2. Ali ibn Muhammad and Muhammad ibn al-Hassan have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad and abu Ali al-Ash‘ari from Muhammad ibn Hassa’n, all of them from Muhammad ibn Ali, Nasr ibn Muzahim from ‘Amr ibn Sa‘id from Jarrah ibn ‘Abdallah from Rafi‘ ibn Salama who has said the following.

“ On the day of al-Nahrawan I was in the presence of Ali ibn Abu Talib . As we were sitting with the Imam a horse man approached and said, “al-salamu ‘Alayka ya Ali (peace be with you O Ali).” Ali said, “’Alayka al-salam (with you also be peace). May your mother weep over your dead body, why did you not addressed me as the Commander of the Faithful?” He said, “Yes, I like to inform you about it. I was present in al-Siffin when the truth was on your side. However, when approved the arbitrator to settle the warring parties I disregarded you and I called a polytheist. Ever since I do not know where should I turn to pledge allegiance to the Leadership with Divine Authority. If I can find a way to know whether you are on the right side or on wrong side it will be better for me than the world and all that is therein.” Ali said to him, “May your mother weep on your dead body. Come and stand up near me I will show the signs of the right and the signs of the wrong side. As the man stood near him, a horse man approached running until he came to Ali and said, “O Amir al-Mu’minin , I have the glad news of victory. May Allah make it brightness to your eyes (out of joy). It is certain, by Allah, that all men of the enemy are killed.” Ali asked him, “Did it happen before or after their crossing the river?” He said, “Before or after crossing.” Ali said, “You have lied. I swear by the One Who makes the seed to germinate and causes the fetuses to develop, that they (enemy) will never cross the river until they are all killed.” The man has said that it added to my understanding.” Another horse man came running and said just as what the one before had said and Amir al-Mu’minin refused to accept his words as those of the one before. The man who had doubts about Ali has said that he wanted to attack Ali with his sword and chop his head with the sword. Two other men came running on horses soaked in sweet. They said, “May Allah brighten your eyes with the joy of victory O Amir al-Mu’minin . We have the glad news of victory for you. It is certain, by Allah, thatall of the people are killed.” Ali then asked, “Did it happen before or after their crossing the river?” They said, “It happened before their crossing the river. When they tried to cross it and water reached up to the mane of their horses they turned back and there they all were killed.” Amir al-Mu’minin said, “You have spoken the truth.” The man then climbed down his horse and held Amir al-Mu’minin’s hand and feet and kissed them.” Ali said, “This is the sign (my being on the right side for you) for you.”