all circumstances.’” (1)
Likewise, he prescribed for his community, when mounting a riding animal, what the compilers of the Sunan narrated with an authentic chain of transmission from ʿAlī ibn Rabīʿah, who said:
I was present when a riding animal was brought to ʿAlī ibn Abī Tālib. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he said: “In the name of Allah.” Once seated on its back, he said, “Praise be to Allah,” three times, then, “Allah is the Greatest,” three times. Then he said: “Glory be to You! I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for none forgives sins but You.” He then laughed, and I asked: “O Commander of the Faithful, what made you laugh?”
He replied: “I saw the Prophet ﷺ do as I have done, then laugh. I asked him: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what made you laugh?’ He replied: ‘Your Lord, glory be to Him, marvels at His servant when he says, “Forgive me my sins,” knowing that none forgives sins but Me.’” (2)