"I witnessed the will of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) when he appointed his son Imam Hasan ibn Ali (as) as his successor and made Imam Hussain ibn Ali (as), Muhammad (Hanafiya), all of his children, the prominent members of his household, and his followers (Shi'a) witnesses to his will. Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) handed over to him (Imam Hasan ibn Ali (as)) the book and the weapon, and Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: 'O' my son, the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) commanded me to appoint you as my successor and to hand over to you my books and my weapon, just as he appointed me and handed over his books and his weapon to me. He (sw) also commanded me to instruct you that when death approaches you, you should hand them over to your brother Al- Hussain (as).' Then he turned to his son Imam Hussain ibn Ali (as) and said: 'And the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) commanded you to hand it over to your son Ali ibn Al- Hussain (as).' Then he turned to his son Imam Ali ibn Al-Hussain (as) and said: 'And the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) commanded you to hand your will over to your son Muhammad ibn Ali (as). Convey to him the greetings of peace from the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) and from me.' Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) turned to his son Imam Hasan ibn Ali (as) and said: 'O' my son, you are the guardian of the matter and the avenger of the blood. If you forgive, it is your right, and if you choose to retaliate, then strike only as you were struck, and do not transgress.' Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: 'Write: In the name of Allah (swt), the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. This is what Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) bequeathed. He (as) bears witness that there is no God but Allah (swt), alone without partner, and that Muhammad (sw) is His (swt) servant and Messenger, whom He (swt) sent with guidance and the religion of truth so that He (swt) may make it prevail over all religions, even if the polytheists dislike it." Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) continued: "Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah (swt), the Lord (azj) of the worlds. He (swt) has no partner, and with this I have been commanded, and I am among the Muslims." Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: "I advise you, O' Hasan (as), and all of my children, my household, and everyone who receives this letter from among the believers to fear Allah (swt), your Lord (azj), and do not die except while you are Muslims.' And hold firmly to the rope of Allah (swt) all together and do not become divided. Remember Allah's (swt) favor upon you when you were enemies, and He (swt) brought your hearts together.' Indeed, I heard the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) say: Reconciliation between people is better than most prayers and fasting.' Hatred destroys religion, and corruption between people is destructive. There is no power except with Allah (swt).' Take care of your relatives and maintain ties with them, for Allah (swt) will make your reckoning easier. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of orphans - do not let their mouths hunger, and do not let them be neglected in your presence. For I heard the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) say: 'Whoever takes care of an orphan until they become self-sufficient, Allah (swt) will make Paradise obligatory for them, just as He (swt) has made the Fire obligatory for one who consumes the property of an orphan.'" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) continued: "By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of the Qur'an. Let no one surpass you in acting upon it. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of your neighbours, for Allah (swt) and His Messenger have both advised concerning them. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of the House of your Lord (azj). Do not let it be abandoned as long as you live, for if it is neglected, you will be forsaken. The least reward one receives upon visiting it is that past sins are forgiven. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of prayer, for it is the best of deeds and the pillar of your religion. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of zakat, for it extinguishes the anger of your Lord (azj). By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of fasting during the month of Ramadan, for fasting is a shield against the Fire. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of the poor and the needy. Include them in your livelihood. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of jihad in the way of Allah (swt) with your wealth and your lives. Indeed, the one who truly strives in the way of Allah (swt) is either a guiding leader or one who obeys him and follows his guidance. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of the progeny of your Prophet (sw). Do not let them be wronged while they are among you and you have the power to defend them. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of the companions of your Prophet (sw) - those who did not commit innovations and did not support innovators. For the Messenger of Allah (swt) (peace be upon him and his family) advised regarding them and cursed the one who innovates among them or others and those who support innovators. By Allah (swt), by Allah (swt), be mindful of women and those whom your right hands possess. Do not fear the blame of the blamers when it comes to Allah (swt). Allah (swt) will suffice you against those who wish you harm and plot against you. Speak kindly to people' as Allah (swt), the Exalted, has commanded you. Do not neglect enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, lest Allah (swt) gives authority to the worst among you. Then you will pray, and your prayers will not be answered. O' my children! Maintain ties with one another, be generous to one another, and be kind to each other. Beware of severing ties, turning your backs on one another, and division. Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah (swt); indeed, Allah (swt) is severe in punishment.' May Allah (swt) protect you, O' people of my household, and preserve through you your Prophet (sw). I entrust you to Allah (swt) and convey my peace upon you." Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) continued to say: "There is no God but Allah (swt)," until he passed away - peace and blessings be upon him - in the early night of the last ten nights, on the twenty-first night of the month of Ramadan, on a Friday night, in the fortieth year after the Hijrah.