"Mu'awiyah has died, and we do not
grieve nor regret his death, because the doors of injustice and tyranny have
cracked and the pillars of oppression have been given a severe blow. He has
made innovations in the form of (demanding) allegiance for his son (Yazid) and
he was adamant about it, when how far from right is it what he had decided. He
endevoured but was weakened and he asked for counsel and opinion from his
friends, but they betrayed him. Then his son Yazid who drinks wine and is
wicked has arisen and has claimed to be the Caliph of the muslims. He rules
over them without their consent inspite of being an ignorant and foolish man,
he cannot even recognise his own footsteps. I swear by Allah, that fighting
Yazid is more worthy than fighting with the polytheists. And this is Husain bin
Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.). He is of genuine dignity, an
honest counselor, a great intellectual, and is more worthy and rightful for the
Caliphate. For he is an antecedent among the emmigrants, a senior, and foremost
in Religion, he is attached in proximity to the Prophet. He is affectionate
towards the young and sympathetic towards the elders while being kind to
others. He is a thorough Leader, and Paradise is attained through his medium,
while he propagates through preaching and counsel. Hence do not close your eyes
against the Light of Truth and do not fall into the pit of falsehood. Sakhr bin
Qays misled you on the day of (the battle of) Jamal and disgraced you, hence
wash off the stains of disgrace from yourselves by assisting the grandson of
the Prophet. By Allah! None will withhold their hands from assisting him
except that their progeny will be humiliated, deprived and abandoned. I have
now worn the helmet for the battle and have fastened the armor. For the one who
is not killed will ultimately die, and the one who flees from it will not
escape it. Thus answer me well, may Allah's blessings be upon you."