In Sermon (25), the Commander of the Faithful addressed the dire situation when Mu'awiyah's followers were gaining control over his cities. This occurred when the governor of Yemen, 'Ubaydullah ibn 'Abbas, and the army commander Sa'id ibn Namran were defeated by Busr ibn Abi Arta'ah and returned to him. In this context, Imam Ali expressed his disappointment with the slackness of his companions in jihad and their violation of his counsel. He ascended the pulpit and proclaimed that if Kufa remained in such a state, may Allah destroy it.

He cited a poet's verse to illustrate his feelings of despair over his companions' weaknesses. He emphasized that the enemy is united in falsehood while his companions are scattered from the truth. This highlights the necessity of unity to defeat the forces of falsehood. He pointed out their disobedience to their Imam while the enemy remains loyal to their leader.

Imam Ali also expressed his fear that if he appointed any of them as a trustee over even a wooden bowl, they might betray him. This indicates his lack of trust in their intentions. He prayed to Allah to replace his companions with better individuals, indicating he had lost hope in their ability to change.

Furthermore, he expressed a desire for people who would respond quickly to calls for help, likening them to summer clouds. This metaphor reflects his need for immediate and effective assistance. This sermon emphasizes the qualities of leadership embodied by Imam Ali and the failures of his companions, teaching us the importance of unity, loyalty, and sincerity in leadership.