What is recorded in the Sahih is that Abu Bakr said on the day of Hunayn: “No, by Allah! (1) We will not then take (2) the spoils from one of the lions of Allah Most High—one who fights for Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and His Messenger—and give you (3) his spoils.”

If what was intended by this is that ʿAlī alone is Allah’s sword and Allah’s arrow (4), then this is false. But if what was intended is that he is one of Allah’s swords, then ʿAlī is more illustrious and excellent than that description alone suggests; it is only one of his virtues.

The same applies to what has been related from ʿAlī—may Allah be pleased with him—that he said from the pulpit:

“I am Allah’s sword against His enemies and His mercy (5) to His allies.”

This has no chain of transmission, nor is it known to be authentic. If he did say it, however, its meaning is sound, for this is a quality he shared with others like him.

Allah Most High said of them (6):

1—“Forceful against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves.” Surah al-Fath.

And He said:

“Humble toward the believers, mighty against the disbelievers.” Surah al-Mā'idah.

Every one of the Emigrants who waged jihad was a sword against Allah’s enemies and a mercy to Allah’s allies (7).

Nor could he permissibly have meant: “I alone am Allah’s sword, and I alone am a mercy