For the news of the unsuccessful mobilization spread among the Kufans.

For the news of the unsuccessful mobilization spread among the Kufans. Besides Mu'awiya's tricks prevailed them, for they were mere mixed groups at Maskan. This means that he had no confidence in his forces, for they included some persons. They spied for Mu'awiya to corrupt his plan. Cold war was the best of Mu'awiya's weapons. It was not only in this field but also in all fields. 'Ubayd Allah's idea was right. Suddenly, Mu'awiya's first plot found its way to the Camp of Maskan.

At that camp, there were mixed bands: some of them were loyal persons; some of them were hypocrites; some of them were those who preferred rest (to jihad) and hoped that the new rumor would be true.

The new rumor was that: "Indeed, al-Hasan is corresponding with Mu'awiya to make peace (with him), so why do you kill yourselves?" [1] It was not important for 'Ubayd Allah and his loyal companions to hear that false rumor,for they knew that al-Hasan was getting ready to wage war against Mu'awiya through sending messengers to the outskirts of Kufa, and through his orations in Kufa. In other words, they knew that al-Hasan wrote letters to Mu'awiya to wage war [1] Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, vol. 4, 15.

against him, not to make peace with him or to give up his idea. However, it was the excellent trick of the Satan (i.e., Mu'awiya). The loyal ones from the Ansar (the Supporters) summoned the people to be calm. They asked them for a time till the postman of al Mada'in arrived. Still their words were merely an echo in a valley or a blow in ash. In this way a sorrowful disorder prevailed the fighters of al-Hasan, peace be on him.

Then 'Ubayd Allah became weak towards the wicked trick that made a gap in the critical situation. So he was alone with himself at his tent that was far away from the noise of the people. He thought that this leadership of his would endanger his military position very much, so he got excited for his reputation. Moreover, he was indignant with the words of the people concerning him. Then he repented of accepting it (i.e., the leadership).

Among the attacks of the anger in his nature was that he cursed the conditions that opposed him during this military movement of his. Also he cursed the conditions that made him leader in that front. Then he introverted because of a state of worry and of self- love. He did not know what to do. At last 'Ubayd Allah thought that he had to render his resignation (that was the escape which his utmost skillfulness reached).