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# The lack of faithful, tactful and courageous force.
# The lack of faithful, tactful and courageous force.
# The disinterested Muslims and among them Shi’as who were lied to by Mu'awiya.
# The disinterested Muslims and among them Shi’as who were lied to by Mu'awiya.
First, he had to gently control [[Kufa]], then he had to appoint a governor for [[Egypt]], [[Hijaz]] and eastern regions (i.e. [[Khurasan]], [[Azerbaijan]] and other areas of [[Iran]]).
The most important of these tasks was to finally decide over the situation in [[Sham]] by either dismissing Mu'awiya from Kufa or restraining his access to [[Iraq]].
Sham had endured many sufferings during Imam 'Ali (a)'s time, let alone Imam al-Hasan (a)'s time when Mu'awiya self-declared himself as the legal caliph of Muslims. This problem was not so simple to be resolved easily. Imam al-Hasan (a) did not have a powerful army to confront Mu'awiya. Apart from Sham, no one was qualified to assume the responsibility of governing those remotely vast territories.
This great mission required faithful, tactful and courageous Muslims to succeed. But the disinterested Muslims especially those around Imam al-Hasan (a), however, were not in possession of a high-degree faith and Mu'awiya's purposeful generosity had caught their greedy eyes glued to the worldly promises including money and position. These people were those who afflicted Imam 'Ali (a) with grievous torment and pain.
During this short period, division and discord among Muslims had become major players. Imam al-Hasan (a) did not expect [[Basra]] people and 'Uthmaniyyun, since they would not put Mu'awiya aside. Khawarij did not agree with him as well. They demanded caliphate in contrast with their previous-year request to eliminate any denier. The only supporters of him were those claiming to be [[shi'a]], yet most of them were pretending to be, in fact. Those inviting [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] to come to Iraq from Hijaz, either ultimately abandoned him, or confronted him or behaved towards him hypocritically.
The pure faithful shi'as, his and his father's true friends, were sometimes deceived by Mu'awiya's people, since they were not used to hypocrite and lie, and did not imagine that much enthusiasm and passion was only for mundane purposes, not for God's satisfaction.


=== Mu'awiya and His agents ===
=== Mu'awiya and His agents ===
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* Spread rumors and lies in a rumor-growing ground, Iraq.
* Spread rumors and lies in a rumor-growing ground, Iraq.
* Plunder the bordering towns and threaten their inhabitants.
* Plunder the bordering towns and threaten their inhabitants.
* Tell made-up and exaggerated stories about Mu'awiya's generosity and his “ability” in governing the country.  
* Tell made-up and exaggerated stories about Mu'awiya's generosity and his “ability” in governing the country.


=== Negligence in War and Attacks on Imam's Tent ===
=== Negligence in War and Attacks on Imam's Tent ===


Mu'awiya arrived in Iraq along with his army and settled in Maskin. Imam 'Ali (a) had prepared an army in the last days of his lifetime to attack Sham (but this went unfinished due to his martyrdom). This army had to carry on with its unfinished mission despite the fact that it could not be without an appropriate commander. There were [[Qays b. Sa'd b. 'Ubada]] and [['Ubiyd Allah b. Abbas]], but who was going to be the next commander in chief?
Mu'awiya arrived in Iraq along with his army and settled in Maskin. Imam 'Ali (a) had prepared an army in the last days of his lifetime to attack Sham (but this went unfinished due to his martyrdom). This army had to carry on with its unfinished mission despite the fact that it could not be without an appropriate commander. There were [[Qays b. Sa'd b. 'Ubada]] and [['Ubiyd Allah b. Abbas]], but it was unclear who was going to be the next commander in chief.


Qays became ready to go to Sham. Meanwhile, Imam Hasan (a) went to [[Mada'in]]. But, almost every day, the camp could not live without new incidents since its establishment. In one incident, it was said that Qays had been killed. After this rumor was spread, uproar broke out. The soldiers attacked their Imam's tent and took whatever existed in there with them. They even took the rug on which their Imam sat.
Qays became ready to go to Sham. Meanwhile, Imam Hasan (a) went to [[Mada'in]]. But, almost every day, the camp could not live without new incidents since its establishment. In one incident, it was said that Qays had been killed. After this rumor was spread, uproar broke out. The soldiers attacked their Imam's tent and took whatever existed in there with them. They even took the rug on which their Imam sat.
They cut their (Imam’s) thigh with a hack when he was trying to escape to find a shelter amid the attacks on his tent. According to [[Muhammad b. Jarir Tabari]], when Imam al-Hasan (a)'s tent was plundered, he went to Sa'd b. Mas'ud Thaqafi ([[Mukhtar]]'s uncle). Sa'd had been elected as the ruler of Mada'in by Imam (a).  Mukhtar, who was young at that time, asked Sa'd:
They cut their (Imam’s) thigh with a hack when he was trying to escape to find a shelter amid the attacks on his tent. According to [[Muhammad b. Jarir Tabari]], when Imam al-Hasan (a)'s tent was plundered, he went to Sa'd b. Mas'ud Thaqafi ([[Mukhtar]]'s uncle). Sa'd had been elected as the ruler of Mada'in by Imam (a).  Mukhtar, who was young at that time, asked Sa'd:
- Do you wish to gain opulence and honor?
- Do you wish to gain opulence and honor?
- How?
- How?
- Arrest Hasan, hand him to Mu'awiya and get whatever you wish.
- Arrest Hasan, hand him to Mu'awiya and get whatever you wish.
- God damn you! What an evil man you are! How could I hand son of prophet's daughter to his enemy?
- God damn you! What an evil man you are! How could I hand son of prophet's daughter to his enemy?


[[Mukhtar b. Abi 'Ubayd al-Thaqafi]] is the one who took the leadership of [[Uprising of Mukhtar|shi'a’s uprising]] against 'Umawiyyun 25 years later. Perhaps Abdullah b. Zubayr's supporters had made up these stories to accuse Mukhtar; however, it is also possible to be an authentic one. Anyhow, fact says that there was a group of people in Kufa who prioritized their personal benefit to Muslim's goodness. This is a reality behind every revolution or movement.
[[Mukhtar b. Abi 'Ubayd al-Thaqafi]] is the one who took the leadership of [[Uprising of Mukhtar|shi'a’s uprising]] against 'Umawiyyun 25 years later. Perhaps Abdullah b. Zubayr's supporters had made up these stories to accuse Mukhtar, however, it is also possible to be an authentic one. Anyhow, fact says that there was a group of people in Kufa who prioritized their personal benefit to Muslim's goodness. This is a reality behind every revolution or movement.


Imam al-Hasan (a) thought resistance is pointless due to the disobedience and rebelliousness of the people claiming to be his friends. He was certain, that in case of resistance, his army (if there was any army) would run away before passing Mada'in, and even would make Mukhtar's thought practical and hand him to Mu'awiya. Ultimately, Imam al-Hasan (a) signed a peace treaty with Mu'awiya.
Imam al-Hasan (a) thought resistance is pointless due to the disobedience and rebelliousness of the people claiming to be his friends. He was certain, that in case of resistance, his army (if there was any army) would run away before passing Mada'in, and would even make Mukhtar's thought practical and hand him to Mu'awiya. Ultimately, Imam al-Hasan (a) had to sign a peace treaty with Mu'awiya.


== Peace Treaty ==
== Peace Treaty ==
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Two hundred years passed until the treaty was recorded in books. During this time, 'Umawiyyun, then 'Abbasiyun and also political and religious-political groups falsified this document, and any other document in favor of themselves as much as possible. Thus, to analyze this issue at present, we must not disregard other analogies.
Two hundred years passed until the treaty was recorded in books. During this time, 'Umawiyyun, then 'Abbasiyun and also political and religious-political groups falsified this document, and any other document in favor of themselves as much as possible. Thus, to analyze this issue at present, we must not disregard other analogies.


*Tabari quotes:  
*'''Tabari''' quotes:
: "Initially, Mu'awiya sent a sealed blank paper to Imam al-Hasan (a) so that he would write whatever he wished and Mu'awiya would accept it. But he (Imam) had written his conditions and sent it to Mu'awiya, before the paper reached him. After the paper arrived, Imam al-Hasan (a) demanded more privileges than what was written in the first letter. But Mu'awiya did not accept." [[Ibn Athir]] has brought this story as well.”
: "Initially, Mu'awiya sent a sealed blank paper to Imam al-Hasan (a) so that he would write whatever he wished and Mu'awiya would accept it. But he (Imam) had written his conditions and sent it to Mu'awiya, before the paper reached him. After the paper arrived, Imam al-Hasan (a) demanded more privileges than what was written in the first letter. But Mu'awiya did not accept." [[Ibn Athir]] has brought this story as well.”


*[[Shahidi]] writes:  
*'''[[Shahidi]]''' writes:
: "Undoubtedly, this story was made up by the historians belonging to 'Umawi, or they have reversed the reality and added false information to it. Those who have pondered about Hasan b. 'Ali's life, know that he, regardless of his position as Imam in which Shi’a believe, was a person with high civility and humanity codes. He signed the peace treaty when he was convinced resistance would bring about no benefit or fortune except bloodshed and final victory for Mu'awiya. He was not a trader to negotiate with a purchaser over a commodity, or increase the price when noticing the market is in favor of him. He was so kind and civil that even his enemy could not resist concealing it.  
: "Undoubtedly, this story was made up by the historians belonging to 'Umawi, or they have reversed the reality and added false information to it. Those who have pondered about Hasan b. 'Ali's life, know that he, regardless of his position as Imam in which Shi’a believe, was a person with high civility and humanity codes. He signed the peace treaty when he was convinced resistance would bring about no benefit or fortune except bloodshed and final victory for Mu'awiya. He was not a trader to negotiate with a purchaser over a commodity, or increase the price when noticing the market is in favor of him. He was so kind and civil that even his enemy could not resist concealing it. If the story of the blank paper was real, so when Imam al-Hasan (a) authored his conditions in it and brought it back to Mu'awiya, it is likely that Mu'awiya forged this story and spread it in order to refuse to conform to the conditions, having achieved his ultimate wish and not fighting. More surprisingly, what Tabari has mentioned is much more similar to a legend or humor rather than a historical narration, let alone representing a reality."
If the story of the blank paper was real, so when Imam al-Hasan (a) authored his conditions in it and brought it back to Mu'awiya, it is likely that Mu'awiya forged this story and spread it in order to refuse to conform to the conditions, having achieved his ultimate wish and not fighting."
He continues by saying that:
"More surprisingly, what Tabari has mentioned is much more similar to a legend or humor rather than a historical narration, let alone representing a reality."  


Some historians believe that Imam al-Hasan (a) pledged allegiance to Mu'awiya on condition that he would grant to him five billion dirhams from Kufa treasury ([[bayt al-mal]]) and the tax of [[Darabgard]] in [[Fars]], and prohibit people from insulting Imam 'Ali (a) on pulpits. Mu'awiya did not accept the last condition though. Therefore, it was determined not to insult Imam 'Ali (a) just in front of Imam Hasan (a); however, Basra people confiscated the tax of Darabgard. They stated this is our [[fay']] (meaning the property or money obtained by Muslims through a war without bloodshed).
*'''Others''':
Some historians believe that Imam al-Hasan (a) pledged allegiance to Mu'awiya on condition that he would give him five billion dirhams from Kufa treasury ([[bayt al-mal]]) and the tax of [[Darabgard]] in [[Fars]], and prohibit people from insulting Imam 'Ali (a) on pulpits. Mu'awiya did not accept the last condition though. Therefore, it was determined not to insult Imam 'Ali (a) just in front of Imam Hasan (a), however, Basra people confiscated the tax of Darabgard. They stated this is our [[fay']] (meaning the property or money obtained by Muslims through a war without bloodshed).


"These credulous historians have failed to observe that if Imam al-Hasan (a)'s satisfaction for establishing peace was to gain money, his followers would definitely take his life, or would behave towards him so badly that he could not commute easily among Muslims. Imam al-Hasan (a) was able to demand this amount of money and Mu'awiya was willing to pay it, but Imam did not do so. Why Tabari has not referred to the major provisions based on which the peace treaty was written?" states Sayyid Ja'far Shahidi in analyzing these historical outlooks.
*'''In analyzing these historical outlooks, Sayyid Ja'far Shahidi writes''':
:"These credulous historians have failed to observe that if Imam al-Hasan (a)'s satisfaction for establishing peace was to gain money, his followers would definitely take his life, or would behave towards him so badly that he could not commute easily among Muslims. Imam al-Hasan (a) was able to demand this amount of money and Mu'awiya was willing to pay it, but Imam did not do so. Why Tabari has not referred to the major provisions based on which the peace treaty was written?"


=== Content of the Peace Treaty ===
=== Content of the Peace Treaty ===
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There are some other documents revealing the reality, representing the fact that the historians belonging to 'Umawi and 'Abbasi era have falsified any event which was in favor of prophet's family. [[Baladhuri]]'s remark, which is earlier, sounds more authentic than Tabari's.
There are some other documents revealing the reality, representing the fact that the historians belonging to 'Umawi and 'Abbasi era have falsified any event which was in favor of prophet's family. [[Baladhuri]]'s remark, which is earlier, sounds more authentic than Tabari's.


Baladhuri writes: "Mu'awiya sent a sealed blank paper to Hasan (a) so that he would write in it whatever he wishes. Thus, he wrote:
*'''Baladhuri writes''': "Mu'awiya sent a sealed blank paper to Hasan (a) so that he would write in it whatever he wishes. Thus, he wrote: This is the peace treaty between Hasan b. 'Ali and Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan. I declare peace between us and hand the caliphate on to him on condition that:
 
This is the peace treaty between Hasan b. 'Ali and Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan. I declare peace between us and hand the caliphate on to him on condition that:
# He (Mu’awiya) would act according to God's book and prophet's [[sunna]], and the method of good caliphs.
# He (Mu’awiya) would act according to God's book and prophet's [[sunna]], and the method of good caliphs.
# He would not pass anyone as his successor, and after his death the caliphate should be dealt with by a council of Muslims.
# He would not pass anyone as his successor, and after his death the caliphate should be dealt with by a council of Muslims.
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[[Abd Allah b. Harith]] and [[Amr b. Salama]] are witnesses to this treaty.
[[Abd Allah b. Harith]] and [[Amr b. Salama]] are witnesses to this treaty.


[[Ibn Hajar al-Haytami]] has remarked on the peace treaty as well. He writes: "This is a peace treaty between Hasan b. 'Ali and Mu'awiya. Hasan agrees to establish peace and to hand Muslims' caliphate on to him on condition that:
*'''[[Ibn Hajar al-Haytami]]''' has remarked on the peace treaty as well. He writes: "This is a peace treaty between Hasan b. 'Ali and Mu'awiya. Hasan agrees to establish peace and to hand Muslims' caliphate on to him on condition that:
# He would act based on God's book, sunna, and method ([[sira]]) of [[rashidun]] (guided) caliphs.
# He would act based on God's book, sunna, and method ([[sira]]) of [[rashidun]] (guided) caliphs.
# He does not have the right to pass a successor after his death. This should be dealt in Muslims' council.
# He does not have the right to pass a successor after his death. This should be dealt in Muslims' council.
Line 100: Line 90:


=== Protection of His Shi'a and His Life ===
=== Protection of His Shi'a and His Life ===
Imam 'Ali (a)’s best men were mostly martyred in [[the Battle of Jamal]], [[the Battle of Siffin]], and [[the Battle of Nahrawan]]. Only a few of them were left. In case of war, regarding Iraqi people's negligence, Imam al-Hasan (a) and his shi'as would undergo irrecoverable losses. [[Abi Sa'id 'Aqisa]] narrates: "I visited Imam al-Hasan (a) and said to him: “You son of the prophet! Why did you accept peace with the cruel and corrupt Mu'awiya despite the fact that you already knew you were right? He replied: If I had not done so, no one of our followers would have remained on earth and they all would have been slaughtered."
Imam 'Ali (a)’s best men were mostly martyred in [[the Battle of Jamal]], [[the Battle of Siffin]], and [[the Battle of Nahrawan]]. Only a few of them were left. In case of war, regarding Iraqi people's negligence, Imam al-Hasan (a) and his shi'as would undergo irrecoverable losses.  
 
*[[Abi Sa'id 'Aqisa]] narrates:
Imam al-Hasan (a) responded to a person who addressed him as the “humiliator of pious men”:
:"I visited Imam al-Hasan (a) and said to him: “You son of the prophet! Why did you accept peace with the cruel and corrupt Mu'awiya despite the fact that you already knew you were right? He (Imam) replied: "If I had not done so, no one of our followers would have remained on earth and they all would have been slaughtered."


I am not the humiliator of pious men, rather I've raised their honor. So when I realized you (shi'as) did not have the power to resist and confront Sham army, I handed the caliphate on to Mu'awiya in order to save our (your) lives. Just as a tactful person who causes a defect in a ship to save its owners' and passengers' lives (pointing to the Quranic story of [[Moses (a)]] and [[Khidr (a)]] in [[sura al-Kahf]]). Our story is similar to this. This is because we could remain among our enemies and opponents.
*Imam al-Hasan (a)'s response to a person who called him as the “humiliator of pious men” was:
:"I am not the humiliator of pious men, rather I've raised their honor. So when I realized you (shi'as) did not have the power to resist and confront Sham army, I handed the caliphate on to Mu'awiya in order to save our (your) lives. Just as a tactful person who causes a defect in a ship to save its owners' and passengers' lives (pointing to the Quranic story of [[Moses (a)]] and [[Khidr (a)]] in [[sura al-Kahf]]). Our story is similar to this. This is because we could remain among our enemies and opponents."


His Excellency says in another hadith:  
*His Excellency says in another hadith:
"I swear to God that what I did is better and more beneficial for my shi'as than sunset and sunrise."  
:"I swear to God that what I did is better and more beneficial for my shi'as than sunset and sunrise."
It is also narrated that after peace, Hujr b. Adi came to Imam al-Hasan, protesting by saying: You humiliated the pious men. Imam al-Hasan (a) replied: "It is not like this that all the people want what you wish, or think as you do. What I did was just for your protection and survival and no more."
*It is also narrated that after peace, Hujr b. Adi came to Imam al-Hasan, protesting by saying: You humiliated the pious men. Imam al-Hasan (a) replied:
:"It is not like this that all the people want what you wish, or think as you do. What I did was just for your protection and survival and no more."


=== People Refused to Support Imam al-Hasan (a) ===
=== People Refused to Support Imam al-Hasan (a) ===


To evaluate people's readiness to fight, Imam al-Hasan (a) told them: "If you are ready to take arms against Mu'awiya, we will reject the peace and will take his life; however, if you would like to stay put, we will accept the peace and will demand safety for you." At this point, people repeated vehemently the phrase "al-baqiyyah, al-baqiyya" (means staying still), signing the peace treaty.
To evaluate people's readiness to fight, Imam al-Hasan (a) told them: "If you are ready to take arms against Mu'awiya, we will reject the peace and will take his life; however, if you would like to stay put, we will accept the peace and will demand safety for you." At this point, people repeated vehemently the phrase "al-baqiyyah, al-baqiyya" (which means staying still), signing the peace treaty.
*[[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] states in ''[[al-Irshad]]'' that:
*[[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] states in ''[[al-Irshad]]'' that:
:"It became obvious for Imam al-Hasan (a) that people had abandoned him. [[Khawarij]] insulted him, regarded him a [[kafir]], were suspicious of him, thought it was [[mubah]] to take his life, and plundered his properties. Apart from these people, no one was Imam's supporter who would be free from negative thoughts towards him. It was not except from some of his relatives, either they were his father's shi'a or his, a few who could not confront the large army of Sham".
:"It became obvious for Imam al-Hasan (a) that people had abandoned him. [[Khawarij]] insulted him, regarded him a [[kafir]], were suspicious of him, thought it was [[mubah]] to take his life, and plundered his properties. Apart from these people, no one was Imam's supporter who would be free from negative thoughts towards him. It was not except from some of his relatives, either they were his father's shi'a or his, a few who could not confront the large army of Sham".
*[[Sulaym b. Qays al-Hilali]] states:  
*[[Sulaym b. Qays al-Hilali]] states:
:"When Mu'awiya came to kufa, Imam al-Hasan (a) went up the pulpit and after praising God said: "I take oath to God, if people pledged allegiance to me and helped me, the sky would generously grant them its rain and the earth would give them its bless, and you Mu'awiya would never be tempted to take over caliphate."
:"When Mu'awiya came to kufa, Imam al-Hasan (a) went up the pulpit and after praising God said: "I take oath to God, if people pledged allegiance to me and helped me, the sky would generously grant them its rain and the earth would give them its bless, and you Mu'awiya would never be tempted to take over caliphate."


Imam al-Hasan (a) refers to the disloyalty and lack of support from people in a [[khutba]] by saying : "If I had a friend or a companion, I would never hand the caliphate on to Mu'awiya, since the caliphate is prohibited to Bani 'Umyya." Moreover, he replied to the person protesting the peace: "I handed the caliphate on to Mu'awiya on account that I did not have enough companions to fight with him. If I had some, I would fight with him day and night to finally defeat him."
*Imam al-Hasan (a) refers to the disloyalty and lack of support from people in a [[khutba]] by saying :
:"If I had a friend or a companion, I would never hand the caliphate on to Mu'awiya, since the caliphate is prohibited to Bani 'Umyya." Moreover, he replied to the person protesting the peace: "I handed the caliphate on to Mu'awiya on account that I did not have enough companions to fight with him. If I had some, I would fight with him day and night to finally defeat him."


=== Preventing bloodshed ===
=== Preventing bloodshed ===


Imam al-Hasan (a) puts forth the reason of establishing peace with Mu'awiya: "I thought it would be appropriate to behave towards Mu'awiya peacefully and to declare ceasefire. I knew preventing bloodshed is better. My only purpose was your survival and goodness."
*Imam al-Hasan (a) puts forth the reason of establishing peace with Mu'awiya by saying:
:"I thought it would be appropriate to behave towards Mu'awiya peacefully and to declare ceasefire. I knew preventing bloodshed is better. My only purpose was your survival and goodness."


He also said: "I had all Arabs' heads in my hand, if I established peace, they would do so, and if I fought, they would take arms, but I ignored it because of God's satisfaction and saving Muslims' lives."
*He also said:
:"I had all Arabs' heads in my hand, if I established peace, they would do so, and if I fought, they would take arms, but I ignored it because of God's satisfaction and saving Muslims' lives."


He replied to Sulayman b. Surad's protest: "I see something way beyond what you see, and I did not do so but only to prevent bloodshed." Imam al-Hasan (a) explained elsewhere that: "I thought preventing bloodshed is better than the opposite."
*He replied to Sulayman b. Surad's protest:
:"I see something way beyond what you see, and I did not do so but only to prevent bloodshed." Imam al-Hasan (a) explained elsewhere that: "I thought preventing bloodshed is better than the opposite."


After the peace treaty, Mu'awiya asked Imam al-Hasan (a) to take part in fighting with Khawarij. He did not participate and sent Mu'awiya a letter saying: "If I wanted to fight with any Muslim, the first one of them would be you. But I did not make a war against you for Muslims' goodness and protection of their lives."
*After the peace treaty, Mu'awiya asked Imam al-Hasan (a) to take part in fighting with Khawarij. He did not participate and sent Mu'awiya a letter saying:
:"If I wanted to fight with any Muslim, the first one of them would be you. But I did not make a war against you for Muslims' goodness and protection of their lives."


=== Protecting Religion ===
=== Protecting Religion ===


One of the main reasons why Imam al-Hasan (a) accepted the peace treaty is protecting the religion, since fighting with Muslims would have exposed the Islamic territories to the danger of the religion becoming extinct. To go on war against Mu'awiya, was not a beneficial decision to make, neither for Kufa nor Sham. It only paved Rome Empire's path to attack Islamic territories.
One of the main reasons why Imam al-Hasan (a) accepted the peace treaty is protecting the religion, since fighting with Muslims would have exposed the Islamic territories to the danger of the religion becoming extinct. To go on war against Mu'awiya, was not a beneficial decision to make, neither for Kufa nor Sham. It only paved Rome Empire's path to attack Islamic territories.
[[Ya'qubi]] writes: "Mu'awiya returned to Sham in [[41]]/661. Having been notified about Rome large army, Mu'awiya sent an ambassador to them and established peace by offering 100 thousand dinars.


On the other hand, war and bloodshed would have added more suspicion to religion and sacred things due to a weak understanding of religion which came from a corrupt culture of the people living in that time. Perhaps it was one of Imam al-Hasan (a)'s reasons for accepting peace. He said: "I was afraid Muslims be eradicated and no one remained. Therefore, I consented to peace in order to save God's religion.”
*[[Ya'qubi]] writes:
:"Mu'awiya returned to Sham in [[41]]/661. Having been notified about Rome large army, Mu'awiya sent an ambassador to them and established peace by offering 100 thousand dinars.
 
On the other hand, war and bloodshed would have added more suspicion to religion and sacred things due to a weak understanding of religion which came from a corrupt culture of the people living in that time. Perhaps it was one of Imam al-Hasan (a)'s reasons for accepting peace.  
 
*He (Imam) said:
:"I was afraid Muslims be eradicated and no one remained. Therefore, I consented to peace in order to save God's religion.”


=== Tired of Fighting ===
=== Tired of Fighting ===


Due to 40 years of fighting in different wars, there had not remained any spirit of fighting among Muslims except for some pure shi'as and brave youths. After establishing Islamic government, Muslims participated in [[ghazwa]] and [[sariya]] at prophet's presence. Then they had to fight with soldiers of Rome, [[Iran]], and some neighboring nations of [[Jazirat al-Arab]] during the caliphate of the three caliphs. And after that, they suffered from three great civil wars imposed on the then ruler, Imam Ali (a):
Due to 40 years of fighting in different wars, there had not remained any spirit of fighting among Muslims except for a handful of pure shi'as and brave youths. After establishing Islamic government, Muslims participated in [[ghazwa]] and [[sariya]] at prophet's presence. Then they had to fight with soldiers of Rome, [[Iran]], and some neighboring nations of [[Jazirat al-Arab]] during the caliphate of the three caliphs. And after that, they suffered from three great civil wars imposed on the then ruler, Imam Ali (a):
* [[The Battle of Jamal]]
* [[The Battle of Jamal]]
*[[The Battle of Siffin]]
*[[The Battle of Siffin]]
Line 145: Line 147:
Considering all these factors, a few volunteered to take part in war when Imam al-Hasan (a) and his close friends such as [[Hujr b. Adi]] and [[Qays b. Sa'd Ansari]] invited people to unite against Mu'awiya.
Considering all these factors, a few volunteered to take part in war when Imam al-Hasan (a) and his close friends such as [[Hujr b. Adi]] and [[Qays b. Sa'd Ansari]] invited people to unite against Mu'awiya.


Imam al-Hasan (a) told the people who had pledged allegiance to him and promised to give him a hand in fighting against Mu'awiya that: "If you are honest in what you have said, join me at the camp in Mada'in." Then, Imam (a) set out for Mada'in. Those who had really decided to fight went along with Imam, yet a large number of them, turned out to be unfaithful to Imam and did not fulfill their promises. They deceived Imam al-Hasan (a) as they had deceived his father Imam 'Ali (a), the last Commander of the faithful.
Imam al-Hasan (a) told the people who had pledged allegiance to him and promised to give him a hand in fighting against Mu'awiya that:
:"If you are honest in what you have said, join me at the camp in Mada'in."  


Imam Hasan (a) expressed his anger and criticism by saying: "I'm surprised of a nation who has neither any sense of embarrassment nor any rank of faith in religion. If I hand the caliphate on to Mu'awiya, I take oath to God you will not live easily and Bani 'Umayya will torment you with the most severe behaviors and tortures."
Then, Imam (a) set out for Mada'in. Those who had really decided to fight went along with Imam, yet a large number of them, turned out to be unfaithful to Imam and did not fulfill their promises. They deceived Imam al-Hasan (a) as they had deceived his father Imam 'Ali (a), the last Commander of the faithful.


He stated in other words: "I saw you have been slow towards war, and I do not enforce you to do something you are unwilling to do."
*Imam Hasan (a) expressed his anger and criticism by saying:
:"I'm surprised of a nation who has neither any sense of embarrassment nor any rank of faith in religion. If I hand the caliphate on to Mu'awiya, I take oath to God you will not live easily and Bani 'Umayya will torment you with the most severe behaviors and tortures."
 
*He restated:
:"I saw you have been slow towards war ([[jihad]]), and I do not enforce you to do something you are unwilling to do."


=== Harm of Khawarij ===
=== Harm of Khawarij ===


Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Abdullah b. Arabi, the author of [[Ahkam al-Qur'an]] says: "one of the main reasons Imam al-Hasan (a) accepted peace was that he was aware that khawarij had surrounded him. So, if he kept on fighting with Mu'awiya, khawarij would take the control of Islamic lands. On the other hand, if he fought with khawarij, Mu'awiya (indulged in the fantasy of domination) would take over the Islamic regions under Imam Hasan (a)'s control.
*Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Abdullah b. Arabi, the author of [[Ahkam al-Qur'an]] says:
:"One of the main reasons Imam al-Hasan (a) accepted peace was that he was aware that khawarij had surrounded him. So, if he kept on fighting with Mu'awiya, khawarij would take the control of Islamic lands. On the other hand, if he fought with khawarij, Mu'awiya (indulged in the fantasy of domination) would take over the Islamic regions under Imam Hasan (a)'s control."


=== Inconsistent army ===
=== Inconsistent army ===


[[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] in Al-Irshad writes: "The people accompanying Imam Hasan (a) were from different groups and different interests; a number of them were his or his father's shi'a, a group of them were supporters of [[hakamiyyat]] (khawarij) that were influenced (by the desire of) fighting with Mu'awiya every means possible. Some of them were men who loved discords and were anxious for booties of war; some of them were doubters; others were tribal supporters who followed the leaders of their tribes without reference to religion."
*[[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] in Al-Irshad writes:
:"The people accompanying Imam Hasan (a) were from different groups and different interests; a number of them were his or his father's shi'a, a group of them were supporters of [[hakamiyyat]] (khawarij) that were influenced (by the desire of) fighting with Mu'awiya by means possible. Some of them were men who loved discords and were anxious for booties of war, some of them were doubters, others were tribal supporters who followed the leaders of their tribes without reference to religion."


An army essentially composed of these people would divide in any incident. Khawarij accompanied with Imam al-Hasan (a) to contrive their deceitful schemes, they fought ([[jihad]]) but by the purpose of corruption. There is no one more dangerous than the enemy who pretends friendship. Such an enemy shows you friendship openly, but he fights against you secretly. So the most dangerous enemy is he who fights against you with hatred, malice, and tribalism.
An army essentially composed of these people would divide in any incident. Khawarij accompanied with Imam al-Hasan (a) to contrive their deceitful schemes, they fought ([[jihad]]) but by the purpose of corruption. There is no one more dangerous than the enemy who pretends friendship. Such an enemy shows you friendship openly, but he fights against you secretly. So the most dangerous enemy is he who fights against you with hatred, malice, and tribalism.


Imam Hasan (a) answered to the person who protested his agreement with peace: "People of Iraq will bring anyone trusting them to failure, since they are not consistent with each other in thoughts and demands. They are decisive neither in goodness nor in badness." Shaykh Mufid believes: "Imam al-Hasan (a) had no alternative but to accept peace and abandon war, since his followers had weak beliefs and were discouraged to fight due to Mu'awiya’s worldly promises. They no longer had much faith in Imam al-Hasan (a) so as to fight Mu’awiya. According to what happened, they disagreed with him and merited taking his life as halal. They wanted to turn him over to his enemy. His cousin Ubayd Allah b. Abbas gave up assisting him and joined his enemy and generally people turned their faces to the worldly desires and disregarded blesses of [[Akhira]]."
*Imam Hasan (a) answered to the person who protested his agreement with peace:
:"People of Iraq will bring anyone trusting them to failure, since they are not consistent with each other in thoughts and demands. They are decisive neither in goodness nor in badness."  
 
*Shaykh Mufid believes:
:"Imam al-Hasan (a) had no alternative but to accept peace and abandon war, since his followers had weak beliefs and were discouraged to fight due to Mu'awiya’s worldly promises. They no longer had much faith in Imam al-Hasan (a) so as to fight Mu’awiya. According to what happened, they disagreed with him and merited taking his life as halal. They wanted to turn him over to his enemy. His cousin Ubayd Allah b. Abbas gave up assisting him and joined his enemy and generally people turned their faces to the worldly desires and disregarded blesses of [[Akhira]]."


Among Imam al-Hasan (a)'s army, there were those who seemingly were obedient of Imam's orders. "A group of Kufa great men wrote a letter to Mu'awiya secretly saying: we are totally obedient of you". Then, they encouraged him to travel to them, promising to turn Hasan over to him when his army approached, or kill him surprisingly off-guard." [[Zayd b. Wahab Juhani]] explains: "When Imam al-Hasan (a) was injured and was resting in bed in Mada'in, I visited him and said to him:  
Among Imam al-Hasan (a)'s army, there were those who seemingly were obedient of Imam's orders. "A group of Kufa great men wrote a letter to Mu'awiya secretly saying: we are totally obedient of you". Then, they encouraged him to travel to them, promising to turn Hasan over to him when his army approached, or kill him surprisingly off-guard." [[Zayd b. Wahab Juhani]] explains: "When Imam al-Hasan (a) was injured and was resting in bed in Mada'in, I visited him and said to him: What is your decision? People are confused. He replied: I take oath to God that I see Mu'awiya better for me than these people who, supposedly, are my shi'as and at the same time make schemes to kill me. They plunder my furniture, and steal my property."
What is your decision? People are confused.  
He replied: I take oath to God that I see Mu'awiya better for me than these people who, supposedly, are my shi'as and at the same time make schemes to kill me. They plunder my furniture, and steal my property."


== No stipulations fulfilled ==
== No stipulations fulfilled ==
Line 174: Line 185:
:Although Imam al-Hasan (a) was under his friends' pressure for the first clause of the treaty, he remained loyal to his promise, but if he wanted, he was free to alter or transform his provisions. Because caliphate was conditional, yet Mu'awiya was not loyal to any of the provisions he was provided to fulfill.  Ilhaq zina ila al-nasab (means when a woman gets pregnant by adultery, and the baby is regarded as his husband's offspring. So, the orders and principles between a father and an offspring come true in this situation. It is against Islamic ahkam), saying [[Friday Prayer]] on Wednesday, suspending divine limits, declaring [[riba]] as jayiz, announcing [[adhan]] for Eid prayer, making [[khutba]] before Eid prayer, declaring the obligation of paying [[zakat]] for gifts, debauchery and impudence, and forging [[hadiths]] were Mu'awiya's innovatory traditions (a regime of religious heresy) which was completely against [[sunna]] of [[the holy Prophet]] (s). Mu'awiya violated the second clause of the treaty by passing his son [[Yazid]] as his successor.
:Although Imam al-Hasan (a) was under his friends' pressure for the first clause of the treaty, he remained loyal to his promise, but if he wanted, he was free to alter or transform his provisions. Because caliphate was conditional, yet Mu'awiya was not loyal to any of the provisions he was provided to fulfill.  Ilhaq zina ila al-nasab (means when a woman gets pregnant by adultery, and the baby is regarded as his husband's offspring. So, the orders and principles between a father and an offspring come true in this situation. It is against Islamic ahkam), saying [[Friday Prayer]] on Wednesday, suspending divine limits, declaring [[riba]] as jayiz, announcing [[adhan]] for Eid prayer, making [[khutba]] before Eid prayer, declaring the obligation of paying [[zakat]] for gifts, debauchery and impudence, and forging [[hadiths]] were Mu'awiya's innovatory traditions (a regime of religious heresy) which was completely against [[sunna]] of [[the holy Prophet]] (s). Mu'awiya violated the second clause of the treaty by passing his son [[Yazid]] as his successor.
*Third stipulation:
*Third stipulation:
:Mu'awiya knew his government is strong only by insulting Imam 'Ali (a), so he violated the third clause as well. His people insisted so much on this odious action that regarded it as a part of Friday Prayer and anyone refusing to do it would have been thrown away from his position.
:Mu'awiya always thought that his government would be stronger by insulting Imam 'Ali (a), so he violated the third clause as well. His people insisted so much on this odious action that regarded it as a part of Friday Prayer and anyone refusing to do it would have been thrown away from his position.
*Fourth stipulation:
*Fourth stipulation:
:Those who believed paying [[Darabgard]] taxes to Imam al-Hasan (a) was one of the clauses of the peace treaty, have written: "People of [[Basra]] prevented transferring the taxes of Darabgard to Imam al-Hasan (a). They said: This booty is ours. And this was done through Mu'awiya's order.
:Those who believed paying [[Darabgard]] taxes to Imam al-Hasan (a) was one of the clauses of the peace treaty, have written: "People of [[Basra]] prevented transferring the taxes of Darabgard to Imam al-Hasan (a). They said: This booty is ours. And this was done through Mu'awiya's order.
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