Ibn Hibban

Ali bin Rabi’ah narrates: I was present with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) when an animal was brought so that he could ride it. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he recited Bismillah. When he sat upright on the back of the animal, he said Alhamdulillah three times, then recited: “Glory be to Him Who has subjected this (to us), and we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves).” This verse continues up to: “Indeed, to our Lord we will surely return.” Then he said Alhamdulillah three times, then Allahu Akbar three times, then said: “(O Allah) You are pure, I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.” Then he smiled. I asked: O Commander of the Faithful, what made you smile? He replied: I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) do as I have done. Then he smiled, so I asked: O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), what made you smile? The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Your Lord is pleased with His servant when he says, ‘O my Lord, forgive me.’ Allah Almighty says: My servant knows that none forgives sins except Me.”