Allah Most High says:

“Others have acknowledged their sins; they have mixed a righteous deed with another that was evil. Perhaps Allah will turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Sūrah al-Tawbah, 102.

For this reason, no strife arose in the time of Abū Bakr and ʿUmar, whom the Muslims were commanded to follow, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Follow the two who come after me: Abū Bakr and ʿUmar.” The people then were closer to the time of the prophetic mission, greater in faith and righteousness, and their leaders more steadfast in fulfilling their duties and more firmly grounded in tranquillity. Thus, they fell within the middle category.

And when, toward the end of ʿUthmān’s caliphate and during ʿAlī’s caliphate—may Allah be pleased