four qualities (1) that belonged to no one else. He was the first person, Arab or non-Arab, to pray with the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—(2). He was the one who carried the Prophet’s standard (3) in every military campaign; he remained steadfast with him on the day of Hunayn (4); and he washed his body and laid him in his grave (5).
It is also related that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:
“On the night of the Ascension, I passed by a people (6) whose mouths were being slit open at the sides. I asked, ‘Gabriel (7), who are these?’
“He replied, ‘They are people who tear others apart (8) through backbiting.’
“He continued, ‘I then passed by a people who were raising a clamor (9). I asked, “Gabriel (10), who are these?”
“‘He replied, “These (11) are the disbelievers.”
“‘Then we turned off the road (12). When we reached the fourth heaven, I saw Alī praying. I said, “Gabriel (13), Alī has arrived before us!”
“‘He replied, “No, this is not Alī (14).”
“‘I asked, “Then who is he (15)?”
“‘He replied, “The angels