A man from the tabi`in narrated from Anas b. Malik. He said: This verse was revealed regarding `Ali b. Abi Talib عليه السلام, “[Are they better] or those who worship devoutly in the hours of the night, prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of their Lord?” (39:9) The man said: So, I went to `Ali عليه السلام to observe his worship. I swear by Allah, I went to him at Maghrib time, and I saw him leading his companions in Maghrib prayer. When he completed it, he sat in supplication until he stood to pray the final `Isha’. Then, he entered his house, so I entered it with him. I saw him pray and recite the Quran for the whole night until Fajr. Then, he renewed his ablution, went out to the mosque, and led the people in Fajr prayer. Then, he sat in supplication until sunrise. Then, the people went to him, and he spoke to two disagreeing men at a time – whenever he finished with one pair, another would go to him – until he stood to pray Thuhr. He said: Then, he renewed his ablution for Thuhr. Then, he led his companions in Thuhr prayer. Then, he sat in supplication until he stood to pray `Asr with them. Then, he met the people, and two men would stand, and two others would sit. He judged between them and gave edicts to them until sunset. Then, he went out while I was saying: I swear by Allah that this verse was revealed regarding him.