When the senses of the people quieted down, he spoke with a tongue that was like a sharp sword drawn from its scabbard, saying: “Which of you is the chosen one in courage, wrapped in brilliance?

Which of you is the one born in the Sanctuary (al-Haram), sublime in character, and described in generosity?

Which of you is the bald champion, the fierce subduer, the constrictor of breaths, and the exactor of retaliation? Which of you is the supple branch of Abi Talib, his awe-inspiring champion, and the unerring arrow? Which of you is the caliph of Muhammad who supported him in his time, by whom his authority gained might, and who magnified his status?”

At that, the Commander of the Faithful—His might was mighty—raised his head toward him and said: “What is the matter with you, O Aba Sa'd bin al-Fadl bin al-Rabi' bin Mudrikah bin Najibah bin al-Salt bin al-Harith bin Wa'ran bin al-Ash'ath bin Abi al-Samh al-Rumi? Ask about whatever you wish, for I am the container of the knowledge of prophethood.”

So he said: “It has reached us concerning you that you are the successor of the Messenger of Allah and a caliph over his people after him, and that you are the solver of complex problems. I am the messenger sent to you from sixty thousand men who are called Al-Ismah (The Preserved),