that were well known, such as his correspondence with the polytheists conveying information about the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his mistreatment of his slaves. It is authentically reported:

“His slave came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said, ‘By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, Hātib will surely enter the Fire.’ The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, ‘You have lied. He was present at Badr and al-Hudaybiyah.’”

It is also authentically reported:

“When he wrote to the polytheists informing them that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was marching against them, he sent ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib and al-Zubayr to the woman carrying the letter, and they brought her back. He said, ‘What is this, Hātib?’ Hātib replied, ‘By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, I did not do this out of apostasy from my religion, nor did I embrace disbelief after Islam. Rather, I was merely affiliated with Quraysh, not one of them. Your Companions who were with you had relatives in Mecca through whom they could protect their families. Since I lacked that, I wanted to do them a favor so that they would protect my relatives in return.’ ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb said, ‘Let me strike off this hypocrite’s head.’ The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, ‘He was present at Badr. For all you know, Allah may have said, “Do whatever you wish; I have forgiven you.”’”

This hadith shows that, by virtue of their early commitment, faith, and striving in His cause, Allah forgives these pioneers—such as those who were present at Badr and al-Hudaybiyah—grave sins for which no one is permitted to punish them, just as Hātib did not have to be punished for what he had done.

This is also cited as evidence that, regarding what occurred between ‘Alī, Talhah, al-Zubayr, and others like them: