An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
14. Unity
~ 289 ~
totally annihilated by any enemy; this too was
granted. But when I prayed that they should not
fight among themselves, this was denied me.”
DECLINING POWER IN THE INTERESTS OF
UNITY
The Caliph Muawiyah sent Amr ibn al-Aas to
Abdullah ibn Umar to find out whether he
intended to fight for the caliphate or not. “What
prevents you, O father of Abd ar-Rahman,” asked
Amr ibn al-Aas from declaring this publicly so
that we may swear allegiance to you? You are a
companion of the Prophet and son of the
Commander of the Faithful; you have a greater
right than anyone to be caliph,” Abdullah ibn
Umar asked whether all, without exception, were
in agreement with what amr ibn al-Aas had said.
“They are,” replied Amr ibn al, Aas “except for a
tiny minority. “ To this Abdullah ibn Umar
replied that even if just three fat Persians from
Hajar demurred, he would no longer feel the urge
to be Caliph.
(IBN SA‘D,
TABAQAT
)
