145 – ʿUbayd Allah ibn Ziyād ibn Abīhi, Abū Ḥafṣ
Governor of Iraq, Abū Ḥafṣ.
He took charge of Basra in 55 AH when he was only twenty-two years old, and he also governed Khurasan. He was the first Arab to cross the Jayḥūn River and he captured Bikhund (1) and other towns.
He was striking in appearance but foul in character.
It is said that his mother Marjāna was descended from the Persian kings.

Abū Wāʾil related: “I entered upon him in Basra, and in front of him lay three million dirhams that had just arrived from the tax revenues of Isfahan, heaped up like a mound.”

Al-Sariyy ibn Yaḥyā transmitted from al-Ḥasan, who said: “ʿUbayd Allah was sent to us by Muʿāwiya, a reckless youth who poured out blood profusely. ʿAbd Allah ibn Mughaffal came in to him and said,
‘Desist from what I see you doing, for the worst of shepherds is the ruthless one.’ (2)
He replied, ‘What concern is that of yours? You are only the dregs of Muhammad’s Companions, peace and blessings be upon him.’
Ibn Mughaffal retorted, ‘Were there ever any dregs among them? May your mother lose you!’

“Later Ibn Mughaffal fell ill, and the governor ʿUbayd Allah came to visit him and asked, ‘Do you charge us with anything?’
He answered, ‘Do not lead my funeral prayer and do not stand by my grave.’

Al-Ḥasan said: ‘ʿUbayd Allah was a coward; he mounted his horse, and when he saw the people in—’