Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Ali bin Rabi’ah says that I was riding behind Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) on his mount. When he placed his foot in the stirrup, he said: «بسم الله» And when he sat comfortably on the back of the mount, he said: All praise is for Allah (three times), and Allah is the Greatest (three times). Glory be to Allah, Who has subjected this (mount) to us, and we could not have subdued it (by ourselves). Then he said: There is no deity worthy of worship except You; You are pure; I have wronged myself, so forgive me my sins, for surely You are the Forgiver of sins. Then he leaned to one side and laughed. I asked: O Commander of the Faithful! Why did you laugh? He said: I was riding behind the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he did just as I have done. Then I asked him, just as you have asked me, and he replied to me: “Indeed, Allah Almighty is amazed at His servant when he says: There is no deity worthy of worship except You; I have wronged myself, so forgive me my sins, for surely You are the Forgiver of sins.” (Upon hearing these words from His servant) Allah Almighty says: My servant has recognized that he has a Lord Who can forgive him and pardon him.”