Prophetic Prophecy regarding ‘Arbitration’

The prophesies of Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) regarding the Battle of Siffeen and the issue of Arbitration, is so evident and apparent that if the Muslims think about it paying a little attention, they will easily understand that Mu’awiyah acted in opposition to the command of Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.), in the Battle of Siffeen.

          In order to make the reality apparent, we will narrate the actual incident and then mention the significant points derived from it:

          Ibn e Abil Hadeed writes:

‘After the Battle of Bani Quraiza and their shameful defeat, which was caused by the Jew Hayy bin Akhtab, in the fifth year of migration, a news was given in Medina that a group of dacoits are blocking the path of the caravans and are looting them in ‘Daumatul Jandal[1]’, which is situated in northern Medina.

          The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.), on the twenty fifth day of Rabi ul Awwal, in the fifth year of Hijrah, moved from Medina towards the the land of ‘Dawmatul Jandal’ along with one thousand companions.

          When the dacoits saw the Muslim army coming, all of them evaded but some amount of their wealth and belongings fell in the hands of Muslims. 

           At the time of halt at ‘Dawmatul Jandal’, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) addressed his companions, among whom was Abu Musa Ash’ari also, and said:

          ‘After my demise, two people will sit here for judgment and their judgment will be based on oppression and injustice, just like the two individuals of Bani Israel who also gave a verdict based on injustice at such a situation’.

          This prophecy of Prophet (p.b.u.h.) in the fifth year of Hijrah, turned into a reality after more than thirty years when Imam Ali (a.s.) was compelled to accept Arbitration in the Battle of Siffeen. From the army of Imam Ali (a.s.), Abu Musa Ash’ari was selected for this purpose which was not done by the approval and consent of Imam (a.s.), and it was Amr e Aas who was selected from Mu’awiyah’s side.

          These two individuals sat for giving a verdict on the land of ‘Dawmatul Jandal’. In this judgment, although Abu Musa was the representative of Imam Ali (a.s.), he committed treachery and brought down his holiness from the position of caliphate – which his absolute right, but Amr e Aas gave the verdict in favour of Mu’awiyah’s caliphate.

          As per Ibn e Abil Hadeed and all the other Sunni scholars, the prophecy of Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was thirty years prior to the incident of ‘Hakamiyyat’, and it proved for everyone that in that incident, Imam Ali (a.s.) was deprived of his right and Mu’awiyah usurped the chair of caliphate with injustice and oppression.