 Abd al-Malik's kinsman and governor over Basra, Khalid ibn Abdallah, relieved al-Muhallab of command and assigned him to collect the "kharaj" (land tax) of Ahwaz.The governor's brother, Abd al-Aziz, was appointed in al-Muhallab's place, but was routed by the Azariqa.After Abd al-Malik was informed of his forces' defeat, he sent a letter reproaching Khalid for not utilizing al-Muhallab, "who is fortunate in judgment, good in management, skillful and experienced in war—a man of war, and the son of men of war".