When people gathered around Amir al-Mu'minin (a.s.) and complained to him about the things in Uthman that they found objectionable, they wanted Imam Ali to speak on their behalf and ask Uthman to satisfy the people. So he went to Uthman and said: "The people are following behind me, and I have been sent to settle things between you and them. By God, I do not know what to say to you, for there is nothing in this matter about which you are unaware, nor am I about to tell you anything that you do not already know. What you know, we also know. We did not know anything before you so that we might inform you, nor have we heard anything in private that should be transmitted to you. As we have seen, you too have seen. And as we have heard, you too have heard. Just as we were in the company of the Messenger of Allah, so were you. And the obligation to act on the truth was no greater for Ibn Abi Quhafah and Ibn Khattab than it ought to have been for you. You are closer to the Messenger of Allah by kinship than they were, and you have a type of relationship by marriage that they did not. So have some fear of Allah in your heart. By God, you are not being advised because you cannot see, nor are these things being told to you because you do not know. Indeed, the ways of the Shariah are clear, and the signs of the religion are established. Remember, before Allah, the best of all people is the just ruler who is guided himself and guides others, who strengthens well-known traditions and eradicates infamous innovations. The marks of the Sunna are shining, and the signs of innovation are evident. And the worst people before Allah are the tyrant rulers who go astray and lead others astray because of them, who destroy the established Sunna and revive abandoned innovations. I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: 'On the Day of Judgment, the oppressor will be brought forth without any helper or advocate, and he will be cast directly into the Fire, spinning in it like a millstone, then bound within the depths of Hell.' I adjure you by Allah that you should not become the leader of this community who is destined for death, for it is reported that there will be a ruler in this ummah who will be killed, and his murder will open the door to killing and bloodshed until the Day of Judgment, will throw all affairs into confusion, and will spread tribulation so that people will no longer be able to distinguish truth from falsehood, tossed by the waves of these calamities. Don't become a vehicle for Marwan, who pulls you wherever he wills, especially now when you are advanced in years and your time has passed." (Uthman said): "Speak to the people so that they grant me some respite, so I may resolve their grievances." Imam Ali replied, "There is no need for delay concerning things that relate to Madinah, but for your orders to reach distant, out-of-sight places, you may have some respite so the commands can reach them."