away was abandoned. Some other historians say that the remaining friends of the Prophet prevented its removal,(216) and thus the plan of Mu'awiyah was not carried Out.
In this period when Mu'awiyah had altered his policy and revealed his true desires, the Shi'ah and friends of Imam 'Ali suffered discomfort and pressure more than any other groups since Mu'awiyah had ordered the governors of various cities to curse the Imam in speaking on their pulpits. Consequently there were two alternatives left for the supporters of the Imam to choose; either to resort to combat and retaliation which would mean imprisonment, torture, exile or even death, or keep silent and bear the whole of that deep suffering.
When al-Mughayrah ibn Shu'bah was departing as governor of Kufah, Mu'awiyah said to him: "I intended to speak to you about various matters, but I abstained from it since I trust your intelligence and understanding. But I must mention one point, namely that I commission you not to forget abusing 'Ali at all times, and not to abandon begging God's grace and blessing for 'Uthman. In addition to these two matters, remember to find fault at all moments with 'Ali's friends, and treat them very harshly, while you must show favor to supporters of 'Uthman and bring them close to yourself."
This evil order of Mu'awiyah produced many blood-spilling events in the history of Islam, the examples of which you will read in the coming chapters.

The Shi'ah in torture and molestation

Do not remove the chain from my hands, and do wash away blood from my body, for, I wish to face Mu'awiyah in this condition in the presence of Divine Justice.
Hujr ibn 'Adi

We have already said that Mu'awiyah, in his order to the governors of the land under his rule, the example of which was his recommendations to al-Mughayrah ibn Shu'bah, had insisted that torture and molestation should be implemented