Rāfidī was far greater in lying, fabrication, and heresy in religion, for he claimed prophethood. The other, however, was harsher in punishing those who rebelled against his authority and in taking vengeance on anyone he suspected of disobeying his emir, ʿAbd al-Malik ibn Marwān. There was strife and fighting between these two groups in Kufa.

When al-Husayn ibn ʿAlī (may Allah be pleased with them both) was killed on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ, it was the unjust, transgressing faction that killed him. Allah honored al-Husayn with martyrdom, just as He had honored others of his household with it: Hamza, Jaʿfar, his father ʿAlī, and others. His martyrdom was among the means by which Allah raised his standing and elevated his rank. For he and his brother al-Hasan are the two leaders of the young men of Paradise, and lofty ranks are attained only through trials. Thus, when the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was asked, “Which people are most severely tried?” he replied:

“The prophets, then the righteous, then those nearest to them in excellence, followed by those next nearest. A man is tried according to his religious commitment. If his commitment is firm, his trials are increased; if it is weak, they are lightened. Trials continue to afflict the believer until he walks upon the earth without a single sin remaining upon him.”

This was narrated by al-Tirmidhī and others.

Allah Most High had already decreed a lofty station for al-Hasan and al-Husayn, yet they had not undergone trials like those endured by their righteous predecessors. They were born when Islam was strong and were raised in honor and dignity, with the Muslims venerating and honoring them. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) died before they had fully attained the age of discernment.