I have thought it discreet for the time being we should not fight with them.

I have thought it discreet for the time being we should not fight with them. It is possible that they might come to the right decision in some time.” When `Abdullah ibn Ja`far was informed about this letter, he said, “O Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s)! I feel as if Qays is telling this to gain time. You must write to him that he should obtain the allegiance of those people. If they refuse, he must fight with them.” Other persons too agreed with this suggestion.

Considering the opinion of the people at al-Kūfah, the Imam (a.s) wrote to Qays, that the people of Egypt who had not as yet pledged their allegiance, seek their immediate bay`ah. If they refuse, fight with them. When Qays got this letter he wrote in the reply, “O Amir al-Mu’minin!

If we fight with them, they will become stronger supporters of your enemies Discretion requires that they are left to themselves for the time being.” This reply from Qays convinced people that he was going closer to Mu`awiyah and al-Ash`ath ibn Qays, `Abdullah ibn Ja`far, Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah and other important persons of al-Kūfah insisted that he must be deposed forthwith. They suggested the name of Muhammad ibn Abi-Bakr to replace him. (a.s) was not in favor of deposing him.

But when the insistence increased, he issued orders for removing Qays ibn Sa`d and appointing Muhammad ibn Abi-Bakr in his place. The trick that Mu`awiyah played was succeeding. The result came about in the shape of removal of Qays from Egypt. At first Mu`awiyah tried to tempt Qays to join hands with him. When he did not succeed in that, he forged the letter and through propaganda turned the people against Qays. Thus, through Amir al-Mu’minin’s own companions he got rid of Qays.

Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani writes: “`Ali (a.s) had appointed Qays as the governor of Egypt. Mu`awiyah tried through several subterfuges to tempt him but he did not take the bait.

Then he misguided the companions of `Ali (a.s) and they proposed appointment of Muhammad ibn Abi-Bakr in such a manner that (a.s) appointed him the emir of Egypt.”[1] [1] Al-Isābah, Vol 3, Page 239 Qays demitted his governorate of Egypt and came away to al-Madinah and those people who were scared of his skills at warfare and his exceptional valor took a sigh of relief. The enemy was pleased and those who wanted to rejoice at his deposition were rejoicing.