Story No. 264 – Name of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) is Synonymous with Justice (Adalat)
On one of the occasions when Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan had gone for Hajj Pilgrimage, he made inquires about a woman, by the name of Darmiyah Hajuniyah, who was well-known for her long standing support for Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) and her enmity towards Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan. Having been informed that she was alive, Mu’awiyah ordered her to be brought before him.
When she had arrived, Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan asked her: “Do you have any idea as to why I have summoned you before me? I have brought you here to know why you love Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) and harbour animosity towards me.”
Darmiyah Hajuniyah said: “It is better if you refrain from such talks.”
Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan insisted: “You must answer me.”
Darmiyah Hajuniyah said: “The simple reason that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) was a just person and supported equality whereas you needlessly fought him. I approve of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) because he loved the poor whereas I detest you because you shed unwarranted blood, spread dissensions and discords amongst the Muslims, adjudicate oppressively and unfairly, and act in accordance to your carnal desires!”
Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan was infuriated and an impolite dialogue ensued between the two, but eventually Mu’awiyah stifled his anger and as per his habit, exhibiting gentleness, he asked: “Did you see Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) with your own eyes?” She replied: “Yes.” Mu’awiyah then asked: “How?” She said: “By Allah! I had seen him in a state such that this kingdom and sultanate, which has deceived you and made you heedless, had neither deceived him nor made him heedless.”
Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan said: “Have you heard his voice?” She replied: “Yes. A voice that would burnish the heart and clear the turbidity from it just as olive oil clears away the rust.”
Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan said: “Do you desire anything?” She said: “Shall you give me whatever I ask for?” When he had replied in the affirmative, she said: “Give me one hundred red haired camels.”
Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan said: “If I give them to you, would you look upon me as you look upon Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as)?” Defiantly, she said: “Never.”
However, Mu’awiyah ordered one hundred red haired camels to be given to her and then commented: “Had Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) been alive, he would not have given you even one of these.”
Hearing this, Darmiyah Hajuniyah retorted: “By Allah! Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) would not have given me even one single hair of these camels, for he considered them to be the property of all the Muslims.”