What is your opinion of one who invalidates the caliphate of 'Uthman and says that the caliphate of 'Ali is a natural extension of the caliphate of the two Shaykhs?
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The questioner : O our Shaykh, may Allah bless you, what is your opinion of one who invalidates the caliphate of 'Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) and says: "The caliphate of 'Ali is a natural extension of the caliphate of the two Shaykhs before him"?
The Shaykh : This is milder than the one who says: "The caliphate of 'Ali is an extension of the conduct of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)." And Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The one who slanders the caliphate of any one of the four is more misguided than his own donkey".
How can the Muslims have agreed upon the caliphate of 'Uthman and 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) pledged allegiance to him without coercion, and we say: "His caliphate is invalid"? In reality, the one who slanders it has insulted the Muhajireen and the Ansar, and has criticized the Muhajireen and the Ansar.
The Shaykh : This is milder than the one who says: "The caliphate of 'Ali is an extension of the conduct of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)." And Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The one who slanders the caliphate of any one of the four is more misguided than his own donkey".
How can the Muslims have agreed upon the caliphate of 'Uthman and 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) pledged allegiance to him without coercion, and we say: "His caliphate is invalid"? In reality, the one who slanders it has insulted the Muhajireen and the Ansar, and has criticized the Muhajireen and the Ansar.