During the rule of Mu'awiyah over ash-Sham 'Umar made a visit to that province on his way to Egypt. On entering Damascus, Mu'awiyah went out with a magnificent retinue and received him with a ceremonious welcoming. When 'Umar noticed all that pomp and ostentation of Mu'awiyah, he exclaimed: "This man is an Arab Kasra!" When Mu'awiyah approached him, 'Umar asked: "Is all this magnificent retinue yours?" Mu'awiyah answered: 'Yes, O commander of the faithful!"
'Umar said: "I am told that the needy turn to your court and stand at your door for long hours!"
Mu'awiyah said: 'Yes, what you have heard is true." 'Umar asked: "Why do you act in this way?" Mu'awiyah answered:
"You see, we are living in a land where there are many enemy spies (Romans) and it is necessary to frighten them with our pomp and glory."(91)(92)
The time of 'Umar passed, and 'Uthman became caliph, and on his assumption of power he granted Mu'awiyah the rule over the whole region of ash-Sham of that day(93) in addition to the governorship of Damascus, and allowed him perfect liberty to act as he wished. Mu'awiyah, too, continued his habitual selfish conduct and created a wholly aristocratic and pagan system, and nothing could hinder him from carrying out his evil fancies or desires.
Among the examples of these selfish acts are the incidents which occurred between him and 'Ubadah ibn as-Samit Khazraji, a noble companion of the Prophet. 'Ubadah was one of the twelve men of Medina who took part in the allegiance of 'Aqabah, and who were given the honorable title of "Sheriffs". They were the first group Of Muslims of Medina. 'Ubadah was one of the few who compiled the Qur'an in the time of the Prophet.(94)
'Umar ibn al-Khattab had sent this learned companion to ash-Sham during the rule of Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan to teach people the Holy Qur'an. He stayed in the town of Hims until Yazid's death, and then with the assumption of power by Mu'awiyah, he joined the Islamic army which was fighting at the Roman frontiers. Muslim, the great Sunni scholar and a famous traditionist, and author of the book "Sahih" narrates