The artistic work, the series Muawiya, about the life of the noble companion Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, has sparked much controversy. However, the historical reality differs from drama because we are dealing with an artistic production governed by rules and mechanisms that shape the historical narrative. This leaves us with a clear distinction between a "historical story" and a "historical narrative."
When the name of the companion Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan is mentioned, people tend to—due to inherited mental images—engage in discussions about his political actions without pausing to reflect on the personality of a man who managed to remain in power for 40 years (20 as a governor and 20 as a caliph).
This is not about evaluating the series artistically or assessing Muawiya’s policies—subjects that historians have extensively debated. His life and the most famous cases associated with him, which have filled history books and occupied scholars, include "his conflict with Ali, his execution of Hujr ibn Adi, his acknowledgment of Ziyad, and his appointment of his son Yazid as his successor."
However, the most noteworthy aspect of Muawiya’s character is his ability to stay in power for 40 years. How did he manage to maintain control during such a turbulent period, governing a region filled with spies? What administrative skills did he possess that enabled him to rule unchallenged for four decades? This reveals the unique leadership and administrative nature of his personality.
The Genius of Umar
It is a well-established fact that the personality of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, did not show favoritism to anyone. His intelligence and genius in assessing people were unquestionable.
The question remains: If Muawiya was not competent in administration and did not possess rare qualities, why did Caliph Umar appoint him as the governor of Sham (Greater Syria) after the death of his brother Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan? His governance continued for 20 years until Al-Hasan ibn Ali, may Allah be pleased with them, ceded the caliphate to him, allowing him another 20 years in power.
One historical account provides insight into Muawiya’s exceptional administrative skills, which earned him admiration from a figure as astute as Umar ibn al-Khattab.
According to this account, during an inspection tour of Sham while Muawiya was its governor, Umar was received with a grand and elaborate welcome. Umar was displeased with the extravagance of the reception, leading to a long and intriguing discussion between them. Through this dialogue, Umar unveiled an unconventional aspect of Muawiya’s leadership—his knowledge of resources and strategic planning. Umar’s response, "We have tasked him with what we have tasked him with," indicates recognition of Muawiya’s capabilities.
The account describes how Muawiya had prepared an elaborate procession for Umar’s arrival. Umar, sensing the excessive display, hid among the people to observe. When Muawiya passed by, he noticed Umar’s absence and anticipated that the caliph was watching him. Umar indeed emerged to question him about the pomp of his governorship while the people were left waiting at his gates.
Muawiya justified his actions by explaining that Sham was a region full of enemy spies, and he sought to project an image of power and authority to deter Rome’s ambitions in the area. Umar, impressed by the reasoning, responded: "If what you say is true, then it is a wise strategy. If not, then it is a clever deception."
A third party in the conversation remarked, "O Commander of the Faithful, how well the young man has justified his actions!" To which Umar replied definitively, "For his sound management of resources and strategy, we have tasked him with this role."
This highlights a significant aspect of Muawiya’s leadership—he never made a decision without ensuring he had a way out. This distinction in talent and foresight is what set him apart. While anyone can make decisions, the ability to study the consequences, anticipate gains and losses, and navigate challenges is rare. This rare skill in leadership was something Umar recognized in Muawiya and reaffirmed by keeping him as governor.
Winning Over Opponents
Historically, Muawiya was known for his patience, self-restraint, and composure. The Arabs used to say: "Muawiya for crises, Amr for quick decisions, and Al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba for both minor and major matters."
Beyond patience and self-restraint, Muawiya had the remarkable ability to turn hostility into advantage. He could absorb aggression and transform enemies into allies, demonstrating his exceptional political acumen.
Between Insult and Forbearance
Some may remain silent when insulted, but Muawiya’s skill was not merely in silence; it was in leveraging the situation to his benefit. Two key incidents illustrate this:
- While circumambulating the Kaaba, an elderly noble from the Banu Makhzum tribe, Abu Sa'ib, stumbled and fell. Looking up, he saw Muawiya and angrily remarked, "The Banu Umayya have trampled us even in the sacred precinct!" He then added, "By Allah, Muawiya, I almost married your mother Hind before your father Abu Sufyan!"
How would a ruler typically react to such a public insult? - After Muawiya became caliph, he toured various provinces. Upon reaching Medina, the people did not come out to greet him. Gathering them, he asked, "O Ansar, why did everyone welcome me except you?"
A noble from the Ansar responded, "We had no horses to come to you."
Muawiya asked, "Where are your young camels?"
The noble replied, "We slaughtered them in pursuit of your father at Badr!"—a stark reminder of Abu Sufyan’s past leadership of Quraysh’s army against the Muslims.
Muawiya’s responses to these provocations were masterful:
- To Abu Sa'ib, he replied: "If only you had done so, you would have fathered a noble son like your own Abu Sa'ib."
- To the Ansari noble, he asked, "What did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ command you to do in such situations?"
The man replied, "He commanded us to be patient."
Muawiya then said, "Then be patient."
A Remarkable Leader
Beyond conflicts and contentious issues, Muawiya’s administrative brilliance deserves deeper study for the benefit of leaders and individuals alike. His mastery lay in:
- Carefully assessing outcomes before making decisions.
- Skillfully transforming adversities into political gains.
- Exercising wisdom in punishment and decision-making, encapsulated in his saying:
"By Allah, I will not use my wealth where my words suffice, nor my whip where my words suffice, nor my sword where my whip suffices. But if nothing remains but the sword, I will wield it."
Muawiya’s leadership was defined by patience, foresight, and a remarkable ability to navigate crises—traits that ensured his dominance in a volatile era of history.
-------------------------------------------------------------
