Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34244 — The virtues of Ali bin Abi Talib

Riyah bin al-Harith (may Allah have mercy on him) said: While Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was sitting in an open space, a man suddenly came who bore clear signs of travel. He said: Peace be upon you, O my friend. He asked: Who is this person? The people said: This is Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him). Then he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: Whoever I am the friend of, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is also his friend.