If he had any shortcomings...

If he had any shortcomings, `Umar would not have supported him and allowed him to hold the position. Thus, there was no question of his forsaking the position. He added that their suggestion was a satanic suggestion and following Satan would bring shame and dishonor! At this Sa`sa`ah and others were upset and advanced angrily towards Mu`awiyah. He warned them that they were in Syria and not in al-Kūfah and that they must behave!

If people there learned of their behavior with the emir, they would lynch them. He stood up at this, went home and wrote to `Uthman that the people who were visiting him have no wisdom and intelligence nor any attachment with the Faith. Their purpose was only to create mischief. He feared that…