Sermons · Reasons for objecting to arbitration at first and allowing it later

Original English translation

This is the reward of one who breaks pledge. By Allāh, when I gave you my orders (namely) to abide by arbitration I had led you to an undesirable thing (namely war) in which Allāh had ordained good. If you had been steadfast I would have guided you, if you had been bent I would have straightened you and if you had refused I would have rectified you. This was the surest way. But with whom and to whom. I wanted my treatment from you but you proved to be my disease, like the extractor of thorn with the thorn when he knows that the thorn bends towards itself. My Allāh, the physicians have despaired of this fatal ailment and water-drawers have become tired with the rope of this well.

Verified published translation — published with the edition, reproduced verbatim.