Muhammad b. `Ali Majiluwayh narrated to us. He said: My father narrated to us from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi from his father from Khalaf b. Hammad al-Asadi from Abi'l Hasan al-`Abdi from al-A`mash from Salim b. Abi'l Ju`d. He said:

Jabir b. `Abdullah al-Ansari was asked about `Ali b. Abi Talib , so he said: He is the best creation of Allah from the beginning to the end, with exception to the prophets and messengers. Surely, Allah did not create a creation after the prophets and messengers that is more honoured by Him than `Ali b. Abi Talib and the Imams from his descendants after him. I said: What do you say regarding those who hate him and detract from him? So, he said: None hate him except a disbeliever (kafir), and none detract from him except a hypocrite (munafiq). I said: What do you say regarding those who align with him and align with the Imams from his descendants after him? So, he said: Surely, the Shi`a of `Ali and the Imams after him from his descendants will be triumphant and safe on the Day of Resurrection. Then, he said: If a man were to come out and call the people to misguidance, who would be the closest people to him? They said: His party (shi`a) and his supporters. He said: So, if a man were to come out and call the people to guidance, who would be the closest people be to him? They said: His party and his supporters. He said: It is the same with `Ali b. Abi Talib . In his hand will be the Banner of Praise on the Day of Resurrection. The closest people to him will be his Shi`a and his supporters.