There was some exchange of words between Uthman ibn `ffan and Imam when Mughirah bin Akhnas said to Uthman he would deal with Imam on his behalf whereupon Imam said:
O' son of the accursed and issueless, and of a tree which has neither root nor branch. Will you deal with me? By Allah, Allah will not grant victory to him whom you support, nor will he be able to stand up whom you raise. Get away from us. Allah may keep you away from your purpose. Then do whatever you like. Allah may not have mercy on you if you have pity on me.
