Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

‘Adisah bint Ahban says that when Sayyiduna ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) came from Basrah, he came to my father and said: “Abu Muslim! Will you help me against these people?” He said: “Why not,” then he called his slave-girl and said: “Slave-girl! Bring my sword.” She brought the sword. He drew the sword out (of the sheath) about a span, and it was a wooden sword. Then he said: “My friend and your cousin (Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him) advised me: ‘When turmoil appears among the Muslims, make a wooden sword.’ Now if you wish, I will come with you (with this wooden sword).” Sayyiduna ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I have no need of you or your sword.”