ثُمَّ عَلِيٌّ الْمُرْتَضَى
Then ʿAlī al-Murtaḍā, may Allah be pleased with him.
ʿAlī’s virtues include his closeness to the Prophet, early Islam, learning, courage, devotion, and membership of the Prophetic family. Affirming these merits does not contradict an overall fourfold ranking; they are different judgments.
Love and respect require acknowledging established virtues and not turning historical disagreement into personal abuse. Ordering precedence does not erase anyone’s faith, integrity or service.