Battle of the Camel Part 2

The Battle of Bassorah, Battle of the Camel, or Battle of Jamal was a battle that took place at Basra, Iraq in 656 between forces allied to Hazart Ali ibn Abi Talib (Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Rightly Guided Caliph and Commander of the Faithful) and forces allied to Aisha (widow of Muhammad, and called the Mother of the Faithful) who wanted justice on the perpetrators of the assassination of the previous caliph Uthman.

Ummul Momeneen Ayesha the daughter of the first Caliph Abu Bakr, and the widow of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), was in Makka for the pilgrimage when third Caliph Uthman was killed. She had always expected either Talha or Zubayr to succeed him and when she heard of Imam Ali's (A.S.) appointment as Caliph, she was very upset. And said, 'By God! Uthman was innocent, I will avenge his blood.'

Ummul Momeneen Ayesha mounted on a litter on the camel al-Askar, and marched from Makka at the head of 1,000 men. On her right was Talha and on her left, Zubayr. On their way many more joined them, swelling their numbers to 3,000.

On the way to Basra, the rebel army received news that Imam Ali (A.S.) had come out of Madina in their pursuit. They decided to leave the main road and proceed to Basra through a different route. When they passed through the valley of Hawab the dogs of the village surrounded Ummul Momeneen Ayesha's camel, barking loudly. She was immediately worried and asked for the name of the place. When she was told it was Hawab, she was shocked and she despairingly cried:

She got off her camel and refused to go any further. Talha and Zubayr tried to convince her that the place was not Hawab and even brought 50 witnesses to testify to this lie, but in vain. This is said to be the first occasion of false evidence given publicly since the dawn of Islam. Finally, they raised a cry that Imam Ali (A.S.) was approaching, and Ummul Momeneen Ayesha, struck with terror, quickly remounted and the march was resumed.

The army reached Basra and camped in the suburbs. Ummul Momeneen Ayesha, Talha and Zubayr began talks with the leading citizens of Basra, trying to get their support for their cause. In this they failed and were subjected to ridicule.

Finally, some of them entered the city and during the congregational prayers, they treacherously captured Imam Ali's (A.S.) governor, Uthman bin Huneif, after killing 40 of his guards. Fighting broke out in the city and many of Imam Ali's (A.S.) supporters were killed before Ummul Momeneen Ayesha gained control of Basra.

Meanwhile, Imam Ali (A.S.) had received information about Ummul Momeneen Ayesha's plans from Umme Salma, and news of the disturbances in Makka and Basra also came through.

 This was because the people were reluctant to fight Ummul Momeneen Ayesha, who was considered to be the Mother of the Faithful by virtue of being the widow of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). Also, Muawiya had succeeded in making people think that Imam Ali (A.S.) was somehow involved in the murder of Uthman.

 Meanwhile, Uthman bin Huneif arrived with fresh news from Basra. Imam Ali (A.S.) smiled and said to him that he had left them as an old man but had returned as a beardless youth.

Imam Ali (A.S.) wrote letters to Ummul Momeneen Ayesha, Talha and Zubayr, warning them against the unwise steps they had taken, but his words were ignored. Finally he marched to Basra at the head of 20,000 men.

Ummul Momeneen Ayesha's forces numbered 30,000 but they were mostly raw recruits, while Imam Ali's (A.S.) army was full of battle veterans.

In Basra, the sight of Imam Ali's (A.S.) men in battle formation filled Ummul Momeneen Ayesha and her comrades with terror. Imam Ali (A.S.) talked at length with Talha and Zubayr, negotiating for peace. He reminded them of the words of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) regarding his authority, which they both admitted they had heard. Zubayr was ashamed of his deeds and left the scene but Talha remained doubtful. Ummul Momeneen Ayesha was furious at the conduct of the two and ordered a raid at nighttime to end the chance of peace.

The next morning Ummul Momeneen Ayesha mounted her camel al-Askar and urged her troops to prepare for battle. Thus began the unfortunate Battle of Jamal (Camel), where Muslims fought each other for the first time. Although outnumbered, Imam Ali (A.S.) and his soldiers were too skilled to be defeated. Soon victory began to incline towards Imam Ali (A.S.). Talha was wounded and later died. Ummul Momeneen Ayesha's camel was brought down and Imam Ali (A.S.) ordered her brother Muhammad bin Abu Bakr to take care of Ummul Momeneen Ayesha.

After that, the battle was soon over, and Imam Ali (A.S.) declared a general amnesty for all the rebels.

In this battle Imam Ali (A.S.) restrained his men from taking any war booty and all property found on the battle ground was gathered in the mosque of Basra, from where the owners could claim their possessions.

Other link:

Ghadir in respect of the Present Imam (a.s.)

Brief facts about Ghadir Event