I am amazed at the son of Nabhagha that he goes about saying to the people of Syria about me that I have jesting in me and I am engaged in play and amusement. He has spoken falsely and has become sinful by saying so. Remember that the worst speech is that which is false, and when he speaks, he speaks falsely, and when he makes a promise, he breaks it. When he asks, he clings, and when he is asked, he becomes miserly. He breaks covenants and severs ties of kinship. On the battlefield, he advances with great pomp, scolds and commands, but only until swords take their place. And when such a time comes, his great trick is to become exposed before his opponent. By Allah! The remembrance of death has kept me away from play and amusement, and forgetfulness of the Hereafter has prevented him from speaking the truth. He did not give allegiance to Muawiyah just like that, but first extracted from him the condition that he would give him reward in return, and would present a gift for abandoning religion.