Rather, those known for heresy and hypocrisy were the descendants of ‘Ubayd al-Qaddāh who ruled in Egypt and the Maghreb. They claimed to be descendants of ‘Alī, whereas they were actually descended from unbelievers. The scholars agreed in accusing them of heresy and hypocrisy. Likewise, some regional kings—the Būyid and other caliphs—were accused of heresy and hypocrisy. As for a caliph exercising general authority over the Muslims, Allah has spared the Muslims from having a heretic and hypocrite as their ruler. This is something that should be known and understood, for it is useful in this discussion.
The scholars agreed that Mu‘āwiya was the best king of this community. The four who preceded him were caliphs who followed the prophetic model, whereas he was the first king. His monarchy was marked by mercy, as stated in the hadith:
“Rule will take the form of prophethood and mercy, then a caliphate and mercy, then monarchy and mercy, then monarchy and coercion, then oppressive monarchy.”
His reign displayed such mercy, forbearance, and benefit to the Muslims that it is evident that his rule was better than that of other kings.
As for those who preceded him, they were caliphs who followed the prophetic model, for it is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“The caliphate following the prophetic model will last thirty years, then become a monarchy.”
Abū Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthmān, and ‘Alī, may Allah be pleased with them, were the rightly guided caliphs and divinely guided leaders concerning whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “You must adhere to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the caliphs