Imaam Malik’s Response to the Hatred of the Companions

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Imaam Malik’s Response to the Hatred of the Companions

A man once came to Imaam Maalik and said: “I hate so and so,” and mentioned some of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Imaam Maalik quoted, in reply, the following verses:

8. For the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allâh and to please Him. and helping Allâh (i.e. helping his religion) and his Messenger such are indeed the truthful - [Al-Qur’aan 59:8]

Imaam Maalik asked that person, “Are you one of these people [mentioned in this verse]?”
“No,” the man replied.

Then Imaam Maalik recited another verse:
9. and those Who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy In their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banî An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were In need of that. and Whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. [Al-Qur’aan 59:9]

Imaam Maalik asked that person, “Are you one of these people [mentioned in this verse]?”
“No,” the man replied.

Then Imaam Maalik recited another verse:
10. and those who came after them say: "Our Lord! forgive us and Our brethren who have preceded us In Faith, and put not In Our hearts any Hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. [Al-Qur’aan 59:10]

“Are you one of these people [mentioned in this verse]?” Imaam Maalik asked.
“I hope so,” the man replied.
“You are not, if you curse one of the formers,” Imaam Maalik said.

A similar debate is attributed to Ali ibnul-Husayn Ibn Ali Ibn Abu taalib, related by Al-Arbilee in his Kashful-Ghummah, p. 2:78