Flames of Fitna (Book 4 of Hanthalah)

Interlude

"Straighten your back," ibn 'Abbas commanded him, squeezing 'Abdullah's shoulders with overwhelming strength that left the young man wincing in pain. "Improve your posture. You look like a dying palm tree."

'Abdullah raised an eyebrow at the man's almost constant instructions. It was as though there existed a silent contract between them – one of student and master. 'Abdullah may have balked had it been another.

But this was ibn 'Abbas himself. A relative to the Prophet – first cousin, in fact. Renowned for his deep knowledge of matters theological. He would be a valuable source for learning, indeed.

And a greater degree of access would be afforded 'Abdullah as well should he maintain close ties with this ibn 'Abbas.

The truth of that lay bare for all to witness as the two men strode unchallenged into the home of the new Khalifa.

'Ali ibn Abu Taleb, Commander of the Believers, stood regal yet modest in his home, wrapped in a green shawl over a matching cloak and turban of the same shade. His waistband was golden, a soft linen belt that cinched his robes.

"As-salamu 'alaykum," ibn 'Abbas greeted his cousin and overlord. Peace be upon you, it meant.

A massive man towered over them all standing behind 'Ali, a deep scar running the length and width of his face from one side to the other. Malik al-Ashtar, the staunchest of 'Ali's supporters – the Shi'a of 'Ali.

"Wa 'alaykum," replied 'Ali with a warm smile. And peace be unto you.

"I saw al-Mughira the nomadic chieftain leaving you," ibn 'Abbas cut to the chase. "What is it that he wanted?"

'Ali clasped his hands behind his back, furrowing his brow. "Yesterday, he came to me with the intention of advice. He told me to keep 'Uthman's governors in Egypt, Syria, Kufa, Basra and Yemen in their positions. But today, he has gone back on his word. He wished for me to remove them from their posts in order to install my own."

"The man wishes to mislead you with his advice today," young 'Abdullah answered immediately.

The three other men in the room shifted their gazes toward him, chewing on his words. He felt their scrutiny on him send a single bead of sweat traveling down his forehead.

"Yes, I agree with 'Abdullah," his new tutor-like figure, ibn 'Abbas resumed the conversation. "As for yesterday, he advised you well. But, as for today, he misled you."

"What should be done then?" asked 'Ali.

"The Umayyads understand naught but the sword!" boomed Malik from behind, unsheathing his blade.

Ibn 'Abbas and 'Abdullah ignored him.

"What you should have done was to have left when the man was killed or even before that," ibn 'Abbas suggested. "Go to Makkah, enter your house, and lock the door behind you."

'Abdullah nodded, finding the wisdom in the older man's words.

"The Umayyads will exploit this situation," 'Abdullah chimed in support of his new tutor. "They will point to your support base being the killers of 'Uthman. They will use that as evidence that you are responsible for his death. Appease the Umayyads rather than removing them from office lest we risk schism. We all wanted justice for 'Uthman, do we not?"

Ibn 'Abbas nodded, reaffirming the argument.

The Khalifa only looked confused. He looked toward Malik, his partisan, for the briefest of moments.

"Why do you think he gave me good advice?" he asked. "The first time. When he told me to keep the governors in place."

"Because, as we both know, Mu'awiyah and the other Umayyads are men of earthly desires," ibn 'Abbas answered. "They will not care who their commander is so long as you ratify their posts."

'Abdullah nodded, taking the argument from there. "Otherwise, they will claim that you were elected by the killers of 'Uthman, and thus are complicit. They will stir up their support bases against you in Syria and 'Iraq. There will be chaos in the ranks of the believers!"

'Abdullah knew that the men of Banu Umayya were a rotten bunch that cared for naught but their bellies, pockets and loins. They made for foul leaders, and personally, 'Abdullah put their belief into question. But in order to preserve the greater good, one must allow for the wicked. 'Ali was a good man. But he needed to dirty his hands. Such was the reality of his new task.

'Ali conferred with Malik for some time. Finally, the Khalifa shook his head.

"No," he replied. "Regarding what you have said of appointing the Umayyads, I have no doubt that it is best for this life. But I cannot in good conscience appoint men I know to be corrupt. I serve the truth. I serve God."

'Abdullah cursed under his breath. 'Ali was a good man, he knew. That was he leant him his allegiance, gave him an oath. But it seemed he was too good a man. But who else was the alternative? The Umayyads? Those dogs who cared only for their earthly desires and not for the Hereafter? Those people that attracted the likes of Hanthalah ibn Ka'b?

"I'm also not sure Talha and al-Zubayr won't turn against you," ibn 'Abbas opened a new topic.

'Ali shot his head up, as if offended. "Talha and al-Zubayr are God-fearing men! Zubayr is a noble cousin of the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him. While Talha has been promised paradise by our dear Prophet."

"Talha was also the man who cut the water supply from 'Uthman during the final days," ibn 'Abbas reminded him. "I trust him as far as I can stick my sword."

'Ali shook his head. "The two men gave me oaths of allegiance."

"But they are not in Madinah," 'Abdullah stroked his chin in thought.

"They asked permission to leave," 'Ali confessed. "They are in Makkah, performing the lesser pilgrimage – the 'umrah. How would they be plotting treason?"

The answer came immediately, as though on cue.

"Commander of the Believers!" a man rushed into the house, breathless. "Commander of the Believers!"

"Speak, man," rasped Malik al-Ashtar. "Speak, will you?"

"The Meccans," the man continued, puffing. "Talha and al-Zubayr. They have rallied under the Lady 'Aisha in open rebellion!"