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.
(1) Al-Tabari, Ta'rikh, chronicles of the year 23;
(2) al-'Azhari, Tahdhib, I, 341;
(4) al-Shaykh Warram, Tanbih;
(5) Ibn al-'Athir, al-Nihayah, events of the year 23.