citing as proof something whose authenticity is unknown is impermissible by consensus, for it is speaking without knowledge, and that is forbidden by the Quran, Sunnah, and consensus.

Second: Reports of this kind are among those which scholars unanimously agree (1) are fabricated lies (2).

Third: Anyone possessed of knowledge and religion knows that it (3) is one of those baseless lies that no person of reason and religion would believe. Such claims are fabricated only by people shameless and brazen enough to lie. How could the messengers—blessings of Allah be upon them—be questioned about something that does not form part of the foundation of faith?

The Muslims unanimously agree that if a man believed in the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and obeyed him, but died during his lifetime before even learning that Allah had created Abū Bakr, Umar, Uthmān, and Ali, this would not harm him in the least or prevent him from entering Paradise. If this is so within the nation of Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—how can it be said that the prophets were required to believe in one particular Companion?

Allah Most High had taken a covenant from them that if Muhammad were sent while they were alive, they would surely believe in him and support him. This is what Ibn Abbās and others stated, as (4) Allah Most High said:

“And when Allah took the covenant of the prophets: ‘Whatever I give you of Scripture and wisdom, and then a messenger comes to you…’”

[Surah Āl Imrān: 81]

through to His words:

“‘Do you affirm this and accept My covenant on that basis?’ They said, ‘We affirm.’ He said, ‘Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.’”

[Surah Āl Imrān: 81]

(5).