(1) Thus it appears in the manuscript, yet the correct reading is most likely: “Indeed, one of the gravest acts of treachery is to betray the leader of the Muslims.” (2) Related by al-Bukhari, 4/322, and Muslim, 3/1360. Al-Bukhari’s version, transmitted from Nafi, states: When the people of Madina deposed Yazid ibn Muawiya, Ibn Umar gathered his servants and children and said: “I heard the Prophet, peace be upon him, say: ‘A banner will be raised for every traitor on the Day of Resurrection.’ We have pledged allegiance to this man on the basis of Allah’s covenant and that of His Messenger. I know no treachery greater than for someone to pledge allegiance on the covenant of Allah and His Messenger and then take up arms against him. Whoever among you revokes his pledge or involves himself in this affair will find that the bond between him and me is severed.” Al-Taymi comments in al-Hujja, 2/523, after citing this report: “Philologists explain that al-faysal denotes rupture and cutting off relations.” Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, concludes: “This hadith proves the obligation to obey the imam to whom the bay‘a (pledge of allegiance) has been given, the prohibition of rebelling against him even if he is unjust, and that immorality alone does not nullify his office.” Fath al-Bari, 13/71.