[58] And from the book Uyun al-Mu'jizat: He said: Abu al-Tuhaf narrated to me, saying: Abdul Mun'im bin Salamah narrated to me, raising it to Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari, who said: I had a son and he had contracted a severe illness, so I asked the Messenger of Allah—His might was mighty—to supplicate for him. He said: “Ask Ali, for he is from me and I am from him.” Thereupon, a little doubt entered into me.

I was told that the Commander of the Faithful was at the cemetery (al-jabbanah), so I came to him while he was praying.

When he finished his prayer, I greeted him and related to him what had occurred of the statement of the Messenger of Allah—His might was mighty. He said to me: “Yes.”

Then he stood up, drew near to a palm tree that was there, and said: “O palm tree, who am I?” I heard from it a groaning like the groaning of pregnant women when they wish to deliver their burden. Then I heard it say: “You are the Commander of the Faithful and the successor of the Messenger of the Lord of the worlds; you are the greatest sign (al-ayat al-kubra) and the supreme proof.” Then it fell silent. He turned to me and said: “O Jabir, the doubt has now vanished from your heart and the clarity of your mind; conceal what you have heard and seen from anyone other than its proper people.”

And how often our master—His might was mighty—repeated his statement on numerous occasions, saying, “Ask me,” which I shall bring forth in the chapter on his speech—sublime are his bounties.