Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 2 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 207
3.3. The text of the arbitration document
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. This is what has been agreed upon between 'Ahi ihn Abi T%b and
Mu'iwiyah ihn Ahi Sufyin and their supporters, as they have agreed
to refer to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (ggj for
judgement.
2. In this case, 'Ali represents the people of Iraq, both those who are
present and those who are absent, and Mu'iwiyah represents the
people of Syria, both those who are present and those who are absent.
3. We have agreed to accept the ruling of the Qur'an and adhere to
what is mentioned in the Book from beginning to end; we will do
what it commands and refrain from what it tells us to refrain from.
This is the basis of our agreement.
4. 'Ali and his supporters accept Abdullah ibn Qays as a
representative and arhitrator, and Mu'iwiyah accepts 'Amr ihn al-
'As as a representative and arhitrator.
5. 'Ali and Mu'iwiyah have taken from Abdullah ihn Qays and 'Amr
ibn al-'As a pledge to adhere to the covenant of Allah and His
Messenger, to take the Qur'an as their guide and not to refer to
anything else with regard to arbitration, which will be done on the
basis of what is written in the Book. With regard to that which they
do not find in the Qur'an, they will refer to the comprehensive
Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, and they will not accept anything
that goes against it or overlook the Sunnah for some specious
argument.
6. Ahdullah ihn Qays and 'Amr ibn al-'As have taken a pledge from
'Ali and Mu'iwiyah to accept their verdict, which is based on the
Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet. They have no right to
reject that or to go against it.