Muhammad b. `Ali Majiluwayh (rh) narrated to us from his uncle Muhammad b. Abi’l Qasim from Ahmad b. Hilal from Ahmad b. Muhammad from Abi Nasr from Aban from Zurara and Isma`il b. `Abbad al-Qasri from Sulayman al-Ju`fi from Abi `Abdillah al-Sadiq (as). He said
When the Prophet (s) was raised up, and he ended up where Allah willed for him, his Lord whispered to him. Then, when he descended to the fourth heaven, He called out to him: O Muhammad! He said: I am at your service, my Lord. He said to him: Who from your Nation have you chosen to be your vicegerent (khalifa) after you? He said: Choose that for me, so that You may be the decider for me. So, He said to him: I have chosen the best of you for you – `Ali b. Abi Talib (as).