The first is that Allah will bring victory at his hands; and whoever becomes the means by which Allah grants victory attains abundant good. If Allah guides even a single person through him, that is better for him than a herd of red camels—the most precious wealth the Arabs knew.

The second is that he loves Allah and His Messenger, and that Allah and His Messenger love him. This is a special merit granted to ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, may Allah be pleased with him, for that night the Companions kept speculating—speaking at length and wondering, “Who will it be?”

When morning came, the Prophet ﷺ asked, “Where is ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib?” They answered, “He is complaining of pain in his eyes.” The Prophet sent for him, and when he was brought, the Prophet spat into his eyes and prayed for him. They were healed instantly, as though he had never suffered. This is one of Allah’s signs: no medicine, no cauterisation—only the Prophet’s saliva and his supplication.

The report also shows that people may discuss a matter among themselves to discern who is most suited to it, for the Companions spent that night talking: “Who will receive it? Perhaps it will be me.”

It further indicates that Allah may grant a person virtues he never anticipated. ʿAlī was not even present and may not have known anything about the matter, yet Allah bestowed this distinction on him. Likewise, a person who eagerly expects something may be denied it, while another who never imagined it may be given it.

“So he handed the banner to him”—the banner being the flag that serves as the rallying symbol for the troops.