8. Abu Abdullah ihn Bat@ said: 'The oath of allegiance to 'Ali

(&) was based on consensus and was a mercy. He did not want this position, and he did not force them to swear allegiance to him by the sword; nor did he gain power by means of his clan. The position of caliphate itself was honoured when 'Ali (4) became caliph; he adorned it with his high status, gave it a sense of dignity by means of his justice, and elevated it by his noble attitude. He refused that position, but they forced him; he was reluctant, but they put pressure on him."48