In this year, the Muslims launched expeditions against the lands of the Lān and the Byzantines (Rum). They killed their commanders and leaders, slew many of their men, seized spoils, and returned safely. In this year, Muʿāwiya appointed Marwān b. al-Ḥakam as governor of Medina. Khālid b. As b. Hishām was the governor of Mecca. The governor of Kufa was Mugīra b. Shuʿba, and the judge (qāḍī) of Kufa was Shurayḥ al-Qāḍī. The governor of Basra was ʿAbd Allāh b. ʿĀmir. The governor of Khurasan, before ʿAbd Allāh b. ʿĀmir, was Qays b. Haytham.
The Khārijites (Khawārij) whom ʿAlī had pardoned at the Battle of Nahrawān rose up again in this year. Their wounds had healed and they had regained strength. When they heard news of ʿAlī’s death, their spokesman, who had killed him, said: "May Allah not cut off the hand that struck ʿAlī’s head with the sword." They began to praise Allah for the killing of ʿAlī. Then they decided to confront the people. According to their understanding, they dedicated themselves to enjoining good and forbidding evil.
In this year, Ziyād b. Abīhi came to Muʿāwiya. The previous year, he had refused to pledge allegiance to Muʿāwiya in his fortress, known as Ziyād’s fortress. Muʿāwiya had sent him a letter:
"What is it that drives you to ruin yourself? Come to me, inform me of how much of the wealth of the Persians has come into your hands, how much of it you have spent, and how much remains with you, and bring the remaining wealth to me. Then you will be safe. If you wish, you may stay with us, or if you wish, you may go wherever you like in safety." Upon receiving this letter, Ziyād decided to go to Muʿāwiya. Mugīra b. Shuʿba heard of his intention. Fearing that Ziyād would meet Muʿāwiya before him, he immediately set out for Damascus. However, Ziyād arrived in Damascus a month before him. Muʿāwiya said to Mugīra:
– What is this? Ziyād was a month’s journey behind you, yet you arrived a month after him?
– O Commander of the Faithful, he is motivated by the hope of acquiring more wealth, whereas I am content with little.
Muʿāwiya honored Ziyād, took possession of the wealth he brought, and approved the expenditures he had made.