[Response to the Second Part of the Introduction]

As for his statement (1):

“Some of them found the matter unclear (2) and saw (3) someone following the seeker of worldly gain (4), so he imitated him [and pledged allegiance to him] (5). He failed to examine the matter properly, and the truth consequently remained hidden from him. He thus deserved (6) to be held accountable by Allah (7) for assigning the right to one who was not entitled to it.”

He said:

“Others blindly followed because of their limited discernment. They saw the vast multitude and followed them, imagining (8) that large numbers necessarily implied correctness, heedless of the words of the Most High:

‘Yet how few they are!’

[Surah Sād: 24]

and:

‘Only a few of My servants are truly grateful.’

[Surah Saba: 13]”

In response to this fabricator—who divided the Companions who pledged allegiance to Abū Bakr into three categories: most of them sought worldly gain, one group failed to examine the matter properly, and another was incapable of doing so—it may be said that wrongdoing arises either from corrupt intent or from ignorance; and ignorance may result either from neglecting proper inquiry or from being incapable of it. He stated (9) that among the Companions (10) and others were some who failed to examine the matter properly when they pledged allegiance to Abū Bakr, and that, had they done so, they would have recognized the truth. Such a person would be held accountable for his negligence in failing to undertake the required inquiry. Among them were also