Governorship of Egypt and Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr (RA)
During the martyrdom of Usman (RA), Muhammad ibn Abu Hudhaifa dismissed Abdullah ibn Sa’d ibn Abu Sarh from the governorship of Egypt and took his place.
After assuming the caliphate, Ali (RA) appointed Qais ibn Sa’d as the governor of Egypt at the beginning of Safar 36 AH. Qais, along with seven others, headed towards Egypt. Upon arrival, he dismissed Muhammad ibn Abu Hudhaifa and took over the administration.
In Egypt, Yazid ibn Harith Madlaji and Muslima ibn Mukhallad, along with ten thousand men from the nobility, were among those who considered it necessary to seek justice for the murderers of Usman (RA). They refused to pledge allegiance to Qais ibn Sa’d, stating that they were waiting to see how the matter of Usman’s blood would be resolved. They said that once this issue was settled, they would pledge allegiance; but until then, they neither pledged allegiance nor opposed. With his good character and leadership, Qais ibn Sa’d fully controlled the situation in Egypt.
After the Battle of the Camel, when Ali (RA) settled in Kufa, Mu’awiya (RA) thought that Ali would certainly attack Syria and order Qais ibn Sa’d to attack as well, making it difficult to face all these forces.
Mu’awiya’s (RA) Efforts to Strengthen His Forces
In Syria, Mu’awiya (RA) found a good opportunity to strengthen his forces. When the bloodstained shirt of Usman (RA) and the severed fingers of his wife were brought to Mu’awiya, he ordered them to be placed on the pulpit in the mosque of Damascus. The people, upon seeing Usman’s bloodstained shirt, became deeply emotional, weeping and mourning. They swore that they would not sleep on their beds or drink cold water until Usman’s blood was avenged. Mu’awiya spared no effort in gathering warriors and notable figures. The army in Syria had already been strong due to potential threats from the Byzantine Empire.
Mu’awiya (RA) convinced the people that he was the rightful heir to Usman’s blood and presented logical reasons for his demand for revenge. Within a year, he had fully prepared and equipped himself. However, Ali (RA) faced numerous challenges during this time. Although his rule extended over all Islamic lands except Syria, it lacked the power and control that Umar’s (RA) rule had. In regions like Hejaz, Yemen, Egypt, Iran, and others, there were individuals who criticized Ali’s (RA) actions, particularly regarding the assassins of Usman (RA), and this prevented him from gathering sufficient forces. On the other hand, Mu’awiya’s position in Syria was entirely different. The people were united with him, and he was highly popular in Syria, fully aware that an attack from Ali (RA) was imminent. Hence, he sought to eliminate the threat of an attack on Syria from Egypt.
Mu’awiya was very apprehensive about the power and competence of Qais ibn Sa’d ibn Ubadah al-Ansari. He wrote a letter to Qais ibn Sa’d, saying, “Usman Zul-Nurayn was martyred unjustly. Assist me in seeking revenge for his blood.” Qais replied, “As far as I know, Ali (RA) had no part in the killing of Usman (RA). Now that the people have pledged allegiance to him and he has become the caliph, you should not oppose him.” Mu’awiya saw the need to eliminate the threat of Qais ibn Sa’d by attacking Egypt, but this move was risky as it could allow Ali (RA) to capture Syria. Qais ibn Sa’d also did not want to attack before Ali’s (RA) assault on Syria.
During this time, a letter from Qais ibn Sa’d reached Ali (RA), stating that some people in Egypt had not yet pledged allegiance, but he had not dealt with them harshly. Abdullah ibn Ja’far suggested to Ali (RA) that he order Qais to act harshly with those who had not pledged allegiance and compel them to do so.
When Ali’s (RA) order reached Qais, he did not consider it necessary to implement it. Qais wrote back, “These people are not harmful to you, but if we go to war against them and confront them, they will all join your enemies, and their harm will be much greater. So, it is better to leave them as they are.” When this letter reached Ali (RA), his advisors suggested that Qais had definitely reconciled with Mu’awiya. However, Ali (RA) was doubtful and considered Qais necessary for Egypt. Meanwhile, Mu’awiya learned of the situation; he was informed that there was a lack of trust towards Qais in Ali’s (RA) court. Seizing this opportunity, Mu’awiya began openly praising Qais, telling the people that Qais was on their side and that they were in communication with him. He even said that Qais had taken a favorable stance towards Usman’s blood avengers in Egypt, treating them kindly and with great respect. Ali’s (RA) informants immediately reported these statements by Mu’awiya regarding Qais to Ali (RA). As a result, Ali (RA) immediately summoned Qais from Egypt and replaced him with Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr. When Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr reached Egypt and showed Qais the decree of Ali (RA) appointing him as governor and dismissing Qais, Qais was deeply saddened and left for Medina.
In Medina, after Ali (RA) left, no one’s rule was established. Some people considered Ali (RA) the rightful caliph and obligatory to obey, while others criticized his handling of Usman’s killers and the lack of retribution. When Qais reached Medina, Mu’awiya subsequently sent Marwan ibn al-Hakam to Medina to bring Qais to Syria by any means possible. Marwan first spoke with Qais, but when he refused, Marwan began to harass him. Qais was forced to go to Kufa to Ali (RA). He presented a full report of the situation to Ali (RA), who then regained confidence in him and kept him by his side. When Mu’awiya learned of this, he sent a message to Marwan saying, “If instead of sending Qais to Ali, you had helped Ali with a hundred thousand warriors, it would have been easier for me.”
When Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr arrived in Egypt, he announced that anyone who disobeyed and did not pledge allegiance to Ali (RA) should leave Egypt. Usman’s blood avengers responded, “Do not use violence against us, do not rush your decision, but give us time to think about the consequences of our actions.” Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr replied, “No time will be given to you.” Upon hearing this, they began to defend themselves, resulting in Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr being engaged in conflict with this group until the end of the Battle of Siffin. Meanwhile, Mu’awiya was reassured regarding Egypt and prepared himself for the Battle of Siffin.
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