Reserving the use of 'May Allah honor his face' solely for `Aly

Q 3: What is the ruling on saying, "Karrama Allahu wajhahu (may Allah honor his face)" when referring to ‘Aly ibn Abu Talib? Does this involve preferring him over other Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet)? Is there any problem if I say, "Karama Allahu wujuh Al-Sahahab ajma‘in (may Allah honor the faces of all the Companions)"?

A: Reserving the use of the Du‘a’ (supplication): “May Allah honor his face” solely for `Aly ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), whenever referring to him, is an act invented by Al-Rafidah (a Shiitic group), who exceed the proper limits regarding ‘Aly. It is obligatory for Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) not to imitate them in this act and not to make this Du‘a’ exclusive upon mentioning `Aly ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) alone and not the rest of his brethren from among the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), such as Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and others (may Allah be pleased with them).As regards using this Du‘a’ for all of the Sahabah, there is nothing wrong with this, but it is not one of the Du‘a’ Ma’thur (supplications based on transmitted reports). The customary practice among the Muslims (upon mentioning or hearing the name of the Sahabah) is to invoke Allah to be pleased with them, saying, “May Allah be pleased with them,” as the Holy Qur’an states (what means): Allâh is pleased with them and they with Him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.