Al-Fath ar-Rabbani 2304 — on What the Traveler Says When Mounting

Ali bin Rabi’ah says: I saw Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), a mount was brought to him so that he could ride it. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he said “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah). When he mounted it, he said: “All praise is for Allah, Glory be to Him, Who has subjected this (mount) to us, while we were not able to control it, and surely to our Lord we shall return.” Then he praised Allah three times and declared His greatness three times. Then he said: “Glory be to You, there is no deity except You. Indeed, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” Then he laughed. I said: “O Commander of the Faithful! Why did you laugh?” He said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) do just as I have done, then he laughed. I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Why did you laugh?’ He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Your Lord is amazed at His servant when he says: O my Lord! Forgive me, so Allah says: My servant knows that none forgives sins except Me.’”