225
CHAPTER XXXII
THE PLOT RIPENS. CONSPIRATORS ATTACK MEDINA DEATH OF 'OTHMAN
35 A.H. / 656 A.D.
Plot to surprise Medina. End of 34 A.H. Summer 655 A.D.
THE plot now rapidly came to a head. A plan of action had been already formed. While the lieutenants of the Caliph were absent from their posts on the occasion just described, the conspirators were to issue from Al-Kufa, Al-Basra, and Fustat, and converge upon Medina in combined and menacing force. There, in answer to the Caliph's challenge, they would present an endless roll of complaints, and cry loudly for redress, reform, and change of Governors. Denied by 'Othman, they would demand his abdication, and, in last resort, enforce it by the sword. But as to a successor they were not agreed. Al-Kufa was for Az-Zubeir; Al-Basra for Talha; Egypt's favourite was 'Ali.
Conspirators set out for Medina, ix. 35 A.H. March, 656 A.D.
The scheme miscarried. But some months later, in the middle of the following year, it was revived and secret preparations made for giving it effect. Under pretext of visiting Mecca for the lesser Pilgrimage,1 the concerted movement at last took place, two or three months before the annual Pilgrimage. Ibn abi Sarh, Governor of Egypt, at once despatched a message to apprise 'Othman. In reply he was ordered to pursue the rebels; he did so, but too late; they had already marched beyond his reach. On turning back he found Egypt in the hands of a traitor, and fleeing for his life, took refuge across the border in Palestine. Among the insurgent leaders of Egypt was Mohammad son of Abu Bekr
1 Life of Mohammad, p. ci. It may be performed any time of the year. 225
Insurgents encamp near Medina; first retire;
Startled by intelligence that the insurgents were in full march on Medina, 'Othman ascended the pulpit and admitted the real object of attack. "It is against myself," he said "by and by they will look back with a longing eye on my reign, and wish that each day had been a year, because of the bloodshed, anarchy, and ungodliness that will flood the land." The rebels soon appeared, and pitched three separate camps, from Al-Kufa, from Al-Basra, and from Egypt, in the neighbourhood of the City. The people put on their armour, a thing unheard of since the days of the Apostasy, and prepared for resistance. The insurgents, foiled thus far, sent deputies to the widows of Mohammad and chief men of the City. "We come," they said, "to visit the Prophet's home and resting-place, and to ask that certain of the Governors be deposed. Give us leave to enter." But leave was not granted. Then they despatched each a deputation to their respective candidates. 'Ali stormed at the messengers, and called them rebels accursed of the Prophet; and the others met with no better reception at the hands of Talha and Az-Zubeir. Unable to gain the citizens, without whose consent their object was out of reach, the rebel leaders declared themselves satisfied with the Caliph's promise of reform, and so retired. They made as if each company were taking the road home, but with the concerted plan of returning shortly, when they might find the City less prepared. The citizens, relieved of the immediate danger, cast aside their armour, and for some days things went on as before, 'Othman leading the prayers.
but return with document bearing Caliph's seal.
Suddenly, the three bands reappeared. A party headed by 'Ali went forth to ask the reason. The strangers pointed to a document attested by the Caliph's seal; this, they said, had been found by the Egyptian company upon 'Othman's servant, whom they caught hastening on the road to Fustat; and it contained orders for the insurgents to be imprisoned, tortured, or put to death. 'Ali, suspecting collusion asked how the discovery had become so promptly known to the other companies marching in different directions as to bring them all back at once together? "Speak of it as ye will," they said, "here is the writing, and here the Caliph's seal." Ali repaired to 'Othman, who denied knowledge of the document but with the view of clearing up the matter consented to 227
Angry altercation with Caliph.