2. We were told by Ahmad bin Muhammed bin Abdul-Rahman al-Miqri, the ruler, that he said: We were told by Abu Amru, Muhammed bin Ja’far al-Miqri al-Jarjani, that he said: We were told by Abu Bakr, Muhammed bin Hasan al-Mosuli in Baghdad, that he said: We were told by Muhammed bin ‘Asim al-Turayfi, that he said: We were told by Abu Zaid, ‘Ayyash bin Yazid bin Hasan, that he said: I was told by Ali al-Kahhal, the servant of Zaid bin Ali, that he said: I was told by my father, from Yazid bin Hasan, that he said: I was told by Musa bin Ja’far, from his father, Ja’far bin Muhammed, from his father, Muhammed bin Ali, from his father, Ali bin Hussain, from his father, Hussain bin Ali, peace be upon them, that he said:

A Jew came to the Prophet, Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Family, and next to him was the Commander of the Believers, Ali bin Abi Talib, peace be upon him, and he said to him: What is the benefit of the letters of the alphabet? Then the Messenger of Allah, Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Family, said to Ali, peace be upon him: Answer him. And he said: O Allah, give him success and direct him. Then Ali bin Abi Talib, peace be upon him, said: There is no letter except that it is a Name from the Names of Allah, Exalted and Glorious is He. Then he said: As for the «Alif» it is Allah whom there is no god but Him, the Living, the Superb Sustainer. As for the «Baa’» it is that He remains [1] after the termination of His creation. As for the «Taa’» it is the Accepter of Repentance [2] who accepts repentance from His servant. As for the «Thaa’» it is the Firm [3], the Being. «Allah sets firm those who have believed with the Firm Saying» (14:28). As for «Jeem» it refers to: Glorified [4] be His Commendation and Sanctified be His Names. As for the «Hhaa’» it is the Truth [5], Living, Forbearing [6]. As for the «Khaa’» it is the Acquainted [7] with what the servants do. As for the «Daal» it is the Judge [8] on the Day of Judgement. As for the «Dhaal» it is the Possessor of Glory and Generosity [9]. As for the «Raa’» it is the Compassionate with His servants. As for «Zaay» it is the Most Graceful of the Worshipped [10]. As for the «Seen» it is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing [11]. As for the «Sheen» it is the Thanker [12] of His believing servants. As for the «Ssaad» it is Truthful in His promise and threat. As for the «Dhaad» it is the Harmer [13], the Helpful. As for the «Ttaa’» it is the Pure [14], the Purifier [15]. As for the «Dha» it is the Apparent [16], He who makes clear His signs. As for the «’Ayn» it is the Knowledgeable of His servants. As for the «Ghayn» it is the Succor [17] granted to the appealers of succor. As for the «Faa’» it is the Divider [18] of the seeds and kernels. As for the «Qaaf» it is the Powerful above all His creation. As for the «Kaaf» it is the Sufficient to whom there is no equivalent, and who does not beget nor is born. As for «Laam» it is the Kind [19] with His servants. As for the «Meem» it is the Owner [20] of the Kingdom. As for the «Nun» it is the Light of the Heavens and the earth from the Light of His Throne. As for the «Waw» it is One [21], Eternal, who does not beget nor is born. As for the «Haa’» it is the Guide of His creation. As for the «Laam Alif» it refers to: there is no god except for Allah, there is no associate to Him. As for the «Yaa’» it refers to that the Hand of Allah is Extended above His creation. Then the Messenger of Allah, Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Family, said: This is the saying which Allah, Exalted and Glorious is He, is pleased for Himself from all His creation. Then the Jew accepted Islam.