Virtues of Imam Ali (PBUH)
Imam Baqir (AS) has said: “My grandfather, Imam Ali (AS), was a companion of a Christian man. When he was traveling, the Christian man asked: ‘What is your destination, O servant of God?’
Imam Ali (AS) said: ‘I want to go to Kufa.’ When they reached an intersection, the Christian took his own way. Imam Ali (AS) accompanied him to a certain point. The Christian asked: ‘Did you not want to go to Kufa?’ Imam Ali (AS) said: ‘I know the way?’ The Christian asked: ‘Then, why are you coming with me?’ The Imam said: ‘What I am doing shows the best way of friendship. A man should see off his co-traveler by going with him to a certain point when they part. We have learnt this from our prophet.’ The Christian said: ‘Is it so?’ Imam Ali (a.s.) said: ‘Yes, it is.’ The Christian said: ‘Beyond doubt, your prophet must have set a good example to follow! I bear witness that I am on your faith.’ The Christian accompanied Imam Ali (a.s.) this time, and when he recognized him, * he embraced Islam*.”
Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 491