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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Dismissal of Qays Ibn Sa`d After the Battle of the Camel, Mu`awiyah had the fear that Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) would remove him from the governorate of Syria. He was not willing to demit that office at any cost. This danger was there for him from both Iraq and Egypt.

If Qays ibn Sa`d came with his armies from Egypt and from the other side Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) attacked with the Iraqi forces, he would not be able to face the two-edged onslaught. He was thinking of either winning over the loyalty of Qays or to cunningly get him removed from the governorate of Egypt. Therefore, he wrote a very cunning letter to him that “`Ali (a.s) had committed a grave indiscretion by shedding the blood of `Uthman and your tribe too was involved in that act.

If you want safety for yourself, you must join those who are claiming qisas for the Blood of `Uthman. If you strengthen our hands, you will be given the control of the region of Iraq and anyone of your choice, from your family, will be made the governor of Hijaz. What ever else you need will also be granted to you I shall await your earliest response.” Mu`awiyah had thrown this bait, but Qays was not an easy prey.

He replied, but he neither committed to join hand with him nor totally turned down his offer. He thought it discreet to keep Mu`awiyah expecting a positive response from him. Therefore, he wrote, “I was not involved in the assassination of `Uthman, although the people of my tribe were implicated in the act. You have termed `Ali (a.s) as a party to this killing. That is not in my knowledge. As far as joining hands with you, the decision cannot be made in a hurry.

However, I assure you that I shall not take any step that will not be to your liking.” When Mu`awiyah read this letter he was unable to decide whether Qays was pulling away his hand or extending his hand in cooperation to him. He wrote back again, “I could not understand whether you are against me or in my favor! If you are trying to keep me in darkness, I am not the one to be easily carried away. The time is near when armies will be near me and the reins of the horses in my hands.

Then no excuses will work with me!” When Qays read this letter, he understood that Mu`awiyah cannot be brushed aside easily. Therefore, he wrote to him in clear terms, “I am surprised that you have not been able to understand me. You tried to mislead me with offers of governance and power!