Maytham-al-Tammar (Meesam-e-tammar)

Maytham al-Tammar's Name Discovered.

After Imam Ali set him free, he greeted Salim by the name Maytham. Maytham was the name that his mother gave to him after his birth; no one in Kufa knew that Maytham was Salim's real name. Upon hearing a stranger calling him by Maytham, Salim was shocked, baffled, and astonished that a person other than his parents knew about his real name (Maytham). He questioned Imam Ali as to how did he knew that Maytham was his real name. Imam Ali replied, "Come with me do not worry. Allah's Apostle (Prophrt Muhammad) has told me that the Iranians call you Maytham. Still shocked, Maytham willing went with Imam Ali who would later become his best friend and teacher.

Salim (a.k.a. Maytham) himself narrates this event:

Imam Ali: "Salama Alykum Maytham."

Salim: "What did you say?"

Imam Ali: "Salamu alaykum Maytham."

Salim: "Nobody knows my name except my parents. How did you know my name?"

Imam Ali: "Do not worry, there are areas of knowledge that I may know, which you do not know. Come near me. I want you to come with me."

Salim: "How did you know my name? There is no one in Kufa that knows me by Maytham. My mother named me Maytham. Only a person of great knowledge knows that thats my original name."

Imam Ali: "Come with me do not worry. Allah's Apostle (Prophet Muhammad) has told me that the Iranians call you Maytham."

Salim: "Allah and His Apostle are truthful."

Other narrations state that Imam Ali tells Salim, "Your name is Maytham, you are Iranian, you are of Iranian origin. Be proud of your Iranian origin."