The Battle of Jamal: A Sunni-Shia Discussion (Part 3 of 3)

Shaykh Arif Abdulhussain, who after acknowledging that this was a sensitive and polarising event for the Muslims, went on to ask whether it was befitting for Lady Aisha to rise up and in the process oppose the Qur’anic commands[3], in addition to rising up against a legitimate caliph. During the discussion, further questions were also raised such as whether those who rose up were considered rebels (baghi) to which  Qari Zahiruddin outlined a Sunni stance that during the battle they were considered rebels, however after the battle they repented and were thus exonerated from being considered rebels. In addition to this, the question was raised as to why the fighters against the first two caliphs were considered abandoning the religion (murtad) whilst the fighters against Ali were let off so easily? Also mentioned during the discussion was how this political incident has led to theological implications, and how the Sunni may have to reconcile the notion of the companions being just & right (Adool) whilst them fighting each other?  It was concluded that the event did cause tensions in the community,  however, the actions of Ali ibn Abi Talib in dealing with Lady Aisha showed that he did so with utmost respect despite the far-reaching consequences of her actions. This is a learning point for us in emulating his character and learning from history.