The Prophet...

The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, was deeply disturbed, so he said: "Tomorrow, I shall indeed give the standard to a man who Allah and His Prophet love, and he (too) loves Allah and His Prophet. He will be the steadfast one, never running away. He will not return till Allah blesses (us) with victory upon his hands." When the next day dawned, we raised ourselves on our knees and toes, but did not find him calling anyone from among us.

He then announced: "Where is ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib?" ‘Ali was brought to him, suffering from sore-eye. He put his saliva into his eyes, gave him the standard. And Allah blessed (us) with the victory at his hands." We aid: "And what is the fourth one?" He said: The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, left for the battle of Tabuk, leaving behind ‘Ali in his place. The Quraishites became jealous of him (i.e.

‘Ali) and said: "The Prophet has left him behind because he does not like his company." (When ‘Ali heard this), he followed the Prophet and upon arrival, placed his hand on the stirrup of the Prophet's camel, saying: "Surely, I will follow you." The Prophet said: "What has happened to you?" He wept and said: "The Quraishites believe that you left me behind because you hate me, and do not prefer my company." The Prophet ordered an announcement for people to assemble and then (addressing them) said: "O people, Is there anyone among you who does not have the closest and most distinctly notable among his relatives." They said: "Yes, we do have." Then he said: "Surely, ‘Ali, son of Abu Talib, is the closest to me among my relatives, and is most beloved to my heart." Then he came to ‘Ali (as) and said: "Does it not please you to be to me what Haroon was to Musa; except that there is no prophet after me?" ‘Ali said: "My pleasure is with Allah and His Prophet." Then Sa'd said: "These are the four virtues, and if you feel inclined, I may relate to you the fifth one!" We said: "We would like to know it." He said: "We were with the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, in the farewell pilgrimage.

When returning (from Haj) he dismounted at Ghadeer Khumm, and ordered an announcement for all to assemble. Then he proclaimed: "O people, of whoever I am the master, this ‘Ali also is his master. O Allah, befriend one who befriends him, and hate one who hates him.