Nahj al-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence)

One of Amīr al-mu’minīn’s companions (from Banū Asad) asked him: “How was it that your tribe (Quraysh) deprived you of this position (Caliphate) although you deserved it most.” Then in reply he said: O brother of Banū Asad! Your girth is loose and you have put it on the wrong way. Nevertheless you enjoy in-law kinship and also the right to ask, and since you have asked, listen. As regards the oppression against us in this matter although we were the highest as regards descent and the strongest in relationship with the Messenger of Allāh. It was a selfish act over which the hearts of people became greedy, although some people did not care for it. The Arbiter is Allāh and to Him is the return on the Day of Judgement. “Now leave this story of devastation about which there is hue and cry all round.” [1] Come and look at the son of Abū Sufyān (Mu‘āwiyah). Time has made me laugh after weeping. No wonder, by Allāh; what is this affair which surpasses all wonder and which has increased wrongfulness. These people have tried to put out the flame of Allāh’s light from His lamp and to close His fountain from its source. They mixed epidemicproducing water between me and themselves. If the trying hardships were removed from among us, I would take them on the course of truthfulness other wise: “... So let not thy self go (in vain) in grief for them; verily Allāh knoweth all that they do.” (Qur’ān, 35:8)