Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza
وَقَالَ (عليه السلام):
Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:
مَنْ أَبْطَأَ بِهِ عَمَلُهُ
He whose deeds accord (him) a back position
لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِهِ حَسَبُهُ.
cannot be given a front position because of his lineage.