Then the innovation of the Khawarij (Seceders) appeared during the caliphate of ʿAli ibn Abi Talib—may Allah be pleased with him—in 37 AH. They objected to the acceptance of arbitration and persisted in their error and obstinacy until, at length, they declared the perpetrator of a major sin to be an unbeliever in this world, making his blood and property lawful, and consigning him to eternal damnation in the Hereafter.

I do not consider it improbable that hidden hands—outwardly claiming Islam—lay behind this heresy.

Next arose the innovation of Shiʿism, and behind it stood a Jewish man named ʿAbd Allah ibn Sabaʾ (1). He professed Islam and then went to extremes regarding ʿAli—may Allah be pleased with him—first asserting his prophethood, then exceeding all bounds by claiming his divinity. He attracted to this doctrine a number of misguided men from Kufah (2).

The Shiʿah comprise many divergent sects, yet they are united in the belief that ʿAli’s imamate and caliphate were established by explicit text and testament; they are, in effect, the legacy of Ibn Sabaʾ (3).

The enemies of Islam have exploited the Shiʿi doctrine as a means to harm the faith and to pursue their own ends through it, but Allah safeguarded His religion and perfected His light.

Ibn Hazm confirms this reality, saying:

“…When they—meaning the Persians—were tried by the loss of their empire at the hands of the Arabs, and when, in Persian eyes, the Arabs ranked among the least of nations, the matter loomed large for them and the calamity grew ever greater. They sought to attack Islam by open warfare on various occasions, yet Allah, exalted is He, made the truth prevail on every occasion….”

He then continues: “…So they concluded that undermining it by stratagem would be more effective. Some of them therefore outwardly embraced Islam and won over the partisans of Shiʿism by displaying love for the Household of the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—…”