Sermon (55): When the Companions Expressed Restlessness at the Delay in Giving Permission for Jihad at Siffin
Your saying that I hesitated because I dislike death and flee from it—by Allah! I care not whether I advance toward death or death advances toward me. And as for your saying that I have some doubt about the justification of waging jihad against the people of Syria—by Allah! I have not delayed the war even for a day, except with the thought that perhaps some group among them might come and join me, and through me receive guidance, and with their dimmed eyes see my light. And this is far more preferable to me than killing them in a state of misguidance, although they themselves will be responsible for their sins.
