[147] It is recorded in the book Irshad al-Qulub, narrated with its isnad (chain of transmission) to Hanan bin Baydar al-Sayrafi, from a man of the tribe of Murad called Rabab bin Riyab, who said: "I was standing at the head of the Commander of the Faithful (exalted be his might)'s army in Basra after finishing with the companions of the Camel [Battle of the Camel], when 'Abd Allah bin al-'Abbas arrived and said, 'O Commander of the Faithful, I have a request for you.'

He (exalted be his might) said: 'How well I know your request before you even mention it; you have come to ask me for safe conduct (aman) for Marwan bin al-Hakam.'

He said, 'O Commander of the Faithful, I would like you to grant him safety.'

He said: 'I have granted him safety for your sake. Go, bring him to me to pledge his allegiance (bay'ah), but do not bring him to me except riding pillion behind you, humbled.'

He said: Not long after, Ibn 'Abbas approached with Marwan bin al-Hakam behind him. The Commander of the Faithful (exalted be his might) said to him: 'Come, pledge allegiance.' Marwan said, 'On the condition that the soul has in it what it has [referring to his inner grudge].' The Commander of the Faithful (exalted be his might) said to him: 'I do not accept your pledge based on what is in your soul; I only accept your pledge based on The Exoteric (Al-Zahir) appearance.'

He said: So he extended his hand and pledged allegiance to the Commander of the Faithful (exalted be his might). When he had pledged allegiance, he said: 'O son of al-Hakam, you were afraid that your head would fall in this very spot.