Abu Dawud

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The existence of individuals or groups among Muslims holding differing opinions is possible, among whom certainly only one will be upon the truth while the other will be distant from it. However, as long as no clear and explicit false belief or action becomes apparent, a ruling of misguidance should not be passed upon them. Rather, understanding should be sought through knowledge and wisdom, and as much as possible, silence should be maintained regarding their propagation and publicity; only in this way can such a tribulation be suppressed.

➋ In this hadith, there is a mention of the prophecy regarding the emergence of the Khawarij. This hadith is a proof of the truthfulness of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), because the emergence of the Khawarij occurred exactly in accordance with this hadith. This event took place in 32–38 AH, when fighting was ongoing between Ali and Muawiyah (radi Allahu anhuma). At that time, the sect of the Khawarij emerged from Nahrawan, and Ali (radi Allahu anhu) fought against them and inflicted a crushing defeat upon them. On the basis of such ahadith, Ali (radi Allahu anhu) is considered closer to the truth (aqrab ila al-haqq) compared to Muawiyah (radi Allahu anhu).

➌ In this, both groups who fought each other have been called Muslims; therefore, regarding Ali and Muawiyah (radi Allahu anhuma) and their companions, it is necessary to withhold the tongue (remain silent) instead of criticism and reproach, because both were Muslims and upon the truth, though one was more correct (ahaqq).

➍ The group that was seditious or had departed from the religion was that of the Khawarij, not the group of Ali or Muawiyah (radi Allahu anhuma); both of them were great groups among the Muslims.