The Son of a Chief
Qays was the son of Sa’d ibn Ubada, the chief of the Khazraj who had nearly been selected caliph at the Saqifa. The father died under disputed circumstances during Umar’s caliphate. Qays inherited both the tribal authority and the political instincts.
Governor of Egypt
Ali appointed Qays to Egypt immediately upon assuming the caliphate (35 AH / 656 CE). Egypt was critical: it was the wealthiest province and already contested between Ali’s supporters and Muawiyah’s Umayyad network.
Qays managed Egypt with considerable skill, maintaining the loyalty of both the Ansari settlers and the native Egyptian population. He sent intelligence to Ali about the disposition of troops and the operations of Muawiyah’s agents in Egypt.
Muawiyah’s Deception
Muawiyah circulated forged letters purporting to show that Qays was in secret negotiations with the Syrians. He also spread rumors that Qays had given a pledge of non-interference rather than active loyalty to Ali. Ali, pressured by advisors who suspected Qays, recalled him from Egypt and replaced him with Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr — a less experienced governor who was subsequently killed.
This was Muawiyah’s masterstroke: without a battle, he removed the most capable man from the most important province.
At Siffin
After being recalled from Egypt, Qays led a wing at the Battle of Siffin. He remained unconditionally loyal to Ali through the arbitration controversy. After Ali’s assassination, he refused to give allegiance to Muawiyah until after Hasan ibn Ali’s settlement.
See also: Seerah Al Zubayr Ibn Al Awwam, Seerah Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb, Seerah Hanzala Ibn Abi Amir, Imamah, Seerah Sad Ibn Muadh