If we now consider the early Muslim viziers (ministers) we find that nearly all of them are Shi'as. Ishaq Katib, for example, was perhaps the first person for whom the appellation of Vizier was formally used. Abu Salmah Khilal al-Kufi was the vizier of the first 'Abbasid Caliph. In view of his administrative capability Saffah entrusted him with all the affairs of the State.
Hivyo wa-'Uthmani walipoyasikia hayo, walimwua kwa kumpiga mshale uliovunja mguu wake. Abu Dawud amemsema huyo kuwa ni rafidhi (yaani kafiri ilivyokuwa ikitumika kuwataja Mashi'a) na mshutumu mkuu wa Abu Bakr na 'Umar. Lakini pamoja na kujua ukweli huo, Ahmad (ibn Hanbal) na Ibn Namir walijifunza riwaya na Ahadith kutoka kwake na Imam Ahmad alisema: " Ingawaje Talid ni Mshi'a, lakini hakuna madhara kwa kuzipokea riwaya zake."