Question

Is this a statement of Sayyiduna Hasan or Sayyiduna Husayn (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) regarding Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma)

“They were the companions of my grandfather”

Answer

I have not come across this as the statement of the grandsons of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). This statement is attributed to Zayd ibn ‘Ali ibn Husayn ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, the great grandson of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

The following incident is generally quoted when explaining how the term “Rafidah” [A current day Shi’i] came about:

Some people had come to Zayd ibn ‘Ali requesting him to absolve himself from Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) before pledging allegiance to him. He however refused and said, “Rather I will support/protect them and absolve myself from those who absolve themselves from them” [Some have added the words “They were the companions of my grandfather, I will support them”]. They said, “In that case we will abandon you” (نرفضك).

(Refer: Tahdhibul Kamal, vol. 10, pg. 97 and Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 5, pg. 390)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar