Many renowned scholars – including Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi’i, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Nasai, Imam Ibn Kathir, Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani,and many others – have written on the virtues of Hazrat Muawiya (RA).
Tareekh-e-Tabari is one of the most frequently quoted books used to attack Hazrat Muawiya (RA). Islamic history must be measured against the Qur’an and Hadith. If it aligns, we accept it; if it does not, it must be discarded. Similarly, Tareekh-e-Damishq is purely historical and cannot be used as an authentic source.
Raqif Makhdoomi
A common lie against Hazrat Muawiya (RA) is that Imam Nasai (RA) was against him. This is completely false. Imam Nasai (RA) has narrated twenty-nine Sahih Hadith from Hazrat Muawiya (RA) and has described his virtues. Well-known scholars have classified Hazrat Muawiya (RA) as Katib-e-Wahi (scribe of revelation) and the maternal uncle of the believers.
We are living in an era where, to be called a “scholar”, one begins speaking against Hazrat Muawiya (RA). The very first thing they bring up is Hadith number 2812. Before using this as a weapon against him, the explanation of the Hadith must be properly understood. Many renowned scholars—including Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi’i, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Nasai, Imam Ibn Kathir, Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Maulana Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, Sheikh Ibn Baz (May Allah have mercy upon them), and many others—have written on the virtues of Hazrat Muawiya (RA). These scholars have made it clear that Hazrat Muawiya (RA) is a Sahabi (companion) of the Prophet (SAW), a scribe of revelation, and the maternal uncle of the believers. Imam Tirmidhi, in his book, has included a Hadith on the virtues of Hazrat Muawiya (RA).
All the lies against him are merely a well-crafted propaganda campaign. A person chosen to write the Qur’an can never be someone who would do wrong. The Prophet (SAW) made dua for him, and that dua came true when he became the ruler of the Muslims. He ruled for twenty long years and spread Islam to many parts of the world. Scholars like Ibn Kathir (RA) have written in favour of Hazrat Muawiya (RA).
Addressing The Misuse Of Hadith
A Hadith in Bukhari (2812) is often used against Hazrat Muawiya (RA), but it has nothing to do with him. He is accused of disobeying the Prophet (SAW), and the phrase “May Allah never fill his belly” is used against him. However, when the Hadith is read properly, it nowhere mentions that the person sent to Hazrat Muawiya (RA) told him that he was being called by the Prophet (SAW).
Another Hadith used to target Hazrat Muawiya (RA) is that he asked Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (RA) to “abuse” Hazrat Ali (RA). But nowhere in that Hadith is it mentioned that he asked him to curse Hazrat Ali (RA). The Hadith begins with a question, not an order, and the word “sabb” does not mean “curse”. In other Hadith, the same word “sabb” is used, but it is not translated as “curse”. For example, there is a Hadith where Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Abbas (RA) exchanged sabb, and another where the Prophet (SAW) used sabb regarding two people (see Muslim 5947, Bukhari 7305, 6141, 520). Why, then, is the word only translated as “curse” when it appears in the Hadith involving Hazrat Muawiya (RA) and Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (RA)? This is done solely to malign Hazrat Muawiya (RA).
The Historical Context
There was no personal enmity between Hazrat Muawiya (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA). All the propaganda against Hazrat Muawiya (RA) began right after Hazrat Ali (RA) became Caliph. Abdullah ibn Saba, the man who spread the fitnah (mischief), was responsible for the battle that Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Muawiya (RA) fought against each other. But this battle was never about becoming ruler. Hazrat Muawiya (RA) was merely demanding justice for the murder of Hazrat Uthman (RA), who was killed after being kept without water for forty days. Hazrat Ali (RA) wanted Hazrat Muawiya (RA) to wait until the situation could be brought under control, but Hazrat Muawiya (RA) insisted on immediate retribution.
When the Roman Empire sent a letter to Hazrat Muawiya (RA) offering help against Hazrat Ali (RA), he responded: “If you even step on our land, I will be the one to separate your head from your body.” You will not find many people quoting this letter. Why? Because doing so would reveal an inconvenient truth. But I do not shy away from this task. Defending the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) is our duty, and we will continue to do so.
Neglected Narratives
It has become common to present Hadith against Hazrat Muawiya (RA) while ignoring those in his favour. The only reason is that certain people do not want the reality to come before the public. I myself have read in Jamia Tirmidhi a Sahih Hadith where the Prophet (SAW) made dua for Hazrat Muawiya (RA), and another Hadith in Tirmidhi where the Prophet (SAW) speaks about a naval expedition led by Hazrat Muawiya (RA).
Tareekh-e-Tabari is one of the most frequently quoted books used to attack Hazrat Muawiya (RA). But for once, please check who wrote the book and what his views were on Hazrat Muawiya (RA). Islamic history must be measured against the Qur’an and Hadith. If it aligns, we accept it; if it does not, it must be discarded. Similarly, Tareekh-e-Damishq is also used to attack Hazrat Muawiya (RA), but it is purely historical and cannot be used as an authentic source.
The Lesson Of Forgiveness
Hazrat Hurr (RA), one of the commanders at Karbala, led a force of around 1,000 horsemen tasked with stopping Hazrat Hussain (RA). When he realised the wrongness of his actions, he repented. The same applies to Hazrat Abu Sufyan (RA) and Hazrat Hind (RA). They became Muslims, and the Prophet (SAW) told Hazrat Hind (RA): “Your tawbah (repentance) is accepted, but do not come near me.” Her forgiveness was accepted. We must not ignore what Allah has mentioned about forgiveness in the Qur’an.
References to Understand the Virtues of Hazrat Muawiya (RA)
- Bukhari 2788
- Bukhari 3765
- Muslim 6857
- Tirmidhi 3842
- Muslim 2501
- SilsilatusSahiha 1747
There are many more in Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Nasai, Abu Dawood, Musnad Ahmad, Muslim, Al-Masabih, and Mustadrak Hakim.
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