Shrewdness and expertise of Qays
The respected reader, by studying the life history of Qays, will be able to get
definite evidences of his ingenuity and diplomacy; in such a way that he had an
important role and position in battles and he expressed profound views regarding
occurrences.
During his governorship, he held noble views and Imam Ameerul
Momineen (a.s.) also respected his intelligence, cleverness and his view in
rulership.
Ibne Kathir says in the book of Al-Bedaya wa al-Nehaya:1
“Ali (a.s.) appointed him as the governor of Egypt and he ruled that province
confronting Muawiyah and Amr Aas with shrewdness and ingenuity.”
Qays regarded himself to be the greatest in shrewdness and politics and he
remarked:
“If I had not heard the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) say that deceit and cunning
are in Fire, I would have been the most cunning person of the Ummah.”2
In the same way, he says: “If I had not been a believer in Islam, I would
have practiced such deceit that no one among the Arabs would have been able to
compete with me.”3
Among the Arab statesmen, Qays possessed some special qualities and he is
famous for his cleverness and diplomacy; but his faith in religion is also well
known. He was the defender of the sanctity of Shariat and was strictly bound that
his views should be in accordance to the pleasure of Allah, the Mighty and the
High and he restrained his self from opposition to God. His qualities, precedence
and excellence were proved for all Arabs
Absolute control of Qays on administrative issues
The researcher of every culture may refer to all whose names are mentioned
as Qays and study his life history, he would come across sentences one after
another and come across his epics and his valor. He would also read a great deal
about his military skills, and his nice role in battles; his steadfastness in harshest
and terrifying fields.
What can I write about that brave warrior, whose name is mentioned as the
swordsman of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the most steadfast and harshest of
men in defense of Prophet after Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)?4
And what can I say about the lion hearted one, to face whom was extremely
difficult for Muawiyah and he was the singular one whom the enemies dreaded.
Even the hundred thousand strong army was fearful to face him alone
In the Battle of Siffeen, Muawiyah said: “By God, if the army of elephants
had not prevented Qays, he would finish us tomorrow.” The conduct of Qays
during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)
shows the valor and bravery of Qays.
As for his conduct during the period of the Prophet: His important role can
be seen during the battles of Badr, conquest of Mecca, Hunain, Uhad, Khyber,
Bani Nuzayr and Ahzab.
As for his conduct during the period of Imam Ali (a.s.): He encouraged
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) to fight against Muawiyah and other opponents and
said: “O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), since you are on truth, there is no one more
beloved to me than you on the face of the earth, because you are the star of
guidance in the dark night of deviation and you are our refuge. If we lose you,
our earth and sky would become pitch dark. By God, if you leave Muawiyah free
to commit his vicious deeds, he would devastate Egypt, spread corruption in
Yemen and annihilate Iraq. Take the people of Iraq and Hijaz with you and don’t
leave him at any cost. Make his life difficult in such way that he despairs from
creating any mischief.”
His Eminence replied: “By God, you have given a very good advice.”5
After that Ali (a.s.) sent Qays along with his son, Hasan (a.s.) and Ammaar
Yasir to Kufa to mobilize the Kufians for the assistance of the Imam.