binding upon my neck and upon that of your companion. If fighting proves unavoidable, we will not raise arms against anyone until we have dealt with the murderers of ʿUthmān—wherever they may be and whoever they may be.”
The two envoys went back to ʿAlī, who was then at Dhī Qār, and informed him of what had happened. He said to al-Ashtar, “You are our man for dealing with Abū Mūsā and the one able to counter every objection(1). Go—both you and Ibn ʿAbbās—and set right what you have spoiled.”
They set out, reached Kūfah, spoke with Abū Mūsā, and enlisted the help of a number of Kūfans against him. Abū Mūsā then addressed the people, saying:
“O people, the Companions of Muhammad ﷺ who kept his company know Allah and His Messenger better than those who did not. You have a right over us, and I am giving you sincere counsel. My view is that you must not belittle the authority Allah has established, nor dare to defy His command. This is a time of trial: the sleeper in it is better than the one who is awake, the awake is better than the sitter, the sitter is better than the one who stands, the one who stands is better than the rider, and the rider is better than the runner. Therefore, sheathe your swords, take the heads off your spears, cut the bow-strings, and give refuge to the oppressed and the wronged until this matter is resolved and the veil of this fitnah is lifted.”
Ibn ʿAbbās and al-Ashtar returned to ʿAlī and told him what had taken place. He then sent al-Ḥasan and ʿAmmār ibn Yāsir, saying to ʿAmmār, “Go and repair what you have ruined.”
They entered the mosque, and the first to greet them was Masrūq ibn al-Ajdaʿ. He said to ʿAmmār, “Why did you kill ʿUthmān?”
ʿAmmār replied, “Because he insulted our honor and had our bodies beaten(2).”
Masrūq retorted, “By Allah, your retaliation was not proportionate to what you suffered; had you been patient, it would surely have been better for those who are patient(3).”
Abū Mūsā then emerged, met al-Ḥasan ibn ʿAlī, and embraced him. Turning to ʿAmmār he said, “Abū al-Yaqzān, did you assault the Commander of the Believers ʿUthmān and kill him?”
ʿAmmār answered, “I did not, and it does not grieve me.”
Al-Ḥasan ibn ʿAlī broke in and said to Abū Mūsā, “Why are you discouraging the people from joining us? By Allah, we want nothing but reconciliation, and someone like the Commander of the Believers need fear nothing.”
Abū Mūsā replied, “You have spoken truly—may my father and mother be sacrificed for you—but a counselor must give trustworthy advice. I heard the Prophet ﷺ say(4): ‘There will be a fitnah: the one who sits during it is better than the one who stands, the one who stands is better than the one who walks, and the one who walks is better than the one who rides.’ Allah has made us brothers and has forbidden us to shed each other’s blood or seize each other’s property.”
At this ʿAmmār grew angry, reviled him, and said, “O people, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said those words to him alone: ‘For you, remaining seated will be better than standing.’” A man from Banī Tamīm became incensed on Abū Mūsā’s behalf and insulted ʿAmmār; others rose up, the commotion swelled, and voices were raised while Abū Mūsā did his best to calm the crowd.
Abū Mūsā said, “People, obey me and be the best of folk among the finest of the Arab nations—those to whom the wronged turn for refuge and with whom the fearful feel safe. When a fitnah first approaches, it is confused; when it passes, it becomes clear(5).” He then ordered the people to keep their hands to themselves and to remain in their homes.