Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34268 — The virtues of Ali bin Abi Talib

Abd al-Rahman bin Abi Layla (may Allah have mercy on him) said: While a group of his Companions were with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he (peace and blessings be upon him) sent word to his wives for food, but nothing to eat was found with any of his wives. Suddenly Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was seen approaching, dusty and dishevelled, and on his shoulder were close to a sa' of dates which he had earned by labour. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Welcome to the bearer and to what is borne!" Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) seated him beside him and shook the dust from his head, then said: "Welcome, Abu Turab!" Then he brought the dates near, and all of them ate until they were full. Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) sent a share of it to each of his pure wives as well.