We follow only one religion, and we are on a single path, not a shared one. We are known by our allegiance, we claim obedience, and we fight and die for it. Our appearance is distinctive, and our clothing is known. We are the people of the black banners, the possessors of true narrations, and the transmitters of authentic hadith. We are the ones who demolish the cities of the infidels and seize power from the hands of oppressors. Among us are the advanced, and the authentic tradition states that the description of those who conquer Amorium, appear over it, fight its warriors, and take its offspring captive, is that their hair is like women's hair and their clothes are like those of monks. The deed confirmed the word, and the visible reality verified the news. We are the ones mentioned, and our ancestor, Imam al-A'imma and the father of the ten Imams, Muhammad ibn Ali, mentioned us when he wanted to send the wise men to the horizons and spread his followers in the lands. He said, "As for Basra and its surroundings, Uthman has dominated it and Uthman is appeasing it, so there is only a small number of our followers there. As for Kufa and its surroundings, Ali and his followers have dominated it, and there is only a small number of our followers there. As for Sham, it is the followers of Banu Marwan, the rulers of the family of Sufyan. As for al-Jazira, it is hostile and rebellious, and those who are outside are apostates. But you should focus on this East, for there are pure hearts and steadfast souls there, whom desires do not corrupt, nor grudges taint, nor calamities afflict. They are enraged and vengeful, and there is the number, the enmity, the abundance, and the strength." Then he said, "And I will move to where the day dawns." So we became the best of soldiers, loyal to our Imam, and we confirmed his belief, followed his opinion, and corrected his foresight. And he said another time...