531 - 'Ali ibn 'Isa informed me that Hanbal narrated to them, saying: I heard Abu 'Abd Allah [Ahmad ibn Hanbal] when he was asked about one who places 'Ali before 'Uthman: "Is he in your view an innovator (mubtadi')?" He said: "Such a person deserves to be labeled an innovator. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave precedence to 'Uthman in rank." Hanbal said in another place: I asked Abu 'Abd Allah, "Who says: 'Ali, then 'Uthman [in terms of rank]?" He said: "These are in a better condition than others." Then he mentioned a number of the scholars (shuyukh) of the people of Kufa and said: "These are in a better condition than the Rawafid." Then Abu 'Abd Allah said: "Indeed, those—meaning those who placed 'Ali before 'Uthman—have opposed those who preceded them among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). As for who says: 'Ali, then 'Uthman, I hold the view that it is 'Uthman, then 'Ali; may Allah have mercy upon them both."