Tradition

Amr b. Maimon narrates – I was sitting with Abdullah b. Abbas (at that time, he was not blind). Then came nine groups of people to him and told him to go along with them or leave them alone. He said that he would go along with them. Then those people talked to him, which I do not know. When he returned, he was angry and was saying Woe be to them who are speaking against a man who had ten characteristics specific to him, they are speaking against a man for whom Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:
‘I will send him tomorrow who is the lover of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and he is the beloved of Allah and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Allah will not reduce his status.’
Many people came to Prophet but Prophet asked where is Ali?
He was told that he is grinding the mill.
Prophet said: ‘Was there none amongst you who could have done this.’
Then he (s.a.w.a.) called Ali (a.s.); he was suffering from conjunctivitis to the extent that he could not see easily. The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prayed for his eyes and then shook the flag thrice and handed it to Ali (a.s.)….
Sunan Kubra v 7 p 416 Musnad Ahmad v 1 p 331 Fazail al-Sahaba v 2 p 850 Al-Mustadrak Alaa Al-Sahihain v 3 p 132 Al-Mo'jam al-Kabeer v 12 p 97 Al-Mo'jam al-Awsat v 3 p 165
Tarikh Dimishq v 42 p 98 Majma' al-Zawaaed v 9 p 119 Al-Kaamil Fi al-Taareekh v 3 p 401 Riyaaz al-Nazarah v 4 p 150 al-Bedaayah Wa al-Nehaayah v 5 p 450, v 7 p 561 Al-Isabah fi Tameez al-Sahabah v 4 p 466 Izalah al-Khafa an Khilafah al-Khulafa v 4 p 445