the truth in this matter. How, then, can we allow that they remain silent about the truth and voice its false opposite? Had they done so, they would have enjoined what is wrong and forbidden what is right, which is the opposite of giving support.

If Abū Bakr’s rule had been forbidden, and obedience to him forbidden and wrong, they would have been obliged to forbid it. If pledging allegiance to ʿAlī had been obligatory, it would have been among the greatest acts of right conduct that they were obliged to enjoin. Since this was not the case, we know that pledging allegiance to ʿAlī at that time was neither an act of right conduct, nor obligatory, nor recommended, and that pledging allegiance to Abū Bakr was not wrong. This is what we sought to establish.

Further evidence is provided by the words of Allah Most High:

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” [Surah al-Tawbah: 71]

The reasoning based on this verse is as explained above.

Further evidence is provided by His words:

“And thus We have made you a just community that you may be witnesses over mankind.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 143]

And His words:

“He named you Muslims before and in this [Quran], that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over mankind.” [Surah al-Hajj: 78]

Those whom the Lord has made witnesses over mankind must know what they testify to and be just in their testimony. If they declared lawful what Allah has forbidden, declared forbidden what Allah has permitted (1), made obligatory what Allah has left exempt, or waived what Allah has made obligatory, they would not possess these qualities. The same would apply if they censured those deserving praise and praised those deserving censure.