Selections of writings of The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) and his letters to his enemies and the governors of his provinces including selections of his diplomas of appointment of his officers and his injunctions to the members of his family and his companions.
A letter from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to Muawiya
In this letter, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) sets forth a decisive argument against Muawiya, affirming the legitimacy of his leadership and clarifying his position regarding the killing of Uthman.
He (peace be upon him) wrote:
“The pledge of allegiance that the people in Madinah gave me is binding upon you in Syria, for the same men who pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman pledged allegiance to me under the same conditions. Neither those present have the option to revoke it, nor do the absent have the right to reject it. Consultation belongs only to the Emigrants and the Helpers: whenever they agree upon a man and name him as their Imam, God is pleased with it. If someone departs from their decision through criticism or innovation, the Muslims will bring him back to his place; and if he refuses, they will fight him, for he has followed a path other than that of the believers, and God will leave him to what he has chosen.
O Muawiya, by my life, if you look with reason rather than with desire, you will find me most innocent concerning the blood of Uthman, and you will know that I am wholly free from it—unless you insist upon slander and charge me with falsehood. In that case, you may heap upon me whatever accusation you will. Peace.”