Bismillah
as salam alykom
I know you are still searching or looking, but just thought to give you more to calmly think about and process in your mind.
I know I already posted Ayahs regarding the privilage of the companions in general, but here are more:
" But the Messenger (Muhammad) <b>and those who believed with him (in Islamic Monotheism) strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives (in Allah's Cause). Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful."</b> (Quran 9:88).
" <b>And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). </b>Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success." (Quran 9:100)
<b>"(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say);- And those who, before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.</b> And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful." (Quran 59:8-9)
Please note that the One Who Said those words and Granted this level Is Allah. Also note that Allah included all of them without exception. It is easy for Allah to Make exceptions and explain situations in detail such as the case in the Ayah defining the Munafeqeen:
And that He might test the hypocrites, it was said to them: "Come, fight in the Way of Allah or (at least) defend yourselves." They said: "Had we known that fighting will take place, we would certainly have followed you." They were that day, nearer to disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah has full knowledge of what they conceal." (3:167)
And this is clearly defined here, it leaves no doubt because the Ayah specifies who exactly is classified within. Those who were called to fight and didnt join.
Allah Didnt make exceptions, thus, those noble Ayahs cover Abu Bakr, Omar and Othman and certainly Ali may Allah be pleased with all of them. It is a comprehensive definitions covering all those who lived, met, took the pledge to of the Messenger salla Allah a`lyhee wa sallam (men, women and children) It is so clear, unless you think that Shia scholars know better than Allah and can be allowed to analyse and take positions and then have millions of people follow them. You said that Shia dont slander the companions, I heard a hadeeth lesson including clear slandering of Omar may Allah be pleased with him and full of lies as well.
who are those scholars or who you and me are to allow ourselves to sit in comfort, enjoying the luxury of the 21st century and crticise those people? what exactly is the position of those scholars compred to those people whom may Allah be pleased with all of them fought, endured hardships, immigrated, faced tyranny for Islam to sustain???
If you just read logically and open your mind i m sure you can see the point, specially when it comes to Ayahs of Quran covering a certain group of people. Quran is our book, right??