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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Appointment of the Functionaries of the State When Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) was free from the Campaign of Jamal, and he settled down in al-Kūfah, then he considered the appointment of functionaries to various positions in the realm. Although governors were already appointed to some places prior to the Jang Jamal, many places were still without his functionaries.

Therefore, he had now to nominate governors to Hijaz, Egypt, Yemen, Iran, Azerbaijan etc. He selected the governors for these places. The incumbents were changed depending on the circumstances from time to time. Brief life profiles of some of the important functionaries are mentioned here. Qays Ibn Sa`d He was the Prophet’s revered companion and the son of Sa`d ibn `Abadah, the elite of the tribe of Khazraj. Besides being a man of learning, he was tall, good looking and of robust built.

Charity, valor and oratory were his main characteristics. He was very far-sighted and thoughtful. In those days, five persons were considered past masters in politics and diplomacy. They were Mu`awiyah, Abū-Sufyan, `Amr Ibn al-`As, Mughirah ibn Shu`bah, `Abdullah ibn Badil and Qays ibn Sa`d. Of these, `Abdullah ibn Badil and Qays ibn Sa`d were on the side of Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s).

Although Sa`d was an authority on politics, he never bypassed the requirements of the Faith while making the political moves. Therefore, his saying is: “If Islam was not in the way, I would make such moves that it would not be possible for the Arabs to counter them.”[1] He remained in the company of the Prophet (a.s) for 10 years and learned from him the niceties of the Faith. He took part in all the ghazawat of the Prophet (a.s).

In some of those battles, he had the privilege of carrying the Standard of Islam. He was also assigned for the collection of taxes by the Prophet (a.s). He inherited the qualities of charity and kindness from his father. During the battles, he would even take loans to feed the men. Sometimes he slaughtered the camels meant for his personal transport for this [1] Al-Isābah, Vol 3, Page 239 purpose.

When the men mentioned about this event to the Prophet (a.s), he said: “Generosity is the habit of his family.”[1] Ibn Kathir writes in al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah that Haytham ibn `Adi has said three persons were conversing near the Ka`bah and had a strong argument. One of them was saying that the most generous person was `Abdullah ibn Ja`far.