8. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn from Mas‘ada ibn Ziyad from abu ‘Abdallah and Muhammad ibn al-Husayn from Ibrahim from ibn abu Yahya al-Madyani from abu Harun al-‘Abdi from abu Sa‘id al-Khudriy who has said the following. “I was (in the city of al-Madina) when abu Bakr was no more and he appointed ‘Umar as his successor. Once one of the great Jewish men of Yathrib came to ‘Umar. The Jewish people of the city of al-Madina thought that he (‘Umar) was the most knowledgeable person of his time.He came to ‘Umar and said, “O ‘Umar, I have come to accept Islam if you would answer what I will ask. Are you the most knowledgeable person among the companions of Muhammad in the matters of the book, the Sunnah (his traditions) and all that I like to ask from you.” The narrator has said that ‘Umar than said to him, “I am not the one you are looking for. However, I can guide you to the one who is the most knowledgeable person in our nation in the matters of the book, the Sunnah (traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and all that you like to ask.” He pointed out to Ali . the Jewish man then said, “If what you say is true then why have you taken the oath of allegiance from people? The most knowledge among you is that man.” ‘Umar then treated him harshly. The Jewish man went to Ali and said, “Are you as such as ‘Umar has said?” He (Ali then asked, “What has ‘Umar said?” He then informed him of what ‘Umar had said. The Jewish man said, “If are as has said you are, I like to ask you certain questions toknow if anyone of you knows the answer so I would know that your claim is true that you are the best, the best and the truth among the nations. In such case I will accept your religion, Islam.” Amir al-Mu’minin said, “Yes, I am as ‘Umar has I am. Ask whatever you would like to ask. I will give the answer by the will of Allah.” He said, “Tell me about three and three and one.” Ali said, “O Jewish man, why do not say, “Tell me about seven?” The Jewish man then said, “If you would tell me the answer to the three then I will ask you other questions, otherwise, I will abstain. If you would provide me the answer to these seven you then you are the most knowledgeable person on earth, the best of them and have more authority over the people than they themselves do” he then said, “Ask your questions O Jewish man.” .He said, “Tell me about the first stone that was placed on the face of earth, the first tree that was planted on earth and the first water fountain that gushed out of earth.” Amir al-Mu’minin answered his questions. The Jewish man then said to him, “Tell me how many Imams (Leaders with Divine Authority) will this nation have? Tell me about your Prophet as to where will be his place in paradise and who will be with him therein?” Amir al-Mu’minin said, “This nation will have twelve Imams ((Leaders with Divine Authority).All of them will be from the descendants of the the Holy Prophet (s.a.) of this nation. They will be from my descendants. The place of out the Holy Prophet (s.a.) in paradise will be the best and holiest of them in Eden. Those who will be with him therein in his dwelling will be these twelve people from his descendants. Their mother and grand mother and the mother of their mother and their descendants will live with them therein. No one else will live therein as their partner.”