First enmity of the first oppressor

The enmity and opposition of the rulers and so-called caliphs against Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ameerul Momineen, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), was ignited at an early stage.

An interesting incident throws light on the origin of this enmity in the case of the first oppressor.

Saeed Ibn Musayyab asked Imam Ali Ibn Husain al-Sajjad (a.s.):

Was the ‘first one’ with the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when he entered Medina, if not, where did he separate from Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?

Imam (a.s.): He was with the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) when they entered Quba. The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) chose to wait for Ali (a.s.) at Quba. But he wanted to proceed rather than wait for Ali (a.s.).

Thus, he incited the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) – Come with us to Medina, for surely the people will be elated at your arrival. They are waiting for us, so join us and don’t halt here waiting for Ali (a.s.) because I don’t think he (a.s.) will come in a month.

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) – Never! What haste! I will never move from here until my cousin and my brother in Allah’s way and the most beloved of My Ahle Bait (a.s.) arrives. He has protected me from the apostates of Mecca with all his self.

This infuriated the oppressor and he left Quba in disgust, burning with jealousy for Ali (a.s.).

This was the first enmity that he manifested against the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) regarding Ali (a.s.) and his first opposition to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

• Al-Kafi v 8 p 339-340 (Rauzah)

• Mukhtasar al-Basair 344-345

• Tafseer al-Burhan v 3 p 565-566

• Behar al-Anwar v 19 p 116

• Minhaj al-Bara’ah p 144

This was the first in the list of many incidents that led to extreme hostility on the part of the first oppressor against Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w..a.). Some of the other incidents include – marriage to Fatima Zahra (s.a.), handing over the flag in the battle of Khaibar, conveying the Surah Bara’at (Tauba / chapter 9), announcement in Ghadeer Khum.

The first oppressor laid the foundation for all oppression and injustices on Aal Muhammad (a.s.) beginning with the usurping of caliphate and Fadak from its rightful owners.