a group of Rāfidīs who outwardly professed allegiance to the Prophet’s household, while inwardly they were either irreligious heretics or ignorant people and followers of their own desires; and a group of Nāsibīs who hated ʿAlī and his companions because of the fighting that had taken place during the civil strife.

It is established in Sahīh Muslim that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“Among Thaqīf there will arise a liar and a slaughterer.”

The liar was al-Mukhtār ibn Abī ʿUbayd al-Thaqafī. He outwardly professed allegiance to the Prophet’s household and support for their cause. He killed ʿUbayd Allāh ibn Ziyād, the governor of Iraq who had dispatched the military detachment that killed al-Husayn ibn ʿAlī (may Allah be pleased with them both). Then he openly propagated falsehood, claiming prophethood and asserting that Gabriel (peace be upon him) descended to him. Matters reached the point that people spoke to Ibn ʿUmar and Ibn ʿAbbās about him.

They said to one of them, “Al-Mukhtār ibn Abī ʿUbayd claims that something is sent down to him.” He replied, “He speaks the truth. Allah Most High says:

‘Shall I inform you upon whom the devils descend? They descend upon every sinful liar.’”

They said to the other, “Al-Mukhtār claims that he receives revelation.” He replied, “He speaks the truth:

‘Indeed, the devils inspire their allies to argue with you.’”

As for the slaughterer, he was al-Hajjāj ibn Yūsuf al-Thaqafī, who was hostile towards ʿAlī and his companions. Thus, the latter belonged to the Nāsibīs and the former to the Rāfidīs; and this