the exception of the Prophet who was chosen and exalted by God. In my opinion, if all people were to be considered the descendants of Abu Sufyan, they would all have been farsighted and discerning individuals."(332)
Is there any self-conceit greater than this claim of Mu'awiyah that if his father had been the father of all human beings, then no one but wise and discerning creatures would have existed in the world? He imagined that his father was the noblest man of the Quraysh, with the exception of the Prophet. Could anyone make a higher claim in that time than speaking of himself? Well, during his rule Mu'awiyah showed this degree conceit and haughtiness to others!

Freed persons and the caliphate or
the judgment of the great about
Mu'awiyah and his house

Mu'awiyah and his father were leaders of the wars against Islam.

During his caliphate Mu'awiyah became more conceited, pompous and haughty than ever. On these days he did not think only of the glory and greatness of his tribe and of its propagation, but his mind was also occupied with another important matter. He was constantly endeavoring to consolidate the basis of his rule as an emperor, and how he could accomplish this purpose.
Among the Muslims Sa'sa'ah ibn Sawhan, the loyal friend of the Imam, speaks of it bravely to Mu'awiyah's face and says:
"You and your father belonged to that group of fighters who went to combat the Prophet of God, and you are the freed son of another freed man who were indebted to the Prophet for granting you your freedom. How could the caliphate be right for a freed captive?" (333)
Similarly 'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Ghanam al-Ash'ari said to Abu Hurayrah and Abu ad-Darda' at the time they were sent to the Imam on a mission by Mu'awiyah: "How can after all