1177 – ʿAbd Allah narrated to us; Abu Bakr likewise narrated to us; Abu Usamah related to us, from al-Aʿmash, from Abu Waʾil, who said:

I entered upon ʿUbayd Allah ibn Ziyad in Basrah after the tribute from Isfahan—three million—had been brought in and set down before him. He said, “Abu Waʾil, what is your opinion of a man who dies and leaves behind the like of this?”

I replied, “Whom do you have in mind? And what if it was acquired through ghulul (misappropriation of public funds)?”

He answered, “That would be evil upon evil.” Then he added, “Abu Waʾil, when I reach Kufah, come to me; perhaps I can do you some good.”

When he did arrive in Kufah I went to ʿAlqamah and informed him. He said, “Had you gone to him before consulting me I would have said nothing, but now that you have sought my counsel it is incumbent on me to advise you. I would not wish to have two thousand on top of two thousand, even while enjoying greater honor with him, for whenever I have taken anything of their worldly wealth they have taken from my religion something greater than it.”