Written to the people of Kufa at the time of his march from
Madina to Basra.
This letter is from the servant and creature of Allah, Ali (a), Ameerul Momineen, to Kufiyites who are the leaders of Ansar and respectable persons.
After praising Allah and invoking His Blessings on the Holy Prophet (pbuh) I want to throw light on the event of the assassination of Uthman and to make the whole affair as clear as if you were present on the occasion and were witnessing the event yourself.
People were displeased with him and were accusing and blaming him. Out of Muhajirs, I was the only man who wished to appease and pacify people and not want to indulge in activities of the dissatisfied, while Talha and Zubair were instigating the people in a way that the least they said was worse than worst that could be asserted or alleged against Uthman. Their whispering campaign was deadlier than the loudest propaganda which could be carried on; Aisha also exhibited extreme annoyance and anger against him. Under such conditions some persons resolved to kill him and murdered him. Then everybody came to me and took the oath of allegiance to me.
This was done with no desire, instigation, inducement, persuasion or compulsion and force on my part. They came to me of their own free will, without hesitation, and with pleasure, ecstasy and joy. Let it be known to you that the people of the city towards which the Holy Prophet had migrated, is being deserted by its inhabitants, they are leaving it, it is seething with discontentment and rebellion. A seditious campaign has started against the Amir. I want you to hasten to the help of your Amir to fight against his enemies.
