his conduct—so much so that, when Alī burned the heretics who claimed that he was divine, Ibn Abbās said:
“Had it been I, I would not have burned them, because the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—forbade punishing anyone with Allah’s punishment. I would instead have struck off their heads, because the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him.’”
Al-Bukhārī and others narrated it (1). When Alī learned of this, he said, “What a man Ibn Abbās is!”
It is also established that, when Ibn Abbās had no explicit text, he would issue fatwas according to the position of Abū Bakr and Umar. This shows him following Abū Bakr and Umar and opposing Alī.
More than one scholar, including al-Zubayr ibn Bakkār, has recorded Ibn Abbās’s response to Alī after he took what he took from the wealth of Basra. Alī sent him a letter sternly rebuking him, and Ibn Abbās replied to Alī (2) to the effect that, “What I did was far less grave than what you did in shedding Muslim blood over rulership and similar matters.”
Third: This statement contains no praise of Alī, for Allah often addresses people in this manner while reproaching them, as in His words:
“O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.”
[Surah al-Saff: 2–3]
If Alī were the foremost person addressed by this verse, then he would have committed the very act that Allah denounced and condemned.
Allah Most High also said:
“O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending affection to them.”
[Surah al-Mumtahanah: 1]
It is established in the authentic collections that this verse was revealed concerning Hātib ibn Abī Balta'ah when he wrote to the polytheists in Mecca. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—therefore sent Alī and al-Zubayr to bring back the woman (3) who was carrying the letter (4), whereas Alī was innocent of