Explain the role of 'Amr b: 'As and Abu Musa I-Ashcari at the Arbitration of Adriih.

Answer Details

The role of 'Amr b. al-'As and Abu Musa al-Ash'ari at the Arbitration of Adhruh

The arbitration followed the inconclusive Battle of Siffin between the forces of Caliph 'Ali b. Abi Talib and Mu'awiyah b. Abi Sufyan. When Mu'awiyah's soldiers raised copies of the Qur'an on their spears calling for judgement by the Book of Allah, both sides agreed to appoint arbitrators to settle the dispute over the caliphate.

1. Abu Musa al-Ash'ari was appointed to represent 'Ali's camp. He was a pious and honest companion, but trusting and not politically shrewd.
2. 'Amr b. al-'As was appointed by Mu'awiyah. He was a highly skilled and cunning diplomat.
3. The agreement reached: The two arbitrators agreed to depose both 'Ali and Mu'awiyah so that the Muslims could freely choose a new leader, thereby ending the strife.
4. The announcement: By a trick, 'Amr persuaded Abu Musa to announce first. Abu Musa publicly declared both leaders deposed as agreed.
5. 'Amr's betrayal: 'Amr then rose and confirmed the deposition of 'Ali but affirmed Mu'awiyah in office, exploiting Abu Musa's honesty to strengthen his master's claim.

Consequences: The arbitration failed to reconcile the parties. It weakened 'Ali's position, boosted Mu'awiyah, and led a group of 'Ali's followers to break away in protest at accepting human arbitration, forming the Khawarij sect. The episode deepened division in the Muslim community.