I was seated with the Commander of the Faithful (a.s) when a man came to him and said: “By Allah, I love you (for the sake of Allah).” “You have spoken the truth”, 'Ali replied, “our essence is a treasure that Allah took a promise of from the progeny of Adam; therefore, be prepared to clothe yourself with poverty, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (a.s) saying: 'Ali: by Allah (I swear), poverty comes faster to those who love you than a river flowing to the bottom of a valley.”