The Shaykh’s note on the questioner’s use of “Imam Ali,” “Ali, may Allah honor his face,” and “peace be upon him”

The Shaykh : Before I leave the discussion of these issues, I want to draw your attention to the fact that you said “Imam Ali.” This is a Shi'ite expression. The Shi'ah were mentioned just now, so I do not think this habit has come to you merely by chance.
The audience laughs

The Shaykh : Ah, but this is a common slip among many of the people of the Sunnah. They either say “Imam Ali” or “Ali, may Allah honor his face.” None of them say “Imam Abu Bakr,” none say “Imam Umar,” and none say “Imam Uthman.” Only “Imam Ali.” Why? Because the Shi'ah have prevailed over us in their terminology, and we have forgotten that these are four Imams, and we do not distinguish between any of them.

The questioner : I found “Imam Ali” in the Mukhtasar of Muslim.

The Shaykh : Yes, like this Muslim.

The questioner : No, I mean...

The Shaykh : No, yes. Why “no, yes”? The one who said “Imam Muslim” in the Mukhtasar of Muslim is like this Muslim.

The questioner : Do you mean al-Mundhir or not?

The Shaykh : No, it is not al-Mundhir. One of the narrators is also called “may Allah honor his face.” I have never heard anyone say “Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah honor his face.” Have you heard anything like that about Umar, or am I mistaken?
The audience: No

The Shaykh : This is a Shi'ite slip. Therefore, we must not criticize any of the Companions in order to elevate the status of another Companion. This is a reminder, and a reminder benefits the believers.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The questioner : Peace be upon him.

The Shaykh : The same.

The questioner : The same as well?

The Shaykh : The same.