This battle originated in this way that when although during the life time of `Uthman, `A'ishah
used to oppose him and had left for Mecca leaving him in siege and as such she had a share in
his assassination details of which would be stated at some suitable place but when on her
return from Mecca towards Medina she heard from `Abdullah ibn Salamah that after `Uthman
allegiance had been paid to `Ali (as Caliph) she suddenly exclaimed, "If allegiance has been
paid to `Ali, I wish the sky had burst on the earth. Let me go back to Mecca." Consequently
she decided to return to Mecca and began saying, "By Allah `Uthman has been killed
helplessly. I shall certainly avenge his blood." On seeing this wide change in the state of affairs
Abu Salamah said, "What are you saying as you yourself used to say "Kill this Na`thal ; he had
turned unbeliever." Thereupon she replied, "Not only I but everyone used to say so; but leave
these things and listen to what I am now saying, that is better and deserves more attention.
