Imam Baqir (a.s.) told a hypocrite: (O servant of Allah), how excessive is the oppression of this nation against Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) and how little is their justice towards him (a.s.)! They deprived him (Ali (a.s.)) of virtues (instead) granting it to the companions, although Ali (a.s.) was the best of them. Then, how can they keep Ali (a.s.) away from this position that they have bestowed on others?
He (a.s.) was asked: How was that, O son of Allah’s Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?
Imam Baqir (a.s.) said: You accept the mastership of the lovers of Abu Bakr b. Abi Quhaafa and do Tabarra against his enemies, whoever they may be.
Likewise, you accept the mastership of Umar b. Khattaab and do Tabarra against his enemies, whoever they may be.
Also, you accept the mastership of Usman b. Affaan and do Tabarra against his enemies, whoever they may be.
Until the matter reaches Ali b. AbiTalib (a.s.) when they say – you have Wilayat of his friends but don’t do Tabarra against his enemies, rather (you claim) we love them!
And how is it permitted for them to claim thus when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said regarding Ali (a.s.) – ‘O Allah love him who loves Ali (a.s.) and take as an enemy who takes Ali as an enemy and help him who helps him and abandon him who abandons him.’
Then do you see them – they do not take as enemy the enemy of Ali (a.s.), nor they abandon them (those who have abandoned Ali a.s.)?
This is not justice!
Another (injustice) is that when the virtues, with which Allah has distinguished Ali (a.s.) with the prayers of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his nobility near Allah the Almighty, are mentioned they deny it. But whatever is mentioned for the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), they accept it. What is it that has made them reject it for Ali (a.s.) and attribute it to the other companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?
Tafseer Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.)