PART III - GENEROSITY OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

We salute the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in these words in the Ziyarat dedicated to him for the Day of Saturday.

فَاِنَّكَ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الضِّيَافَةَ

“Indeed, you are generous and hospitable”.

Similarly, we salute Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in the Ziyarat dedicated to him for the Day of Sunday.

يَا مَوْلايَ يَا اَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ هَذَا يَوْمُ الْاَحَدِ وَ هُوَ يَوْمُكَ وَ بِاسْمِكَ وَ اَنَا ضَيْفُكَ فِيهِ وَ جَارُكَ فَاَضِفْنِي يَا مَوْلايَ وَ اَجِرْنِي فَاِنَّكَ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الضِّيَافَةَ

“Today is Sunday, which is your day and carrying your name, and, on this day, I am your guest and your neighbor; therefore, my master, receive me as your guest and neighbor. Surely, you are generous and hospitable”.

In similar words, we salute the Master of the Age, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.) in the Ziyarat dedicated to him on the Day of Friday.

وَ اَنْتَ يَا مَوْلايَ كَرِيمٌ مِنْ اَوْلادِ الْكِرَامِ

“and you, my master, are generous from the progeny of the most generous ones”.

Indeed, the holy and purified household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) are the most generous, most noble, most bestowing, most kind and the most hospitable amongst all the creations of Allah.

There are numerous incidents which highlight this magnanimous aspect of their personality.

They manifest the unfathomable peak of these noble traits to the extent that not only did these blessed personalities not shower their kind benevolence on those who loved them and followed them, but they showed it in this world also to those who were inimical to them.

The characteristic of generosity, nobility, compassion, and benevolence is manifested at such great peak in the holy household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that this kind behavior is inherent to them, it is in their nature, and it is their habit.

Therefore, whenever we get the good fortune to visit these great, noble, generous, and holy personalities, we should try to beseech them by reminding them of their habit of bestowing so that we are also able to benefit from their bestowal. Indeed, a bestowal from them, a kind affectionate glance from these noble ones, will surely be beneficial for our world and more importantly for our Hereafter.

In the great Ziyarat, Ziyarat e Jameah Kabeera, we are also reminded of this noble trait of the holy household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in these words,

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَا اَهْلَ بَيْتِ النُّبُوَّةِ ۔ ۔ ۔ وَ اُصُولَ الْكَرَمِ

“Peace be upon you O the household of the Prophethood … (Peace be upon you) O the origins of generosity”.

The word used in Ziyarat Jameah is الکرم similarly the word used in the citations of the Ziyarats quoted earlier is کریم .

اصول is derived from the root word اصل which means origin, source, root, cause or foundation of a thing.

کرم – can be translated to English as generous, noble, magnanimous.

As per books on Arabic literature کرم is not a particular, peculiar or a specific characteristic. Rather, it is a quality or attribute in every desirable, good and pleasant thing that is superior in its kind, therefore the attribute of کرم, that is, generous, noble or magnanimous can be attributed to all desirable or good things.

The Holy Quran also confirms the same, since Allah, the Almighty has attributed the word کریم to various desirable and good things.

We present here few examples of the application of this word in the Holy Quran.

مُدْخَلاً كَريماً – noble entrance¹, رِزْقٌ كَريمٌ‏ - generous sustenance², مَلَكٌ كَريمٌ‏ - noble angel³, قَوْلاً كَريماً – generous word⁴, رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَريمِ‏ - Lord of the Noble Throne⁵, زَوْجٍ كَريمٍ‏ - noble kind⁶, مَقامٍ كَريمٍ‏ - honorable station⁷, كِتابٌ كَريمٌ‏ - noble letter⁸, أَجْراً كَريماً – generous reward⁹, رَسُولٌ كَريمٌ‏ - noble messenger¹⁰, إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَريمٌ‏ - most surely it is an honored Quran¹¹.

If we glance through the above verses the word کریم has been used for Messenger (رسول), Holy Quran (قران), Arsh, angel (ملک), etc which are in itself having their own stature or position. But the addition of the word کریم distinguishes it further and elevates their status even further.

For example, an angel which is called as a noble angel (ملک کریم) is having a higher status than another angel (ملک).

Now, when we say that the purified household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) are اصل الکرم – the origin or source of nobility, then it implies that the honour and nobility of all other things which are کریم is due to the Ahle Bait (a.s.), they are the source and foundation of nobility of all other things.

Here the meaning of کرم is that the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) are the basis and foundation of nobility and honour in all things. If a Prophet gains nobility over other Prophets (a.s.) it is only due to his precedence in acceptance the Wilayat of these purified and holy personalities. The Ulil Azm Prophets (a.s.) were given this distinction only due to their precedence over other Prophets (a.s.) in submitting and accepting the Wilayat of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.).

Similarly, all other creations like angel, heavens, earth, stars, mountains, birds, trees, fruit, animal or water did not gain any excellence or nobility over another except through the Wilayat of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.).

This is a more comprehensive and broader meaning of the word کرم and is not confined to being open-handed or forgiving.

Hazrat Imam Reza (a.s.) explains the reason for varied levels of creations thus,

 

“And during the day of Ghadeer, Allah, the Almighty presented the Wilayat unto the inhabitants of the seven skies, and the inhabitants of the seventh sky preceded to it, so it was adorned by the Throne. Then the inhabitants of the fourth sky preceded to it, so it was adorned by the Bayt Al-Mamour. Then the inhabitants of the world preceded to it, and it was adorned by the stars”.

 

“Then He presented it unto the lands, so Makkah preceded to it, and it was adorned with the Kabah. Then Medina preceded to it, so it was adorned with the Chosen one, Mohammad (s.a.w.a.). Then Kufa preceded to it, and it was adorned by Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)”.

 

“And He presented it to the mountains, and the first mountains to acknowledge with that were three mountains – Al-Aqeeq (agate), and mountain of Al-Firouzaj (turquoise), and mountain of Al-Yaqout (ruby). Thus, these mountains became these mountains and the most superior of the jewels. And another mountain preceded to it, and it became a mine of gold and silver. And what did not acknowledge with that and did not accept, became not growing anything”.

 

And during that it was presented unto the waters, so whatever from these accepted, because sweet, and whatever denies became salty, bitter.

 

And during that is was presented unto the vegetation, so whatever accepted it became sweet, good, and whatever did not accept became bitter.

 

Then during that day it was presented unto the birds, so whatever accepted it, became eloquent of voice, and whatever denied it became mute, silent”.¹²

 

The above tradition confirms the broader meaning of generosity discussed earlier.

Ahle Bait (a.s.) are کریم – generous and noble in both aspects.

Once a Bedouin came to Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) and even before he could ask or present his need, Hazrat Imam Hasan (a.s.) instructed his slave to give him. The Bedouin said politely, O my master! will you not let me mention my need and sing your praise?”

Imam Hasan (a.s.) replied to him kindly in the below words,

“We are people whose bestowal is having freshness so that people and hopeful ones may get enjoyment from it. We give before we are asked. So that the dignity of the seeker is not reduced. If the sea comes to know our generosity, it will feel ashamed of its gushing waves”.

In the next part of this book, we have attempted to bring few instances of generosity and nobility from the life of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.).

The aim here is to remind ourselves about the generosity of our masters, the Ahle Bait (a.s.) so that we become more hopeful of their open-handedness. And also, to read these incidents in their blessed shrines and near their tombs, to beseech them through their habit of generosity by mentioning these past instances in front of them.

GENEROSITY OF HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.A.)

SEEKING SAME LEVEL IN PARADISE AS THE AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

It is narrated from Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) through authentic chains of narrators that before the Besat, the Prophet went to meet a person who behaved very politely with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) was appointed with prophethood, people said to him: “Do you know who that prophet is that has just risen?”

The person replied, “I don’t know,” People said, “It is the same person who visited you one day and you acted so politely with him.”

He set out to meet the Prophet and on reaching him said:

“O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), did you recognize me?”

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked, “Who are you?”

He replied, I am the same whom you visited on so and so day at so and so place and I served you such and such food.”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “Welcome, you may ask me whatever you like.”

He said, “I would like to have a hundred sheep along with the shepherds.”

The Prophet considered this for a few moments and then issued the order that he should be given the sheep etc.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told his companions: “What has stopped this man from asking the like of that lady of Bani Israel?”

People asked: “What did the old lady ask for?”

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied: “The Almighty Allah revealed to Prophet Musa (a.s.): “When you go out of Egypt, you must carry out the bones of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) and take them to Baitul Maqdas.” Musa (a.s.) asked the people, “Where is the grave of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.)?”

No one could give him this information.

A very old man said: “So and so old lady knows the location.”

Musa (a.s.) summoned her and asked if she knew the location of the grave of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.). Musa (a.s.) said: “Tell me about it and I will guarantee Paradise for you.”

The old woman said: “By Allah, I will not inform you, till you do not do for me what I ask you to.”

Musa (a.s.) said: “I guarantee Paradise for you.”

She said, “No, till you don’t give me what I ask for, I will not tell you about it.”

Divine revelation descended on Musa (a.s.): “You can accept whatever she asks as nothing is impossible for Me.” So, Musa (a.s.) said: “You may ask whatever you want.”

She said, “I want to live at the same level of Paradise as you.”

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said, “Why did that man not ask me the same?”¹³

When we get the blessed opportunity to visit the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) or his purified progeny (a.s.), let us narrate the above incident and advice of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in front of the blessed tomb and beseech them saying, that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has advised us to ask you to include us in the same level of Paradise as your blessed personalities. O the generous from the progeny of the most generous, it is not possible that you advise us to ask something and then do not bestow it when we seek it! Therefore, O the one whom Allah has distinguished by preferring you over all the other creation, please give us place in Paradise in your neighbourhood!

REQUESTING THE AHLE BAIT (A.S.) TO SEEK FORGIVENESS FOR US

It is narrated through authentic and correct chains of narrators from the Infallibles (a.s.), that one day the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) sat with his companions and said: “My life is good for you as well as my death.”

Companions said, “We know that your holy life is good for us, because through you we have been guided to the right path and achieved salvation from the fire of Hell. But how can your death be good for us?”

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said, “After my death, your deeds will be presented before me; and when I see your good deeds, I would pray for you that may Allah increase your Taufeeq.

And seeing your bad deeds, I will ask Allah to forgive you.”

A hypocrite said, “How would you pray for us, when your bones (Allah’s refuge) would have decayed into dust.”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “It is not so, the Almighty Allah has made my and my Ahle Bait’s flesh prohibited for the earth and our bodies do not decay in the earth.”¹⁴

Let us beseech the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the Ahle Bait (a.s.) through the above words of holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and request them to pray for us that Allah, the Almighty bestows upon us the Taufeeq to be steadfast on the Wilayat of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.), to increase the hatred of their enemies in our hearts, to serve the purified household in this period of occultation and to grant us the good fortune of their blessed visitations again and again in our lifetime.

And also request the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) to ask forgiveness for our sins from Allah, the Almighty and to remove the evil effects of the sins that we have committed from our lives and from our soul and to enlighten our fitrat by removing the filth of sins.

BLESSING US WITH VISITATION IN OUR LAST MOMENTS

Shaykh Tusi has narrated through authentic chains from Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) that a boy from Medina frequently visited the Prophet and was sometimes sent by him on errands. Sometimes the Prophet used send his letters through this boy.

When he remained absent for some days, the Prophet inquired the reason, and learning that the boy was seriously ill, went to see him with a group of companions.

It was a blessing of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that whenever he used to speak to a person who could not speak up, by the Prophet’s blessing he used to begin speaking and he definitely gave replies to the Prophet.

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) went to the boy and called out his name. The boy immediately replied: “Here I am, O Abul Qasim.” He told him to say: I witness that there is no god Except Allah, and testify that I am the messenger of Allah.

The boy looked to his father, but he didn’t say anything. Again, the Prophet urged him and again he looked at his father but he again kept quiet. The Prophet told him the third time to repeat the words. The father at last told him to do as he pleased.

He immediately repeated the creed and died. The Prophet performed the funeral rites and thanked Allah that he had saved a child from Hell.¹⁵

We request the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) to protect our faith from doubts in this world and especially to come to our aid in our last moments, so that we pass away from this world with true and correct beliefs.

SEEKING NOBLE TRAITS WHICH MAKES THEM SATISFIED WITH US

It narrated through authentic chains from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) that a group of Yemenite nobles came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and among them was a person whose speech was most eloquent, and he began to dispute with the Prophet.

The Prophet became angry, his eyes and face became red. So, he looked down for some time.

Jibraeel descended from the heavens and said: “After greetings Your Lord says that this man is generous and brave, he feeds the poor.”

The Prophet’s anger was immediately dispelled and then he said: “If Jibraeel had not informed me that you are generous and brave and that you feed the poor, so I would have given you such a punishment that it would have served as a lesson for your companions who are coming behind you.

The man asked: “Does your Lord like generosity?”. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied in the positive.

He said: “I testify to the Oneness of Allah and your Messengership, and I swear by the same God who sent you with truth that I never turned back anyone without giving something from my property.¹⁶

In the light of above incident, let us beseech the Ahle Bait (a.s.) for their aid in inculcating the above traits of generosity, bravery, feeding the poor and other desirable traits which are liked by Allah, His Messenger and the purified household of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

TAUFEEQ TO CONSIDER THE AHLE BAIT (A.S.) DEARER TO US THAN OUR OWN FAMILY

Shaykh Tabarsi has narrated that Thauban, the freed slave of the Prophet used to love the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) very much and could not bear separation from him. He came to the Prophet one day and his face was pale, body weak and thin. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked him why he was so pale? He said that he was not suffering from any illness but that till he did not see the Prophet, he used to be restless and eager and till he did not come to the Prophet, he could not get rest. Then I remember the hereafter, how I will come to the presence of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), although I know that you will get the loftiest grades of Paradise with the divine prophets. If I also reach Paradise, I will be at a much lower station than yours. And if I cannot reach Paradise, I will never be able to see you again. The following verse was revealed at that time:

وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُولٰئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ وَالصَّالِحِينَ ۚ وَحَسُنَ أُولَٰئِكَ رَفِيقًا

“And whoever obeys Allah and the Apostle, these are with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favours from among the prophets and the truthful and the martyrs and the good, and a goodly company are they!”¹⁷

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “By the One who sent with truth, no man is perfect in faith till he does not consider me dearer to him than his parents, family and all other people.”¹⁸

There are many reminders and lessons for us in this incident.

The most important is to pray to the Ahle Bait (a.s.) themselves that they inculcate in our hearts their love which is similar to the love and affection of the boy in the above incident. So that we are also unable to bear the separation from the Master of our Time, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and yearn for him like the boy in above incident and become restless and grieved like him.

Similarly, we should yearn and desire the visitation of the tombs of the Ahle Bait (a.s.). As discussed earlier, visiting them after their passing away is like visiting them in their lifetime.

Lastly, just like the man from Bani Israel who prayed to Hazrat Isa (a.s.) to remove the doubt concerning him, let us also beseech our masters, the Ahle Bait (a.s.), the blessed personality in whose presence we are, that they glance at us with an affectionate glance which increases in our hearts our love for them and that we consider the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his purified household (a.s.) dearer than ourselves and our family members.

GENEROSITY OF JANABE ZAHRA (S.A.)

INTERCEDE FOR US ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT

‘From Imam Sadiq (a.s.) , he (the narrator) said, ‘Jabir said to Imam Baqir (a.s.), ‘May I be sacrificed for you, O son of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)!

Narrate to me a Hadeeth regarding the merits of your grandmother Janabe Zahra (s.a.), when I narrate it to the Shias, they would be happy with that’.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) said, “…then when she (s.a.) comes to be at the door of the Paradise, she (s.a.) will turn around and Allah will Say: “O daughter of My Beloved! What made you turn around, and I have already commanded you to My Paradise?” She (s.a.) will say: ‘O Lord! I would love it, that my worth be known on this day’.

Allah will Say: “O daughter of My Beloved, Return! Look at the one in whose heart is any love for you, or for anyone from your offspring, grab his hand and enter him into the Paradise!”

Hazrat Imam Baqir (a.s.) said: ‘By Allah, O Jabir! On that Day, she (s.a.) will pick up her Shias and ones who love her (s.a.), just as a bird picks up the good seed from the bad ones’.

When her (s.a.) Shias come to be with her (s.a.) at the door of the Paradise, Allah would cast into their hearts that they should turn around.

Then, when they do turn around, Allah will Say: “O My Beloved ones! What made you to turn around and that Janabe Fatima (s.a.) daughter of My Beloved has already interceded regarding you all?”

They will say, ‘O Lord! We would love it, that our worth could be known on this Day!’.

Allah will Say: “O My Beloved ones! Return and look at the ones who loved you for the love of (Janabe) Fatima (s.a.)! Look at the ones who fed you for the love of (Janabe) Fatima (s.a.)! Look at the ones who clothed you for the love of (Janabe) Fatima (s.a.)! Look at the ones who quenched you a drink for the sake of the love of (Janabe) Fatima (s.a.)! Look at the one who repelled a backbite from you for the sake of the love of (Janabe) Fatima (s.a.), and grab his hand and enter him into the Paradise!

Let us beseech Janabe Zahra (s.a.) in the blessed shrine of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) through the above tradition, that she (s.a.) considers our being present in the blessed shrine of her Ahle Bait (a.s.) as our sign of love for her and her holy household (a.s.). And that for the sake of this love, she casts her merciful glance on us on the Day of Judgement and intercedes for our sins in front of Allah, the Almighty and that due to her blessed intercession we become eligible for His mercy, His Forgiveness, His Satisfaction and He makes us enter Paradise through the intercession of Janabe Zahra (s.a.) and the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.).

Let us also, pray to Janabe Zahra (s.a.) that she increases in our hearts the love of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and enmity towards her (s.a.) enemies and the enemies of her (s.a.) purified household.

THE BLESSED NECKLACE

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) quoted Jabir Ibn Abdullah Al-Ansari as saying:

“One day when we had finished the Asr prayer with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) an old Arab immigrant man, who was wearing worn-out clothes and was barely able to walk because of his old age and weakness came by. The Prophet asked the old man about his affair; the old man answered:

`O Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.), I am starving, so feed me, I am naked, so clothe me, and poor, so help me. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then said: `Surely I find nothing to give you. Yet, he who guides to goodness is equal to him who performs it. So go to the house of she who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love her. The one who prefers Allah over herself I mean Fatima (s.a.).’

Janabe Zahra’s (s.a.) house was near the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) house.

He asked Bilal to lead the man to her house.

When the old man reached the house, he cried out: `Peace be upon you, O household of prophethood, the (dwellers of the place where) angels frequently visit, where Gabriel-the holy spirit-descends to bring what the Lord of the Worlds reveals.’

Janabe Zahra (s.a.) said: `Peace be upon you; who are you?’

The old Beduin answered: `I am an old Arab man; I have immigrated to your father, The Master of mankind, from a distant place. Daughter of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), I am hungry and in need of clothing, so console me’.

When this occurred, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Ali (a.s.), and Janabe Zahra (s.a.) had not eaten for three days.

Yet, Janabe Zahra (s.a.) gave him a tanned ram skin, which was used as bed for Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.).

Then Janabe Zahra (s.a.) told the poor man: `Take this, may Allah substitute it for you by a better gift by selling it.’

The old man replied: Daughter of Mohammed, I complain to you of hunger and you give me a ram’s skin?

How can I eat with this?’

When Janabe Zahra (s.a.) heard what the old man had to say, she gave him the necklace, which was given to her by Fatima Bint Hamza Ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

The old man took the necklace and went to the Mosque to meet the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) who was sitting in the presence of his companions. He went to the Prophet and said: `Messenger of Allah, Janabe Zahra (s.a.) gave me this necklace and said: `Sell it, for Allah will grant you a solution to your problem.’

When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) heard what the man had to say, he cried and said: `Indeed, Allah will grant you a solution, for Janabe Fatima (s.a.), the Mistress of all women of the world gave you this necklace.’

Meanwhile, Ammar Ibn Yasir (a.r.) said: `Messenger of Allah, do I have your permission to buy this necklace?’

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) answered: `Buy it Ammar, surely if all of mankind and Jinn participate in buying it, Allah will not torture them in Hellfire.’

Ammar said: `How much do you want for it?’

The old Beduin said: A meal of bread and meat, a Yemeni shirt to cover my private parts and to perform my prayers in front of my Lord, and a dinar so I can return to my family.’

Ammar, who had just sold his share of booty from the battle of Khaibar, told the man: I will give you twenty (20) dinars, two hundred (200) dirhams, a Yemeni shirt, my horse to take you home, and your need of wheat bread and meat.’

The old then said: `What a generous man you are!!’

When Ammar had fulfilled his promise to the old man, the later came back to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) who said:

Are you satisfied and clothed?’

The old man said: Yes, and I have become rich; may my father and mother be your sacrifice.’

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then said: `So, reward Janabe Zahra (s.a.) for her kindness.’

The old man supplicated: `O Allah, surely You are our God whenever we ask You; `We have no other God to worship besides you; ‘You are the one who grants us beneficence in all conditions;’ `O Allah, grant Janabe Fatima (s.a.) that which no eye has ever seen, and ear has ever heard …’

During that time, Ammar had perfumed the necklace with musk wrapped it in a Yemeni shirt, and gave it to one of his slaves by the name of Sahm, who he had bought with the money that he had received for selling his share of the Khaibar booty. He told Sahm:

`Take this necklace and give it to Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and tell him that I give you to him also.’

When Sahm had delivered the message, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:

`Take the necklace to Janabe Zahra (s.a.) and I give you to her also.’ When the slave had told Janabe Zahra (s.a.) the message, she (s.a.) took the necklace and told the slave that he was free.

Upon hearing Janabe Zahra (s.a.), Sahm laughed, so Janabe Zahra (s.a.) asked him about the reason that made him laugh.

He answered: `I smiled when I thought of the abundance (barkat) of goodness put in this necklace; it fed a hungry man, clothed a naked man, satisfied a poor man, freed a slave and came back to its original owner.”

Just as the abundance of the blessed necklace, fed a hungry man, clothed a person without clothes, satisfied a poor man, freed a slave, we pray to Janabe Zahra (s.a.) and to the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) through her right, that they bestow abundance to us in this world and the Hereafter, to save us from hunger and poverty in this world, to cover our sins and seek forgiveness for ours sins and free us from vices such as greed, self-conceit, laziness, pride and other vices which the Ahle Bait (a.s.) dislike.

REQUEST TO SEEK FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SINS

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: Indeed Janabe Zahra (s.a.), daughter of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), visits one who performs the Ziyarat of the grave of her son, Imam Husain (a.s.) and seeks forgiveness for his sins.¹⁹

Let us beseech the Janabe Zahra (s.a.) in this blessed shrine to visit us in our grave and save us from the torments and sufferings of the grave through her blessed presence and to pray for forgiveness of our sins, and request her to for us that Allah, the Almighty bestows His recognition to us and the recognition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and that of the infallible Imams (a.s.) and the master of our time, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

PRAYING FOR BELIEVERS

Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his noble forefathers from Hazrat Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) that he (a.s.) said,

I saw my mother, Janabe Zahra (s.a.) standing in her prayer niche on Friday night. She did not cease to perform Ruku and Sajdah until morning was near, and I heard her (s.a.) supplicate for the believing men and the believing women, naming them and frequenting the supplications for them.²⁰

GENEROSITY OF AMEERUL MOMINEEN (A.S.)

AHLE BAIT (A.S.) SAYING AMEN TO OUR PRAYERS

The narrator said, I told His Eminence, Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.): “A tradition has reached me from Amr bin Ishaq.” He said: “Relate it.”

I said: “He came to Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) and His Eminence saw paleness in his face.”

He asked: “Why is your face so pale?” So, he explained his illness.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) told him: “We become happy due to your happiness and are aggrieved due to your grief. We become ill due to your illness and we pray for you. And when you supplicate we say: Amen.”

Amr said to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.): “I am aware of what you said, but how is it that we supplicate, and you say: Amen?”

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) replied: “It same for us whether we are present or at a distance.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Amr has reported truth.”²¹

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) makes us aware that they are aware of our supplications whether from near or far and that the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) say Amen to the supplications of their followers.

Let us pray in front of the blessed tombs of our masters for the best of the world and Hereafter. Indeed, their saying Amen to our prayers will make it worthy of being accepted in the presence of Allah, the Almighty.

SEEKING CURE FROM ALL TIMES OF PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL ILLNESS

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.):

“O Ali, Almighty Allah has bestowed you merits: among them being that He made pains and illnesses obedient to you; thus there is nothing, which you may forbid, but that by the permission of God, it becomes submissive to you and gets removed.”

His Eminence issued this statement when Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) was going to a person suffering from fever. He went and said to the fever, leave the body of this one. Immediately the fever left his body and the sick one regained health.²²

Let us pray to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) that we stand before them in front of their blessed tombs, indeed we are suffering with more severe spiritual diseases than how fever affects our physical body. We beseech them to cure us from our spiritual ailments and from diseases like laziness, procrastination, show-off, self-admiration, etc which hinder us from fulfilling our rights towards the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) and towards the master of our time, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

SEEKING THE MERCY OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.) FOR OUR TEARS

Asbagh bin Nubatah narrates: Along with some people, once I was walking behind Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).

A man from Quraish confronted Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) saying: “You killed our men, orphaned their children and did what you did!”

His Eminence glanced at him and said: “Get lost, O dog!”

Suddenly he transformed into a black dog. At that time he began to apologize and sought refuge of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), while his tears flowed.

So that magnanimous Imam had pity on him and he moved his lips. The fellow returned to his former condition.²³

With tears in our eyes, let us beseech the representative of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in whose blessed shrine we are present that they have mercy on us just like Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) had mercy on this individual even though he was rude and inimical to him.

SEEKING PROTECTION OF FAITH TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR BOUNTIES OF PARADISE

Qutub Rawandi has narrated from Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) from Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) from Imam Husain (a.s.) that he said:

“We were in the company of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). There was a dry pomegranate tree near us. Some hypocrites came to us while some loyalists and believers were also present there. Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) said:

“Today, I would show you a sign and an example of the table of food of Bani Israel, which Prophet Isa (a.s.) asked from Almighty Allah.”

Then he said: “Look at this dried tree.” When we looked, we saw wetness of water start to flow in the dried shoots and it became green and pomegranates grew up on it. Imam (a.s.) said to his friends: “You can eat from it.”

Imam Husain (a.s.) says: “We recited: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful and ate. We had never consumed such sweet and delicious pomegranates.”

His Eminence said to our enemies: “Stretch out your hands and eat it.” They stretched out their hands to pluck the fruits, but the branches went up and they were unable to take the fruits. They said: “O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) why these people were able and we are unable to eat?”

He replied: “It is as such in Paradise also. None would reach the bounties of Paradise, except our loyalists and none would be removed from there, except our enemies.”²⁴

Indeed, salvation in Hereafter and bounties of Paradise are only for those who remain steadfast on the Wilayat of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) and bear enmity from their enemies and this is complete faith. Even an iota of sympathy for their wretched enemies will lead us to perdition in Hereafter. We beseech the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) that they keep us steadfast on the path of their Wilayat and enmity with their enemies and increases for us, our faith in them and make us more acquainted with their virtues, excellences, and recognition.

SPEAK OUT ALL THAT IS IN OUR HEARTS IN FRONT OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

Haarith says: One night I was engaged in conversation with Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) As we talked, I said to him, I am in need of something.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) said: O Haarith! Do you regard me worthy of informing me of your need?

I replied in the affirmative.

When he heard this, the Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) suddenly rose from his place and extinguished the lamp; then, with great affection and compassion he sat down beside me and said:

Do you know why I have extinguished the lamp? I have done this so that you can speak out all that is there in your heart without any kind of formality, and that I do not see the embarrassment upon your face. Now speak out all that you desire to say.”²⁵

The above incident highlights the fatherly love that Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) have for their lovers and followers. An Imam is like a benevolent father, kind brother, close friend and like a loving mother towards her small child. We should not hesitate to pour our hearts out in front of our masters and to share our problems and concerns with them. Be it big or small, related to the world or Hereafter, be it our personal life, social life or professional life, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) advised us to speak to them freely. Indeed, our conversing with them will not only strengthen our bond and relationship with the holy household of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) but these blessed personalities have all power to elevate and remove these problems from our lives.

REQUESTING THE AHLE BAIT (A.S.) TO PRAY FOR MERCY AT OUR FUNERAL

Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) has narrated from his ancestors that when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was invited for the funeral prayer of Baraa, he asked: Where is Ali? The companions replied: He has gone to Quba for some errand for a Muslim.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) sat down and did not offer Prayer. The companions asked about the reason of doing so. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied: My Lord has asked me to delay the prayer till Ali arrives and forgives Baraa for uttering some words, which he had uttered addressing him in the presence of His Prophet, and thereby Allah may make Baraa’s death an expiation of his misdeed. A person present at the time of Baraa’s talk with Ali (a.s.) said: Baraa was merely joking and not talking seriously and truly from his heart.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Had his words been seriously true, Allah would have nullified his deeds even if it were equal to donating in the path of Allah, gold and silver enough to fill the space between earth and sky. But it was mere witticism and Ali (a.s.) has forgiven him. Yet I want that none of you should imagine that Ali (a.s.) is angry with him. Therefore he may again appear and forgive him front of you, so that the latter’s nearness to Allah may enhance.

In the meantime, Ali (a.s.) came up there, stood in front of the body (of Baraa) and said: O Baraa! May Allah have mercy on you. You were fasting numerously and offering Prayer frequently and you died in the path of Allah.

Thereafter the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Had there ever been any dead person who had become needless of the burial prayer led by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), he would have been Baraa, because Ali (a.s.) has prayed in his favor. Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stood in front of Baraa’s body and offered the funeral prayer and the burial was finalized.

When the group returned from the graveyard and sat for condolence the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) remarked: O heirs and friends of the late Baraa, you are deserving congratulation more than condolence because your master went, for the sake of Baraa, from the first to the seventh sky and from the Kursi to the Arsh and took the soul of Baraa covered in curtains and made it enter Paradise.

All treasurers of Paradise came out to welcome him and the Houries looked at him from their apartments and all of them talked with him that which is known only to Allah (what they said). O soul of Baraa, glad tidings to you for the Prophet of Allah remained in wait for your sake, so that Ali may arrive and pray in your favor. Know that upholders of Arsh have on behalf of Almighty Allah, informed us that He says: My servant and O one who died in My faith, had your sins been as many as pebbles on the earth, particles of dust, drops of rain, leaves of trees, hair of animals and their looks and breaths and movements and stops, I would have pardoned them all because of Ali’s prayer in your favor.²⁶

SEEKING HELP TO REPAY OUR DEBT TO IMAME ZAMAN (A.T.F.S.)

It is mentioned in Tafsir Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) turned towards his companions and asked: Has anyone of you today given any benefit to your believer brother employing your rank?

Ali (a.s.) replied: O Allah’s Messenger! I have done so.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Describe the event. Ali (a.s.) said: Today I happened to pass by Ammar Yasir who was apprehended by a Jew, who had loaned him thirty Dirhams. Ammar complained to me: Dear brother of Allah’s Messenger! This Jew has apprehended me only to harass and disgrace me and that too only because I befriend you, Ahle Bayt (a.s.).

Kindly use your rank and position and get me released. I intended to request that Jew to favor Ammar with kindness, but Ammar (r.a.) spoke up: Dear brother of Allah’s Messenger! Your honor in my eyes and heart is much more than that you make recommendation to him, who would never reject your word, even if you ask him to give feast to the whole world.

Please just request Almighty Allah to help me to return his money and protect me from seeking loans in future. So, I raised my hands to the sky and prayed: O Allah! Please fulfill Ammar’s need. Thereafter I said to him: Pick up any stone or brick in front of you from the ground and it will turn into gold by Allah for you. So, he picked up a stone weighing a few kilograms. It became gold in his hands. Then he asked the Jew: How much do I owe you?

He replied: Thirty dirhams. He was asked how much in gold coins? He replied: Three Dinars. Ammar (r.a.) prayed to Allah Almighty: O Lord! Kindly make this gold soft so that I may slice it off and give to this Jew. Allah softened the metal. He took off three Mithqal gold and gave it to that Jew.

Then looking at the remaining gold, I don’t wish to be that wealthy.

Therefore, O Allah: for the sake of one, for whom You made this stone, gold, please return it to its original form. So, it became a stone and Ammar (r.a.) threw it away and exclaimed: O dear-most brother of Allah’s Messenger! Your friendship in this world and Hereafter is enough for me.²⁷

In the light of above incident, let us beseech the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and seek their help and favor in repaying our debts to the master of the age, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s).

GENEROSITY OF IMAM HASAN (A.S.)

HELP IN MEMORIZING THE TRADITIONS OF THE AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

A poor man went to him. The poor man complained to him of his condition. On that day, the Imam had no money. He found the affair difficult and felt shy of refusing the request of the poor man. He (a.s) said:

“Most surely I will guide you to something from which you will get good.”

“What is it, O son of Allah’s Apostle?” asked the poor man. He (a.s) said: “Go to the Caliph. His daughter has died and he has showed sorrow at her death. He has never heard an eloquent consolation from anyone.

Therefore, condole him with these words, and you will get good from him.” “O son of Allah’s Apostle,” retorted the poor man, “make me memorize them.”

The Imam (a.s) said: “Say to him: ‘Praise belongs to Allah, who has covered her through your sitting by her grave and not violated her through her sitting by your grave.”

The poor man memorized these words and went to the Caliph. He condoled him with these words.

The Caliph became happy, so he ordered a gift to be given to the poor man. Then he asked him, do these words belong to you? No, they belong to Imam Hasan (a.s.).

You are right, for he is the origin of eloquence. Then he ordered another gift to be given to him.²⁸

Just as the man in this incident asked help from Imam Hasan (a.s.) to help him memorize the poetry, we should also seek help from Imam (a.s.) to help us memorize their traditions and their teachings.

The words of Ahle Bait (a.s.) are light (noor), if we are able to adorn ourselves by memorizing their traditions and being inclined to their teachings and guidance, indeed we will be able to secure the best of the world and the Hereafter.

OUR GIVING IS FRESH

One day, a Bedouin came in the presence of Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam (a.s) said to his slave, “Give him what is in the strongbox.”

Ten thousand dirhams were in the strongbox.

The Bedouin asked him: “O my master, why have you not let me mention my need and spread my praise?” The Imam answered him:

1. We are people whose bestowal is having freshness so that people and hopeful ones may get enjoyment from them.

2. We give before we are asked. So that the dignity of the seeker is not reduced.

3. If the sea comes to know our overflowing generosity, it will feel ashamed of its gushing waves.²⁹

We should recite these couplets recited by Hazrat Imam Hasan (a.s.) in front of the tombs of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and beseech them by their generosity and giving nature as expressed by Imam (a.s.) in this couplet.

Indeed, the bestowal from the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) will be much more grandeur and magnificent than what we can ever imagine.

SEEKING DELIGHT FROM AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) overlooked those who mistreated him and he kindly treated them. He had a sheep. One day he came to know that the sheep’s leg was broken.

He (a.s) asked his servant: Who has done that?

He replied, I.

Imam (a.s.) asked him, Why have you done that?

He retorted, to grieve you!

The Imam (a.s) smiled and said to him: “I will delight you!”

He set him free and gave him many gifts.³⁰

Surely, we have aggrieved the master of the age, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) through our sins. Let us beseech the Ahle Bait (a.s.) through the generosity shown by Imam Hasan (a.s.) in the above incident, that even though we have grieved them and let them down due through our sins, we still hope that they will overlook our faults, pray for our forgiveness and delight us with their grace in this world and the Hereafter.

AHLE BAIT (A.S.) RECOMPENSATE OUR SACRIFICE FOR THEM

Imam Hasan (a.s), his brother al-Husain (a.s), and their cousin Abdullah bin Jafar went to the Sacred House of Allah (the Kaaba). On their way to Mecca, they became hungry and thirsty. Their luggage had preceded them (with the caravan). They went to a house in the desert. When they reached the house, they found none there except an old woman. They asked her for food and water. The woman responded to them out of her generous soul, saying: “Yes.”

The old woman had nothing except a sheep. She brought the sheep with her own hand and said to them: “Take this sheep. Milk it and drink the milk!” When they did that, the old woman said to them: “I appeal to you to slaughter the sheep. I am going to prepare some firewood, that you may grill it.”

They did that, and the old woman prepared the wood. After they had had the food, they decided to depart and introduce themselves to the old woman, that they might reward her for her favour when they came home. They said to her: “O servant of Allah, we are some people from Quraysh. We are going to make the pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah. When we safely come back, come to us, that we may reward you for this favour.”

Then they went away. When the sun went down, the old woman’s husband came as usual. The old woman told him about the story, and he became angry for they had nothing except that sheep. As a result, he said to her: “Woe unto you! Why did you ordered the sheep to be slaughtered for some people whom you had not known? Then you say that they are from Quraysh!”

The time passed. One year passed, and another one came. A strong crisis befell the desert. The sky had prevented its rain from coming down, to the extent that the sources of livelihood were over. Accordingly, the old woman and her husband left the desert and resided in Medina. They could find no work to live with except collecting dung from streets and roads. They adopted that as a job. One day, while they were practicing their work, Imam Hasan (a.s.) saw the old woman and recognized her. It was time for him to reward her for her favour.

He (a.s) ordered his servants to bring her. When she stood before him, he (a.s) asked her: have you recognized me, O servant of Allah?

She replied, No.

Imam (a.s.) said, I was among your guests on the year so-and-so!

She still could not recollect and replied, I have not recognized you!

Imam (a.s.) said, even if you have not recognized me, I have recognized you.

Then Imam Hasan (a.s.) ordered his servants to buy her a thousand sheep and give a thousand dinars to her. He (a.s.) ordered one of his servants to take her to his brother Imam Husain (a.s.) and to make him recognize her.

The servant took her. When she came in, Imam Husain (a.s) recognized her. He asked the servant: “How much did my brother give to her?”

The servant told him about his brother’s giving, and he (a.s) gave her money equal to that which his brother had given to her. Then Imam Husain (a.s.) sent the old woman to Abdullah bin Jafar.

When she came in front of him, he ordered a thousand sheep and a thousand dinars to be given to her. The old woman took all those things and went away. Her condition changed from abject poverty into riches and wealth.³¹

We see in this incident that the old woman sacrificed everything she possessed in the service of Ahle Bait (a.s.). Then, when she was in need, Imam Hasan (a.s.) himself recognized her and compensated her for the service that she had done to them.

Indeed, if we sacrifice our time and money for the service of Ahle Bait (a.s.) and the master of the times, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f..s), just like his noble grandfather, Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.) will also recognize us on the Day of Judgement, when we would be terrified and without a helper or supporter and will surely help us and save us from the difficulties of the Great Day.

By the right of Hazrat Imam Hasan (a.s.) let us beseech Allah, the Almighty and the holy and purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) to bestow upon us the good fortune to their service in this world in the best possible manner and instil in us the spirit of sacrifice like the old woman in this incident.

GENEROSITY OF IMAM HUSAIN (A.S.)

FORGIVENESS OF JANABE HUR (A.S)

On the Day of Aashoor, Janabe Hur (a.s.) remained in a state of internal turmoil for quite some time, he paid heed to his conscience and moved towards the camp of Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.).

He waved a truce so that the companions of Imam Husain (a.s.) do not take him to be an attacker. It is narrated that Janabe Hur (a.s) overturned his shield in order to signal that he was not coming to fight but to take refuge.

The first personality to come before him was Imam Husain (a.s.). He was standing outside the camp of his family members.

Janabe Hur (a.s.) came near and said; ‘‘Peace be upon you, O Aba Abdillah!” and then said: “Master! I am a sinner. I was the first to commit the crime of blocking your way.”

Then Hur (a.s.) prayed to the Almighty God: “O Lord! Forgive my sins. I terrorized the hearts of your friends and intimidated them.”

“Master! I have repented for my sins. The blackness of my face cannot be washed off with anything except my blood. I have come to you to repent after seeking your permission. However. Master! First tell me whether my repentance can be accepted?”

Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.) replied: “Indeed your repentance will be accepted. How can your repentance not be accepted? Has the door of divine mercy ever closed for any repentant? Never!”³²

Let us beseech Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.) in his shrine through this incident and ask him to welcome us in his blessed presence despite our sins and our shortcomings and to forgive our mistakes and overlook our faults and to seek forgiveness for us in the presence of Allah, the Almighty and to give us the good fortune to serve the one who will avenge his blood, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

TO RUB OURSELVES AGAINST THE ZARI OF THE AHLE BAIT (A.S)

Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: When Imam Husain (a.s.) was born, Allah ordered Jibraeel to descend to the earth with a thousand angels to congratulate Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) on behalf of Allah and himself.

On his way, Jibraeel descended on an island where an angel, Fitrus lived. Fitrus was a carrier of the Throne. Once he had delayed carrying out an order of Allah so his wings were broken and he was thrown on this island. He continued worshipping Allah on that island for six hundred years, after which Imam Husain (a.s.) was born.

Fitrus asked Jibraeel, “Where are you going?”

“Allah has blessed His Eminence, Mohammad (s.a.w.s.) with a blessing and I have been sent to congratulate him on behalf of Allah and myself.”

“Please Jibraeel! Take me with you. Perhaps the Prophet will intercede for me.”

So Jibraeel carried Fitrus and when they arrived, Jibraeel congratulated the Prophet on behalf of Allah and himself, and then informed him about Fitrus. Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told Jibraeel to bring Fitrus inside.

After Fitrus was brought inside, he informed the Prophet of his situation, who prayed for him and said, “Rub your wings against the cradle of the new born child and you will revert to your original position.”

Fitrus rubbed his wings on the cradle of Imam Husain (a.s.) and began ascending the heavens.

Just as Fitrus rubbed his wings on the cradle of Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.) let us rub ourselves against the blessed Zari of Imam Husain (a.s.) and the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and ask them for guidance, help, recognition and forgiveness.

BESTOWAL FOR TEACHING THE HOLY QURAN

It is reported that Abdul Rahman Aslami taught Surah Al-Hamd to a son of Imam Husain (a.s.).

When he brought the child to his father and made him recite the Surah the Imam was very pleased and gave the teacher a thousand dinars, a thousand garments and gave him gems. Someone asked the Imam the reason of such generosity.

Imam (a.s.) replied, where does this equate to his giving?’ – meaning his teaching.³³

Let us beseech Imam Husain (a.s.) and his noble forefathers and children whom we are visiting that they bestow upon us the good fortune to acquire religious knowledge and the learn the teachings of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and that we get the good fortune to teach it to others. And as a gift for passing the knowledge to others, may they bestow us with increase in their recognition, more good fortune to acquire religious knowledge and to act on it and teach it to others.

CAPACITY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR EXCELLENT VIRTUES

Abdul Aziz bin Kathir says that some people approached Imam Husain (a.s.) and asked him to narrate his excellent traits.

“You will not be able to bear them,” said the Imam.

But those people insisted, so he said, “One of you stay with me and I will tell him about my merits; if he is able to bear those things, I would divulge them to the others also.”

A man came to the Imam; the latter took him away a little distance and mentioned to him a few facts about his lofty position of effulgence. That man could not bear it; he lost his sanity and began to scream.³⁴

In the blessed shrines of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) let us beg these great personalities to bestow upon us their recognition and also give us the capacity to understand and accept their high stature, position and merits and pray to the blessed Ahle Bait (a.s.) to protect us from even an iota of doubt concerning their excellences, superiority and miracles and that they keep us steadfast on their Wilayat and Baraa’at from their enemies till our last breath.

GENEROSITY OF IMAM ZAINUL ABIDEEN (A.S.)

KINDNESS OF IMAM (a.s.)

Once, a relative of Imam Sajjad (a.s.) approached the Imam (a.s.) and began to revile and insult him.

The Imam (a.s.) did not utter a word in reply but, after the man had left the gathering, he turned to the people around him and said:

“You heard what this man said. Now I want you to accompany me and hear what I have to say in response to his abuses and insults.”

The companions complied, “We shall surely accompany you; in fact we had hoped that you would reply to him at that very moment.”

The Imam (a.s.) set off towards the person’s house and was heard reciting the following Quranic verse:

And who restrain (their) anger, and forgive (the faults of) men; for God loves those who do good (to others).³⁵

The narrator says: “When we heard the recitation of this verse, we realized that the Imam (a.s.) intended to exhibit goodness towards the person who had just insulted him.”

When he reached the person’s house, the Imam (a.s.) called out to him and announced his arrival. On seeing the Imam, the person immediately assumed that he had come to respond to his abuses. However, as soon as the Imam (a.s.) saw the man, he said, “O’ Brother! You came to me and uttered things which were appalling and unpleasant. If what you have attributed to me is true, I seek forgiveness for myself from God, but if it is not so, then I pray that God forgives you.”

The man was shocked to hear these words and repented. He kissed Imam Sajjad (a.s.) between the eyes and apologised, saying: “My insults and abuse were unfounded and cannot be attributed to your character. In fact, those insults befit me more than you.”³⁶

When we are blessed with the good fortune of visitation of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.), let us recite this same verse from the holy Quran when we stand in front of their tombs and request them to seek forgiveness for us and do good to us despite our sins and shortcomings, for Indeed Allah loves those who do good.

الَّذينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَ الضَّرَّاءِ وَ الْكاظِمينَ الْغَيْظَ وَ الْعافينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَ اللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنينَ

Those who spend (of that which Allah has bestowed them) in ease and in hardship, those who control their anger and who forgive the people, And Allah loves those who do good.³⁷

REPAYING LOAN

One day, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) visited Mohammad Ibn Usaamah, who was sick. The Imam (a.s.) observed that he was weeping and so asked: How do you feel?

Ibn Usaamah replied: I am in debt (and I am worried about its repayment). The Imam (a.s.) enquired: How much is your debt? Fifteen thousand dinars, he replied, upon which the Imam (a.s.) declared: I shall pay off your debt (and he paid it off).³⁸

Just as the man in the above incident was weeping in front of Imam (a.s.), we should also cry, shed tears in front of the tombs of our Imams (a.s.) and present our worldly problems to them and also seek cure from them for our spiritual ailments.

INTERCEDE IN FRONT OF ANGEL OF DEATH

A believer from the elders of Balkh got the good fortune (Taufeeq) to perform Hajj and Ziyarat of Medina for many years; and every year, when he went there he took gifts and presents for Imam Sajjad (a.s.), learnt religious laws from him and then returned to his country.

One year, when he returned, his wife asked: “Does the Imam not give you anything in return for these gifts you take for him?” That believer replied: “This honorable person, for whom I take presents is the owner of the world and the hereafter and whatever is with the people is also under his discretion. Because the Caliph of the Lord, the Divine Proof on people and the son of the Prophet is the leader of everyone.” When the wife heard this, she fell silent.

The following year, that believer made preparations for Hajj and performed Hajj and Ziyarat of Medina. He came to meet Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) and sought permission to enter. He entered and kissed the Imam’s hand. Food was laid. Imam commanded him to eat. After the dinner, pail and jug (Ibreeq) was brought for washing the hands.

The Balkhi believer wanted to pour water over the hands of the Imam. His Eminence said: “You are my guest and you want to wash my hands?”

He said: “I wish to serve you.” Imam (a.s.) said: “Though you like to do this, by Allah, I also wish to show that which would please you much.”

The Balkhi man poured water on the hands of the Imam till one-third of the pail was filled. Imam (a.s.) asked: “What do you see in the pail?” He replied: “Water.” His Eminence asked: “There are red rubies.”

When he looked carefully, he saw that water had turned into red rubies.

After that Imam (a.s.) asked him to pour more water. He poured some more water on the hands of the Imam till two-thirds of the pail was full.

His Eminence asked: “What is there?” He replied: “Water.” This time, through the intention of the Imam it changed into green emeralds.

Once more Imam (a.s.) said: “Pour water.” He poured till the whole pail was full. And this time the water changed into white pearls. The pail was filled with rubies, emeralds and pearls.

That man was highly amazed, and he kissed the hands of the Imam. His Eminence said: “Take these gems to your wife in return of the gifts, which you have presented us, and express regret from our side.”

When Balkhi man returned and brought those jewels for his wife, she prostrated in thanks and adjured her husband to take her as well for Hajj the following year. When the Hajj season arrived, the wife set out with her husband, but fell ill on the way and died near Medina.

The man from Balkh placed the body of his wife in his tent and weeping and wailing rushed to Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and narrated the happenings. His Eminence prayed two units of ritual prayer and supplicated. Then he said: “Go back to your wife, as Almighty Allah has returned her to life through His power and wisdom.”

That man hastened to his tent and indeed found her alive and in health.

He asked: “How did Almighty Allah bring you back to life?” she replied: “The angel of death arrived and captured my soul; but suddenly a gentleman with the following characteristics came – to every quality that she mentioned, her husband responded that it is the quality of my master, Ali bin Husain (a.s.).

The wife continued: “When the angel of death noticed the master, he kissed the Imam’s feet and said with utmost respect: “Peace be on you, O Proof of Allah on His earth, peace be on you, O ornament of the pious (Zainul Abideen),” and received the reply to that.

The Imam told him: “Return the soul of this woman to her body. She was intending to perform my Ziyarat and I supplicated my Lord to give her additional good life of thirty years.”

The angel of death said: “O beloved of the Lord, I am obedient to you.”

Then he returned my soul to my body.

After that the Balkhi and his wife set out for Medina. When they met Imam (a.s.), the wife said: “By God, this is the same master, who ordered the angel of death to return my soul. This wife and husband visited the Imam many times after that till they passed away.³⁹

Through the above incident let us beseech the Ahle Bait (a.s.) that they give us the good fortune to make them happy and present good gifts to them in the form of good deeds and morals and that they help us at the time of our death by making death and the stages after that easy for us and by been our helpers in these dreadful stages.

GENEROSITY OF IMAM BAQIR (A.S.)

NAZRE INAYAT ON MOHD BIN MUSLIM (A.R.)

Mohammad bin Muslim said: Once I went to Medina while I was ill and people informed Imam Baqir (a.s.) that I was ill. Imam Baqir (a.s.) sent a servant to me with a drink covered with a handkerchief.

The servant gave me the drink and said, “Drink it now as he has ordered me not to return until you do so.”

Then, I drank it immediately. It smelled like musk and was cold and tasty. After I finished, the servant said, “Your master has ordered you to go and meet him as soon as you finish the drink.”

I thought about what he said and the fact that I couldn’t even stand on my legs before it. But as soon as the drink entered my body, I was energized, and my cramp was relieved. I went to the Imam (a.s.) and sought permission to enter.

Imam (a.s.) raised his voice and said, “Enter, O healthy one!” I entered weeping; saluted him and kissed his hand and head.

Imam (a.s.) asked, “O Mohammad! Why are you weeping?”

I replied, “May I be sacrificed on you! I cry for the loneliness of living so far from you and for not having the ability to live besides you, so that I can look at you.”

Imam (a.s.) said: As for the lack of ability, this is what Allah has willed for our friends and those who love us, and the afflictions befall them quickly in this life.

As for loneliness, indeed believers are lonely in this life among this deviated creation until they leave it and go towards the Mercy of Allah.⁴⁰

SEEKING BESTOWAL OF KNOWLEDGE FROM IMAM

Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates, ‘Few people came to see my father. They asked him, ‘What is a limit of the Imam?’

He (a.s.) replied: ‘His limit is mighty. Whenever you enter to see him, then honour him and revere him, and believe in whatever He comes with from anything, and upon him is that he should be guiding you all, and in him is a characteristic, that whenever you come to see him, you should be able upon stop his eyes from being filled up (with tears) out of honour and prestige, because Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was like that, the Imam is like that as well.’

He (the narrator) said, ‘Does he (the Imam) recognise his Shias?’

He (a.s.) confirmed: ‘Yes, the moment he sees them’. They said, ‘We are from your Shias’. He (a.s.) replied: ‘Yes, all of you!’ They said, ‘Inform us with a sign of that’. He said: ‘I can inform you all with your names and names of your fathers and your tribes’. They said, ‘Inform us’. So, he informed them…

Imam Baqir (a.s.) then said, ‘We tend to give our Shias from our knowledge, to one we so desire to’.⁴¹

KINDNESS OF IMAM

Abdullah ibn Ataa Al Makki narrates, ‘I yearned to see Imam Baqir (a.s.) while I was in Makkah.

I went Medina, out of the longing to see him. I was hit by rain and severe cold.

I reached his door in the middle of the night.

I thought that I should not disturb him and awaken him at this time and shall wait till morning.

While I was thinking this, I heard him (a.s.) say: ‘O maid! Open the door for the son of Ataa, for he has been afflicted with severe cold in this night!’

She came and opened the door, and I entered the home to see him’’.⁴²

SEEKING REFUGE IN IMAM

Imam Sadiq (a.s.), narrates that, ‘Imam Baqir (a.s.) passed by Al-Hajeen, and with him was Abu Umayya Al-Ansari, his co-traveller in his carriage. When they were in the carriage, Abu Umayya al-Ansari saw a pigeon at the side of the carriage. Abu Umayya raised his hand to ward it away.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) stopped him and said, ‘O Abu Umayya! This bird has come to seek shelter with the People of the Household. I supplicated to Allah, the Almighty to turn away the snake from it, which used to come every year to eat its chicks’’.⁴³

GENEROSITY OF IMAM SADIQ (A.S.)

CALLING IMAM IN TIMES OF DISTRESS

In Bihar al Anwar it is quoted from Manaqib from Dawood Riqqi that he said:

“Two of my brothers decided to travel for performing Ziyarat. One of them was overwhelmed by thirst so much that he fell down from his mount and the other one also fell on his hands. But he got up from his place and recited the prayer and sought the help of Almighty Allah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the Imams (a.s.).

He uttered their names one by one till he came to the name of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) (a.s.), and he began to beseech and call out for His Eminence. Suddenly he decried a man standing beside him and asking:

‘What’s the problem?’ He related his circumstances to that gentleman. That person gave him a piece of wood and said: ‘Keep it between his (fellow traveler’s) lips.’ He complied with this and once he saw him open his eyes and sit up without feeling any thirst. They continued their journey and performed the Ziyarat of the holy tomb.

And when they returned towards Kufa the one who had supplicated, travelled to Medina and went to Imam Sadiq (a.s.). His Eminence asked: ‘Sit down, how is your brother? Where is that (piece of) wood?’ I politely replied: ‘O master, when my brother fell down in that condition I was extremely distraught and when the Almighty Allah returned his soul, due to being overjoyed I forgot the (piece of) wood.’

His Eminence, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: ‘When you were depressed by the condition of your brother, my brother, Khizr came to me. I sent you the piece of Tooba tree wood with him.’ After that His Eminence turned to his servant and said: ‘Go and bring that container.’ The servant went and brought it. His Eminence opened it and that same piece of wood came out. He showed it to that person who recognized it. Then the Imam returned it to its place.⁴⁴

PROTECTION IN THE WORLD

Incident of a slave named Rafid is well known. Rafid’s master, Ali bin Hubaira Shaami was infuriated and wanted to eliminate him. So, Rafid fled and sought refuge with Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.). His Eminence said:

“Go back to your master, convey my greetings to him and say: I have entrusted Rafid to you. So don’t punish him and he should not come to any harm.”

He said: “May I be sacrificed on you; he is a wicked man from Shaam.” His Eminence said: “Go, and tell him what I have told you and do not fear.” So, Rafid returned to his master.

On the way, he met an Arab, who asked Rafid: “Where are you going? I see your hands and face as those of a dead person.” When he saw his tongue, he said: “By God, I see on your tongue a message that if you convey it to the mountains of the world, they will become obedient to you.”

Rafid says: When I came to my master, he first tied up my shoulders and issued orders for my killing. I said: “I have come to you of my own accord, and I have a message for you. You can do whatever you like after listening to it. Send away all the people, so that I may convey the message in private.” He ordered them to go out and when they were alone, he conveyed the message of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.).

That message affected him so much that he ordered my hands to be freed, and said: “I will not be satisfied till you tie my hands just as I had tied up yours.” I asked: “How can I do that?” He replied: “By Allah, my heart would not be at rest till you do that.” I complied with his request. Then he gave his finger ring to me and said: “You have my authority; you can do order whatever you like.⁴⁵

MAKE US ACQUAINTED WITH THEIR MERITS AND FAZAIL

Ibne Shahr Ashob has narrated from Dawood Neeli that he said:

I went for Hajj in the company of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.). On the way, the time of Noon Prayer arrived. Imam (a.s.) said: “Dawood, move out of my way, so that I may prepare for the ritual prayer.” I said: “May I be sacrificed on you, how would you prepare for ritual prayer in this dry desert?”

He replied: “Keep quiet and don’t interfere in this matter.”

So, I left the way and reached a dry piece of land. His Eminence hit his foot on the ground. Cool water gushed out from there. I and His Eminence performed ablution and prayed the ritual prayer.

There was a dried up date tree drooping on the ground. While walking the Imam asked: “Dawood, would you like to have some dates?” “Yes,” I said. I saw him hit his hand on the tree and shake it. He brought out dates from it and gave me to eat. Then he hit his blessed hand upon and said: “Revert to your previous condition.” The tree assumed its former condition.⁴⁶

REQUEST MALIK AL MAUT TO BE KIND WITH US

Safwan bin Yahya narrates that Abdi said:

My wife said: It is a long time since we visited Imam Sadiq (a.s.). We must go for Hajj this year and visit Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) as well. I said: By God, I have no means of traveling for Hajj. But my wife said: Sell my garments, gold and jewels to fund the journey.

I did that and we set out for Mecca. When we reached near Medina, my wife fell seriously ill; in such a way that she was on the verge of death, and I lost all hopes for her survival.

When we entered Medina, I left her alone and having lost all hope that she would live, came to Imam Sadiq (a.s.). His Eminence was wearing two coloured garments. I greeted the Imam and narrated our condition.

Imam (a.s.) said: “Are you aggrieved because of this?”

“Yes,” I replied.

Imam (a.s.) said: “I have supplicated and she has regained health. Go back and you would find her sitting, while your slave girl is giving her Tabarzad sugar. I returned immediately to find what the Imam had predicted. I asked the wife what she had gone through. She said: “Almighty Allah has bestowed health to me.” I said: I made haste to meet you to narrate a matter and I explained the incident between me and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.).

She said: When you went away, I saw myself on the verge of death. A man came in two coloured garments and asked about my condition. I said: “I am on the verge of death and the angel of death has arrived to capture my soul.”

He said: “O angel of death.” He replied: “Here I am, O rightful Imam.

Imam (a.s.) said: “Are you not commanded to obey me?”

“Yes, “ he replied.

Imam (a.s.) said: “I command you to delay capturing her soul for twenty years.” He said: “I obey.” Then that master went out along with the angel of death and I regained health.⁴⁷

GUARANTEE FOR PARADISE

‘Ali Ibn Hamzah relates: “I had a young friend who worked as a scribe within the Bani Umayyah administration.

Once, he asked me to arrange an appointment for him to meet Imam Sadiq (a.s.). I sought permission from the Imam (a.s.) and he agreed to meet the man. At the appointed time, my friend and I arrived in the Imam’s (a.s.) presence.

My friend greeted the Imam (a.s.), sat down and said:

“May I be made your ransom! I had occupied a position in the Ministry of Treasury of the Bani Umayyah and have managed to acquire great wealth, although I have committed some crimes too!”

“If the Bani Umayyah did not have people like you to collect taxes for them and accompany them in their battles, they could not have usurped our rights,” said Imam Sadiq (a.s.).

“Does there exist a way for my salvation?” pleaded the youth.

The Imam (a.s.) asked: “If I tell you, would you act upon it?”

The youth replied in the affirmative.

“From the possessions that remain with you, return those whose owners are known to you, and as for those things for which the owners are unknown to you, give them off in charity on behalf of their owners.

In exchange for this act, I shall guarantee you Paradise!” said Imam (a.s.).

Lowering his head, the youth responded after a long deliberation: “May I be made your ransom! I shall do as instructed by you.”

‘Ali Ibn Hamzah says: We got up and proceeded towards Kufah. There, my friend divested himself of all his possessions - even his clothes - either returning them to their owners or giving them to charity. I collected some money from my friends to purchase some clothes for him and I used to send him money for his expenses.

A few months after this incident, he fell ill and we used to visit him regularly during his sickness. One day, when I paid him a visit, I found him on the verge of dying. Opening his eyes, he said to me: “O’ ‘Ali!

The Imam (a.s.) has fulfilled his promise.” Then he departed from the world. We performed the ablutions, shrouded his body and finally buried him.

Sometime later, I visited the Imam (a.s.). As soon as his eyes fell upon me, he said: “O’ ‘Ali! I have fulfilled my promise to your friend.”

“May I be made your ransom! It is as you say. He too mentioned it (the guarantee of Paradise) to me before his death”.⁴⁸

IMAM (A.S.) PROVIDING FOR HIS SHIAS

Mu’alla Ibn Khunais narrates: “One rainy night Imam Sadiq (a.s) started out from his house with the intention of proceeding towards the tent of the tribe of Bani Saidah (under which they used to gather in the heat of the day, while it would be utilized as a sleeping place by the travellers and the indigent ones, during the night).

I followed the Imam (a.s) when I noticed that something had suddenly fallen out of his hands. He (a.s) supplicated: “O’ Allah! Return to me that which has fallen.” I advanced nearer and saluted him at which he questioned: “Mu’alla?” I said: “Yes. May I be made your ransom!” The Imam (a.s) said to me: “Move your hand over the ground and hand over to me whatever you happen to find.”

As I moved my hand over the ground I found some pieces of bread scattered around; gathering them all, which eventually became a sack-full, I handed them to him (a.s) and said: “May I be made your ransom. Allow me to carry the sack upon my back.” He (a.s) said: “No. I am more deserving of carrying the sack, but yes, I do permit you to accompany me.”

Thus, together with the Imam (a.s), I reached the tent of Bani Saidah, where a group of poor people lay asleep. The Imam (a.s) began placing one or two pieces of bread below their garments till all the pieces of bread were used up.

As we turned back, I said to him: “May I be made your ransom! Are they Shiites?” The Imam (a.s) replied:

Had they been Shiites, I would have provided them with all that they needed - even their salt.”⁴⁹

SERVICE OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

It is related that Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) had a slave. Wherever the Imam went, he accompanied him. And when Imam (a.s.) went to the mosque, he would look after his mule. One day the slave was sitting at the entrance of the mosque holding the mule, when there came some travellers from Khurasan.

One of them said, “O slave! Will you plead to your master Imam Sadiq (a.s.) to accept me as his slave in your stead, and we shall surely pay you for this.”

The slave replied, “Yes I shall plead for you and talk to my master.” He then went to the presence of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) and said, “O Master! May my life be your ransom. You are well aware of my services to you. If ever Allah gives me an opportunity of acquiring wealth, will you stop me from it?”

Imam (a.s.) said, “I myself will give you that much wealth, but will not let you ask from anyone else.”

The slave then narrated the conversation he had with the travellers from Khurasan.

Imam (a.s.) heard it and said, “If you do not like living with me, I give you liberty to go, and accept him in your stead.”

After hearing these words, the slave turned and started going.

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) called him back and said, “In exchange of your services, I would like to counsel you, which will benefit you. When the day of Qiyamat comes, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) will be connected to Allah by his light. And Ali (a.s.) will be joined together with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), and we (the Aimmah) will be attached to him (Ali (a.s.)), and our Shias in turn will be attached to us. Wherever we go, our Shias will be alongside us.”

When the slave heard this, he said, “O Master! I will never leave you and go and will not prefer this world over the hereafter.”

The slave then returned to the Khurasani man who asked him, “O slave! What has happened, for you went to the Imam in a good mood, while you have returned with a sad face?”

The slave narrated the whole incident and took him to the presence of Imam (a.s.). Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) accepted his friendship and told him to gift one thousand Ashrafis to his slave.⁵⁰

SIRAT, MIZAN, HISAB IS UPON AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

Zaid Shahhani narrates tha, I went to His Eminence, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) who said to me: “O Zaid, renew your worship and ask for forgiveness.”

I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you, are you informing me about my death?”

He (a.s.) replied: “O Zaid, whatever information we have about you is good and you are from our Shias.”

He said: I asked, “What does it imply for me?”

He replied, “You are from our Shias and the Serat, Mizaan and accounting of our Shias is upon us and indeed we are more kind you than you yourselves are.”⁵¹

Let us recite this above incident in front of the blessed tomb of the Ahle Bait (a.s.), renew our covenant with them, and beseech them through these words of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) and beg to them to help us at Serat, during Mizaan and Hisaab just as Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has promised us in the above incident. For it is only through their intercession and help will we be able to pass successfully from these stages of Hereafter.

GENEROSITY OF IMAM MUSA KAZIM (A.S.)

SAVING HIS SHIAS FROM TYRANTS

Once Haroon Abbasi, received some distinguished, classy and pricey garments as gifts, which he gifted to his (Shiite) minister Ali Ibn Yaqteen; amongst them was a cuirass of fur and golden embroidery that, due to is grandeur and magnificence, resembled the garments worn by emperors.

Ali Ibn Yaqteen sent those garments to Imam Kazim (a.s.) along with numerous other riches. The Imam (a.s.) however, returned the cuirass back to him and wrote him a letter advising: Keep it with you and do not take it out of your house; a time shall come when you shall be in need of it.

A few days later Ali Ibn Yaqteen happened to become infuriated with one of his slaves, and had him dismissed from service. This slave presented himself before Haroon and complained: Ali Ibn Yaqteen believes in the Imamate of Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) and sends his khums to him (a.s.) every year. Even the cuirass that you had gifted to him was sent to Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) on such and such day!

Haroon was furious when he heard this and said: I must get to the bottom of this mystery, and then ordered that Ali Ibn Yaqteen be immediately summoned before him.

When he had arrived, Haroon hollered: What have you done with the cuirass that I had given to you?

Ali Ibn Yaqteen replied: It is in the house. I have wrapped it up in a piece of cloth and every morning and evening I open it to seek blessings.

Haroon ordered: Bring it to me right away.

The cuirass is wrapped in a piece of cloth inside such and such trunk, which is located in such and such room, Ali Ibn Yaqteen directed one of his slaves, and asked him to bring it to him. The slave did as he was told and brought the cuirass.

When Haroon observed that the cuirass given by him was perfumed and wrapped in a piece of cloth, his fury subsided, and he said: “Take this back to your house; henceforth I shall never pay heed to anything is spoken against you”.

He then gave numerous presents to Ali Ibn Yaqteen. As for the slave, he ordered that he be subjected to a thousand lashes; hardly had he been lashed five hundred times when he died.⁵²

GOOD FORTUNE TO DO DEEDS WHICH MAKE US ELIGIBLE FOR THEIR GIFTS

One Nawroz day, Mansur Dawaaniqi, the Abbasid Caliph who took over the caliphate after his brother Abu al-Abbas Saffaah, ordered Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) to present himself in the gathering of the Eid of Nawroz. This was so that the people could come and greet him and offer their gifts to him, which he should accept.

The Imam (a.s.) told Mansur, “Nawroz is the customary Eid of the Iranians and nothing has been said about it in Islam.”

To which Mansur replied, “This act is politically motivated and is intended to keep my soldiers happy. I place you under the oath of the Great God that you accept my request and present yourself at that gathering.”

The Imam (a.s.) agreed and arrived at the assembly. The army generals, nobles and the common masses arrived in his august presence, greeted him, and presented their gifts to him.

In the meantime, Mansur had ordered one of his slaves to position himself near the Imam (a.s.) and maintain a record of the money and gifts presented to him. The last person who had come to meet the Imam (a.s.) was an old man, who said to him: “O’ Son of the Messenger of Allah! I am an impoverished person and lack the money to present you with gifts, but my gift for you today are three verses of elegy, which my grandfather had composed for your grandfather, Husain ibn Ali(a.s.).”

Having said this, he then recited the verses. The Imam (a.s.) responded appreciatively, saying, “I have accepted your gift,” after which he prayed for the man.

Then, turning to the slave, he instructed, “Go to Mansur, inform him of these gifts and ask him what has to be done about them?”

The slave did as he was told and upon returning, said to the Imam (a.s.):

“The Caliph has said: I have given them to you (Imam Musa Kazim) as gifts. Spend them as you desire.”

The Imam (a.s.) told the old man, “Take these riches and gifts, for I am giving them all to you as gifts.”⁵³

BESTOWING EVEN WHEN TESTED

One day a man came to Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) and pleaded that he was indebted for 400 dirhams.

The Imam furnished him the amount.

Then he said that his clothes were completely worn out. The Imam gave him his own dress.

Now he said that he had no mount to ride on. The Imam gave him a horse.

After that the man said that he did not know the way. The Imam sent his slave along with him.

Finally, the man said, “Master! I have no need for all these things. I had only come to test the generosity of Ahle Bait (a.s.).

I am actually a very wealthy man, and I have brought these 5000 dirhams for you. It is by way of Khums payment.”

The Imam smiled, took the money and at that very moment summoned the needy Saadat and distributed it all among them.⁵⁴

GENEROSITY OF IMAM REZA (A.S.)

BEGGING AHLE BAIT (A.S.) TO BE PRESENT IN OUR FUNERAL AND PRAY FOR FORGIVENESS FOR US

Another tradition that supports the fact that the Imam of every age prays for his Shias is one quoted in Bihar al Anwar on the authority of Manaqib Ibne Shahr Aashob. It is narrated by Moosa bin Sayyar who says:

“I was with His Eminence, Imam Reza (a.s.). When we had reached the gate of the city of Tus I heard the sound of wailing. I looked around for the source and suddenly saw a bier being carried out.

When I looked, I saw that our master (His Eminence, Imam Ali ibn Musa Reza (a.s.) suddenly alighting from his mount and heading towards the bier. Then he took it upon his shoulders and came towards us in such a way that he did not separate from the bier just as the kid of a goat does not leave its mother.

Then he turned towards us and said: O Moosa bin Sayyar, one who follows the bier of one of our Shias is absolved of all his sins, as if he is like a newborn child and there is no sin upon him.

And when I saw the bier of that man being placed besides the grave, I noticed my master moving the people back. Then he placed his hand on the chest of the corpse and say: O so and so, son of so and so, good news of Paradise to you, as after this moment there is no fear for you.

I said to Imam Reza (a.s.), may I be sacrificed on you, do you know this person? Because this is a place you have never visited before.

He replied: O Moosa bin Sayyar, you don’t know that the deeds of our Shias are presented to us, Imams, every morning and evening. Then for each of their shortcomings we beg the Almighty Allah to forgive them and for each of their good deeds we pray the Almighty to reward them.”

INCIDENT OF HABABA

It is mentioned in a traditional report that Hababa Waliba came to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and inquired about the signs of true Imamate and Caliphate. His Eminence gestured at a pebble and said: “Get it for me.”

Hababa said: “I gave that pebble to His Eminence. He placed his seal upon it and it got imprinted. Then he said: “Anyone, who claims Imamate and like me places his seal on this stone and it leaves an imprint on it, is the true Imam.”

Hababa says: “I took the stone to Imam Hasan (a.s.) after the passing away of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and after him to the Chief of Martyrs. They placed their seals leaving a mark.”

She says: “Then I came to the chief of those who prostrate, Imam Ali bin Husain (a.s.), while I was old and weak and aged 113 years. Imam Sajjad (a.s.) gestured to me with his index finger and my youth returned.”

Then the Imam said: “Give me that stone.” I complied. Like his father and grandfather, the Imam placed his seal on it and it left imprint upon it. After Imam Sajjad (a.s.) I met Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) and after him Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.). After that I met Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) and then Imam Ali Reza (a.s.). Each of them like their ancestors, placed the seal on the stone leaving an imprint. After that Hababa lived for another nine months and then passed away.

Allamah Sayyid Hashim Bahrani has narrated from Rushaid Hujri that he said:

I, Sulaiman bin Waraqa, Malik bin Taihan and Sahal bin Hunaif were present in the service of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in Medina. Hababa Waliba hung a Quran from her neck and carried a rosary made from date stones. She saluted, wept and pleaded to the Imam:

“O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), your absence among us would be extremely tragical and painful. That we should remain alive and not see you anymore? You know what I mean!”

His Eminence stretched out his hand, took the white stone, which Hababa was holding. He placed his seal on that stone leaving his imprint. Then said: “Your implication is this!”

She said: “By Allah, this is my implication. When I heard that your Shia would scatter and dissensions would appear among them, I requested the sign of recognizing the true Imam, so that if I live after you, I should be able to recognize the true Imam. May I and my family members be sacrificed on you!”

His Eminence said: “Keep this stone safe; as after me, you will meet my sons Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.), Ali bin Husain (a.s.), Mohammad bin Ali (a.s.), Jafar bin Mohammed (a.s.), Musa bin Jafar (a.s.), Ali bin Musa (a.s.) and each of them, like me, would ask for that stone. Then they would place this seal like I have done, leaving imprint on it. Know that they are the true Imams.

When you reach my grandson, Ali bin Musa Reza (a.s.), you will see another great proof from him and at that time you would choose death over your life. His Eminence would also order about carrying out your last rites and would himself pray your funeral prayer. I give you glad tidings that you will return to the world during the time of my twelfth descendant among the people of best faith, His Eminence, Mahdi.”

Hababa wept in eagerness and requested: O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), pray for me that my cognition and faith remains steadfast and that I should remain safe during the turmoils. His Eminence prayed for her.

Hababa says: “After the martyrdom of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), I met Imam Hasan (a.s.). He said: “Bring the stone.” He stretched out his hand like Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and took the stone from me.

Then he placed the same seal of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and it left its mark on the stone. After His Eminence, I met Imam Husain (a.s.). He also, like his father and brother, placed the same seal on the stone and it left its mark on it.

After the martyrdom of the Chief of Martyrs, the Shia fell into dispute. Some Shia of Hijaz began to believe in the Imamate of Mohammad bin Hanafiyyah. On the basis of this, some Shia came to me and requested me to meet Imam Sajjad (a.s.) so that the truth is revealed. I went to meet the Imam and he, like his father, grandfather and uncle, took the stone and placed the same seal upon it and it left the mark on the stone; thus, making the Imamate of His Eminence clear.

After His Eminence, I also went to meet Abu Jafar Mohammad bin Ali (a.s.), Jafar bin Mohammed (a.s.), Musa bin Jafar (a.s.) and Ali bin Musa (a.s.). These respected personages also acted like their purified ancestors. When I met Imam Ali Reza (a.s.), I had reached very old age, my hair was grey and my body was weak, but through the auspiciousness of looking at the Imams, my eyes and ears and my intellect and perception became perfect.

When my eyes fell on the luminous elegance of the eighth Imam, I smiled at him. Those present with the Imam interpreted my smile as due to my ignorance.

His Eminence said: “It is not as such. No deficiency has come in the intellect and perception of Hababa. My grandfather, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) informed her that she would pass away during this period and would return to the world during the time of reappearance of His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s.). Therefore she has smiled in joy.”

When the people heard this, they sought forgiveness and excuse and said: “We did not know this.”

Then, the eighth Imam (a.s.) turned to Hababa and said: “Did my grandfather, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) tell you what you would see from me?” She replied: “Your grandfather said that I would see a great proof from you.”

His Eminence said: “Your white hair has turned black! They would never again turn white. Does this proof suffice for you, or should I add to it?” She replied: “Increase it, since divine grace is excessive on you all.”

His Eminence said: “Would you like to, in addition of your hair turning black, regain your youth?” She replied: “Yes, my master, this is a great proof.” Then His Eminence said:

“Greater than this is what I know about your opinion regarding my exalted rank in knowledge.”

Hababa says: I asked: “Master, make me the recipient of your favours and blessings.” He supplicated quietly and moved his blessed lips.

Hababa says: “By Allah, I became a youthful girl, having black hair.” When I went home and checked my body I found myself a virgin. I returned to Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) and prostrated in thanks. Then I said: “My master, shifting to the neighbourhood of divine mercy is better for me and I have nothing to do in the world.”

He said: Hababa, go into the house to my ladies and family members as preparation for your last rites are ready (for journey of hereafter).

In another traditional report, Mohammed bin Zaid says: I was in the company of my master, His Eminence, Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) and I witnessed these events. Hababa went into the house of the Imam. Not much time passed after surveying the preparations that she testified to the oneness of God and Messengership of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and passed away.

Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) said: “O Hababa, may God have mercy on you.” I asked: “Has Hababa passed away?” His Eminence replied: “When she saw preparations of her funeral, she was transferred to the neighbourhood of divine mercy.”

The narrator says: “Imam (a.s.) ordered for her funeral. Upon the orders of His Eminence, they gave her the funeral bath, shrouded her and brought her out. His Eminence prayed her funeral prayer. We and all the Shia also prayed on her bier and then buried her. His Eminence ordered us to visit her grave and recite the Quran there and seek auspiciousness from supplicating there.”⁵⁵

SUBMITTING TO MERITS OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

An opponent of the Imam, named Hamid bin Mehran committed a number of audacities and uttered statements of infidelity in the presence of Mamun.

Among them he said to Mamun: “Has anyone committed such a serious crime like you that he expelled caliphate from his family and gave it to someone else?”

Mamun said: “This man (Imam Reza (a.s.)) invites people towards himself surreptitiously. I wish to appoint him as my crown prince so that he invites people to me and also confesses to our caliphate. In this way, even those, who are enchanted by him, would realize that his claim is not valid. I fear that if I do not appoint him as the crown prince, he would create a great rift in our caliphate and we wouldn’t be able to repair it. Now that our worries are over it is not proper to leave him to his devices. So, as long as I can, I would not be deficient in reducing his status.”

Hamid bin Mehran said: “Leave this matter to me. If there was no fear from you, I would have thrown him from reliability and respect.” Mamun said: “In my view this is the most important of all matters.” He said: “Gather the elders of the kingdom, judiciary, intellectuals and people of the country and society, so that I may expose his defects.”

Thus, a huge gathering was organized and Mamun gathered the elders of the kingdom and made Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) sit on his throne. Hamid, the profligate, turned to the eighth Imam, the Wali of Allah and the Divine Proof and said:

“People have resorted to extremism regarding you and exaggerated your praise. Rain, which sometimes falls and sometimes does not, people think that it fell due to your supplications and regarded it as your miracle. You should reject these liars.”

Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) said:

“I will not stop those, who narrate about divine bounties and graces upon me, neither do I intend to pride or boast upon it.”

That villain said: “If you are truthful, make the image of the lions on Mamun’s throne alive and to attack me, so that it may be a miracle for you and not rain, which fell due to supplications of some people and the effect of your supplications in it was definitely not more than that of others.”

Suddenly, that caliph of God and the Waliullah became infuriated and called out to the images of the two lions:

“Seize this transgressor, tear him up and don’t leave any of his trace!”

Suddenly, those two images leaped out from the picture and changed into two living beasts. They tore up the profligate Hamid, broke up his bones and ate up his flesh, skin and hair.

In other words, they did not leave any trace of his; they even licked each drop of his blood. Others also witnessed this in utter bewilderment and silence.

When the lions finished off that villain, they said aloud in eloquent tongue: “O Wali of the Lord, we are waiting for your command. If you permit, we will make Mamun join his friend!” When Mamun heard this, he fell down unconscious in fright.

However, Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) said: “Be still.” And he ordered them to sprinkle water on Mamun’s face to revive him. Again those two lions said: “Master, allow us to make this man join his friend!” His Eminence replied: “No, destined matters remain, which must come to pass.” They said: “Then what do you command us?” He replied: “Return to your places and assume your previous form.” They returned and assumed the form of two images.

Mamun said: “Thanks to Allah that He removed the mischief of Hamid bin Mehran from us!” Then he said: “O son of Allah’s Messenger, this issue of caliphate was the right of your grandfather, His Eminence, Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and after that it is your right. If you like, I will abdicate in your favour.”

Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) said: “If I wanted, I would not have posed request to you (that is I was not needful of your abdication). As Almighty Allah made these pictures of the lions obedient to me, He has placed all creatures under my command; except for the ignorant human beings, who have put themselves into loss. [Allah wanted human beings to act according to their will and this discretion was not taken away from them]. Divine destiny will come to pass and Almighty Allah has commanded that I should not raise objection against you and remain as we are; as He commanded Yusuf (a.s.) to act according to the orders of the Firon of Egypt.” Thus, Mamun was humiliated.⁵⁶

BESTOWAL OF A SON

Abu Talib Husain ibn Abdullah ibn Banan Taee narrated that he had heard Aba Mansoor ibn Abdul Razzaq ask the ruler of Toos known as Al-Biwardi, “Do you have any children?”

He replied, “No.” Then Aba Mansoor asked him, “Why don’t you go to the Shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) to pray to God near his tomb, and ask that God grant you a son. I have asked Allah, the Almighty for many of my needs there, and they have been fulfilled.”

Then the ruler said, “I set out for the Shrine - may peace be upon its resident (Imam Reza) - and prayed to Allah near Imam Reza’s (a.s.) tomb and asked Allah to grant me a son. Then Allah the Honorable the Exalted granted me a son.

Then I went to Aba Mansoor and informed him that Allah, the Highest had fulfilled my prayer in this Shrine, favoured me, granted me a son and honoured me there upon.”⁵⁷

RESPECITING ZAER AND ASKING THEM TO PRAY FOR US

Sheikh Sadooq narrates, “I asked Rokn ul-Dowleh - the ruler - for permission to go on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.). He issued the permit in the (Arabic) month of Rajab of the year 352 A.H. (962 A.D.), and handed it over to me. When I left there, he called me in and said, “This is a blessed Shrine which I have already visited. I asked Allah, the Almighty for my personal needs and He fulfilled all of them for me. I ask you not to forget to pray for me there, and that you visit Imam Reza (a.s.) on my behalf, since indeed prayers would be fulfilled in that Shrine.

Then I promised him that I would pray for him, and I fulfilled my promise. When I returned from that place (the Shrine) - may peace and greetings be upon its resident - and went to see him (Rukn ad-Dawla), he asked me, “Did you pray for me?” Then I said, “Yes.” Then he told me, “Excellent!

Indeed it has been proven to me that prayers said in that Shrine are fulfilled.”⁵⁸

BESTOWAL OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.) IS VERY SWIFT

Abu Ali Mohammed ibn Ahmad al-Mo’athi narrated that Abul Hassan Mohammed ibn Abi Abdullah al-Harawi said, “A man and his slave went to Mashhad and they both went to visit the Shrine. Then the man started to pray at the position of the Imam’s head, and the slave started to pray at the position of the Imam’s feet. Then when they finished praying, they both prostrated - long prostrations. Then the man rose up his head from the position of prostration before his slave did and called out to his slave. The slave rose up his head from the position of prostration and said, “Yes, my master!”

Then the man asked him, “Do you want me to set you free?”

He said, “Yes.” The man said, “You are set free for the sake of Allah, the Almighty. I also set my female slave in Balkh free for the sake of Allah. I marry her off to you for such and such an amount of nuptial gift for which I take responsibility on your behalf. I also endow such and such property for both of you, your children and your grand-children from your progeny. Be this Imam Imam Reza (a.s.) a witness to this.”

Then the slave man cried and attested by Allah, the Almighty and the Imam (a.s.), that this was exactly what he had asked for in his prostration. And he recognized that prayers were quickly fulfilled by Allah, the Almighty.”⁵⁹

HELP IN DOING TARBIYAT OF OUR CHILDREN

Abul Abbas Ahmad ibn Mohammed ibn Ahmad ibn Al-Hussein al-Hakim - may God be pleased with him - narrated that he had heard the ruler of MarvRood, Aba Ali Aamir ibn Abdullah al-Biwardi, who was one of the tradition narrators say, “I went to visit the Shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.) in Toos. Then I saw a Turkish man enter the Shrine and stand up at the position of the Imam’s head. He cried and prayed in Turkish, and said, ‘O my Lord! If my son is alive, please bring us together. However, if he has died, please let me know.’

I knew Turkish. Then I asked him, ‘What is the matter?’ He said, ‘I had a son who was with me in the Battle of IsshaqAbad. I lost him there and have had no news of him. His mother cries for him day and night. I have come here to pray to Allah, the Almighty to solve this problem, since I have heard that prayers said in this Shrine get fulfilled.’ Then I felt sorry for him. I took his hands and took him out of the Shrine to act as his host that day.

Once we left the mosque, we ran into a tall, young man who had just started to grow a mustache and was wearing patched clothes. When the Turkish man saw him, he jumped towards him, hugged him and cried. They both recognized each other.

This was just the son for whom he was praying in Imam Reza’s (a.s.) tomb to Allah, the Almighty to be united with, or be informed of his whereabouts. I (Abul Abbas Ahmad) asked the son, ‘How did you get here?” The son said, ‘After the Battle of IsshaqAbad, I ended up in Tabaristan. A man from Daylam Abad took me to his house and raised me. Now that I have grown up, I have set out to find my parents about whose whereabouts I had no information. I was accompanying a group of people, since I did not know the way until I reached here.’

Then the Turkish man said, ‘I saw what has made my belief in this Shrine certain due to this tomb. Now I promise myself not to part with it for as long as I live.’”⁶⁰

GENEROSITY OF IMAM JAWAD (A.S.)

CURE FROM PHYSICAL AILMENTS AND DISEASES

GIVING VISION TO THE BLIND

Mohammed Bin Maymoun narrates that he had lost his eye-sight, and went to the blessed presence of Hazrat Imam Jawad (a.s.).

Imam Jawad (a.s.) asked him, ‘O Mohammed! What is the state of your vision?’

I said, ‘O son of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)! My eyes have become ill, and my eyesight has gone, like what you can see’.

Mohammed bin Maymoun says that, ‘He (a.s.) extended his hand and wiped them over my eyes, and my sight returned to me as healthy as it could be. I kissed his hand and his leg, and I left from his presence, and I was able to see’’.⁶¹

CURE FROM BREATHING PROBLEM

Mohammed Bin Umeyr narrates, ‘I entered to see Imam Jawad (a.s.) and with me was my brother having severe breathing difficulty with him.

He complained of that breathing difficulty to him.

He (a.s.) said: ‘May Allah, the Almighty grant you good health from what you are complaining’.

We went out from his presence, and he was healthy. That breathing difficulty did not return to him until he died’’.⁶²

CURE FROM DEAFNESS

Abu Salama said, ‘I entered to see Imam Jawad (a.s.), and there was severe deafness with me. He was informed with that. When I entered to see him , he called me towards him , wiped his hand upon my ears and my head, then said: ‘Listen and retain!’

By Allah, the Almighty! I can even hear the faint things that people hear from after his supplication’’.⁶³

Let us rub ourselves with the blessed zari of Hazrat Imam Jawad (a.s.), narrate the above incidents to him and beg him to give us, our parents, our children, our family members cure from all physical ailments that we carry. The ones that we are aware of and the ones which are still hidden from us. Surely, Imam (a.s.) is more aware of the ailments that we carry and its cure, than us.

Let us also seek protection and cure in his blessed self, from spiritual diseases like doubts in religion and religious practices. We pray to him to keep us steadfast on his Wilayat and Wilayat of his blessed forefathers and children and to increase our submission and love for them and to increase in our hearts the hatred of their enemies and those who troubled them and oppressed.

We should seek cure from him from following our desires which led us to sin and wrong doing.

GUIDANCE FOR WHAT IS BENEFICAL IN WORLD AND HEREAFTER

Umayya Bin Ali Al Qaysi narrates, ‘I and Hammad Bin Isa entered to see Imam Jawad (a.s.) at Al-Medina to bid him farewell.

He (a.s.) said to us: ‘Do not go out. Stay till morning’.

He (the narrator) said, ‘When we went out from his presence, Hammad said, ‘I will go out, for my luggage has gone out’.

I said, ‘As for me, I shall be staying’.

He (the narrator) said, ‘Hammad went out and the valley flowed (with a flood) that night, and he drowned in it, and his grave is at Sayalah’’.⁶⁴

Let us recite the above incident in front of the blessed Zari of Imam Jawad (a.s.), and ask him, just as he advised and warned the narrator and his friend when they came to his presence from a potential danger. We should tell him that we are also in his presence, in front of his blessed zari at this moment and that he should shower his generosity on us as well by making us aware and protecting us from such potential dangers related to our worldly life and more importantly the Hereafter.

If there are things that we have planned, which will led to loss and suffering in this world, then he should erase from our minds the intention of performing these actions. If there are any habits or things that we do, which will result in loss for us in the Hereafter, then he protects us from performing and continuing such habits and actions.

We should beseech him to guide us towards all those things that will be beneficial for us and protect us, our parents, our children and our family from all those things which will be harmful in this world or the Hereafter.

Also, we should ask him for taufeeq to completely submit to their teachings and advice, lest our fate is like the fate of the one who drowned by not adhering to the advice of Imam (a.s.).

HELP FOR OUR SUSTENANCE

Abu Hashim narrates, ‘A man came to Imam Jawad (a.s.). He said, ‘O son of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)! My father died and there was wealth for him, and I am not aware of the whereabouts of his wealth, and there are a lot of dependants for me, and I am from your friends, so help me’.

Imam Jawad (a.s.) said: ‘When you have prayed the Isha Salat, then send Salawaat upon Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his holy progeny (a.s.), for your father will come to you in the dream and inform you with the matter of the wealth’.

The man did that, and he saw his father in the dream. The father said, ‘O my son! My wealth is in such and such place, so take it, and go to the son of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and inform him that I have pointed you towards the wealth’.

The man went and took the wealth, and he informed the Imam and praised him (a.s.) in these words, ‘All Praise is for Allah, the Almighty Who Honoured you and Chose you!’’⁶⁵

Let us also approach the Imam (a.s.) sincerely as the man in this incident. O our master! Indeed! I am from your friends and lovers as well. I confess my love for you and the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) and proclaim my hatred towards all those who oppressed you, the purified household of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a), so help me, O my master!

Just as you helped the man in this incident and guided him to the wealth left for him by his father, guide us, O our master! In our affairs related to seeking our sustenance and wealth. Make the seeking of sustenance easy for us and guide us to where Allah, the Almighty has placed our sustenance and increase our sustenance for us. O our master! Help us with our sustenance, so that we do not toil too much in seeking it, thereby making us negligent towards our religious obligations, duties and service of your purified household.

We also ask you, that when you widen the doors of sustenance for us, also bestow us the Taufeeq to use this sustenance to seek the satisfaction and pleasure of Allah, the Almighty, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his purified progeny (a.s.). Give us the Taufeeq to use this sustenance in the best possible manner for our world and Hereafter, by fulfilling our religious obligations and duties related to our wealth like helping our family members, helping the other lovers of Ahle Bait (a.s.) with our wealth, spending for causes which enliven the remembrance of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and to spend it in undertaking these blessed journeys of visitation of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the holy and pure Ahle Bait (a.s.) again and again every year .

BESTOWAL OF SUSTENANCE FROM IMAM

Another incident of Imam Jawad (a.s.) helping a lover with sustenance is quoted below.

It is reported from Ismail Bin Abbas Al Hashimy who said, ‘I came to Imam Jawad (a.s.) on the day of Eid. I complained to him of the constricted livelihood. He (a.s.) raised the prayer mat and took a gold nugget from the soil and gave it. I went out with it to the market, and it was sixteen ounces’’.⁶⁶

BESTOWING WITHOUT ASKING

Mohammed Bin Sahl narrates, ‘I was in the vicinity of Makkah.

I came to Al-Medina and went to visit Imam Jawad (a.s.). I intended to ask him for a cloth to be clothed with, but I could not get a chance to ask him until I bade him farewell and intended to exit.

I said, ‘I shall write to him and request him’.

He (the narrator) said, ‘I wrote a letter and came to the Masjid to pray two rakats of salat and seek Forgiveness of Allah one hundred times after the Salat.

Then it occurred in my heart that I should either send the letter with someone or else I should tear it’. It occurred in my heart that I should not send it. So, I tore up the letter and went out from Al-Medina.

While I was leaving, I saw a messenger, and there was a cloth with him in a towel. He was inquiring in the line and asking about Mohammed Bin Sahl Al-Qummi, until he was guided to to me.

He said, ‘Your master has sent this to you’.

And there were two thin and soft pieces of cloth in it for me.⁶⁷

Let us remind the Imam (a.s.) in front of his Zari of this generosity which he showed to Mohammed bin Sahl even when he refrained from presenting his need to him (a.s.).

O our master! Indeed you are the generous one from the progeny of the generous who bestow to others without giving them a chance to beg their needs to you. O my master! Here I am in front of you, bestow upon me the best of the world and Hereafter and fulfil all my needs that I have presented to you or those that I forgot to seek from you and even those which I do not know I should seek from you. O Generous Imam! Bestow upon me with the best of your bestowing for the sake of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his purified progeny (a.s.).

PAIN OF IMAM JAWAD (A.S.) CONCERNING JANABE ZAHRA (S.A)

Zakariya Bin Adam narrates, ‘I was in the presence of Imam Reza (a.s.) when they came with Imam Jawad (a.s.), and his age was less than four years.

Imam Jawad (a.s.) struck his blessed hand to the ground and then raised his head to the sky and prolonged the thinking.

Imam Reza (a.s.) asked him, ‘By my soul! Why did you prolong your thinking?’

He (a.s.) said: ‘I was thinking regarding what was done to my mother Janabe (Syeda) Fatima (s.a.).

But, by Allah! I shall extract both of them, and burn them, then I shall make them into particles and scatter them in the Nile like a storm!

The narrator says, I went near him and kissed between his eyes, then said, ‘May my father and my mother be sacrificed for you! You are indeed for it!’ – meaning the Imamate’’.⁶⁸

Let us remember the sufferings of Janabe Zahra (s.a.) in front of Imam Jawad (a.s.) and offer condolence to him for the sufferings of Janabe Zahra (s.a.). Let us read or listen to masaib of Janabe Zahra (s.a.) near his blessed journey, shed some tears, offer condolence to Imam Jawad (a.s.) and Imam Kazim (a.s.) and pray for the early re-appearance of Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

GENEROSITY OF IMAM HADI (A.S.)

MOVE YOUR LIPS

The narrator says, ‘I wrote to Imam Hadi (a.s.), ‘The men love to pour out their heart to his Imam what he loves to pour out to his Lord’.

The narrator said that Imam Hadi (a.s.) wrote back and replied to him, ‘If there is a need for you, then move your lips, the answer will come to you’’.⁶⁹

Let us pour our hearts out in front of Imam Hadi (a.s.) just as he advised to the narrator in the above incident.

Let us first remember the sufferings of Ahle Bait (a.s.), the treatment meted out to the most exalted beings on earth after the passing away of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) till this very day! The burning door, the broken ribs, the one who was martyred in the womb, the conqueror who had a rope tied to his neck and was dragged in the by-lanes of Medina, and his sons who were martyred one after the other till Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.). And with tears in our eyes let us pray for the early re-appearance of the Imam of our Time, Hazrat Hujjat ibn al-Hasan al-Askari (a.t.f.s.).

Just as Imam Hadi (a.s.) advised in the above letter, “if there is a need, then move your lips”, let us remember our parents, relatives and others who have a right upon us in front of the blessed tomb and beseech Imam Hadi (a.s.) to bestow upon us the best of this world and The Hereafter and that he bestows upon us the good fortune of the blessed visitation of the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) again and again in our lifetime and after our passing away as well.

STONE BREAKING INTO TWO

One day, Yunus, who has an engraver by profession (he would engrave on stones worn as rings) came to Imam Hadi (a.s.) trembling. He said, ‘O my Master! I bequeath you to be good with my family’.

He (a.s.) said: ‘What happened?’

Yunus said, ‘Musa Bin Bugha⁷⁰ is heading towards me. He had sent a stone (for a ring) to me, which was priceless. I went to engrave on it and broke it into two. I have an appointment with him tomorrow and he is Musa bin Bugha! Either he will order a thousand lashes for me or kill me!

Imam Hadi (a.s.) replied, ‘Go to your house until tomorrow, for nothing will happen except good’.

When it was the next morning, he arrived early trembling in the presence of Imam Hadi (a.s.) and told him that a messenger from Musa bin Bugha had come to him asking for the stone.

Imam Hadi (a.s.) replied: ‘Go to him, for you will not see except good’. He said, ‘And what shall I say to him, O my Master?’

He (a.s.) smiled and said: ‘Go to him and listen to what he informs you with, for nothing except good will happen’.

Yunus went and returned laughing. Yunus said that Musa bin Bugha told me that the slave girl has disputed. Can you break it into two stones?’’

Imam (a.s.) said: ‘O Allah! For You is the Praise When You have Made us to be from the ones who praise You truly! So what did you tell him?’

Yunus said, ‘I said to him, give me some time until I ponder on how this can be done.⁷¹

In case of problems, go to our imam and seek help from him. In front of Imam Hadi (a.s.) right now, there might be those who have hatred against me, don’t like, or planning against me. Save me from their evil plots and mechanisms.

Save me from evil outcome of my actions that I have done out of carelessness.

HELPING FINANCIALLY CONSTRAINED

Abu Hashim Al Jafari narrates, ‘Severe financial constraints afflicted me, so I came to Imam Hadi (a.s.).

He (a.s.) permitted me to meet him. When I was seated, he (a.s.) said: ‘O Abu Hashim! Which Favour of Allah Mighty and Majestic is there upon you, that you want to fulfil its thanks?’

Abu Hashim said, ‘I thought, but I could not think of what I should be replying to him (a.s.).

He (a.s.) initiated and said: ‘Allah, the Almighty, Graced you with faith, so He prohibited your body upon the Fire, and He Graced you the good health, so He assisted you upon the acts of obedience, and He Graced you the contentment, so He Fortified you from the extravagance.

O Abu Hashim! I initiated you with this because I thought that you wanted to complain to me of the One who has done this with you, and I have ordered for one hundred Dinars to be for you, so take it!’’⁷²

Let us ask Imam Hadi (a.s.) that while we are in his presence, just as he reminded Abu Hashim al-Jafari and made him attentive of the blessings that Allah, the Almighty has bestowed upon him, we beseech Imam Hadi (a.s.) to make us attentive towards Allah, the Almighty and His abundant favours in our day to day life. To make us attentive towards our acts of disobedience so that we feel ashamed in the presence of Allah, the Almighty.

Indeed, our standing in front of the blessed tomb of the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) at this moment is a grace and benevolence from the side of Allah.

Also, just as Imam Hadi (a.s.) helped Abu Hashim and solved his worldly problem for which we had visited Imam (a.s.), we ask our generous master to solve our worldly problems and to make seeking of sustenance easy for us and to grant abundance in it so that our pursuit of sustenance does not make us negligent of Allah, the Almighty and does not make us negligent of our duties towards the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.).

SENDING MEDICINES FOR A SHIA

It is reported from Mohammed Bin Ali who said, ‘I am informed by Zayd Bin Ali who said, ‘I had fallen ill, the doctor came to see me at night and prescribed some medicines for me to be taken before dawn for such and such days. It was not possible for me to get it at night, and the doctor also went away.

A companion of Imam Hadi (a.s.) came right then and with him was a bag which contained the medication exactly.

He said to me, ‘Imam Hadi (a.s.) conveys the greetings to you and says: ‘Take this medicine for such and such days’.

I took it and was cured.⁷³

The above incident reminds us of the abundant love that an Imam possesses for their Shias. In the darkness of night, when there was no hope for the Shia to arrange the medicines prescribed, Imam Hadi (a.s.) took care of his Shia by sending the medicines required by him through a companion.

It also shows that Imam (a.s.) is aware even of the minutest details about his Shias.

Let us remind Imam Hadi (a.s.) of his benevolence to his lover in the above incident and confess to him that, O our loving Master! We are not even aware of the physical and spiritual diseases that we carry. But we know for sure that you are aware of them. Here, I am standing in front of our blessed tomb, please cast your benevolence glance on me and cure me from the physical and spiritual diseases that I am carrying and protect me from their harm. Grant me good health and long life which I spend in the service of Ahle Bait (a.s.) and cure me of the spiritual vices that I carry and make me like you would like to see me.

REMOVING DOUBT FROM HEART

Ibrahim Bin Mohammed (who was a non-Shia), narrates that he used to fault and condemn his brother for being a Shia and an adherent to the Wilayat of the Ahle Bait (a.s.). He would condemn his brother and other Shias, till such time that Ibrahim bin Muhammed, himself became a part of the delegation which Mutawakkil sent to Medina to bring Imam Hadi (a.s.).

Ibrahim bin Muhammed narrates what transpired in that journey in below words.

We went to Medina. When he (a.s.) joined us in our return journey, we were on one of the roads and thought of pausing to take some rest due to the severe summer heat. We asked him (a.s.) if he (a.s.) wanted to descend.

He (a.s.) said: ‘No’. So, we continued and did not eat or drink. The heat and the hunger intensified, and in a barren land, we could neither see anything, nor shade, nor water to quench our thirst. We started staring at him (a.s.).

He (a.s.) said: ‘And what is the matter with you all? I reckon you are hungry and have become thirsty’. We said, ‘Yes, by Allah, O our Master! We are exhausted’.

He (a.s.) said: ‘Take a stop and eat and drink!’

I was surprised from his words, since we were in a barren desert, and could not see any water or shade to rest under.

He (a.s.) again said: ‘What is the matter with you all? Take a stop!’

I rushed to the line of camels to stop them and make them kneel.

As soon as I turned, I saw two large trees, so large that a sea of people could shade under it! I did not recognise this place. It was a land of barren desert.

And then I saw a spring flowing with freshest and coldest of water.

We stopped, ate and drank and rested.

There was someone among us who had travelled that road repeatedly.

Wonders occurred in my heart at that time, and I went on to sharply look at him and attentively looked at him for a long time. When I was looking at him, he (a.s.) smiled and turned his face away from me.

I said within myself, ‘By Allah! I will come to know this, how he is’.

So, I came from behind the tree, buried my sword and placed two stones upon it, and I freshened up in that place and prepared for the Salat.

Imam Hadi (a.s.) said: ‘Have you all rested?’

We said, ‘Yes’.

He said, ‘Then let’s leave with the Name of Allah!’

We departed.

When we had travelled for a while, I returned to the same place and the sword was just as I had placed, and the other signs which I placed.

There was not a single tree, nor water, nor shade nor wetness at that place.

I was astounded from that and raised my hands towards the sky. I asked Allah to Make me steadfast upon the love and the faith of Imam (a.s.) and to bestow upon me his recognition and returned to join the group.

When I joined with the group.

Imam Hadi (a.s.) turned to me and said: ‘O Abu Al-Abbas!’

I said, ‘Yes, O my Master! I was in doubt, and I have become from the richest of the people within myself in the world and the Hereafter’.

He (a.s.) said: ‘It is like that. They (Shias) are numbered, known. They will neither be more nor less’’.⁷⁴

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) says, there is nothing more harmful for a man’s faith than a doubt which overpowers his conviction.⁷⁵ Let us stand and rub ourselves against the blessed tomb of Imam Hadi (a.s.) and ask him to strengthen our faith, increase our certainty concerning the merits and virtues of the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) and to protect our hearts from even an iota of doubt concerning the necessity and significance of their Wilayat or Bara’aat (distancing and hatred) from their enemies.

We ask him to glance on us and remove any doubts that we may be nurturing concerning religion and to bestow upon us his recognition and the recognition of the true merits and position of his holy household (a.s.) and to make us aware of our duties and responsibilities towards the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.), and especially towards the Imam our of Time (a.t.f.s.).

GENEROSITY OF IMAM HASAN ASKARI (A.S.)

SAVING US FROM LOSS OF WORLD AND HEREFATER

The narrator says, I had a horse and as a result of it being frequently mentioned in assemblies I was pleased. One day, I visited Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.).

He asked me: “What is your horse doing?”

“It is with me,” I answered. “Here it is at your door. I have just dismounted it.”

“Exchange it before evening if you can find a purchaser and don’t delay,” he told me.

A visitor came in and the conversation came to an end. I got up thinking and went to my house. I told my brother and he said to me: “I do not know what to say about this.”

However, I was jealous of it and regarded people as unworthy to buy it. Evening came. When I had prayed the night prayer, the slave boy came to me and said: “My master, your horse has just died.”

I was stricken with grief. I knew that (Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.)) had meant this by those words. Some days later, I went to visit Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.). I was saying to myself: “I wish that he would replace it for me with (another) animal.”

I sat down and before I could speak, he said to me: “Yes, we will replace it for you. Servant, give him my dark bay horse.”

Then he said: “This is better and firmer-footed and longer living than your horse was.”⁷⁶

Let us beseech the Ahle Bait (a.s.), through this incident to save us from the loss of this world and the Hereafter. To bestow us what is best for us in this word, the most important is the opportunity to serve the Ahle Bait (a.s.) in this world, to serve the master of the time, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.). To make the source of our sustenance easy for us and abundant for us so that we don’t spend the days and nights worrying about it or striving endlessly about it and our instead to focus on our duties towards the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.).

We also pray to the Ahle Bait (a.s.) to recompense us in the Hereafter, just as the blessed Imam (a.s.) advised the man to do something and he did not perform; similar is our condition where we read so many traditions and advices of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) but fail to act on it. The above incident gives us hope, that despite our shortcomings in following them, their nobility and generosity is such that we should still hope for their mercy and help.

SEEKING GRACE TO TRANSFORM US

The narrator says,

The ‘Abbāsids went to Ṣāliḥ b. Waṣīf when Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), was imprisoned. They told him:”Be hard On him. Don’t give him any ease.”

“What can I do with him?” Ṣāliḥ asked them, “I entrusted him to two of the evilest men I could find. They have become (men) of worship, prayer and fasting to an amazing extent”.

Then he ordered those two men who had been put in charge of (Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.)) to be brought. He said to them: “Shame on you! What is your involvement in the affairs of this man?”

They answered: “What can we say about a man who fasts through the day and stands (in prayer) through the night, who does not speak and occupies himself with nothing except worship? When he looks at us, our limbs shake and within us is (a feeling) which we have never had.”

When the ‘Abbāsids heard that, they left in despair.⁷⁷

Through this incident let us beseech the Ahle Bait (a.s.) to transform us, to remove the evil in us and make us from the people of worship, prayers and fasting.

GUIDE US TO OUR RIZQ

From that which historians mentioned about his generosity was that Mohammed bin Ali bin Ibrahim bin Imam Musa bin Jafar al-Kazim(a.s.) said, “We were in utmost need. My father said, ‘Let us go to this man (Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.)). It is said he is generous.’

I said, ‘Do you know him?’

He said, ‘No, and I have never seen him at all.’

We went to him. On our way, my father said, ‘How much we need!

May he order to give us five hundred dirhams; two hundred for clothes, two hundred for flour, and one hundred for spending!’

I said to myself, ‘Would that he order to give me three hundred dirhams; one hundred to buy a donkey, one hundred for spending, and one hundred for clothes so that I can go to the mountain!’

When we stopped at his (Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.)’s) door, his servant came out and said, ‘Let Ali bin Ibrahim and his son Mohammed come in.’

When we came in and greeted him, he said to my father, ‘O Ali, what made you not visit us all this time?’

My father said, ‘I felt shy to meet you in this case.’

They (Ali and his son) stayed with the imam for some time and then came out. The servant of the imam came, gave Ali bin Ibrahim a pouch of money and said, ‘These are five hundred dirhams; two hundred for clothes, two hundred for flour, and one hundred for spending.’ He gave Mohammed a pouch of three hundred dirhams and said to him, ‘Spend one hundred for buying a donkey, one hundred for clothes, and one hundred for spending, and do not go to the mountain but go to Sawra!’

Mohammed went to Sawra and became one of the wealthy Alawids.⁷⁸

NOT TO FEEL SHY IN ASKING FROM AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

Abu Hashim al-Jafari said, ‘Once, I complained to Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) the distress of imprisonment and the pains of ties. He wrote to me, ‘You shall offer the Dhuhr (noon) Prayer in your house today.’ I was set free (from prison) at noon and I offered the prayer in my house as the Imam said.

I was in need and I wanted to ask him for help (but I did not) in the letter I had sent to him. When I arrived in my house, he sent one hundred dinars to me and wrote to me, ‘If you need something, do not feel shy or refrain from asking. Ask and you shall get what you like, insha’Allah.’⁷⁹

When seeking or asking the Ahle Bait (a.s.) we should not feel shy of presenting our needs to them. We should seek from these blessed personalities and seek with confidence. For there is no one who is more generous than them in the whole wide world.

GENEROSITY OF THE IMAM OF OUR TIME (A.T.F.S.)

Times of Ghaibat severe test, difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood as is apparent from the below narration.

Janabe Mufaddal bin Umar narrates from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) that he heard him say:

“Do not protest! By Allah! Your Imam shall remain hidden from you for a long time. You will be tried and examined in those times. To such an extent that some people shall say: He has died or he has gone in some cave. While the believers will be shedding tears for him. The hearts of the people will be shaken up by the calamities like the ship is tossed in the waves of the stormy sea. None shall get deliverance except those from whom Allah has taken oath, on whose hearts He has inscribed faith and whom He helped with His mercy. At that time twelve standards will arise and all of them will be alike, thus it will not be known which is the standard of truth. I began to weep on hearing this, so the Imam said:

O Aba Abdullah why do you weep? I replied: Master, why shouldn’t I weep when you say that twelve standards will arise and all of them will be alike, thus how do we know which is the standard of truth?

The Imam said: Look at the sun, on which army it is shining.

I said: Maula, this same sun? “Yes,” he replied, “O Aba Abdillah, have you seen this sun? I said: Yes.

Imam said: I swear by Allah, our matter (Wilayat) is more clear than this sun.”⁸⁰

We can conclude from the above tradition that, the trails and examinations in the period of occultation are going to be very severe. Imam (a.s.) compared it to a ship which is tossed in the sea.

Imam (a.s.) also clearly states that without help and mercy from the Allah, none will be saved.

The believers will be weeping due to the separation from their Imam (a.t.f.s).

And it will become very difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. All standards and callers will almost look or appear to be the same. There will be very little in the apparent through which the truth can be identified. The only criteria and standard to identify truth (haq) then will be Wilayat, which is more apparent than the sun.

Traditions say that those who take their religion from the Holy Quran and traditions, their faith will be as firm as a solid mountain.

In the blessed shrines of the holy infaliables let us beseech them to grant us the taufeeq to learn religion from the Holy Quran and traditions, the ability to understand their blessed narrations, for indeed they are light.

We seek Nazre Inayat of Hazrat Sahebuz (a.t.f.s.) to remain steadfast on the path of salvation, truth and Wilayat during these testing times of his occultation.

PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS OF SHIAS

The supplicating voice of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.)

Allamah Majlisi has mentioned in his book Aneesul Aabidain from the reliable sources that one morning Sayed Ibne Tawoos heard Imam-e-Zaman (a.s.) reciting the following invocation at the cellar (Sardab).

O Allah! It is certain that our Shias have been created from the rays of our light and our superior teenat (dust).

There is no doubt in the fact that some sins are committed by them on the basis of their love for us. Thus, ignore the sins if they are only between you and them.

Please improve their conditions and give them In lieu of our Khums and make them enter Paradise and keep them away from fire of Hell and because of their sins do, not consider them at par with Your enemies.”

Even if Imam (a.s.) had not said anything other than these sentences, it would have sufficed to prove the affection of Imam (a.s.) for his Shias. We should try to learn more about the miracles, life and supplications of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) as recorded by Sayed Ibne Tawoos. To purify oneself in the sea of Marefat, to make each cell of his filled with Hazrat’s love, to make this blood flow in the veins of his son, to train his son to tread the lighted path is the aim of every follower of the awaited personality.

CURE TO DEAF AND DUMB

In Jannatul Maawa the great respected scholar, Mirza Husain Noori, has mentioned the following anecdote:

In the month of Jumadi al Avval of the year 1299, a man named Aqa Mohammed Mahdi came to Kazmain. He was a resident of Port Maloomeen a port of Maajeen and the countries of Burma which till that time was a colony of the British. From there to Calcutta, the capital of India is a distance of six days’ travel by steamship. His father was a resident of Shiraz but he was born and bred in the port mentioned above.

Three years before the date mentioned, he fell sick with a very serious ailment. Such that after recovering from it he had become dumb and deaf. In order to seek cure, he came for the Ziyarat of the Imams (a.s.) of Iraq and he came to Kazmain to his family who were well known traders and he stayed there for 20 days till the water in the river came up and a streamer became ready to set out for Samarrah. His relatives brought him to the boat and entrusted him to the travellers who were people of Baghdad and Kerbala and requested them to take care of him and help him. They also wrote to some caretakers of Samarrah to help him in his stay.

Thus, when he had the honour to reach that blessed place it was afternoon of Friday the 10th of Jumadi al Saani of the year mentioned. He entered the illuminated cellar (Sardab) while some holy men and reliable persons were present there. He wanted to obtain proximity of the sacred place with all humility and seek mediation.

He wrote about his condition on the surface of the wall and requested the people to pray for him. Himself also he remained a long time in prayers and seeking mediation. His prayer had not yet concluded when the Almighty Allah bestowed him cure by the miracle of Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.) and he came out of that place with an eloquent tongue.

On Saturday they brought him to the lecture of His Eminence, Chief of the Jurists and the senior-most scholar, the leader of Shias and the crown of Shariah, Aqa Mirza Mohammed Hasan Shirazi and he recited the Surah Hamd by way of benediction in the honourable company.

That day all the places were immersed in joy and celebration and in the evenings of Sunday and Monday, scholars and nobles celebrated and made illuminations in the purified courtyard of the two Askari Imams (a.s.). They versified the incident and broadcasted poems all over the country.⁸¹

SEEKING HIS HELP TO DEFEND RELIGOIN AND RIGHTS OF AHLE BAIT (A.S.)

Allamah Shaikh Hilli (a.r.) the great shia scholar narrates,

I had heard that a person wrote a book in which he had criticized the Shia faith and had written false and wrong traditions to prove lies as truth and truth as lies.

I know that the writer teaches only his students from his book and he never gave that book to anyone else, so that the book should not come into the hands of Shia Ulama and scholars, so that the false things written cannot be disclosed.

I was very disturbed when I hear this and I made every possible attempt to lay my hands on that book. There was only one way to get the book and that was to become the student of the writer, and that is what I did.

Till three months I attended every lecture and listened to his false talks and had to bear it. I used to return very tired in the afternoon to my house. And slowly I gained his confidence and he started to trust me.

I persuaded his to lend that book and he could not refuse to lend me the book. He took an oath from me that I could keep the book only for one night and return it back the next day in the morning.

I took the book and hurried towards my home and I know that it was not possible to copy all the pages in one night. But I said to himself that I will try to copy down as many as pages and answer them and then distribute them among people. I did this so that the people may know the truth.

As I reached near my house I realized that I did not have enough ink in the house to copy the book. I hurried towards a shop to buy some ink. After that I quickly walked towards to my home.

I reached home, performed my prayers and quickly started to write. I draw lines on white papers and copied down a few pages. It had completely slipped my mind that I had not eaten anything and had no provisions for my dinner also.

And soon it was night. I performed my evening prayers and after lighting the candles I again sat down to write. Time passed by quickly and I realized that I had not even finished half of the book but being hungry and tired my eyes grew heavy and I slowed down and after a few pages it become too difficult to continue.

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door. I wondered who it could be at this time of the night. Again I heard the knock. I opened the door and saw a handsome young man standing out whose face was shining like a moon and he was smiling at me.

I did not know him and when he called out my name I was surprise that how he knew my name. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I forget to invite the visitor in the house. I welcomed him in the house but was worried that I could not finish the book in time.

He walked calmly and went and sat near the pages I wrote. I wondered what he wanted but did not have the courage to ask the man what he wanted at this time of the night. The young man asked me why I was awake at this time of the night. I replied that I was copying down a book but he did not ask me why I was doing so. He suggested to me that I should draw the lines on the pages while he copied down the book.

I was overjoyed and started to quickly draw the lines on the pages while he copied it down. He was writing quickly and very beautifully. He was so fast that I could not catch up with him in drawing the lines.

I was very tired now and the young guest asked me to lie down and rest while he wrote.

It was a good idea and I requested the young man to wake me up before he left so I could finish the book. Soon I went to sleep.

When I wake up in the morning I saw that the guest had left. I was upset that he left without waking me up and now I could not complete the book. I rushed towards the book and turned the pages of it to see how much is left? But as I turned the pages I realized that he had completed copying the book.

How was this possible? It was impossible that he could finish the book.

The young man had left a signature at the end of the book. I looked at the sign and my whole body trembled and I started to weep profusely.

The signature read as “Writer - Hujjat (Proof of Allah).”

I realized that the guest was no other then my beloved Imam-e-Zamana (as).

This meant that Imam (as) had written these pages. He came to my help and I could not recognize him. I slept while he did my work.

Allamah Shaikh Hilli (a.r.) cried and trembled. He could not stop crying as all the time he could see only the handsome face in front of him.

He took the book and quickly hurried towards the writers house.

When he stepped out of the house he looked towards the sky and prayed “O Allah! If possible, let me meet him again.”

Few Lessons that we learn are,

Allama Hilli felt very disturbed when he heard that there was someone who had written against our religion and our beliefs. He made a firm desire to defend our religion against the false propagation by writing a book.

What we learn from this is whenever we hear something against our religion or belief then we should not react by giving abuses in return or by saying bad things about that person. But the best way to reply is by removing the doubts of this person and this can be achieved only if we have religious knowledge. We should pray to Allah, the Almighty that he gives us the good fortune to acquire religious knowledge so that not only can we practice it ourselves but also remove the doubts of others and reply to objections regarding beliefs, etc.

One very important thing that we learn is that we should never make excuses and always try and look out for solutions. Allama Hilli initially tried very hard to get the book but he could not. He did not make this as an excuse to not write the reply but rather looked for options and then later became a student of this person only so that he can achieve his aim. This tells us that we should be very steadfast in acquiring knowledge of religion and spreading it.

Allama Hilli was hungry and sleepy but he knew that if he slept or arranged to eat then he will lose precious time to copy this book.

We learn that while acquiring knowledge of religion we should not give preference to our personal comfort like sleep, play, wasting time but rather spend time in acquiring knowledge.

When Allama Hilli opened the door he said, I saw a young man whose face was shining like a moon and he was smiling at me.

This shows us that Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) became very happy with Allama Hilli because of the troubles and efforts which he took in defending our religion and our beliefs that we was smiling when Allama Hilli opened the door.

If we spend time in acquiring religious knowledge and then later spread it with sincerity then this will make Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) very happy as well. Then may be Inshallah we can also be among the fortunate ones to see the face which has more splendour than the moon.

RETURNING TO OUR HOMETOWNS ALONG WITH PROSPERITY

The narrator of the below incident says that “I heard the following incident from my brothers in Hamadan and no one has ever falsified this story:

There is a tribe in Hamadan which is called Banu Rashid. All of its members are Shia Imamiyah, when I asked them the reason for their Shiaism an elder of their community whom I found righteous and honest, told me: It is narrated from our forefather, Rashid Hamadani that he said: When I was returning from Hajj and covering the distances through the desert I was experiencing delight in halting and moving on. I covered a long distance on foot till I was tired and needed some rest. So, I decided to sleep for sometime to regain strength. I said to myself: When the last part of the caravan passes by me I will get up and join them. I was finally awakened by the intense sun and I could not see anyone there.

I was terrified because I didn’t know the way. I relied on Allah, the Mighty and Sublime and decided to move in the direction I was facing. After some time I reached greenery that had recently received rainfall. The earth was fragrant. In the middle of that I saw a palace that was glittering like the sword. I said to myself: If only could know about this palace which I have never seen before and neither have I heard anything about it. When I came to the gate, I saw fair complexioned servants. I greeted them and they replied to me in a cheerful manner. They said: Sit down, Allah has wished you well. A servant went into the palace and then returned to say: Come inside. I entered the palace and saw that its foundations were the best type of foundations, and its construction was also the best. The servant stood at the curtain of an entrance. Then he lifted the curtain and told me to go in. I entered the room and saw a young man sitting there in such a way that a long sword was hanging above his head, and he seemed to be a full moon shining in the dark. I saluted him and he responded in a kind manner.

Then he asked: Who am I? I said: By Allah, I don’t know. He said: I am that Qaim of Aale Mohammed (a.t.f.s.) who would appear in the last period of time and through this sword fill the earth with justice and equity as it would be fraught with injustice and tyranny.

I fell down on my face. He said: Don’t. Get up. You are a resident of Hamadan and your name is Rashid. I said: My lord and master, you are right. He said: Would you like to return to your family? I said: Yes, my lord and master, and I would tell them of that with which I have been blessed. He gave me a pouch and gestured to the servant who walked a few steps with me. I decried mounds, trees and minarets of the mosque. The servant asked me: Do you recognize this town? I said: It seems to be like my town, Asadabad. The servant said: O Rashid, this is Asadabad, you may proceed now. When I turned back I could see him no more.

I entered Asadabad. There were forty or fifty dinars in the pouch. I went to Hamadan. I gathered my family members and conveyed the good news to them.

Till the time these dinars lasted, we remained in peace and security.”⁸²

O our master! Make us return to our hometowns along with the blessings of this Ziyarat which lasts through out our lifetime and is the best for our world and Hereafter.

WARDING OFF OF CALAMITIES

Ibrahim bin Mohammed Alawi says that Tareef Abu Nasr narrated to him,

“I came to the Master of the time (a.t.f.s.) and he told me to bring red sandalwood which I did. Then he asked: Do you know me? I said: Yes. He said: Who am I?

I said: My master, and the son of my master. He said: I did not ask you this. Tareef said: I said: May I be sacrificed on you, tell me. He said: I am the seal of the successors. And through me will Allah, the Mighty and Sublime wards off calamities from my family and my Shias.”⁸³

CURE AT MAQAAM E IMAME ZAMAN (A.T.F.S.) IN KERBALA

It is mentioned that some natives of Najaf Ashraf narrate that a man of Kashan set out for Hajj and when he reached Najaf Ashraf, he was struck by a severe illness and his legs developed gangrene. His co-travelers left him in charge of a nice man who lived in a room of the school in the holy shrine courtyard and they continued their journey.

The man used to lock him in the room everyday and leave in search for Durre Najaf stones in the desert. One day that Qashani said to that man: I am fed up with this room, please take me out and make me sit somewhere and then you can go on your way.

He agreed to this and carried me to the place of Qaem (a.t.f.s.) on the outskirts of Najaf Ashraf. He washed his shirt in a pool of water and left it to dry on a bush, while he set out towards the desert. I sat there thinking what the future held for me.

Just then I noticed a wheat complexion handsome youth enter the courtyard who greeted me and then entered the building of Imam Qaem (a.t.f.s.). He prayed a few units of prayers with perfect attention and then returned to ask about my well being.

I said: I am involved in such a disease that neither it is cured, nor I die so that I may get rid of it.

He said: Don’t worry, the Almighty Allah will give you both.

When he went away, I saw that the shirt, which was put out to be dried had fallen down and was soiled. I got up with a reflex action and picked it up; then I washed it once more and again spread it out on the bush to dry. The realization suddenly struck me as to how I had managed to get up as if nothing was wrong. I realized that he was Imam Qaem (a.s.) and I ran out of the place but could see no one there.

After some time, my host returned from the desert and was astonished to find my illness cured.

When I narrated the whole incident, he also regretted not being able to meet the Imam and after that we returned to our lodging.

People say that he remained in health till his associates returned. When they returned and he saw them, he again fell ill and passed away and he was buried in that courtyard. In this way what the Imam (a.s.) has said came to be true that he would get both the things. The incident became famous and the most trusted residents of that area have narrated it to me.⁸⁴

Let us be attentive towards the master of the time, Hazrat Imame Zaman (a.t.f.s.) at Makaam e Sahebuz Zaman (a.t.f.s) in Kerbala and seek cure from him from our physical and spiritual ailments.

SHIFA IN SARDAAB

Mulla Ali Tehrani Haji Mulla Ali Tehrani, son of Late Haji Mirza Khalil Tabib, who was the caretaker of Najaf shrine as long as he lived and he performed the Ziyarat of Samarrah most of the years and he had a strange attachment to Holy cellar and he sought for help and benefits and never was his entreaty unanswered and he said:

It never happened that I should perform the Ziyarat without seeing a miracle. And during the stay of this humble servant in Samarrah, he was honored twice in the house of this humble servant and concealed what he saw and insisted on keeping it as a secret, on the contrary to conceal all the worship acts.

When I requested to tell me something about those incidents, he said: It happened many times on dark nights when all were asleep and there was no sound or movement from anyone; I performed the Ziyarat of the Sardab.

Near the Sardab, before the entry and before the steps, I saw an effulgence shining on the wall of the first threshold in the cellar of occultation, as if someone was carrying a candle and it was moving from place to place and its rays were moving everywhere. So I went down and entered the holy cellar. I neither saw anyone there and there was no lamp there.

When he performed the Ziyarat and the symptoms of dropsy appeared in him and he became very aggrieved of it, he entered the holy cellar and said: Tonight I sought a general cure and went into the holy cellar and entered that small platform and inserted my feet into the well of cure, which people call as the well of occultation and suspended myself in it.

Not much time passed, but that my illness was cured and the Late gentleman decided to serve that shrine, but after returning to Najaf Ashraf he was unable to do so as his illness returned and he passed away in 1290 in the last part of the month of Safar. May Allah, the Almighty raise him up with those whom he followed.⁸⁵

YOU WILL BE TAUGHT TAWHEED

Sayyid Mahdi Qazwini, resident of the Hilla Saifiya said:

It is narrated from my spiritual father and biological uncle, the late Allamah Sayyid Mohammed Baqir Qazwini, that: In 1186 A.H. there was a terrible epidemic of plague in Iraq, in which such was the condition of Najaf that people left the town and great scholars and even Allamah Tabatabai and the author of Kashful Ghita also left the place. A large number of people perished and only very few survived. Every day I used to sit in the holy courtyard and there was no one present there from the seekers of knowledge.

During that time, I met in the lanes of Najaf, a very respectable gentleman, whom I had neither seen before not afterwards, in spite of the fact that the population of Najaf had become so restricted that no one from outside could enter the place. Thus, that gentleman looked at me and asked: You will be bestowed the knowledge of monotheism after some days. Then I dreamt that two angels had arrived and one of them was holding inscribed tablets and the other one was holding a balance. They had placed those tablets in the pans and the tablets that were weighed they placed before me and read them. So much so, this was conducted with all the tablets.

I saw that the beliefs of all the companions of the Prophet (a.s.) and the companions of the Holy Imams (a.s.) were weighed against the beliefs of Imamiyah scholars. Among whom were included everyone from Salman Farsi to Abu Zar Ghiffari till the four special deputies of Imam Zamana (a.s.): Usmaan bin Saeed, Mohammed bin Usmaan, Husain bin Rauh and Ali Ibne Mohammed Saymoori; Mulla Yaqub Kulaini, Shaykh Saduq, Ibne Babawayh, his father, Shaykh Mufeed, Abu Jafar Mohammed bin Noman, Sayyid Murtaza Alamul Huda and Shaykhut Taifa Abu Jafar Toosi; till my uncle, Sayyid Bahrul Uloom Allamah Tabatabai and all the scholars after him were included. On seeing this dream, I became informed about the beliefs of all those gentlemen, and I became aware of such academic secrets that I was given an age equal to Prophet Nuh (a.s.), and I had spent all the time in acquiring knowledge, I would not have been able to obtain the tenth part of it.

When I rose up in the morning, I was most learned man of my time. I woke up, prayed and then completed the post prayer recitations. There was a knock at the door. The maid went to open it and brought a paper, which a brother in faith Shaykh Abdul Husain had sent. It contained some couplets in my praise, which were a brief interpretation of that dream. In other words, among the beliefs that I learnt about, was the belief of my later maternal uncle, Allamah Bahrul Uloom, which was compared to some special companions of the Prophet. But all these are confidential matters, which cannot be divulged and everyone cannot bear them. On the contrary, that late gentleman had taken oath from me not to reveal them. Thus, my dream is the result of that order of that gentleman, whom I met in a lane of Najaf and according to whom the contexts prove that he was Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.).⁸⁶

DUA E NUDBA WITH TEARS

Mulla Zainul Aabedeen Salmasi Just, trustworthy and reliable, Aqa Mohammed, who was the caretaker of Kazmain shrine and for forty years was responsible for lighting in the shrine has narrated the report of his mother that once they had opportunity to be in the company of the pious scholar and the trustworthy gentleman, Maulana Aqa Zainul Aabedeen Salmasi and his family members in the cellar.

This gentleman became engrossed in reciting Dua Nudbah in such a touching manner that people were moved to tears all the time.

We also accompanied his recitation shedding tears at the same time. At that time, there was no one other than us. Meanwhile the smell of musk spread in the cellar fragranting the whole atmosphere and making us filled with rapture. We became absolutely speechless and could not move. All of us were bewildered, but after sometime that fragrance disappeared; after which we regained our posture and then continued the supplication. When we returned home I asked Aqa Salmasi the cause of the fragrance. He said: Why are you posing this question? And he avoided replying. It is also written that when Maulana Ali Reza, a trusted friend of Aqa Salmasi asked whether he also had the distinction of meeting Imam Zamana (a.s.), he narrated this same incident verbatim.⁸⁷

IMAMS RECOMMENDATION TO RECITE ZIYARAT AALE YASEEN

It is narrated from Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Jafar Himyari that he said that an epistle arrived from Imam Zamana (a.t.f.s.), in which after replies tosome questions, it was mentioned: “If you intend to make us as a medium and address us, you should recite say what the Almighty Allah has said:⁸⁸

OBSERVING OUT DUTIES TOWARDS OUR PARENTS

It is also narrated from the same Shaykh Baqir an incident about a very pious man, who was a very dutiful son of his father and he was so caring that he placed a pot of water in the toilet and till the father completed his ablutions, he waited outside. He was always in the service of his father; however on Wednesday eves he used to visit Masjid Sahla. But at one time he stopped going there as well. When he was asked about it, he said: Once, when I was going there for forty Wednesdays regularly, on the last Wednesday, it so happened that I could not leave during the day. Night fell, although it was a moonlit night.

But I was alone. After walking for a time only a third of the distance remained when I saw an Arab riding in my direction. I thought that I was about to be robbed of my possessions. The rider came near and spoke to me in rural dialect and first thing that he asked was where I was headed. I said I was going to Masjid Sahla. Then he asked if I have something to eat. I said I have nothing.

He told me: Check your pocket. Again I repeated that I had nothing. He chided me at this point and I found that there were some raisins in my pocket I had bought for my child, which I had forgotten to give him. Then he said thrice: I advise you about your aged father. I emphasize you about him and I command you about him. He stated this and disappeared from my sight. I immediately realized that it was Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.), who could not bear that I should remain away from the service of my father even for a single night. That is the reason why I stopped going to Masjid Sahla on Wednesday eves.⁸⁹

STEADFASTNESS ON CORRECT FAITH

Abu Raje Himami Allamah Majlisi has narrated in Behaarul Anwaar from the book of Sultanul Mufarraj an Ahalal Imaan, compilation of the perfect scholar, Sayyid Ali bin Abdul Hamid Neeli Najafi that he said:

The incident of Abu Rajeh Himami in Hilla was famous in all the cities and it was known to all the people that:

“Of all those who have seen Imam Zamana (a.s.), there is the most famous and well known, and it is narrated by a group of scholars and eminent people of that town.

Among those eminent personalities is also the pious, senior and virtuous Shaykh Shamsuddin Mohammed bin Qaroon.

He says that there was a ruler in Hilla called ‘Marjaan, the younger’. Some people reported to him that Abu Rajeh abuses the companions of the Prophet. So he got Abu Rajeh arrested and ordered him to be beaten. They beat him so severely that each part of his body was injured and they hit at his mouth so much that his teeth were broken.

Then they pierced his tongue with a thick iron needle. Then they pierced his nose and put a rope through it. After that he was given over to the ruler’s men to take him around the lanes of Hilla in this manner and ordered that he should be thrashed from every side. It happened in this way and the poor man fell down exhausted; people thought that he was dead.

They informed the king and he ordered his execution. Those present in the court wanted to know what purpose would be served by his execution. Since he was an old man this much punishment was enough for him. He was already dead, so he should be left now, and he would die a natural death. Why should the king take the responsibility of his death? When people petitioned much, he ordered his release.

Since he was seriously injured, his relatives carried him home like a corpse, everyone was sure that he would not survive that night as no sign of life remained in his body. However, when people came to see him the next day they found him in perfect health and physically fit, engrossed in ritual prayers. His teeth, that had been broken, were back in his mouth in a perfect condition. The wounds of his body and face had healed so completely as if he never had any injuries in the first place.

They were shocked at this and asked him how that came to be. He said: I was looking at death with my own eyes.

Since my tongue could not move, I was unable to utter any supplication, so I prayed to Allah in my mind and beseeched my master. When the greater part of the night had passed, I saw that the complete house was lit by a luminosity and my master, His Eminence, the Master of the Time was stroking my face and saying: Now, get up and go to your family. You are perfectly all right now.

Thus, when I got up in the morning, I was absolutely healthy as you can all see.

Shamsuddin Mohammed bin Qaroon says: By Allah, Abu Rajeh was a frail and thin man, having sallow complexion; he was very ugly and had a small beard. I used to visit the same public bath he frequented and I always saw him in the above condition. But that morning when I went to see him with other people, I saw him physically strong, his limbs powerful and his height had also increased. The beard was also bigger than before and the complexion had a pinkish hue. It seemed as if he were a young man of twenty years. And he remained like that till his end.

When the news of his miraculous recovery spread, the governor of Hilla summoned him; who one day before had seen him in a very serious condition; but now he was perfectly cured and there no sign of any injury and his teeth were also intact. The ruler was highly impressed by this and filled with awe.

Previously when he sat at the place of Imam Zamana (a.s.) in Hilla, he used to turn his back to it, but after this incident, he used to sit facing it and he also changed his behavior with the people of Hilla. He used to forgive their mistakes and acted nicely with everyone in general. But all this was of no use to him and he died after some days.⁹⁰

Footnotes

1. Surah Nisa (4): Verse 31 ↩

2. Surah Anfaal (8): Verse 4 ↩

3. Surah Yusuf (12): Verse 31 ↩

4. Surah Bani Israel (17): Verse 23 ↩

5. Surah Mominoon (23): Verse 116 ↩

6. Surah Shura (26): Verse 7 ↩

7. Surah Shura (26): Verse 58 ↩

8. Surah Naml (27): Verse 29 ↩

9. Surah Ahzaab (33): Verse 44 ↩

10. Surah Dukhaan (44): Verse 17 ↩

11. Surah Waqiya (56): Verse 77 ↩

12. Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 27, Chp. 16, Tradition No. 5 ↩

13. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 56 ↩

14. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 65 ↩

15. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 50 ↩

16. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 50 ↩

17. Surah Nisa (4): Verse 69 ↩

18. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 50 ↩

19. Kamiluz Ziyaraat, Chp 40, Traditon 4 ↩

20. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 43, Chp 4, Tradition 3 ↩

21. Mikyal al-Makarim, Vol. 1, The Letter Daal (D) ↩

22. Isbat al-Wilayah ↩

23. Isbat al-Wilayah ↩

24. Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 41, page 249 ↩

25. Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 4 ↩

26. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 15 ↩

27. Hayat al-Quloob, Vol. 2, Chapter 58 ↩

28. Life of Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) – Baqir Sharif Qarashi ↩

29. Life of Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) – Baqir Sharif Qarashi ↩

30. Life of Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) – Baqir Sharif Qarashi ↩

31. Life of Imam Hasan Mujhtaba (a.s.) – Baqir Sharif Qarashi ↩

32. Maqtal-e-Mutahhar, Majlis 22 ↩

33. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 44, Chp 26, Tradition 3 ↩

34. Madinatul Maajiz, Vol. 2, Chp 3 ↩

35. Surah Aale Imran (3): Verse 134 ↩

36. Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 1 ↩

37. Surah Aale Imran (3): Verse 134 ↩

38. Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 4 ↩

39. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 46, page 47 ↩

40. Kamiluz Ziyaraat, Chp. 91, Tradition 7 ↩

41. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 46, Life of Imam Baqir (a.s.), Chp 5, Tradition 32 ↩

42. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 46, Life of Imam Baqir (a.s.), Chp 5, Tradition 7 ↩

43. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 46, Life of Imam Baqir (a.s.), Chp 5, Tradition 19 ↩

44. Mikyalal al-Makarim, Vol. 1, Resemblance with Janabe Khizr (a.s.) ↩

45. Isbatul Wilayah ↩

46. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 47, page 139 ↩

47. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 47, page 115 ↩

48. Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 2 ↩

49. Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 3 ↩

50. Manazelul Akherah ↩

51. Mikyal al-Makarim. Vol. 1, The Mercy And Favors Of His Eminence With Regard To Us ↩

52. Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 4 ↩

53. Muntahal Aa’maal, vol. 2, pg. 187, Anecdotes of Reflection, Part 1 ↩

54. Morals & Manners of the Holy Imams - Akhlaq e-A’immah (a.s.) ↩

55. Isbat al Wilayah ↩

56. Biharul Anwar, Vol. 49, Pg. 18 ↩

57. Oyoun Al Akhbaar Al-Reza (a.s.), Vol. 2 ↩

58. Oyoun Al Akhbaar Al-Reza (a.s.), Vol. 2 ↩

59. Oyoun Al Akhbaar Al-Reza (a.s.), Vol. 2 ↩

60. Oyoun al Akhbar ↩

61. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 21 ↩

62. Bihar al-Anwaar, vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 24 ↩

63. Bihar al-Anwaar, vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 35 ↩

64. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 11 ↩

65. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol 50, Chp 3, Tradition 8 ↩

66. Bihar al-Anwaar, vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 27 ↩

67. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 13 ↩

68. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 38 ↩

69. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Chp 3, Tradition 42 ↩

70. Musa bin Bugha, was a tyrant and a powerful general in the Abbasi caliphate. He was of Turkish origin. ↩

71. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Life of Imam Hadi (a.s.), Chp 3, Tradition 3 ↩

72. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Life of Imam Hadi (a.s.), Chp 3, Tradition 7 ↩

73. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Life of Imam Hadi (a.s.), Chp 3, Tradition 22 ↩

74. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 50, Life of Imam Hadi (a.s.), Chp 3, Tradition 45 ↩

75. Ghurar al-Hikam, Tradition No. 6146 ↩

76. Kitab al-Irshaad, Chapter 10 ↩

77. Kitab al-Irsaad, Chapter 10 ↩

78. Baqir Qarashi. Kashf al-Ghummah, vol.3 p.200 ↩

79. Kashf al-Ghummah, vol.3, 202, (Baqir Qarashi) ↩

80. Kamaaluddin, Vol. 2 ↩

81. Mikyal al Makarim, vol. 1, The Letter Qaaf (Q) - 5. Qaza-E-Hawaij – Fulfilling The Needs Of The Believers ↩

82. Kamaaluddin, Vol. 2, Chp 43, Tradition 20 ↩

83. Kamaaluddeen, vol. 2, page 105 ↩

84. Najmus Saquib, Meeting No. 48 ↩

85. Najmus Saquib, Incident No. 91 ↩

86. Najmus Saquib, Incident No. 92 ↩

87. Najmus Saquib, Incident 80 ↩

88. Bihar al-Anwaar, Vol. 53 ↩

89. Najmus Saquib, Incident no. 86 ↩

90. Najus Saquib, Incident 41 ↩