Hakim b Jabala

The following day, the pro-Ali group took the field under the command of Hakim b Jabala. Ayesha made a proclamation to the effect that her quarrel was with the murderers of Othman only, and as such those who were not involved in the murder of Othman should withdraw from fighting. It was also declared that those who fought would be deemed to be involved in the murder of Othman. Kaab b Sur tried to bring about peace between the two sides, but all efforts to bring about reconciliation between the contending parties failed. The battle that followed proved to be a bloody one. The pro-Ali group was outnumbered, but the men of the group fought desperately. Hakim b Jabala fought like a hero. He raised slogans in favor of Ali, and heaped abuses on Ayesha, Talha, and Zubair. A warrior of the army of the confederates struck Hakim b Jabala and severed one of his legs. In spite of this disability he continued fighting and sang: "I do not mind if my leg has been severed. My hands are still there. It's no matter of shame for me to die. Shame lies in flying from the battle-field. Life lies in keeping honor alive. I have lived with honor and I will die with honor."

Hakim b Jabala died on the battle-field. With his death, his men lost heart and laid down arms. Many of them involved in the murder of Othman had fallen in the battle. Those who survived were executed. There were still some murderers of Othman who had not taken part in the battle. The tribes were asked to hand over such men. They were brought to Basra and executed. In this way all the people from Basra who were involved in the assassination of Othman were killed. Only one man escaped from such massacre. He was Harqus b Zubair. He belonged to the Banu Saad tribe. The tribe refused to hand over Harqus. The tribe which was heretofore pro-confederates changed their loyalties and offered allegiance to Ali. The tribe of Abul Qais whose many persons had been executed alienated from the confederates and transferred its loyalty to Ali. Over six hundred persons belonging to Basra or the neighboring tribes wore executed or killed as the Qasas" for the blood of Othman.