3. We have agreed to accept the ruling of the Qur'an and adhere to

what is mentioned in the Book from beginning to end; we will do what it commands and refrain from what it tells us to refrain from. This is the basis of our agreement. 4. 'Ali and his supporters accept Abdullah ibn Qays as a representative and arhitrator, and Mu'iwiyah accepts 'Amr ihn al- 'As as a representative and arhitrator. 5. 'Ali and Mu'iwiyah have taken from Abdullah ihn Qays and 'Amr ibn al-'As a pledge to adhere to the covenant of Allah and His Messenger, to take the Quran as their guide and not to refer to anything else with regard to arbitration, which will be done on the basis of what is written in the Book. With regard to that which they do not find in the Quran, they will refer to the comprehensive Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, and they will not accept anything that goes against it or overlook the Sunnah for some specious argument.