Throughout history, many Islamic personalities and leaders have experienced injustice because of politics either through false charges or misunderstandings or falsified proofs.
Till date, this practice is not uncommon. Many of those who experience it today seek comfort from the dedication of those six great Islamic personalities in getting through the difficulties they encountered while being imprisoned.
1. Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him)
He was wrongly accused of seducing Zuleikha, which was injuctice, the servant of the ‘Aziz of the time despite evidence.
This occurred due to a political motivation by the ‘Aziz and his wife in attempting to seduce her servant. The news was spreading in town and could potentially terminate his political career. Hence, he had the Prophet Yusuf (p.b.u.h) to take the charge of the crime, arrested and imprisoned him.
2. Uthman ibn ‘Affan (may Allah be pleased with him)
He was imprisoned by rebels who were not happy about his leadership and faced injustice.
The adversaries of the third Khalif sent over a group of people to barricade his house to barricade and arrested him for 20 days. They ultimately attacked him to become a martyr.
3. Imam Abu Hanifah (may Allah have mercy on him)
He was arrested for refusing a corrupted position.
Imam Abu Hanifah was offered the position of Chief Judge by Abu Ja’far Al Mansur, the Abbasid ruler at the time but did not accept the job. As a scholar, he was expected to issue announcements that justify the wrongdoings of the rulers. He was unwilling to indulge in corruption and, as a result, challenged the authority of the ruler. He was then arrested, imprisoned and tortured. Despite being imprisoned, Imam Abu Hanifah continued to teach until his death.
4. Imam Malik ibn Anas (may Allah have mercy on him)
He was defied the governor for the forceful oath of allegiance and was subsequently reprimanded
When the governor of Madinah forced the citizens of Al-Mansur to acknowledge a duty of commitment to the monarch, Imam Malik ibn Anas issued a ruling that such oath is forceful and not binding. Consequently, he was charged with being guilty of disobedience and whipped in public.
5. Imam Ash-Shafi’i
He was falsely accused of supporting rebels in Yemen, imprisoned but later released.
He was arrested and enchained in Baghdad. However, when Harun Al-Rashid, the Khalif of the time, met him, he was impressed with his learning and fluency and set him free from prison. but he had to go through immense injustice.
6. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (may Allah have mercy on him)
He was whipped for refusing to accept doctrines based on falsehood.
He refused to accept the ruling of the Mu’tazili doctrine and the belief that the Qur’an was created. This refusal caused him to be sent to prison in Baghdad under the regime of Al-Mamun. Under the leadership of Al Mu’tasim, he was whipped till he fainted. He was then released by Al Mutawakkil.
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