SERMON 37
Amir al-mu'minin's utterance which runs
like a Sermon
About his own steadfastness in religion and precedence in (acceptance of)
belief.
I
discharged duties when others lost courage (to do so), and I came forward
when others hid themselves. I spoke when others remained mum. I stroke
with Divine light when others remained standing. I was the quietest of
them in voice but the highest in going forward. I cleaved to its rein and
applied myself solely to its pledge, like the mountain which neither
sweeping wind could move nor storm could shake. No one could find fault
with me nor could any speaker speak ill of me.
The low is
in my view worthy of honour till I secure (his) right for him while the
strong is in my view weak till I take (other's) right from him. We are
happy with the destiny ordained by Allah and have submitted to the command
of Allah. Do you think I would speak lie about the Prophet of Allah? By
Allah, I am surely the first to testify him, so I will not be the first to
falsify him. I looked at my affairs and found that my obedience should
have precedence over my allegiance while my pledge with him is a burden on
my neck.
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