for they are among the reports upon which all the compilers of authentic hadith collections—al-Bukhārī and others—agree. The scholars know with certainty (1) that the Prophet said this, whereas some of them have doubted the hadith from Alī.

Seventh: The signs of hypocrisy are numerous. It is authentically reported in the two Sahīh collections that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said:

“A hypocrite has three signs: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays the trust.” (2)

These are manifest signs. It is therefore known that the signs of hypocrisy are not confined to loving or hating a particular individual or group, even if such love or hatred is among those signs. There can be no doubt that when a person loves Alī for Allah’s sake, as he deserves to be loved for Allah’s sake, this is an indication of his faith. Likewise, when a person loves the Ansār because they supported Allah and His Messenger, this is one of the signs of his faith. Whoever hates Alī and the Ansār because of their faith in Allah and His Messenger and their striving in His cause is a hypocrite.

As for one who loves the Ansār, Alī, or anyone else for a natural reason, such as kinship between them, this is like Abū Tālib’s love for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—and it will not benefit him before Allah. Whoever goes to excess regarding the Ansār, Alī, Christ, or any prophet—loving them while ascribing to them a status above their true rank—does not truly love them. He loves only something that does not exist, like the Christians’ love for Christ, though Christ is superior to Alī.

Such love does not benefit them, for only love for Allah’s sake is of benefit, not love directed to others alongside Allah.

Allah Most High says:

“Among mankind are those who take others besides Allah as equals, loving them as they love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in their love for Allah.”