Abdullah bin Saba’ says that once I heard Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) saying:“This beard will surely be stained with the blood of this head. That wretched one who will kill me—what is he waiting for?”The people said:“O Commander of the Faithful! Tell us his name and address, we will wipe out his entire lineage.”He replied:“By Allah! In that case, you might kill someone other than my killer.”The people said:“Then at least appoint your deputy over us.”He said:“No, I will leave you in the same state as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left you.”The people said:“Then what answer will you give your Lord when you meet Him (regarding whom you appointed as caliph)?”He replied:“I will say: O Allah! As long as You willed, You kept me among them, then You called me to Yourself, and even then You were present among them. Now, if You wish, keep them united, and if You wish, create division among them.”