Hasan (may Allah have mercy on him) says that once Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) called Muhammad bin Maslamah (may Allah be pleased with him). When he came, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him, "Why have you withdrawn from the affairs of the state?" He replied, "Your cousin, that is, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), gave me a sword and said, 'Fight the enemy with this sword. When you see that people have started killing each other among themselves, then take this sword and strike it on a rock, and sit in your house until death comes to you and decides your matter, or a sinful hand reaches you.'" Upon hearing this, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Leave him alone."