“Moreover, these hadith were transmitted only by those Companions whom you declare to be unbelievers and transgressors, and the reports of an unbeliever or a transgressor are not accepted.”

If he says:

“These were transmitted by the Shī‘a.”

The Nāsibī replies:

“The Shī‘a did not exist in the Prophet’s time—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. They say that the Companions apostatized except for a small number—whether ten, fewer, or more. Such a small group could collude in lying.”

If he says:

“I establish his faith through the Quran, as in Allah’s words, exalted is He:

‘And the first forerunners among the Emigrants and the Helpers, and those who followed them in goodness—Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him.’

[al-Tawba: 100]

And His words:

‘Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are firm against the unbelievers, merciful among themselves.’

[al-Fath: 29]

And His words:

‘And to each Allah has promised the best reward.’

[al-Nisā’: 95]

And His words:

‘Allah was certainly pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree.’

[al-Fath: 18]”

The Nāsibī replies:

“These verses apply to Abū Bakr, ‘Umar, and the other Emigrants and Helpers just as they apply to ‘Alī. Nothing in their apparent wording singles out ‘Alī. If one may claim that these men are excluded from them, or that they were included but subsequently excluded through apostasy, then the Khārijites, who declare ‘Alī an unbeliever, could say the same.”

The point here is that the Rāfidīs cannot establish a sound argument against