Abu Ya’la al-Mawsili, Musnad, V.5, page 164; Dailami, Ferdaus al-Akhbar, V. 2, page 159; Ibn Asaker, Tarikh Madinah-Damishq, V.21, page 411, V.43, p.385-386; Ibn Demeshqi, Jawaher al-Matalib, V.1, page 227; Juweni, Fara’id as-Simtain, V.1, page 293; Mazi, Tahzib al-Kalam, V.21, page 222.

Anas also narrated a hadith that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said to Ali:

"By God, you are the first of them" and he stated this three times. Ali asked: "May my parents be sacrificed for you, Who are the three?" He replied: "Miqdad, Salman and Abu Dhar." Haithami, Majma’e al-Zavaed, V.9, page 117.

And it is narrated from Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said: "I did not pass any heaven except that I found its residents wishing to meet Ali ibn Abi Talib and there is no Prophet in Paradise except that he craves for Ali ibn Abi Talib." Ibn Demeshqi, Jawaher al-Matalib, V.1, page 257