[278] In "Al-Manaqib": Al-Kalbi narrated from Abu Salih, and Abu Ja'far bin Babawayh - may Allah sanctify him - by his chain of transmission from al-Ridha - exalted is his might - from his fathers - exalted is their might - that the Companions gathered and were discussing that the letter Alif (الألف) is the most frequently occurring in speech. So the Commander of the Faithful - exalted is his might - improvised the pleasing sermon (al-Khutbah al-Muniqah) [which is completely devoid of the letter Alif], and it is:

"I praised the One whose favor is great, and whose blessing preceded, and whose mercy preceded His wrath, and whose word is complete, and whose will is executed, and whose decree has reached... etc." And the sermon is long.

Then the Imam - majestic is his praise - improvised [another sermon, completely devoid of dotted letters]: