It is narrated from Sayyiduna Buraidah (may Allah be pleased with him) that I went on an expedition towards Yemen in the company of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). I observed some strictness in his behavior. So when I came to the service of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), I mentioned Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) before him and spoke some inappropriate words about him. Then I saw that the face of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) began to change, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: O Buraidah! Do I not have more right over the believers than their own selves? I said: Why not, O Messenger of Allah. Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whomever I am the master of, Ali is also his master. The words of another narration are: Whomever I am the friend of, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is also his friend.