Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man with whose leadership Allah will grant (the Muslim) victory." So the people kept on thinking the whole night as to who would be given the flag. The next morning the people went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and every one of them hoped that he would be given the flag. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Where is `Ali bin Abi Talib?" The people replied, "He is suffering from eye trouble, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." He said, "Send for him and bring him to me." So when `Ali came, the Prophet (ﷺ) spat in his eyes and invoked good on him, and be became alright as if he had no ailment. The Prophet (ﷺ) then gave him the flag. `Ali said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Shall I fight them (i.e. enemy) till they become like us?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Proceed to them steadily till you approach near to them and then invite them to Islam and inform them of their duties towards Allah which Islam prescribes for them, for by Allah, if one man is guided on the right path (i.e. converted to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels."
Companions of the Prophet - Sahih al-Bukhari 3701
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man with whose leadership Allah will grant (the Muslim) victory." So the people kept on thinking the whole night as to who would be given the flag. The next morning the people went to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and every one of them hoped that he would be given the flag. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Where is `Ali bin Abi Talib?" The people replied, "He is suffering from eye trouble, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." He said, "Send for him and bring him to me." So when `Ali came, the Prophet (ﷺ) spat in his eyes and invoked good on him, and be became alright as if he had no ailment. The Prophet (ﷺ) then gave him the flag. `Ali said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Shall I fight them (i.e. enemy) till they become like us?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Proceed to them steadily till you approach near to them and then invite them to Islam and inform them of their duties towards Allah which Islam prescribes for them, for by Allah, if one man is guided on the right path (i.e. converted to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels."
Commentary on Divine Selection
This narration demonstrates Allah's divine wisdom in selecting leaders. The Prophet did not choose based on human considerations but through divine inspiration. The companions' anticipation throughout the night shows their eagerness for honor in Allah's cause, yet the choice fell upon Ali despite his physical ailment, teaching us that true capability comes from Allah's assistance rather than mere physical condition.
Miraculous Healing & Spiritual Significance
The Prophet's spitting in Ali's eyes and his immediate healing is from the miracles (mu'jizat) granted to Allah's Messenger. This act symbolizes the transfer of spiritual light and divine support. The healing was instantaneous, demonstrating that when Allah wills a matter, He provides the means regardless of apparent obstacles. This incident confirms Ali's special status among the companions.
Methodology of Da'wah & Jihad
The Prophet's instructions to Ali establish the proper methodology of Islamic propagation. Before combat, invitation to Islam must be offered. This reflects Islam's fundamental purpose: guidance rather than mere conquest. The comparison of guiding one person to Islam being better than red camels (the most valuable possession of Arabs) emphasizes the incomparable value of human guidance in Allah's sight.
Legal & Ethical Principles
This hadith establishes several key Islamic principles: 1) Leadership is a divine trust, 2) Physical ailments don't diminish spiritual capacity when Allah grants success, 3) Invitation to Islam must precede armed confrontation when possible, 4) The ultimate goal is guidance rather than territorial gain, 5) The value of guiding one soul surpasses all worldly treasures.