Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 245
bad to say against you, and you never looked down on any person.
The weak, in your view, were strong and powetful until you restored
their rights; close relatives and strangers were all equal before you;
the one who is more obedient or more pious is the closest of people to
you. You were the man of truth, sincerity and kindness; when you
said something, you meant what you said. You were a man of
patience and resolve; your opinion spoke of knowledge and clarity;
the religion was supported by you; faith was strengthened by means
of you, and Islam prevailed. You went far ahead of everyone, and
you are going to make your successors work hard (to emulate you):
you attained a clear victory. Verily to Allah we belong, and to Him is
our return; we accept the will of Allah and submit to His decree. By
AUah, besides the Messenger of Allah (g), the Muslims will never
he affected by the loss of a man as they will be by losing you. You
brought support, protection and refuge to Islam. May Allah (@)
cause you to join your Prophet Mdpmmad (g) and not deprive us of
reward for your loss or misguide us after you are gone."
The people fell silent until he had finished speaking, then they
wept, and their voices grew loud as they said: "You have spoken the
truth.""'
According to another report, when 'Ali (4) entered upon
Abu Bakr (&) after he had been laid out, he said: "There is no one
with whose record of deeds I would love to meet Allah (g) more
than this man who has been laid out.""'
2. A ( ) at the time of
'Umar al-Farooq
'Mi (&) was a prominent member of the consultative
committee of 'Umar's state; indeed, he was the main consultant.
'Umar (&) acknowledged 'Ali's virtue, understanding of Islam and