For I have thought and decided to appoint him as a successor.

For I have thought and decided to appoint him as a successor. Then ask Allah to decree well that and other than it.” Then Mu’awiya summoned another group of the hirelings to whom their religion was easy, and they pledged allegiance to Yazid at low prices. He commanded them to confirm al-Dahhak’s statement and idea. They were Abdurrahman bin ‘Uthman al-Thaqafi, Abdullah bin Mus‘ida al-Fazari, Thawr bin Ma‘an al-Salmi, and Abdullah bin ‘Usam al-Ash‘ari. They responded to his summons.

Then Mu’awiya ascended the pulpit. He spoke to the people about what he wanted to speak. After he had finished his speech, al-Dahhak arose and asked him to permit him to speak, and he permitted him. Al-Dahhak praised and glorified Allah. Then he said: “May Allah set right the Commander of the faithful and make us enjoy him. Surely we have tested unity, friendliness, difference, and discord.

We have found that it (the caliphate) is greater in uniting us, in security for our ways, and that it spares our blood, brings about to us the urgent and the delayed for which we hope, along with the unity for which the community hopes. It is not good for us that we are left in vain. The days return in a crookedly manner. Allah says: ‘every moment He is in a state (of glory).’ We do not know that on which night and day we disagree.

You, O Commander of the faithful, will die as those who had died before you from among the prophets and vicegerents of Allah. We ask Allah to enjoy us with you. We have seen the meekness of Yazid, the son of the Commander of the faithful. We have seen his good faith, moderate conduct, and blessed nature, along with what Allah has distributed for him love among the Muslims and similarity to the Commander of the faithful in his reason, policy, and satisfactory qualities.

These things have urged us to be satisfied with him (Yazid) as to our affairs and to be content with him as to the rule over us. Therefore, let the Commander of the faithful, may Allah honor him, appoint him as ruler and make him for us a refuge and resort after him, that we may resort to him if something happens. That is because none is worthier of it (the caliphate) than he is. So decide that!

May Allah decide to guide you and to grant you success as to our affairs.” This speech indicates that its owner was a man of evil and hypocrisy. That is because he intended to destroy all human values for his ambitions and interests. After al-Dahhak had finished speaking, his friends confirmed his speech.