527 - Ahmad ibn al-Hasan al-Warraq wrote to me from Mosul, saying: Bakr ibn Muhammad narrated to us, from his father, from Abu 'Abd Allah, who was asked about one who says: "Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Ali, and 'Uthman?" He replied: "This statement does not please me." I asked: "Should it be said that he is an innovator (mubtadi')?" He replied: "I dislike declaring him an innovator with the severe innovation." I asked: "Then what of one who says: 'Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'Ali,' and remains silent, not preferring anyone [further]?" He replied: "This statement also does not please me." I asked: "Should it be said that he is an innovator?" He replied: "That statement does not please me." Abu 'Abd Allah said: "It is narrated from a number of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that they preferred 'Uthman. Ibn Mas'ud said: 'The best of those who remain.' 'A'isha said: 'Uthman became better than 'Ali.' Al-Duri said: I heard Yahya say: Sharik said: 'Anyone who puts 'Ali before Abu Bakr and 'Umar has no good in him.'"