Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Trilib 557
1.7. Egypt
When 'Uthmk (&) was martyred, the governor of Egypt
was Muhammad ibn Abi Hudhayfah, who had taken the position by
force and was not approved by 'Uthmiln (&). After the martyrdom
of 'Uthmiin, 'Ali confirmed him as Egypt's governor. Not long after
that, Mu'gwiyah sent an army to Egypt and defeated and captured
Muhammad ibn Abi Hudhayfah. He was then imprisoned and
executed.54
It was said that 'Ali(4)
did not appoint Muhammad ibn Ab'i
Hudhayfah as governor of Egypt; rather he left him in his post until
he was killed, whereupon 'Ali (&) appointed Qays ibn Sa'd to take
his place.55 He said to him: "Go to Egypt, for I have appointed you as
its govemor. Go there, and take people whom you trust and love to
accompany you. Take troops with you until you get there, because
that will be more frightening to your enemies and more encouraging
to your followers. When you get there inshallah, be kind to those who
do good, and be harsh towards those who do evil. Be kind to the
common folk and prominent people alike, for kindness is a
blessing."56
Qays's intelligence and good conduct prevailed in a number of
situations. When he set out for Egypt, there was a group there who
was angry ahout the killing of 'Uthmk (&I and another group who
had taken part in the murder. Qays was met by cavalry from Egypt
before he entered the land. They said: "Who are you?" He said: "I am
one of the supporters of 'Uthmk. I am seeking refuge with some
people so that we can suppoa one another for the s&e of Allah."
They said: "Who are you?" He said: "Qays ibn Sa'd." They said:
"Go ahead." So he went ahead and entered ~ ~ ~ ~
The way Qays handled this situation is what enabled him to
enter Egypt. After that he announced that he was an amir (governor).