or is even fit to be addressed? Much less could it be cited as proof for declaring the best members of this ummah sinful, misguided, unbelievers, and ignorant!

Had this unjust aggressor not assailed the finest of Allah’s allies, the foremost people on earth, and the best of Allah’s creation after the Prophets—with an assault that impugns the religion, empowers the unbelievers and hypocrites, and sows doubt and weakness among many believers—we would have had no need to expose his secrets and tear away his veils. Allah is his Reckoner and the Reckoner of his ilk.

[Section: The Fortieth Proof
“For indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers”
and the response to it]

Section

The Rāfidī said(1): “The fortieth proof is the words of Allah Most High:

‘For indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers; and the angels, moreover, are his supporters.’

[Surah al-Tahrīm: 4]

The Quran commentators unanimously agree that ‘the righteous among the believers’ refers to Alī(2). Abū Nuaym narrated through his chain of transmission from Asmā bint Umays, who said:

‘I heard the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—recite this verse:

“But if the two of you support one another against him, then indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers.”

[He said: “The righteous among the believers”](3) is Alī ibn Abī Tālib.’ And his being singled out