Sayyidunā ʿAli رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ giving a ring

Imam Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه mentions another enlightening dream:

I dreamt I was sat in the maṭāf (the area ṭawāf is performed in Masjid al-Ḥarām). The fourth Caliph of Islam, Sayyidunā ʿAli b. Abī Ṭālib رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ then graced me with his presence. I quickly stood up to welcome and hug him. Sayyidunā ʿAli رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ shook my hand, took off his ring and had me wear it.

After having this dream, I went to someone who could interpret dreams. I explained my dream and asked what it meant. He replied, “You were honoured to hug Sayyidunā ʿAli رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ; this is a sign that you are free from Hellfire. He shook hands with you; this is a sign that you will be at peace on the Day of Judgement. He also made you wear his ring; this shows that just as the name of Sayyidunā ʿAli  رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ is famous, your name will also be well-known.”^[1]  

ʿAllāmah Bayhaqi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه writes:

The dream of Imam Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه proved to be true. Not long after this dream, Imam Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه became famous. He went on to write religious books, by means of which his name became known far and wide.^[2]

The qualities of Imam Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه

O devotees of the Messenger! Of course, Imam Muhammad bin Idrīs Shāfiʿi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه holds a high rank in terms of his knowledge. But in terms of actions, he is also highly ranked. Here are some of his qualities: