To Abu Musa Ashaari, the governor of Kufa, when Ali learned that he discouraged jihad

To Abū Mūsā (‘Abdullāh ibn Qays) al-Ash‘arī, the Governor of Kūfah when Amīr al-mu’minīn learned that he was dissuading the people of Kūfah from joining in the battle of Jamal when Amīr al-mu’minīn had called them to…

From the servant of Allāh, Amīr al-mu’minīn to ‘Abdullāh ibn Qays:

Now, I have come to know of words uttered by you which go in your favour as well as against you. [1] So, when my messenger reaches you prepare yourself and get ready, come out of your den and call those who are with you.…

By Allāh, you will be caught wherever you may be and you will not be spared till you are completely upset and everything about you is scattered and till you are shaken from your seat. Then, you will fear from your front…

Set your mind in order, take a grip on your affairs and acquire your (lot and your) share. If you do not like it then go away to where neither you are welcome nor can you escape from it. It is better that you be left…

By Allāh, this is the case of right with the rightful person and we do not care what the heretics do; and that is an end to the matter.