Hadith 114

Commentary

a. Unmatched are the feats performed in the service and defence of Islam by the senior Companions. That is why anyone who loves Islam loves and respects them, while their very presence was a thorn in the side of the enemies of Islam. 'Ali رضي الله عنه is also one among such great Companions. Therefore, love for him is the sign of love for Islam, and enmity towards him is the sign of hypocrisy. b. Love for 'Ali رضي الله عنه does not mean going beyond all limits, which a trait is found in some of the innovators. Some of these innovators, for example, regard him sinless like Prophets. Others hold him superior to Abu Bakr and 'Umar رضي الله عنه. Still others invest him with Divine attributes, while others go still farther and deify him. c. Differences among the Companions were their acts of judgment although, thanks to the machinations of the hypocrites, these differences of opinion sometimes even resulted in wars. It would, therefore, be unfair on the basis of these disputes to brand anyone of them a hypocrite. To believe like this is the hallmark of innovators. Ahlus-Sunnah (People of the Prophet's Path) consider it advisable to hold their tongues and avoid blaming any of them in such matters.