The Rift Between Hazrat Aisha (rta), Hazrat Muawiyah (rta), And Hazrat Ali (rta)
Ali’s acceptance of the caliphate after Uthman’s assassination can be seen as a pragmatic move to maintain stability and continuity, rather than an attempt to establish the concept of Imamah. Ayesha and Muawiyah’s opposition to Ali’s caliphate, in this context, was likely driven by their suspicion that the Kharijites and other supporters of Ali had ulterior motives, namely, to establish the concept of Imamah and ensure the leadership of the Ahl al-Bayt. Ali’s acceptance of Tahkim (arbitration) can be seen as a rejection of the Imamah concept, as it implied that the caliphate was not a divine right, but rather a matter of human decision-making. The assassins of Uthman, who may have seen Ali’s caliphate as a means to establish Imamah, would have viewed his acceptance of Tahkim as a betrayal of their goals, leading them to assassinate him as well. This interpretation highlights the complex interplay of political, ideological, and personal factors that shaped the events of early Islamic history.
I wish all Muslims could understand and respect true preaching of Hazrat Ali rather than using his name to fragment and shatter oneness and solidarity of Muslim ummah.