The lesson examined the major trials (al-fitan) that occurred during the caliphate of Amīr al-Muʾminīn ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib رضي الله عنه, emphasizing the Ahl al-Sunnah approach of restraint, justice, and reverence toward all the Ṣaḥābah رضي الله عنهم. After the bayʿah was given to ʿAlī, disagreement arose regarding the timing of retribution against the killers of ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه, leading to the Battle of al-Jamal Both sides agreed on the obligation of qiṣāṣ in principle, differing only on its implementation, and the battle itself was ignited by the subversive actions of the Khawārij rather than by deliberate intent from the senior Companions.

The lesson then addressed the Battle of Ṣiffīn and the issue of taḥkīm (arbitration), clarifying that ʿAlī رضي الله عنه acted upon ijtihād while remaining upon the truth, even when opposed. From this context emerged the Khawārij, who misapplied Qurʾānic texts such as “lā ḥukma illā liLlāh” and declared grave accusations against the believers. Their deviation was doctrinal and practical, culminating in violence, unlawful bloodshed, and rebellion. The debates of Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنهما and ʿAlī رضي الله عنه with them demonstrated the correct method of refuting bidʿah through Qurʾān, Sunnah, qiyās ṣaḥīḥ, and sound understanding, leading many of them to repent before the final confrontation at al-Nahrawān.

Finally, the lesson highlighted the rise of extremist Shiʿite ghulāt during this period, particularly through ʿAbdullāh ibn Sabāʾ, who introduced false beliefs such as divinity, rajʿah, and ghaybah, all of which were decisively rejected by ʿAlī رضي الله عنه. The overarching conclusion was that two foundational deviations emerged after this era: disagreement over al-imāmah and deviation in al-uṣūl. Despite the severity of these trials, the Ṣaḥābah remained the best of this ummah, their virtues outweighing any errors, and their legacy preserved as the trustworthy transmitters of Islām and its Sharīʿah.