I am Abu'l-Hasan who killed your granfather [^2] your...

I am Abu'l-Hasan who killed your granfather [^2] your brother [^3] and your uncle [^4] by cutting them to pieces on the day of Badr. The same sword is with me and I meet my adversary with the same heart. I have not altered the religion nor put up any new prophet. I am surely (treading) on that very highway which you had willingly foresaken (in the beginning) and then adopted per force.

You think you have come out seeking to revenge 'Uthman's blood. Certainly, you know how 'Uthman's blood was shed. If you want to avenge it, avenge it there. It is as though I see that when war is cutting you with its teeth you cry like camels crying under a heavy load.

And it is as though I see your party bewildered by the incessant striking of swords, occurrence of death and falling of bodies after bodies, calling me towards the Qur'an [^5] although they would themselves be either unbelievers, deniers of truth or breakers of allegiance after swearing it.

[^1]: This is in reference to the verse: We sent no warner into any city except its man who lived at ease said, "We disbelieve in the Message you have been sent with." (Qur'an, 34:34). [^2]: 'Utbah ibn Rabi'ah. [^3]: Hanzalah ibn Abi Sufyan. [^4]: al-Walid ibn 'Utbah. [^5]: This prophecy of Amir al-mu'minin is about the battle of Siffin. Herein he has depicted the whole picture in very few words.