Abu Ja`far Muhammad b. `Ali b. al-Husayn b. Musa b. Babuwayh al-Qummi narrated to us. He said: Muhammad b. Ibrahim b Ishaq narrated to us. He said: Muhammad b. Jarir al-Tabari narrated to us. He said: Ahmad b. Rashid narrated to us. He said: Abu Mu`ammar Sa`id b. Khaytham narrated to us. He said: Sa`d narrated to me from al-Hasan al-Basri. He was informed that someone was claiming that he was diminishing [the status of] `Ali . So, he stood among his companions one day and said:

I was worried that my door would be locked and that I would not leave my house until my term (death) had come. I was informed that one of you had claimed that I was diminishing the best of people after our Prophet (s), who was his gentleman and the one he would sit with; the one who would bring relief to him during earthquakes, and the one who would fight the people during the time of revelation. A man who recited the Quran and revered it has left you. He seized knowledge and retained it. He withstood hardship and used it in obedience to his Lord. He was patient over the bitterness of war and grateful during deprivation and calamity. He acted by the Book of his Lord and counselled His Prophet, his cousin, and his brother. He was made his brother out of all his companions and imparted his secret to him. He strove on his behalf a little, and he fought alongside him much. He killed the people and brought the knights down below the religion of Allah until the war would come to its end. He grasped onto the covenant of his Prophet (s) without abandoning or opposing it. Then, the Prophet (s) passed away while he was pleased with him. He taught the Muslims knowledge, he made them understand, and he preceded them in Islam. None match his virtues, and none resemble him in his striking. He freed himself of desires, and he worked for Allah during times of heedlessness. He bathed in purity during cold mornings, and he humbled himself during prayers. He cut himself off from pleasures and strove hard when sent forth. He was goodly in character and noble in lineage. He followed the traditions of his Prophet the most, and he sufficed himself with the sayings of his Master. So, how could I say something regarding him that would not help me?! Stop this harm and avoid the path of evil.