When Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) drew near Basra, a group from there sent a man to him to ascertain his position regarding the people of Jamal, so the people's doubts would be removed. The Imam explained to him his stance, so it became clear that the Imam was on the side of truth. Then the Imam said to the man, "Now the truth is clear to you, give your allegiance." The man replied, "I am only a messenger for my people. Until I return to them, I cannot take a new step." The Imam said, "Suppose these same people commissioned you to find a pasture where there is grass and water, and you go and, upon your return, report that both are available, but they reject your advice and head for a barren and desolate place. What then would you do?" He answered, "I would abandon them and go to the place with grass and water, even against their wishes." The Imam said, "Then—give me your hand and pledge allegiance." The man later said, "By God, having been shown the truth, I had no choice but to give my pledge," which he did. (This person is known as Kulayb al-Jurmi.)