Assalaamu alaykum dear scholars. My question is: Did 'Ali fight against the apostates in the time of Abu Bakr? Is there any narration about this, and if so, can you provide one? Thank you and may Allaah reward you for your assistance in the matter.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Among the narrations that we have come across about the participation of ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib in fighting the apostates is what was mentioned in Taareekh Dimashq (The History of Damascus) and in Al-Kaamil by Ibn al-Atheer; that when the delegation of Tulayhah Al-Asadi – who claimed prophecy – came to Madeenah and then left, Abu Bakr was fearful about them, so after the delegation departed, he appointed a group among whom was ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib to guard the main routes and entrances leading to Madeenah, and after three days, that delegation of Tulayhah Al-Asadi attacked Madeenah by night, but they were encountered by the guards who were guarding the entrances to Madeenah, so they fought against them and prevented them from entering...

Allaah knows best.