Beware! Satan (1) has collected his group and assembled his horse-men and foot-soldiers. Surely, with me is my sagacity. I have neither deceived myself nor ever been deceived. By Alláh I shall fill to the brim for them a cistern from which I alone would draw water. They can neither turn away from it nor return to it.
(1). When Talhah and az-Zubayr broke away by violating the Oath of allegiance and set for Basrah in the company of `Á’ishah, Amír al-mu’minín spoke in these words which are part of the long speech.
Ibn Abi’l-hadíd has written that in this sermon Satan denotes the real Satan as well as Mu`áwiyah because Mu`áwiyah was secretly conspiring with Talhah and az-Zubayr and instigating them to fight against Amír al-mu’minín; but the reference to the real Satan is more appropriate, obvious and in accord with the situation and circumstances.