Page:William Muir, Thomas Hunter Weir - The Caliphate; Its Rise, Decline, and Fall (1915).djvu/236



and Al-Baṣra at this period exercised an influence on the destinies of Islām hardly less potent than that of Medīna itself. The turbulent and factious atmosphere of these cities became rapidly charged with a spirit of disloyalty and rebellion, aggravated by the weak and unwise change of their governors.

Al-Moghīra did not long enjoy the command at Al-Kūfa. He was removed by ʿOthmān, who, to fill the vacancy, in obedience (some say) to the dying wish of ʿOmar, reinstated Saʿd in his former office. The issue again was unsuccessful. To provide for his luxurious living, Saʿd took an advance from Ibn Masʿūd, chancellor of the treasury, who, by and by, became importunate for repayment. A heated altercation ensued, and Saʿd swore angrily at Ibn Masʿūd. The factious city ranged itself, part with the great warrior, and part with the quondam slave and attendant on the Prophet. The quarrel reached the ears of ʿOthmān, who, much displeased, recalled Saʿd before he had been a year in office. As successor, the Caliph appointed Al-Welīd ibn ʿOḳba, a brave warrior, but suspected of intemperance, and withal a uterine brother of his own. The choice was all the more unfortunate, because Al-Welīd was son of that ʿOḳba who, when taken prisoner at the battle of Bedr and about to be put to death, exclaimed in the bitterness of his soul, "Who will care for my little children?" and was answered by the Prophet, "Hell-fire!" The words were not forgotten, and faction was 207