Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tcilib 301
which is clearly seen on their faces: "The mark of them (i.e. of their
Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration
(during prayers)." It was said that this mark is whiteness on thcir
faces that will be seen on the Day of Resurrection. This is the view of
al-Hasan and Sa'eed ibn Jubayr, and it is one narration from Ibn
'Abhb (&). The other narration from him, which was also narrated
from MU&& is that the mark which can be seen in this world is
dignity. It was also narrated from Mnjaid that it refers to humility
and humbleness.297
There is no contradiction among these opinions because in this
world, dignity may result from humility and modesty, while in the
hereafter, it will be light on their Ibn Katheer said: "The
intentions of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were
pure, and their deeds were good, so everyone who looked at them
would admire their dignity and their attitude and behaviour." Mzlik
(&) said: "I heard that when the Christians saw the Companions
(may Allah be pleased with them) who conquered Syria, they said:
'By God, these people are better than the Disciples, according to
what we have heard."' And they spoke the truth in that, because this
Ummah is spoken highly of in the earlier Books, and the greatest and
most virtuous of them are the Companions of the Messenger of Allah
(g). Allah (&) referred to mention of them in the previous Books
and reports which were in circulation (before Islam). He said: (This is
their description in the Tawrst Forah]. But their description in the
Injeel [Gospel] is like a [sown] seed which sends forth its shoot, then
makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem,
delighting the s0wers.B (Qur'an 48: 29)
This is exactly how the Companions of the Messenger of Allah
(@) were; they supported him "that He may enrage the disbelievers
with them." According to one report, Imam M2lik (may Allah have
mercy on him) concluded from this verse that the Rzifidis who hate