These Rāfidis are among the most ignorant of people. They fault those whom they condemn for things that apply in still greater measure to those whom they praise. When the scales of justice are applied to them, it becomes clear that the one they condemned is worthier of preference than the one they praised.

As for the report in which Umar mentioned Sālim, the freedman of Abū Hudhayfa, it is well known that Umar and the other Companions understood that the supreme leadership belongs to Quraysh, as the traditions to that effect are widely transmitted [from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—] (1).

In both Sahih collections, Abd Allah ibn Umar—may Allah be pleased with them both—reported that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said:

“This authority will remain with Quraysh so long as two people remain alive.”

Another wording states:

“So long as two of them remain alive.” (2)

In both Sahih collections, Abū Hurayra—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said:

“People follow Quraysh in this matter: their believers follow the believers of Quraysh, and their disbelievers follow the disbelievers of Quraysh.” (3)

Muslim narrated it.

In the hadith of Jābir, he said:

“People follow Quraysh in good and evil.” (4)

Al-Bukhārī recorded that Muāwiya said: I heard the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—say:

“This authority rests with Quraysh. No one shows them enmity without Allah casting him down upon his face, so long as they uphold the religion.” (5)