Arabic (Original)
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْد اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو بَكْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ حَمَّادٍ، عَنْ أَسْبَاطِ بْنِ نَصْرٍ، عَنْ سِمَاكٍ، عَنْ حَنَشٍ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ، رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حِينَ بَعَثَهُ بِبَرَاءَةٌ فَقَالَ يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ إِنِّي لَسْتُ بِاللَّسِنِ وَلَا بِالْخَطِيبِ قَالَ مَا بُدٌّ أَنْ أَذْهَبَ بِهَا أَنَا أَوْ تَذْهَبَ بِهَا أَنْتَ قَالَ فَإِنْ كَانَ وَلَا بُدَّ فَسَأَذْهَبُ أَنَا قَالَ فَانْطَلِقْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُثَبِّتُ لِسَانَكَ وَيَهْدِي قَلْبَكَ قَالَ ثُمَّ وَضَعَ يَدَهُ عَلَى فَمِهِ.
English Translation
It was narrated from Hadrat 'Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him) that when the Noble Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sent him with Bara`ah (Soorat At-Tawbah), he said: “O Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) of Allah, I am not eloquent or a good speaker.” He said: “I have no choice but to go myself or send you with it.” Hadrat Ali (may Allah be well pleased with him) said: “If that is the case, I have no choice but to go.” He said: `Go, and Allah will make your tongue steadfast and guide your heart.` Then he placed his hand over his mouth.