The point here is that if, in disputes arising among the believers at large (1), it is obligatory to speak only with knowledge and justice and to refer the matter to Allah and the Messenger, then this is all the more evident in matters concerning the Companions. Thus, if someone were to disparage one of those in authority—whether a king, judge, commander, shaykh, or the like—declare him a disbeliever who had wrongfully transgressed against another in a matter of authority or otherwise, portray the other as the learned and just one who was free of every error and sin, declare everyone who loved and supported the former to be a disbeliever or wrongdoer deserving abuse, and then begin reviling such a person, it would be obligatory to address the matter with knowledge and justice.
The Rāfidah adopted a divisive approach toward the Companions: they gave their loyalty to some and went to excess regarding them, while showing enmity toward others and going to excess in their hostility toward them. Many people may follow a similar course with respect to their rulers, kings, scholars, and shaykhs. A form of Rāfidism thus arises among them concerning people other than the Companions: one faction supports a particular person and those who love him, while hating another person and those who love him, and may unjustly revile the latter.
All of this is part of the division and partisanship that Allah and His Messenger have forbidden. Allah Most High said:
“Indeed, as for those who have divided their religion and become factions, you have nothing to do with them.”
[Surah al-Anʿām: 159].
And Allah Most High said:
“O you who believe, fear Allah as He truly deserves to be feared, and do not die except in a state of submission. Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favor upon you: you were enemies, then He united your hearts, and by His favor you became brothers.”
[Surah Āl ʿImrān: 102–103].
And Allah Most High said:
“Do not be like those who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. For them is a tremendous punishment—on the Day when some faces will become bright and others dark. As for those whose faces become dark, it will be said: ‘Did you disbelieve after having believed? Then taste the punishment for your disbelief.’ But as for those whose faces become bright, they will be in Allah’s mercy, abiding therein forever.”