Hadith 1287

It was narrated from ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه) that When the Prophet () sent him with Bara`ah (Soorat At-Tawbah), he said: “O Prophet () 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.” Ali (رضي الله عنه) 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.

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.‏

Reference: 5312200
In-book reference: Book 5, Hadith 1287
Hadith 1287 - Musnad 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Musnad Ahmad - Sunnah.com