Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Book 5, Hadith 769
It was narrated that ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) gathered – or the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called – Banu ‘Abdul-Muttalib, among whom were some people all of whom liked to eat lamb and drink large amounts of water. He made a mudd of food for them, and they ate until they were full. And the food remained as it was, as if it had not been touched. Then he called for a vessel, and they drank until their thirst was quenched, and the drink remained as it was, as if it had not been drunk from. Then he said: `O Banu `Abdul-Muttalib, I have been sent to you in particular and to all the people in general. You have seen this sign. Which of you will swear allegiance to me, pledging to be my brother and companion?” Not one of them stood up for him, but I stood up, and I was the youngest of the people. He said: `Sit down.” He said that three times, and each time I stood up for him and he said to me, `Sit down.` Then the third time he put his hand on mine.
حَدَّثَنَا زَكَرِيَّا بْنُ عَدِيٍّ، أَنْبَأَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَقِيلٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ، رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ لَمَّا وُلِدَ الْحَسَنُ سَمَّاهُ حَمْزَةَ فَلَمَّا وُلِدَ الْحُسَيْنُ سَمَّاهُ بِعَمِّهِ جَعْفَرٍ قَالَ فَدَعَانِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أُغَيِّرَ اسْمَ هَذَيْنِ فَقُلْتُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ فَسَمَّاهُمَا حَسَنًا وَحُسَيْنًا.
Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Book 5, Hadith 769
The above hadith is from the Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal collection of hadiths. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s Musnad represents one of the largest and most significant early collections of prophetic traditions. This massive compilation is uniquely arranged by the names of the companions (Sahabah), devoting individual chapters to each one to consolidate all the narrations they are known to have transmitted. This approach offers profound insights into the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad from the perspective of those who knew him best. The collection is universally esteemed for its authenticity and historical value, serving as a critical resource for scholars. However, because it aims for breadth, it encompasses a wide range of narrations, including some that experts have identified as having less reliable chains of narration alongside its many strong ones.
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For more Hadith in Book 5: Musnad ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib