (companions) failed to reconcile the division concerning the selection of Caliph of the Republic of Madina. The Prophet did not nominate any one directly, but left behind few signs in favour of Hazrat Ali (RA)-bin-Abu Talib.
There is a Hadith, which clearly weighed for Hazrat Ali. The Prophet said to him, “You are in such a position with me, as was Haroun with Moses. But after me there is no prophet.” The Quran says that Haroun (AS) was not only a Prophet but also Chief Advisor of Hazrat Moses (AS).
The Prophet Muhammad by this Hadith highlighted the dignity of Ali. But a powerful group selected Hazrat Abu Bakr (AS) as Caliph and Hazrat Omar (RA) announced his name. The division was, however, political.
The economic difference was more distinct. The 3rd Caliph Hazrat Uthman (AS) was more busy in compiling with the Quran. Seeing it, his cousin and Minister Marwan-bin-Hakam established a political and economically privileged class. Marwan dismissed the administrative and the economic reforms effected by Hazrat Omar. He appointed Hazrat Uthman’s relatives and the members of the Umayyad in the key posts of the government and thereby established feudal economy.
To this, Hazrat Abu Dhar Ghiffary (RA), one of the most prominent Sahabies of the Prophet, vehemently protested against the government and began to build public opinion against accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few. He opposed feudal economy and demanded equal distribution of income. Abu Dhar said, no individual could possess movable and immovable properties except as much as he needs to survive. Historians have called him forerunner of Islamic socialism. He demanded revolutionary change in the State’s economic policy and reshuffle in the administration. Having noticed him waging radical movement, Hazrat Uthman (RA), the 3rd Caliph sent him in exile in a far distance place of the republic.
Thereafter, Hazrat Ali (RA) coming to power in 656 A.D. cancelled the administrative and the economic policies of Hazrat Uthman and restored that of Hazrat Omar. The division widened when the privileged class was not in a position to surrender. They rallied round Hazrat Talha (RA), Hazrat Zubair (RA) and Governor of Syria Muabiwah-bin-Sufian and Marwan against Hazrat Ali (RA).
Those who demanded administrative and economic reforms are Shiite and those who opposed are Sunni.
