This article set out to evidence to our dear readers those extents to which efforts were taken to oust the appointed successor of Rasulullah (s), Ali Ibn Abi Talib (as) from power. Umar’s distraught state that can best be described as a ruse, followed by his remarkable powers of recovery that enabled him to head out with Abu Bakr and Abu Ubaydah to discuss a matter that had already been decided by Rasulullah (s) was part of major plan that was hatched soon after the declaration of Ghadir. When Rasulullah (s) was challenged about his appointing of Ali (as) upon his return in Madina by Harith bin Numan Fairi, it was evident that he was representing a body of opinion that opposed the decision. It is therefore not surprising that he (s) sought to stave off this threat by ordering Usamah bin Zaid to head out on an army expedition. It is worthy to note that included amongst the combatants were Abu Bakr, Umar and Abu Ubaydah the same individuals that co-ordinated the discussions at Saqifa and successfully got Abu Bakr appointed therein. It is amazing that despite the insistence of Rasulullah (s) that the expedition proceed and despite his failing health, the expedition stalled and didn’t comply with the orders of Rasulullah (s). Rather than remain in the army we see that the Shaikhain discharged themselves of army duties and became particularly active:
This abovementioned planning that started whilst Rasulullah (s) was dying, was completed following his(s) death via the clandestine meeting at Saqifa. All of these events pieced together form part of a concerted effort to remove Ali (as) from his legitimate seat of power. The plan was successful, the rest is history but not matter how many excuses you want give it, it was a conspiracy as we are sure those with open minds will recognise, as Imam Ali (as) said “Truth will always overcome falsehood”.