SERMON 168
When the people of Jamal set off for
Basrah Amir al-mu'minin said:
There is no doubt that Allah sent down the Prophet
as a guide with an eloquent Book and a standing command. No one will be ruined by it
except one who ruins himself. Certainly, only doubtful innovations cause ruin except those
from which Allah may protect. In Allah's authority lies the safety of your affairs.
Therefore, render Him such obedience as is neither blameworthy nor insincere. By Allah,
you must do so, otherwise Allah will take away from you the power of Islam, and will never
thereafter return it to you till it reverts to others.
Certainly, these people are in agreement in
disliking my authority. I will carry on till I perceive disunity among you; because if, in
spite of the unsoundness of their view, they succeed, the whole organisation of the
Muslims will be shattered. They are hankering after this world out of jealousy against him
on whom Allah has bestowed it. So they intend reverting the matters on their backs
(pre-Islamic period), while on us it is obligatory, for your sake, to abide by the Book of
Allah (Qur'an), the Sublime, and the conduct of the Prophet of Allah, to stand by His
rights and the revival of his sunnah.
.Forward to Sermon 169.Back to Sermon 167.