In response to a Kolayb al-Jarmi who came from Basra to enquire about his position vis-a-vis the people of Jamal

When Amīr al-mu’minīn approached Baṣrah an Arab met him and spoke to him, as he had been sent to him by a group of people of Baṣrah to enquire from him on their behalf his position vis-à-vis the people of Jamal. Amīr…

If those at your back send you as a forerunner to search out a rain-fed area for them, and you return to them and apprise them of greenery and water but they disagree with you and go towards dry and barren land, what…

He said: I would leave them and go towards greenery and water.

Amīr al-mu’minīn then said: So then extend your hand.

By Allāh, by such a clear argument I could not refrain from swearing allegiance to Amīr al-mu’minīn.

This man was known as Kulayb al-Jarmī.