وَأيْمُ اللهِ إِنِّي لاَظُنُّ بِكُمْ أنْ لَوْ حَمِسَ الْوَغَىي...

But for me, before I allow it I shall use my sharp edged swords of al-Mushrafiyyah which would cut as under the bones of the head and fly away arms and feet. Thereafter, Allah will do whatever He wills.

As for your right over me, that is to counsel you, to pay you your dues fully, to teach you that you may not remain ignorant and instruct you in behaviourism that you may act upon. As for my right over you, it is fulfilment of (the obligation of) allegiance, well-wishing in presence or in absence, response when I call you and obedience when I order you. أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ!

Alternative Sources for Sermon 34 (1) Al-Tabari, Ta'rikh, VI, 51; (2) Ibn Qutaybah, al-'Imamah, I, 150; (3) al-Baladhuri, Ansab, 380; (4) al-Mufid, al-Majalis, 79; (5) Nasr ibn Muzahim, see Ibn Abi al-Hadid, I, 179. [^1]: The word "ash-Sham" was a name used for a vast geographical area occupied by Muslim countries in those days. This area included present-day Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Its capital was Damascus.

Wherever the word Syria is mentioned (in this book) it should be understood in its larger meaning.