Another indication that ‘Alī did not know the future is that he regretted some of his actions. He used to say:

“I have faltered, and offer no excuse;
Henceforth I shall act wisely and persevere,
And bring my scattered thoughts together.”

During the nights of Siffīn, he used to say:

“O Hasan, O Hasan! Your father never thought matters would come to this! How admirable was the stand taken by Sa‘d ibn Mālik and ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Umar! If it was righteous, its reward is indeed great; and if it was sinful, its risk is indeed slight.”

The compilers have related this report. It is established through widely transmitted reports that he was distressed and restless because his subjects opposed him, and that he had never thought matters would reach the point they did.

Al-Hasan’s view was to refrain from fighting, and an authentic report affirms that al-Hasan was right. Al-Bukhārī relates from Abū Bakr (1)—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“This son of mine is a leader, and through him Allah will reconcile two great groups of Muslims.” (2)

Thus, he praised al-Hasan for reconciling the two groups.

The other authentic hadiths indicate that refraining from fighting and keeping out of the strife was more beloved to Allah and His Messenger. This is the position of the leading scholars of the Sunnah and most of the leading scholars of Islam. Reflection also makes this clear: Allah’s and His Messenger’s love for an action is evident from its fruits. Whatever was more beneficial to Muslims in their religion and worldly affairs was more beloved to Allah