Commander of the Faithful

We are not allowed to assume the task of governance by reason of ambition, pride, or love of power, but to fight for the cause of God to prevent fratricidal bloodletting among Muslims, to protect their properties and pacify the country as required by the fervor of faith and patriotism.

From Arab ways, Abd el-Kader preserved everything necessary to exalt his countrymen; from us, he took everything necessary to sub- jugate them.