Lessons from Nahjul Balagha [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Sermons
Sermon
43

SERMON 43

After Amir al-mu'minin had sent
Jarir ibn Abdillah al-Bajali to Muawiyah (for securing his
allegiance) some of his companions suggested preparation to fight
with him then he said:

My preparation for war
with the people of Syria (ash-Sham) while Jarir ibn Abdillah
al-Bajali is still there would be closing the door for Syria and
prevention of its people from good action (i.e. allegiance) if
they intend doing it. However, I have fixed a time limit for Jarir
after which he would not stay without either deception or in
disobedience. My opinion is in favour of patience, so wait a
while. (In the meantime) I do not dislike your getting ready.

I have observed this
matter thoroughly from all sides but I do not find any way except
war or heresy. Certainly, there was over the people a ruler
(before me) who brought about new (un-Islamic) things and
compelled the people to speak out. So they did speak, then rose up
and thereafter changed the whole system.