They knew that if Ali once ascended the throne, then they, i.e., the Companions, would be shut out from the “mansions of power” forever, and they had, for this reason, to prevent Ali's accession to the throne at all costs.
Walijua kwamba kama Ali mara moja angepanda kwenye kiti cha enzi, basi wao, yaani, Masahaba, wangefungiwa nje kutoka kwenye “makao makuu ya mamlaka” milele, na walikuwa na, kwa sababu hii, kuzuia unyakuzi wa Ali kwenye kiti cha enzi kwa gharama yoyote ile.