Qutayba's Estrangement from Sulayman

استيحاش قتيبة من سليمان بن عبد الملك

Qutayba dreaded Sulayman, having backed Abd al-Aziz ibn al-Walid for the succession. When al-Walid died Sulayman took the pulpit and railed at Habanqa al-'A'ishi — Yazid ibn Tazwan, who prized fat camels saying 'I do not mend what God has corrupted' — then at Tamim ('not Banu Tamim but Banu Dhamim'), Bakr ibn Wa'il, and the Azd, 'ya ahl al-safila — I will not say ahl al-'aliya — may He set you where He set you'. His letter granting Qutayba the governorship came with orders to free prisoners, pay stipends and permit departures — broadcast by the messenger — and Qutayba called it his design, telling the people 'Sulayman has made you great as mosquitoes' marrow, and you will yet be asked bay'a to Anwar, a boy whose slaughter is unlawful'. Stung by his curses they heard his apology — 'I was angry, knew not what I said' — and answered: if he lets us go home, good; if not, he blames only himself.