His steadfastness and precedence in Islam

Amīr al-mu’minīn’s utterance which runs like a Sermon about his own steadfastness in religion and precedence in (acceptance of) belief. Spoken after the Battle of Nahrawān

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 Allāh and have submitted to the command of Allāh. Do you think I would speak lie about the Prophet of Allāh? By Allāh, 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.