How can one reconcile the Hadith, "The beginning of this matter is prophecy and mercy, then there will be a caliphate and mercy, then there will be a kingship and mercy," which describes Mu'awiyah's rule as a merciful kingship, with the Hadith, "The beginning of this Ummah is prophecy and mercy, then there shall be a caliphate and mercy, then there shall be a biting kingship," which describes his rule as a biting kingship, knowing that the narrators of the first Hadith are trustworthy, and the second is good (hasan)?

The rule of Amir al-Mu'minin Mu'awiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, was a kingdom and a mercy. He was the first of the rulers and kings after the rightly guided Caliphs, and what is mentioned in the hadith applies to him: "The beginning of this affair is prophecy and mercy, then it will be a caliphate and mercy, then it will be a kingdom and mercy." The oppressive, tyrannical rule that inflicts injustice and oppression upon people was not present during his era. Mu'awiyah was known for his forbearance and mercy towards his subjects. Sheikh al-Islam mentioned that Mu'awiyah was the best of the kings of this nation, and that his rule was a kingdom and a mercy, and that he governed the world with the perfection of his intellect, forbearance, and generosity of spirit. The subjects unanimously pledged allegiance to him, and Muslims lived during his reign in comfort, justice, clemency, and forgiveness.