Dialogue with Uthman

When people went to Amīr al-mu’minīn in a deputation and complained to him through what they had to say against ‘Uthmān, and requested him to speak to him on their behalf and to admonish him for their sake, he went to…

The people are behind me and they have made me an ambassador between you and themselves; but by Allāh, I do not know what to say to you. I know nothing (in this matter) which you do not know, nor can I lead you to any…

Then (fear) Allāh, in your own self; for, by Allāh, you are not being shown anything as if you are blind or being apprised of anything as if you are ignorant. The ways are clear while the banners of faith are fixed. You…

Certainly, the worst man before Allāh is the oppressive Imām who has gone astray and through whom others go astray. He destroys the accepted sunnah and revives abandoned innovations. I heard the Messenger of Allāh…

I swear to you by Allāh that you should not be that Imām of the people who will be killed because it has been said that, “An Imām of this people will be killed after which killing and fighting will be made open for them…

Then ‘Uthmān said to Amīr al-mu’minīn: Speak to the people to give me time until I redress their grievances. Amīr al-mu’minīn then said : So far as Medina is concerned there is no question of time. As for remoter areas…