He heard directly from ʿUmar and from others.

Those who transmitted reports from him include Ibn Sīrīn, ʿAbd al-Malik ibn ʿUmayr, and a number of other scholars.

He was counted among the noblest of men—possessed of sound judgment, keen intellect, firm resolve, political shrewdness, and sharp insight. People used to cite him as the very embodiment of nobility and leadership.

He was also an eloquent scribe. He served as secretary for al-Mughīrah and for Ibn ʿAbbās, and he stood in for the latter as deputy governor of Basra.

It is said that Abū Sufyān once came to al-Ṭāʾif, became intoxicated, sought the company of a courtesan, and slept with Sumayyah—who at the time was married to ʿUbayd—whereupon she conceived and later gave birth to Ziyād.

When Muʿāwiyah realized that Ziyād was a man of rare ability, he sought to win his loyalty and publicly acknowledged him, declaring, “He has issued from my father’s loins.”

Upon ʿAlī’s death, Ziyād was serving as his governor over the province of Fārs.

Ibn Sīrīn reported that Ziyād once said to Abū Bakrah:

“Do you not see that the Commander of the Believers wishes me to undertake such-and-such a task, even though I was born on ʿUbayd’s bed and resemble him? Yet I know full well that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Whoever claims lineage to someone other than his father, let him take his seat in the Fire’ (1).”