“Ali is our and others’ Imam and leader and the Quran has mentioned
this fact. On the day, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: ‘Of whomsoever
I am the master, Ali is (also) his master.’ And this was a lofty rank. The
duty, which the Prophet made incumbent on the Ummah is a matter that is
definite and certain there is no second opinion about it.”
Explanation of the verses
The above verses were recited by the senior companion and leader of
Khazraj tribe, Qays bin Saad bin Ubadah, in Siffeen in the honor of Ameerul
Momineen (a.s.).
The teacher of the Ummah, Shaykh Mufeed (d. 413 A.H.) has quoted these
lines in his book of Al-Fusulul Mukhtara.1
After that he says:
“These verses, in the addition to the admission of leadership and Imamate of
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), are evidence on the precedence and antiquity of Shia
and they invalidate the claim of Mutazila, who due to obstinacy, deny the
existence of Shia during that period.”
Abu Muzaffar Sibte Ibne Jauzi Hanafi (d. 654 A.H.) has also mentioned this
report in his book of Tadkiratul Khawaas,2
and he says:
“Qays recited these verses in the presence of Ali in Siffeen.”
Introduction to the poet
Abul Qasim Qays bin Saad bin Ubadah.
He was a senior companion of Prophet. He is regarded as a noble, a leader, a
politician, an expert in warfare, a generous person, an orator, an ardent
worshipper, an intellectual of the Arabs and among the columns of religion and
pillars of faith.
Nobility of Qays
He was the chief of Khazraj tribe and a member of a noble family of this
tribe. His family, whether during the period of Jahiliyya or after Islam,
commanded respectability.
Sulaym bin Qays Hilali writes in his book:3
“Indeed Qays bin Saad was a leader of Ansar and the son of the leader of
this tribe.”
Mubarrad has mentioned in his book of Al-Kamil fil Lugha wal Adab4:
“Qays was a valiant and a generous leader. His father was one of the twelve
nobles, whose Islam was guaranteed by Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) himself.
He was among the leaders who had the power to provide sureties.”
For more information the book of Ibne Asakir may be referred.5
His governorship
During the lifetime of Prophet, Qays held the post of police commissioner
and he was in charge of all duties that a police commissioner bears in our times.6
He participated in some battles of the Prophet and he was the standard
bearer of Ansar. His Eminence (s.a.w.a.) deputed him to collect Zakat. He was a
man of discernment.7
After the passing away of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) during the rule
of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), the latter appointed him as the governor of Egypt
and he provided a clean administration.
Qays was a Shia and well wisher of Imam Ali (a.s.). His Eminence (a.s.)
appointed him as the governor of Egypt in Safar, year 36 A.H. After his return
from Egypt, according to Tarikh Yaqubi,8
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) appointed him as the governor of Azerbaijan.