Is giving 'Ali precedence over 'Uthman considered Shi'ism?

Question:
May Allah reward you. Honorable Shaykh, this questioner asks: Is giving 'Ali precedence over 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them both) considered Rafidi or Shi'ah?

Answer:
No, it is not considered Rafidi or Shi'ah. Preferring 'Ali over 'Uthman is a matter of scholarly disagreement; some of the Companions and some of the scholars held this view, so this is not considered [Rafidi or Shi'ah]. This is not considered part of Rafidism or Shi'ism. Rather, the one who gives 'Ali precedence over 'Uthman in the caliphate, or over Abu Bakr and 'Umar, is a Rafidi. The caliphate is not the same as virtue. Note this. Yes.