all directions of prayer, meaning that they face the Syrian corner of the Ka‘bah with the northern celestial pole directly behind them, without turning to the right, as the people of Iraq do, or to the left, as the people of Syria do.

They said: Since these texts indicate that the group within his community which upholds the truth, unharmed by those who oppose or abandon it, is in Syria, this conflicts with his sayings:

“‘Ammār will be killed by the rebellious group.”

“Of the two groups, the one closer to the truth will kill them.”

This forms part of the argument of those who consider both sides equal and both correct, or who refrain from giving preference to either—the latter being closer to the truth. Some of these have used this argument against those others. However, this view is to be rejected. It is among the views of the Nāsibīs, standing opposite the views of the Shī‘ah and Rāfidīs, these followers of their own desires. Here, however, we are addressing people of knowledge and justice.

There is no doubt that these texts must be reconciled and harmonized. Thus, we say: As for his saying, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,

“The people of the west will continue to prevail,”

and similar statements indicating that the people of Syria would prevail and gain victory, this is indeed what happened and how matters stood: they continued to prevail and gain victory.

As for his saying, peace be upon him,

“A group of my community will continue to uphold Allah’s command,”

and the mention of those who prevail, this does not imply that there cannot be among them people guilty of rebellion, or people less entitled to the truth than others. Rather, both are to be found among them.

As for his saying,

“Of the two groups, the one closer to the truth will kill them,”

this is evidence that ‘Alī