of the nations before us were the Children of Israel, among whom there was corruption and evil, some of which is well known.

Our nation is the best of nations and the one most honored by Allah. Its best generations are the first three, and the best among them are the Companions. There is much evil within our nation, but it is less than the evil among the Children of Israel; and the evil among the Children of Israel is less than that of the disbelievers who followed no prophet, such as Pharaoh and his people. For every good found among the Children of Israel, there is something better within our nation. The same holds true of the earlier and later generations of this nation: for every good found among the later generations, there is something better among the earlier generations; and for every evil found among the earlier generations, there is something worse among the later generations.

Allah Most High said:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able”

[Surah al-Taghābun: 16].

There is no doubt that no one better could be found than the six whom Umar designated and with whom the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—was pleased when he died. Although each of them had something objectionable, others would have had still greater faults. Thus, no one better than Uthman or more exemplary in conduct assumed rule after him; nor did anyone better than Ali assume rule after him (1). Nor has any king among the Muslim kings ruled with finer conduct than Muāwiya—may Allah be pleased with him—as people have related concerning his conduct and virtues.

If any one of these men had sins, others had greater sins and fewer good deeds. This is among the matters that ought to be understood, for the ignorant person is like a fly that alights only upon a wound (2) and not upon sound flesh. A person of reason weighs all matters together—this as well as that.