A Narration of Imam al Bukhari with regards to Dismissal and Appointment

We now come to the final section of the first discussion. This discussion has prolonged beyond our expectation. Nonetheless, the inclusion of the upcoming narration in the discussion of appointment and dismissal has been regarded valuable:

Imam al Bukhari has reported the following narration via his sanad in al Tarikh al Saghir:

حدثنا جبير حدثني جهيم الفهري قال أنا شاهد الأمر كله قال عثمان ليقم أهل كل مصر كرهوا صاحبهم حتى اعزله عنهم و أستعمل الذي يحبون فقال أهل البصرة رضينا بعبد الله بن عامر فأقره و قال أهل الكوفة اعزل عنا سعيد بن العاص و استعمل أبا موسى ففعل و قال أهل الشام قد رضينا بمعاوية فأقره و قال أهل مصر اعزل ابن أبي سرح و استعمل علينا عمرو بن العاص ففعل

Jubayr narrated to us―Juhaym al Fihri narrated to me saying: I witnessed the entire scenario.

‘Uthman announced, “Let residents of every city stand up who dislike their governor so that I may dismiss him and appoint one they approve of.”

The residents of Basrah said, “We are pleased with ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amir.” So he was sustained.

The inhabitants of Kufah said, “Dismiss Sa’id ibn al ‘As and appoint Abu Musa,” and he fulfilled their request.

The people of Sham said, “We are happy with Muawiyah,” so he kept him.

The residents of Egypt said, “Dismiss Ibn Abi Sarh and appoint ‘Amr ibn al ‘As over us,” and he acceded to their request.[1]

This narration clearly shows that the methodology adopted by Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu was totally flawless. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu fully considered the feelings and benefits of the masses with complete honesty. He did not entertain favouritism or nepotism of any kind.

This narration has dispelled many misconceptions and misunderstandings and terminated mainstream stories of this kind.

If the critics do away with prejudice and observe fairness and Allah consciousness, the issue will be solved, leaving no ambiguity at all.

Note:

The above narration of Imam al Bukhari clarifies that the tales of the injustices of Marwan ibn al Hakam and the stories of his authority over the state―which are broadcasted publicly―are predominantly baseless and useless. Had there been any basis for them, then just as the Muslims of that era requested appointment and dismissal from Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu, they would have definitely demanded from him the removal and dismissal of Marwan. Sayyidina ‘Uthman radiya Llahu ‘anhu presented the solution of these type of matters, and yet those present remained silent about Marwan. The truth is that:

السكوت في معرض الحاجة إلى البيان بيان

Silence in a matter which demands communication is in itself communication.[2]

NEXT⇒ Conclusion of Discussion One

[1] Al Tarikh al Saghir, pg. 44, 45, Ilahabad print, India.

[2] Usul al Bazdawi, pg. 160, chapter on taken an oath from the narrator, Nur Muhammad print, Karachi.

BACK⇒ Return to Table of contents