As for the story of 'Uthman's innocence...

As for the story of 'Uthman's innocence, which had shaped the cover of his early activities, it was sent down to oblivion after his assumption of power, as if no such matter had ever existed in his life. Ibn 'Abd Rabbih, the great Andalusian scholar, writes: After his assumption of rule, Mu'awiyah came to Medina, and visited 'Uthman's house.

'Uthman's daughter, named 'A'ishah, on seeing Mu'awiyah and remembering her father's assassination began to weep and cried out: Alas for 'Uthman!', hoping that in this way she might remind Mu'awiyah of his claim of avenging her father's blood. But against all the emotion and fervor, Mu'awiyah remained cool and said: "O daughter of my brother! The people have entrusted us with the rein of affairs, and we have given them asylum.

On the one hand we have concealed our rage under a cover of fortitude, and on the other hand they have hidden their rancor under a veil of abjectness. Each person has a sword with him and knows many friends and supporters. If we break our promise and change our conduct, they, too, will face us in a different manner. In such a case we would not know what our fate would be, and whether the riot and disobedience of the people would end in our favour, or in our loss.

I think if our rule remains established and you are treated as the caliph's cousin, it would be better than our losing the government, in which case you would be regarded as an ordinary woman."198 Crafty Arabs in the snare of Mu'awiyah I have bought from these people their religion.

Mu'awiyah The second plan which Mu'awiyah adopted to reinforce the foundation of his government, was to get hold of crafty men from every corner of various cities, and buy them with money, rank and position or any other way possible, and engage them in a work in favour of his own rule.

It was in accordance with this policy that Mu'awiyah tipped the treasures of public fund into the pockets of chiefs of tribes and dignitaries of cities to make them forget old rancours, and under a change of heart, since he knew of the people's love of money and worldly goods. At-Tabari says: A number of tribal chiefs including Hattat ibn Yazid Mujashi'i visited Mu'awiyah, who offered each of them one hundred thousand dinars, whereas he gave Hattat only seven thousand dinars.

When these men left ash-Sham, each one declared the sum given to him by Mu'awiyah. Hattat 198.