Malik al-Ashtar: Difference between revisions

=== The Battle of Siffin ===

Malik al-Ashtar was one the commanders of the army of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] who would reach the vicinity of the camp of [[Mu'awiya]] in the Battle of Siffin. The victory of the army of [[Imam]] was evident. In such a situation, the soldiers of Mu'awiya tried a ruse and put [[Qur'an]]s on the spears and invited the followers of Imam 'Ali (a) to finalize the battle by the command of the Qur'an. A group of the soldiers (approximately 20,000 persons) of the army of Imam became confused and fell for the ruse. They gathered and asked 'Ali (a) to order to Malik to return, otherwise they would kill 'Ali (a), their Imam and leader. Imam explained the situation and the ruse of the Mu'awiya but they did not accept and forced 'Ali (a) to order Malik to return immediately. Imam had no choice except to send a courier to Malik with the message to retreat.

It was the morning of the Laylat al-Harir and Malik was in a dominant location and could attack to Mu'awiya. He answered to Yazid b. Hani (the courier of Imam) that he could've move at that time was hopeful that he could overcome the opposing forces and [[Allah]] will help them.

Yazid b. Hani returned to Imam and delivered the message of Malik. In light of the message, the protestors became suspicious of 'Ali (a) and they swore that he sent a message to Malik to continue the battle. Imam answered that they witnessed the order for Malik to come back. Then Imam asked Yazid b. Hani to go back to Malik and give him Imam's order to return and to tell him there is a sedition. Yazid went to Malik and delivered the message.

Malik questioned Yazid if the problem is due to the Qur'ans on spears. Affirmative, Yazid answered.  

“I swear to God that I knew that raising the Qur'ans will cause division but is it proper to leave the situation when I am close to victory?” asked Malik.  

“Do you like to be victorious here but Imam lose on the camp?” asked Yazid.  

“Subhan'Allah (Alleluia!) I swear to God, I don't like for this to happen," Malik replied.

“Protesters said that either Malik return or we will kill 'Ali as we killed 'Uthman or we betray 'Ali to his enemies,” stated Yazid.

Thus Malik came back to the camp and talked to protesters and denounced them. They had a contention and Imam asked them to stop it. Malik was against arbitration, or ''hakamiya,'' but since Imam had accepted it, followed Imam.