At that time occurred the story of 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' that has been heard, and his declaration of the Meaning-ness (ma'nawiyya) of our Master — Exalted Glory — until the people gathered to him and said: 'O Amir Al-Muminin, this 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' has gathered a group of people and has come with an abominable speech, saying of you what we say of Allah — Exalted Glory —. If you are lenient and do not forbid him from that, the people will apostatize from the religion.' He ordered him to be brought, and he and his companions were brought. Amir Al-Muminin — Exalted Glory — said to him: 'The people have denounced what you said regarding me, so return to what the people want of you.' 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' said: 'I have said nothing but the truth, and I shall not return from speaking the truth.' Amir Al-Muminin — Exalted Glory — said to them: 'You have heard what 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' said.' The people said: 'Purify him [with fire].' So, he ordered the people to gather wood and kindled the fire, threatening them that if they did not recant this speech, he would burn them with fire. They said: 'Now we have realized that you are the Eternal God and the Generous Lord, and we shall not recant what we have said.' He called the people to gather at a trench tomorrow morning. The people gathered and he ordered 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' and his companions to be brought out. Amir Al-Muminin — Exalted Glory — said: 'These people have denounced what you said regarding me; if you do not return to what they want of you, I shall burn you with this fire.' They said to him the same as they said the first time. Amir Al-Muminin — Exalted Glory — then [ordered] them until they waded into its kindled coals, while all the people were present with their clamor.

Kaysan and Qanbar came, and he ordered them to enter the fire; they entered and remained amidst its embers while it did not affect them, until they exited from the other side. When 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' and his companions saw that, they rose toward the fire while the coals were surging against one another, and the fire did nothing to them. The people said: 'O Amir Al-Muminin, the fire does not affect them!' He ordered