Stay Out of This Matter

Imaam  Shaafi’ narrated that Hazrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez was asked about the  slain in the Battle of Siffeen whether they were Shuhada [martyrs] or not. Hazrat Umar Bin Abdul Aziz (Rahmatullahi alaih) responded: “Allah Ta’ala has kept my hands clean and free from their blood. I do not want to coat my tongue with their blood.”

The Battle of Siffeen pitted the forces of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Mu’aawiyah (Radhiyallahu anhum), with both sides firmly believing themselves to be on the Haq. Innumerable lives were lost in this ghastly battle. It involved the Seniors of the Ummah. We, sinful juniors are in no position at all to judge the Sahaabah over this fracas.

Hazrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez, who was known as Umar Thaani for his exceptionally just and benevolent rule, summed up the standpoint of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah on this issue, to the chagrin of devious minds and deviates who seek to besmirch the honour and reputation of the illustrious Sahaabah (Radhiyallahu anhum), by stating that passing judgement over the Sahaabah in this incident is akin to murdering them with one’s tongue.  May Allah Ta’ala save us from vilifying the Illustrious Salafus Saaliheen.