39 – With his chain of transmission he related: When Muʿāwiyah obtained the pledge of allegiance for Yazīd, a man declared, “O Allah, shield me from Muʿāwiyah’s harm.” Muʿāwiyah replied, “Seek refuge with Allah from the evil of your own soul, for that is far more detrimental to you. Now pledge.” The man said, “I will not pledge while I am reluctant.” Muʿāwiyah answered, “Pledge—may Allah have mercy on you—for in reluctant obedience lies abundant good.”