152 – Al-Ḥusayn ibn al-Ḥasan narrated to us; ʿAbdullāh ibn Bakr al-Sahmī narrated to us; a companion of ours whose kunya was Abū Wāthilah narrated to me:
Muʿāwiyah once felt resentment toward his son Yazīd, and the matter kept him awake all night. When morning came he sent for al-Aḥnaf ibn Qays, and al-Aḥnaf came. As soon as he entered, Muʿāwiyah said, “Abū Baḥr, how pleased are you with your children, and what do you say about offspring?”
Al-Aḥnaf continues: I said to myself, “The Commander of the Believers would not ask me this except because some resentment toward Yazīd has entered his heart.” Then words occurred to me which, had I spent a year polishing them, I could not have improved, and I said:
“Commander of the Believers, they are the fruit of our hearts and the pillars of our backs. For them we are yielding earth and a sheltering sky. By means of them we advance to every noble goal. If they grow angry, Commander of the Believers, placate them; and if they ask something of you, give it to them—they will grant you their pure affection and will extend ⦗309⦘ their utmost kindness. Do not weigh heavily upon them; do not give them only a meager share, lest they grow weary of your life and come to dislike your company.”
Muʿāwiyah said, “Excellent, O Aḥnaf! By Allah, I summoned you while I was among the people most aggrieved with Yazīd, but you have drawn the rancor from my heart. Boy! Go to Yazīd and say, ‘The Commander of the Believers sends you greetings of peace and has ordered for you 200,000 and 200 cloaks; send someone to receive them.’”
The messenger went and informed Yazīd. Yazīd asked, “Who is with the Commander of the Believers?” He replied, “Al-Aḥnaf.” Yazīd then sent one messenger to collect the money and another to bring al-Aḥnaf as soon as he left the Commander of the Believers. Al-Aḥnaf arrived, and the money arrived with him. Yazīd said, “Abū Baḥr, how satisfied was the Commander of the Believers?” Al-Aḥnaf repeated to him the very words he had spoken to Muʿāwiyah.
Yazīd responded, “In that case, I shall share the gift with you,” and he ordered for al-Aḥnaf 100,000 and 100 cloaks.