Generosity and nobility of Qays
discussion does not have the scope to mention all of them; therefore, we
would be content to narrate some of them by way of sample.1
Generosity was so ancient in the family of Qays that the Messenger of Allah
(s.a.w.a.) said:
“Generosity is a part of the nature of this clan.”2
A famous story regarding Qays is as follows:
Qays had lent out huge amounts of money to people. One day he fell ill, but
very few people came to visit him. When he inquired the reason for this, he was
told that they feel ashamed to come before him due to the amounts they have
borrowed from him.
When Qays saw this, he said: “God does not bestow wealth so that brothers
feel humiliation in visiting each other.”
Then he ordered them to make a public announcement that all those, who
owe money to Qays are condoned from their debt. Such a huge crowd of people
rushed to his house that the steps to the house were damaged.
According to another version the night did not fall, but that the threshold of
his door broke due to the excess of visitors.3
Eloquence of Qays
Qays was having distinctive qualities in this regard. This leader of the Ansar
had expertise in the divine sciences, command over Quran and Sunnah and had
recognition of doubtful discourse. That is why Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) used to
accord respect to him. When Qays arrived from Egypt, he discussed the
conspiracies of Muawiyah with him in detail, because he was well capable of
discharging his duties.
He displayed great foresight in times of trouble and he was more clever than
the five well known villains of Arabs: Muawiyah, Amr Aas, Qays bin Saad,
Mughira and Ibne Adeel. He prepared a great plan during battle and he was also
generous and valiant.4
It is mentioned Seerah Halabiyya that whoever reads about the conspiracies
of Muawiyah and Amr Aas, would be amazed.
Ibne Kathir writes that Ali (a.s.) appointed him as the governor of Egypt and
through his intelligence confronted Muawiyah.
Imam Hasan (a.s.) appointed Ubaidullah Ibne Abbas as the commander of
12000 strong army and sent him against Muawiyah and emphatically advised him
to take the counsel of Qays.
He used to emerge strong against Muawiyah in every way. When he came
back to Medina, Marwan and Aswad threatened Qays. Qays met Ameerul
Momineen (a.s.), Muawiyah wrote an angry letter to Aswad and Marwan that if
you had helped Ali with a hundred thousand experts, I would not have been
pained as I am on your role in making Qays meet Ali.
This was what Muawiyah said to his army in Siffeen: In fact, Qays is the
orator of Ansar. Every day he delivers a new speech against us. He wants to
destroy us, but the God, who granted safety against the army of elephants, has
kept us safe.5
We quoted the statement of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) before that Imam Ali
(a.s.) said in reply to Qays: His Eminence replied: “By God, you have given a
very good advice.”
With attention to this statement of His Eminence no further need remains for
us and others to mention the praises of Qays.
Piety of Qays
Most expressive discourse about the piety and religiosity of Qays is mentioned by Masudi in Murujuz Zahab,6 and he says:
“From the aspect of piety, religiosity and supporting Ali (a.s.) he was having
a great rank. His fear and obedience of Almighty Allah reached to such a position
that one day he was praying.
When he was about to prostrate, a huge snake popped up from the place of
his prostration. Without any thought Qays prostrated on the side of that snake.
The snake entwined around the neck of Qays, but he did not shorten his prayer,
till he concluded it. After that he removed the snake from his neck and threw it
away.
Hasan bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Mughira has narrated this from Muhammad
bin Khallad and Abul Hasan Ali Ibne Moosa Reza (a.s.).”
In the same way, Kishi has also narrated this tradition from Imam Ali Reza
(a.s.) in his Rijal Kishi.7
Excellence and wisdom of Qays
Speeches, writings, debates and sayings of Qays are widely reported and
recorded in books of culture and biography. All testify to his deep divine
recognition and his lofty rank about his discernment regarding Quran and Sunnah
of the Prophet.
At the end it should be mentioned that he was an important support and
pillar of faith
Death of Qays
Ibne Kathir in his Tarikh,8 and numerous other persons have mentioned that
Qays died in Medina during the last year Muawiyah’s rule.
الْحَمْدُ لِلهِ وَسَلَّمٌ عَلَى عِبَادِهِ الَّذِينَ اصْطَفَى
“Praise be to Allah and peace on His servants whom He has chosen.”9