with doubt, no deed can profit; in the same way, nothing can harm when accompanied by true faith.’

The young man then departed, and Muʿādh remarked, ‘There is no one in this valley more learned than this youth.’

Abu Ḥanīfah added: ‘So fight the people of rebellion (ahl al-baghy) because of their rebellion, not because of disbelief (kufr). Align yourself with the just faction and—even if he be oppressive—the legitimate ruler; never side with the rebels.’