Objections Against Hazrat Mu‘awiya

Question

(1) Did Amir Mu‘awiya ﵁ during his caliphate attempt to have Yazid appointed as caliph, and to what extent? (2) Did Amir Mu‘awiya ﵁, by spending large sums of money, induce many people to pledge allegiance to Yazid? (3) Did Amir Mu‘awiya ﵁ ever have two unsheathed swords held over the heads of Hazrat Imam Husayn ﵁ and his companions, and order that during the address anyone who uttered a word of assent or dissent would be beheaded, and thereupon announce Yazid’s caliphate? (4)

Answer

(1) No. (2) No. (3) No. (4) No. (5) He did not use foul abuse, but harsh words did occur. (6) It was an error of ijtihad, not a matter of base desire. Amir Mu‘awiya ﵁ is a Companion of exalted rank; it is not permissible to utter any disrespectful word regarding him, nor is it proper to harbour in one’s heart any ill opinion contrary to his rank.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.