After Amir al-Mu’minin had sent Jarir ibn A Abdillah al-Bajali to Mu’awiyah (for securing his allegiance), some of his companions suggested preparation to fight with him. Then he said:
My preparation for war with the people of Syria while Jarir ibn A Abdillah al-Bajali is still there would be closing the door on Syria and thereby preventing its people from a good action (i.e. allegiance) if that indeed was their intention. However, I have fixed a time limit of Jarir after which he would not stay without either deception or in disobedience. My opinion is in favor of patience, so wait a while. (In the meantime) I do not dislike your preparation.
I have observed this matter thoroughly from all sides but I do not find any way except war or heresy. Certainly, there was a ruler over the people (before me) who brought about new (un-Islamic) things and compelled the people to speak out. So they did speak, then rose and changed the whole system.
