Hajjaj bin Hassan (may Allah have mercy on him) says that once we were sitting with Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), when he called for a vessel in which there were three pieces of iron and a ring attached to it. He took that vessel out from a black covering, which was less than a quarter and a little more than a half. At the order of Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), water was poured into it for us. We drank that water and poured it over our heads and faces, and sent blessings and peace upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).