An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
14. Unity
~ 281 ~
REMAINING NEUTRAL IN A FRATRICIDAL
WAR
When hostilities broke between Ali and Muawiyah
over the murder of the third Caliph, Uthman,
Muawiyah summoned Wayel ibn Hajar who
belonged to the royal family of Hadhramaut. “Why
do you not take my side in this affair?” he asked.
Begging to be excused, Wayel said that he had
heard these words from the Prophet: “Evil has come
upon you like the murkiest hours of the night!” At
such a time, what should be done?” Wayel had
asked the Prophet. “O Wayel,” the Prophet had
replied, “when two swords clash and they both
belong to Muslims, keep away from both of them.”
(AL-TABARANI)
IT IS A RULER’S DUTY TO REFORM OTHERS,
BUT THOSE OTHERS ARE RESPONSIBLE ONLY
FOR THEMSELVES
A man once came before Umar and asked what was
the better course of action: to be unmindful of
reproach in doing his duty to God, or to concentrate
on improving himself rather than others. “Whoever
