Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34304 — The virtues of Ali bin Abi Talib

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said that Sayyiduna Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I went with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to Yemen to fight, and I saw some harshness from him. When I came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), I mentioned Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and spoke of his shortcomings. At this the face of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) changed colour and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Am I not closer to the believers than their own selves?" I said: "Yes indeed, O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), certainly." He said: "Whomever I am the friend (mawla) of, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is also his friend."