Shamail Tirmidhi

Ali bin Rabi’ah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates: I was present in the service of Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) when a riding animal was brought for him so that he could mount it. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he said “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah), and when he sat upright on the mount, he said “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), then he recited this supplication: «سبحان الذي سخرلنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين وانا الي ربنا لمنقلبون», “Glory be to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could not have subdued it (by ourselves), and surely to our Lord we are returning.” Then he said “Alhamdulillah” three times, “Allahu Akbar” three times, and recited this supplication: «سبحانك اني ظلمت نفسي فاغفرلي فانه لا يغفر الذنوب الا انت», “O Allah, You are pure, I have indeed wronged myself, so forgive me, for surely none forgives sins except You.” Then Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) smiled. I asked, “O Commander of the Faithful! Why did you smile?” He replied, “I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) do as I have done, and then he smiled. So I also asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Why did you smile?’ He replied, ‘Indeed, your Lord is pleased with His servant when he says, ‘O my Lord, forgive my sins, for none forgives sins except You.’’”