After the appointment of Hazrat Abu Musa Al-Ash‘ari^(ra) as governor, there remained no reason for these people to create disorder. However, the real instigators of this conflict could not have been pleased with all their efforts going to waste in this manner. Hence, written correspondence began and it was decided that a few people from all the provinces should set out towards Madinah in the form of delegations. There, they should deliberate as to the future course of action, and certain questions should also be posed to Hazrat ‘Uthman^(ra) so that these discussions may be publicised in all directions and people may become convinced that the allegations levelled against Hazrat ‘Uthman^(ra) have been proven beyond doubt. After deciding the matter they all left their homes and headed for Madinah. When they reached close to Madinah Hazrat ‘Uthman^(ra) learnt of their arrival. He sent two men to enquire about them and ascertain the real purpose of their arrival, and then report back to him. The two of them left and met this caravan outside Madinah. During the course of discussion these people revealed to the two informants their state of affairs. The two of them asked whether anyone from the people of Madinah was with them. This treacherous group replied that there were three people in Madinah and besides them, they did not have a fourth supporter. The two enquired, “Then what is your intention?” They replied:

“Our intention is to go to Madinah in order to speak to Hazrat ‘Uthman(ra) regarding certain matters which we have already instilled into the minds of people. Then we will return to our towns and tell everyone that we raised many objections against Hazrat ‘Uthman(ra) and established their validity, but he has refused to abstain from these things and did not repent. Then we will leave, under the pretence of going for hajj and besiege him upon reaching Madinah. If he steps down from Khilafat, then well and good, otherwise we will kill him.”

The Conspiracy Exposed

Both of these informants returned with a full report of their findings and briefed Hazrat ‘Uthman^(ra). Upon hearing their state of affairs, Hazrat ‘Uthman^(ra) began to laugh and prayed to God the Exalted, “O Allah! Save these people from going astray. They will be ruined if You do not save them.” Then, regarding the three men from among the people of Madinah who were with the mischief-makers, he said:

“As for ‘Ammar, he is angry because he attacked ‘Abbas bin ‘Utbah bin Abi Lahab and he was reprimanded for this. Whereas Muhammad bin Abi Bakr has turned arrogant and thinks that no law is binding upon him and Muhammad bin Abi Hudhaifah is putting himself in trouble for no reason.”

Then Hazrat ‘Uthman^(ra) called the mischief-makers and gathered the companions of the Holy Prophet^(sa) as well.