[115] And it was reported in the book Ali min al-Mahd ila al-Lahd by its author, Sayyid Muhammad Kazim al-Qazwini: “When death approached him—meaning the Messenger—the Commander of the Faithful—Exalted is His might—was present with him. When his soul—Exalted is His might—was about to depart, he said to him: ‘O Ali, place my head in your lap, for the command of Allah, the Exalted, has come.

So when my soul flows forth, take it with your hand and wipe it over your face, then direct me toward the qibla, take charge of my affair, and pray over me—being the first of the people—until the grave.’ Then he—Exalted is His might—passed away, with the hand of the Commander of the Faithful—Exalted is His might—under his chin, and his soul—Exalted is His might—flowed into it. He raised it to his face and wiped it with it, then he directed him [toward the qibla], closed his eyes, and spread his garment over him. He became occupied with attending to his affairs until the washing, and he—Exalted is His might—took charge of his washing, embalming, and shrouding, while al-Fadl handed him the water and assisted him with it. When he finished his washing and preparation, he stepped forward and prayed over him alone,” etc.