Muawiyah (RA) continued to rule Shaam throughout the rule of Ali (RA). Even after the battle of Siffeen came to an end, it was decided that Muawiyah (RA) would remain in his position as governor, and Ali (RA) would rule over the rest of the Muslim world. After Ali (RA) passed away, Hassan (RA) became the khalifah. Turmoil and divisions began to grow within the Ummah, and the masses pressured him to confront Muawiyah (RA). However, his army were disunited. Six months elapsed in this manner, until Hassan (RA) informed the people that if you take me as a khalifah, do you respect my decisions? They replied in the affirmative. Hassan (RA) instructed them that if that is the case, then bring Muawiyah (RA) to me. When Muawiyah (RA) arrived, he handed the khilaafat over to him and swore allegiance to him as the khalifah.
This wise move by Hassan (RA) was also prophesied by Nabi ﷺ. When Hassan (RA) was a small child, Nabi ﷺ was looking once at the people and once at Hassan (RA) saying, “This son of mine is a Sayyid (i.e. a noble) and may Allah make peace between two big groups of Muslims through him” (recorded in Bukhari).
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 30/8/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
