73. You know for certain that ...

SERMON 73
When the Consultative Committee (or Shura) decided to swear allegiance to `Uthman, Amir al-mu'minin said:
You have certainly known that I am the most rightful of all others for the Caliphate. By Allah, so long as the affairs of Muslims remain intact and there is no oppression in it save on myself I shall keep quiet seeking reward for it (from Allah) and keeping aloof from its attractions and allurements for which you aspire.