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The narrations of the Sahabah on the virtues of Abu al Sibtayn Sayyidina ‘Ali

 

His marriage to Sayyidah Fatimah:

 

The narration of Sayyidina Buraydah:

 

عن عبد الله بن بريدة عن أبيه قال خطب أبو بكر و عمر رضي الله عنهما فاطمة فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إنها صغيرة فخطبها علي فزوجها منه

‘Abdullah ibn Buraydah reports from his father, Buraydah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “Abu Bakr and ‘Umar proposed to Fatimah but Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam noted, ‘She is young.’ Thereafter ‘Ali proposed and he wed her to him.”[1]

 

Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not marry her to Sayyidina Abu Bakr and Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma since he did not want Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha to have a co-wife who would be a trial for her just as Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam rejected the marriage of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu to the daughter of Abu Jahl while he is still married to Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam intended to protect her from this trial and so that she not be in the same wedlock as that of the daughter of the enemy of Allah; as it appears in some ahadith. Furthermore, Sayyidah Fatimah radiya Llahu ‘anha had the right to choose.

 

Allah wants to remove impurity from you, the Ahlul Bayt

 

The narration of Sayyidina Wathilah ibn al Asqa’:

 

عن واثلة بن الاسقع قال أتيت عليا رضي الله عنه فلم أجده فقالت لي فاطمة انطلق إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يدعوه فجاء مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فدخلا و دخلت معهما فدعا رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الحسن و الحسين فاقعد كل واحد منهما على فخذيه و أدنى فاطمة من حجره و زوجها ثم لف عليهم ثوبا و قال إِنَّمَا یُرِيْدُ اللهُ لِیُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ یُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيْرًا ثم قال هؤلاء أهل بيتي اللهم أهل بيتي أحق

Wathilah ibn al Asqa’ radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates, “I came looking for ‘Ali but did not find him. Fatimah said, ‘He went to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to call him. He then came with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and entered; and I entered with them. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam called Hassan and Hussain and seated them on his lap, and brought Fatimah and ‘Ali near his lap. He then placed a cloth over them and said:

إِنَّمَا یُرِيْدُ اللهُ لِیُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ یُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيْرًا

Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.[2]

These are my household. O Allah. My household are more worthy.[3]

 

The narration of Sayyidah Aisha:

 

عن صفية بنت شيبة قالت قالت عائشة خرج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم غداة و عليه مرط مرحل من شعر أسود فجاء الحسن بن على فأدخله ثم جاء الحسين فدخل معه ثم جاءت فاطمة فأدخلها ثم جاء على فأدخله ثم قال قال الله تعالى أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم إِنَّمَا یُرِيْدُ اللهُ لِیُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ یُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيْرًا ثم قال هؤلاء أهل بيتي اللهم أهل بيتي أحق

Safiyyah bint Shaybah relates that Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha said, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam left in the morning wearing a cloak with pictures of camel saddlebags made from black (camel’s) hair. Hassan ibn ‘Ali came and Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wrapped him under it, followed by Hussain who entered with him. Then Fatimah came and he took her under it, then ‘Ali came and he also took him under it. He thereafter recited:

إِنَّمَا یُرِيْدُ اللهُ لِیُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ یُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيْرًا

Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet’s] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.[4][5]

 

The Family of Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam are those upon whom sadaqah (Zakat) is prohibited, the family of Sayyidina ‘Ali being part of them

 

عن يزيد ين حيان قال انطلقت انا و حصين بن سبرة و عمر بن مسلم إلى زيد بن ارقم رضي الله عنه فلما جلسنا اليه قال له حصين لقد لقيت يا زيد خيرا كثيرا رايت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و سمعت حديثه و غزوت معه و صليت خلفه لقد لقيت يا زيد خيرا كثيرا حدثنا يا زيد ما سمعت من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال يا ابن اخى و الله لقد كبرت سنى و قدم عهدى و نسيت بعض الذي كنت اعى من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فما حدثتكم فاقبلوا و ما لا فلا تكلفونيه ثم قال قام رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يوما فينا خطيبا بماء يدعى خما بين مكة و المدينة فحمد الله و اثنى عليه و وعظ و ذكر ثم قال اما بعد ألا أيها الناس فانما أنا بشر يوشك ان ياتى رسول ربى فاجيب و انا تارك فيكم ثقلين اولهما كتاب الله فيه الهدى و النور فخذوا بكتاب الله و استمسكوا به فحث على كتاب الله و رغب فيه ثم قال و اهل بيتى اذكركم الله في اهل بيتى اذكركم الله في اهل بيتى اذكركم الله في اهل بيتى فقال له حصين و من اهل بيته يا زيد اليس نساؤه من اهل بيته قال نساؤه من اهل بيته و لكن اهل بيته من حرم الصدقة بعده قال و من هم قال هم آل على و آل عقيل و آل جعفر و آل عباس قال كل هؤلاء حرم الصدقة قال نعم

Yazid ibn Hayyan reports, “Hussain ibn Saburah, ‘Umar ibn Muslim and I went to Zaid ibn Arqam. When we sat before him, Hussain said, ‘Indeed, you have attained an abundance of goodness, O Zaid! You saw Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, listened to his hadith, waged war alongside him, and performed salah behind him. O Zaid, indeed, you have acquired an abundance of goodness. Relate to us what you heard from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.’

He said, ‘O my nephew! By Allah I have become frail and old and a long time has passed (since Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam demise) and have forgotten some of what I memorised from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. So accept what I narrate and do not burden me of that which I cannot.’

He then said, ‘One day Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stood up to deliver a lecture at a water place which was called khum situated between Makkah and Madinah. He praised and glorified Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala advised and reminded. He then said, ‘O people harken! I am only a human. Very soon the messenger from my Rabb will come to me and I will respond. I leave behind with you two weighty things. The first is the Book of Allah which contains guidance and light. Hold firmly onto the Qur’an and adhere strictly to it.’ He continued to urge and encourage regarding the Book of Allah.’ Thereafter he said, ‘And my Ahlul Bayt! I remind you (to fear) Allah with regards to my family. I remind you (to fear) Allah with regards to my family. I remind you (to fear) Allah with regards to my family.’

Hussain asked, ‘Who are his Ahlul Bayt, O Zaid? Are his wives not from his Ahlul Bayt?’

Zaid replied, ‘His wives are part of his Ahlul Bayt. Moreover, his Ahlul Bayt are those for whom sadaqah (Zakat) is forbidden after his demise.’

Hussain asked, ‘Who are they?’

Zaid replied, ‘They are the family of ‘Ali, the family of ‘Aqil, the family of Jafar, and the family of ‘Abbas.’

Hussain asked, ‘Is sadaqah forbidden for all of these?’

Zaid replied in the affirmative.[6]

 

Every connection and relationship will be severed on the Day of Qiyamah except the connection and relationship with Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab:

 

عن جابر أنه سمع عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنهما يقول للناس حين تزوج بنت علي ألا تهنئوني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول ينقطع يوم القيامة كل سبب و نسب إلا سببي و نسبي

Sayyidina Jabir radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that he heard Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab radiya Llahu ‘anhu telling the people after he married the daughter of Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “Will you not congratulate me? I heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying, ‘On the Day of Qiyamah, every connection and relationship will cease except my connection and relationship.’”[7]

 

The rank of ‘Ali, Hassan and Hussain in Jannat

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar:

 

عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الحسن و الحسين سيدا شباب أهل الجنة و أبوهما خير منهما

Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam affirmed, “Hassan and Hussain will be the leaders of the youth in Jannat and their father is superior to them.”[8]

 

His position by and proximity to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Sayyidina Bara’ ibn ‘Azib:

 

عن البراء بن عازب رضي الله عنه قال اعتمر النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم في ذي القعدة فأبى أهل مكة أن يدعوه يدخل مكة حتى قاضاهم على أن يقيم بها ثلاثة أيام فلما كتبوا الكتاب كتبوا هذا ما قاضى عليه محمد رسول الله فقالوا لا نقر بها فلو نعلم أنك رسول الله ما منعناك لكن أنت محمد بن عبد الله قال أنا رسول الله و أنا محمد بن عبد الله ثم قال لعلي امح رسول الله قال لا و الله لا أمحوك أبدا فأخذ رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الكتاب فكتب هذا ما قاضى عليه محمد بن عبد الله لا يدخل مكة سلاح إلا في القراب و أن لا يخرج من أهلها بأحد إن أراد أن يتبعه و أن لا يمنع أحد من أصحابه أراد أن يقيم بها فلما دخلها و مضى الأجل أتوا عليا فقالوا قل لصاحبك اخرج عنا فقد مضى الأجل فخرج النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فتبعتهم ابنة حمزة يا عم يا عم فتناولها علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه فأخذ بيدها و قال لفاطمة رضي الله عنها دونك ابنة عمك احمليها فاختصم فيها علي و زيد و جعفر فقال علي أنا أحق بها و هي ابنة عمي و قال جعفر ابنة عمي و خالتها تحتي و قال زيد ابنة أخي فقضى بها النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لخالتها و قال الخالة بمنزلة الأم و قال لعلي أنت مني و أنا منك و قال لجعفر أشبهت خلقي و خلقي و قال لزيد أنت أخونا و مولانا

Sayyidina Bara’ ibn ‘Azib radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates, “When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went for ‘Umrah in the month of Dhu al Qa’dah, the people of Makkah did not allow him to enter Makkah till he agreed to conclude a peace treaty with them by virtue of which he would stay in Makkah for three days only [in the following year].

When the agreement was being written, the Muslims wrote, ‘This is the peace treaty, which Muhammad, the Rasul of Allah, has concluded.’

The infidels said (to the Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), ‘We do not agree with you on this, for if we knew that you are the Rasul of Allah we would not have prevented you for anything, but you are Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘I am the Rasul of Allah and I am Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then said to ‘Ali, ‘Erase Rasul of Allah’

‘Ali said, ‘No, by Allah, I will never erase you [i.e. your name].’

Then Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam took the writing sheet—and he did not know how to write—and he wrote [got the following written], “This is the peace treaty which Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah, has concluded: Muhammad should not bring arms into Makkah except sheathed swords, and should not take with him any person of the people of Makkah, even if such a person wanted to follow him, and if any of his Companions wants to stay in Makkah, he should not forbid him.’

[In the next year] When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam entered Makkah and the allowed period of stay elapsed, the infidels came to ‘Ali and said, ‘Tell your Companion [Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] to go out, as the allowed period of his stay has finished.’

So Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam departed [from Makkah] and the daughter of Hamzah followed him shouting, ‘O Uncle, O Uncle!’

‘Ali took her by the hand and said to Fatimah, ‘Take the daughter of your uncle.’

So she made her ride on her horse.

[When they reached Madinah] ‘Ali, Zaid, and Jafar quarreled about her.

‘Ali said, ‘I took her for she is the daughter of my uncle.’

Jafar said, ‘She is the daughter of my uncle and her aunt is my wife.’

Zaid said, ‘She is the daughter of my brother.’

On that, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave her to her aunt and said, ‘The aunt is of the same status as the mother.’

He then said to ‘Ali, ‘You are from me, and I am from you.’

He said to Jafar, ‘You resemble me in appearance and character.’

and he said to Zaid, ‘You are our brother and our freed slave.’”[9]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Usamah ibn Zaid ibn Harithah:

 

عن محمد بن أسامة بن زيد عن أبيه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أما أنت يا علي فختني و أبو ولدي و أنت مني و أنا منك

Muhammad ibn Usamah ibn Zaid reports from his father, Zaid ibn Harithah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Regarding you O ‘Ali, you are my son-in-law, the father of my [grand] children, and you are from me and I am from you.”[10]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam statement, “Whoever’s mawla I am, ‘Ali is his mawla

 

The narration of Sayyidina Zaid ibn Arqam:

 

عن أبي سريحة أو زيد بن أرقم شعبة الشاك عن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أنه قال من كنت مولاه فعلي مولاه

Abu Surihah or Zaid ibn Arqam—Shu’bah is in doubt—reports that Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Whoever’s friend I am, ‘Ali is his friend.”[11]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Buraydah:

 

و عن بريدة قال غزوت مع علي اليمن فرأيت منه جفوة فلما قدمت على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ذكرت عليا فتنقصته فرأيت وجه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يتغير فقال يا بريدة ألست أولى بالمؤمنين من أنفسهم قلت بلى يا رسول الله قال من كنت مولاه فعلي مولاه

Sayyidina Buraydah radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “I fought alongside ‘Ali in Yemen and noticed harshness in him. As I returned to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, I mentioned ‘Ali [to Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] and disparaged him upon which I saw the face of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam changing colour.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘O Buraydah! Am I not dearer to every believer than his own self?’

‘Most certainly, O Messenger of Allah,’ I replied.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam affirmed, ‘Whoever’s friend I am, ‘Ali is his friend.’”[12]

 

Thriteen Sahabah give testimony in Sayyidina ‘Ali’s favour

 

The narration of Zadhan from Sayyidina ‘Ali:

 

عن زاذان أبي عمر قال سمعت عليا في الرحبة و هو ينشد الناس من شهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يوم غدير خم و هو يقول ما قال فقام ثلاثة عشر رجلا فشهدوا أنهم سمعوا رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و هو يقول من كنت مولاه فعلي مولاه اللهم وال من والاه و عاد من عاداه

Zadhan Abu ‘Amr says, “I heard Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu at the public square entreating the people, ‘Who saw Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam at the pond of Khum declaring what he declared?’

Thirteen men stood up and gave testimony that they heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam declaring, ‘Whoever’s friend I am, ‘Ali is his friend. O Allah! Befriend who befriends him and adopt hostility to the one who shows him hostility.’”[13]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas:

 

عن سعد بن أبي وقاص أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أخذ بيد علي فقال ألست أولى بالمؤمنين من أنفسهم من كنت وليه فعلي وليه

Sayyidina Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas radiya Llahu ‘anhu reported that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam took ‘Ali’s hand and said, “Am I not closer to the believers than their own selves? Whoever’s friend I am, ‘Ali is his friend.”[14]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu al Tufayl:

 

عن أبي الطفيل قال جمع علي الناس في الرحبة ثم قال أنشد بالله كل امرئ مسلم سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول يوم غدير خم ما سمع لما قام فقام ثلاثون من الناس قال أبو نعيم فقال أناس كثير فشهدوا حين قال للناس أتعلمون أني أولى بالمؤمنين من أنفسهم قالوا نعم يا رسول الله قال من كنت مولاه فهذا مولاه اللهم وال من والاه و عاد من عاداه

‘Ali gathered the people in the public square and said, “I entreat in the name of Allah every Muslim who heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying what he said on the day of Ghadir Khum.”

Thirty men stood up—Abu Nuaim says that many people stood up—and gave testimony that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to the people, “Do you not know that I am closer to the believers than themselves?”

“Yes, O Messenger of Allah,” came the reply.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam announced, “Whoever’s friend I am, this is his friend. O Allah, befriend whom he befriends and be at war with the one who shows him hostility.”[15]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam statement, “You are to me like the position of Harun to Musa.”

 

The narration of Sayyidina Jabir:

 

عن جابر بن عبد الله أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال لعلي أنت مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى إلا أنه لا نبي بعدي

Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “You are to me like the position of Harun to Musa; besides that there is no Nabi after me.”[16]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas:

 

عن عامر بن سعد بن أبي وقاص عن أبيه قال أمر معاوية بن أبي سفيان سعدا فقال ما منعك أن تسب أبا التراب فقال أما ما ذكرت ثلاثا قالهن له الرسول صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فلن أسبه لأن تكون لي واحدة منهن أحب إلي من حمر النعم سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول له خلفه في بعض مغازيه فقال له علي يا رسول الله خلفتني مع النساء و الصبيان فقال له رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أما أن ترضى أن تكون مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى إلا أنه لا نبوة بعدي و سمعته يقول يوم خيبر لأعطين الراية رجلا يحب الله و رسوله و يحبه الله و رسوله قال فتطاولنا لها فقال ادعوا لي عليا فأتي به أرمد فبصق في عينه و دفع الراية إليه ففتح الله عليه و لما أنزلت هذه الآية فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَآءَنَا وَأَبْنَآءَكُمْ دعا رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم عليا و فاطمة و حسنا و حسينا فقال اللهم هؤلاء أهلي

‘Amir ibn Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas reports from his father, “Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan questioned Sa’d, ‘What stops you from cursing Abu al Turab?’[17]

He replied, ‘I mention three declarations Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam made in his favour due to which I will never curse him. Had I possessed one of these, it would be more pleasing to me than red camels. I heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam telling him after leaving him behind in one of the battles after ‘Ali asked him, ‘O Messenger of Allah! You left me behind with the women and children?’ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam told him, ‘Are you not pleased that your position to me is like the position of Harun to Musa except that there is no nubuwwah after me?’

I heard him saying on the Day of Khaybar, ‘I will most certainly give the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by Allah and His Messenger.’ We all stretched our necks for it. He then said, ‘Call ‘Ali for me.’ He was brought suffering from eye disease. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam applied saliva to his eye and gave him the flag and Allah granted victory at his hands.

And when this verse was revealed,

فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَآءَنَا وَأَبْنَآءَكُمْ

Come, let us call our sons and your sons…[18]

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam called him, Fatimah, Hassan, and Hussain and said, ‘O Allah! This is my family.’”[19]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Sa’id al Khudri:

 

عن أبي سعيد الخدري قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لعلي أنت بمنزلة هارون من موسى إلا أنه لا نبي بعدي

Sayyidina Abu Sa’id al Khudri radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “You are like the position of Harun to Musa save there is no nabi after me.”[20]

 

The narration of Sayyidah Asma’ bint ‘Umays:

 

عن أسماء بنت عميس أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال لعلي أنت مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى إلا أنه ليس بعدي نبي

Sayyidah Asma’ bint ‘Umays radiya Llahu ‘anha reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam told Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “Your position to me is like the position of Harun to Musa except that there is no nabi after me.”[21]

 

The narration of Sayyidah Umm Salamah:

 

عن أم سلمة أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال لعلي أما ترضى أن تكون مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى غير أنه لا نبي بعدي

Sayyidah Umm Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anha reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam told Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “Are you not pleased that your position to me is like the position of Harun to Musa except that there is no nabi after me.”[22]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas:

 

عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال لعلي أما ترضى أن تكون مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى إلا أنه لا نبي بعدي

Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports that Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam told Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “Are you not pleased that your position to me is like the position of Harun to Musa except that there is no nabi after me.”[23]

 

Allah granting victory at Khaybar at the hands of Sayyidina ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar:

 

عن جميع بن عمير قال قلت لعبد الله بن عمر حدثني عن علي قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول يوم خيبر لأعطين الراية رجلا يحب الله و رسوله و يحبه الله و رسوله فكأني أنظر إليها مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و هو يحتضنها و كان علي بن أبي طالب أرمد من دخان الحصن فدفعها إليه فلا و الله ما تنامت الخيل حتى فتحها الله عليه

Jumay’ ibn ‘Umair requested Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma, “Narrate to me about ‘Ali.”

He related, “I heard Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying on the Day of Khaybar, ‘I will most certainly give the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by Allah and His Messenger.’ I can still picture Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam clasping it in his arms. ‘Ali was suffering from an eye infection caused by the smoke of the fort. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam handed the flag over to ‘Ali. By Allah, the horses had not yet rested and Allah granted victory at his hands.”[24]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن أبي هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال يوم خيبر لأعطين هذه الراية رجلا يحب الله و رسوله يفتح الله على يديه قال عمر بن الخطاب ما أحببت الإمارة إلا يومئذ قال فتساورت لها رجاء أن أدعى لها قال فدعا رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم علي بن أبي طالب فأعطاه إياها و قال امش و لا تلتفت حتى يفتح الله عليك قال فسار علي شيئا ثم وقف و لم يلتفت فصرخ يا رسول الله على ما ذا أقاتل الناس قال قاتلهم حتى يشهدوا أن لا اله إلا الله و أن محمدا رسول الله فإذا فعلوا ذلك فقد منعوا منك دماءهم و أموالهم إلا بحقها و حسابهم على الله عز و جل

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said on the Day of Khaybar, “Most certainly I will hand this flag over to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger. Allah will grant victory at his hands.”

Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab radiya Llahu ‘anhu said, “I was not desirous of leadership except on that day.”

He continues, “I stretched my neck hoping that I will be called for it.”

Abu Hurairah continues, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam summoned ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and handed it over to him and said, ‘Proceed and do not turn back until Allah grants you victory.’”

‘Ali moved forward a little and then halted, but did not turn back, and shouted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! What should I fight the people for?’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, ‘Fight them until they bear witness that there is not deity besides Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. When they do this, they have protected their blood and wealth from you except with its rights. And their reckoning is by Allah.’”[25]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Salamah ibn al Akwa’:

 

عن يزيد بن أبي عبيد عن سلمة قال كان علي قد تخلف عن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم في خيبر و كان به رمد فقال أنا أتخلف عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فخرج علي فلحق بالنبي فلما كان سماء الليلة التي فتحها الله في صباحها قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم لأعطين الراية أو ليأخذن الراية غدا رجلا يحبه الله و رسوله أو قال يحب الله و رسوله يفتح الله عليه فإذا نحن بعلي و ما نرجوه فقالوا هذا علي فأعطاه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الراية ففتح الله عليه

Yazid ibn Abi ‘Ubaid narrates from Sayyidina Salamah radiya Llahu ‘anhu, “‘Ali stayed behind Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the expedition to Khaybar because had an eye disease. He said [to himself] surprisingly, ‘I am staying behind Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam?’ ‘Ali thus departed and joined Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. At the evening of the night preceding the morning Allah granted victory, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Tomorrow I will most certainly give the flag to—or most certainly the flag will be taken by—a man who loves Allah and His Messenger— or he said, is loved by Allah and His Messenger—upon whose hands Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will grant victory.’ Suddenly we saw ‘Ali and we did not expect him. They said, ‘This is ‘Ali.’ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam thus handed the flag over to him and Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala granted victory at his hands.”[26]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Imran ibn Hussain:

 

عن عمران بن حصين أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال لأعطين الراية رجلا يحب الله و رسوله أو قال يحبه الله و رسوله فدعا عليا و هو أرمد ففتح الله على يديه

Sayyidina ‘Imran ibn Hussain radiya Llahu ‘anhu recalls that Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “I will most certainly give the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger—or he said, is loved by Allah and His Messenger.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam called ‘Ali, and he was suffering from an eye disease, and Allah granted victory at his hands.[27]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sahl ibn Sa’d:

 

عن سهل بن سعد أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال يوم خيبر لأعطين الراية غدا رجلا يفتح على يديه يحب الله و رسوله و يحبه الله و رسوله فبات الناس ليلتهم أيهم يعطى فغدوا كلهم يرجوه فقال أين علي فقيل يشتكي عينيه فبصق في عينيه و دعا له فبرأ كأن لم يكن به وجع فأعطاه فقال أقاتلهم حتى يكونوا مثلنا فقال انفذ على رسلك حتى تنزل بساحتهم ثم ادعهم إلى الإسلام و أخبرهم ما يجب عليهم فو الله لأن يهدي الله بك رجلا خير لك من أن يكون لك حمر النعم

Sayyidina Sahl ibn Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said on the Day of Khaybar, “I will most certainly hand over the flag tomorrow to a man upon whose hands victory will be given, who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by Allah and His Messenger.”

People spent their night [talking about this], wondering which of them would get it. They woke the next morning, all of them desiring it.

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, “Where is ‘Ali?”

It was said to him, “His eyes are sore.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam applied saliva to his eyes and prayed for him owing to which he was cured in such a way as if he had no pain in the first place. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then handed it over to him.

‘Ali asked, “Should I fight them until they become like us?”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Proceed stealthily until you reach their fort yard. Thereafter invite them to Islam and inform them of what is binding upon them. By Allah, if Allah guides one man through you, it is better for you than having red camels.”[28]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Sa’id al Khudri:

 

عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه قال اشتكى عليا الناس قال فقام رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فينا خطيبا فسمعته يقول أيها الناس لا تشكوا عليا فو الله إنه لأخشن في ذات الله أو في سبيل الله

Sayyidina Abu Sa’id al Khudri radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “People complained about ‘Ali [his harshness]. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam stood up among us to deliver a lecture and I heard him declaring, ‘O people! Do not complain of ‘Ali. By Allah, he is the most scrupulous when it comes to the Being of Allah—or the path of Allah.’”[29]

 

O Allah! Remove heat and cold from him

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Layla:

 

عن عبد الرحمن بن أبي ليلى قال كان أبو ليلى رضي الله عنه يسمر مع علي فكان يلبس ثياب الصيف في الشتاء و ثياب الشتاء في الصيف فقلنا لو سألته فقال إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم بعث إلي و أنا أرمد العين يوم خيبر قلت يا رسول الله إني أرمد العين فتفل في عيني ثم قال اللهم أذهب عنه الحر و البرد قال فما وجدت حرا و لا بردا بعد يومئذ و قال لأبعثن رجلا يحب الله و رسوله و يحبه الله و رسوله ليس بفرار فتشرف له الناس فبعث إلي علي فأعطاها إياه

‘Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Layla reports, “Abu Layla would chat at night with ‘Ali who would wear summer clothes in winter and winter clothes in summer. We suggested [to Abu Layla], ‘Why do you not ask him [regarding this unusual behaviour].’

Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu explained, ‘Indeed Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam summoned me while I was suffering from an eye infection on the Day of Khaybar. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah. I am suffering from an eye infection.’ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam applied some saliva to my eyes and said, ‘O Allah! Remove heat and cold from him.’ After that day, I have neither experienced heat nor cold.’”

And Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “I will most certainly despatch a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by Allah and His Messenger; and he is not a deserter.”

People aspired for it. However, Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam sent for ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu and handed it to him.[30]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Jabalah ibn Harithah:

 

عن جبلة بن حارثة أخي زيد قال كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إذا يغز لم يعط سلاحه إلا عليا أو زيدا رضي الله عنهما

Sayyidina Jabalah ibn Harithah, Zaid’s brother, radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “When Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would not participate in a battle, he would not give his weapons to anyone except ‘Ali or Zaid.”[31]

 

Naming him Abu Turab

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sahl ibn Sa’d:

 

عن عبد العزيز بن أبي حازم عن أبيه أن رجلا جاء إلى سهل بن سعد فقال هذا فلان لأمير المدينة يدعو عليا عند المنبر قال فيقول ماذا قال يقول له ابو تراب فضحك و قال و الله ما سماه إلا النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و ما كان له اسم أحب إليه منه فاستطعمت الحديث سهلا و قلت يا أبا عباس كيف ذلك قال دخل علي على فاطمة ثم خرج فاضطجع في المسجد فقال النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أين ابن عمك قالت في المسجد فخرج إليه فوجد رداءه قد سقط عن ظهره و خلص التراب إلى ظهره فجعل يمسح التراب عن ظهره فيقول اجلس يا أبا تراب مرتين

‘Abdul ’Aziz ibn Abi Hazim reports from his father that a man came to Sayyidina Sahl ibn Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu and asked, “This person—the governor of Madinah—calls ‘Ali from the pulpit.”

Sahl asked, “What does he say?”

He explained, “He says about him: Abu Turab.”

Sahl radiya Llahu ‘anhu smiled and clarified, “By Allah, none other than Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave him this name and there was no name more beloved to him than it.”

Sahl radiya Llahu ‘anhu was asked to narrate the hadith.

I said, “O Abu ‘Abbas! How did it occur?”

He expounded, “‘Ali entered Fatimah’s house. He then left and lied down in the Masjid. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked [Fatimah], ‘Where is your cousin?’ She replied, ‘In the Masjid.’ Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went to him and found that his shawl had fallen off his back and that sand had covered his back. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam began wiping the sand off his back and said twice, ‘Sit up, O Abu Turab.’”[32]

 

Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam demise in the condition that he was pleased with Sayyidina ‘Ali

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab:

 

قال عمر رضي الله عنه إني لا أعلم أحدا أحق بهذا الأمر من هؤلاء النفر الذين توفي رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و هو عنهم راض فسمى و عليا

Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu said, “Certainly, I do not know anyone more deserving of this post [of Caliphate] then this group who Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was pleased with at his demise.” He named ‘Ali [as one of them].[33]

 

Despatching him for Hajj so that he may announce on behalf of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال بعثني أبو بكر في تلك الحجة في المؤذنين بعثهم يوم النحر يؤذنون بمنى أن لا يحج بعد العام مشرك و لا يطوف بالبيت عريان قال حميد بن عبد الرحمن ثم أردف رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم بعلي بن أبي طالب فأمره أن يؤذن ببراءة قال أبو هريرة فأذن معنا علي في أهل منى يوم النحر ببراءة و أن لا يحج بعد العام مشرك و لا يطوف بالبيت عريان

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “Abu Bakr appointed me as one of the announcers in that hajj. He sent them on the Day of Nahr (sacrifice) to announce in Mina that no polytheist will perform hajj after this year and no one will make tawaf of the Ka’bah naked.

Humaid ibn ‘Abdur Rahman reports, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam thereafter sent ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu and commanded him to recite [Surah] Bara’ah.”

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu explains, “‘Ali announced Bara’ah with us to the people of Mina on the Day of Nahr and that no polytheist will perform hajj after this year and no one will make tawaf of the Ka’bah naked.”[34]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس بن مالك قال بعث النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ببراءة مع أبي بكر ثم دعاه فقال لا ينبغي لأحد ان يبلغ هذا إلا رجل مني فدعا عليا فأعطاه إياها

Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam sent Bara’ah with Abu Bakr. He then called him and said, ‘It is not befitting for anyone to convey this except someone from my family.’ Accordingly, he summoned ‘Ali and gave it to him.”[35]

 

وعن ابن عباس قال بعث النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أبا بكر و أمره أن ينادي بهؤلاء الكلمات ثم أتبعه عليا فبينا أبو بكر في بعض الطريق إذ سمع رغاء ناقة رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم القصواء فخرج أبو بكر فزعا فظن أنه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم فإذا هو علي فدفع إليه كتاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و أمر عليا أن ينادي بهؤلاء الكلمات فانطلقا فحجا فقام علي أيام التشريق فنادى ذمة الله و رسوله بريئة من كل مشرك فسيحوا في الأرض أربعة أشهر و لا يحجن بعد العام مشرك و لا يطوفن بالبيت عريان و لا يدخل الجنة إلا مؤمن و كان علي ينادي فإذا عيي قام أبو بكر فنادى بها

Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma reports, “Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam despatched Abu Bakr and ordered him to announce these words. He thereafter sent ‘Ali behind him. While Abu Bakr was travelling, he heard the grunt of Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam camel. Abu Bakr came out anxious thinking that it was Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, however, it was ‘Ali who handed over Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam letter to him. Abu Bakr commanded ‘Ali to announce these words. They both proceeded and performed hajj. ‘Ali stood up in the Days of Tashriq and announced:

• The responsibility of Allah and His Messenger is exempt from every mushrik, so travel in the land freely for four months,
• No mushrik will perform hajj after this year,
• No one will make tawaf of the Ka’bah in a naked state,
• And none will enter Jannat except a believer.

‘Ali would announce. When he would become tired, Abu Bakr would stand up and announce.”[36]

 

His steadfastness of the Day of Hunayn

 

The narration of Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah

 

عن جابر بن عبد الله قال لما استقبلنا وادي حنين قال انحدرنا في واد من أودية تهامة أجوف حطوط إنما ننحدر فيه انحدارا قال وفي عماية الصبح و قد كان القوم كمنوا لنا في شعابه و في أجنابه و مضايقه قد أجمعوا و تهيؤا و أعدوا قال فو الله ما راعنا و نحن منحطون إلا الكتائب قد شدت علينا شدة رجل واحد و انهزم الناس راجعين فاستمروا لا يلوي أحد منهم على أحد و انحاز رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ذات اليمين ثم قال إلي أيها الناس هلم إلي أنا رسول الله أنا محمد بن عبد الله قال فلا شيء احتملت الإبل بعضها بعضا فانطلق الناس إلا أن مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم رهطا من المهاجرين و الأنصار و أهل بيته غير كثير و فيمن ثبت معه صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أبو بكر وعمر و من أهل بيته علي بن أبي طالب و العباس بن عبد المطلب و ابنه الفضل بن عباس و أبو سفيان بن الحارث و ربيعة بن الحارث و أيمن بن عبيد و هو ابن أم أيمن و أسامة بن زيد قال و رجل من هوازن على جمل له أحمر في يده راية له سوداء في رأس رمح طويل له أمام الناس و هوازن خلفه فإذا أدرك طعن برمحه و إذا فاته الناس رفعه لمن وراءه فابتعوه قال ابن إسحاق و حدثني عاصم بن عمر بن قتادة عن عبد الرحمن بن جابر عن أبيه جابر بن عبد الله قال بينا ذلك الرجل من هوازن صاحب الراية على جمله ذلك يصنع ما يصنع إذ هوى له علي بن أبي طالب و رجل من الأنصار يريدانه قال فيأتيه علي من خلفه فضرب عرقوبي الجمل فوقع على عجزه و وثب الأنصاري على الرجل فضربه ضربة أطن قدمه بنصف ساقه فانعجف عن رحله و اجتلد الناس فوالله ما رجعت راجعة الناس من هزيمتهم حتى وجدوا الأسرى مكتفين عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم

Sayyidina Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates, “When we approached the valley of Hunayn, we descended into one of the valleys of Tihamah, a steep descent; we were descending rapidly during the darkness of morning. The enemy had laid in ambush for us in its gorges, sides, and narrow passes. They had gathered and were fully prepared. By Allah, we were not alarmed by anything while we were descending except by the battalions who began firing at us all at once which led to people scattering, no one bothered about the next. Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam moved to the right and then shouted, ‘Come to me, O people, come to me. I am the Messenger of Allah. I am Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah,’ but to no avail. [The confusion was so disastrous] that camels were climbing upon one another and the people were fleeing. Only a group of the Muhajirin, Ansar, and Ahlul Bayt remained with him which were few in number. Among those who remained firm by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam were Abu Bakr and ‘Umar; and from his family ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib, his son Fadl ibn ‘Abbas, Abu Sufyan ibn al Harith, Rabi’ah ibn al Harith, Ayman ibn ‘Ubaid—the son of Umm Ayman—and Usamah ibn Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhum. A man from the Hawazin was sitting on his red camel holding his black flag with the head of his long spear in front of him. He was ahead of the army and the Hawazin were behind him. When he faced anyone, he would pierce him with his arrow. And if anyone managed to escape him, he would leave him for those behind him.”

Ibn Ishaq says, ‘Asim ibn ‘Umar ibn Qatadah narrated to me from ‘Abdur Rahman ibn Jabir from his father Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah, “While this man from the Hawazin with the flag and camel was doing what he was doing, ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib and a man from the Ansar pursued him. ‘Ali approached him from the back and cut the hamstrings of the camel causing it to fall on its rear while the Ansari jumped on top of the man and gave him such a blow which severed his leg and half his calf causing him to fall of his conveyance. People continued to fight. By Allah, those who fled only returned from their failure to find the captives fastened in front of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.[37]

 

His zeal to emulate Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Nazzal ibn Sabrah

 

عن النزال بن سبرة يحدث عن علي رضي الله عنه أنه صلى الظهر ثم قعد في حوائج الناس في رحبة الكوفة حتى حضرت صلاة العصر ثم أتي بماء فشرب و غسل وجهه و يديه و ذكر رأسه و رجليه ثم قام فشرب فضله و هو قائم ثم قال إن ناسا يكرهون الشرب قائما و إن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم صنع مثل ما صنعت

Nazzal ibn Sabrah narrates concerning Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu that he performed Salat al Zuhr and thereafter sat down to attend to the needs of the people in the main square of Kufah until the time of Salat al ’Asr approached. Water was then brought to him which he drank. He washed his face and hands and his head and feet. He then stood up and drank the surplus water while standing whereupon he commented, “People despise drinking while standing. Whereas Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam acted as I acted.”[38]

 

His high rank in Judgement

 

The narration of Sayyidina Zaid ibn Arqam:

 

عن زيد بن أرقم قال بينا أن عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم إذ جاءه رجل من أهل اليمن فجعل يحدث النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و يخبره فقال يا رسول الله أتى عليا رضي الله عنه ثلاثة نفر يختصمون في ولد وقعوا على امرأة في طهر واحد فقال لاثنين طيبا نفسا بهذا الولد ثم قال أنتم شركاء متشاكسون إني مقرع بينكم فمن قرع له فله الولد و عليه ثلثا الدية لصاحبيه فأقرع بينهم فقرع لأحدهم فدفع إليه الولد قال فضحك رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم حتى بدت نواجذه أو قال أضراسه

Sayyidina Zaid ibn Arqam radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates that whilst he was in the company of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, a man from Yemen came to Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and began talking to him.

He said, “O Messenger of Allah! Three people came to ‘Ali with a dispute over a child; with whose mother they had all slept in the same clean period. ‘Ali said to two of them, ‘Give the child willingly to the man [the third person]. He then said, ‘You are partners who are quarrelling with one another. I will draw lots between you; whoever’s name comes out will receive the child and will be responsible for two thirds of the blood money for the other two.’ He thus cast lots between them and took out one’s name to whom he handed over the child.” Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam laughed until his molars – or he said: wisdom molars – became apparent.[39]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud:

 

عن علقمة عن عبد الله قال كنا نتحدث أن أقضى أهل المدينة علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه

‘Alqamah reports from ‘Abdullah, “We would declare that the best in judgement from the residents of Madinah was ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu.”[40]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن أبي هريرة قال قال عمر بن الخطاب علي أقضانا

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates that Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al Khattab radiya Llahu ‘anhu stated, “‘Ali is the best in judgement among us.”[41]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik:

 

عن أنس قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم أرحم أمتي بأمتي أبو بكر و أشدهم في دين الله عمر و أشدهم حياء أو أصدقهم حياء عثمان و أعلمهم بالحلال و الحرام معاذ بن جبل و أعلمهم بما أنزل الله علي و أبي بن كعب و أفرضهم زيد بن ثابت و أمين هذه الأمة أبو عبيدة بن الجراح

Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu relates that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam announced, “The most beneficent of my ummah upon my ummah is Abu Bakr. The most stern of them in the din of Allah is ‘Umar. The one who possesses the most modesty is ‘Uthman. The most knowledgeable with regards to halal and haram is Muaz ibn Jabal. The most knowledgeable of what Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has revealed is ‘Ali and Ubay ibn Ka’b. The one with the soundest knowledge of inheritance is Zaid ibn Thabit. And the trustworthy individual of this ummah is Abu ‘Ubaidah ibn Jarrah.”[42]

 

Khuzaimah ibn Thabit’s praise for Sayyidina ‘Ali

 

عن الأسود بن يزيد النخعي قال لما يويع علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه على منبر رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال خزيمة بن ثابت و هو واقف بين يدى المنبر

أبو حسن مما نخاف من الفتن	إذا نحن بايعنا عليا فحسبنا
أطب قريشا بالكتاب و بالسنن	وجدناه أولى الناس بالناس أنه
و إن قريشا ما تشق غباره	إذا ما جرى يوما على الضمر البدن
و ما فيهم كل الذي فيه من حسن	و فيه الذي فيهم من الخير كله

Aswad ibn Yazid al Nakha’i narrates, “When bay’ah was taken at the hands of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib on the pulpit of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Khuzaimah ibn Thabit said while standing in front of the pulpit:

When we pledged allegiance to ‘Ali,

Abu al Hassan (‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu) suffices us for whatever trials we fear.

From all people we find him most deserving of it, because of him

Being the most knowledgeable of the Quraysh regarding the Book and the Sunnah.

Certainly the Quraysh will never catch up with him,

Even if one day the fat camels catch up with the slender ones.

He possesses all the good they possess,

But they do not possess all the beauty he enjoys.[43]

 

Waging war against the heretics

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Sa’id al Khudri:

 

عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه قال بينا نحن عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و هو يقسم قسما أتاه ذو الخويصرة و هو رجل من بني تميم فقال يا رسول الله اعدل فقال صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم ويلك و من يعدل إن لم أعدل قد خبت و خسرت إن لم أعدل فقال عمر بن الخطاب يا رسول الله أئذن لي فيه أضرب عنقه فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم دعه فإن له أصحابا يحقر أحدكم صلاته مع صلاتهم و صيامه مع صيامهم يقرؤون القرآن لا يجاوز تراقيهم يمرقون من الإسلام كما يمرق السهم من الرمية ينظر إلى نصله فلا يوجد فيه شيء ثم ينظر ألى رصافه فلا يوجد فيه شيء ثم ينظر ألى نضيه فلا يوجد فيه شيء و هو القدح ثم ينظر ألى قذذه فلا يوجد فيه شيء قد سبق الفرث و الدم آيتهم رجل أسود إحدى عضديه مثل ثدي المرأة أو مثل البضعة تدردر يخرجون على حين فرقة من الناس قال أبو سعيد فأشهد أني سمعت هذا من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم و أشهد أن علي بن أبي طالب قاتلهم و أنا معه فأمر بذلك الرجل فالتمس فوجد فأتي به حتى نظرت إليه على نعت النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم الذي نعت

Sayyidina Abu Sa’id al Khudri radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports, “We were once in the company of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam while he was distributing the spoils of war when Dhu al Khuwaysirah—a man from the Banu Tamim—came to him and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Be just!’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Woe to you! Who will display justice if I do not display it? I will certainly be a failure and loser if I do not display justice.’

Upon this ‘Umar ibn al Khattab said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Permit me to slay his neck.’

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remarked, ‘Spare him. He has such companions that you will regard your salah insignificant in front of theirs and your fasting insignificant in front of theirs. They recite the Qur’an but it does not pass their clavicle. They will pass through Islam just as an arrow passes through the target; he looks at its blade but finds no trace of it [the animal that he shot]; he then looks at its butt but finds no trace of it; he then looks at the arrow shaft but finds nothing, and finally he looks at its feather and finds nothing; it just passed through the flesh and blood. Their sign is a black man whose one arm is like a woman’s breast or a piece of meat which shakes. They will emerge when there will be disunion among people.’”

Abu Sa’id says, “I bear witness that I heard this from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and I bear witness that ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib fought them and I was with him. He ordered regarding this man who was subsequently searched for, found and brought to him. I saw him fit the exact description described by Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.”[44]

 

He is one of those who have been given the glad tidings of Jannat

 

The narration of Sayyidina Sa’id ibn Zaid:

 

عن عبد الرحمن بن حميد عن أبيه أن سعيد بن زيد حدثه في نفر أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال عشرة في الجنة أبو بكر في الجنة و عمر في الجنة و عثمان و علي و الزبير و طلحة و عبد الرحمن و أبو عبيدة و سعد بن أبي وقاص قال فعد هؤلاء التسعة و سكت عن العاشر فقال القوم ننشدك بالله يا أبا الأعور من العاشر قال نشدتموني بالله أبو الأعور في الجنة قال أبو عيسى أبو الأعور هو سعيد بن زيد بن عمرو بن نفيل

‘Abdur Rahman ibn Humaid reports from his father that Sayyidina Sa’id ibn Zaid radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrated to him while he was present in a group that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam declared, “Ten are in Jannat. Abu Bakr is in Jannat, ‘Umar is in Jannat, and ‘Uthman, ‘Ali, Zubair, Talhah, ‘Abdur Rahman, Abu ‘Ubaidah, and Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas.”

He enumerated these nine but remained silent of the tenth due to which the people entreated, “We beseech you in the name of Allah, O Abu al A’war, who is the tenth?”

“You beseeched me in Allah’s name,” he retorted, “Abu al A’war is in Jannat.”

Al Tirmidhi elaborates, “Abu al A’war is Sa’id ibn Zaid ibn ‘Amr ibn Nufayl.”[45]

 

The narration of Sayyidina ‘Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf:

 

عن عبد الرحمن بن عوف رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال أبو بكر في الجنة و عمر في الجنة و علي في الجنة و عثمان في الجنة و طلحة في الجنة و الزبير في الجنة و عبد الرحمن بن عوف في الجنة و سعد بن أبي وقاص في الجنة و سعيد بن زيد بن عمرو بن نفيل في الجنة و أبو عبيدة بن الجراح في الجنة

Sayyidina ‘Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam announced, “Abu Bakr is in Jannat, ‘Umar is in Jannat, ‘Ali is in Jannat, ‘Uthman is in Jannat, Talhah is in Jannat, Zubair is in Jannat, ‘Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf is in Jannat, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas is in Jannat, Sa’id ibn Zaid ibn ‘Amr ibn Nufayl is in Jannat, and Abu ‘Ubaidah ibn Jarrah is in Jannat.”[46]

 

Glad tidings of martyrdom

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Sinan al Du’ali:

 

عن أبي سنان الدؤلي أنه عاد عليا في شكوى اشتكاها فقلت له لقد تخوفنا عليك في شكواك هذه فقال و لكني و الله ما تخوفت على نفسي منه لأني سمعت الصادق المصدوق صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم يقول إنك ستضرب ضربة ههنا و ضربة ههنا و أشار إلى صدغيه فيسيل دمها حتى تخضب لحيتك و يكون صاحبها أشقاها كما كان عاقر الناقة أشقى ثمود

Sayyidina Abu Sinan al Du’ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that he visited Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu in his sickness and said to him, “We are extremely fearful for you in this sickness of yours [that it prove fatal].”

Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu replied, “However, by Allah, I do not fear it for myself for I have certainly heard the truthful [Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] saying, ‘You will soon be struck here and here—and he pointed to ‘Ali’s temples—and the blood will flow until it reddens your beard. The perpetrator will be the most wretched of people just as the one who hamstrung the camel was the most wretched of Thamud.’”[47]

 

The narration of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah:

 

عن أبي هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم كان على حراء هو و أبو بكر و عمر و عثمان و علي و طلحة و الزبير فتحركت الصخرة فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم اهدأ فما عليك إلا نبي أو صديق أو شهيد

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu reports that Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, ‘Ali, Talhah and Zubair were standing on Hira’ when the mountain began to shake whereupon Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered, “Calm down! Upon you is either a Nabi, Siddiq, or martyr.”[48]

 

He is the first of the Ahlul Bayt to join Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam

 

The narration of Qutham ibn ‘Abbas:

 

عن أبي إسحاق قال سألت قثم بن العباس كيف ورث علي رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم دونكم قال لأنه كان أولنا به لحوقا و أشدنا به لزوقا

Abu Ishaq reports that he asked Qutham ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma, “How did ‘Ali inherit from Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and not you?”

He explained, “Since he was the first of us to join him and the most attached to him.”[49]

 

NEXT⇒ Chapter Five – The Traditions Of The Ahlul Bayt Concerning The Virtues Of The Sahabah

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[1] Al Nasa’i narrated it in al Khasa’is pg. 97 no. 123, and he recorded it in his Sunan, Kitab al Nikah, bab tazawwuj al mar’ah mithliha min al rijal fi al sinn vol. 6 pg. 62 hadith no. 3221. Al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab al Nikah vol. 2 pg. 181 hadith no. 2705. Al Dhahabi declared it sahih and agreed with him. Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, Fada’il al Sahabah 6948. The isnad of the hadith is sahih; al Albani declared it sahih in al Mishkat 6095, in al Nasa’i’s al Mujtaba 3221 and al Arna’ut in Sahih ibn Hibban 6948 according to the standards of Muslim.

[2] Surah al Ahzab: 33

[3] Imam Ahmed narrated it in his Musnad hadith no. 17029, al Arna’ut declared it sahih; al Tabarani in al Kabir vol. 22 pg. 65 hadith 159 and vol. 3 pg. 55 hadith no. 2669; Ibn Abi Shaybah vol. 6 pg. 370 hadith no. 32103; Abu Ya’la vol. 13 pg. 392 hadith no. 7486; al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab dhikr al bayan al wadih anna Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu vol. 3 pg. 159 hadith no. 4706 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of Sheikhayn but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi said, “according to the standards of Muslim.” The wording is al Hakim’s.

[4] Surah al Ahzab: 33

[5] Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il ahl bayt al Nabi hadith no. 2424.

[6]Sahih Muslim, Kitab Fada’il al Sahabah, bab min fada’il ‘Ali inb Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 36, 2408.

[7] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Awsat vol. 5 pg. 376 hadith no. 5606, in al Kabir vol. 3 pg. 45 hadith no. 2636. Al Haythami mentioned it in Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 173 and commented, “Al Tabarani has narrated it in al Awsat and al Kabir condensed and his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih besides Hassan ibn Sahl and he is reliable. Al Albani has categorised it as sahih is al Silsilah al Sahihah hadith no. 2036.

[8] Ibn Majah narrated it in his muqaddamah, bab fada’il ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 118; al Hakim in al Mustadrak vol. 3 pg. 182 hadith no. 4779 and stated, “This is a Sahih hadith with this addition but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Albani declared it sahih in Sahih Ibn Majah 118.

[9] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Sulh, bab kayf yuktab hadha ma salaha fulan wa fulan hadith no. 2699 and in al Manaqib, bab manaqib Zaid ibn Harithah radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith 4251; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Jihad wa al Siyar hadith no. 1783.

[10] Al Nasa’i recorded it in al Kubra vol. 5 pg. 148 hadith 8523; Ahmed extended vol. 5 pg. 204 hadith no. 21825; al Tabarani in al Kabir vol. 1 pg. 160 hadith 378; al Hakim in al Mustadrak extended vol. 3 pg. 239 hadith no. 4957 and stated, “Hadith is sahih according to the standards of Muslim but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 275 and said, “Ahmed narrated it and his isnad is Hassan.”

[11] Imam Ahmed narrated it in Fada’il al Sahabah vol. 2 pg. 307 no. 959, Wasi Allah ‘Abbas declared it sahih; al Tirmidhi in al Manaqib, bab manaqib ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib no. 3713 and stated, “Hassan gharib,” al Albani declared it sahih; al Nasa’i in al Khasa’is no. 79, 84. Al Arna’ut said in al Musnad 3062, “It has an abundance of shawahid which reach the limit of tawatur.”

It appears in Nazm al Mutanathir of al Kattani vol. 1 pg. 269: The narration of Ahmed states, “Thirty Sahabah heard it from Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and testified to it for ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu when he was being challenged in the days of his Caliphate.” Al Munawi has also emphatically declared that it is mutawatir in al Taysir reporting from al Suyuti. Hafiz ibn Hajar said, “The hadith, ‘Whoever’s mawla I am, ‘Ali is his mawla,’ al Tirmidhi and al Nasa’i have recorded it. It has plenty of chains. Ibn ‘Iqadah has gathered them all in Mu’allaf Mufrad. Majority of the isnads are Sahih or Hassan.”

Furthermore, there are many da’if and fabricated distortions which have been added to this hadith, precaution should be adopted in this regard.

[12] Imam Ahmed narrated it in his Musnad, hadith Buraydah al Aslami radiya Llahu ‘anhu vol. 5 pg. 347 no. 22995; al Nasa’i in al Kubra vol. 5 pg. 130 hadith no. 8467; ibn Abi Shaybah vol. 6 pg. 374 hadith no. 32132; al Hakim, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab wa min Manaqib Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib vol. 3 pg. 119 hadith no. 4578 and he classified it sahih. Ibn Kathir said in al Bidayah wal vol. 5 pg. 205 regarding the isnad of Ahmed, “This is a jayyid isnad.” It has passed that the hadith: Whoever’s mawla I am, ‘Ali is his mawla, is mutawatir. Al Arna’ut declared it sahih in al Musnad 22995.

[13] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad 631 and in Fada’il al Sahabah vol. 2 pg. 849, Shu’ayb al Arna’ut stated, “Sahih li ghayrihi.” It appears in Musnad al Bazzar 786 from the chain of Zaid ibn Yathi’, 632 from the chain of ‘Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Layla and 492 from the chain of Abu al Tufayl.

[14] Al Bazzar narrated it in his Musnad, vol. 3 pg. 484 hadith no. 1073 al zakhkhar. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 107 and stated, “Al Bazzar narrated it and his narrators are reliable.”

[15] Imam Ahmed narrated it in Fada’il al Sahabah no. 1167 and in Musnad Ahmed, Musnad ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, no. 19321; al Haythami mentioned it in Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 104 and stated, “Ahmed narrated it and his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih besides Fidr ibn Khalifah who is reliable.” Both al Arna’ut and Wasi Allah ‘Abbas declared it sahih.

It has passed that the hadith: Whoever’s mawla I am, ‘Ali is his mawla, is mutawatir and the second portion of it has been declared da’if by a number of scholars.

[16] Al Tirmidhi narrated it hadith 33730 and stated, “Hassan gharib.” Sheikh al Albani declared it sahih; Imam Ahmed in his Musnad hadith no. 14679 with addition in the beginning.

[17] Sayyidina Muawiyah radiya Llahu ‘anhu wished to test Sayyidina Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu and did not intruct him to abuse Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu. It is for this reason that he did not command him, but rather asked him.

[18] Surah Al ‘Imran: 61

[19] Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab min fada’il ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 32, 2404. It appears in Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab manaqib ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 3706.

[20] Imam Ahmed narrated it in his Musnad hadith no. 11290; al Arna’ut stated, “Sahih li ghayrihi. This is a da’if isnad due to the du’f of ‘Attiyah al ’Aufi.” And in Fada’il al Sahabah hadith no. 954; Ibn Sa’d in al Tabaqat vol. 3 pg. 23 with an incident in the beginning… Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 109 and stated, “Ahmed and al Bazzar narrated it except that he narrated:

إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و آله و سلم قال لعلي في غزوة تبوك خلفتك في أهلي قال علي يا رسول الله إني أكره أن تقول العرب خذل ابن عمه و تخلف عنه قال أما ترضى أن تكون مني بمنزلة هارون من موسى إلا أنه لا نبي بعدي

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed ‘Ali before proceeding for the Battle of Tabuk, “I have left you behind to protect my family.”

‘Ali said, “O Messenger of Allah! I despise the Arabs saying that you have abandoned your cousin and left him behind.”

Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Are you not pleased that you hold the position of Harun to Musa save there is no nabi after me.”

 

‘Attiyah al ’Aufi appears in the isnad who has been classified reliable by Ibn Ma’in. Ahmed and a group have classified him as da’if. The rest of the narrators of Ahmed are the narrators of al Sahih.

[21] Imam Ahmed narrated it in his Musnad, hadith no. 27126, 27507; in Fada’il al Sahabah hadith no. 1091; al Tabarani in al Kabir vol. 24 pg. 146 hadith no. 384, 385, 386, 387. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 109 and stated, “Ahmed and al Tabarani narrated it and Ahmed’s narrators are the narrators of al Sahih besides Fatimah bint ‘Ali who is reliable.” Al Arna’ut declared it sahih in al Musnad.

[22] Abu Ya’la narrated it in his Musnad vol. 12 pg. 310 hadith no. 6883; Hussain Salim Asad declared its isnad as da’if. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 109 and said, “Abu Ya’la and al Tabarani narrated it. Muhammad ibn Salamah ibn Kuhayl appears in the isnad of Abu Ya’la who has been classified as reliable by Ibn Hibban and da’if by others. The rest of his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.

[23] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 11 pg. 74 hadith no. 11087 and vol. 11 pg. 75 hadith no. 11092 with an incident in the beginning; and vol. 12 pg. 18 hadith no. 11341. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 109 and then stated, “Al Bazzar and al Tabarani narrated it except that he said, ‘You are to me like Harun.’ Al Bazzar’s narrators are the narrators of al Sahih besides Abu Balj who is reliable.”

[24] Al Haythami mentioned it in Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 123 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it. Jami’ ibn ‘Umair appears in the sanad who is da’if and has been classified reliable.” However, the original incident is about handing the flag to him on the Day of Khaybar and he was suffering from an eye infection. Rasulullah’s salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam praise for him is established in al Sahih as will appear shortly.

[25] Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab fada’il ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 33, 2405

[26] Sahih al Bukhari, in Fada’il al Sahabah, bab manaqib ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 3702; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Fada’il, bab min fada’il ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu 2407.

[27] Al Nasa’i narrated it in al Khasa’is Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, pg. 34 no. 22; al Tabarani in al Mujam al Kabir vol. 18 pg. 237 hadith no. 594, 595, 596, 597 and 598. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 124 and stated, “Al Tabarani narrated it with many isnads. In the best isnad appears Mu’tamar ibn Abi al Sari al ’Asqalani who I do not know. The rest of his narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.”

[28] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Jihad wa al Siyar, bab fadl man aslama ‘ala yadayhi rajul 3009; Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab manaqib ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 3701 and at other places. The wording is his. Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab min fada’il ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu no. 2406.

[29] Imam Ahmed recorded it in al Musnad – Musnad Abi Sa’id al Khudri radiya Llahu ‘anhu – no. 11835; al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab islam Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith 4654 and stated, “This hadith’s isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Haythami mentioned it in Majma’ al Zawa’id vol. 9 pg. 129 and stated, “Ahmed narrated it.” al Arna’ut stated, “His narrators are reliable.”

[30] Ibn Majah narrated it in his muqaddamah, bab fadl ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu no. 117; Imam Ahmed in al Musnad – Musnad ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu – no. 778, 1117; in al Fada’il hadith no. 950, 1084. Al Tabarani narrated it in al Awsat vol. 2 pg. 381 hadith no. 2286. Sheikh al Albani declared it Hassan. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 122 and attributed it to al Tabarani in al Awsat and stated, “Its isnad is Hassan.”

[31] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab dhikr Manaqib Jafar ibn Abi Talib vol. 3 pg. 240 no. 4960 and stated, “Sahih according to the standards of al Bukhari but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Tabarani in al Kabir vol. 2 pg. 286 hadith no. 2194; al Awsat vol. 2 pg. 275 hadith no. 1969. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 5 pg. 283 and attributed it to al Tabarani in al Kabir and al Awsat and Imam Ahmed. He then said, “Ahmed’s narrators are reliable.”

[32] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab fada’il Ashab al Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, bab manaqib ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib al Qurashi al Hashimi Abi al Hassan radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith no. 3703; Sahih Muslim, Kitab fada’il al Sahabah, bab min fada’il ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu vol. 4 pg. 1874 no. 2409.

[33] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Jana’iz, bab ma ja’ fi qabr al Nabi salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam wa Abi Bakr wa ‘Umar hadith no. 1392. It is a lengthy narration.

[34] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Tafsir no. 4655, 4656.

[35] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Tafsir, bab Surah al Tawbah no. 3090 and the wording is his and he stated, “Hassan gharib.” Al Albani said, “Isnad is Hassan.” Imam Ahmed in al Musnad hadith no. 13237 and 14051; al Fada’il hadith no. 946 and 1090; Wasi Allah ‘Abbas declared it Hassan. Hafiz ibn Hajar stated vol. 8 pg. 320 of al Fath, “Ahmed recorded it with a Hassan sanad from Anas,” and then reported the hadith.

[36] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Tafsir, bab Surah al Tawbah no. 3091 and stated, “Hassan gharib.” al Albani said, “Isnad is sahih.” Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 11 pg. 400 hadith no. 12128; al Awsat vol. 1 pg. 284 hadith no. 928; al Hakim in al Mustadrak vol. 3 pg. 53 hadith no. 4375 and stated, “Isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Al Bayhaqi in al Kubra vol. 9 pg. 224 hadith no. 18600.

The substitute announcer of ‘Ali when he would get tired and his voice would become hoarse is Abu Hurairah radiya Llahu ‘anhu as narrated by al Tabarani, al Hakim, and al Bayhaqi; and not Abu Bakr radiya Llahu ‘anhu as stated by al Tirmidhi.

[37] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad – Musnad Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah radiya Llahu ‘anhuma – hadith no. 15069; Abu Ya’la vol. 3 pg. 388 hadith no. 1863; Hussain Salim Asad declared isnad as Hassan. al Arna’ut said, “Its isnad is Hassan.” al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 6 pg. 180 and stated, “Ahmed and Abu Ya’la narrated it with additions and al Bazzar narrated it condensed. Ibn Ishaq appears in the sanad and he clearly mentioned listening in the Abu Ya’la’s narration. The rest of Ahmed’s narrators are the narrators of al Sahih.”

[38] al Bukhari narrated it in al Ashribah, bab al shurb qa’iman no. 5615, 5616

[39] Al Hakim in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab islam Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu vol. 3 pg. 146 hadith no. 4659 and stated, “This hadith’s isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” The wording is his. Sunan al Nasa’i, Kitab al Talaq, bab al qur’ah idha tanaza’u fi al walad 3488; Sunan Ibn Majah 2348; Abu Dawood hadith no. 2269. Al Albani declared it sahih in both of them. Ibn al Qayyim has 2 opinions, Sahih and da’if, in Zad al Ma’ad vol. 5 pg. 382 and al Turuq al Hukmiyyah.

[40] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab islam Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu vol. 3 pg. 145 hadith no. 4656 and stated, “This hadith is sahih according to the standards of Sheikhayn but they have not recorded it.”

[41] Ibn Sa’d recorded it in al Tabaqat vol. 2 pg. 339. The hadith comes on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas from ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma in Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Tafsir, bab qawlihi Ta’ala ma nansakh min ayah hadith no. 4481.

[42] Abu Dawood al Tayalisi narrated it in his Musnad no. 2096; al Tirmidhi in al Manaqib, bab manaqib Muaz radiya Llahu ‘anhu hadith 3790 and commented, “Hassan gharib.” There is no mention of ‘Ali therein in al Tirmidhi. Al Albani declared it sahih in al Silsilah al Sahihah 1224. Some scholars have preferred that his mursal is sahih except his statement, “The trustworthy man of this ummah is Abu ‘Ubaidah,” which appears in al Bukhari. Al Daraqutni has preferred irsal in al ’Ilal and al Bayhaqi and Khatib in al Fasl li al Wasl. Hafiz ibn Hajar states in Fath al Bari in Kitab al Fada’il, bab manaqib Abi ‘Ubaidah vol. 7 pg. 93: “Its isnad is sahih except that the Huffaz have said that the correct breakdown is irsal in the beginning and mawsul is the portion which al Bukhari has sufficed on.”

[43] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak, Kitab Ma’rifat al Sahabah, bab dhikr islam Amir al Mu’minin ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib radiya Llahu ‘anhu vol. 3 pg. 124 hadith no. 4595.

[44] Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Manaqib, bab ‘alamat al nubuwwah fi al islam hadith no. 3610; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al Zakat, bab dhikr al khawarij wa sifatihim hadith 148, 1064; the wording is his.

[45] Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Manaqib, bab manaqib ‘Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf radiya Llahu ‘anhu no. 3748; al Albani declared it sahih; al Nasa’i in al Kubra vol. 5 pg. 56 hadith 8195.

[46] Imam Ahmed narrated it in al Musnad no. 1675; Shu’ayb al Arna’ut said, “His isnad is qawi according to the standards of Muslim.” Al Tirmidhi narrated it in al Manaqib, bab manaqib ‘Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf radiya Llahu ‘anhu no. 3747; al Albani declared it sahih. Ibn Hibban in his Sahih pg. 1869 no. 7002.

[47] Al Tabarani narrated it in al Kabir vol. 1 pg. 106 hadith 173. Al Haythami mentioned it in al Majma’ vol. 9 pg. 137 and said, “Al Tabarani narrated it and his isnad is Hassan.” Al Haythami has recorded the incident of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam passing glad tidings to Sayyidina ‘Ali radiya Llahu ‘anhu of martyrdom from many Sahabah:

• ‘Ammar ibn Yasir radiya Llahu ‘anhu: Ahmed, al Tabarani—the narrator did not hear directly from ‘Amma
• Suhayb radiya Llahu ‘anhu: Abu Ya’la, al Tabarani—Rushdin ibn Sa’d appears in the sanad.
• Aisha radiya Llahu ‘anha: Abu Ya’l
• Abu Rafi’: al Bazzar.

[48] Sahih Muslim, Fada’il al Sahabah, bab min fada’il Talhah wa al Zubair no. 50, 2417.

In this hadith many prophecies of Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam materialised, viz. his prophecy that they will be killed as martyrs, and all of them—besides Rasulullah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and Abu Bakr—passed away as martyrs. Certainly, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, ‘Ali, Talhah, and Zubair radiya Llahu ‘anhum were unjustly murdered. The martyrdom of the first three is well-known. The martyrdom of Zubair radiya Llahu ‘anhu took place at Wadi al Siba’ near Basrah while he was leaving the battlefield and abandoning fighting. Similarly, Talhah radiya Llahu ‘anhu remained aloof from the people so as not to fight when an arrow struck him and killed him. It is established that whoever is killed unjustly is a martyr. The meaning is martyrs in terms of the Hereafter and receiving the grand rewards promised to the martyrs. Nevertheless, in the world, they will be given ghusl and Salat al Janazah will be performed on them. (Sharh al Nawawi vol. 5 pg. 283)

[49] Al Hakim narrated it in al Mustadrak vol. 3 pg. 136 hadith no. 3633 and stated, “Isnad is sahih but they have not recorded it.” Al Dhahabi agreed with him. Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated it in his Musannaf, Kitab al Awa’il, bab Awwal ma fa’ala wa man fa’alahu vol. 7 pg. 266 hadith 35938; Al Ahad wa al Mathani of ibn Abi ‘Asim 399; al ’Ilal wa Ma’rifat al Rijal of Ahmed ibn Hambal 998.