Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Today I will give the flag into the hand of such a man whom Allah and His Messenger love." Upon this, people began to rise up and look (in anticipation). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Where is Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)?" People said: "He has a complaint in his eye." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, called Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), spat on his own palms, and applied them to Hazrat Ali's eye. Then the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, handed the flag to Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). Thus, Allah Almighty granted victory at the hands of Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) on that very day.