(256) It is related that the Messenger of God—exalted be his glory—said one day to his companions: "Do not come to me tomorrow unless you have washed your worn garments; whoever has a new garment, let him wear it, and perfume yourselves so that you may go out with Ali to al-Baqi' al-Gharqad. For the sun has complained to its Lord of its longing for Ali, and He has commanded me to order Ali to go out and offer peace to the sun, and for it to offer peace to him; so be with him." He said: On the next day, the people came as the Prophet—exalted be his glory—had commanded them. The Messenger of God said to our Master Amir Almuminin—exalted be his glory: "O Ali, take Abu Bakr and Umar with you on your right and left so they may witness that and hear the address of the sun and its peace upon you, which they shall relate to the people regarding you."

Amir Almuminin—exalted be his glory—went out to al-Baqi' al-Gharqad with the people. When he reached it, he ascended a hill there, seating Abu Bakr on his right and Umar on his left. Suddenly, the sun rose and signaled to Amir Almuminin with glorification and pointed with honor, saying in a clear Arabic tongue understood by both young and old: "Peace be upon you, O First, O Last, O Outward, O Inward, O He who is All-Knowing of all things, O Amir Almuminin, O Truth, O Certainty!"

Amir Almuminin said to it: "And upon you be peace, O newly created person traveling in the sphere of limitation; return to your place." It returned to its place. Umar rose and ran until he reached the Messenger of God, saying: "O Messenger of God, we have seen a marvel!" He asked: "And what did you see, O Umar? What did you hear, O son of al-Khattab?" He replied: "O Messenger of God, I saw the sun addressing Ali as a servant addresses his master, and I heard it saying to him: 'O First, O Last, O Outward, O Inward, O He who is All-Knowing of all things!'" The Prophet—exalted be his glory—said to him: "And what is your opinion of that, O Umar? Did you not know that Ali was the first to believe and affirm Oneness for God and Prophecy for me?