The same applies to his veiled disparagement of Talha, al-Zubayr, and Aisha, without mentioning either an excuse for them or their subsequent change of course. Scholars know that Talha and al-Zubayr had not initially intended to fight Ali. Likewise, the people of Syria did not intend to fight him, and Ali did not intend to fight either group.
Rather, the Battle of the Camel took place (1) against both his will and theirs. They had already agreed to reconciliation (2) and to enforce the prescribed penalties against Uthmān’s killers. The killers then conspired to stir up discord once again, just as they had done at first. They attacked Talha, al-Zubayr, and their companions, who fought back in self-defense, while making Ali believe that the two had attacked him (3). Ali therefore attacked in defense of himself. Each side intended only to repel aggression, not to initiate hostilities.
This is how more than one scholar well versed in historical accounts has related the events. If matters unfolded in a manner for which no one was blameworthy, there is nothing further to say (4). If, however, either or both of them committed an error or sin, it is well known that this does not negate what the Quran and Sunnah establish: that they are among the finest of Allah’s pious allies, His successful party, and His righteous servants, and that they are among the people of Paradise (5).