who openly espoused Rāfidī views and professed love for ‘Alī (may Allah be pleased with him). A man who associated with him and knew his beliefs said to him, ‘I know that you neither adhere to the religion of Islam nor believe in it. What, then, drew you to Rāfidī beliefs and love for ‘Alī?’

He replied, ‘Then I shall tell you the truth. If we openly declare what we believe, we are accused of disbelief and heresy. Yet we have found people who profess love for ‘Alī and display it openly, while reviling whomever they please. In this way, they identify themselves with Rafidism and Shiism, while believing whatever they please and saying whatever they please.’

The caliph once imprisoned a man for heresy. A man visited him and said, ‘We knew you for reviling the Companions and holding Rāfidī beliefs. What led you beyond that into heresy?’ He replied, ‘Nāyaghamā’ī, and what