Zayd b. Arqam was one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a) who gave allegiance to Imam Ali (s.a) on the day of Ghadir Khumm.
After the demise of the Prophet (s.a) and usurpation of the caliphate of Imam Ali (s.a), some people went to Zayd b. Arqam and asked him to testify that Imam Ali (s.a) was the true successor of the Prophet (s.a); but, Zayd feared from the government and felt a danger and avoided telling the truth and mentioning the event of Ghadir; eventually, usurpation of the caliphate of Imam Ali (s.a) was confirmed.
After a while, Zayd became sick. When Imam Ali (s.a) was informed about it, went to visit him.
When Zayd saw Imam Ali (s.a), said,
“Well done to Ali b. Abi Talib (s.a) who visits me, while he (s.a) is upset and annoyed of us.”
Imam Ali (s.a) said, “O Zayd, that sadness you brought us does not make us forget humanity and friendship and do not visit you in sickness.”
Sources:
Mustadrak al-wasil, vol. 2, hadith no. 2.
Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 218.
Bihar al-anwar, vol. 81, p. 228, hadith no. 41.
