the religion.” In more than one hadith, he commanded that they be fought and explained the merit of anyone who killed them or was killed by them. Thereafter, they came forth from various lands, gathered together, and openly proclaimed the duty of commanding what is right and forbidding what is wrong, until they reached Medina and killed Uthman ibn Affan—may Allah be pleased with him. The Companions of Allah’s Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—who were in Medina strove to prevent Uthman from being killed, but they were unable to do so—may Allah be pleased with them.

They then rebelled against the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abī Tālib—may Allah be pleased with him—refused to accept his judgment, and openly proclaimed their doctrine, saying, “Judgment belongs to Allah alone.” Ali—may Allah be pleased with him—said, “A word of truth by which they intend falsehood.” Ali—may Allah be pleased with him—then fought them, and Allah Most High honored him by their defeat at his hands. He related from the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—the merit of anyone who killed them or was killed by them. The Companions fought alongside him, and thus Ali’s sword against the Kharijites became a sword of truth until the Last Hour arises.