'Aamir bin Abdullah Tamimi

'Aamir b Abdullah in Basra'

'Aamir b Abdullah Tamimi was an eminent Muslim. He settled at Basra. He was intensely religious, and would pray the whole night. Being too much absorbed in religious devotions, he was cut off from the world around him. He became critical of the irreligious ways of life of the people around him, and the people felt unhappy at his biting criticism. The Governor of Basra complained against him to Uthman, and Uthman directed that 'Aamir b Abdullah be sent to Syria.

'Aamir b Abdullah in Syria

In Syria, Abdullah Tamimi was lodged in the main mosque at Damascus, and Muawiyah the Governor of Syria kept a watch over him. One of the complaints against 'Aamir was that he did not eat meat. One day Muawiyah invited 'Aamir to dinner at which meat was served. 'Aamir duly partook of the dish of meat. That convinced Muawiyah that this allegation against 'Aamir was false.

Another allegation against 'Aamir was that he did not offer Friday prayers. Muawiyah posted some persons to spy on the activities of 'Aamir with regard to Friday prayers. It was reported by these agents that 'Aamir did attend the Friday prayers, but he came last of all, took his seat in the last row and would then leave the mosque before others. Thus it was established that the allegation against him, that he did not offer the Friday prayer, was not established.

Muawiyah inquired of 'Aamir as to why he did not marry. 'Aamir said that he had no objection to marriage, but he felt that as he spent most of his time in prayers, no woman would be happy with him. He said that if he came across any woman who would agree to pray with him, he would be glad to marry her. Muawiyah felt convinced that in the circumstances, 'Aamir could not be held guilty of his opposition to marriage.

Muawiyah reported to Uthman that the complaints against 'Aamir were not established. Uthman ordered that in the circumstances 'Aamir was free to return Basra, OF go anywhere else at his discretion. 'Aamir refused to go back to Basra, the people whereof had complained against him. He remained in Syria, and participated in the Jihad against Byzantine.

'Aamir in Kufa

The people of Kufa invited 'Aamir to visit them. 'Aamir visited Kufa in response to the invitation. The people of Kufa welcomed him, and humored him in his eccentricities. They found that being intensely religious, 'Aamir was critical of the luxurious style of the government of Uthman. They also found that 'Aamir was bitter against Uthman for having exiled him from Basra for no cause. The people of Kufa exploited this position, and fed 'Aamir on imaginary tales about the lapses of Uthman and his government. That aroused the indignation of 'Aamir, and he declared that such a man had no right to be the Caliph. Some one suggested that the best Jihad for a man of the caliber of 'Aamir was to tell Uthman in the face that he was not fit to be the Caliph and should accordingly abdicate. 'Aamir said that he was not afraid of any one except God, and that he had the courage to tell Uthman in the face that he was not f t to be the Caliph. The people of Kufa declared their faith in 'Aamir, and chose him their emissary to go to Madina and speak to Uthman. 'Aamir agreed to undertake the mission.

'Aamir in Madina

In Madina, 'Aamir saw Uthman, and told him bluntly that he was not fit to be the Caliph and should abdicate. Uthman said that as the Caliph his responsibility was to God and not to any person. As Allah had clothed him with the office of the caliphate, he could not withdraw from the office at the behest of any person. He added that he had held the office for over ten years, and during this period he had served the Muslims to the best of his ability. Extensive conquests had been made during his time. The State had become financially prosperous under him. He had increased the stipends of the people; the Baitul Mal was full, and he had discharged the duties of his office honestly and conscientiously. Under the circumstances unless any specific charges were established against him, he could not resign. Any such move would amount to his running away from his post. 'Aamir insisted that charges or no charges, he had forfeited the right to rule, and should abdicate of his own free will or he would be deposed by force. That was pure sedition on the part of 'Aamir. Some hot words were exchanged between Uthman and 'Aamir, which created some bitterness. Uthman banned the return of 'Aamir to Kufa, he was sent to Syria, and Muawiyah was asked to keep a watch on him.