In Sermon 66, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) expressed his thoughts upon hearing of the martyrdom of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. This sermon was delivered after Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr was appointed the governor of Egypt, and subsequently faced rebellion, leading to his tragic death. The Imam lamented this event, stating that had he appointed Hashim ibn Utbah as the governor, the enemies would never have been allowed to seize the opportunity in the field.

A significant aspect of this sermon is the Imam's acknowledgment of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr's capabilities and his deep affection for him. He clarified that his remarks were not meant to criticize Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr but rather to highlight the unfortunate circumstances that led to his demise. This teaches us that sometimes we must make decisions that may not align with our personal preferences due to prevailing conditions.

The sermon emphasizes the need for insight and wisdom in leadership. The example of Hashim ibn Utbah illustrates how a strong and experienced leader can better confront adversaries. Simultaneously, it reminds us that personal relationships and affection should also be considered in leadership roles.

Through this sermon, the Imam made it clear that the martyrdom or failure of an individual does not reflect their leadership capabilities. Instead, it could be a manifestation of the harsh realities of circumstances. We learn from this event that we should appreciate our leaders and understand their efforts and sacrifices.