Questions every Shi’i must ask concerning Siffin and Nahrawan

“And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know what it is.” (Qur’an 2:42)

These are questions that every Shi’i* must ask concerning Siffin and Nahrawan.

*Shia meaning: 12er, Zaydi, Ismail’i, Reformist etc.

Question 1. Amr bin al-As what is the Shi’i view on him?

Question 2. Amr bin al-As do the Shi’i view him as being just?

Question 3. Is there anyone from Muaviya’s army at Siffin that Shi’i consider to be just?

Question 4. Is there anyone from Muavyia’s army at Siffin that Shi’i have adoration and respect for?

Question 5. Do Shi’i believe that Ibn Abbas was sent to speak to the Muslims of Narhawan?

Question 6. What is the most accurate portrayal of his (Ibn Abbas) discussion with them (Al Narhawan)?

LET THE BOOK OF ALLAH JUDGE BETWEEN US?

Question 7. If you are among those who believe that Ali was correct in arbitration. That he acquiesce to arbitration on the grounds that the decision would be based upon the book of Allah, than what Qur’an based verses did Ali believe supported his position?

* This is interesting because in our WhatsApp group of about 5 Shi’i (many of them quite active) in their respective fields of research, no one has yet to offer up any Qur’an based verses for Ali’s position. Curious isn’t it?

I asked the whole group this two fold question:

What did Muaviyah feel was his Qur’an based evidence that supported his position? Likewise, what did Ali feel was his Qur’an based evidence that supported his position?

Interestingly enough, evidence was given for Muaviyah’s position. The law of Qisas. We can say that it is based upon the following evidences in the Qur’an.

“Oh You who believe, fair retribution is prescribed for you in cases of murder: the free man for the free man, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. But if the culprit is pardoned by his aggrieved brother, this shall be adhered to fairly, and the culprit shall pay what is due in a good way. This is an alleviation from your Lord and an act of mercy. If anyone then exceeds these limits, grievous suffering awaits him.” (Qur’an 2:178)

“We ordained for them in the Torah, “A life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth—and for wounds equal retaliation.” But whoever waives it charitably, it will be atonement for them. And those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are ˹truly˺ the wrongdoers.” (Qur’an 5:45)

Now in case someone brings up the following verse:

“And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors.” (Qur’an 2:193)

Now this verse is often used by Orientalist to suggest that Ali used this for a reason to accept a cease in hostilities. O.K fair enough. Though the question remains. What Qur’an based argument does Ali use to support his position?

Once sincere truth seekers look into these questions and reflect upon them there will be allot more people identifying with the Ibadi position. There will be allot more people identifying with Ahl Haqq Wal Istiqamah.

Allah (swt) knows best and the help of Allah (swt) is sought!