Grant me something no one but You can grant and avert from...

Grant me something no one but You can grant and avert from me what none but You can avert!” Amir al-Mu’minin said to his friends, “By Allah! These words are the chief name of Allah in Syriac.

My beloved, Allah’s Messenger, has informed me that tonight this Arab has asked for Paradise from Allah and his prayer was granted and asked for the aversion of Hellfire, which was granted too!” On the third night, Imam `Ali (a.s) again saw him in the same place saying, “O Allah Who is not contained in a space and no space is devoid of Him! Give this Arab four thousand Dirhams as sustenance!” Imam `Ali went forth saying, “O Arab!

You asked Allah to host you, and He did; you wished Paradise; and it was granted to you; you asked for aversion of fire; and your prayer was granted; tonight, you are asking for four thousand Dirhams?” The Arab said, “Who are you?” The Imam said, “I am `Ali ibn Abu-Talib.” The Arab said, “By Allah! You are the one I desire and you can meet my need!” The Imam said, “O Bedouin! Ask for it.

” The man said, “A Thousand Dirhams for dowry; a thousand for paying my debt; a thousand for purchasing a house; and a thousand for running the affairs of my life!” The Imam said, “You have been fair in asking for your needs.

Whenever you left Mecca for Medina, ask for my house.” The Arab stayed in Mecca for a week and then came to Medina looking for Amir al-Mu’minin, shouting, “Who will lead me to the house of the Leader of the believers?” Husayn ibn `Ali who was then a child said, “I will lead you to his house.

I am his son.” The Arab asked, “Who is your father?” Husayn said, “Amir al-Mu’minin, `Ali ibn Abi-Talib is my father.” He asked, “Who is your mother?” Husayn said, “Fatimah al-Zahra’, the doyenne of the women of the world is my mother.

” He asked, “Who is your grandfather?” Husayn said, “Allah’s Messenger, Muhammad ibn `Abdullah ibn `Abd al-Muttalib is my grandfather.” He asked, “Who is your grandmother?” Husayn said: Khadijah daughter of Khuwaylid is my grandmother.” He asked, “Who is your brother?” Husayn said, “Abu-Muhammad, Hasan ibn `Ali, is my brother.” the Bedouin said, “You have got the whole world!

Go to Amir al-Mu’minin and tell him that the Bedouin whose needs you had guaranteed to meet in Mecca is beside your house.” Husayn entered the house saying, “O father!