the life of imam hasan al-'askari - islamic mobilitychapter2 introduction in the name of allah,...
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TheLifeofImamHasanAl-'AskariBaqirShareefal-Qurashi-XKP
Published:2013Tag(s):islam"imamhasanaskari""hasanaskari""shiaebook""fatherofimammahdi""imammehdi""imamzamana""11thimam""BaqirShareefal-Qurashi""biograohyofeleventhimam""childhoodofimammehdi""
1ChapterDedication
Tothepioneerofthehumanintellect;
Totheestablisherofhumancivilization;Tohewhohasfilledtheworldwithvirtuesandknowledge;
TotheImamandteacher:Ja’faras-Sadiq.IhumblyoffertohishighnessthiseffortabouthisgrandsonImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-
Askari(a.s.)whohadraisedthebanneroftruthandjusticeintheworldofIslam,andIprayitwillbeaccepted.
-TheAuthor
2ChapterIntroduction
InTheNameofAllah,TheBeneficentTheMerciful
(1)Imam Abu Muhammad al-Hasan bin Ali al-Askari (a.s.) is the eleventh imam of the infallible
imamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s).TheblessedandpiousImamscarriedthebannerofIslam,undertookthe goals of the religion, sacrificed their lives into its way, and accustomed themselves to facedisasters,difficulties,andhardshiptospreadthehighvaluesandgoalsof thisreligion.Indeed, justhowmanyfavorshavetheybestoweduponMuslims!Thisgreatimamhadintellectual,scientifictalents,andabilitiesthatmadehimwithoutdisputean
intellectual genius among men. He was one of the heroes of history by his resisting the variouschallengesandstandingupagainst thedeviateandoppressiveAbbasidrule.Herebelledagainst thecorruptiveregimesandsparednoeffortinachievingtruthandjusticeamongpeople.
(2)ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)waslikehisfathersinhistendenciesandaims.Indeed,theyallwere
likeeachotherinreachingthehighestranksofvirtueandperfection.Historianshaveclaimedhewasthemostknowledgeableoneinthereligiousverdictsandaffairs
andthatallscholarsand‘Ulama’(scholars)ofhisagewereinneedofhimtoladlefromthefountofhisknowledgeandsciences.Hewasthemostdevoted,piousworshipperofallpeopleofhistime.Hepreferredtheobedienceof
Allah to everything. He was the most patient and forbearing one. He suppressed his anger andpardonedwhoeverwrongedhim.Hewas themost generous, the kindest to the poor, and themostcharitabletotheneedy.HeappointedagentsinmanycountriesoftheIslamicworldentrustingthemwiththedistributingofthelegaldues,whichcametohim,amongthepoorandtheweakofMuslimstogetthemoutoftheirpovertyanddeprivation,whereashehimselflivedlikethepoor.Hepaidnoattentiontothepleasuresanddesiresofthislife,likehisfatherswhoturnedtheirbackstothisworldandturnedcompletelytowardsAllahandtheafter-world.
(3)HistoriansmentionthatallpeopleglorifiedandhonoredImamal-Askari(a.s.),andacknowledged
his virtue and preference to all of theAlawids and theAbbasids at his time.When the imam (a.s.)came to theAbbasid royalpalace, everyoneof theattendants stoodupandbowedglorifyinghim.Viziers, clerks, army leaders, and all statesmen regarded him so highly.Al-Fatah binKhaqan, the
primeminister of al-Mutawakkil, preferred Imam al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) to all eminent scholarsand‘Ulama’,andacknowledged thatnoonehad thevirtuesandqualities that the imam(a.s.)hadatthattime.
(4)Itwasnaturalthatthenation,withallclasses,regardedandglorifiedImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)
for they sawhis guidance, piety, righteousness, asceticism, loyalty to the truth, and devotedness toAllah.TheywerecertainthathewasthecaliphofAllahonEarth,andtheonlyrepresentativeofhisgrandfatherthegreatProphet(s.a.w.w.).Inadditiontothat,Imamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)undertookthefatalissuesoftheIslamicnation,anddefendedtherightsofMuslims.Hecriticizedtherulersofhistimeforwrongingpeopleanddisregardingtheirrights.Therefore,thenationglorifiedhimandacknowledgedhisnecessaryleadership.
(5)TheAbbasidkingsbecamedispleasedwhentheysawandheardthatthemassesglorifiedImamal-
Hasanal-Askari(a.s.),andthatgreatnumbersofMuslimsbelievedinhisImamateandthoughtthathewasworthierofthecaliphatethantheAbbasidswhohadnoqualitythatmightmakethemfitfortheIslamiccaliphate.Spiteagainsttheimam(a.s.)filledtheheartsoftheAbbasidrulerswhotooksevereproceduresagainsthim.Theyimposedaneconomicblockadeagainsthim,andputhimunderhousearrest inSamarra’.They surroundedhimwith policemen anddetectives towatch his every breath.Theysubjectedeveryonewhocontactedhimtoseverepenalties.Thiswas-asIthink-thereasonforwhy only a few narrators narrate traditions from him, and so not many maxims, literatures, andreligiousrulingsweretransmittedfromhim.
(6)Therewasanotherverysensitive reason that led theAbbasids towatch Imamal-Hasanal-Askari
(a.s.)strictly.ItwasthatImamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)wasthefatherofImamMuhammadal-Mahdi(a.s.), the awaited savior and reformer who would fill the world with justice, and would destroyoppressors andoppression.TheProphet (s.a.w.w.) andhis guardians gavegood tidings about him,andtoldthenationthatthissaviorwouldspreadpoliticalandsocialjusticeonEarth,andallMuslimsofdifferent traditionsbelievedthis.Therefore, theAbbasidswereafraidof thissavior,andthoughtthathewouldremovetheirruleandauthority.TheyreleasedspiesonImamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)toknowofthebirthofthisson.Theysentfemalespiestoseewhichofhiswiveswouldgivebirthtoamalebaby,sothathemaybetakenaway.ButAllahtheAlmightymadethepregnancyandthebirthofImam al-Mahdi (a.s.) an unknown matter, just as He had made the birth of Prophet Moses (a.s.)unknowntothePharaoh.
(7)This book studies the age of Imam al-Askari (a.s.) and all its events. The study of the age is
necessary because it sheds lights on the intellectual, social, economical, political life of that age.Naturally,ithasdirectinfluenceonthelifeofonewholivesinthatveryage.Besidesthat,ituncoversthedimensionsofhislifeandpersonality,andtheextentoftheinfluenceoftheeventsofthatageonhim.
(8)
Thebookfeaturestheeconomiclifeofthatagewhichwasneithersoundnorstablebutconfused
andparalyzed.TheAbbasidgovernmentsattheageofImamal-Askari(a.s.)didnotcreateeaseforpeople, nor did their rule result in the creation of the noble life that Islamwanted for the nation.ExcessivewealthwasaccumulatedinthepossessionofthemembersoftheAbbasidfamily,statesmen,andtheiragents.Theyspentlavishly.Theyappropriatedthetreasuresoftheearthwhilethemajorityof the Muslim peoples suffered poverty and deprivation, besides the pains, sufferings, andsubjugationtheyfacedfromthegovernmentofficialsincollectingthelandtaxandothertaxes.
(9)WehavealsopresentedastudyonthekingsoftheageofImamal-Askari(a.s.).Mostofthosekings
wereinsignificantandineffective.Theysubmittedtotheirlustsanddesiresandwerefondofmaidsandsongstresses.Theirrednightswerefullofsin.TheywereindifferenttowhatAllahhadorderedtheguardiansofMuslimstodoinordertobetterthegenerallifeofthenation,toofferthenecessaryservicesforpeople,and tofindequivalentopportunitiesforallcitizens.Mostof theAbbasidkingsdidnothingof that sort - rather they appropriated thewealthofAllah for themselves and took thepeopleofAllahastheirownslaves.Theyranthenationviolentlyandoppressively.TheyentrustedtheTurks,whowereharsh,ignorant,andunawareofadministrationandpolitics,withabsoluteauthorityoverthenation,andtheysankthenationintoseditionsanddisasters.
(10) Many historical facts and events were mixed together, distorted, or fabricated because some
historiansintendedtooverlooktheclearerrorsofsomekingsandrulers.Theytriedtopraisethemwithnobleepithetsandgoodqualitiesthat theydidnotpossess,whereas, inreality, thosekingsandrulersweretheworstoftyrantswhothrewthenationintoanabyssofoppressionandcorruption,andexploitedtheeconomyofthestatefortheirownpleasuresandfancies,andafflictedthepublicwithpoverty and wretchedness. It is neither fidelity nor truth to regard those tyrants with the eye ofholinessandsacrednessandtotrustinthemasidealpersonalities.ItisverynecessarytostudyIslamichistorythoughtfully,impartially,andalooffromanyfanaticism.Authorsmustwritejustforthetruthandthegoodofthenation.
(11)Also, in this book, we have mentioned a group of jurisprudents, scholars, and narrators who
narrated traditions from ImamAbuMuhammad al-Askari (a.s.) and took from his knowledge andsciences.Thisisnecessary-asIthink-becauseitcompletestheresearchonthenoblepersonalityofthe imam (a.s.) for it shows the extent of his association with the men of knowledge and theirassociationwithhimatthatcriticalperiodwheretheAbbasidgovernmentputtheimamunderseverewatch, and punished whoever associated with him. This confinement affected the imam (a.s.) andcausedhimmuchpain, because nothingwould bemore painful to an intellectual powerhouse thanpreventing themfromexpressing theirknowledgeandsciencesand transmitting theiropinionsandideastoothers.
(12)And here, I find it from gratefulness and loyalty to the great efforts of the grand scholar my
brother, Sheikh Hadi Sharif al-Qurashi, who went through some reference books concerning thesubject of this book, aswell as his useful directions and valuable instructions. I pray forAllah torewardhimwiththebestofHisrewardsthatHerewardsHisloyalpeoplewith.HolycityofNajafBaqirSharifal-Qurashi
3ChapterTheImam’sNobleLineage
ImamAbuMuhammad al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) was from the heart of the prophetic family, by
whichAllahhadhonouredtheArabsandMuslims.Itwas theholiest family thathadundertakentheissues of truth and justice among all peoples of the earth. There is no lineage in this world likethenoblelineagewhichImamal-Askari(a.s.)belongedto.HewasthesonofImamal-HadibinImamMuhammadal-JawadbinImamAliar-RedhabinImam
Musa al-Kadhim bin Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq bin ImamMuhammad al-Baqir bin ImamAli Zayn-al-Aabidin(as-Sajjad)binImamal-HusaynbinImamAlibinAbuTalib(peacebeonthem).TheseweretheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)whomAllahhadkeptuncleannessawayfromandpurifieda thorough purifying, and whom the Prophet (a.s) hadmade as the boat of rescue and safety forpeople.
HisFather
HisfatherwasImamAlial-Hadi(a.s.),thetenthimamoftheShi’afaith.Hewasfromthemasters
oftheAhlulBayt(a.s)andthemostknowledgeable,pious,andvirtuousofallpeopleathistime.
HisMother
Hismotherwasthebestofwomenathertimeinherchastity,purity,andpiety.Historianssayshe
wasfromthegoodknowingwomen.[1]Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)praisedherbysaying,‘Saleel(hername)waspurifiedfromerror,defect,andimpurity.’[2]Shewasabondmaid[3]froman-Nawbah.[4]Itdidnotharmherthatshewasabondmaid,forman
intheviewofIslamisexaltedbyhisguidance,piety,andpropriety,andheisdegradedbydeviationfromtherightpath.Historiansdisagreedonhername.SomeofthemsaidhernamewasSaleel,whichisthemostvalid
assertionaccordingtotheprevioustraditionofImamal-Hadi(a.s.).SomesaidshewascalledSawsan.[5]OtherssaidhernamewasHadithah,[6]andotherssaidHareebah.
TheGreatNewbornChild
Thebirthofthenewbornboy,HassanAl-Askariwhowasthedescendantofprophethood,andthe
remainderof the Imamate,made theworld shine andSamarabloom.Thisgreat newbornwas thecontinuityofthelifeofhisinfalliblefatherswholittheintellectuallifeintheworldofIslam.Delightand joy filled theheartsof theprophetic family for theyknew thathewouldbe the imamafterhisfather,asImamal-Hadi(a.s.)hadtoldthem.Somehistorians said hewas born inMedina,[7] and someothers said inSamarra.[8]Historians
alsogavedifferentdatesforhisbirth.ItwassaidthathewasborninRabee’al-Awwal[9]230AH,[10]or231,[11]or232,[12]or233.[13]
CeremoniesofBirth
Afterthebirthofthisblessedson,Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)recitedthecalltoprayerinhisrightear,and
theIqamah, thecall tostartprayer inhis leftear.Thiswasthefirsthymnthat thisblessednewbornboymetlifewith;“Allahisgreat,thereisnogodbutAllah”.Ontheseventhdayafterbirth,Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)cutthehairofhisnewbornchild,andgavesilver
orgoldasmuchastheweightofhisson’shairtothepoorascharity.
HisNameAndSurname
Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)namedhisblessednewbornchild“al-Hasan”likethenameofhisgreatuncle,
themasteroftheyouthofParadise.HesurnamedhimasAbuMuhammad,[14]andMuhammadwasthename of the awaited Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.), the great reformer and saviour of humanity, and thesought-afterhopeofthedeprivedandthedisabledintheearth.
HisEpithets
Hisepithetsexpressedhishighandnoblequalities.Hewascalled:1.Al-Khalis(thepure)[15]2.Al-Hadi(theguide)[16]3.Al-Askari(ofthemilitary);[17]hewascalledsobecausethecity(Samarra’)helivedinwhich
wasamilitarycamp.4.Az-Zakiy(pure,chaste,righteous)[18]5.Al-Khass(peculiar),[19]thatAllahhaddistinguishedhimwithvirtues,andwithrespondingto
hissupplications6.As-Samit(silent),[20]:hewassilentandhespokejustwisdom,knowledge,andthementionof
Allah7.As-Sires(lamp),:thathewasasalamplightingthewayandguidingthedevianttorighteousness8.At-Taqiy(pious)[21]
HisMien
AhmadbinUbaydillahbinKhaqansaidaboutImamal-Askari(a.s.),‘Hewasbrownwithbigeyes,
finestature,beautifulface,andgoodbody.Hehadgravityandsolemnity.[22]Anditwassaidhewasbetweenbrownandwhite.’[23]
HisUpbringing
ImamAl-Askari (a.s.)grewup in thehouseofguidanceand thecenterof Imamateandgeneral
authorityofMuslims.HewasfromthenoblehousewhosepeopleAllahhadkeptuncleannessawayfromandpurifiedthoroughly.Ash-Shabrawi says regarding this exalted house, ‘What an honourable house it is and what a
gloriouslineageitis!Itisthehouseofprideandexaltation.Theyareallequalinthenobleroot,inthegoodinners,andingloryliketheteethofacomb.Howexaltedahouseitis!Ithasallqualitiesofperfectiontotheextentthatit isnotexceptedbylimitationssuchas“otherthan”or“except”.Theseimamshavebeenorderedingloryliketheorderofpearls,andharmonizedinhonorthatthefirstofthemequals thenext.Manywere thosewhostrove todegrade thishousebutAllahexaltedandstillexalts it, andmanywere thosewho spared no effort to separate the unity of this house but Allahgathered and gathers it. How many rights of this house were lost but Allah does not ignore orlose…’[24]Scholarlystudiesnotethatone’shouseholdhasgreatinfluenceontheformingofman’sbehavior
andthebuildingofhispersonality.Thegoodorbadsceneshesees inside thehouseare impresseduponhimandadheretohimthroughouthislife.Inthelightofthisfact,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)obtained thebestscenesof thepuresteducation.Hegrewup inahouse thatAllahhadpurifiedandexalted…thehousethatraisedtheWordofAllahhighintheEarthandoffereddearsacrificesforthesakeofIslam.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)grewupinthehouseoftheQur'anandtheheartofIslam.Hisfather
Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)fedhimwithguidanceandidealstobethecontinuityofthemissionofIslam.
God-Fearing
ThedistinctaspectinthechildhoodofImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)wasthefear
ofAllah.HewasGod-fearing since his early years.Historiansmentioned that one day somemanpassedbyImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andsawhimcrywhilehewaswithhisfellowchildren.Themanthoughtthatthischildcriedforthetoysinthechildren’shandsandthathecouldnotparticipateintheirplaying.Themantoldthechildthathewouldbuyhimwhathemightplaywith.Thechildsaid,‘No!Wehavenotbeencreatedforplay.’Themanwasastonishedandsaid,‘Then,whatforwehavebeencreated?’Thechildsaid,‘Forknowledgeandworship.’Themanaskedthechild,‘Wherehaveyougotthisfrom?’Thechildsaid, ‘FromthissayingofAllah(What!DidyouthenthinkthatWehadcreatedyouin
vain)[25].’Themanwasastonishedandconfused.Hesaidtothechild,‘Whathashappenedtoyouwhileyou
arestillaguiltlesslittlechild?’Thechildsaid,‘Beawayfromme!Ihaveseenmymothersetfiretobigpiecesoffirewood,but
fireisnotlitexceptwithsmallpieces,andIfearthatIshallbefromthesmallpiecesofthefirewoodoftheHell.’[26]FaithinAllahwasapartof,andadistinguishingelementofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hedid
notfearbutAllah,andthistraitremainedinhimuntilthelastmomentofhislife.
WithHisFather
ImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)spentapartofhislifewithhisfatherImamal-Hadi(a.s.).He
did not partwith him even in his travels.He saw in his father a true picture of themorals of hisgrandfatherthemessengerofAllah(s.a.w.w.)whohadbeenpreferredtoallprophets,andsawinhimthespiritsofhisfathers,theinfallibleimams(a.s.).Ontheotherhand,Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)sawinhissonthenaturalcontinuityof thegreatImamate
andgeneralauthorityoftheProphet(s.a.w.w.),andthereforehecaredmuchforhim.Hepraisedhimsaying,“MysonAbuMuhammadisthebestoftheprogenyofMuhammad(blessingbeonhimandonhisprogeny)innature,andthemosttrustworthyinauthority.Heistheeldestofmychildren,andheismysuccessorandtherecipientofthehandholdsofImamateanditsgovernance.”[27]of course, Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) was far above flattering or submission to emotions. He did not
praisehissonandannouncehisvirtueunlesshesawinhimallnobleaspectsandhighqualities.Anditwasso,becauseImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)hadallthesevirtuesandnobilities.Imamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)kepttohisfatherImamal-Hadi(a.s.)andsawwhathesufferedfrom
theAbbasidkings,especiallyal-MutawakkilwhosparednoeffortinoppressingImamal-Hadi(a.s.).ThistyrantwasexcessiveinharmingtheImam.Hehouse-arrestedhiminSamarra’andsurroundedhishousewithpolicemenanddetectivestowatchhim,andtopreventthe‘Ulama’,jurisprudents,andtherestoftheShi’afromassociatingwithhim.Al-MutawakkilalsooppressedImamal-Hadi(a.s.)inhis livingaffairs,andorderedhismentosearchthehouseof theimamfromtimetotimeandtakehim to al-Mutawakkil in whatever state he was. It was al-Mutawakkil himself who had preventedofficially the visiting to the holy shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.), and ordered the shrine to bedestroyed.AllthoseterribleeventstookplacebeforetheeyesofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whilehewas yet in the early years of his youth.His heartwas filledwith pains and sorrows during theperiodhelivedwithhisfather.
TheDeathofHisBrother
Muhammad Abu Ja’far, the brother of Imam al-Askari (a.s.), was a wonderful example of the
infallibleimamsandatruepictureoftheirthoughtsandprinciples.Hewasveryintelligent,withhighmoralsandpossessedvastknowledge,totheextentthatmanyoftheShi’athoughtthathewouldbetheimamafterhisfatherImamal-Hadi(a.s.).Al-Aarifal-KilanisaidaboutAbuJa’far,‘IaccompaniedAbuJa’farMuhammadbinAlisincehe
wasyoung.Isawnoonepurernormorehonorablethanhim.AbulHasanal-Askari(Imamal-Hadi)lefthiminHijazwhilehewasachildandthenhecametohimayoung.HekepttohisbrotherAbuMuhammad(a.s.)[28]whoeducatedhimandfedhimwithhisknowledge,wisdom,andmorals.’AbuJa’farbecameseriouslyill,maybebecauseofbeingpoisonedbytheAbbasids.Heremainedin
thisstate forsomedays, suffering intolerablepainswhilehisbrother ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),wholovedhimmuch,waswithhimallthistime.However,afternotlong,AbuJa’fardepartedtothebetterworld,butImamAbuMuhammad’sheartwasbrokenandhewasverysorrowfulanddistressedoverthelossofhisdearbrother.
WithHisBrotherAl-Husayn
Al-Husayn bin Ali al-Hadi (a.s.) was a pureman of great knowledge and highmorals. Hewas
alwayswith his brother ImamAbuMuhammad al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and theywere called “as-Sibtayn”[29]liketheirtwograndfathersImamHasanandImamHusayn(a.s.).Theywerefamousforthistitleatthattime.AbuHashimsaid,‘Oneday,Irodeonmysumpterandsaid:‘(GlorybetoHimWhomadethissubservienttousandwewerenotabletodoit).[30]Oneofas-Sibtaynheardmesaythatandsaidtome,‘Youhavenotbeenorderedofthis,butyouhavebeenorderedtoremembertheblessingofyourLordonyouwhenyourideonit(onthesumpter).’[31]
TheLossofHisFather
Imamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)sufferedthegreatlossofhisfather,anditwastheheaviestcalamity
hehadeverfacedinhislife.TheAbbasid tyrant al-Mu’tamid assassinated Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) by adding poison to his food,
[32] when he saw all people talk prevalently about the virtues and vast knowledge and the highpositionoftheimam.HewasveryangryandwasfilledwithenvyagainstImamal-Hadi(a.s.).Then,hecommittedthisterriblecrimeagainsthim.Afterbeingpoisoned,Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)sufferedterriblepainsandretiredtobed.TheShi’aand
high statesmen visited him. Some poets visited him like Abu Hashim al-Ja’fari who composed asorrowfulpoemonhim.AbuDu’amahvisitedhimandwhenhewanted to leave, the imamsaid tohim,‘OAbuDu’amah,youhavearightonme.DoItellyouatraditionthatshalldelightyou?’AbuDu’amahsaid,‘IaminutmostneedofthatOsonofthemessengerofAllah.’Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)said,‘MyfatherMuhammadbinAlitoldmefromhisfatherAlibinMusabin
Ja’farfromhisfatherJa’farbinMuhammadfromhisfatherMuhammadbinAlifromhisfatherAlibinal-Husaynfromhisfatheral-HusaynbinAlifromhisfatherAlibinAbuTalibthatthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Writedown!’Alisaid,‘WhatshallIwritedown?’ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)said,‘Writedown:“InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful.Faithisthatwhichheartsacknowledgeanddeedsprove,andIslamisthatwhichtongueswitnessandmarriagebecomeslawfulwith.’AbuDu’amahsaid,‘OsonofthemessengerofAllah,Idonotknowwhichofthemisbetter;the
traditionorthenarrators!’Alial-Hadi(a.s.)said,‘ItisabookwrittendownbythehandofAlibinAbuTalibandthedictation
ofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)thatweinheritonefromtheother.’[33]Before his death, Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) announced that the imam after himwould be his sonAbu
Muhammad al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). He appointed him as the general authority for the Shi’a andentrustedhimtopreparehiscorpse(afterdeath),offertheprayeronhim,andburyhim.Heentrustedhimwithotheraffairstoo.
ToTheParadise
ThepoisonreactedinsidethebodyofImamal-Hadi(a.s.)andhegrewweakerandweaker.Death
approachedhimhastily, andwhenhe felthis end,he turned towards theQiblahandbegan recitingsomeSurahs(chapters)fromtheQur'an.Hispuresoulwenthightotheheavensurroundedbyangelswhilehis lipsandheartwerebusymentioningAllah.Theearthshook for the terribledisaster.Theleader, theinstructor,andthefatheroftheweakandthedepriveddied!AbondmaidwentoutoftheImam’shousecryingout,‘ItwasterriblethatwhichwehavemetonMondaybeforeandnow!’[34]Thewomen’seyeswerefilledwithtearsafterthisalarmingcry,andtheirmemorieswentbackto
thatMondaywherethemeetingofas-Saqifah[35]washeldandsincethendisastersandmisfortuneswerepouredovertheAhlulBayt(a.s).Imam AbuMuhammad (a.s.) washed the pure corpse of his father, and enshrouded it. Then he
offeredtheprayeronhisfatherwhilehisheartwasfullofsorrowandpainforthegreatloss.Samarra’ shook for the terrible affliction, and people of all classes hurried to escort the pure
corpseof their imam.Stores,markets, and stateofficeswereclosed.Viziers,‘Ulama’, judges, highofficials, and the rest members of the Abbasid family were before the bier while mentioning thevirtuesandhighqualitiesoftheimamandtalkingaboutthegreatlossthatafflictedtheMuslimnation.HistorianssaidthatSamarra’hadneverseensuchescortingthroughoutitshistory.Underahaloofthecall“Allahisgreat"andbeforemassesofhumanbeingswhowerelikewaves
in the sea, Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) was placed by his son Imam AbuMuhammad al-Hasan al-Askari,whosetearswereflowingoverhischeeks,intohislastabode.WhenImamal-Hadi(a.s.)died,Imamal-Askari(a.s.)wastwenty[36]ortwenty-threeyearsold.36
He assumed the Imamate and the general religious authority over Muslims while he was yet tooyoung.All elements of piety and righteousness, all virtues of thisworld,manners of prophethood, and
qualitiesofImamateweregatheredinImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.),comparedtowhomtherewasnonebetterinhistime.Herewetalkinbriefabouthisworship:
HisWorship
ImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)was thebestworshipperamongallpeopleofhis time.He
spent the nightwith praying, prostrating, and reciting the Book (Qur ’an).Muhammad ash-Shakirisaid, ‘The imam sat in the mihrab and prostrated. I slept and awoke while he was still inprostration.’[37]
HisPrayer
Inhisprayer,he turnedwithallhisheartandfeelings towardsAllah, theCreatorof theuniverse
and theGiverof life.He feltorpaidattention tonothingof theaffairsof this lifewhilehewas inprayer.HissoulclungtoAllahdevotedlyandtotally.
HisQunut[38]
Inhisprayer,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)recitedthisdu’a,“OYou,Whoselightcoversdarkness,OYou,byWhoseholinessruggedmountainpassesarelit,
OYou, toWhom all the inhabitants of the earth and the heavens submit, OYou, toWhom everyinsolenttyrantsurrenderswithobedience,OYoutheAwareofhiddenconsciences,YouareMercifultoeverythingandAwareofeverything,forgivethosewhorepentandfollowYourpath,protectthemfromthetormentofFire,givethemsoonYourvictorythatYouhavepromisedthemofandYoudonot fail the promise! Devastate the people of evil and take them to the worst abode in the worstpunishmentandtheugliestretreat.OAllah,Youknowthesecretsofcreatures,andareawareoftheirconsciences.Youareinneedof
nothingexceptthatYoucarryoutwhatYouhavepromisedof.YoudonotuncoverthehiddensecretsofYourpeople.OmyLord,YouknowwhatIconcealandwhatIshowofmybehaviors,movements,andallmyemotions.OmyLord,YouseethesufferingsofthepeopleofYourobedienceandwhattheymeetfromYourenemies,andYouaregenerousandnotstingyinYourblessings,andthemoreefforts require more reward. You have ordered Your people of supplication if they turn to YousincerelyandthisrequiresthemoreofYourfavors.These forelocks and necks are submissive to You subserviently acknowledging Your deity,
invokingonYouwith their hearts, and looking forward toYour prompt rewarding, andwhatYouwilledtookplaceandwhatYouwillshalltakeplace.Youarethecalledupon,thehopedfor,andtheaskedthatnotakerwhatevergreatheisshalldecreaseYou(i.e.,Yourfavors),andnoseekerwhateverhe insists and invokes shallwearyYou.Yourkingdomshall not come to an end, andYour eternalgloryshallremainforever,andnothingintheagesisoutofYourwillabit.YouareAllah,thereisnogod butYou, theMerciful, theMighty.OAllah, assist us byYour assistance, suffice uswithYourprotection,andgiveuswhatYougivethosewhoholdfastbyYourrope,whoshadethemselvesunderYourshade…’[39]
HisDu’aintheMorning
“OYou,Whoaregreaterthaneverygreatthing,Whohavenopartnerandnovizier;OYou,the
Creatorof the sun and the lightingmoon, the shelter to the resorting fearful, theLiberatorof tiedcaptives,thenourisherofyoungbabies,thesetterofbrokenbones,theMercifultotheold,thelightoflight,theManagerofaffairs,theResurrectorofthoseingraves,theHealerofchests,theMakerofshadowandheat, theOneAwareofwhat is inchests, theRevealerof theBook, the light, thegreatQur'an,andtheBookofPsalms.OYou,Whom angels glorify in themorning and night;OYou, the Permanent andEternal, the
Bringerforthofplantsintheearlymorningandafternoon,theEnlivenerofthedead,theResurrectorofdecayedbones,theHearerofsounds,theEverlasting,theDresserofbonesthatdecayafterdeath!OYou,Whomnothingdistractsfromanyotherthing,Whodonotchangefromastatetoanother,
Whodonotneedtomoveoradvance,Whomnoaffairpreventsfromanyotheraffair,WhocancelsforcharityandsupplicationwhathasbeendeterminedandaffirmedintheHeavenofbadjudgement,Whomnoplacecanincludeorencompass,WhoputsremedyinwhatYoulikeofthings,Whokeepsalive fromseriousdiseasewith the leastofnourishment,Who removesby the leastof remedy theworstofdiseases.O You, Who, if promises, fulfils, if threatens, pardons; O You, Who possesses the needs of
requesters, Who knows what is there inside the consciences of the silent; O You, the MostMagnificent,theGenerousinpardoning.OYou,Whohaveafacethatneverbecomesold,Whohavecompletesovereignty,Whohavethe
inextinguishablelight,Whosethroneisovereverything,Whoseauthorityisoverthelandandthesea,Whosewrath is inHell,Whosemercy is inParadise,Whosepromisesare true,Whose favors areuncountable,Whosemercyiswide.OYou,theHelperofthecallersforhelp,theRespondertothecallofthecompelled,OYou,Who
are inhighesteemwhileYourcreation isof lowesteem,OYou, theLordof themortal souls, theLordofthewornbodies,themostperceptiveofseers,themosthearingofhearers,themostpromptofaccounters,thewisestofjudges,theMostMercifulofthemerciful,theGiverofgifts,theReleaserofcaptives,theLordofglory,theOneofpietyandforgiveness.OYou,Whoselimitcannotbeperceived,Whosenumbercannotbecounted,Whoseaiddoesnot
cease, I bear witness, and the witness to me is honor and supply, and from me obedience andsubmission,andbywhich Ihopedeliveranceon thedayof sighingand regret, thatYouareAllah;thereisnogodbutYoualonewithnopartner,andthatMuhammadisYourslaveandmessenger,Yourblessingbeonhimandonhisprogeny,andthathehas informedandcarriedoutonbehalfofYouwhat was his duty to You, and that You always create, provide with livelihood, give, deny, exalt,humble, enrich, impoverish, disappoint, help, pardon, show mercy, forgive, overlook what Youknow,donotwrong,straiten,enlarge,omit,fix,initiate,reproduce,enlivenanddeaden;havemercyonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadandguidemefromYou,givemefromYourfavor,spread onme fromYourmercy, and send down to me fromYour blessings, for You often have
accustomedmetogoodandfavor,givenmetoomuch,anduncoveredmyuglydeeds.OAllah,sendblessingsonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadandhastenmydeliverance,
forgivemyslips,pitymyloneliness,takemetothebestofYourworships,giftmewithhealthfrommyillness,plentyofmysupplies,inclusivesoundnessinmybody,insightinmyreligion,andhelpme to ask you for forgiveness before death comes and hope ends, and helpmebear death and itsdistress,thegraveanditsloneliness,thescalesandtheirlightness,thesirat[40]anditsslip,theDayofResurrectionanditsterror.I askYou for theacceptanceofdeedsbeforedeath, andaskYou for strength inmyhearingand
sight for the doingof the best of thatYouhave taught andmademeunderstand.You are the loftyLord,andIamthehumbleslave,andhowgreat thedifferencebetweenus!OYou,Compassionate,Benefactor,ofGloryandHonor,haveblessingsonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadthegood,thepure!”[41]
HisIdeals
Hewasidealinfaith,morals,andpsychology.Heinheritedall theperfectionsofhisfatherswho
hadbeencreatedforvirtueandhonor.Wereferheretosomeofhisperfections:
HisKnowledge
Historians unanimously mentioned that Imam Abu Muhammad al-Askari (a.s.) was the most
knowledgeableandthebestofthepeopleofhisage,notonlyinreligiousaffairsandlaws,butinallfieldsofknowledge.Bakhtshou’ theChristianphysiciansaid tohisdiscipleBatriqabout the imam,‘…andheisthemostknowledgeableofallthoseundertheskyinourday.’[42]IftheAbbasidtyrantshadgivenwaytotheimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)andnotsubjectedthemto
strictchaseandconfinement,theywouldhavefilledtheworldwiththeirknowledgeandsciences,andhumanity would have received kinds of knowledge and intellectual development that it had neverobtainedthroughoutallagesandtimes.TheAbbasids perceived that if they did not prevent the people of knowledge and intellect from
associating with the infallible imams, they (the imams) would spread powers of knowledge andcultureandopennewhorizonsnotonly in thefieldsofsciencesbutalso in thepoliticalandsocialfields which would show to people the ignorance of the Abbasids, and their being distant fromIslamicvalues.ofcourse,thiswouldshaketheirthrones,andthereforetheytriedtheirbesttoseparatethenationfromitsrealleaders.
HisPatience
Imamal-Askari(a.s.)wasfromthemostpatientpeople.Healwayssuppressedhisangerandtreated
whoeverwrongedhimwithkindnessandforgiveness.TheAbbasidgovernmentarrestedandputhimintoprisonwhilehewaspatient,sayingnothing.He
didnotcomplaintoanyoneaboutwhathesuffered,butheentrustedhiscasetoAllahtheAlmighty.Thiswasfromthesignsofhispatience.
HisStrongWill
Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) was distinguished by his strong will. The Abbasid rulers tried to
involvehimintothegovernmentbodyandsparednoeffort tosubjecthimtotheirdesires,buttheyfailed. The imam (a.s.) insisted on his independence and keeping away from them. The Abbasidsconsideredhimastheonlyrepresentativeoftheoppositionagainsttheirpoliciesthatwerebasedonsubjugationandoppression.He resistedall the seductions that theAbbasidgovernmentoffered tobringhim into itsway.He
preferredtheobedienceofAllahandthesatisfactionofhisconsciencetoeverythingelse.
HisGenerosity
Noonewasmoregenerousthanhimamongallpeopleofhistime.Heappointedagentsinmostof
theMuslimcountries,andentrustedthemtoreceivethelegalduesandspendthemonthepoorandthedeprived,toreconcilebetweenpeople,andinotherwaysofthegeneralwelfare.From that which historians mentioned about his generosity was that Muhammad bin Ali bin
Ibrahimbin ImamMusabin Ja’faral-Kadhim(a.s.) said,“Wewere inutmostneed.Myfather said,‘Letusgotothisman(ImamAbuMuhammad).Itissaidheisgenerous.’Isaid,‘Doyouknowhim?’Hesaid,‘No,andIhaveneverseenhimatall.’Wewent tohim.Onourway,myfathersaid,‘Howmuchweneed!Mayheorder togiveusfive
hundreddirhams;twohundredforclothes,twohundredforflour,andonehundredforspending!’I said tomyself, ‘Would that heorder to giveme threehundreddirhams; onehundred to buy a
donkey,onehundredforspending,andonehundredforclothessothatIcangotothemountain!’Whenwestoppedathis(ImamAbuMuhammad’s)door,hisservantcameoutandsaid,‘LetAlibin
IbrahimandhissonMuhammadcomein.’Whenwecameinandgreetedhim,hesaidtomyfather,‘OAli,whatmadeyounotvisitusallthis
time?’Myfathersaid,‘Ifeltshytomeetyouinthiscase.’They(Aliandhisson)stayedwiththeimamforsometimeandthencameout.Theservantofthe
imamcame,gaveAlibinIbrahimapouchofmoneyandsaid,‘Thesearefivehundreddirhams;twohundred forclothes, twohundred for flour,andonehundred for spending.’HegaveMuhammadapouch of three hundred dirhams and said to him, ‘Spend one hundred for buying a donkey, onehundredforclothes,andonehundredforspending,anddonotgotothemountainbutgotoSawra!’MuhammadwenttoSawraandbecameoneofthewealthyAlawids.[43]AbuHashimal-Ja’farisaid,‘Once,IcomplainedtoAbuMuhammadthedistressofimprisonment
andthepainsofties.Hewrotetome,‘YoushalloffertheDhuhr(noon)Prayerinyourhousetoday.’Iwassetfree(fromprison)atnoonandIofferedtheprayer inmyhouseas theimamsaid.IwasinneedandIwantedtoaskhimforhelp(butIdidnot)intheletterIhadsenttohim.WhenIarrivedinmyhouse,hesentonehundreddinarstomeandwrotetome,‘Ifyouneedsomething,donotfeelshyorrefrainfromasking.Askandyoushallgetwhatyoulike,insha’Allah(Godwilling).’[44]Historiansmentionmanystoriesofhisgenerositythatshowhisloveandkindnesstothepoorand
thedeprived.
HighMorals
ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)wasnonesuch inhisveryhighmorals.Hemet friendsandenemies
with his noble character.He inherited this nature from his great grandfather the Prophet (s.a.w.w.)whosehighmoralsincludedallpeopleequally.His high morals affected his enemies and opponents, and they turned to be his loyal lovers.
Historianssaythathewasimprisonedduringthereignofal-MutawakkilwhowasthebitterestenemytotheAhlulBayt(a.s)andtheprogenyofImamAli(a.s.).Thecaliphorderedtheimamtobepunishedveryseverely,butwhenhecommunicatedwiththeimamandobservedhishighmoralityandpiety,hewas confounded. After that, he did not raise his eyes before the imam as a kind of respect andglorification.Whentheimamlefthim,hepraisedtheimamwiththebestwords.[45]
Infallibility
TheTwelverShi’aconsiderinfallibilityasanattributeoftheirimams.Theymeanbyinfallibility
thatitisimpossibleforanimamtomakeamistake,whetherintentionallyorunintentionally.Becauseofthis,theopponentsoftheShi’awagedviolentattacksagainstthembyclaimingthattherewasnodifferencebetweentheimamsandtherestofpeopleincommittingsinsanddisobediences.However,thisclaimdoesnotholdany The serious studiesof the livesof the imamsof theAhlulBayt (a.s)demonstratethattheywereinfallible,andnoneofthemhadevererredorcommittedamistakesincebirthuntil their lastbreath.ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘ByAllah, ifIamgiventhesevendistrictswithallthatundertheirskiestodisobeyAllahtotheextentofthehuskofagrainofbarley,thatIdepriveitofamouthofalocust,Iwillneverdoit.’Isthisnotinfallibility?!ThetruthinitsbrightestpicturesandaspectsappearedinthelivesoftheimamsoftheAhlulBayt
(a.s).Whoeverreadstheirbiographiescanneitherfindaslipintheirdoingsnorintheirsayings,butheonly finds true faith, piety, andhighmorality.Andwedonotmeanby infallibility except thesemeanings.Notes:[1]Uyunal-Mu’jizat.[2]A’yanash-Shi’a,vol.3p.289.[3]Usulal-Kafi.[4]Sirras-Silsilahath-Thahabiyyah,p.39.An-NawbahisawideareainthesouthofEgypt.The
Prophet (a.s) praised thepeopleof an-Nawbahby saying, ‘Whoeverhasnobrother, let him take abrotherfroman-Nawbah.’[5]Biharal-Anwar,vol.50p.37.[6]Al-Irshad,p.315.[7]Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117,Bahral-Ansab,p.2,Tuhfatal-Imam,p.86,Ilalash-Sharayi’.[8]Jawahiral-Ahkam.[9]ThethirdmonthintheIslamiccalendar.[10]Biharal-Anwar,vol.50p.35,TareekhAbulFida’,vol.2p.48,Ilalash-Sharayi’.[11]An-Nujoomaz-Zahirah,vol.3p.32,Sirras-Silsilahal-Alawiyyah,p.39.[12] Bahral-Ansab,p.2,Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117,al-IttihafBihubilAshraf,p.86,al-Kamil,vol.5
p.373.[13]Encyclopediaofal-Bustani,vol.7p.45.[14] Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117,Bahral-Ansab,p.2,Tuhfat al-Anam,p.86, an-Nujoomaz-Zahirah,
vol.3p.32.[15]Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117,Bahral-Ansab,p.2.[16]Bahral-Ansab,p.2.[17]Ibid.[18]Tuhfatal-Anam,p.87,Biharal-Anwar,vol.50p.236.[19]Tuhfatal-Anam,p.87.[20]Ibid.[21]Safinatal-Bihar,vol.1p.259.[22]Biharal-Anwar,vol.50p.326.[23]Ibid.,p.238,Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117.
[24]Al-IttihafBihubilAshraf,p.68.[25]Qur'an,23:115.[26]Jawharatal-Kalam,p.155,theEncyclopediaofal-Bustani,vol.7p.45.[27]A’yanash-Shi’a,vol.3p.295.[28]Al-Mujdifin-Nasab(manuscript).[29]Thetwograndsons.[30]Qur'an,43:13.[31]Safeenatal-Bihar,vol.1p.259.[32]Al-Manaqib,vol.4p.401.[33]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4p.171.[34]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4p.171.[35] Itwas thedayof theprolongedandacerbicnegotiationswhichpreceded thenominationof
AbuBakrasthesuccessoroftheProphet(s.a.w.w.)whodiedjust thenandwasnotburiedyetat thetimeofthatmeeting.[36]Bahral-Ansab,p.2.[37]Dala’ilal-Imama,p.227.[38]Qunutisasupplicationrecitedinprayers.[39]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.62-63.[40] Sirat means “way” or “path” but in the Islamic terminology, it means the bridge that
dominatestheHell.[41]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.277-278.[42]Biharal-Anwar,vol.50p.261.[43]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.200.[44]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3,202.[45]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.204.
4ChapterHisImamate
Imamate is the firm base of political and social development in Islam. It is one of the most
importantpillarsonwhichthecivilization,safety,andeaseofman,andtheequalityinopportunitiesamongthemembersofsocietyarebuilt.Itprovidesthenoblelifethatpeoplecanliveateaseunderitsshade.UnderImamate,therearenoracialornaturaldifferences,butthecriterioninIslamisasmuchastheservicesmanofferstothenationthecloserittakeshimtoAllah.ImamateisakindnessfromAllahandagiftfromHismercy.TheShi’ahavebelievedintheimams
oftheAhlulBayt(a.s)andconsideredthatasapartoftheirdoctrinallifedependingonmanyreasonssuchas:First,theProphetictraditionsinwhichtheProphet(a.s)madeitobligatoryonMuslimstofollow
theAhlulBayt(a.s)whomtheProphet(a.s)hadmadeastheequaltotheHolyBook.Hesaid,“Ileavetoyouwhatifyoukeepto,youshallnotgoastrayafterme.Oneofthemisgreaterthantheother;theBookofAllahwhichisaropeextendedfromtheheaventotheearth,andmyhousehold.Theyshallnotseparateuntiltheyshallcometomeatthepond(inParadise).Seehowyouwillobeymethroughthem.”[46]ThistraditionshowsclearlythatImamatewouldbelimitedtotheAhlulBayt(a.s)andshowsthat
theywereinfalliblebecausetheProphet(a.s)comparedthemwiththeBookofAllah,andofcourse,everyerrorfromthemwouldtakethemawayfromtheBookwhereastheProphet(a.s)announcedthattheywouldnotseparatefromtheQur'anuntiltheywouldcometohimatthepondinParadise.The Prophet (a.s) also said, ‘The example ofmy household for you is like the example of the
Noah’s Ark which whoever rode on was rescued, and whoever lagged behind drowned. And theexample of my household for you is like the example of the gate of Hittah (repentance) for theIsraelitesthatwhoeverenteredthroughitwouldbeforgiven.’[47]ImamSharafuddeenal-Aamilysaidwhentalkingaboutthis tradition,‘Youknowthat thepurpose
behind comparing them (theAhlul Bayt) to the “Ark ofNoah” is thatwhoever resorts to them inreligion and takes its bases and branches from them shall be safe from the torment of Fire, andwhoeverturnshisbacktothemislikeonewhobetookhimself(onthedayofthegreatflood)tosomemountainwhichmightsavehimfromthecommandofAllah,buthedrownedinwaterandwouldbeintheHell.Thepurposebehindcomparingthemtothe“gateofHittah”isthatAllahtheAlmightyhasmadethatgateasamatterofhumblenesstoAllahandsubmissiontoHiscommands,andthereforeitwasacauseforforgiveness.Thisisthepointofcomparison.IbnHajarsaid,afterhementionedthesetraditionsandothers like them,about thecauseofcomparing them(theAhlulBayt) to the“ArkofNoah”thatwhoeverlovedandglorifiedthemoutofgratefulnesstotheblessingoftheirhonor,and
followed the guidance of their ‘Ulama’ would be safe from the darkness of disagreements, andwhoeverlaggedbehindthatwoulddrownintheseaofungratefulnesstoblessingsandwouldperishin thewildernessofoppression…untilhe said, ‘andcomparing them to the“gateofHittah” is thatAllah has made the entrance through this gate, which was the Gate of Ariha or Jerusalem, withhumbleness,andwithaskingforforgiveness,asacauseforforgiveness,andHehasmadethelovetotheAhlulBayt(a.s)asacauseforthisnationtobeforgiven…’[48Second,theShi’abelievedandfollowedtheimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)becausetheyrepresented
honoranddignity,andtherewillbenonelikethemthroughoutthehistoryofhumanity.NooneinthewholeMuslimworldwaslikethemintheirguidance,conducts,devotedness,andadherencetoIslam.ThefaithoftheShi’aintheAhlulBayt(a.s)wasnotoutofemotionorfancy,butitwasduetothe
realityandsituationsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s).Third,theShi’adidnotbelieveintheImamateoftheUmayyadandtheAbbasidkingsbecausethey
werenakedofmoral andhumanevalues.During their reigns, thenation suffered terriblekindsofoppression and cruelty. They extorted thewealth of the nation and spent it on their pleasures andamusement.TheyencourageddebaucheryandcorruptionamongMuslims.Therefore, theShi’aandothersroseinarmedrevoltsagainstthoserulersinordertoestablishjusticeamongpeople.
TraditionsOnHisImamate
ThefollowingaresomeofthetraditionsthatweretransmittedfromImamal-Hadi(a.s.)concerning
theappointingofhissonAbuMuhammadal-Hasanastheimamafterhim.1.YahyabinYasaral-Anbarisaid,‘AbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(al-Hadi)entrustedhissonAbu
Muhammadal-Hasanwiththematter(Imamate)fourmonthsbeforehisdeathandmademeandsomeofhismawali(adherents)bearwitnesstothat.’[49]2.AlibinUmaran-Nawfalisaid,“Once,IwaswithAbulHasan(al-Hadi)(a.s.) intheyardofhis
housewhenhissonMuhammad(AbuJa’far)passedbyus.Isaidtohim,‘MayIdieforyou!Isthisourman(theimam)afteryou?’Hesaidtome,‘Yourmanaftermeisal-Hasan.”[50]3.ShahwayhbinAbdullahal-Jallabsaid,“AbulHasanwrotealettertomesayinginit:‘Youwanted
to ask about the successor after Abu Ja’far and you were worried about that. Do not worrybecause(AllahwillnotmisleadapeopleafterHehasguidedthem).[51]Yourman(theimam)aftermewillbemysonAbuMuhammad.Hehasallwhatyoushallneed.AllahadvanceswhatHewillsanddelayswhatHewills;(WhateververseWeabrogateorcausetobeforgotten,Webringonebetterthanitorlikeit).[52]Ihavewrittenwhathasaclearproofforoneofanawakemind.”[53]4.Dawudbinal-Qassimsaid,“IheardAbulHasan(a.s.)saying,‘Thesuccessoraftermewillbeal-
Hasan.Howwillyoudealwiththesuccessorafterthissuccessor?’Isaid,‘Why?MayIdieforyou!’Hesaid,‘Youshallnotseehimanditwillbenotpermissibleforyoutomentionhimbyhisname.’Isaid,‘Howshallwementionhimthen?’Hesaid,‘Yousay:al-Hujjah(theauthority)fromtheprogenyofMuhammad(peacebeonthem).’[54]5.AbuBakral-Fahfakisaid,“AbulHasan(peacebeuponhim)wrotetomesaying,‘MysonAbu
MuhammadisthebestoftheprogenyofMuhammadinnatureandthemosttrustworthyinauthority.Heistheeldestofmychildren,andheismysuccessorandtherecipientofthehandholdsofimamateanditsgovernance.Whateveryouaskedmeabout,youcanaskhimaboutforhehasall thatwhichpeopleneed.’[55]6.As-SaqrbinDulaf said, “IheardAlibinMuhammadbinAli ar-Ridha (Imamal-Hadi) saying,
‘The imamaftermewillbeal-Hasanandafteral-Hasanwillbehissonal-Qa’im(Imamal-Mahdi)whowillfilltheearthwithjusticeandfairnessasithasbeenfilledwithinjusticeandoppression.[56]7.AbdulAdheemal-HasaninarratedthatImamAlibinMuhammadal-Hadi(a.s.)said,‘Theimam
aftermewillbemysonal-Hasan,buthowwillpeopledealwiththesuccessorafterhim?!’[57]8.AlibinMahziyarsaid,‘Oneday,IsaidtoAbulHasan,‘Ifsomethinghappens[58]-Godforbid!-
thentowhomwilltheimamatepass?’Hesaid,‘Totheeldestofmysons.(Hemeantal-Hasan).’[59]9.AbdullahbinMuhammadal-Isfahanisaid,“AbulHasansaid,‘Yourmanaftermeistheonewho
willoffer theprayeronme(afterdeath).’WedidnotknowAbuMuhammadbefore that,andwhenAbulHasan(a.s.)died,AbuMuhammadcameoutandofferedthe(funeral)prayeronhim.’[60]
These are some traditions narrated by reliable narrators from Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) about the
appointing of his son Abu Muhammad al-Hasan (a.s.) as the next imam, besides other traditionstransmittedfromImamal-Jawad(a.s.).As-SaqrbinDulafsaid,“IheardAbuJa’farMuhammadbinAli ar-Ridha (Imam al-Jawad) saying, ‘The imam after me is my son Ali. His command is mycommand,hissayingismysaying,andobediencetohimisobediencetome.Andtheimamafterhimwillbehissonal-Hasan.[61]ThereareothertraditionsthatwerenarratedfromtheProphet(a.s)concerningtheappointingof
theguardiansandcaliphsafterhimamongwhomwasImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.).ThesetraditionswerementionedinthefamousreferencebooksofHadithandhistory.
FromTheSignsofHisImamate
Allah had provided the prophets and their guardians with miracles that ordinary people were
unabletodoinordertoserveasproofsforthemissionsoftheseprophetsandguardians,otherwisetheywouldfailinachievingtheirmissions,andnoneofpeoplewouldbelievethem.Allahhadmadeknowntothemwhatwasinsidetheheartsofpeople,andtheknowledgeoftheeventsthatwouldtakeplace.AllahhadgrantedthattotheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)andoneofthemwasImamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.).Herewementionsomenarrationsconcerningthismatter:1.Al-Hasanan-Naseebisaid,‘Itcametomymindthatwhetherthesweatofajunub[62]waspureor
not.IwenttothehouseofAbuMuhammadal-Hasantoaskhimaboutthat.ItwasnightandsoIslept.Atdawn,hecameoutandfoundmesleeping.Hewokemeandsaid,‘Ifitislawful,itispure,andifitisfromunlawfulthing,itisnot.’[63]2. Isma’yl binMuhammad al-Abbasi said, ‘Oneday, I complained toAbuMuhammad aboutmy
needinessandIsworetohimthatIdidnothaveevenonedirham.’Hesaidtome,‘DoyouswearbyAllahfalselywhileyouhaveburiedtwohundreddinars?MysayingtoyoudoesnotmeanthatIdonotgiftyou.Oservant,givehimwhatthereiswithyou!’Theservantgavemeonehundreddinars.Thenhe(theimam)saidtome,‘Youmakethedinarsthatyouhaveburiedunlawfulwhileyouareinutmostneedtothem.’IsearchedforthemoneybutIcouldnotfindit.Ifoundthatoneofmychildrenknewaboutthismoney,andsohestoleitandranaway.’3.MuhammadbinHujrcomplainedtotheimamattheoppressionhereceivedfromAbdulAzizand
fromYazidbinEesa.Theimam(a.s.)saidtohim,‘AsforAbdulAziz,Ihaverelievedyoufromhim,butasforYazid,youandheshallhaveasituationbeforeAllahtheAlmighty.’Afterafewdays,AbdulAzizdied,butYazidkilledMuhammadbinHujrandheshallhavea situation (bepunished)beforeAllah(ontheDayofResurrection).’[64]4.AbuHashimsaid,‘Once,IcomplainedtoAbuMuhammadofthedistressofimprisonmentand
thepainsofties.Hewrotetome,‘YoushalloffertheDhuhr(noon)Prayerinyourhousetoday.’Iwassetfree(fromprison)atnoonandIofferedtheprayerinmyhouseastheimamhadsaid.’[65]5.AbuHashimsaid,‘IwasinneedandIwantedtoaskImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)butIfeltshyto
dothat.WhenIarrivedinmyhouse,hesentonehundreddinarstomeandalettersaying,‘Ifyouneedsomething,donotfeelshyorrefrainfromasking.Askandyoushallgetwhatyoulike,insha’Allah.[66]6.AbuHashimsaid,“IheardAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saying,‘Inparadise there isagatecalledal-
Ma’ruf(gooddeed).Noonewillcomethroughitexceptthepeopleofgooddeeds.’IthankedAllahwithmyselfandfeltdelightedforIoftensatisfiedtheneedsofpeople.AbuMuhammadlookedatmeandsaid, ‘Yes, Iknewwhatyouwere thinkingof.Thepeopleofgooddeeds in this lifewillbe thepeople of good deeds in the afterlife.MayAllahmake you from them,OAbuHashim, and havemercyonyou.’”[67]7.MuhammadbinHamzaad-Durisaid,‘IwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askinghimtopray
toAllahformetomakemerichafterIhadbecomepoorandIfearedtobeexposed.Hisreplycametomesaying:“Bedelighted!WealthhascometoyoufromAllahtheAlmighty.YourcousinYahyabinHamza died and left for you one hundred thousand dirhams.He had no inheritor except you. Themoneyshallcometoyousoon.ThankAllah,beeconomical,andbewareofwasting!”Themoneyandthenewsofthedeathofmycousincametomeafewdayslater.Mypovertydisappeared.IpaidtherightsofAllah,helpedmybrothers,andbecameeconomicalafterIhadbeenwasteful.’[68]8. Muhammad bin al-Hasan bin Maymun said, ‘I wrote to my master al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)
complainingofpoverty,andthenIsaidtomyself:hasAbuAbdullah(Imamas-Sadiq)(a.s.)notsaid,‘Povertywithus (theAhlulBayt) is better thanwealthwithour enemy, andbeingkilledwithus isbetterthanlivingwithourenemy.’?Thereplytomylettercamesaying,‘AllahtheAlmightytriesourfollowers,whentheirsinsincrease,bypoverty,andHemayforgivemany(ofsins).Itisasyourselfsaidtoyou:povertywithusisbetterthanwealthwithourenemy.Weareashelterforwhoeverresortstous;alightforwhoeverseekslight;andarefugeforwhoeverturnstous.Whoeverlovesuswillbewithusinthehighestposition,andwhoeverdeviatesfromuswillbeinFire.’[69]9. Abu Ja’far al-Hashimi said, ‘I was with some men in prison when AbuMuhammad and his
brotherJa’farwerebroughttoprison.Wehurriedtohim.Ikissedhimontheface,andseatedhimonamatthatwasunderme.Ja’farsatneartohim.TheguardoftheprisonwasSalihbinWaseef.TherewasamanwithusintheprisonclaimingthathewasAlawid.AbuMuhammadturnedtousandsaid,‘Ifsomeone,whoisnotfromyou,wasnotwithyou,IwouldtellyouwhenAllahwilldeliveryou…’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)beckoned to thatmanandsaid, ‘Thismanisnot fromyou.Bewareofhim! There is a book in his clothes inwhich hewrites to the ruler all what you say.’One of theprisonerssearchedhimandfoundwithhimabookinwhichheaccusedusofgreataccusationsandclaimedthatwewantedtopiercetheprisonandescapefromit.[70]10.AhmadbinMuhammad said, “Iwrote a letter toAbuMuhammad (a.s.)when al-Muhtadi, the
Abbasidcaliph,begankilling theShi’aandsaid tohim,‘Omymaster,praisebe toAllahWhohasmade him (the caliph) busy away from you for I have heard that he threatened you and said, ‘ByAllah, Iwill dispel them again.’AbuMuhammadwrotewith his handwriting: ‘Thismakes his lifeshorter. You count from this day five days and he shall be killed on the sixth day, after meetingmeannessanddisgrace.’Anditwasastheimamsaid.’[71]11.AbuHashimnarrated, ‘Once, al-Fahfaki asked ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) about the reason
that makesman take two shares while woman takes one share in the inheritance. The imam (a.s.)answered:‘Forneitherjihad,norexpenditure,norguarding(incastles)arerequiredfromwoman.’Itcame tomymind that thisquestionwas thesamequestion that ibnAbulAwja’hadasked Imamas-Sadiq(a.s.)andImamas-Sadiq(a.s.)answeredwith thesameanswer. ImamAbuMuhammadturnedtowardsmeandsaid,‘Yes,thisisthequestionofibnAbulAwja’andtheansweristhesamefromus.Ifthemeaningofthequestionisthesame,theanswerofthelastoneofuswillbeliketheanswerofthe first one of us. The first and the last of us are the same in knowledge and imamate, and themessengerofAllahandAmeerulMo’mineen(theblessingsofAllahbeonthem)havethepreferenceoverthem.’[72]12.AbuHashimnarrated,‘OneoftheShi’awrotetoAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askinghimforsome
supplication.Theimamreplied,‘PrayAllahwiththisdu’a:“OYouthebestListeneroflisteners,themostPerceptiveofseers, thebestoflookers,thepromptestofaccounters, theMostMercifulofthe
merciful,theWisestofjudges,sendblessingsonMuhammadandontheprogenyofMuhammad,andincrease my livelihood, prolong my age, favor me with Your mercy, make me from those whodefendYourreligion,anddonotreplacemebyotherthanme…!”I(AbuHashim)saidwithmyself:‘OAllah,makemefromYourpartyandYourgroup!’AbuMuhammadturnedtomeandsaid,‘youareinHispartyandinHisgroupifyouhavefaithinAllahandbelieveHismessenger.’[73]13.ShahwayhbinAbdRabbih said, ‘MybrotherSalihwas in prison. Iwrote tomymasterAbu
Muhammad (a.s.) asking him about some things and he answered bywriting tome: ‘Your brotherSalihshallbesetfreefromprisononthedaywhenthisletterofmineshallreachyou.Youwantedtoaskmeabouthimbutyouhadforgotten.’WhileIwasreadinghisletter,someonecameandtoldmethatmybrotherwassetfree.Ireceivedhimandreadthislettertohim.[74]14.AbuHashimnarrated,‘ItcametomymindwhethertheQur'anwascreatedornot.ImamAbu
Muhammad (a.s.) looked atme and said, ‘OAbuHashim,Allah is theCreator of everything, andeverythingotherthanHimiscreated.’[75]15.AbuHashimsaid,‘Once,IwenttoAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andwantedtoaskhimforastonethat
Iwantedtomakearingfromtoblessmyselfwithit.WhenIsatwithhim,IforgotwhatIhadcomefor.When I said farewell andwanted to leave,hegavemea ring, smiled,andsaid, ‘Youwantedastone and we gave you a ring, and so you won the stone. May Allah delight you by it!’ I wasastonishedatthatandsaid,‘Omymaster,youaretheguardianofAllahandmyimambywhosefavorandobedienceIserveAllah.’Hesaidtome,‘MayAllahpardonyou,AbuHashim!’[76]16.AbuHashimsaid,“Once,IheardAbuMuhammadsaying,‘OntheDayofResurrection,Allah
willforgivewithforgivenessthatcannotbeevenimaginedbypeople,untilpolytheistsshallsay:byAllah,wewerenotpolytheists.’Irecalledatraditionnarratedtomebyamanfromourcompanionsfrom the people ofMecca that themessenger ofAllah (a.s.) recited: (Despair not of theMercy ofAllah,forAllahforgivesallsins),[77]andsomemansaid,‘evenpolytheists.’Ideniedthatandhiditinto my heart. While I was thinking of that with myself, Abu Muhammad turned to me andrecited,(SurelyAllahdoesnotforgivethatanythingisassociatedwithHim,andHeforgivesallsavethat to whom He pleases).[78] How bad what that man said was and how bad what he narratedwas!’[79]Historiansmentionedmanyexampleson the imam’sknowledgeofwhatpeopleconcealed inside
themselves, and on his predicting of different events and occurrences.All thosewere signs of hisimamate,forotherthantheimamsnoonehadanyknowledgeaboutsuchthings.AbuHashim,whowasoneofthebest,reliablescholars,andwhowasaclosecompaniontoImamAbulHasanal-Hadi(a.s.)andImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.),narratedmostofthetraditionsthattalkedaboutthesignsofthesetwoimams(a.s.).Hesaid,‘WheneverIwenttoAbulHasanandAbuMuhammad(peacebeuponthem),Isawaproofandevidence(ontheirimamate).’[80]Notes:[46]Sahihofat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.308.[47] Majma’ az-Zawa’id, vol.9 p.168,Mustadrak al-Hakim, vol.2 p.43, Tareekh Baghdad, vol.2
p.19.[48]Al-Hashimiyyat,p.22-23.
[49]Al-Fusoolal-Muhimmahbyibnas-Sabbagh,p.66,Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.325.[50]Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.324.[51]Qur'an,9:115.[52]Qur'an,2:106.[53]Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.328.[54]Ibid.[55]Ibid.,p.327.[56]Ikmalad-Deen,vol.2p.55.[57]Ikmalad-Deen,vol.2p.55.[58]Hemeantthatiftheimamdied.[59]A’lamal-Wara,p.368.[60]Ibid.[61]Ikmalad-Deen,vol.2p.50.[62] A ritually impure person: janaba is themajor (orminor) ritual impurity caused by sexual
intercourse,wetdreams…[63]Mir ’ataz-Zaman,vol.6p.192.[64]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.4p.433.[65]A’lamal-Wara,p.372.[66]Ath-Thaqibfil-ManaqibbyMuhammadbinAlial-Jirjani,p.241.[67]Nooral-Absar,p.152.[68]Nooral-Absar,p.152,ad-Durran-Nadheem.[69]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.4p.435.[70]Ad-Durran-NadheemfeeManaqibal-A’immah,2897.[71]A’lamal-Wara,p.375.[72]Al-Manaqib,vol.4p.437,A’lamal-Wara,p.374.[73]A’lamal-Wara,p.374.[74]Al-Manaqib,vol4p.438.[75]Al-Manaqib,vol4,p.436.[76]A’lamal-Wara,vol375,al-Manaqib,vol.4p.437.[77]Qur'an,39:53.[78]Qur'an,4:116.[79]Ad-Durran-Nadheem.[80]A’lamal-Wara,p.375.
5ChapterImpressionsAboutHim
The scholars andmenof intellect,whowere contemporarywith Imamal-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.),
glorifiedhim,andacknowledgedhisvirtueandpreferencetoallothersforhistalents,geniuses,vastknowledge,andpiety.Herewequotesomewordssaidbysomeofthosemenabouthim:
1.ImamAl-Hadi
Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)praisedthehighpositionofhissonAbuMuhammad(a.s.)bysaying,‘Myson
AbuMuhammad is the best of the progeny ofMuhammad in nature, and the most trustworthy inauthority.Heistheeldestofmychildren,andheismysuccessorandtherecipientofthehandholdsofimamateanditsgovernance…’[81]
2.AbuHashimal-Ja’fari
AbuHashim associated closelywith Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) and Imam al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).He
lovedthemexcessivelyandcomposedmanypoemsintheirpraise.Hesaidinoneofhispoems:“He(Allah)gavehimallsignsofimamate,likeMoses,andthecleavingofthesea,thehand,and
thestaff.”[82]
3.Bakhtshu’thePhysician
He was the most famous physician at the age of Imam al-Askari (a.s.) and he was the special
physicianoftheroyalfamily.Oneday,theimamneededaphysiciantophlebotomizehim,andsoheaskedBakhtshu’tosendhimoneofhisdisciples.Bakhtshu’sentforhisdiscipleBatriqandorderedhimtogototreattheimam.Hesaidtohim,‘Thesonofar-Ridhaaskedmetosendhimsomeonetophlebotomizehim.Yougotohim.Heismoreknowledgeablethaneveryoneunderthesky.Bewarenottoobjecttohiminallwhatheordersyouof…’[83]
4.AhmadbinUbaydillahBinKhaqan
OneofthefamousstatesmenandpoliticiansatthetimeofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidabout
theimam,‘IhaveneitherseennorknowninSurraManRa’aamanfromtheAlawidslikeal-HasanbinAlibinMuhammadbinar-Redha,norhaveIheard the likeofhisguidance,faith,chastity,nobility,andgenerositynearhisfamilyandnear therulers,amongall theHashimiteswhopreferredhimtotheir important and old men, and also near the leaders, viziers, clerks, and all classes ofpeople…’[84]
5.UbaydbinKhaqan
Hewasoneoftheimportantpoliticiansatthattime.HesaidaboutImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),‘If
thecaliphate is removedfromtheAbbasids,noonefromtheHashimiteswilldeserve itexcept thisman(hemeantal-HasanbinAlial-Askari).Hedeserves itbyhisvirtue,chastity,guidance,gravity,asceticism,worshipping,goodmorals,andrighteousness…’[85]Ubayddidnotbelieve in imamate. Infact,hewascontrary to that,but thebrightrealityofImam
AbuMuhammad(a.s.)madehimdeclarethattheimamwastheworthiestofthecaliphateforthehighqualitieshehad.
6.Sheikhal-Mufid
Sheikhal-Mufidsaid,‘TheimamafterAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(al-Hadi)washissonAbu
Muhammad al-Hasan binAli for he had all high qualities and virtues and hewas preferred to allpeopleofhisage.Hedeservedimamateandleadershipforhisincomparableknowledge,asceticism,perfect mind, infallibility, courage, generosity, and the many good deeds that took him close toAllah…’[86]
7.Ibnas-Sabbagh
Ali bin Muhammad al-Maliki known as ibn as-Sabbagh said, ‘The qualities of our sire Abu
Muhammad al-Hasan al-Askari show that he is amaster, and a son of amaster, that no one everdoubtsorsuspecthisimamate.Knowthatifagoodqualitywassold,thesellerwasotherthanhimandhewasthebuyer….Hewasuniqueinhistimewithnoequal,andhewastheonewithnolike.Hewasthemasterofthepeopleofhistimeandtheimamofthepeopleofhisage.Hissayingsweretrueandhisdeedswerepraiseworthy.If thegoodpeopleofhis timewereasapoem,hewouldbe themainverseofthatpoem,andiftheywereorganizedasanecklace,hewastheunique,middlepearl.Hewastheknightofknowledgewithwhomitwasnotpossibletokeeppacewith,andhewastheexplainerofmysterieswithwhomitwasnotpossibletoargue.Hewastherevealeroffactsbyhistruethinking,andthediscloserofminutesbyhissharpreason.Hewastheinformedoneinsecrecyoftheunseen.Hewasthehigh-born,ofhighsoulandhighessence…’[87]
8.BinShaharshubas-Sarawi
AbuJa’farRasheedudeenMuhammadbinAlibinShahrashubas-Sarawisaidabouttheimam,‘He
was al-HasanbinAli the guide, the subjugator of difficulties….Hewas pure, free fromany fault,trustee of the unseen.Hewas the essence of gravitywith no blemish, humble,with a liberal hand,modest, true to his word … of little food, of much smiling, patient, the father of the (awaited)successor…’[88]
9.IbnShadqam
IbnShadqam,thegenealogist,said,‘Al-Hasanal-Askariwasaguidingimam,exaltedmaster,anda
pureguardian.’[89]
10.Ibnal-Jawzi
Ibnal-Jawzisaid,‘ThehighestfeatureandcharacteristicthatAllahhaddistinguishedhim(Imamal-
Askari)with,andmadeuniquetohim,andaseternalaspectthattimewouldnotwearoutandtongueswould not forget reciting and repeatingwas thatMuhammad al-Mahdi (peace be on him)was hisoffspringthatwascreatedfromhim,andhissonthatwasascribedtohim…’[90]
11.Ruknuddeenal-Husayni
Ruknuddeen al-Husayni al-Musili said, ‘ImamAbuMuhammad al-Askari…his virtues, qualities,
andcharismatawereuncountable…thehighestqualitythatAllahhaddistinguishedhimwithwasthatal-Mahdi(peacebeuponhim)washisson…’[91]
12.Al-Yafi’iy
Al-Yafi’iy said, ‘Sharif al-AskariAbuMuhammad al-Hasan binAli binMuhammad binAli bin
MusabinJa’faras-SadiqwasoneofthetwelveimamsastheShi’abelievedandhewasthefatheroftheawaitedimam(peacebeonhim)…’[92]
13.Yusufan-Nabahani
YusufbinIsma’ylan-Nabahanisaid,‘Al-Hasanal-Askariwasoneoftheimamsofourmasters,the
greatAhlulBayt(a.s),andoneoftheirnoblechiefs(mayAllahbepleasedwiththem).Ash-Shabrawimentioned him in his book “al-Ittihaf Bihubil Ashraf” but he abbreviated his biography andmentioned no charm of his. However, I myself witnessed a charm to him. In the year 1296 AHItraveledtoBaghdadfromKooySanjaq,oneoftheKurdvillages,whereIwasajudge,butIleftitbeforeIcompletedthespecifiedperiodbecauseofthehighcostsanddroughtwhichprevailedinIraqthatyear.Itravelledbyakalak,whichwasameansofwatertransportation.WhenthekalakreachedSamarra’,whichwas the capital of theAbbasid caliphs,we liked to visit (the shrine of) Imam al-Hasanal-Askari.WhenIcametohisholytomb,somethingspiritualhappenedtomethatnothinglikeit had everhappened tome…itwashis charm.Then I recited, asmanyas I possibly could, versesfromtheQur'an,supplicatedAllahwithsomedu’as,andleft.[93]
14.Al-Arbali
AllamaAlibinEesaal-Arbalisaidabouttheimam,‘Hewastheknightofknowledgethatwasnot
possibletokeeppacewithhim,andhewastheexplainerofmysteriesthatitwasnotpossibletoarguewithhim.Heuncoveredthefactsbyhistrueviewing,thediscloserofminutesbyhispiercinginsight,theknower-bythewillofAllah-of thesecretsofcreatures, theinformer-bythewillofAllah-about the unseen, the informed - byAllah - aboutwhat had happened andwhatwould happen, theinspiredwiththeunseenmatters,thenobleinoriginandsoulandessence,themanofproofs,signs,andmiracles…theinterpreterofverses,theconfirmeroftraditions,theheirofthegoodmasters,thesonof the imams,andthefatherof theawaitedone.Solookat thebranchandtheoriginandthinkagainandbesurethattheyweremorebrilliantthanthesun,andbrighterthanthemoon.Ifbranchesare good, surely the fruitwill be good.Their (the imams’) features and traditions are the eyes ofhistory,andtheheadlinesofconducts.ByAllah,IswearthatwhoeverdeemsMuhammadasgrandfather,Aliasfather,Fatimaasmother,
theimamsasfathers,andal-Mahdiassonisworthierofreachingtheheavenwithhishighnessandhonor….HowcanIcounthisvirtuesandnewswhereasmytongueisshortandmyeloquenceistired?Somytongueandeloquencecomebacktiredfromhishighrank,anddwindlebecauseoffailureandinability…[94]
15.Al-Bustani
Al-Bustani said, ‘Al-Hasan al-Khalis bin Ali al-Hadi… they mentioned about him many
characteristicsthatwerewell-knowninthepeopleofthishouseoftheTalibites[95]…perceptionandwisdomappearedinhimsincehisearlychildhood…’[96]
16.Khayruddeenaz-Zarkali
He said, ‘Al-Hasan bin Ali al-Hadi bin Muhammad al-Jawad al-Hashimi: Abu Muhammad the
eleventhimamtotheTwelverShi’a…hewaspaidhomageastheimamafterthedeathofhisfather.Hewaslikehisgoodancestorsinpiety,asceticism,worshipping…’[97]
17.Al-AbbasbinNooruddeen
Al-AbbasbinNooruddeenal-Mekkisaid,‘ImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari…hislineage
ismorerenownedthanthemooninitsfourteenthnight.Heandhisfatherareknownasal-Askari.Asforhisvirtues,tonguescannotcount…’[98]Notes:[81]A’yanash-Shi’a.[82]A’lamal-Wara,p.372.[83]Biharal-Anwar,vol.50p.261.[84]Ibid.,p.325.[85]Biharal-Anwar,vol.50,p.327.[86]Al-Irshad.[87]Al-Fusoolal-Muhimmah,p.272.[88]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.4p.421.[89]Zahratal-Maqul…,p.63.[90]Tathkiratal-Khawas.[91]Bahral-Ansab,p.17.[92]Mir ’atal-Janan,vol.2p.172.[93]Jami’Karamatal-Awliya’,vol.1p.389.[94]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.223-224.[95]DerivedfromAbuTalibthefatherofImamAli.[96]Encyclopediaofal-Bustani,vol.7p.45.[97]Al-A’lam,vol.2p.215.[98]Nuzhatal-Jalees,vol.2p.184.
6ChapterHisLetters
Somelettersoftheimamdiscloseanimportantsideofthereligiouslifewhichwasconfusedatthat
age.Thefollowingaresomeofhisletterstohisadherents:
1.ToIsaaqAn-Naysaburi
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentalettertoIsaaqbinIsma’ylan-Naysaburisayinginit,“MayAllahprotectusbyHisprotection,and takecareofyou inallyouraffairsbyHis favor. I
understoodyourletter,mayAllahhavemercyonyou.We,praisebetoAllahandbyHisblessing,arepeopleofahousewhopityourfollowersandfeeldelightedforthesuccessionofthefavorsofAllahonthem,andfeelhappyforeveryblessingthatAllahtheAlmightyendowsthemwith.OIsaaq,mayAllahendowyouwithallblessings,andendowsthesameonwhoeverislikeyouwhomAllahhashadmercyonandgiveninsightlikeyours….AndmayHedetermineParadiseforyou….AndIsay:PraisebetoAllahasthebestpraiseHehaseverbeenpraisedwith,andforever,forHis
mercy on you, His saving you from perishment, and smoothing your way from the obstacle. ByAllah, it is an insurmountable, impassable, difficult obstacle with great distresses that had beenmentionedinthefirstBooks.Atthetimeofthedeceased(Imamal-Hadi),peacebeonhim,andatmytimeyouhaddonesomethingsthatneitherIwassatisfiedwithyounorwereyourightinthem.OIsaaq,knowwellthatwhoevercomesoutofthisworldblindwillbeblindintheAfter-worldand
moreastray.OIsaaq,itisnottheeyesthatbecomeblindbuttheheartsthatareinthechests.Allahsaysabout the unjust, (He shall say:My Lord!why hast Thou raisedme blind and Iwas a seeing oneindeed?Hewillsay:Evenso,Ourrevelationscametoyoubutyouneglectedthem;andthusyoushallbeforsakenthisday).[99]IsthereasigngreaterthantheexcuseofAllahonHiscreation,HistrusteeinHis earth, and His witness on His people .… after those who had abandoned his first fathers theprophetsandhislastfatherstheguardians(peaceandblessingsofAllahbeonthemall).Sowheredoyougoastrayandwheredoyougolikebeasts?YoudeviatefromthetruthandbelieveinfalsehoodanddisbelieveintheblessingsofAllah.AreyoufromthosewhobelieveinapartoftheBookanddisbelieveintheother?Sowhatistherewardofhimwhodoesthat,eitheryouorotherthanyou?ItisbutmeannessinthislifeandeternaltormentintheAfterlife.ByAllah,itisthegreatdisgrace!
WhenAllah imposedonyou,byHis favorandmercy, theobligations,Hedidnot impose themonyou becauseHewas in need of you, but out ofHismercy onYou - there is no god butHim - todistinguishthegoodfromthebad,andtotrywhattherewasinyourchests,andtestwhattherewasinyourheartssothatyouwouldcompeteforthemercyofAllahandthatyourpositionsinHisparadisewouldbeonebetterthananother.HeimposedonyouHajj,Umrah(minorhajj),prayer,zakat,fasting,andthefollowingoftheAhlulBayt(a.s).HemadetoyouadoorbywhichyouopenthedoorsoftheotherobligationsandasakeytoHisway.ExceptforMuhammad(blessingsofAllahbeonhim),andthe guardians from his progeny, you would be confused like beast knowing nothing of theobligations.Isatownenteredexceptfromitsgate?WhenAllahfavoredyoubyappointingtheguardiansafteryourprophet,Hesaid,(ThisdayhaveI
perfected for you your religion and completedMy favor on you and chosen for you Islam as areligion).[100]HeimposedonyourightsforHisguardiansandorderedyoutocarrythemoutsothatyourwives,properties,foods,anddrinkswouldbelawfultoyou.Allahsaid,(Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardfor itbut loveformynearrelatives),[101]andknowwell that(whoever isniggardly, isniggardlyagainsthisownself;andAllahisSelf-sufficientandyouaretheneedy).[102]ThereisnogodbutAllah,andmyspeechhasbecometoolongonwhatwasforyou,andwhatwasrequiredfrom
you.ExceptforthatAllahwantedtocompletehisfavoronyou,youwouldneitherseealinefromme
norwould youhear aword after the leaving of the deceased (Imamal-Hadi), peace be uponhim,whileyouare in inadvertence toyourend,andaftermyappointingIbrahimbinAbdah toyou,andaftermybook thatMuhammadbinMusaan-Naysaburihadbrought toyou,andAllah isHewhosehelp issought inanycase.Bewareofbeingunmindful towardsAllahso thatyoushallbefromthelosers!AwaywithhimhewhoturnshisbacktotheobedienceofAllahanddoesnotaccepttheadviceofHisguardians!AllahhasorderedyoutoobeyHim,toobeyHismessenger,andtoobeythoseinauthorityamongyou.MayAllahhavemercyyourweaknessandinadvertence,andmakeyoupatientwithyouraffair.WhathasbeguiledmanfromhisLord?!Ifmountainsunderstoodsomeofthatwhichwas in this book, they would crack and split because of the fear of Allah, and turn back to theobedienceofAllah.Dowhateveryoulike(soAllahwillseeyourworkand(sowill)HisMessengerandthebelievers;andyoushallbebroughtbacktotheKnoweroftheunseenandtheseen,thenHewillinformyouofwhatyoudid).[103]PraisebetoAllah,theLordoftheworlds,andHisblessingsbeonMuhammadandallhisprogeny.”[104]
2.HislettertothepeopleofQumandAbeh
ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) sent a letter, some parts ofwhichwere lost, to his Shi’a from the
peopleofQumandAbeh(Aveh)sayingtothem,“Allah theAlmightywithHis generosity and kindness has favoredHis peoplewithHis prophet
Muhammad(a.s.)asabearerofgoodtidingsandawarner,andhasmadeyousucceedinacceptingHisreligion,grantedyouwithHisguidance,andplantedintotheheartsofyourpastancestors(mayHehavemercyonthem)andyourlivingoffspring(mayHesufficeandmakethemlivelong)theloveof thepureprogeny (of theProphet).They,whohad left, lefton thewayof righteousness,and thepathof truth and success, and theywent to theplaceof successors, got the fruits ofwhat theyhadsowed,andfoundtheresultofwhattheyhaddonepreviously.…Ourintentionisstillfirm,andourselvesaresatisfiedwithyourgoodthoughts.Thefixedrelation
betweenusandyouisfirm.Itisawillthatourancestorsandyourancestorshadrecommended,andacovenant that had been entrusted to our youth and your oldmen.They are still on their faith, andAllahhasgatheredusincloserelationship,andclosekinship.TheAlim(peaceofAllahbeonhim)said,‘Afaithfulisabrotherofafaithfulfromhisfatherandmother…”[105]
3.HislettertoAlibinal-HusaynbinMusabinBabwayhal-Qummi
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentalettertothefamousjurisprudentAbulHasanAlibinal-Husayn
binMusa bin Babwayh al-Qummi, the distinct among the Shi’a, and the prominent personality inHadith, jurisprudence, and the rest of the Islamic sciences. ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) said inhisletter,“PraisebetoAllahtheLordoftheworlds,andtheendisfortherighteous,theParadiseisforthe
monotheists, theHell is for theatheists,and thereshouldbenohostilityexceptagainstoppressors,and there is no god but Allah the best of creators, and blessing be on the best of His creationMuhammadandhispureprogeny.Omysheikh,trustee,jurisprudentAbulHasanAlibinal-Husaynal-Qummi,mayAllahbesatisfied
withyou,andmakefromyourprogenygoodchildren.IrecommendyoutofearAllah,offerprayers,andgivezakatbecausenoprayerisacceptedfromonewhodoesnotgivezakat.Ialsorecommendyou topardonothers, suppress anger, continuously associatewithkin, comfortbrothers and try tocarryouttheirneedsatdifficultyandease,bepatient,learnreligion,becertainofthings,undertakethe(recitationof)Qur'an,behavewithgoodmorals,enjointhegood,andtoforbidthewrong.Allahsays, (There is no good in most of their secret counsels except (in his) who enjoins charity orgoodnessorreconciliationbetweenpeople).[106]Irecommendyoutoavoidallsinsandvices.Youare tokeeponofferingNightPrayer, for theProphet (a.s)had recommendedAli saying to
him,‘OAli,youaretokeepontheNightPrayer.’Herepeatedthatthreetimes.WhoeverdisregardstheNight Prayer is not fromus.Act according tomy recommendation and ordermyShi’a to actaccordingtothat.Waitfordeliverance,fortheProphet(a.s)said,‘Thebestdeedofmynationisthewaiting for deliverance.’ Our Shi’a shall be still in sorrow until my son, whom the Prophet (a.s)broughtgoodnewsabout,shallappear.Hewillfilltheearthwithjusticeandfairnessafterithasbeenfilled with injustice and oppression. O my sheikh, be patient and order all my Shi’a to bepatient;(SurelytheearthisAllah's.HegivesitasinheritancetowhomHewillandtheendis(best)for the righteous).[107] Peace,mercy, and blessings ofAllah be on you and on all our Shi’a, andAllahissufficientforus;thebestProtectorisHe,thebestPatron,andthebestHelper.”[108]
4.HisLettertoOneofHisFollowers
OneoftheShi’awrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)tellinghimaboutthedisagreementbetween
theShi’a.Theimamrepliedtohiminthisletter,“Allah has addressed reasonable people… concerning me, people are in different classes; a
discerningoneisonthewayofdeliverance,keepingtothetruth,clingingtothebranchoftheoriginwithoutbeingdoubtfulorsuspicious,andfindingnoresortotherthanme.Thereisanotherclassofpeoplewho do not take the truth from its owners; they are like a traveler in the sea. They are inturmoilwhenevertheseawavesareinturmoil,andarecalmwhenevertheseacalms.Anotherclassofpeople are thosewhohavebeenovercomebySatan.They just resist thepeopleof truth, and fighttruth by falsehood out of envy. So let alonewhoever goes right or left, becausewhen a shepherdwants togatherhissheep,hegathers themwiththeleasteffort.Bewareofshowingoffandpantingafterauthoritybecausetheyleadtoperishment…’[109]
5.HisLettertoAnotherOneofHisFollowers
ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) sent a letter to one of his followers expressing his grief for some
rabbleoftheShi’awhohaddeviatedfromtherightpath.Hesaid,“NooneofmyfathershadbeenafflictedlikewhatIhavebeenafflictedwiththesuspicionsofthis
group…ifthismatter(imamate)wasamatterthatyouhadbelievedinandkeptonituntilacertaintimeandthenstopped,thensuspicionwouldbewarranted,butifit(imamate)iscontinuousaslongastheaffairsofAllaharecontinuous,thenwhatisthemeaningofthissuspicion?…’[110]
6.HislettertoAbdullahal-Bayhaqi
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentthefollowinglettertoAbdullahbinHamdwayhal-Bayhaqi:“IhavesentIbrahimbinAbdahsothatthe(other)districtsandthepeopleofyourdistrictpaymy
dues on you to him, and Imadehimmy trust and agent beforemy followers there.Let them fearAllahandpaytheduesandtheyhavenoexcuseinnotdoingthatordelayingit.MayAllahnotdistressthem for disobeying His guardians and may He have mercy on them and on you through mymercifulnesstothem,andAllahisAmple-giving,Generous.”[111]
7.HisletteraboutIbrahimbinAbdah
ImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)hadappointedIbrahimbinAbdahashisagenttoreceivethe
legalduesandtospendthemonreligionandontheneedy,andgivenhimalettermentioninginithisreliabilityandhighposition.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasaskedwhetherthisletterwaswrittenbyhimornot,andhereplied,“My letter that came to IbrahimbinAbdahon appointinghimasmy agent to receivemy rights
fromourfollowersthere…yes,itwasmyletterwrittenbymyhandtohim.Ihaveappointedhimtothemintheircountry.Itistrueandnotfalse.LethimfearAllahasHeshouldbefeared,andletthemtakeoutmyrightsandgivethemtohim,forIhavepermittedhimtodowiththemasrequired.MayAllahgivehimsuccessandsavehimfromfailure.”[112]
8.HisLettertohisFollowers
Hesentthislettertosomeofhisfollowers:“May Allah gift you with asceticism in this life and success as He pleases, assistance for His
obedience,protectionfromdisobedience,guidancefromdeviation,andmayHegatherforusandforourfollowersthegoodofthetwoabodes(thislifeandtheafterlife).Iwas informedof the disagreement of your hearts, and the divergence of your desires, and the
incitementofSatanuntilhecausedseparationamongyou,disbeliefinreligion,attemptingtodestroywhat your ancestors had built in the religion ofAllah and proved the rights ofHis guardians.He(Satan) tookyou to thewayofdeviation,andawayfromthepathof the truth,andsomanyofyoureceded as if you had not read the Book of Allah and not understood any of His commands andprohibitions.Iswear that ifyourfoolsrelyontheirdelusionsandfabricatefalse traditions, theyshalldeserve
torment, and if you are satisfied with that from them and do not deny it by your hands, tongues,hearts,andintentions,youshallbeparticipantswiththeminwhattheyhavefabricatedagainstAllah,Hismessenger,andtheguardiansafterhim.Ifitwasnotso,thepeopleofaz-Zabadwouldnotlieintheirclaim,noral-Mughirahintheirdisagreement,noral-Kaysaniyyahontheirman,norotherliarsandthedeviantswhohaveturnedawayfromus.Indeed,youareworsethanthem…andmostofthemwereobligedtosubmittothecommandofAllah,exceptsomegroupsthatifIwant,Ishallmentionbytheir names…. Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah, andwhoever forgets the remembranceofAllah,Allahwill throwhim intoFire, and it shallbe anevilabode.This letterofmine isanauthorityon them,andanauthority foryourabsenteeson thoseofyou
present, except onewho is informed and carries out his duty. I pray toAllah thatHegathers yourheartsonguidance,protectyoubypiety,andmakeyoudowhatpleasesHim,andpeace,blessing,andmercyofAllahbeonyou.’[113]
9.HisLettertooneofhisAdherents
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidinthislettertooneofhisfollowers:“Everypredestined thingwouldcome true.RelyonAllah theAlmightyandHewill sufficeyou,
and trust inHimandHewillnotdisappointyou.Youhavecomplainedagainstyourbrother.Knowwell thatAllah does not help in the disrupting of relations, andAllah is above any oppression ofeveryoppressor.WhoeverisoppressedsurelyAllahwillhelphim,andAllahisStrong,Mighty.Youhave asked me to pray for you. May Allah the Almighty keep you safe, and be your helper andprotector. I pray thatAllah theGenerous,Whohasmade you knowHis right and the right ofHisguardians,(theguardians)whomthosebesidesyouwereignorantof,thatHedoesnotremovefromyouanyblessingHehasendowedyouwith.HeisthePatron,worthyofallpraise.[114]
10.HisLettertoOneofHisShi’aAdherents
OneoftheShi’awrotealettertotheimamcomplainingagainstanoppressorwhooppressedand
didhimwrong.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)repliedtohim:“We content ourselves with (turning to) Allah, the Almighty, this day against every oppressor,
wrongdoer,andenvier.WoeuntowhoeversayssomethingthatAllahknowsitsopposite.HowterribleisthatwhichheshallmeetfromtheMasteroftheDayofJudgment!SurelyAllahtheAlmightyistheHelperandAssistant to theoppressed.TrustandrelyonHimandHewill relieveyourdistressandsaveyou from theevil of everyevildoer.MayAllahdo that foryouand favoruswithyou;He ispowerfulovereverything.MayAllahovercomeeveryoppressorthismoment!Noone,whowrongsandoppresses,shallbesuccessful.Woeuntowhoeveristakenbythefingersoftheoppressed!Donotbe distressed but trust inAllah and rely onHim, andHewill bring your deliverance soon. SurelyAllahiswiththosewhoarepatientandwhodogoodtoothers.’[115]Notes:[99]Qur'an,20:125-126.[100]Qur'an,5:3.[101]Qur'an,42:23.[102]Qur'an,47:38.[103]Qur'an,9:105.[104]Tuhafal-Uqool,p.484-486,Biharal-Anwar,vol.78p.374-377,Rijalal-Kashshi,p.354-357,.[105]Biharal-Anwar.[106]Qur'an,4:114.[107]Qur'an,7:128.[108]Rawdhatal-Jannat,vol.4p.273-274.[109]Biharal-Anwar,vol.78p.370.[110]Biharal-Anwar,vol.78,p.372.[111]Rijalal-Kashshi,p.358.[112]Rijalal-Kashshi,p.358.[113]Ad-Durran-Nadheem,p.224.[114]Ad-Durran-Nadheem.[115]Ad-Durran-Nadheem,p.225.
7ChapterWordsofLight
Agoodcollectionofmaximsandwonderfulwordsondifferentsocialandeducationalissueswere
transmittedfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),andtheseareconsideredtobefromthetreasuresoftheIslamicliterature.Herewepresenttoreaderssomeoftheimam’swonderfulsayings:
ThePreferenceofTheAhlulBayt(A.S)
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,“Wehaveascended to thepeaksof truthby thefeetofprophethoodandguardianship,and lit the
sevenwayswith thebannersofmagnanimity.Weare lionsofbattles,sourcesofgenerosity.Swordandpenareamongusnow,andthebannerofpraiseandknowledgelateron.Ourgrandsonsarethesuccessorsofreligion,alliesofcertainty, lampsofnations,andthekeysofgenerosity.Agenerousonehasputonthegarmentofchoicefortheloyaltythatwehaveknowninhim,andtheHolySpiritintheHeavens,andhetastedfromourgardensearlyfruits.OurShi’aaretherescuedparty,andthepuregroup.Theyhavebeenasadressandprotectionforus,andassistanceagainstoppressors….SpringsoflifewillgushoutforthemafterflamesofFire…andallbadyears…’Sheikh al-Majlisi commented on these statements by saying, ‘This is absolute wisdom, and an
ample blessing that even deaf ears can hear and highmountains shake for. Peace and blessings ofAllahbeonthem…’[116]The imamsof theAhlulBayt (a.s)hadaveryhighpositionnearAllah,Whohadendowed them
withvirtuesandknowledgethatnooneofthehumanbeingsotherthanthemhadeverbeenendowedwith.AllahhadmadethemtheguidestoHiscontentment,andtheleaderstoHisobedience.Theyallwereandarelampstonationsandkeysofgenerosityinthislife,andintheafterlifetheywillbetheintercessors and bearers of the banner of al-Hamd (praise), andAllah has given them theHighestParadise.
HisRecommendationToHisAdherents
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)preachedandadvisedhisShi’abysaying,“IrecommendyoutofearAllah,bepiousinyourreligion,striveforAllah,betruthfulinspeaking,
givedepositsbacktotheirowners,whetherhebegoodorevil,increaseprostration,andtobegoodtoneighbors.Bythese(principles)Muhammad(a.s.)camewithhismission.Associatewithyourkin,attendtheir funerals,visit theirsick,andcarryout their rights, for ifanyoneofyouispious inhisreligion, truthful inhis speech,hegivesdepositback to itsowner, and treatspeoplekindly, then itshallbesaidabouthim:“thisisaShi’a”,andthisshallpleaseme.FearAllah,begoodanddonotbebad!Attracteverylovetous,andkeepanyobscenityawayfrom
us,becausewhatevergoodissaidaboutuswedeserveit,andwhateverbadissaidaboutusisnotinus.Wehavearight in theBookofAllah,kinship to themessengerofAllah,andpurificationfromAllah that no one other than us claims but a liar.MentionAllah excessively and remember death!RecitetheQur'anandsendpeaceandblessingsontheProphet(a.s),becausethesendingofblessingson theProphet (a.s)has tengooddeeds.Keep inmindwhat Ihave recommended toyou! Ipray toAllahtoprotectyou(Ibidyoufarewell),andsendpeaceonyou.’[117]
AValuableAdvice
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,“Avoidbeggingpeopleaslongasyoucantolerate,foreverydayhasanewgoodness.Insistingon
asking others deprives one of his gravity except when a doormay be opened to you for a goodentrance.Andhowcloseslappingistoarashone!JealousymightbeakindofthemannersofAllahtheAlmighty.Luckhasdegrees, sodonothasten towardsa fruit that it isnot ripeyetbecause it ispickedonlyatitstime.He,Whomanagesyouraffairs,ismoreawareofthetimethatisgoodforyou(to pick the fruit). Trust inHis experience in your affairs and do not hurry for your needs at thebeginningofyourtime,asthenyourheartmaybedistressedanddespairmayovercomeyou.Knowthat coyness has a certain extent and if it is exceeded, it shall turn to weakness; generosity has acertainextentandifitisexceeded,itshallbeextravagance;economyhasacertainextent,andifitisexceeded, it shall be stinginess; and courage has a certain extent and if it exceeded, it shall berecklessness…’[118]
Preaching
Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) often and always advised his companions, reminded them of the
afterlife,andwarnedthemagainsttheseditionanddeceptionoftheworldlylife.Once,hesaid,“Youare in short lives, and fewdays, anddeath comesunexpectedly.Whoever sowsgood shall
harvesthappiness, andwhoever sowsevil shallharvest regret.Every sower shall reapwhathehassowed.Noslowoneisprecededbyhisluck,andnocarefulonegetswhathasnotbeendeterminedforhim.Whoeverisgivengood,Allahhasgivenhimthat,andwhoeverissavedfromanevilAllahhassavedhimfromit.[119]
PonderingOnAllah
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,“Worship is not abundant fasting and praying, but worship is abundant pondering; it is the
continuousthinkingofAllah.’[120]Inhis traditions, the imamestablished thebasesof faith inAllah,and themost importantoneof
whichwasthinkingofAllah,andponderingonHiswonderfulcreationbecausethatwouldleadmantotheabsolutefaithinAllah,theGreatCreator.
WisdomofFasting
Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) said, ‘Allah has imposed fasting so that the wealthy might suffer
hungerandbekindtothepoor.’[121]
DispraisingTheHypocrites
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘Whatabadmanheiswhohastwofacesandtwotongues!He
praiseshisbrotherwhenheispresentandeatshisflesh(backbiteshim)whenheisabsent.Heenvieshimifheisgiven(becomesingoodstate),andbetrayshimifheisafflicted.’[122]
PiousAndImpious
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘Theloveofthepioustothepiousisavirtueforthepious,the
hatredoftheimpioustowardsthepiousisameritforthepious,andthehatredofthepioustowardstheimpiousisdisgracefortheimpious.’[123]
WonderfulShortMaxims
The following are some of the wonderfulmaxims transmitted from ImamAbuMuhammad al-
Askari(a.s.).Hesaid,1.“Iffateisinevitable,thenforwhatpurposeissupplication(ofmantootherthanAllah)?”2.“Abelieverisablessingforabelieverandanauthorityonanunbeliever.”3.“Theheartofafoolisinhismouth,andthemouthofawisemanisinhisheart.”4.“Angeristhekeytoeveryevil.”5.“Aspitefuloneistheleastcomfortable.”6.“Themostpiousofpeopleishewhorefrainsbeforesuspicion.Themostworshipfulofpeopleis
hewhokeepsonobligations.Themostasceticoneishewhorefrainsfromunlawfulthings.Thebestmujtahidishewhorefrainsfromsins.”7.“Letnosecurelivelihoodmakeyoutoobusytoperformanobligatorydeed.’8.“He,whoexceedsinsomething,islikeonewholacksthatthing.”9.“Wheneveramightyonegivesupthetruth,hebecomeslow,andwheneveralowonekeepstoit,
hebecomesmighty.”10.“Thefriendofanignorantisalwaystired.”11.“Therearetwoqualitiessuchthatthereisnoqualityabovethem;faithinAllahandtheserving
ofbrothers.”12.“Theimpertinenceofachildinchildhoodbeforehisfathermakeshimundutifulinadulthood.”13.“Itisnotfrompolitenesstoshowjoybeforeadistressedperson.”14.“Betterthanlifeisthat,whichifyoulose,youshallhatelife,andworsethandeathisthatwhich
ifcomestoyou,youshalllovedeath.”15.“Taminganignorantpersonandpreventingapersonwithunchanginghabitsfromthosehabits
areasamiracle.”16.“Humblenessisablessingthatisnotenvied.”17.“Donotbegeneroustosomeonewithwhatmaybeheavyonhim.”[124]18.“He,whoadviseshisbrothersecretly,doeshimgood,andhe,whoadviseshimopenly,does
himwrong.”19.“Howbadfromafaithfulitiswhenhehasadesireathingthatdegradeshim.”20“Itissufficientinorderforyoutobepolitethatyouavoidwhatyouhateinothers.”21.“Bewareofeverysilent,intelligentone.”22.“Ifallthepeopleofthisworldwereintelligent,theworldwouldberuined.”23.“Theweakestofenemiesincunning,ishewhoshowshisenmity.”24. “Thebestofyourbrothers ishewho forgetsyourwrongagainsthim,and remembersyour
kindnesstohim.”25.“Goodfigureisapparentbeauty,andgoodmindishiddenbeauty.”26.“He,whoisfriendlywithAllah,feelsaversiontowardspeople.”27.“He,whodoesnotregardpeople,doesnotregardAllah.”28.“Viceshavebeenputinahousewhosekeyislying.”29.“Whenheartsareactive,putintothem,andwhentheydetest,bidthemfarewell.”30.“Followingafteronefromwhomyouhopeisbetterthanremainingwithonefromwhoseevil
youdonotfeelsafe.”31. “Ignorance is an enemyanddiscernment is authority, andhe,whompatiencedoes notmake
sufferagoniesofanger,shallnotfeeltheeaseofheart.”32.“Thegiftofagenerousonemakesyoubelovedtohim,andthegiftofameanonemakesyou
lowtohim.”33.“Whoeverissuchthatpietyishishabit,andvirtuesarehisgarments,shallbevictoriousover
hisenemiesbyhisgoodpraise,andshallbefortifiedagainstdefectsbyhisgoodmention.”34.“He,whopraisesanundeservingone,becomesasanaccusedperson.”35. “No one knows (the reality of) a blessing except the grateful, and no one is grateful to a
blessingexcepttheknowing.”36.“Stayingupmakessleepmorepleasant,andhungermakesfoodmoredelicious.”37.“ReachingAllahtheAlmightyisajourneythatisnotachievedexceptbyridingatnight.”[125]38.“He,whodoesnotknowhowtoprevent,doesnotknowhowtogive.”
39.Hesaid toal-Mutawakkil, theAbbasidcaliph,“Donotexpectgoodwill fromonewhomyouhaveoffended,orloyaltyfromonewhomyouhavebetrayed,orsincerityfromonewhomyouhavesuspected,becausetheheartsofotherstowardsyouarelikeyourhearttowardsthem.”40.“Itisfromignorancetolaughwithnoreason.”41.“ThespeechofAllahhaspreferenceoverall speeches, justasHeholdspreferenceoverHis
creation.Andourspeechhaspreferencetothespeechofpeople,justasourpreferenceoverthem.”42. “It is fromhumbleness togreet everyoneyoupassby, and to sit inother than thedistinctive
placeinameeting.”43.“Theworthiestpeopleof(your)lovearethosewhocomfortyou.”44.“Fromthedisastersthatbreakone’sbackisaneighborwho,ifseesagooddeed,concealsit,
andifseesabaddeed,spreadsit.”45.“(InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful)isclosertothegreatestNameofAllahthan
theirisoftheeyetoitswhite.”46.“Donotdisputewithothersso thatyou loseyourgravity,anddonot jokeso that it isdared
againstyou.”47.“Whoeverissatisfiedtositinotherthanthedistinctiveplaceinameeting,AllahandHisangels
sendblessingsonhimuntilheleavesthemeeting.”48. “Polytheism inpeople ismore inconspicuous than thecreepingof antsonablackcloth ina
darknight.”49.“Heartshaveideasfromfancy,whilemindsshakeandgetmoreknowledgeoutofexperiments,
andtakinglessonsleadstoreasonability.”50.“Predominantfatesarenotpreventedbystruggling(againstthem),anddeterminedlivelihoods
arenotgainedbygreedinessandrequesting…submityourself tofatesandknowthatyoushallnotgetexceptwhathasbeendeterminedforyou.”Notes:[116]Biharal-Anwar,vol.78p.338.[117]Biharal-Anwar,vol.78p.372.[118]Nuzhatan-Nadhir,p.50-51.[119]Biharal-Anwar,vol.78p.338.[120]Ibid.,p.373.[121]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.193,ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.2p.43.[122]Biharal-Anwar,vol.78p.373.[123]Al-Majalisas-Saniyyah,vol.2p.663.[124]Becausethatsomeonefindsthathehastoanswerwiththesame.
[125]Spendingthenightwithworshipping.
8ChapterWiththeHolyQur’an
TheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)paidexcessiveattentiontotheinterpretation(tafsir)of
theHolyQur'an.Eachoneofthemhadaschooloftafsir,andtheyweredefinitelythemostawareofthecontentsoftheQur'anandallitssciences.Themasterofthepureprogeny,ImamAli(a.s.)was,amongalltheProphet’scompanions,themostawareofthefactsandminutedetailsoftheQur ’an,itsmuhkam(clear)versesandmutashabih(ambiguous)verses,andheknewwhenandwhereeachversewasrevealed.AsforImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.),hewasoneofthemastersofinterpreters.A
specialtafsirknownas“tafsirImamal-Askari”wastransmittedfromhim.Herewementioninbriefsomeholyversesthattheimamhadinterpreted:1.AbuHashimal-Ja’fari said, ‘Once, IwaswithAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andaskedhimabout this
sayingofAllah:(ThenWegave theBookforan inheritance to thosewhomWechose fromamongOurservants;butofthemishewhowrongshimself,andofthemishewhotakesamiddlecourse,andofthemishewhoisforemostindeedsofgoodnessbyAllah'spermission).[126]Hesaid,‘IthasbeenrevealedabouttheprogenyofMuhammad(a.s.).One,whowrongshimself,istheonewhodoesnot acknowledge the imam, and onewho takes amiddle course is the onewho acknowledges theimam,andonewhoisforemostindeedsofgoodnessbyAllah’spermissionistheimam.’MyeyesshedtearsandIthoughttomyselfofwhatAllahhadgiventotheprogenyofMuhammad
(a.s.).Theimamlookedatmeandsaid,‘Howgreatis thatwhichyourself toldyouaboutthegreatimportanceoftheprogenyofMuhammad!ThankAllahforHehasmadeyoulovethem!YoushallbecalledwiththemontheDayofResurrectionwheneveryhumanbeingshallbecalledwithhisimam.BedelightedAbuHashim!Youareingoodstate.[127]2. Muhammad bin Salih al-Armani asked Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) about this verse (Allah
effacesandestablisheswhatHepleases,andwithHimisthebasisoftheBook)[128]andhereplied,‘Does Allah efface but what has been established, and does He establish but what has been notexistent?…TheAlmightyisfaraboveallthings.HeisAwareofallthingsbeforetheirexistence,theCreatorwhen therewasnocreation, theReckoner.’MuhammadbinSalihsaid to the imam, ‘Ibearwitness thatyouare theauthorityofAllahandHisguardian,andyouareon the truepathof ImamAmeerulMu’minin.’[129]3. Muhammad bin Salih al-Armani asked Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) about this saying of
Allah(Allah'sisthecommandbeforeandafter)[130]andtheimamsaid,‘ThecommandisHisbeforeHeissuesit,andthecommandisHisafterHecommandsasHewills.’Isaidtomyself,‘Thisisthesaying of Allah (Surely His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, the Lord of the
worlds).[131]’Theimamlookedatme,smiled,andthensaid,‘(Hisisthecreationandthecommand;blessedisAllah,theLordoftheworlds).’[132]4.AbuHashimsaid,‘IwaswithAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whenibnSalihal-Armaniaskedhimabout
thisverse, (AndwhenyourLordbrought forth fromthechildrenofAdam, fromtheirbacks, theirdescendants, andmade thembearwitnessagainst theirownsouls:AmInotyourLord?Theysaid:Yes,webearwitness).[133]AbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘Theknowingwasprovedandtheyforgotthatsituation, but they will remember it, and without that no one would know who his creator andprovideris.’I was astonished with myself at the great favors Allah had endowed His guardian (Imam Abu
Muhammad)with and thegreat taskHehad entrustedhimwith.AbuMuhammad turned tome andsaid,‘OAbuHashim,thematterisgreaterandmoreastonishingthanwhatyouhavebeenastonishedat.What do you think about some peoplewhomwhoever acknowledges, acknowledgesAllah, andwhoeverdenies,deniesAllah?Thereisnobelieverthatdoesnotbelieveinthemandisnotcertaininknowingthem.’[134]5. Sufyan binMuhammad as-Sayfi said, ‘Iwrote toAbuMuhammad (a.s.) asking him about the
“waleejah” (friendor protector)mentioned in this sayingofAllah, (and takenone for friends andprotectorsexceptAllah,HisMessenger,andthebelievers).[135]Isaidwithmyself:‘Whomdoeshethinkthe“believers”arehere?’His replycame tomesaying, ‘The“waleejah”are thosewhoareproper for the“guardianship”.
Yourself(nafs)spoketoyouaskingwhoweremeantbythe“believers”inthisverse.TheyaretheimamswhobelieveinAllah,andnamelywearethose“believers”.’
TheTafsirAscribedToHim
ThetafsircalledTafsiral-AskariwasascribedtoImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.)
butsuspicionswerearousedabout it;someproveditwashisandsomeothersdeniedthat.Hereweshouldhaveastoptoponderonit.
ThoseWhoDependedOnThisTafsir
Someof thegreat ‘Ulama’of theTwelverShi’adependedon this tafsirandbelievedcertainly it
wasImamAbuMuhammad’stafsir.Thefollowingarethenamesofsomeofthose‘Ulama’:1.Shaikhas-Saduq[136]2.Shaikhat-Tabarsi[137]3.Al-Muhaqqiqal-Kurki[138]4.TheSecondMartyr[139]5.MuhammadTaqiyal-Majlisi[140]6.IbnShahrashub[141]7.Al-MuhaqqiqAghaBuzurgh[142]ThesegreatmendidnotsuspectthatthistafsirwasfalselyascribedtoImamal-Askariandbelieved
itwasreallyhis.
TheSanad[143]ofThisTafsir
The sand of this tafsir was mentioned in the beginning of the book (Tafsir al-Askari) as the
following:MuhammadbinAlibinMuhammadbinJa’farbinDaqqaqsaid,“ThetwojurisprudentsheikhsAbulHasanMuhammadbinAhmadbinAlibinal-HasanbinShathan
andAbuMuhammadJa’farbinMuhammadbinAlial-QummitoldmefromAbulHasanMuhammadbinal-Qassimal-Astrabadi the interpreter andpreacher thatAbuYa’qubYusufbinMuhammadbinZiyadandAbulHasanAlibinMuhammadbinSayyar,whowerefromtheTwelverShi’a,said,‘OurparentswereTwelverShi’a.TheZayditeswereprevailinginAstrabad.Wewereundertheruleofal-HasanbinZaydal-Alawicalledasad-Da’iyilal-Haqq.[144]HewastheimamoftheZaydites.Heoftenlistenedtothem(theZaydites)andkilledpeopleaccordingtotheirslanders.Wefearedforourselves,andsoweresortedwithourfamiliestoImamAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAlibinMuhammadthefatherofal-Qa’im(Imamal-Mahdi)(peacebeonhim).Weaskedpermissiontovisittheimam.Whenhe saw us, he said, ‘Welcome to the two comers to us, and resorters to our protection.Allah hasacceptedyourefforts,calmedyourfear,andrelievedyoufromyourenemies.Go(back)andfeelsafeabout yourselves and properties!’Wewere astonished at his saying, though we did not doubt thetruthfulnessofhisspeech.Wesaid,‘OImam,whatdoyouorderustodoonourwayuntilwegettothecountrythatwehadgotoutof?Howshallweenterthatcountrywhichwehadfledfrom,andtherulersearchedforusandhisthreateningagainstuswassevere?’He(peacebeonhim)said,‘LeaveyourthesetwosonswithmeandIwillteachthemtheknowledge
thatAllahwillhonorthemwith.Asforyou,donotpayattentiontotheslanderersnortothethreatoftheruler,becauseAllahtheAlmightywillenditwithhappinessandbringthemtoyourintercessionwithhimwhomyouhadrunawayfrom…’AbuYa’qubandAbulHasansaid,‘They(theirfathers)obeyedwhattheywereorderedofandleft,
buttheyleftusthere.Weoftenvisitedhim(theimam)andhemetuswiththekindnessoffathersandcloserelatives.Oneday,hesaidtous,‘IfthenewsofthesatisfactionofyourfathersandthedisgraceoftheirenemiesbyAllahcomestoyouandmypromisetothemcomestrue,IshallthankAllahbyteachingyouthe interpretationof theQur'anandsometraditionsofMuhammad’sprogeny(a.s.)sothatAllahwillexaltyou.’Webecamedelighted at that and said, ‘O sonof themessengerofAllah, thenwe shall learn all
sciencesandmeaningsoftheQur'an.’Hesaid,‘No!(Imam)as-SadiqtaughtsomeofhiscompanionswhatIwanttoteachyou.’Theybecamedelightedandsaid,‘OsonofthemessengerofAllah,youhavehadallknowledgeof
theQur'an.’Hesaid,‘Ihavehadmuchgood,andhavebeengrantedgreatvirtue,butneverthelessitislessthan
theleastpartoftheQur'an’sknowledge.AllahtheAlmightysays,(Say:Thoughtheseabecameinkfor theWords of my Lord, verily the sea would be used up before the words of my Lord were
exhausted,eventhoughWebroughtthelikethereoftohelp),[145]and(Andifallthetreesintheearthwerepens,andthesea,withsevenmoreseastohelpit,(wereink),thewordsofAllahcouldnotbeexhausted).[146] This is the knowledge andmeanings of the Qur'an and the wonders it has.WhatamountdoyouthinkIhavetakenfromallthisQur'an?’Wesaid,‘Buteventhisamountthatyouhavetaken,Allahhaspreferredyoubyittoallthosewho
donotpossessthelikeofyourknowledge,anddonotunderstandlikeyourunderstanding.’Wedidnot leavehimuntilamessengercame tous fromour fatherswitha lettersaying thatal-
HasanbinZaydal-Alawikilled somemanandconfiscatedhispropertiesafter the slanderof thoseZaydites. Then letters came to him from different countries and villages written by the ZayditesscoldingandblaminghimandsayingthatthekilledmanwasthebestoneoftheZayditesintheEarthand that those few Zaydites who had petitioned against him did so just because of his virtue andwealth. Al-Hasan bin Zayd thanked those people and ordered to cut the noses and ears of thoseZaydites(whohadpetitioned),andsomeofthemweremutilatedandothersranaway.Al-HasanbinZayd felt very sorry and he repented, and paid great monies as charity after he gave back thepropertiesofthekilledmantohisheirs,andgavethemmuchmorethanthespecifiedbloodmoney.Heaskedthemtopardonhimandtheysaidtohim,‘Asforthebloodmoney,weexemptyoufromit,butasfortheblood,itisnotoursbutitisthekilledman’sbloodandAllahistheJudge.’Al-HasanbinZaydvowedforthesakeofAllahthathewouldnotinterferewiththebeliefsofpeople.Itwasmentionedintheletterofourfathersthatal-HasanbinZaydsenttousoneofhistrustedmen
with his letter thatwas sealedwith his seal assuring thatwewould be safe and that our propertieswouldbegivenbacktous,andthathewouldrecompensetheharmsandlosseswehadmet.Weshallgobacktoourcountryaccordingtohispromise.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘Allah’spromiseistrue.’Onthetenthday,alettercametousfromourfatherssayingthatal-HasanbinZaydhadcarriedout
allhispromisesandpermittedustokeeptothegreat-blessedimamwhosepromisewastrue.Whenthe imam knew that, he said, ‘This is the time to carry out my promise of teaching you theinterpretationoftheQur'an.Ihavepreparedsomethingeverydayforyoutowritedown.KeeptomeandbemindfulofthegoodluckofhappinessthatAllahhasgivenyou.’ThefirstthinghedictatedtouswastraditionsaboutthepreferenceoftheQur'anandofitspeople,
andthenhedictatedtousthetafsir.Wewrotedownthroughouttheperiodofourstayingwithhim.Itwassevenyears,andeverydaywewrotedownasmuchaswecould…’
Defects
Thistafsirwascriticizedinthatithadsomedefects:Firstly, it was accused of being weak in its credibility. From the chain of narrators, there was
Muhammad bin al-Qassim al-Mufassir al-Astrabadi who was weak. Ibn al-Ghadha’iri said,‘Muhammad bin al-Qassim al-Mufassir al-Astrabadiwasweak and a liar.Abu Ja’far binBabwayhnarratedfromhim.Atafsirwastransmittedfromhimthathehadnarratedfromtwounknownmen,one calledYusuf binMuhammadbinZiyad and theotherwasAli binMuhammadbinYasar, fromtheirfatherfromAbulHasantheThird(Imamal-Hadi)(a.s.),andthetafsirwaswrittendownbySahlad-Dibajifromhisfather.’[147]Whatwasmentionedby al-Ghadha’iri canbe refuted in someways: first, hementioned that this
tafsirwasnarratedbyYusufbinMuhammadbinZiyadandAlibinMuhammadbinYasarfromtheirfather.Thisisamistakebecausetheydidnotnarrateitfromtheirfather,buttheynarrateditwithoutanintermediaryfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Second,Ibnal-Ghadha’iriascribedthis tafsir toAbulHasantheThird(a.s.)whereasitwasascribedtoImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.).Third,HesaidthatthistafsirwasauthoredbySahlad-Dibajifromhisfather.ThisisveryoddbecauseSahlwas not mentioned among the chain of narrators of this tafsir. Anyhow, what al-Ghadha’irymentionedinweakeningthismancannotbedependedon.Sayyidal-Khu’isaid,‘NooneofthepastscholarsmentionedthereliabilityofMuhammadbinal-
Qassim.EvenSheikhas-Saduq,whomentionedmany traditions fromhimwithoutan intermediary,didnotmentionthathewasweak…Therightthingisthatthismanwasanunknown,whosereliabilitynorweaknesswasproven,[148]andthereforeonecannotdependonhisnarrations.Inaddition,al-Mufassiral-AstrabadinarratedthistafsirfromYusufbinMuhammadbinZiyadand
AlibinMuhammadbinYasarwhobothwereunknownandunreliableintheirnarrationsfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),asSayyidal-Khu’isays.[149]Second,thistafsirisweakandfullofdefectswhichmeansthatitisnottruetoascribeittoImamal-
Askari(a.s.),andwhoeverlooksintoitthinkswithnodoubtthatitwasfalselyascribedtotheimam,Sayyidal-Khu’isays.Third, ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)was surrounded by a large number of intelligence officers,
securityforces,andpolicemenoftheAbbasidgovernmentthatpreventedtheShi’afromassociatingwithhim,sohowcouldthesetwopersonsfrequenthimforsevenyearswithoutbeingpreventedfromvisitinghim?Fourth,thecareoftheimamforthesetwomenandhisaskingtheirfatherstoleavethemwithhim
toteachthemtheknowledgethatAllahwouldhonorthemwith,asmentionedinthebeginningofthebook,thoughtheywereunknown,wouldbedoubtedsomehow.Woulditnotbebetterfortheimamtofavorthegreat‘Ulama’andjurisprudentsofhisShi’awiththishonor?Anyhow, it is certain that this tafsir was not ImamAbuMuhammad’s but it was fabricated and
ascribed to him. In addition to the defects it has, it is not eloquent inmany of its chapters, and of
course,thisdoesnotfittheimamwhohadbeenendowedwithwisdomandeloquence,andhewasthemost eloquent man in his time. So how could this tafsir, which had no feature of eloquence, beascribed to thisgreat imam?Besides that, ithassome traditions thathaveexcessiveness,as I think,andthiswastoofarfromtheimam’s(a.s.)character.Notes:[126]Qur'an,35:32.[127]Ath-Thaqibfil-Manaqibbyal-Jirjani,p.241-242.[128]Qur'an,13:39.[129]Ath-Thaqibfil-Manaqibbyal-Jirjani,p.242,Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.209.[130]Qur'an,30:4.[131]Qur'an,7:54.[132]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.210.[133]Qur'an,7:172.[134]Kashfal-Ghummah,vol.3p.210.[135]Qur'an,9:16.[136]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih.[137]Al-Ihtijaj.[138]HepermittedthistafsirforSafiyuddeen.[139]Al-Munyah.[140]Sharhal-Mashyakhah.[141]Al-Manaqib.[142]Ath-Tharee’ah,vol.4p.285.[143]Sanad is the chain of authorities or narrators as an essential part of the transmission of a
tradition.[144]Ibnan-Nadeemsaidinal-Fihristp.274thatal-HasanbinZaydruledinTabaristanin250AH
anddiedin270AH.[145]Qur'an,18:109.[146]Qur'an,31:27.[147]Mu’jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.17p.173.[148]Mu’jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.17,p.174.[149]Mu’jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.12p.159.
9ChapterHisTraditionsandJurisprudence
Historians agreed unanimously that Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) was the richest scientific
personalityinhistalentsathistime,andnoonewasevercomparabletohiminvirtueandknowledge.Historianssaid, ‘Hewas thehighestauthority for jurisprudents in taking the rulingsof theShariahandtheprinciplesofreligion.TheyputforwardtohimbooksofHadithandjurisprudence,andifhepermitted these books, they would act according to them. Once, a book written by Ahmad binAbdullahbinKhanibahwasofferedtohim.Hereaditandthensaidtohiscompanions,‘Itistrue.Actaccordingtoit!’[150]
TheInterestofThe‘Ulama’InHisTraditions
‘Ulama’andnarratorspaidalotofattentiontohistraditions,fortheywerethetruestnarrationsof
histime.AndatthesametimetheywerefromthedefiniteSunnahthatmustbefollowedaccordingtothebeliefoftheTwelverShi’a.ThefollowingaresomeofthetraditionstransmittedfromImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.):1.Al-Hafidh(memorizer)al-Balatharinarratedfromhiscompanionssaying,‘Al-HasanbinAlibin
MuhammadbinAli binMuhammadbinAli binMusa, the imamof his age for theShi’a, narratedfromhisfatherMuhammadbinAlial-Mahjub,fromhisfatherAlibinMusaar-Redha,fromhisfatherMusabinJa’faral-Murtadha,fromhisfatherJa’faras-Sadiq,fromhisfatherMuhammadbinAlial-Baqir,fromhisfatherAlibinal-Husaynas-Sajjad(ZaynolAabidin),fromhisfather,al-HusaynbinAli, fromhis fatherAlibinAbuTalib themasterofguardians, fromMuhammadbinAbdullah themasterofprophets,fromGabrielthechiefoftheangelsthatAllahsaid,‘ItisMe,Allahthatthereisno god butMe.Whoever acknowledgesmonotheism toMe shall enter intoMy fort, andwhoeverentersintoMyfortshallbesafefromMytorment.’[151]2. Ibnal-Jawzi said, ‘He (Imamal-Hasanal-Askari) referred this tradition tohis father fromhis
purefathers.MygrandfathershowedhimatraditioninhisbookcalledTahrimal-Khamr(prohibitionofwine).IquotedthistraditionandIswearbyAllahthatIheardhimsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAbuAbdullah al-Husayn binAli saying: I swear byAllah that I heardAbdullah binAta al-Harawisaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAbdurrahmanbinUbaydal-Bayhaqisaying:IswearbyAllah that IheardAbuAbdullahal-HusaynbinMuhammadad-Daynawari saying: I swearbyAllahthatIheardAhmadbinAbdullahash-Shi’iysaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAbuMuhammadbinAlibinMuhammadsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardmyfatherAlibinMusaar-Redhasaying:Iswear by Allah that I heard my father Ja’far saying: I swear by Allah that I heard my fatherMuhammadsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardmyfatheral-HusaynbinAlisaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAlibinAbuTalibsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardMuhammad(a.s.)saying:(IswearbyAllahthatIheardGabrielsaying:)IswearbyAllahthatIheardMichaelsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardIsrafelsaying:IswearbyAllah…thatIheardAllahsaying:“Adrinkerofwineislikeaworshiperofidols.”AbuNu’aymal-FadhlbinDakeensaid,‘Thisisatruetraditionnarratedbythepureprogenyand
narratedbysomemenfromthemessengerofAllah(a.s.).’[152]
TraditionsOnReligiousRulings
Narrators narratedmany traditions on religious questions that ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)was
askedabout.Worthmentioning is that these traditionscame through letterswhichshowed thegreatpressure that the imamwassurroundedwithby theAbbasidgovernment,where ‘Ulama’ couldnotassociatewithhimexceptthroughcorrespondence.Thefollowingaresomeofthosequestions:1.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffarwrote toImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askinghimabout the
specified quantity (of water) that a dead one should be washed with. It was narrated that ajunub[153]shouldwashwith six rotls ofwater, and amenstruatingwomanwithnine rotls, sowhatwouldbethelimitofwaterforadeadpersontobewashedwith?Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) replied, ‘A dead should be washed until he would be pure,
insha’Allah.’AbuJa’faras-Saduqsaid,‘Thisreplyiswithmeamongacollectionofrepliesbyhishandwriting
(peacebeuponhim)inabook.’[154]Thisreplyshowsthatthereisnolimitinthewaterthatadeadpersonshouldbewashedwith,buthe
shouldbewasheduntilhebecomespure.2.IbrahimbinMahziyarwrotetoAbuMuhammadal-Hasan(a.s.)askinghimaboutofferingprayer
in(clothesdyedwith)kermesandsayingthathiscompanionsrefrainedfromofferingtheprayerinit.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘Thereisnoprobleminitatall,andpraisebetoAllah.’[155]3.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-SaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAli(a.s.)asking
him,‘Amandiedandhehadtendaysofqadha[156]fastingthathehadtoperformbeforehisdeath.Helefttwosuccessors(children).Isitpossibleforeachoneofhissuccessorstofastforfivedays?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Hiseldersuccessoristofastfortendays,insha’Allah.’[157]4.IbrahimbinMahziyarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.):“Omymaster,yourmawla[158]Ali
binMahziyarhadrecommendedthehajj tobeperformedonbehalfofhimfrom(therevenueof)agarden…twentyDinarseveryyears,andsincethewayofBasrawasblocked,costsbecamedoubledfor people so that twenty dinars were not enough (for the hajj). Some others of your mawlasrecommendedtwo(performancesof)hajjinstead.’The imam(a.s.) replied, ‘Youmake (thecostsof) threeseasonsofhajj in two, ifwillsAllah the
Almighty.[159]5.AlibinMuhammadal-Hudhayniwrote to ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saying, ‘Mycousinhas
recommendedahajjtobeperformedonbehalfofhimwithfifteendinarseveryyear,andthisisnotenough.Whatdoyouordermetodo?’The imam (a.s.) replied to him, ‘Youmake (the costs of) two (seasons of) hajj in one.Allah is
Awareofthat.[160]
6.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-SaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAli(a.s.),‘Isthe
witnessoftheexecutionofadeadpersonacceptedwhenheclaimsthatthedeadpersonhasadebtonsomeoneifthereisanotherreliablewitness?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘Ifanotherreliablemanwitnesseswithhim,thentheclaimer
hastotakeanoath.’Inreplyingtoanotherletterlikethis,theimam(a.s.)said,‘Yes,aftertakinganoath.’[161]7.Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffarwrote to ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) saying, ‘Someman
madeawilltohischildren,someofwhomareadultsandsomeareyoungchildren.Isitpossiblefortheadultstoexecutetheirfather ’swillandpayhisdebtsbeforetheyoungchildrencometoage?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘Yes,theadultshavetopaytheirfather ’sdebtandnottodelay
itforthat(untiltheotherscometoage).’[162]8.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffar(mayAllahbepleasedwithhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammadal-
HasanbinAli(a.s.),‘Somemanguardscaravansinfrighteningplaceswithoutthepermissionoftheruler.They(themenofthecaravans)agreewithhimtogivehimacertainamount.Isitpermissibleforhimtotake(wage)fromthem?’The imam (a.s.) replied, ‘If he hires himself for a specified wage, he can take his right,
insha’Allah.’[163]9.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffar(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammadal-
HasanbinAli (a.s.), ‘Someoneboughtahouse,andtherewasanotherhouse(floor)onthishouse.Wouldtheupperhousebeincludedinthelowerhouse?’ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) replied, ‘He could not possess except what he had bought with its
limitsandconditions,insha’Allah.’[164]ThejurisprudentsoftheTwelverShi’agaveafatwathatifsomeonesoldahouse,itsland,upper
andlowerbuildingwouldbewithit,exceptiftheupperfloorwasindependentinitsentryandexit,becausethatmightbeareasontoexcludeitfromthesoldhouse.Theydependedinthisfatwaonthistradition.10.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffar(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)wrotetotheimam,“Some
mansaidtotwomen:‘Bearwitnessthatmyhouseintheso-and–soplacewithallitslimitsandallthefurnitureinitis(sold)toso-and-so.’Itisnotknownwhatfurniturethereisinthehouse.”Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) replied, ‘It is alright if the buying has included all that,
insha’Allah.’[165]11. Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffar (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote to Imam Abu
Muhammad(a.s.),‘Somemanhadsomepiecesoflandinavillage.ItwastimeforhimtogotoMecca(toperformthehajj).Thevillagewassomewhatfarfromhishouseandhehadnotenoughtimetodefine the boundaries of his land. He defined the four boundaries of the village and said to thewitness:‘BearwitnessthatIhavesoldtoso-and-sotheentirevillagewhoseboundariesareso-and-so.’ In fact,he justhad somepiecesof land in thevillage.Would thatbe right for thebuyerorhewould possess just a part from the village though the seller had acknowledged to him the whole
village?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘Itisnotpermissibleforonetosellwhathedoesnotown,and
thebuyercanpossessonlywhatthesellerowns.’[166]12.Muhammadbinal-HasanwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)aboutamanwhoaskedhimto
bearwitnessthathehadsoldafarmtoanotherbuthedidnotknowthelimitsofthefarmatthetimewhenheaskedhimtowitness.Hesaidtohim,‘Whentheytellyouthelimits,youacknowledgethem.’Wasitpermissibleforhimtobearwitness?ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘Yes,itwas,andpraisebetoAllah.[167]13.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffarwrote toImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.), ‘Someone tookan
oath that hewould be free fromAllah theAlmighty or from themessenger ofAllah, but then hebrokehisoath.Whatshouldhisrepentanceandpenancebe?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Heshouldfeedtenpoorpeoplewithamuddoffood(about750gr.)for
each,andprayAllahtoforgivehim.’[168]15. Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffar wrote to Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.), ‘There is some
womanwhosehusbandhasdivorcedherandhedoesnotpayher thespecifiedexpenditure, thoughsheis inneed.Is itpermissibleforher togooutandspendthenightoutofherhousetoworkandsatisfyherneed?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘ThereisnoobjectiontothatifAllahknowsthatsheistrue
(inhergoingouttoworkandsatisfyherneeds).[169]Awoman,whoisdivorcedinrevocabledivorce,remainsasone’swifeaslongassheisstillinthe
iddah.[170]Thehusbandmustpayherexpenditureandshemustobeyhim.It isnotpermissibleforhertogetoutofhishousewithouthispermission.However,ifthehusbanddoesnotspendonher,itispermissibleforhertogooutforworkasImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)hassaid.16. Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffar wrote to Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.), ‘Some woman
undergoestheiddahafterthedeathofherhusband.Sheisinneedandhasnoonetospendonher.Sheworksforpeople.Isitpermissibleforher,duringheriddah,togetoutandspendthenightawayfromherhouseforworkandnecessaryneeds?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Thereisnoobjectiontothat,insha’Allah.’[171]17.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffar(mayAllahbepleasedwithhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammad
al-HasanbinAli(a.s.),‘Somemanmadehiswill(tobequeath)fortwopersons.Isitpermissibleforoneofthemtodoalonewithhalfoftheinheritanceandtheotheronewiththeotherhalf?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Theyshouldnotcontradictthedeadone’swillandtheyshoulddoashe
hasorderedthemtodo.’[172]If someone bequeaths to two persons, neither of them should do alone with the half of the
inheritance,buttheyshoulddiscussthemattertogether.Neitherofthemhastherighttodowiththe
inheritance according to his own opinion, andwithout the permission of the other as the traditionsays.18. Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffar wrote to Imam AbuMuhammad al-Hasan bin Ali (a.s.),
‘Somemanwilledtobequeathathirdofhispropertiestohischildrenthattheshareafemalewouldbeliketheshareofamale.Wouldthemalehavethesharesoftwofemalesfromthewill?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Itispermissibleforthedeadoneashehaswilled.’[173]ThistraditionshowsthataMuslimisfreetodowiththethirdofhispropertiesashelikes.Hecan
giftitwithsamesharestohismaleandfemalechildren,andhecangiveonemorethantheother.Hecanorderthethirdofhispropertiestobespentoncharitableorganizationsaswell.19. Sahl bin Ziyad al-Aadami wrote to ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.), ‘Someman hadmale and
femalechildren.HeacknowledgedthatafarmwouldbeforhischildrenbuthedidnotmentionthatitwouldbedividedamongthemduetothesharesandcommandsofAllah.Maleandfemalechildrenwerethesameinthiswill.’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Theyshouldexecutetheirfather ’swillashehadspecified.Ifhedidnot
specify anything, theywould divide the inheritance according to the Book ofAllah theAlmighty,insha’Allah.’[174]20.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffar(mayAllahbepleasedwithhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammad
al-HasanbinAli(a.s.),‘Somemanwastheexecutorofsomeonewhodied.Thisexecutorappointedanotheroneastheexecutorinsteadofhim.Wouldthis(second)manbeobligedtoexecutethewillofthatmanwhoseexecutorwasthat(first)man?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Hewouldbeobligedtohisrightifhehadsomerightwithhim(withthe
deadman),insha’Allah.’[175]Thistraditionshowsthatanexecutorisnotpermittedtoaskanotheronetoexecutewhathehimself
hasbeenorderedtoexecuteexceptwhenhehasarightwiththemanofthewill.Inthiscasehehastherighttoappointanotheronetotakehisrightback.Jurisprudentssaythatanexecutorhastherighttoappointanotherexecutorafterhimifhehasbeenpermittedbythemanofthewilltodothat.21.Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffar wrote to Imam AbuMuhammad (a.s.) asking him about
entailment,andwhathadbeentransmittedfromhisfathers(a.s.)aboutit.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,‘Entailmentsshouldbedealtwithastheirownershaveentailedthemon,insha’Allah.[176]22. Muhammad bin al-Hasan as-Saffar wrote to Imam AbuMuhammad al-Hasan bin Ali (a.s.),
‘Some man died and left behind a grandson and a full brother. To whom would the inheritancebelong?’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Theinheritancewouldbefortheclosestone,insha’Allah.[177]Notes:[150]Falahas-Sa’il.[151]A’yanash-Shi’a,vol.4p.308-309.[152]Mir ’ataz-Zaman,vol.6p.192.[153]Arituallyimpureperson.
[154]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.1p.86,al-Istibsar,vol.1p.195,at-Tahthib,vol.1p.122.[155]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.1p.171.[156]Qadha’meanstheperformingofobligationsoutoftheirspecifiedtime,whereasada’isthe
performingofobligationswithintheirtimes.[157]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.2p,98,at-Tahthib,vol.1p.402,al-Istibsar,vol.2p.108.[158]Mawla is an adherent to someperson,or a freed slavewho is still adherent tohismaster.
Mawaliisthepluralform.[159]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.2p.272.[160]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.2p.272.[161]Ibid.,vol.3p.44.[162]Al-Wassa’il,rulingsofwill.[163]At-Tahthib,vol.2p.115,ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.106.[164]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.153,at-Tahthib,vol.2p.158.[165]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.153,at-Tahthib,vol.2p.159.[166]At-Tahthib,vol.2p.159,ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.153.[167]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.153.[168]At-Tahthib,vol.2p.332,ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.237.[169]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.322.[170] A prescribed period that a woman has to pass after divorce or after her husband’s death
beforeherremarriage.[171]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.3p.328.[172]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.4p.151.[173]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.4,p.196.[174]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.4p.155.[175]At-Tahthib,vol.2p.393,ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.4p.168.[176]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.4p.176,At-Tahthib,vol.2p.371.[177]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.1p.169.
10ChapterHisCompanionsAndTheNarratorsofHisTraditions
TheAbbasidgovernmentdidnotallow‘Ulama’andjurisprudenttocommunicatewithImamAbu
Muhammad(a.s.)lesthisvirtuesandvastknowledgewouldbespreadamongpeopleeverywhere,asthenpeoplewouldbeaffectedbyhimandwouldturntheirbackstotheAbbasids.Inspiteofall thesevereprocedurestheAbbasidstooktoseparatetheimamfrompeople,some‘Ulama’andnarratorscommunicatedwithhimandnarratedhistraditions.HerewementionthecompanionsandnarratorsinbriefbecausethiscompletestheresearchonthepersonalityofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).
1.IbrahimbinAbuHafsAbuIsaaqal-Katib
An-Najashi said about him that he was a sheikh from Imam Abu Muhammad al-Askari’s
companions.Hewas a reliable andnotableman.Hehadwritten a book refuting the excessive andAbulKhattab.[178]
2.IbrahimbinKhasibal-Anbari
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[179]
3.IbrahimbinAbdah
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Hadi’sandImamal-Askari'scompanions.[180]
WehavementionedinapreviouschapterthelettersofImamal-Askari(a.s.)tohimthatshowedhisreliabilityandhighposition.
4.IbrahimbinAli
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[181]Hewasunknown.
5.IbrahimbinMuhammadbinFarisan-Naysaburi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Hadi’sandImamal-Askari'scompanions.[182]
Once, al-Kashshi askedAbu an-Nadhr al-Ayyashi about somemen amongwhomwas Ibrahim binMuhammadbinFaris,andhesaid,‘AsforIbrahimbinMuhammadbinFaris,heisnotbad.’[183]
6.AbuIsaaqIbrahimbinMahziyaral-Ahwazi
He had written a book called “al-Bisharaat”.[184] Isaaq bin Muhammad al-Basri narrated that
MuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyarsaidtohim,‘Whenmyfather(Ibrahim)wasabout todie,hegaveme somemoney and gaveme a certain sign. No one knew about this sign except Allah theAlmighty.Hesaidtome,‘Whoevershowsyouthissign,youhavetogivehimthismoney.’IwenttoBaghdadandstoppedataninn.Onthefollowingday,someonecameandknockedthedoor.Iaskedtheservanttoseewhohewas.Theservantsaid,‘Anoldmanatthedoor.’Isaid,‘Lethimcomein.’Theoldmancamein,tookaseatandsaid,‘Iamal-Umari.Givemethemoneythatiswithyouwhichis so-and-so.’He showedme the sign and I gavehim themoney.’[185]Al-Umariwas the agentofImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.).Ibrahim binMahziyar narrated from ImamAbulHasan al-Hadi (a.s.),ImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.),IbnAbuUmayr,andothers.AhmadbinMuhammad,Sa’dbinAbdullah,AbdullahbinJa’faral-Himyari,andothersnarratedfromhim.[186]
7.IbrahimbinYazid
Sheikh at-Toosimentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.He alsomentioned his
brotherAhmadbinYazidasoneofImamal-Askari’scompanions.[187]
8.IbrahimbinIsma’ylbinDawudbinHamdunal-Katiban-Nadim
Hewasthemasteroflinguists.HenarratedfromImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)andfrom
his father.[188]An-Najashi said, ‘Hewas the close companion of ourmasterAbuMuhammad al-Askari(a.s.)andofhisfatherAbulHasan(al-Hadi)(a.s.)beforehim.’Hehadwrittensomebookslike“Thenamesofmountains,watercourses,andvalleys”,“Bani[189]
MurrahbinOwf”,“Banian-NamrbinQasit”,“BaniAqil”,“BaniAbdullahbinGhatafan”,“At-Tayy”,“Thepoetryofal-Hujayras-Saluli”,“ThepoetryofThabitbinQutnahandhiscraft”,“BaniKulaybbin Yarbu’”, “The poetry of bin Murrah bin Hammam”, and “Nawadir al-A’rab: rarities of thenomads”.[190]
9.AbuHamidAhmadbinIbrahimal-Muraghi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.IbnDawudsaidabouthim,
‘Heishighlypraiseworthy.’[191]Ahmadnarrated,‘AbuJa’farMuhammadbinAhmadbinJa’faral-Qummial-Attarwrotetotheimam(peacebeonhim)describingustohim.Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Iread that which you described Abu Hamid (may Allah honor him by His obedience) with andunderstoodhisstate.MayAllah takehimto thebestendandnotceaseHisfavorsonhim,andmayAllahbehisguardian.’[192]
10.AhmadbinIdrisal-Qummial-Mu’allim
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[193]An-Najashisaid,‘He
wasareliablejurisprudentfromamongourcompanions.Hewastrustworthyinhismanynarrations.Hehadwrittenabookonrarities.Hediedin306AHonthewayfromMeccatoKufa.’[194]
11.AhmadbinIsaaqbinAbdullahbinSa’dbinMalikbinal-Ahwasal-Ash’arial-Qummi
HewasthedeputyofthepeopleofQum.HenarratedtraditionsfromAbuJa’fartheSecond(Imam
al-Jawad) and from Abul Hasan (Imam al-Hadi) (peace be on them). He was from the closecompanions of Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.). He had written some books such as “Ilal as-Sawm:causesoffasting”and“Masa’ilar-Rijal:questionsofmen”whichhehadcollectedfromAbulHasantheThird(Imamar-Redha)(a.s.).[195]Sheikhat-ToosisaidhewasonefromthosewhohadmetImamal-Mahdi(a.s.).[196]MuhammadbinAhmedbinas-Saltal-Qummiwrotealettertoad-Dar(totheimam)andmentioned
initthestoryofAhmedbinIsaaqal-Qummiandhiscompanionship.HementionedthathewantedtoperformHajjandneededonethousanddinars.Hesaidintheletter,‘Ifmymasterseesthatheordersto lendhimthisamountandget itbackfromhiminhiscountrywhenhecomesback, I shalldo it(givehimthemoney).’Theimam(a.s.)replied,‘Itisagiftfromustohimandwhenhecomesback,hewillgetanothergiftfromus.’[197]Thisstoryshowedhisfaithandtherespectoftheimam(a.s.)towardshim.AbdullahbinJa’faral-Himyarisaid,‘Once,SheikhAbuAmr(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)andI
metAhmadbinIsaaq,whosignaledtometoaskAbuAmrabout theSuccessor(Imamal-Mahdi). Isaidtohim,‘OAbuAmr,IwanttoaskyouaboutsomethingthatIhavenodoubtabout.’Hesaid,‘Askaboutwhatyouwant!’Isaidtohim,‘DidyouseetheSuccessorafterAbuMuhammad(a.s.)?’Hesaid,‘ByAllah,yes.’[198]Anyhow,thismanwasreliableandhadahighpositionneartheAhlulBayt(a.s).
12.Ahmadbinal-HasanbinAlibinFadhdhal
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Hadi’sandImamal-Askari'scompanions.[199]
ItwassaidthathewasFatahite[200]andhewasreliableinnarration.Hehadwrittensomebookssuchas“Prayer”,and“Wudu”.Hediedin260AH.[201]
13.AbuAliAhmadbinHammadal-Mahmudi
Sheikhat-Toosimentionedhimasoneof Imamal-Hadi and Imamal-Askari's companions.[202]
Al-Kashshi mentioned that Muhammad bin Mas’ood said, ‘Abu Ali Muhammad bin Ahmad binHammadal-Mahmudial-Marwazisaid,‘AbuJa’far(a.s.)wrotetomyfather(asmentionedearlier)inachapterofhisbook,…(andeverysoulshallbepaidinfullwhatithasearned,andtheyshallnotbewronged).[203]Asforthislife,wearetriedinitwithmisfortunes,butwhoeverloveshisfriendandbelievesinhisbeliefsshallbewithhimevenifheisfarfromhim.Andasfortheafterlife,itistheabode of eternity.’Al-Mahmudi said, “The imam (a.s.) wrote tome after my father ’s death, ‘Yourfatherhaspassedaway,mayAllahbepleasedwithhimandwithyou.Heisstillpraiseworthytous.And you shall not be far from this state.’”[204]This praise of the imam shows that he was atrustworthyandgoodman.Al-Kashshimentionedothertraditionsnarratedbythisman.
14.AhmadbinMuhammadbinYasar
Al-BarqimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[205]Al-Najashisaidaboutthis
man,‘HewasfromtheclerksofAbuTahiratthetimeofAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hewasknownasas-Sayyari. He was weak in narrations and of bad beliefs as al-Husayn bin Abdullah told us. Hisnarrationswerenotregardedsignificant.Henarratedmursal[206]traditions.Hehadsomebookslike“Thawab (reward of) al-Qur ’an”, “Medicine”, “Recitations”, “Rarities”, and “al-Gharat (raids)”.[207]Al-Kashshimentioned that IbrahimbinMuhammadbinHajib said, ‘I read in a paperwith al-Jawad (a.s.) that he informed someone, who asked about as-Sayyari, saying, ‘He was not as heclaimedforhimself.Donotgivehimanything(oftraditions).’[208]Scholarsaccusedhimabouthisbeliefs.Hediedwhilestillonhiswrongbeliefs.
15.AhmadbinAbdullahbinMarwanal-Anbari
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[209]
16.AhmadbinMuhammadbinMusshir
HenarratedfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),andAlibinAbuKhulaysnarratedfromhim.Sayyid
al-Khu’isaid,‘Nothingwasmentionedthatmightprovethereliabilityorthepraiseworthinessofthisman.AsforthesayingofSheikhas-Saduqabouthimthathewas“thecompanionofAbuMuhammad(a.s.)”,itdoesnotmeanhewasreliableorgood.Howisthat,whereastherewerebadmenamongthecompanionsoftheProphet(a.s),sowhataboutthosewhoaccompaniedtheimam?!…’[210]
17.AhmadbinMuhammadal-Hudhayni
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[211]
18.AhmadbinHilalal-Abrata’iy
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[212] He was of bad
beliefs and no one considered his narrations significant.[213] The imam (a.s.) dispraised him anddeclaredthathewasfreefromhim.Hewrotetoal-Qassimbinal-Ala’,‘OurorderhascometoyouabouttheliaribnHilal,mayAllahhavenomercyonhim.He-mayAllahneitherforgivehissinsnormayHepardonhisslips-ofteninterferedinouraffairswithnopermissionorsatisfactionfromus.Hewasopinionatedandherefrainedfromgivingourdues.Hedidnotcarryoutourordersexceptofwhathelikedandwanted.MayAllahtakehimtothefireofHell.WewerepatientwithhimuntilAllahcutoffhislifeafterourprayer.Wehadinformedsomepeopleofourfollowersabouthimatthattime-mayAllahhavenomercyonhim.Therearesomepeoplewhodonotleavehim.Makeal-Issaqi-mayAllahkeephimandhisfamilysafe-knowwhatwehaveinformedyouaboutthestatusofthissinner,andmakewhoeveraskedabouthimfromthepeopleofhisvillageandothervillagesknowthat. And tell the same to whoever deserves to know that. He shall not be excused even by ourfollowersformakingdubiouswhatourreliablecompanionshavenarratedfromus…’Thistraditionshowsthatthismanwasdeviant.Hediedin267AH.[214]
19.IsaaqbinIsma’ylan-Naysaburi
Hewasreliable.Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[215]The
imam(a.s.)prayedAllahforhiminoneofhisletters.[216]
20.AbuYa’qubIsaaqbinMuhammadal-Basri
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[217]Al-Kashshisaidhe
wasfromtheheadsoftheexcessive.[218]
21.Isma’ylbinMuhammadbinAlibinIsma’ylal-Hashimial-Abbasi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[219]
22.JabirbinSuhaylas-Sayqal
Hewas theagentof ImamAbulHasanal-Hadi (a.s.), ImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari (a.s.),and
Imamal-Mahdi(a.s.).[220]
23.AbulQassimJabirbinYazidal-Farisi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[221]
24.Ja’farbinIbrahimbinNoah
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[222]
25.Al-HasanbinAhmadal-Maliki
HewasfromthecompanionsofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Henarratedfromhisfather,andAli
binal-HusaynbinBabwayhnarratedfromhim.[223]
26.Al-HasanbinIshkeebal-Marwazi
He lived inSamarqand.Hewas a theologian, scholar, and an author.Sheikh at-Toosimentioned
himasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[224]
27.Al-HasanbinJa’far
HewasknownasAbuTalibal-Faghani.Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari's
companions.[225]
28.Al-HasanbinAlibinNu’manal-Kufi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[226]Al-Najashisaid,‘He
wasthemawlaofbaniHashim.HisfatherAlibinan-Nu’manwastrustworthyoftruetraditions.Hehadaveryusefulbookonrarities.[227]
29.Al-HasanbinMuhammadbinBabaal-Qummi
Hewasexcessive.Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanionswithout
adding“al-Qummi” tohisname.al-Kashshi said, ‘AbulFadhlbinShathanmentioned inoneofhisbooks that ibnBaba al-Qummiwas one of the famous liars.’Sa’d said that al-Ubaydi said to him,‘Once,(Imam)al-Askariwrotetomesaying:IamfreebeforeAllahfromal-Fihriandal-HasanbinMuhammad bin Baba al-Qummi, and you also should be free from them. I warn you and all myfollowersofthem.Icursethem.ThecurseofAllahbeonthem.Theyextortthemoniesofpeopleinourname.Theyaremischievousandharmful.MayAllahharmthemandplungethemintomischief.IbnBabapretendsthatIhavesenthimasaprophetandthatheisa“bab”.[228]ThecurseofAllahbeonhim.Satanhasmockedathimanddeceivedhim.Allahcurseswhoeveracceptsthatfromhim.OMuhammad,ifyouareabletosplithisheadwitharock,youdoso.Hehasharmedme.MayAllahharmhimin this lifeand in theafterlife.’This lettershowsthat the imam(a.s.)wassoangryat thismanwhohaddeniedhisreligionandgonetoofarindeviation.
30.Al-HasanbinMusaal-Khashshab
An-Najashisaidabouthim,‘Hewasfromournotablecompanions.Hewasfamousinknowledge
andHadith,andhadwrittensomebookssuchas“Refuting theWaqifites”and“theRarities”. Itwassaid that from his books there were the books of “the Hajj”, and “the Prophets”. Sheikh at-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[229]
31.AbuOwnal-Hasanbinan-Nadhral-Abrash
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[230]
32.Al-Hasanbinan-Nadhr
Itwashewhowascarried to theSacredDistrict “SurraManRa’a”after thedeathof ImamAbu
Muhammad (a.s.). The Imam (a.s.) had given him two garments. He died in Ramadhan and wasenshroudedinthesetwogarments.HewasfromthepeopleofQum,andfromthosewhometImamal-Mahdi(a.s.)otherthanhisagentsandsawhismiracles.[231]Sayyidal-Khu’ithoughthewasbuttheverymanmentionedaboveandnotanotherone.[232]
33.Al-Husaynbinal-HasanbinAbban
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions and said, ‘He met the
imam(a.s.)butwedonotknowwhetherhenarratedfromhimornot.IbnQoulwayhsaidhewasfromtherelativesofas-SaffarandSa’dbinAbdullahbuthewasbeforethembecausehenarratedfromal-HusaynbinSa’eedbuttheybothdidnot.’[233]
34.HafsbinAmral-Umari
Sheikhat-Toosimentionedhimasoneof Imamal-Askari'scompanions.[234]Hewasoneof the
bestcompanionsoftheimam(a.s.).IsaaqbinIsma’ylhadaletterfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saying, ‘Donot leave thecountryuntilyoumeetal-Umari.MayAllahbepleasedwithhim formypleasednesswithhim.Yougreethim,beacquaintedwithhimandmakehimbeacquaintedwithyou,because he is pure, loyal, chaste, and close to us. Everything that is carried to us from countriescomestohimatlastsothathebringsittous.PraisebetoAllahexceedingly.’[235]Thisshowsthathewasreliable,goodman,andclosetotheAhlulBayt(a.s).
35.AbuSa’eedHamdanbinSulaymanan-Nayshaburi
Sheikh at-Toosimentioned him as one of Imam al-Hadi’s companions at one time, and another
timeasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[236]HewasareliablepersonfromthenotablesoftheShi’a.
36.HamzabinMuhammad
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[237] He narrated the
traditionof “the cause of the legislatingof fasting”, and IsaaqbinMuhammadnarrated fromhim.[238]
37.DawudbinAbuZayd
Hewasareliable,truthful,religiousmanfromNayshabur.Sheikhat-Toosimentionedhimasone
ofImamal-HadiandImamal-Askari'scompanions.
38.DawudbinAamiral-Ash’ari
HewasfromQum.Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,[239]
andsodidal-Barqi.[240]
39.Dawudbinal-Qassim
He was known as Abu Hashim al-Ja’fari. He was one of the eminent Muslims and one of the
famousscholarsinreligion.Herewetalkinbriefaboutthisgreatpersonality.
HisLineage
HislineagebelongedtotheeternalmartyrinIslamJa’farbinAbuTalibat-Ţayyar.Hewastheson
ofal-QassimbinIsaaqbinAbdullahbinJa’far,[241]andtherewasnolineagemorenoblethanthislineage.His allegiance to theAhlulBayt (a.s)AbuHashimwas very loyal to the infallible imams(a.s.).HemetImamar-Redha,Imamal-Jawad,Imamal-Hadi,andImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari(peacebeonthem).Hedevotedhimselftothem.Hecomposedgoodpoetryintheirpraise.
HisPositionNeartheImams
AbuHashimhadahighpositionneartheimamswithwhomhewascontemporary.Once,Imamal-
Hadi(a.s.)saidtohim,‘OAbuHashim,whichblessingofAllahyouwanttobegratefulfor?AllahhasendowedyouwithfaiththatsavesyourbodyfromFire,endowedyouwithsoundnessthathelpsyouinobedience,andendowedyouwithsatisfactionthatkeepsyouawayfromdegradation.’[242]
HisSocialStatus
All classes of the society highly regarded Abu Hashim. Biographers said about him, ‘He was
preferred by rulers. He was pious, devoted, ascetic, knowledgeable, and active. No one of theTalibites[243]athistimewaslikehiminhishighlineage.’[244]
HisCourage
AbuHashimwassocourageousthathedidnotfearanyruler.Heannouncedthetrutheveninthe
mostcriticalenvironments.HistorianssaidthatwhentheheadofYahya,thegreatrebel,wasbroughttoBaghdad, thepeopleofBaghdadwent toMuhammadbinAbdullahbinTahir,whokilledYahya,congratulatinghimon thevictory!!AbuHashimwas among thosepeople.He said to the emir, ‘Oemir, I have come toyou congratulatingon something that had themessenger ofAllah (a.s.) beenalive,hewouldbeconsoledon.’All present people became silent and no one answered himwith anything.[245]He left angrily
whilerecitingthefollowingversesofpoetry:“OFamilyofTahir,eatitharmfully,forthefleshoftheProphetisnotedible.Arevengesuchthatits
seekerisAllah,Definitelyitwillbetaken.”[246]
HisDeath
HediedinJumadial-Oola[247]in261AH,[248]ayearafter thedeathofImamAbuMuhammad
(a.s.).
40.Sa’dbinAbdullahal-Qummi
HewascontemporarywithImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Sheikhat-Toosisaidthathedidnotknow
whether Sa’d had narrated from the imam (a.s.) or not.[249] An-Najashi said, ‘He was the chief,jurisprudent, and notable of this sect (the Shi’a). He heard many traditions from the public. Hetraveled around seeking traditions. He met al-Hasan bin Arafa, Muhammad bin Abdul Malik ad-Daqiqi,AbuHatimar-Razi,andAbbasat-Tarqufi,andhemetourmasterAbuMuhammad(a.s.)…Hecompiledmanybooks like“Mercy”,“Wudu”,“Prayer”,“Zakat”,“Hajj”,besidesmanyotherbookswrittenbyhim.’[250]Hediedin301or299AH.[251]
41.As-Sindibinar-Rabee’
Sheikhat-Toosimentionedhimasoneof Imamal-Askari'scompanionsandadded thathewasa
reliablenarrotorfromKufa.[252]
42.AbuSa’eedSahlbinZiyadal-Aadamiar-Razi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[253]An-Najashisaid,‘He
was weak in narration and undependable. Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Eesa accused him ofexcessivenessandlyingandheexiledhimfromQumtoar-Riyywherehelivedbefore.HewrotetoAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)throughMuhammadbinAbdulHameedal-Attar…Hehadabookonrarities.’[254]
43.ShahwayhbinAbdullahal-Jallab
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[255]
44.SalihbinAbuHammad
An-Najashi said, ‘Salih bin Abu HammadAbul Khayr ar-Razi met ImamAbul Hasan (al-Hadi)
(a.s.).Hewasanambiguousnarrator,sincesomepeopleknewhimwhileothersdeniedhim.Hehadsome books like “The speeches of Ameerul Mu’minin” and “Rarities”.[256] Sheikh at-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[257]
45.SalihbinAbdullahal-Jallab
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[258]
46.AbdulAdheemal-Hasani
This noble master belonged to the pure progeny of Imam al-Hasan (a.s.) the grandson of the
messengerofAllah (a.s.).Hewas the sonofAbdullahbinAlibinal-HasanbinZaydbin Imamal-Hasan (a.s.). Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[259] An-NajashimentionedthatAhmadbinMuhammadbinKhalidal-Barqisaid,‘AbdulAdheemcametoar-Riyyescapingfromtheruler.HelivedinavaultinahouseofoneoftheShi’ainSikkatal-Mawali.He worshipped Allah in that vault; fasting during the day and spending the night in praying andsupplicating.Hewentoutindisguisetovisitthetombthatwasoppositehis(future)tomb.HesaidthatitwasatombofoneofthesonsofImamMusabinJa’far(a.s.).HeremainedlivinginthatvaultandhisnewsmovedfromonetoanotheroftheShi’auntilmostofthemknewhim.OnceamanfromtheShi’asawinsleepthatthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtohim,‘AmanfrommyprogenyshallbecarriedfromSikkatal-MawaliandburiedneartheappletreeinthegardenofAbdulJabbarbinAbdulWahab’andhepointedtotheplace.Themanwenttobuythetreeanditsplacefromitsowner.Theowneraskedhim,‘Whatfordoyouwanttobuythetreeanditsplace?’Themantoldhimabouthisdream,andthentheownerofthetreerememberedthathealsohadseensuchadreamandentailedtheplace of the tree and the entire garden on theSharif and theShi’a to be buried in.AbdulAdheembecameillandthendied(mayAllahhavemercyonhim).Whenhewastobewashed,apieceofpaperwas found in his pocket, written in it was his noble lineage.’[260]This noble man was aknowledgeable jurisprudent. Abu Hammad ar-Razi said, ‘Once, I went to Ali binMuhammad (al-Hadi)(a.s.)inSurraManRa’a.Iaskedhimaboutsomequestionsofhalalandharamandheansweredme.When I wanted to leave him, he said to me, ‘O Hammad, if some thing of your religion isdubious to you, ask Abdul Adheem bin Abdullah al-Hasani about it and give him my bestregards!’[261]
47.AbdullahbinJa’faral-Himyarial-Qummi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,[262]andsodidal-Barqi.
[263]An-Najashisaid,‘AbulAbbasAbdullahbinJa’farbinal-HasanbinMalikbinJami’al-Himyarial-Qummiwas thechiefandanotableof thepeopleofQumm.Hewent toKufaafter290AH.Thepeople of Kufa heard from him many traditions. He compiled many books such as “al-Amanah:depositorfidelity”,“ad-Dala’il:proofs”,“al-Adhamahwet-Tawhid:greatnessandmonotheism”,“al-Ghaybah wel Heerah: occultation and confusion”, “Fadhl al-Arab: preference of the Arabs”, “at-TawhidwelBada’welIradahwelIstita’ahwelMa’rifah:monotheism,bada’[264],will,capability,andknowledge”,“Qurbal-Isnadila(closeattributionto)AbuJa’farbinar-Redha”,“MaBayna(between)Hishambinal-HakamandHishamandal-Abbas”,“al-Arwahwel JannahwelNar : souls,Paradise,and Fire”, “al-Hadithayn al-Mukhtalifayn: the two different traditions”, “Massa’il ad-Dajjal: thequestionsoftheimposter”,“MukatabatAbulHasanath-Thalith:correspondencesofAbulHasantheThird”,“Massa’il li (questionsof)AbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAlialayad(through)Muhammadbin Uthaman al-Umari”, “Qurb al-Isnad ila Sahib al-Amr (the man of the matter)”, “Massail AbuMuhammadwaTawqi’atuh(handwritings)”,andthebook“at-Tibb:medicine”.Thesedifferentbooksshowhisvastknowledgeandhisspecializationindifferentsciences.
48.AbdullahbinHamdwayhal-Bayhaqi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[265]Hewasfromthebest
Shi’a.Once,theimam(a.s.)wrotealetterinwhichheprayedAllahtohavemercyonhim.Wehavementionedthisletterinapreviouschapter.
49.AbdullahbinMuhammadbinKhalidat-Tayalisial-Kufi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[266]An-Najashisaid,‘He
was trustworthy, benevolent man from our (Shi’a) companions, and so was his brother AbuMuhammadal-Hasan.Hehadabookofrarities.[267]MuhammadbinMass’oodsaidabouthim,‘AsforAbdullahbinMuhammadbinKhalidat-Tayalisi,Ihavenotknownabouthimbutforhimbeinggoodandtrustworthy.’[268]
50.AbuMuhammadAbdullahbinMuhammadash-Shamiad-Damashqi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,andaddedthathenarrated
fromAhmadbinMuhammadbin‘Isaandothers.[269]
51.AbuAmrUthmanbinSa’eedal-Umariaz-Zayyat
He was also called as as-Samman. He was one of the great faithful and pious Muslims. As if
religionwasapartofhim.Weshalltalkinbriefabouthim.
TheImamsPraisingHim
TheImams,whomal-Umariwascontemporarywith,praisedandhighlyregardedhim.Ahmadbin
IsaaqbinSa’dal-Qummisaid,‘‘Oneday,IwenttoAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(Imamal-Hadi)(blessingsbeonhim)andsaidtohim:Omymaster,sometimesIamhereandsometimesIamnot.Icannotcometoyouateverytime.Whosesayingsdoweacceptandwhoseordersdowefollow?’Hesaid, ‘This isAbuAmrthe trustworthy, thefaithful.Whateverhesays toyou is frommeand
whateverheinformsyouofisinbehalfofme.’WhenAbulHasan (a.s.)died, I referred tohis sonAbuMuhammadal-Hasanal-Askari (a.s.) and
askedhimonedayasIhadaskedhisfatherbefore.Hesaidtome,‘ThisisAbuAmrthetrustworthy,thefaithful.Heisthetrustoftheformersandmytrustinlifeanddeath.Whateverhesaystoyouisfrommeandwhateverheinformsyouofisinbehalfofme.’[270]AhmadbinIsaaqalsosaid,‘IaskedAbulHasan(a.s.):withwhomshallIdealandfromwhomshall
I take (religious rulings), and whose saying shall I accept? He said to me, ‘Al-Umary my trust;whateverheinformsyouofisonbehalfofmeandwhateverhesaystoyouisonbehalfofme.Listenandobeyhim,forheistrustworthyandreliable.[271]Thisisaclearproofofhisfaith,piety,andreligiousness.
HisagencytoImamal-Mahdi(a.s.)
He assumed the agency in the Holy District (Surra Man Ra’a) for fifty years.[272] The Shi’a
offeredtheirquestionstohimandheofferedthemtotheimam(a.s.).
HisDeath
Historians said that hehaddugagrave forhimself.Everyday,hewentdown into thegrave and
recitedapartfromtheHolyQur'anandthenhecameup.HediedinJumadial-Oolain304or305AH.Hehadpredictedthedayofhisdeath.HistombisinBaghdadandheisknownbytheBaghdadisasash-Sheikhal-Khilafi.[273]
52.Urwahal-Wakilal-Qummi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[274]
53.Al-AkmaribinAlibinMuhammadal-Bawfakian-Nayshaburi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,andaddedthathebought
someTurksinSamarqandfor(Imam)al-Askari.[275]
54.AliBinBilal
Sheikhat-Toosimentionedhimasoneof Imamal-Hadi and Imamal-Askari's companions.[276]
An-Najashisaid,‘HewasaBaghdadiandthenhemovedtoWasit.HenarratedfromAbulHasantheThird(a.s.).Hehadabook.’[277]InaletterfromImamal-Askari(a.s.)toIsaaqitwasmentioned,‘OIsaaq, read our book to al-Bilali, may Allah have mercy on him, because he is trustworthy andreliable, andheknowswhathehas todo.’Al-Kashshi said, “I foundabookwrittenby Jabra’il binAhmadthatMuhammadbinEesaal-Yaqtinisaidtohim,‘Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)wrotealettertoAlibinBilalin232AHsayinginit,‘‘IpraiseAllahandthankHimforHismightandmercy,andpraythatHesendsHisblessingandmercyonMuhammadtheProphetandonhisprogeny.IhaveappointedAbuAliinplaceofal-HusaynbinAbdRabbihandentrustedhimwiththatpositionfortheknowledgethathe has, such that no one is preferred over him. I knowyou are the chief of your district and so Iwantedtohonoryoubywritingthisletteronthattoyou.Youhavetoobeyhimanddelivertohimallthedues thatarewithyou.Youhave to informmyfollowersandrecommendthemof that, for thiswillsupportandsufficehim,andsaveuseffortsandpleaseus.Doingthis,youwillhavetherewardofAllah,andAllahgiveswhomeverHelikes.HeistheGiver,WhorewardswithHismercyandyouare in the trust of Allah. I have written this letter with my handwriting and I praise Allahmuch.’”[278]Thislettershowsthathewastrustworthyandreliedonbytheimam(a.s.).
55.AlibinJa’farbinal-Abbasal-Khuza’iy
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[279]
56.AlibinJa’faral-Humanial-Barmaki
Al-Barqimentionedhimasoneof Imamal-HadiandImamal-Askari'scompanions.[280]Sheikh
at-Toosisaid,‘Hewasagood,benevolentmanfromtheagentsofAbulHasanandAbuMuhammad(peacebeonthem).’[281]AbuJa’faral-Umarisaid,‘Once,AbuTahirbinBilalwenttoperformthehajj and he sawAli bin Ja’far spendingmoney excessively.When hewent back, hewrote toAbuMuhammad (Imamal-Askari) (a.s.) about that andAbuMuhammad (a.s.) replied to him: ‘Wehaveorderedtogivehimonehundredthousanddinarsandthenanotheronehundredthousanddinarsbutherefusedtotakethemsothatwewouldkeepthemforpeople…HewenttoAbulHasan(a.s.)andheorderedtogivehimthirtythousanddinars.’[282]Al-KashshimentionedthatYusufbinas-Sakhtsaid,‘Ali bin Ja’far was one of the deputies of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.). One day, he was betrayed and al-Mutawakkilthrewhimintoprison.Heremainedinprisonforalongtimeandhecouldnotbearthisany longer.Therefore,heaskedanagentof theAbbasidgovernment to intercedeforhimtobesetfreeandhewouldgivehimthreethousanddinarsforthat.TheagentwenttoUbaydillah,whohadagoodpositionnearal-Mutawakkil,andaskedhimtointercedewithal-MutawakkilforAlibinJa’far.Ubaydillah responded to him and intercededwith al-Mutawakkil to set Ali bin Ja’far free, but al-Mutawakkilrefusedandsaidtohim,‘IfIdoubtedyou,IwouldsayyouareaRafidhi(Shi’a).ThisisadeputyofAbulHasanal-HadiandIhavedeterminedtokillhim.’Ubaydillahregrettedhisintercessionandtoldhisfriend(theagent)thatal-MutawakkilhaddeterminedtokillAlibinJa’farandtherewasnochanceforsettinghimfree.AlibinJa’farbecamesodistressedandwrotealettertoImamal-Hadi(a.s.)sayingtohim,‘Omymaster,pleasedosomethingforme!IfearImaylosemyfaith.’Imamal-Hadi (a.s.) replied to him, ‘Since thematter has reached this pointwith you, Iwill prayAllah foryou.’Al-Mutawakkilbecameseriouslyillandhisfever increased.Therefore,heorderedhismentoset free all prisoners and gave a special order to set Ali bin Ja’far free. Al-Mutawakkil orderedUbaydillahtosetAlifreeandtobeghimtoforgivehim(al-Mutawakkil)forwhathehaddonetohim.AliwassetfreeandwenttoliveinMeccaasImamal-Hadi(a.s.)hadorderedhim.’[283]Al-Kashshimentioned in thebiographyofFarisbinHatimal-Qazwini that therewasadisputebetweenAlibinJa’farandFaris,andthatIbrahimbinMuhammadwrotetoImamal-Hadi(a.s.)tellinghimaboutthatand asking him to show himwhich of them he should follow. Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) replied to himsaying,“Itshouldnotbeaskedaboutonelikethismanandheshouldneverbedoubted.Thepositionof Ali bin Ja’far is so great to us. May Allah please us with him. He is far above others to becomparedwith them.Go toAli bin Ja’far to satisfyyourneeds, and fearFaris anddonot let himinterfereinyouraffairs.Letyouandthosewhofollowyoufromthepeopleofyourcountrydothat.Ihave been informed of what he (Faris) misrepresented to people. Do not pay attention to himinsha’Allah!’[284]This letter shows that thismanwas so faithful that the imam (a.s.) had appointedhimasanauthorityfortheShi’a.
57.Alibinal-HasanbinFadhdhalal-Kufi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[285]An-Najashisaid,‘He
was the best jurisprudent of our companions in Kufa and one of the notables there. He wastrustworthyandthemostawareofHadithamongthem.Ourcompanionslistenedtoandobeyedhim.Manytraditionswereheardfromhim.Nofaultwasfoundinhimandhewasaccusedofnothing.Heseldomnarratedfromaweaknarrator.HewasFatahite[286]anddidnotnarratefromhisfatheranytradition. When I was eighteen years, I discussed his books with him, but at that time I did notunderstandtraditionsanddidnotpermitmyselftonarratethembeforehim.Henarratedfromhistwobrotherswhonarrated from their father.Hehadwrittenmanybooks such as the bookof “Wudu’”,“Haydh andNafas;menstruation and puerperium”, “Salat; prayer”, “Zakat andKhums”, “Fasting”,“Manasik (ritualsof)al-Hajj”,“Divorce”,“Nikah;marriage”,“al-Ma’rifah:knowledge”,“at-Tanzilmin al-Qur ’an wet Tahrif: the revelation and distortion”, “az-Zuhd: asceticism”, and manyothers.’[287]Hewasattheheadofthescholarsofhistime,andhismanybooksprovedhisvastknowledge.
58.AlibinSulaymanbinDawudar-Riqqi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[288]
59.Alibinar-Rayyanbinas-Saltal-Ash’arial-Qummi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[289]
60.AlibinRamees
Sheikh at-Toosimentioned him as one of Imam al-Hadi and Imam al-Askari's companions, and
saidthathewasfromBaghdadandwasweak.[290]
61.AlibinZaydbinAlial-Alawi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[291]
62.AlibinShuja’an-Naysaburi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[292]
63.AlibinMuhammadas-Saymari
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[293]
64.AlibinMuhammadbinIlyas
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[294]
65.UmarbinAbuMuslim
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[295]
66.AmrbinSuwaydal-Mada’ini
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[296]
67.Al-Fadhlbinal-Harith
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[297] Al-Kashshi
mentionedthatal-Fadhlsaid,‘IwasinSurraManRa’aatthetimeofthedepartureofmymasterAbulHasan(al-Hadi)(a.s.).WesawAbuMuhammadwalkinglater, tearinghisclothesoutofsorrowforhisfather.Iwasastonishedathisgravityandathiscolorandexpressions.Ifeltpityforhistiredness.Whennightcame,Isawhiminmysleepandhesaidtome,‘ThecolorthatyouwereastonishedatwasthetryingofAllahofHiscreatures.HetrieswithitasHewills.Itisalessonforthosewhohavesight.Thereisnoblameinitonthetriedone,andwearenotlikeotherpeopletobetiredastheyare.WeaskAllahtofixusonfaithandtomakeusponderonHiscreation…Knowthateachofusinsleepislikeeachofusinwakefulness.’[298]
68.Al-FadhlbinShathan
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[299]Hewasattheheadof
theeminentscholarsofhistime.Hewrotebooksondifferentsciencesandarts.Hehadwrittenonehundredandeightybooks.[300]SomeofhisbookswereadmiredbyImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hesaidaboutoneof them,‘This is trueandmustbeactedupon.’[301]Onceagain,hereadoneof thebooksandsaid,‘IenvythepeopleofKhurasanforthepositionofal-FadhlbinShathan,andhisbeingamong them.’[302]ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) glorified and highly regarded al-Fadhl.He prayedAllahtohavemercyonhimthreetimes.[303]Al-Kashshimentionedsometraditionsdispraisinghim,butthosetraditionswerefabricatedagainsthimbytheopponentswhohadspiteagainsthim.
69.QassimbinHishamal-Lu’lu’iy
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,andsaidthathenarrated
fromAbuAyyub.[304]An-Najashisaidthathadabookofrarities.[305]
70.MuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyar
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[306]Muhammad bin
Ya’qubnarratedthatMuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyarsaid,‘AfterthedeathofAbuMuhammad(a.s.)Iwasindoubt.Muchmoneywasaccumulatedwithmyfather.Hecarriedthemoneyandrodeontheship.Iescortedhim.Hefeltseverepainandsaidtome,‘Takemeback!Itisdeath.’Andthenhesaidtome,‘FearAllahinthismoney!’Hemadehiswillanddied.Isaidtomyself,‘Myfatherwouldnot recommendof anything that is not right.Letme take thismoney andgo to Iraq. I shall rent ahouseatthebankoftheriverandIshallnottellanyoneaboutanything.Ifsomethingbecomescleartomeas itwasclearduring the timeofAbuMuhammad, I shall spend themoney,andotherwise Ishallenjoymyselfwithit.’Aftersomedays,amessengercametomewithaletter,andwritteninitwas:“OMuhammad,thereisso-and-sowithyouinso-and-so…’HementionedtomeallthatwhichIpossessed,eventhatwhichIdidnotknow.Igaveittothemessengerandfeltashamedforsomedays.Iwasverysad,butthenalettercamefromtheimam(a.s.)saying,‘Wehaveappointedyouinplaceofyour father, so thank Allah!’[307] This means that Ibrahim had a respectable position and a highstanding.
71.MuhammadbinAbulSahban
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,[308]andsodidal-Barqi.
[309]
72.MuhammadbinAhmadbinJa’faral-Qummial-Attar
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanionsandsaidhewashisagent.
HehadmetImamAbulHasanal-Hadi(a.s.).[310]
73.MuhammadbinAhmadbinMutahhar
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[311]
74.AbuAbdullahMuhammadbinAhmadbinNa’eembinShathanan-Naysaburi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[312]As-Saduqmentioned
thatMuhammad bin Ahmad bin Shathan said, ‘Somemoney came to me for al-Qa’im (Imam al-Mahdi),peacebeuponhim.Itwasfivehundredlackingtwentydirhams.Ihatedtosendthemeageramount so I added twenty dirhams frommymoney and sent the amount toMuhammad bin Ja’farwithoutmentioningmymoney.ThereceiptcametoMuhammadbinJa’far(fromtheimam)saying:“Fivehundreddirhamswere received.Twentydirhams from themareyours.”Imamal-Qa’im (a.s.)saidabouthim,‘AsforMuhammadbinShathanbinNa’eem,heisamanfromourShi’a,wetheAhlulBayt(a.s).’[313]
75.MuhammadbinAhmadal-Ja’farial-Qummi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanionsandsaidhewashisagent,
andthathehadmetImamAbulHasan(a.s.).[314]
76.MuhammadbinBilal
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions and said he was
trustworthy.[315]
77.Muhammadbinal-HasanbinShammun
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanionsandsaidhewasexcessive
manfromBasra.[316]An-Najashisaid,‘HewasaWaqifite[317]andthenheturnedexcessive.Hewastooweak(intraditions)andofbadbeliefs.SometraditionsonWaqifismwereascribedtohim.Itwasmentionedthathehadsaid,‘IheardImamMusabinJa’far(s)saying,‘Whoevertellsyouthathehasnursedme,washedme(afterdeath),enshroudedme,putmeinacoffin,buriedmeandshookdustoffhis hand, do not believe him.Whoever asks about me, tell him that I am alive, and praise be toAllah.’[318]Al-Kashshi mentioned from him his saying, ‘I wrote to Abu Muhammad (Imam al-Askari)complainingofpovertyand thenIsaid tomyself:hasAbuAbdullah(Imamas-Sadiq)(a.s.)notsaid,‘Povertywithus(theAhlulBayt)isbetterthanwealthwithourenemy,andbeingkilledwithusisbetterthanlivingwithourenemy.’Thereplytomylettercamesaying,‘AllahtheAlmightytriesourfollowers,whentheirsinsincrease,bypoverty,andHemayforgivemany(ofsins),anditisasyour self said to you: poverty with us is better thanwealth with our enemy.We are a shelter forwhoeverresortstousandalightforwhoeverseekslight,andpreservationforwhoeverresortstous.Whoever lovesuswillbewithus in thehighestposition,andwhoeverdeviates fromuswillbe inFire.’[319]
78.Muhammadbinal-Hasanas-Saffar
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions and said he had some
doubtsabouthim.[320]An-Najashisaid, ‘HewaseminentnotableamongourcompanionsofQum.Hewastrustworthy,highlyrespectable,preferred,andoflittlemistakinginnarration.Hehadsomebooks like “Prayer”, “Wudu”, “Funerals”, “Hajj”, “Marriage”, “Divorce”, “theFreeingofSlaves”,“Correspondence”, “Management”, “Trades”, “Gains”, “Hunting and Slaughtering”, “Penalties”,“Blood money”, “Obligations”, “Inheritance”, “Du’a: supplication”, “the Shrine”, “Refuting theexcessive”, “Drinks”, “Magnanimity”, “Asceticism”, “Khums”, “Zakat”, “Witnesses”, “Battles”,“PrecautionaryDissimulation”,“theBeliever”,“OathsandVows”,“Defects”,“InsightsofDegrees”,“what has been narrated about the children of the imams”, “what has been narrated in Sha’ban”,“Jihad”,and“theValueoftheQur'an”.’[321]Thisnoblesheikhdiedin290AH.
79.Muhammadbinal-HusaynbinAbulKhattab
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[322]An-Najashisaid,‘He
wasaneminentnotablefromourShi’acompanions.Hewastrustworthy.Henarratedmanytraditionsandhisnarrationswerereliedon.Hehadcompiledgoodbookssuchas“Monotheism”,“KnowledgeandBad’a’”,“RefutingtheFatalists”,“Imamate”,“ThePearle”,“therecommendationsoftheimams”,and“Rarities”.’[323]IbnShahrashubconsideredhimasoneof theclosecompanionsofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hediedin262AH.
80.MuhammadbinJa’faral-Umari
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[324]Al-Kashisaidthathis
father,Hafs,wasanagentofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).
81.Muhammadbinar-Rabee’binas-Suwaydas-Sa’iy
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[325]
82.MuhammadbinZiyad
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned himwith this name as one of Imam al-Askari's companions adding
nothingelse.[326]
83.MuhammadbinSalihal-Armani
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[327]
84.MuhammadbinSalihbinMuhammadal-Hamadani
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[328] Sheikh as-Saduq
said,‘HewasoneofthosewhosawthemiraclesoftheAwaitedImam(a.s.).’[329]
85.MuhammadbinSalihal-Khash’ami
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[330]
86.MuhammadbinAbdulHameedbinSalimal-Attaral-Kufi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[331]An-Najashisaid:He
wasatrustworthynarratorfromourKufiShi’acompanions.Hehadabookonrarities.’[332]
87.AbuJa’farMuhammadbinUthmanal-Umari
He was trustworthy and loyal. He and his father were agents of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.). Many
traditionswerementionedabouthisloftinessandhighposition.Once,AhmadbinIsaaqaskedImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.), ‘Withwhom shall I ideal, fromwhom shall I take (religious rulings), andwhosesayingshallIaccept?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘Al-Umari(hemeantUthman)andhisson (Muhammad)! They are trustworthy.Whatever they tell you they tell on behalf ofme.’[333]AlettercamefromImamal-Mahdi (a.s.) toMuhammadbinUthmanal-Umaricomfortinghimon thedeathofhisfatherUthmaninwhichhesaid,‘MayAllahrewardandcomfortyouwiththebest.Youareafflictedandweare afflicted.Hisdeparturedistressedyouanddistressedus.MayAllahpleasehiminhisfinalabode.ItwasfromhisperfecthappinessthatAllahhadgivenhimasonlikeyoutosucceedhimafterhisdeath,replacehim,andinvokethemercyofAllahonhim.Isay:praisebetoAllahforsoulsarepleasedwithyouandwithwhatHehasputinyouandgivenyou.MayHeassist,strengthen, andmake you successful, and be yourGuardian,Keeper, andSufficer.’[334]Sheikh as-SaduqmentionedthatAbdullahbinJa’faral-Himyarisaid,‘Once,IaskedMuhammadbinUthmanal-Umariwhetherhehadseen theManof theMatter (Imamal-Mahdi),peacebeonhim,andhe said,‘Yes, the last time I had seen himwas in the InviolableHouse ofAllah (theKaaba)while hewassaying:“OAllah,carryouttomewhatYouhavepromisedme!’MuhammadbinUthmanalsosaid,‘IsawhimclingingtothecurtainsoftheKaabainal-Mustajar(resort)whilesaying:“OAllah,avengeonYourenemies!”’[335]MuhammadbinUthmandiedin305AH.[336]
88.MuhammadbinAlibinBilal
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[337]Hewastrustworthy,
butlateronherobbedthemoniesoftheimam(a.s.)thatwerewithhimandherefusedtodeliverthemto the Imam’sagentMuhammadbinUthmanclaiming thathehimselfwas theagent.After this, theShi’arejectedhimandannouncedtheywerefreefromhim.[338]
89.MuhammadbinAliat-Tasturi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,[339]andsodidal-Barqi.
90.MuhammadbinAliaz-Zari’
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.
91.MuhammadbinAlial-Qasri
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[340]
92.MuhammadbinAlial-Katib
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[341]
93.Muhammadbin‘IsabinUbaydal-Yaqtini
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[342]An-Najashisaid,‘He
was lofty, trustworthynotable from theShi’a.Hehadnarratedmany traditionsandcompiled somegoodbooks.HenarratedtraditionsfromAbuJa’fartheSecond(Imamal-Jawad)throughlettersandorally.MuhammadbinJa’farar-Razzazsaid thatMuhammadbin‘Isa livedinSuqal-Attashandhadwrittenandcompiledagoodcollectionofbooks.[343]
94.MuhammadbinMusaas-Saree’iy
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanionsandsaidhewasexcessive.
[344]Al-Kashshisaid,‘HeandMuhammadbinMusaash-ShurayqiwerefromthedisciplesofAlibinHasaka. They are cursed, may Allah curse them.’[345] Some narrators narrated from AbuMuhammadat-Talla’kabrithatAbuAliMuhammadbinHumamsaid,‘As-Saree’iywassurnamedasAbuMuhammad…hewasfromthecompanionsofAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(al-Hadi)andal-Hasanal-Askari(peacebeonthem).HewasthefirstonewhoclaimedapositionthatAllahhadnotmadeforhimandhedidnotdeserve it.Hefabricated liesagainstAllahandagainstHisauthorities(peace be on them). He ascribed to them what did not fit them; therefore, the Shi’a cursed anddisavowed him. Then a book came from the imam (a.s.) cursing and disavowing him…and thendisbeliefandatheismappearedinhissayings.’[346]
95.MuhammadbinMusaan-Naysaburi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[347]Once,theimam(a.s.)
sentaletterwithhimtoIbrahimbinAbdah.[348]
96.MuhammadbinMusabinFurat
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[349]
97.MuhammadbinYahyabinZiyad
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[350]
98.MuhammadbinYahyaal-Mu’athi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[351]
99.MuhammadbinYazdad
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[352]
100.HarunbinMuslimbinSa’dan
HewasfromKufa,andthenhemovedtoBasra,andthentoBaghdad.Sheikhat-Toosimentioned
himasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[353]An-Najashisaid,‘Hewasatrustworthynotable.Hehad a school in “compulsion” and “Tashbih: comparing Allah to the created”. He met AbuMuhammadandAbulHasan(peacebeonthem).Hehadsomebookslike“at-Tawhid:monotheism”,“al-Fadha’il:virtues”,“al-Khutab:sermons”,“al-Maghazi:battles”,and“ad-Du’a”.HehadquestionswithAbulHasantheThird(al-Hadi)(a.s.).’[354]
101.Yahyaal-Basri
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[355]
102.Ya’qubbinIsaaqal-Barqi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[356]
103.Ya’qubbinManqush
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions.[357] Sheikh as-Saduq
mentionedthatYa’qubbinManqushsaid,“Oneday,IwenttoAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAli(a.s.)andaskedhim,‘Omymaster,whowillbethemanofthismatter(imamate)?’HeaskedmetoliftascreenthereandIdid.Ayoungboyofeightortenyearscameouttous…hesatonthethighofAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Then,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtome,‘Thisisyourman.’TheboyjumpedandAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Omyson,goinuntiltheprescribedtime!’TheboywentinwhileIwaslookingathim.AbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtome,‘OYa’qub,gointoseewhothereisinthehouse!’Iwentin,butfoundnoone.’[358]
104.Yusufbinas-Sakht
Sheikh at-Toosimentioned him as one of Imamal-Askari's companions.[359] Ibn al-Ghadhayiri
said,‘Hewasweak,andofunreliablespeech.ThepeopleofQumexcludedhimfromthe“raritiesofwisdom”.’[360]
105.AbuKhalafal-Ijli
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions,andsaidthatAlibinal-
HusaynbinBabwayhnarratedfromhimfromImamAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAli(a.s.).[361]
106.AbuMuhammadAlibinBilalal-Iskafi
Sheikhat-ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamal-Askari'scompanions.[362]
107.AbulBakhtari
Sheikh at-Toosi mentioned him as one of Imam al-Askari's companions, and said he was the
teacherofal-Hajjaj’schildren.[363]Notes:[178]Rijalan-Najashi.[179]Rijalat-Toosi.[180]Rijalat-Toosi.[181]Rijalat-Toosi.[182]Ibid.[183]Rijalal-Kashshi.[184]Rijalan-Najashi.[185]Rijalal-Kashshi.[186]Mu’jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.1p.169.[187]Rijalat-Toosi.[188]Ibid.[189]Banimeans‘thefamilyorthetribeof’.[190]Rijalan-Najashi.[191]RijalibnDawud.[192]Rijalal-Kashshi.[193]Rijalat-Toosi.[194]Rijalan-Najashi.[195]Rijalan-Najashi.[196]Rijalat-Toosi.[197]Rijalal-Kashshi.[198]Usoolal-Kafi,chap.ofal-Hujjah.[199]Rijalat-Toosi.[200]A sect believing thatAbdullah al-Aftah the sonof Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (s)was the imam
afterhisfather.[201]Rijalan-Najashi.[202]Rijalat-Toosi.[203]Qur'an,3:25.[204]Rijalal-Kashshi.[205]Rijalal-Barqi.[206]Amursaltraditionisthetraditionthatisnarratedwhileoneortwoofthechainofnarrators
aremissing.[207]Rijalan-Najashi.[208]Rijalal-Kashshi.[209]Rijalat-Toosi.[210]Mu’jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.2p.329.[211]Rijalat-Toosi.[212]Ibid.[213]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.4p.367.[214]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.2p.367.
[215]Rijalat-Toosi.[216]Wehavementioneditinapreviouschapter.[217]Rijalat-Toosi.[218]Rijalal-Kashshi.[219]Rijalat-Toosi.[220]Ibid.[221]Ibid[222]Rijalat-Toosi.[223]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.4p.293.[224]Rijalat-Toosi.[225]Ibid.[226]Ibid.[227]Rijalan-Najashi.[228]InearlyShiism“bab”denotestheseniorauthorizeddiscipleoftheimam.[229]Rijalat-Toosi.[230]Ibid.[231]Ikmalad-Deen.[232]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith.[233]Rijalat-Toosi.[234]Ibid.[235]Rijalal-Kashshi.[236]Rijalat-Toosi.[237]Rijalat-Toosi.[238]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith.[239]Rijalat-Toosi.[240]Rijalal-Barqi.[241]Al-KunawelAlqab,vol.1p.174.[242]ThelifeofImamal-HadibyBaqirSharifal-Qurashi.[243]TheprogenyofAbuTalib.[244]Al-KunawelAlqab,vol.1p.176.[245]Maqatilat-Talibiyeen,p.164.[246]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.11p.9.[247]ItisthefifthmonthintheIslamicyear.[248]Al-KunawelAlqab,vol.1p.176.[249]Rijalat-Toosi.[250]Rijalan-Najashi.[251]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith.[252]Rijalat-Toosi.[253]Ibid.[254]Rijalan-Najashi.[255]Rijalat-Toosi.[256]Rijalan-Najashi.[257]Rijalat-Toosi.[258]Ibid.[259]Ibid.[260]Rijalan-Najashi.[261]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.10p.53.
[262]Rijalat-Toosi.[263]Rijalal-Barqi.[264] The alteration of Allah’s purpose, the emergence of new circumstances, which cause a
changeinanearlierruling.[265]Rijalat-Toosi.[266]Ibid.[267]Rijalan-Najashi.[268]Rijalal-Kashshi.[269]Rijalat-Toosi.[270]Al-GhaybahbySheikhat-Toosi.[271]Usoolal-Kafi.[272]Al-KunawelAlqab,vol.3p.267.[273]Ibid.,p.268.[274]Rijalat-Toosi.[275]Rijalat-Toosi.[276]Rijalat-Toosi.[277]Rijalan-Najashi.[278]Rijalat-Toosi.[279]Rijalat-Toosi.[280]Rijalal-Barqi.[281]Al-Ghaybah.[282]Ibid.[283]Rijalal-Kashshi.[284]Rijalal-Kashshi.[285]Rijalat-Toosi.[286]A sect believing thatAbdullah al-Aftah the sonof Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (s)was the imam
afterhisfather.[287]Rijalan-Najashi.[288]Rijalat-Toosi.[289]Ibid.[290]Rijalat-Toosi.[291]Ibid.[292]Ibid.[293]Ibid.[294]Rijalat-Toosi.[295]Ibid.[296]Ibid.[297]Ibid.[298]Rijalal-Kashshi.[299]Rijalat-Toosi.[300]Rijalan-Najashi.[301]Rijalal-Kashshi.[302]Ibid.[303]Ibid.[304]Rijalat-Toosi.[305]Rijalan-Najashi.[306]Rijalat-Toosi.
[307]Usoolal-Kafi.[308]Rijalat-Toosi.[309]Rijalal-Barqi.[310]Rijalat-Toosi.[311]Ibid.[312]Rijalat-Toosi.[313]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith.[314]Rijalat-Toosi.[315]Ibid.[316]Rijalat-Toosi.[317]Thewaqifiteswereagroupofpeoplewhobelievedintheimamateofthefirstsevenimams,
fromImamAli(a.s.)toImamMusabinJa’faral-Kadhim(a.s.),butdidnotbelieveintheremainingfiveimams.[318]Rijalan-Najashi.[319]Rijalal-Kashshi.[320]Rijalat-Toosi.[321]Rijalan-Najashi.[322]Rijalat-Toosi.[323]Rijalan-Najashi.[324]Rijalat-Toosi.[325]Ibid.[326]Ibid.[327]Ibid.[328]Ibid.[329]Ikmaluddeen.[330]Rijalat-Toosi.[331]Rijalat-Toosi.[332]Rijalan-Najashi.[333]Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1chap.al-Hujja.[334]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.16p.310.[335]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqih,vol.2chap.of“raritiesofthehajj”.[336]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.16p.310.[337]Rijalat-Toosi.[338]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.16p.350.[339]Rijalat-Toosi.[340]Rijalat-Toosi.[341]Rijalat-Toosi.[342]Ibid.[343]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.17p.126.[344]Rijalat-Toosi.[345]Rijalal-Kashshi.[346]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.17p.323.[347]Rijalat-Toosi.[348]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith.[349]Rijalat-Toosi.[350]Ibid.[351]Ibid.[352]Rijalat-Toosi.
[353]Ibid.[354]Rijalan-Najashi.[355]Rijalat-Toosi.[356]Ibid.[357]Ibid.[358]Ikmaluddeen.[359]Rijalat-Toosi.[360]Mu'jamRijalal-Hadith,vol.20p.200.[361]Rijalat-Toosi.[362]Ibid.[363]Rijalat-Toosi.
11ChapterTheAgeoftheImam
The studyof the age that ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) lived in is no longer akindof luxuryor
ornamentation for the book, rather it is a necessity that the modern scientific research requires.Studying an age has become one of the methodical studies that a researcher cannot leave aside,because it reveals therealityof thegeneral lifewhichthatcertainpersonlives in,andalso itshedslights on the events that takes place during that agewhich naturally have a great influence on thebehaviorofthatperson.Sociologistssaythatthesociallifeaffectsandisaffectedbythepeoplelivinginthatage.Anyhow, we objectively shall offer several sides of the general life of the age that ImamAbu
Muhammad(a.s.)livedin.
TheEconomicalLife
BeforeweshedlightontheeconomicallifeoftheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),wewould
liketoshowthatIslamhaspaidextremeattentiontothedevelopingoftheeconomyofthenation,thegrowthof individual income,and theprosperityofgeneral life. Islamhasconsideredpovertyasadestroyingdisasterwhichmustbe removedbyallmeans. Islamhascompareddisbelief topoverty,andasdisbeliefmustberemovedduetotheIslamicShariah,povertymustberemovedfromsocietyaswell. IslamhasorderedMuslim rulers and leaders to spareno effort to saveMuslims from thedangers of poverty and wretchedness which are the reasons behind the intellectual and moraldeviationamongpeople.of the creativemethods that the Islamic economy is based on is that the Sharia has limited the
authoritiesofrulersandofficials.Theyarenotpermittedinanycasetoplaywiththetreasuryofthestate,becauseitisforallMuslimsandnotforoneperson.ThewealthofMuslimsmustbespentonMuslims,andneither the rulernoranymemberofhisgovernmenthas the right toextort from thetreasurytospendonhimselforhiskin,forthisistreasonagainstAllahandagainstMuslims.TheAbbasidrule,duringallitsages,followedaspecialeconomicalpolicythatwasopposedtothe
trueIslamicsystem,anditwastoofarfromthelawsIslamhaslegislatedtocontrolthewealthoftheIslamicstate.WeshalldiscusshereinbriefthegeneraleconomicalsystemintheAbbasidage.
IncomesofTheState
Themajority of the state income was collected from land taxes and zakat which ranged in the
millionsofdinars.Historianssaiditwasaboutthreehundredandsixtymilliondirhamsayear,[364]anditwasaboutfivehundredmilliondirhamsinsomeyears.[365]Inthatageadirhamhadagoodvalue.Itequaledthepriceofasheep,ajarofhoney,orajarofoil,whereasadinarequaledthepriceof a camel.[366]Unfortunately, these abundant monies were not spent to develop the scientific,medical,andeconomicallifeasIslamwanted,buttheywenttothepocketsofrulerswhospentthemonbuildinghighpalaces,asal-Mutawakkildid,andonsingers,dancers,drinkingcompanions,andotherfieldsofdebaucheryandpleasures.
ViolenceInCollectingTheLandTax
Violence,oppression,andpunishmentswerecommonmethodsincollectingthelandtaxesduring
mostof theAbbasidages.Peoplesufferedexhaustingkindsofoppressionfromthepublicans,whohadnobitofmercyandkindnessintheirhearts.Theyimposedtaxesaccordingtotheirdesiresandgreed,andwhoeverrefusedordelayedtopaytheimposedtaxeshisfatewouldbeeitherbethegraveorprison.Al-Jahshiyarisaid,‘Thepeopleofkharaj(whodidnotorcouldnotpaythelandtax)werepunished
severelywithdifferentkindsoftormentlikebeingthrowntobeastsofpreyandbees.MuhammadbinMuslimwasaclosecompaniontoal-Mahdi(theAbbasidcaliph).Whenal-Mahdi
became the caliph and found that the people of kharaj were tortured severely, he consulted withMuhammad bin Muslim who said to him, ‘O Ameerul Mu’minin, this is a situation that can bechanged.TheyaredebtorsofMuslimsandmustbetreatedasdebtors.’Thenthecaliphorderedtostoppunishingthem.’[367]Duringthereignofar-Rashid,peoplecriticizedal-FadhlbinYahyaal-Barmakiwhowasthewali
ofKhurasan.Theycomplainedalotabouthimtilar-RashiddeposedhimandappointedinplaceofhimAlibin‘Isa,whokilledmanynotablesfromthepeopleofKhurasanandfarmedgreatmonies.Once,hesenttoar-Rashidtenmilliondirhamsinasackmadeofsilk.[368]ThepeopleofMosulalsosufferedterribleoppressionbecauseofthefarmingofthekharaj(land
tax).Thewali,appointedbyar-Rashid,onthemwasYahyabinSa’eed.Heorderedthemtopayhimthekharajofpastyears,andhewhippedmostofthem.[369]Islam has boundwalis to be kind to their subjects and to improve their economical conditions.
Peoplemust notmeet anypressure from rulers in farming thekharaj and zakat, butmostAbbasidkings paid no attention to that, and rather, they subjected the nation by violence and oppression incollectingthekharaj.
IncreasingTheKharaj
TheofficialsoftheAbbasidgovernmentsoftenaskedpeopletopaymorethanthelegaltaxesand
theytooktheextraamountsforthemselves.WhenAbuUbaydillahbinYasarbecamethevizierofal-Mahdi,hemadethekharajondatepalmsandtrees,anditcontinuedsoafterhim.[370]Egyptsuffereddifferentmisfortunes and distresses because of the kharaj. Itswali,Musa binMus’ab, doubled thekharajoneveryacre,andheimposedtaxesonthepeopleofmarketsandoncattle.Hetookbribesinjudgment.People revoltedagainsthimbecauseofhisoppression.[371] IbnTaghri said, ‘Hepressedonpeopleinfarmingthekharaj.Hedoubledthetaxoneveryacreunlikewhathadbeenbeforehim.Peoplemetdistressesfromhim.Hewasbadtopeople.Hetookbribesonjudgments…soldiershatedhim. They caused him trouble and often opposed him because he was an oppressivetyrant.’[372]ThesedoingsweretoofarfromtheessenceandrealityofIslam.Thosemenwerebutagang of thieves and highwaymenwhowent far into crimes and sins. Umar bin Ubayd said to al-Mansur ad-Dawaniqi, the Abbasid caliph, ‘Behind your door there are fires flaming because ofoppression.BehindyourdoorareperformesactionsthatareneitherfromtheBookofAllahnortheSunnaofHismessenger.’[373]
AppropriatingTheWealthofTheState
TheAbbasidsmisappropriatedthewealthofthenationandtookforthemselvesandfortheirkin,as
theyliked.TheincomeofMuhammadbinSulaymanal-Abbasiadaywasaboutonehundredthousanddirhams.[374]When he died, he left a great inheritance fromwhich ar-Rashid took sixty thousanddirhams.Historianssay,‘Greatmoniescametoal-Khayzuran(themotherofHarunar-Rashid)untilherwealthbecameaboutonehundredmillionandsixtythousanddirhams.Somewritersaysthatthisamount equaled the half of the revenue of the state at that time and two thirds of the revenue ofRockefellerinthis[20th]century.Itwasfoundwiththewifeofal-Mutawakkil(anAbbasidking)onemillionandeighthundred thousanddinars.Themotherof al-Muqtadir (anAbbasidking)wasalsoexcessively wealthy.[375] Ibn al-Jawzi said about her, ‘She had a great wealth that was beyondcounting.Shegotfromherlandsonemilliondinarseveryyear.’[376]TheAbbasidkingsgiftedtheirrelatives with great monies. Ar-Rashid distributed among his uncles and relatives monies that nocaliphbeforehimhadeverdistributed.[377]Al-Mansurad-Dawaniqiassignedonemilliondirhamstoeachone of his uncles.[378]TheAbbasid family grewuntil theywere, at the reignof al-Ma’mun,about thirty-three thousand persons.[379] This family, that had no any preference to the rest ofMuslims,misappropriated thewealth of the nation and enjoyed the greatmonies,while the rest ofMuslimpeoplesweresunkintopoverty,deprivation,andwretchedness.
GreatGiftsToBondmaids
TheAbbasidkingswereexcessiveingiftingthebondmaidsandsongstresses.Once,ar-Rashidgave
hisbondmaidDananir,atthenightofaneid,anecklaceofthirtythousanddinars.[380]Al-Muqtadirgave tooneofhisconcubines the threeweightsOrphanPearl.[381]AbulFarajal-Isfahanisaid thatHamwayhhiredforhisbondmaidsomejewelsfromsomejewelerfortwelvemilliondinars.Whenar-Rashid saw the jewels, he admired them.He bought them and offered them as a present to thebondmaid.[382]Al-Muqtadirplayedwithmoney.Heeffacedcoinsandthengavethemtowomenandbondmaids.[383]Al-Mutawakkil had a bondmaid called Fadhl. She sat on a chair and arguedwithpoetsinhispresence.Heaskedherwhenheboughther,‘Are you a poet?’She said, ‘So claims hewho bought and soldme.’Al-Mutawakkil laughed and
askedhertorecitehimsomeversesofherpoetry.Shedid,andheadmiredherpoetryandorderedtogiveherfiftythousanddirhams.[384]Al-Muqtadirhadavillage-likestatuemadeofsilver.Itwasveryexpensive.Hedonated it tooneofhis servants justbecauseoneofhisbondmaidsaskedhim todothat.Theseare just fewexampleson thewastingof theAbbasidcaliphswhospent thewealthof thenationontheirpleasurespayingnoattentiontothewelfareofthesocietyortothedevelopmentofthegenerallife.
AbundantGiftsToPoets
Poets were the only media in that age. They supported the Abbasid rule and spread fabricated
virtues ascribed to the Abbasid kings. They preferred those kings to the Alawids who were thepropagandistsofsocialjusticeinIslam.TheAbbasidsendowedpoetswithabundantmoniesandmadethem extremely wealthy.Once, Abul Shibl al-Barjami al-Kufi praised al-Mutawakkil with a thirty-verse-poemandal-Mutawakkilgavehimthirtythousanddirhamsforthat.[385]When al-Mutawakkil held a general meeting for people to pay homage to his three sons al-
Muntasir,al-Mu’tazz,andal-Mu’ayyadastheheirapparentsafterhim,as-Sawlirecitedapoemontheoccasion and al-Mutawakkil gave him one hundred dirhams, and so did each one of his sons.[386]Once,Ibrahimbinal-Mudbirrecitedapoempraisingal-MutawakkilwhowaspleasedwiththepoemandgavethepoetfiftythousanddirhamsandaskedhisvizierUbaydillahbinYahyatofindhima good job.Marwan bin Abul Janub was one of the poets who got abundant monies from al-Mutawakkil.Hewasveryinterestedinpraisingal-Mutawakkil.Once,hegotfromhimfiftythousanddirhamsafterapoem.Ontheoccasionofthehomagetohisthreesons,al-Mutawakkilgavethepoetonehundredand twenty thousanddirhams, fiftygarments,amule,ahorse,andadonkey.[387]Foranother poem, al-Mutawakkil gave him one hundred gold dinars.Al-Buhturi,whowas the emir ofpoets at that time, prepared all his talents to praise al-Mutawakkilwhogave to himhigh titles andgoodepithetsbesidesgreatwealth.Al-MutawakkilgaveabundantwealthtoAlibinal-Jahmandinvitedhim to his meetings after praising him and declared his enmity towards the Ahlul Bayt (a.s). HedispraisedtheAhlulBayt(a.s)bitterlyandpreferredoverthemtheAbbasidswhohadnovirtuesaveseizingoftheruleandleadingthenationtowardsdarkabyssesofoppression.Thiswastefulspendingonpoetsscatteredanimportantpartfromthewealthofthenationthathadtobespentonthepublicandtosatisfyallneedsofthenation.
Palaces
TheAbbasidswereveryexcessiveinbuildingpalaces.Theyspentincredibleamountsonbuilding
theirpalacesanddecoratingthemwithwonderfuldecorationsthelikeofwhichnoonehadeverseenin history. Al-Mutawakkil built a palace called al-Burj. It was the most beautiful building of al-Mutawakkil.Heconstructedinitlargestatutesofgoldandsilver,andawidepoolwithplatesofgoldand silver. Beside the pool there was a tree of gold with birds that whistled. It was adorned withjewels.Abigthroneofgold,withtwobiglionsandadrawerhavingstatuesofbeastsandeagles,wasmadeforhimtherewithotherthingsasthethroneofProphetSolomon(a.s.)hadbeendescribed.Thewallswerecoveredfrominsideandoutsidewithmosaicandgildedmarble.Hespentonthebuildinganddecoratingofthispalaceaboutonemillionandsevenhundredthousanddinars.Heorderedthatnooneshouldenter thispalaceexcept inclothesofembroideredsilk.Hebroughtdancers,singers,musicians,anddrinkingcompanionsintothepalace.Whenhesatinthisparadise,hisvizierYahyabinKhaqansaidtohim,‘OAmeerulMu’minin,IhopethatAllahwillthankyouforbuildingthispalaceand rewardyouwith theParadise.’Al-Mutawakkil asked, ‘What for?’Yahya said, ‘Youhave filledpeoplewithdesireoftheParadisebythispalace,forthiswillleadthemtodogooddeedsinordertobeinParadise.’Al-Mutawakkilbecamedelightedathearingthat.[388]From the other palaces that al-Mutawakkil had built was al-Ja’fari. The cost of building and
decoratingthispalacewasmorethantwomilliondinars.Whenthepalacewascompleted,hebroughtsingers,dancers,andclownsandgaveeachofthemtwothousanddirhams.[389]Anyhow,wehavementionedthegreatexpensesthatal-Mutawakkilhadspentonallhispalacesin
ourbook“theLifeofImamal-Hadi”whichshowedtheeconomicalimbalanceinthattimewheretheAbbasidfamilyappropriatedtherevenueofthestateandspentitontheirpleasuresandlusts.
TheLuxuryofTheAbbasidWomen
ThegreaterpartofthestaterevenuewasspentontheladiesoftheAbbasidpalace.Theylivedin
absolute luxury and bliss. Lady Zubayda (Harun ar-Rashid’s wife) was interested in expensiveembroidered clothes that one dress of hers cost fifty thousand dinars.[390] This luxury was notlimited to theAbbasid ladies only, but it also included the ladies of viziers.Utabah, themother ofJa’faral-Barmakihadonehundredbondmaidsandeachoneof themputonjewelryandornamentsdifferentfromtheother.[391]
TheWretchednessofThePublic
ItwasnaturalthatthemajorityoftheMuslimpeoplessufferedpovertyandwretchednessafterthey
hadbeendeprivedfromthestatetreasury,sincethatwasspentonthepleasuresofthekings,viziers,andthemedia,whereaspovertyspreadamongmostofpeople.Once,al-Asma’iysawapoetclingtothecurtainsoftheKaabawhilereciting,“OmyLord,IamaskingasYousee,wearingtwo(ragged)clocksasYousee,andmyoldwifeissittingthereasYousee,andmystomachishungryasYousee,sowhatdoYouseeaboutwhatYousee?”[392]Manyotherpoetsdescribedintheirpoetrythemiserablelifeofsufferingstheylived.Itwasvery
difficultforthem(andformostofpeople)tofindabitoffoodandapieceofclothfortheirhungry,nakedchildren.Themiserablelifethatsomepoets,whohadnorelationwiththeAbbasidpalace,lived,ledthemto
beg through their poetry viziers, judges andother officials, andmade their poetry as ameans forgaining.AbuFir ’ownas-Sasiwasinutmostneed,andwhenhewasunabletobearanymore,hewentto al-Hasan bin Sahl the vizier of al-Ma’mun and praised him in a poem. In the same poem heexpressedhisbadconditionandthewretchednessofhischildren.PovertystungAbuFir ’ownseverelyandthistimehewenttooneofthejudgesofBasrabegging
hishelp.Itwasshametothosekingswhohadthetreasuresoftheworldintheirhandsbutlefttheirpeoplessufferingneedinessanddeprivation.Fromthepoets,whosufferedpoverty,wasAbushShamaqmaqwhowenttothekingbegginghim
afterhesawhischildrenwrithewithhungerandpain.Thesepoets represented the livesof theirpeoples and their sufferingsofhunger,pain, and loss.
The economical life was not sound and right, but it was confused and paralyzed. The Abbasidgovernmentsdidnotachieveeaseforpeople,anddidnotprovideagoodlifeforthem.Therevenueof the statewas spenton theAbbasid family, theviziers, and theprominent statesmen,whereas themajorityofpeoplelivedinpovertyandwretchednessandcouldnotobtaineventheleastnecessitiesofliving.
TheImam’sCondition
Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.) represented the front of opposition to the Abbasid rule. He often
criticizedtherulersforappropriatingthewealthofthenationandextortingthelivelihoodofpeople.Fromthenotable formsof theopposition that ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) followedwas thathe
prohibited himself from communicating or cooperating with those kings who took the wealth ofAllahastheirsandthepeopleofAllahastheirslaves.Theysparednoefforttojointheimam(a.s.)totheirretinuesbuttheycouldnot,andthentheytreatedhimwithabsoluteseverity.Theyfoughthiminthemeansofhislivingandcausedhimtobeinpressingneediness.TheypreventedmoniestocometohimfromhisShi’afollowers,butoneoftheShi’asentjarsofoiltotheimam(a.s.)andheputmoneyinsidethem[393]whichdecreasedthepressureofthatblockade.Anyhow,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sidedwiththepoorandthedeprivedwhowerethevictimsof
thosekingswhorobbedthewealthofthenationandleftthestateineconomicalimbalance.Notes:[364]Tareekhat-Tamaddunal-Islami(thehistoryoftheIslamiccivilization),vol.5p.79.[365]Al-
Wuzara’welKuttab(viziersandclerks),p.288.[366]ThelifeofImamMusabinJa’far.[367]Al-Wuzara’welKuttab,p.142.[368]Ibid.,p.268.[369]Al-Kamilfit-Tareekh,vol.6p.268.[370]Al-Fakhri,p.164.[371]Al-WulatwelQudhat(walisandjudges),p.125-126.[372]An-Nujoomaz-Zahirah,vol.2p.54,al-Khutatbyal-Maqrizi,vol.2p.94.[373]Al-Akhbarat-Tuwal,p.384.[374]Al-Wuzara’welKuttab,p.250.[375]Nashwaral-Muhadharah,vol.1p.293.[376]Al-Muntadham,vol.6p.253.[377]An-Nujoomaz-Zahira,vol.2p.65.[378]Al-Kamilfit-Tareekh,vol.6p.319.[379]Ibid.[380]Al-MustadhrafminAkhbaral-JawaribySalahuddeen,p.28.[381]Tareekhal-Khulafa’byas-Sayouti,p.384.[382]Al-Aghani,vol.16p.226.[383]Samtan-Nujoomal-Awali,vol.3p.354.[384]Nisa’al-Khulafa’(thecaliph’swomen)byibnas-Sa’iy,p.86.[385]Al-Aghani,vol.14p.193.[386]Al-Aghani,vol.14p.193.[387]Al-aghani[388]Uyoonat-Tawareekh,vol.6p.170.[389]Mir ’ataz-Zaman,vol.6p.158.[390]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.2p.366.[391]Al-Wuzara’welKuttab,p.192.[392]Al-MahasinwelMasawi’,p.585.[393]Safeenatal-Bihar,vol.2p.158.
12ChapterPoliticalLife
ThepoliticallifeintheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasverybadandunstable.Oppression,
injustice,andseditionsprevailedeverywhere,andmanyrevoltsbrokeout.That,asIthink,wasduetothedominationoftheTurksoverthereinsofgovernment,andtheirabsolutecontroloverallaffairsofthestate,thoughtheywereexpertneitherinpoliticsnorinadministration.Theyoppressedpeople,transgressedtherules,andspreadterrorism.Theotherreasonbehindthiswasthe ignoranceof theAbbasidkings,theirindulginginpleasuresandlusts,andtheirinadvertencetotheinterestsofpeople,whichcausedmanypoliticalcrisesatthattime.
OppressingtheAlawids
TheAlawidswereseverelytriedandextremelyburdenedduringmostperiodsoftheAbbasidrule.
TheAbbasidkingsofficiallyoppressedtheAlawids,andpursuedandpunishedthemseverely.Theyimposedonthemeconomicalblockadeuntiltheywereinutmostneediness.Historians say that during the reign of al-Mutawakkil, the Alawids suffered neediness and
deprivationsobitterandhorrible thatcouldnotbedescribed.Theyhadnothingbutonecloak,andwheneveranAlawidmanoranAlawidwomanwantedtogoout,heorsheputiton.Peoplerefrainedfrom associatingwith them for fear of the tyrannical government.One day,Muhammad bin Salih(bin) al-Husaynasked Ibrahimbin al-Mudbir (tobe as amediator) to ask ‘IsabinMusaal-Jarmi’sdaughter ’shand.Thefatherofthegirlrefusedandsaidtothemediator,‘Ijusttellyouthetruth.ByAllah,Idonotknowonenoblerormorehonorable thanhim,butIrefusedhimjustbecauseIfearfromal-Mutawakkilandhissonsafterhimformylifeandwealth.’[394]MuslimsrefrainedfromcontactingtheAlawids,andevenfromgreetingthem,becausetheAbbasid
governmentspunishedseverelywhoevershowedanykindofrespectandregardtowardstheAlawids.TheworstperiodtheAlawidsunderwentwasthereignofal-Mutawakkilwhopouredallhisrage
andspiteonthem.Theyranawaytoalltownsandvillages[395]forfearthatthegovernmentmightarrestandleadthemeithertograveyardsorprisons.
TheImam’sAmulet
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)suffereddifferentkindsofoppressionandcrueltyduringthereignof
al-Mutawakkil and other Abbasid kings whom the imam was contemporary with. Therefore, heresortedtoAllahtoprotecthimfromtheirplotsandsavehimfromtheirevils.Hearmedhimselfwiththisdu’a:“IhavecharmedmyselfwiththecharmofAllah;thelightbywhichHehashiddenfromeyes,and
takenprecautionformyself,family,children,properties,andallthatundermychargebythenameofAllah, theBeneficent, theMerciful, andsought refuge formyselfandall that fromwhat I fearandbewareofwithAllahWho(there isnogodbutHim, theEverliving, theEternal.SlumberdoesnotovertakeHimnorsleep;whateverisintheheavensandwhateverisintheearthisHis,whoishethatcan intercedewithHimbut byHis permission?He knowswhat is before them andwhat is behindthem, and they cannot comprehend anything out of His knowledge except what He pleases, Hisknowledgeextendsovertheheavensandtheearth,andthepreservationofthembothtiresHimnot,andHeis theMostHigh, theGreat),[386](Andwhoismoreunjust thanhewhoisremindedof thesignsofhisLord, thenhe turnsawayfromthemandforgetswhathis twohandshavesentbefore?SurelyWehaveplacedveilsovertheirheartslesttheyshouldunderstanditandaheavinessintheirears; and ifyoucall them to theguidance, theywill not ever follow the right course in that case),[397](Haveyouseenhimwhomakeshisdesirehisgod,andAllahsendshimastraypurposely,andsealsuphishearing andhisheart, and setsonhis sight a covering?Thenwhowill leadhimafterAllah(hascondemnedhim)?Willyenotthenheed?),[398](ThesearetheyonwhoseheartsandtheirhearingandtheireyesAllahhassetaseal,andthesearetheheedlessones),[399](AndwhenyourecitetheQur ’an,Weplacebetweenyouandthosewhodonotbelieveinthehereafterahiddenbarrier.AndWehaveplaced coverings on their hearts and a heaviness in their ears lest theyunderstand it, andwhenyoumentionyourLordalone in theQur ’an they turn theirbacks inaversion),[400]andmayAllahhaveblessingsonMuhammadandonhispureprogeny…”[401]Thisdu’a shows the extentof the fears the imam (a.s.) felt from theAbbasids, and therefore,he
resortedtoAllahtosavehimandhisfamilyfromtheir(theAbbasids’)oppressionandplotting.HealsocharmedhimselfagainsttheoppressionoftheAbbasidsbythisdu’a:“O You, my means at my distress, O You, my succor at my grief, O You, my relief at my
loneliness, guard me by Your eye that does not sleep, and shield me by Your shelter that isunreachable.[402]
PersecutingThePeopleofQum
TheAbbasids persecuted the people ofQum and treated themwith oppression and terror. They
appointedMusabinYahya,whowaswickedandunjust,aswalioverthem.Hewasimpolite,immoral,and inhuman, and people desisted fromhim.He treated people in a very badway and excessivelyoppressed themuntil thenotablesofQum resorted to ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) complaining tohimaboutwhatthattyrantdidtothem.TheimamprayedtoAllahtheAlmightytosavethemfromtheevilofthatmean,oppressivewali,
andtaughtthemthisdu’aandaskedthemtoreciteitinthequnutoftheirprayerssothatAllahmightrelievethemfromthiscalamity:“Praise be to Allah as gratefulness to his blessings, calling for His abundance, imploring His
livelihood,beingloyal toHimandnot toother thanHim,andrefrainingfromdisbelievinginHimanddenyingHismightandexaltedness,apraiseofonewhoknowsthatall theblessingshehasarefromhisLord,andthepunishmentsthatafflicthimareforthewrongshishandshavecommitted,andtheblessingsofAllahbeonMuhammadHisslaveandmessenger,andthebestofHiscreation,andthe means of believers towards His mercy, and (blessings be) on his pure progeny who are hisguardians.OAllah,Youhavecalled(Yourpeople)forYourfavor,andordered(them)tosupplicateYou,and
YouhaveinsuredresponsetoYourpeople.YouhavenotdisappointedwhoeverresortedtoYouwithawishandturnedtoYouwithaneed.YouhavenotletanyaskinghandcomebackemptyfromYourgiftordesperateofYourdonation.WasthereanytravelerwhotraveledtoYouanddidnotfindYounear, or a comerwho came toYou andYou put obstacles betweenYou and him?!Was there anyinsisteronaskingYouthattheflowofYourfavordidnotincludehim…?OAllah,IcometoYouwithmywish,thehandofmyrequestknocksatthedoorofYourfavor,my
heartinvokesYouwiththereverenceofsubmission,andIfoundYouthebestintercessorformewithYou. You knowmy request before it comes to my mind or gets in my imagination. O Allah, socompletemydu’abyYourresponsetomeandmeetmyrequestbythesatisfyingofmywish!O Allah, the aberration of seditions has included us, the haze of confusion has overcome us,
meannessandlownesshavefoughtwithus, theuntrustworthyonYourreligionhaveruledoverus,thewicked,whohaveannulledYourrule,haveextortedouraffairsandtriedtodamageYourpeopleandcorruptYourland.OAllah,ourwealthisappropriatedafteritwasdistributed(amongall),andourrulehasbecome
domination after it was shura (consultation) and monarchy after it was the nation’s option;amusementsandmusicalshavebeenboughtbythesharesoforphansandwidows,non-Muslimsruleover the believers, and sinners have been entrustedwith their (people’s) affairs, and no protectorprotectedthemfromadanger,andnoguardianlookedatthemwiththeeyeofmercifulness,andnokindonesatisfied the thirstyhearts froma famine,andso theyareweakandhungry inahomeofloss,captivesofwretchedness,inheritorsofmelancholy,meanness…OAllah,theplantoffalsenesshascometoharvest,reacheditsfull,itsstickhasbecomefirm…its
brancheshavegonehighandfixed.OAllah,bring,fromthetruth,itsreapertoreapit,breakitsstock,smashitsbranches,cutoffits
hump,andamputateitsextents,sothatfalseness,withitsuglypicture,disappears,andtruth,withitsbeautifuldress,appears.OAllah,leavenopillarofoppression,butYoutearitdown;noshield,butYouexposeit;nounity,
butYouseparateit;noheavyforce,butYouslightit;nohighrank,butYoumakeitlow;nopostofabanner,butYouturnitover;andnolivelything,butYouperishit.OAllah,coverhis[403]sun,putouthislight,effacehismention,hit,bythetruth,hishead,scatter
hisarmies,andfrightentheheartsofhispeople!OAllah,donotleavearemainderofhim,unlessitisannihilated,norastructureunlessitistorn
down,noraunityunless it isbroken,nor anarmunless it isdisabled,nor aboundaryunless it isviolated,noraflagpoleunlessitisoverthrown!OAllah, showus his supporters scattered after affinity, separate after unity, and disgraced after
theirdominationoverthenation!OAllah,bringusthedayofjustice,andshowittouseternalwithnodarknessinit,andpurelight
withnopollutantinit,andmakeitsgoodnessfalldownonus,anditsblessingcomedownonus,andavengeonhis[404]opponent,andsupporthimoverhisenemy!OAllah,showthetruth,[405]andmakeitshineintheduskofdarkness,andambiguityofconfusion!O Allah, enliven by it the dead hearts, unite by it the separate desires and different opinions,
establishbyittheannulledpenaltiesandneglectedrulings,satiatebyitthehungrystomachs,relievebyittheweakandtiredbodies,asYoumadeusmentionit,andputintoourmindYoursupplicating,madeussuccessfulincallingforit,andkeepingthepeopleofignoranceawayfromit,houseinourheartsitslove,andeagernesstoit,andexpectingittoestablishitsceremonies!OAllah,giveuscompletecertaintyabout it,OYou, theAchieverofgoodwills, theAttainerof
delayed hopes. O Allah, refute the fabricators who fabricate against You in it, and confute thesuspicionsofthedesperateofYourmercyanddesperateofit!OAllah,makeusameansofitsmeans,afigureofitsfigures,afortofitsforts,andbrightenour
faceswithitsbrightness,honorusbyitssupport,andmakeourintentiongood…OAllah,Youhavemade us knowour selves, and see our defects thatwe fear not to be able to
respondtoYou,whileYoufavorthosewhodonotdeserveit,andbestowonrequestersbeforetheyrequest,sogiveusduetoYourgenerosityandfavor,forYoudowhatYoulike,anddetermineasYouwant,andwehaveresortedtoYou,andrepentedofoursins.OAllah,…andthecallerforYou,thedoerofjusticefromYourpeople,thepoortoYourmercy,
andtheneedyofYourhelponYourobedience…Youhavegivenhimyourblessing,dressedhimwiththedressesofYourhonor, thrownonhimthe loveofYourobedience, fixedhis love in thehearts,madehimsuccessfultodoYourcommandthatthepeopleofhistimeareindifferentof,madehimaresortofthewrongedofYourpeople,andasupporttothosewhodonotfindasupportersaveYou,andarestorerofwhathasbeenannulledoftheverdictsofYourBook,andabuilderofwhathasbeenruinedofthelawsofYourreligion,andtherulingsofYourProphet,Yourblessing,peace,andmercybeonhimandonhisprogeny.OAllah,makehimsafefromtheplottingofenemies…andtakehimtothe best thatYou have taken the doers ofYour justice from among the successors of prophets.OAllah,degradebyhimwhoeverdoesnotturnbacktoYourlove,andwhoeverbearsenmityagainsthim, and shoot byYourdeadly stonewhoever incites againstYour religionbydegradinghimandscatteringhispower…OAllah,ashehasmadehimselfatargettothefarforthesakeofYou,andsacrificedhissoulto
defend thebelievers, and resist theevilof suspiciousapostatesuntilhe shall remove the spreadofdisobediences, and show what Ulema[scholars] have left behind their backs, whereas they havecovenantedtodeclareitforpeopleandnottoconcealit,andheshallcallfortheobedienceofYoualone,withoutascribingapartnertoYoufromYourcreationthathiscommandmaybeoverYours…OAllah,assisthimbyYourvictory,enablehiminwhatheisunablein,increasehispowerfromYourassistance…OAllah,honorhimwith thedoingofYour command to see the standingofReckoningas it is,
delight Your Prophet (Your blessings be on him) by seeing him andwhoever follows him in hismission,rewardhimwiththebestfordoingYourcommand,takehimclosertoYouinhislife,andpityourwretchedness…OAllah,makehimsafefromwhatisfearedforhim,driveawayfromhimthearrowsofplottingthatthepeopleofgrudgethrowathim,andattheparticipantinhismatter,andhisassistantson theobedienceofAllahwhomYouhavemadeashis fort, resort,andcomfort,andwho leave their families and children and country, give up comfortable beds and ease, stop theirtrades,harmtheirlivings…andrejectedthetransientpleasuresofthisworld.OAllah,keeptheminYoursafetyandprotection,defendthemagainstwhoeverhasenmityagainstthemfromYourpeople,suffice them and provide them with Your help, assistance, and victory. Defeat, by their right, thefalseness of whoever wants to put out Your light. O Allah, fill by them every horizon and everycountrywithjustice,fairness,mercy,andvirtue,andthankthemduetoYourgenerosityandbountywithwhatYouhavebestowedon the doers of justice fromYour people, and saved for them fromYour reward thatmight raise in degrees. You dowhateverYou like, and determinewhateverYouwant…[406]
OppressionandTyrannyofViziers
MostviziersoftheAbbasidrulersweretyrannicalandoppressive.Theyweredisdainfulofpeople
andwereexcessive insubjugatingandharming them.Onedayduring the reignofal-Muntasir,hisvizierAhmadbinal-Khasibwentoutridingonahorse.Somemanapproachedhimcomplaining,andhe(thevizier)tookhislegoutofthestirrupandkickedthemaninhischestandkilledhim.[407]MuhammadbinAbdulMalik,thevizierofal-Wathiq,madeanovenandputnailsintoittotorture
peopleinit.[408]Inadditiontothat,theviziersembezzledthewealthofthestate.UthamanbinImarah,whowasthe
waliofSajistanduringthereignofHarunar-Rashid,wasputintoprisonforfivethousanddirhams.ThoseviziersjustimitatedtheirmasterstheAbbasidkingswhoextortedthewealthofMuslimsand
lefttheminterriblepoverty.Historianssay,‘Al-Mansurtookfrompeopleuntilheleftnothingwiththem.Whathehadtakenfromthemwasabouteighthundredmilliondirhams.[409]
InternalRevolts
ItwasnaturalfortheMuslimpeoplestostruggleandrebelagainst theAbbasidgovernmentsthat
ruledunjustlyandappropriatedthewealthandtheeconomicalpowersofthosepeoples.Manylocalrevolts took place aiming at getting rid of enslavement, oppression, and persecution. Here wemention some of those revolts to prove our saying that the political life at that agewas unstable,confused,andlackingsecurity.
TheRevoltofYahya
The great martyr Yahya bin Umar at-Talibi rebelled against the Abbasid rule calling for the
achievementofsocialjusticeandthedistributionofMuslims’wealthamongthepoorandtheneedy.The deprived and all other classes of people joined him because of his real and true aims ofimprovingthegenerallifeofthenation.HeoccupiedKufaandsetfreeallthewrongedandoppressedpeoplefromitsprisons.However, lateron, theAbbasidgovernmentwasabletoovercomeandkillhim.HisheadwastakentoMuhammadbinAbdullahbinTahironeofthetyrantsofthatagewhotookthe head to the tyrant caliph al-Musta’een. The head was hung in Samarra’ to be as a lesson forwhoevermightthinktorebel.OpportunistswenttoMuhammadbinAbdullahbinTahircongratulatinghimonthatvictory!AbuHashimal-Ja’fariaswellwenttothisemirbutsaidtohim,‘Oemir,youarebeingcongratulatedonthekillingofamanthatifthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)wasalive,hewouldbeconsoledon.’All present people became silent and no one answered him with anything.[401] He left angrily
whilerecitingthefollowing:“OFamilyofTahir,eatitharmfully,forthefleshoftheProphetisnotedible.ArevengesuchthatitsseekerisAllah,Definitelywillbetaken.”ThekillingofYahyawasoneofthedisastersthatafflictedMuslimsatthatageandcausedagreat
loss.Poetscomposedmanypoemselegizingthisgreatrevolutionaryleader.
TheRevoltofTheNegroes
FromtherevoltsthatdazedtheAbbasidsinthatagewastherevoltoftheNegroesledbyAlibin
Abdurrahim from bani Abdul Qays who claimed that he was Alawid. He claimed that his lineagebelonged to the eternalmartyr Zayd binAli bin al-Husayn, so that the publicmight join him andsupporthisrevolt.Anyhow,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)deniedtheclaimsofAlibinMuhammadtheleaderofthisrevoltandsaid,‘Theman(leader)oftheNegroesisnotfromustheAhlulBayt(a.s).[411]Thedetailsofthisrevolthavementionedinallbooksofhistory.
TheRevoltofSham[412]
Al-Mutawakkil appointed awolf fromamonghis agents andmercenarieswho turned the lifeof
people there into hell, but then they free rebelled against him and drove him away. When al-Mutawakkil foundout about that, he sent an armyof seven thousandhorsemen and three thousandinfantrymen, and authorized the general leader to ravage Damascus for three days as Yazeed binMo’awiyahaddonetothetownoftheProphet(a.s)Medinabefore.[413]
TheDominationoftheTurksontheRule
From the prominent factors of the political and administrational corruption in the body of the
AbbasidgovernmentattheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasthedominationoftheTurksoverthegovernmentandtheirplayingwiththedestiniesofthestate.TheAbbasidthronewasundertheirwillanddesire.Theyappointedanddeposedwhomevertheyliked.Allconstitutionalauthoritieswerein their hands, and the king was but in name, for he was deprived of all his administrationalauthoritiesandallthingselseexceptamusementandlusts.Al-Mu’tamid was disabled by the Turks to a degree that he was prevented from spending any
moneywhereastheentireworldwasunderhisthrone.TheTurkshadcontrolovereverything.Somepoetsaidaboutal-Musta’eentheAbbasidcaliph,“Acaliphinacage,betweenWaseefandBugha.Hesayswhatevertheysaytohim,Asaparrotdoes.”[414]Whenal-Mu’tazzassumedthecaliphate,someofhiscompanionssentforadivinerandaskedhim
how long the caliphwould sit on the throne and how long hewould live.A humorousman fromamongtheattendantssaid,‘Iknowthat.’Theyaskedhimtotellthemandhesaid,‘ThematterisinthehandsoftheTurks.Theydecidehowlongherulesandhowlonghelives.’Theallburstintolaughter.[415]Notes:[394]Maqatilat-Talibiyeen,p.604.[395]Ibid.,p.615.[396]Qur'an,2:255.[397]Qur'an,18:57.[398]Qur'an,54:23.[399]Qur'an,16:108.[400]Qur'an,17:45-46.[401]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.44-45.[402]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.45.[403]Theunjustruler.[404]Theawaitedsavior.[405]Hemeant by “the truth” the savior whowould rulewith justice, and remove all kinds of
oppression.[406]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.63-67.[407]LecturesontheHistoryoftheIslamicnations,p.270.[408]Al-MahasinwelMasawi’,p.531,al-Fakhri,p.214.[409]Tareekhal-Ya’qubi,vol.3p.125.[410]Maqatilat-Talibiyeen,p.164.[411]Hamish(footnoteormargin)al-KunawelAlqab,vol.2p.402.[412]NowadaysDamascus,but then,Shamencompassed thepresentSyria, Jordan,Lebanonand
Palestine.[413]Mir ’ataz-Zaman,vol.6p.169.
[414]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4p.61.[415]Al-Fakhri,p.181.
13ChapterTheReligiousLife
The religious life at the time of ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) was not sound or straight. It was
confusedandroiledbysomedeviantswhoraisedspuriousargumentsaboutthepureIslamicbeliefs.Some non-Muslim jugglers tried to misguide Muslims and corrupt their beliefs. Imam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)resistedallthoseattemptsandherefutedallthosefabricationsandillusions,andhebroughtoutthepurefaceofIslam.Therewas another phenomenon that appeared in the age of ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.). Some
charlatanfabricatedliesagainstImamAbuMuhammadandhisfather(a.s.)beforehimtocorruptthebeliefsofthefollowersoftheAhlulBayt(a.s),buttheimamcursedhimandorderedhisfollowerstocurseanddisavowhim.
RefutingAl-Kindi
Isaaqal-KindiwasthephilosopherofIraq.Histhoughtspredisposedhimtosomesuspicionabout
theHolyQur'an,andhespreadamongscholarsthathehadwrittenabookcalled“TheContradictionof theQur'an”.Hebusiedhimselfwith thismatter.Thisnewscame to ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whometoneofal-Kindi’sdisciplesandsaidtohim,‘Istherenowisemanamongyoutopreventyourteacheral-KindifromthatwhichhehasbusiedhimselfwithintheQur'an?’Thedisciplesaid,‘Wearehisdisciples.Howisitpossibleforustoobjecttohimwhetherinthis
matterorelse?’ImamAbuMuhammadsaidtohim,‘DoyoutellhimwhatIshallsaytoyou?’Hesaid,‘Yes.’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Gotohim,becourteouswithhim,andshowhimthatyou
will help him inwhat he is in.When he feels comfortablewith you, you say to him, ‘If someonerecitestheQur'an,isitpossiblethathemeansothermeaningsthanwhatyouthinkyouunderstand?’Heshallsaythatit ispossiblebecauseheisamanwhounderstandswhenhelistens.Ifhesaysthat,yousaytohim,“Howdoyouknow?Hemightmeanotherthanthemeaningsthatyouthink,andsohefabricatesotherthanits(theQur'an)meanings…’The disciple went to his teacher al-Kindi and did as the imam told him. Al-Kindi said to his
disciple,‘IadjureyoubyAllahtotellwhereyouhavegotthisfrom!’Thedisciplesaid,‘ItwassomethingthatcametomymindandImentionedittoyou.’Al-Kindi said, ‘No, noone likeyou canget to this.Wouldyou tellmewhereyouhavegot this
from?’Hesaid,‘ImamAbuMuhammadaskedmetosaythat…’Al-Kindisaid,‘Nowyousaythetruth.Thelikeofthiscannotbeexpressed,exceptfromthathouse
(theAhlulBayt)…’Afterthat,al-Kindiburnthisbook.[416]
RefutingAMonk
Once,peoplesufferedfromaterribledrought.Al-Mu’tamid,theAbbasidcaliph,orderedpeopleto
gooutintheopenairforthreedaysinordertooffertheprayerforrain.Theydid,butnorainfelldown.Christians aswellwent outwithwhom therewas amonkwhowhenever stretched his handtowardsthesky,itrained.Hedidthatmanytimesandsomeignorant(Muslims)doubtedtheirreligionandsomeothersapostatized.Thiswashardforal-Mu’tamid.HewenttoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whowas inprison thenand said tohim, ‘Attain to thenationofyourgrandfatherbefore theywillperish!’ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) said tohim, ‘Letpeoplegoout tomorrowand I shall remove their
doubtsinsha’Allah.’Al-Mu’tamidsettheimamfreefromprison,buttheimamaskedhimtosetfreeallhiscompanions
fromprison too, and al-Mu’tamid agreed to his request.On the followingday, peoplewent out tooffertheprayerforrain.Themonkraisedhishandtowardstheskyanditcloudedandrained.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askedhismentocatchthemonkshandandtakewhattherewasinit.Therewasaboneofahumanbeing.The imamtook thebone from themonkandaskedhim topray for rainagain.Themonkraisedhishandstowardsthesky,butcloudsdisappearedandthesunshone.Peoplewereastonished.Al-Mu’tamidaskedImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whatthatthingwasandtheimamsaid,‘Thisisa
bone of one of the prophets that this monk has got in some way or another from some grave.Wheneveraprophet’sboneisexposedunderthesky,itwillrain…’Al-Mu’tamidchecked thatand itwasas the imamsaid.Thensuspicionsanddoubtswererefuted.
[417]
LiarsandFabricators
Liarsand fabricatorswerenot fewat that time,and thiswasanotherplagueof thatage. Itwasa
resultofweakfaith.FromthemostfamousfabricatorswasUrwahbinYahyaad-Dihqanal-Baghdadiwho fabricated lies against Imam Abul Hasan Ali bin Muhammad al-Hadi (a.s.) and Imam AbuMuhammad al-Hasan bin Ali (a.s.) after him. He embezzled the monies that came to Imam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)fromhisfollowers.Theimamcursedhimandorderedhisfollowerstocurseanddisavowhimlesthewoulddestroytheirbeliefs.[418]
AmusementandDiversion
Amusement,singing,dancing,andallkindsofdiversionwerewidespreadintheageofImamAbu
Muhammad(a.s.).BaghdadandSamarra’werefullofdebaucheryandvices.ItwastheAbbasidkingswholedthesocietytothiscorruption.Theysubmittedtotheirlustsanddesires,andtheirrednightswerefullofallkindsofvicesandsins.Al-Mahdi, theAbbasid king,was the firstwhoopened the door ofmusic, singing, dancing, and
drinkingfortheotherAbbasidkings.HewasfondofasongstresscalledJawhar.[419]As forHarunar-Rashid,hewas famous forhis indulging in amusement and singing.Hisnights
were fullofallkindsofmusic, singing,dancing,anddrinking.Hewas fondofabondmaidcalledThatulKhal.Once,hesworeforherthathewouldcarryouteverythingsheaskedhimfor.SheaskedhimtoappointsomemaninchargeofwarandkharajinPersiaforsevenyears.Hedidthatandwroteacovenantandmadeaconditionfor theheirapparent tocarry thatoutafterhim if itcouldnotbedoneinhislife.[420]Al-Ma’mun, who was said to bemoderate in conduct, spent many of his nights in singing and
playing.HewasfondofabondmaidcalledUrayb,andheoftencomposedpoetryabouther.Al-Mutawakkil, who was contemporary with Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.), was immature,
followingafterhis lustsanddesires.Hewas themostdissolutekingamongtheAbbasids.Weshalltalkaboutthisandotherthingswhenweshalltalkabouthislifeinacomingchapter.Notes:[416]Al-Manaqib,vol.4p.424.[417]Jawharatal-Kalam,p.154,Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117.[418]Rijalal-Kashshi,p.353.[419]Al-Bayanwet-Tebyeen,vol.3p.370-371.[420]Al-Aghani,vol.19p.116.
14ChapterTheKingsintheAgeoftheImam
Weshouldhaveashortbreaktotalk-inbrief-aboutthekingswhomImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)
wascontemporarywith,andgiveapictureabouttheirconductsandthemisfortunes,anddistressestheimamsufferedundertheirreigns.
Al-Mutawakkil
Al-Mutawakkil son al-Mu’tasim assumed the rule in 232 AH.[421] In the same year ImamAbu
Muhammad(a.s.)wasborn.[422]Whenal-Mutawakkilassumedtherule,peoplewereafflictedwithanaturaldisasterthattheyhadneverseenbefore.AsimoomblewinIraq,anddestroyedtheplantsofBasra,Kufa, andBaghdadandkilledmany travelers. It lasted for fiftydaysand reachedHamadan,Mosul, and Sanjar. It destroyed plants and cattle, prevented people from dealing in markets andwalkinginstreets,andkilledalargenumberofpeople.[423]ItmightbeawarningfromtheHeavensontheevilomenofthereignofthisking.Whenal-Mutawakkilwaspaidhomageasking,UbaydillahbinTahirgavehimasapresentfourhundredbondmaidsattheheadofwhomwasMahbubahwhomal-Mutawakkilbecameveryfondof.[424]
HisCharacteristics
Al-Mutawakkil lived a life of frivolity with no tendency to seriousness. His life was full ofamusementandjoking.Historianssay,‘Noplay,joking,orclowningappearedinthemeetingsoftheAbbasidcaliphsbeforeal-Mutawakkil.Whenal-Mutawakkilassumedtherule,hebroughtall thattohismeeting and thenmost of the upper class imitated him in that.[425]He brought imitators,whoimitatedthegesturesandvoicesofsomepeopleanddidcomicacts,inhismeeting.[426]Hewasveryinterestedinpleasuresanddrinking.[427]BananandZanamweretwoboyservantsof
his.Theywereskilledinplayingandsinging.Oneplayedtheluteandtheotherblewthepipe.Hedidnotdrinkexceptwiththeirplaying.[428]Hisretinuecurriedfavorswithhimbygivinghimasapresentbeautifulbondmaidsandmatured
wines because he was exceesingly fond of both. Once, al-Fath bin Khaqan gave him, after herecoveredfromillness,averybeautifulbondmaid,agoldcup,acrystalvatfullofwine,andapieceof paper having written in it some verses of poetry. Al-Mutawakkil admired that. Youhannah binMaswayh, his special physician, said to him, ‘O Ameerul Mu’minin, by Allah, al-Fath is morecurativethanme.Donotopposewhatheadvisedyouof!’[429]Hewaspreoccupiedwithsexuallife.Historianssaythathehadfivethousandconcubinesandthat
hehadsleptwithallofthem.Abdsaid,‘ByAllah,ifal-Mutawakkilwasnotkilled,hewouldnotlivelongerbecauseoftheabundanceofhissexualintercourses.’[430]Hewasvery fondofbeautifulbondmaidsandof talkingwith them.He lovedabondmaidcalled
Qabihah.HesaidtoAlibinal-Jahm,‘Oneday,IwenttoQabihaandsawthatshehadwrittenmynamewiththeghaliyah(akindofperfume)onhercheek.ByAllah,Ihavenotseenathingmorebeautifulthantheblackofthatghaliyahonthewhiteofthatcheek.Wouldyoupleasecomposesomeversesonthat?’Once,hebecameangryathisbondmaidMahbubahandleftheraloneforsometime.Hesawinsleepthatshemadepeacewithhim.Hesentoneofhisservantstoseewhatthematterwithherwas.Theservantcamebacktellinghimthatshewassittingsinging.Heandhisservantwenttolistentohersinging.Shewassingingsomeversesofpoetrywhichpleasedhim.Whenshefelthim,shecameandtoldhimthatshesawinsleepthathecameandmadepeacewithherandsosherecitedthispoetry.Al-Mutawakkilandhisbondmaidwenttogethertodrink.Hegavehiscompanionsgoodpresentsontheoccasion.[431]Al-Mutawakkil committed vices openly and he did not feel shy before people. Once, he played
backgammonwithhisvizieral-FathbinKhaqan.JudgeAhmadbinDawudaskedpermissiontocomein toal-Mutawakkil.Al-Fathwanted tohide thebackgammonbutal-Mutawakkilpreventedhimandsaid,‘DoIdosomethingbeforeAllahandconcealitfromHispeople?’[432]HewasrecklessanddidnotfearAllah.Hiscompanionsplayedchessbeforehim,[433]andifthey
knew that it displeased him, theywould not dare to do that.His recklessness and committing viceswereknowntoallpeople.HeaskedhiswifeReetahbintal-Anbastounveilherselfandtobraidherhairlikeboysdid,andwhensherefused,hedivorcedher.[434]Allpeopletalkedaboutthat,buthewasindifferenttoanycriticism.Fromhisothercharacteristics
werehaughtinessandprideespeciallyonhis lastdayswhenhis rulebecameconstantand firm.Hewasdespotic,proud,andhaughtytowardspeople.[435]He despised al-Buhturi, the emir of poets at that time, who praised him in his poems. Al-
Mutawakkil incitedAbulAnbastoharmanddisgraceal-Buhturiwhoranawaysaying,‘Knowledgehasbeenlostandliteraturehasperished.’[436]
HisEnmityTowardsTheAlawids
Al-Mutawakkil’sheartwasfullofenmityandspiteagainsttheProphet’sprogeny.Hetriedhisbest
to exhaust them.Theymetmanymisfortunes and distresses during his reign that they did notmetfrom the unjust rulers before him. He imposed an economic blockade on them and officiallyprohibitedanyformofassistancetothem.Wheneverhewasinformedthatsomeonehelpedthem,heseverely punished him and imposed a heavy fine on him.[437] People refrained from helping orassociatingwiththeAlawidsforfearoftheseverepunishmentofthistyrant.The economicblockadeharmed theAlawids and exhausted them to a degree that onedresswas
usedbysomewomenofthem.Oneofthemworeitandofferedtheprayerandthenanotheroneandsoon.Theyalwayspatchedit.Theysatattheirspindleseminakedwithunveiledheads,[438]whereasthe tyrant al-Mutawakkil spent on his red nightsmillions of dinars, and donated,withoutmeasure,thousands to singers, drinking companions, and effeminates, but prevented the progeny of themessenger ofAllah (a.s.) from receiving their rights and legal dues until hemade thempoor andwretched.Besides, hemade all themedia in his government defame and degrade theAlawids.Mercenary
poets,likeMarwanbinAbulJanub,dispraisedtheAlawidsandpreferredtheoppressorsandtyrantstothem.Al-MutawakkilgiftedthosepoetswithgoldandsilvertogofurtherindefamingtheAlawids,thinkingthattheseprocedureswouldtakeMuslimsawayfromtheprogenyoftheirprophet(a.s.).Hewasbadlymistakeninthat,forthatmadepeoplebelievemorethattheAhlulBayt(a.s)weretherealleadersofthenation.Allclassesofpeopleglorifiedandhighlyregardedthem.Theypreferredthemtoallotherpeople.Al-Mutawakkil bore hatred and spite against Imam Ali (a.s.). He rejected him and declared his
hatredanddespisetowardshimopenly.HemadeoneofhiseffeminateservantsdanceandcomparehimselftoImamAli(a.s.).Thisuglydoingprovokedal-Muntasir,al-Mutawakkil’sson,andmadehimkillhisfather.Al-Mutawakkilwas full of ragewhenever he heard or saw crowds of people visit the shrine of
Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) the master of the youth of Paradise, whereas the graves of his (al-Mutawakkil’s) fathers and their cousins theUmayyads turned intodunghills indark,drearyplaces,which became resorts for beasts. Those graves, with their misery and gloominess, spoke of theoppressionandviolenceoftheirinhabitantsagainstMuslims.Historianssay that thereason,whichmadeal-Mutawakkildestroy theholyshrine,was thatsome
songstresssenthimhermaidsbeforeheassumedtheruletosingforhimwhenhedrank,andwhenhebecamethecaliph,hesentforhertosendhimasongstressbutshewasnotthere.ItwassaidtohimthatshehadgonetovisittheholytombofImamal-Husayn(a.s.).ShewasinformedofthatwhileshewasinKerbala.ShehurriedbacktoBaghdadandsental-Mutawakkiloneofhermaids.Heaskedthemaidwheretheywereandshesaid,‘Myladywenttoperformthehajj(pilgrimage)andtookuswithher.’ Itwas themonth of Sha’ban.Al-Mutawakkilwas astonished and said to her, ‘Where did youperformthehajjinSha’ban?’Shesaid,‘Tothetombofal-Husayn.’ThetyrantwasalarmedandangrywhenheheardthatthepilgrimagewastotheholytombofImam
al-Husayn (a.s.). He arrested the lady of themaid and confiscated all her wealth, and ordered hisofficials todestroy the tomb.They refused insistently todestroy the tombof thegrandsonof theirProphet. Then, al-Mutawakkil asked some Jews, headed by ad-Dayzaj, to destroy the tomb. Theyrespondedtohimanddestroyedtheholytombin237AH,[439]anddestroyedallbuildingsaroundthetomb. They plowed the land around the tomb and made water flow over the land,[440]but waterflowedaround the tombwithout reaching it; therefore, itwascalledal-Ha’ir.Apleasant smellwasemittedfromthetomb,thelikeofwhichpeoplehadneversmeltbefore.[441]AnomadfrombaniAsadgot thehonorofvisitingtheholytombafter ithadbeendestroyed.He
begansmellingtheearthsothatitmightguidehimtotheholytomb.Whenhetookahandfulofearth,smelt it, and found it emittingaverypleasant smell.Hecriedandaddressed Imamal-Husayn (a.s.)saying,‘Maymyfatherandmotherdieforyou!Howfineyouare!Howfineyourtombis,andhowfineyourearthis!’Thenherecitedthefollowingverse,“Theywantedtohidehistombfromhiscompanion,butthefinesmellofthetomb’searthguidedtothetomb.”Muslimscomplainedofal-Mutawakkilandabusedhimintheirsocietiesandmeetings,andprayed
Allah against him in their prayers. They wrote curses against him on mosques and walls. Thefollowing verses, which were composed by a poet who concealed his name for fear of thegovernment, though itwasascribed to ibnas-Sikkitoral-Bastami,[442]werememorizedbypeopleandspreadamongallclassesofsociety:“ByAllah,iftheUmayyadshadkilledtheson[443]oftheProphetunjustly,hiscousins[444]didthesame;hereishistombdestroyed!Theyfeltsorrythattheydidnotparticipateinkillinghim,Sotheychasedhiminthegrave.’[455]Kingdomscomeandgo,butal-Husayn(a.s.)withhismentionandshrineremainsasashiningstar
intheskyoftheArabsandMuslimsforhehasoccupiedtheheartsofMuslimsandhisloveflowedintheirveins,whereasal-Mutawakkilandhis likesarechasedby thecurse,wrath,andpunishmentofAllah.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasintheprimeofyouthandheheardabouttheunjustdecisionthat
al-Mutawakkilhadtakenagainsttheshrineofhisgrandfather,andabouttheseverepunishmentsthevisitors of the shrine faced from al-Mutawakkil. Surely these procedures caused him pains anddistresses.
WithImamAl-Hadi
Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) was the master of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s) at that age. All the nation regarded,
glorified,andpreferredhim,duetohisknowledge,piety,andvirtues,toallothers,andapartofthenation believed in his imamate.Al-Mutawakkil could not bear to see a great personality from hisenemies, theAlawids, intheMuslimnation,whomallpeopletalkedhighlyaboutandwhosetalentsandintelligencewerementionedinallmeetings.Mercenaries, opportunists, and the government agents began spreading lies against the imam
sayingthatgreatmoniesweresenttohim,andthathehaddeterminedtorevoltagainsttheAbbasidrule.Al-Mutawakkilbecamesoupsetandangry.HeorderedhismentobringImamal-Hadi(a.s.)toSamarra’thecapitaloftheAbbasidstateatthattime.Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)andhisfamilywerebroughtfromMedinatoSamarra’.Al-MutawakkilimposedhousearrestontheimamanddidnotlethimleaveSamrra’aftersurroundinghishousewithdetectivesandpolicementowatchallhisactivities,andtopreventtheShi’afromcommunicatingwithhim.Aftersometime,al-Mutawakkilimposedaneconomicblockadeontheimamandhisfamilysothat
nomoneycametohimfromhisfollowersexceptafterhardefforts.TheShi’afollowedallwaysandmeanstotakemoneytotheimam.Oneofthosemeanswasthattheypretendedtoselloil,andinsidethebottlesofoiltheysoldtotheImam,theyconcealedmoney.Somevillainwenttoal-MutawakkilandinformedhimaboutImamal-Hadi(a.s.)falselyclaiming
that he had books, arms, and monies and that he might revolt against the government of al-Mutawakkil,whobecameworriedandterrifieduponhearingso.Al-MutawakkilorderedsomeofhisTurkpolicementoattackthehouseofImamal-Hadi(a.s.)inthenightandarresthim. They attacked Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) unexpectedly and found him in a simple house wearing a
garmentofwoolandtherewasnothingbetweenhimandthegroundsaveacarpetofsandandpebbleswhilefacingtheqiblaandrecitingthissayingofAllah,(Nay!dothosewhohavewroughtevildeedsthinkthatWewillmakethemlikethosewhobelieveanddogoodthattheirlifeandtheirdeathshallbeequal?Baditisthattheyjudge).[446]Theytookhimtoal-Mutawakkilwhilehewasinthatstate[447]thatrepresentedtheasceticismof
prophets and spirituality of apostles. Al-Mutawakkil was drunk at the table ofwine.When he sawImamal-Hadi(a.s.),heofferedhimaglassofwine,butImamal-Hadi(a.s.)shoutedathim,‘ByAllah,ithasnevermixedwithmybloodandfleshatall.’Al-Mutawakkilaskedtheimam,‘Recitemesomepoetry!’Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)said,‘Iseldomrecitepoetry.’Al-Mutawakkilinsistedonhimsaying,‘Youmustrecitemesomepoetry!’Imamal-Hadi(a.s.) foundhimselfobliged torecitesomepoetry,andsoherecited thefollowing
versesthatchangedtheecstasyofal-Mutawakkilintosorrowandweeping,“Theywereonthetopsofmountains,guardedbystrong,bravemen,butthosetopssufficedthemnot.
Afterglory,theyweretakendownfromtheirpositions,andputintoholes.Howbadanabodetheydweltin!Acriercalledthemafterbeingburied:Wherearethethrones,crowns,andtreasures?Wherearethefacesthatwereateaseandluxury,thatcurtainsandscreenswereputbeforethem?Thegraveshowedthosefaceswherewormswerefightingonthem.Howlongtheyateanddrank!Butafterthatlongeating,theywereeaten!”Al-Mutawakkilwas shakenand intoxication flew fromhishead.Hebegancrying incontrollably.
TheattendantsinthemeetingfearedforImamal-Hadi(a.s.)thatal-Mutawakkilmightassaulthimandtheythoughtthatal-Mutawakkilwouldtakerevengeonhim.Al-Mutawakkilorderedhismentotaketheglassesofwineawayfromthemeeting.Heturnedtothe
pureImam(a.s.)andsaidtohimreverently,‘OAbulHasan,areyouindebt?’Imamal-Hadi(a.s.)said,‘Yes,fourthousanddinars.’Al-Mutawakkilorderedfour thousanddinars tobegiventoImamal-Hadi(a.s.).Hereturnedhim
backtohishousewithrespectandhonor.[448]ThiseventshowedthejihadofImamal-Hadi(a.s.)andhisfixedsituationtowardsthattyrant.Hedid
notcareforhisruleandpower.HepreachedandwarnedhimofthepunishmentofAllahandsaidtohim(throughpoetry)thathewoulddieandneitherhisarmiesnorhisauthoritywouldsavehimfromdeath,andthathisdelicatebodywouldbefoodforwormsinthegrave.Certainly,al-Mutawakkilhadnever heard such preaching before. Instead, he filled his ears with the voices of songsters andsongstresses.Finally,deathcametohimwhilehewasbetweenmusiciansandcupsofwine.Anyhow,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sawwhathappenedtohisfatherfromal-Mutawakkil.
TheDeathofAl-Mutawakkil
Al-Mutawakkil and his vizier al-Fath bin Khaqan were killed after a plot concluded by al-
Mutawakkil’ssonal-Muntasir,Waseef,andBughatheTurks.Theyattackedhiminthenightandcuthimandhisvizierby theirswords intopiecesso thathis fleshcouldnotbedistinguishedfromhisvizier ’s.Al-Mutawakkilwaskilledandablackpageofdebauchery,diversion,corruption,andoppression
wasfolded,andpeoplecouldbreathefreelyforashorttime.
TheReignofAl-Muntasir
Al-Muntasir assumed the rule after the coup he led against his father.TheShi’a felt delight and
joyfulafterthenightmareofoppressiondisappeared.Al-Muntasirfollowedarightly,fairpolicytowards theAlawidsandtheShi’a.Fromthegoodhe
did to theAlawidswere that he returned Fadak[449] to theAlawids, cancelled the interdict on theentailsof theAlawidsandgave thoseback to them,deposed thewaliofYathribSalihbinAli,whotreatedtheAlawidsbadly,andappointedAlibinal-Hasaninsteadofhim.HeorderedhimtotreattheAlawidskindlyanddogood to them.Hegavehimsomemoneytodistribute itamongtheAlawidsandamonghisfamilyaccordingtotheirranks.Al-MuntasirpermittedMuslimstovisit thetombofImam al-Husayn (a.s.) after al-Mutawakkil had forbidden that and decreed severe penalties againstwhoevervisitedthatholytomb.Poets praised al-Muntasir in their poems and people appreciated his favors and good situations
towardstheAlawids.Thisnobleman,whorefreshedtheheartsoftheAlawids,didnotlivelong.Deathcameoverhimin
thebeginningofhisrule.Mostofhistorianssaidhedidnotdieanaturaldeathbuthewaspoisoned.The Turks assassinated him fearing that hemight kill them and do awaywith their influence anddominationovertheIslamicnation.TheTurksbribedhisphysicianibnTayfurbygivinghimthirtythousanddinarstoassassinatehim.
Al-Muntasirwasillandthephysicianadvisedtobleedhim.Hebledhimwithapoisonedbladeandhediedsoon.[450]HediedonSaturday,thefourthofRabee’ath-Thani,[451]248AHandwasburiedinal-Jawsaq.[452]Byhisdeath,people lostmuch. Itwashewhodestroyedhis father ’s throne,whichwasbasedonoppressionandtyranny,andenmitytowardstheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s).ThebooksofhistoryathanddidnotmentionanymeetingoreventthattookplacebetweenImam
AbuMuhammad(a.s.)andal-Muntasir.ThecertainthingisthattheImam(a.s.)wasdelightedforal-Muntasir ’s procedures towards theAlawids that returned to them safety and settlementwhich theymissed during the reign of al-Mutawakkil. People, especially the Shi’a,were refreshed during hisreign,thoughitwasveryshort.
TheReignofAl-Musta’een
After thedeathofal-Muntasir,al-Musta’eenassumed the ruleonSunday, the fifthofRabee’ath-
Thaniintheyear248AH.HewasasapuppetcontrolledbytheTurks.Hehadnopoliticalinfluenceoverthebodyofhisgovernment.Oneofthepoetsremarkedonthat,“AcaliphinacagebetweenWaseefandBugha,hesayswhattheybothsaytohimasaparrotdoes.”[453]Al-Musta’eenbeforetheTurkswasasacorpseinawasher ’shands.Hehadnopowerorauthority.
The statewas run by theTurkswhile hewas busywith lusts, pleasures, drinking, and listening tosinging.
HisSpiteTowardsTheImam
Al-Musta’eenbitterlyhated ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).The followingare someof the reasons
thatwerebehindhisgrudgetowardstheimam:First,people,intheirmeetings,alwaystalkedabouttheimam’shighposition,talents,andintellect.
Besides that, a good part of the nation believed in his imamate and followed him, whereas al-Musta’een,thoughhewasthecaliph,hadnorespectorvaluenearMuslims.Second,mercenariesandagentsofthegovernmentoftenflatteredtherulersbyfalselyinforming
againsttheimam,claimingthatgreatmoniescametohimfromtheShi’aandthathemightriseinaviolentrevoltagainsttheAbbasidrule.Thismadeal-Musta’eenfeartheimam.Third,fromthereasonsthatmadeal-Muta’eenbearagrudgeagainstImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)
washisfearofhis(theimam’s)son,theawaitedimam(a.s.)whomtheProphet(a.s)hadbroughtgoodnewsabout.Manytruetraditionssaidthatitwashewhowouldrepairreligion,doawaywithinjusticeandoppression,andrelievetheoppressedandthewronged.TheheartsoftheAbbasidswerefulloffear from him thinking that he would do away with their rule, and therefore they bore a grudgeagainstImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Theyputhimunderstrictobservationandsentwomentospyonthebirthoftheawaitedimaminordertoarresthim.
ArrestingTheImam
Al-Musta’eengaveordertohispolicementoarrestImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hewasarrested
andputintotheprisonofAlibinAwtamishwhowasfromthebitterestenemiesoftheprogenyofAbuTalib.The authority insisted on this jailer to harmandpress the imam, but hewas affected by theimam.Hechangedandhisgrudgetowardstheimamwasremovedfromhisheart.Heputhischeekonthe ground out of humbleness to the imam, and did not raise his eyes before the imam out ofglorification and respect. He turned to be one of the best people in thought and faith towards theimam.[454]‘Isabinal-FathwasinprisonwithImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidto
him,‘O‘Isa,youaresixty-fiveyearsandamonthandtwodaysold.’‘Isawasastonished.Hereviewedhisbirthdate inabookwithhimandfounditwasas theimam
told.Thentheimamasked‘Isaifhehadasonandhesaidhehadnot.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)prayedAllahforhimsaying,‘OAllah,givehimasontobeasupport
forhim.Thebestofsupportasonis…’‘Isasaid,‘Omymaster,andyou?Doyouhaveason?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘ByAllah,Ishallhaveasonwhowillfilltheearthwithjustice
andfairness,butnotnow.’[455]
FearofTheShi’a
ThefrighteningnewsoftheimprisonmentofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)reachedallmilieusof
Muslims,whoreactedinsorrowanddesiredtotakerevengeagainsttheAbbasids.TheTwelverShi’a,whobelievedintheimamateofAbuMuhammad(a.s.),wereshockedaftertheywereinformedthatal-Musta’eenhaddeterminedtokilltheirimambyorderinghischamberlain,Sa’eed,totaketheimamtoKufaandassassinatehimontheway.Muhammad bin Abdullah and al-Haytham bin Subabahwrote a letter to ImamAbuMuhammad
(a.s.)saying,‘Maywedieforyou!Wehaveheardnewsthatworriedanddistressedus…’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)calmedthemdownandtoldthemthatnofearshouldbeonhimand
thathisoppressiveenemy(al-Musta’een)wouldbedeposedafterthreedays.Itwasashesaid.[456]AmrbinMuhammadbinRayyan said, ‘Once, Iwent toAbuAhmadbinAbdullah binTahir and
foundinhishandtheletterofAbuMuhammad(a.s.)writteninit:“IprayedtoAllahagainstthistyrant(al-Musta’een)totakehimafterthree(days).’Onthethirdday,theTurksdeposedhim.[457]
TheDepositionofAl-Musta’een
TheTurkssnubbedal-Musta’eenandfearedhim.Oneday,hesetouttowardsBaghdad.TheTurks
sentforhimaskinghimtoreturntoSamarra’.HerefusedandwentontoBaghdad.Theydeposedhimandtookal-Mu’tazzoutofprisonandpaidhimhomageasthecaliph.TheypreparedagreatarmytooccupyBaghdad.Thetwoarmiesmetandbothsidessufferedgreatlossesbutthewarcontinued.Atlast,theyagreedthatal-Musta’eenshouldannouncehisresigningandgivethecaliphatetoal-Mu’tazzoncertainconditionsthattheybothagreedupon.Al-Musta’eenhandedthecaliphateovertoal-Mu’tazz,whodidnotobservetheconditionsrequired
fromhimandheputal-Musta’eenintheprisonofWasit.Heremainedforninemonthsinthatprison.The Turks felt fear of al-Musta’een although he was in prison. They took him out of prison andbroughthimtoSamarra’.Al-Mu’tazzaskedhischamberlainSa’eedtokillhimandhedid.[458]Theauthorofal-Fakhrisaidhewasweakinmind,reason,andadministration,andthatseveralseditionshappenedduringhisreignandhisstatewasfulloftroublesandconfusion.[459]
TheReignofAl-Mu’tazz
Hewasaz-ZubayrsonofJa’faral-Mutawakkil.Heassumedtherulewhilehewasintheprimeof
youth.Hewasexperiencedneitherinpoliticsnorinadministration.TheTurksappointedhimaskingtobe,asabridgeforthemtopassacrossinordertoachievetheiraimsandwishes.Hehadnowilloroption.He inherited from his fathers that enmity towards the Ahlul Bayt (a.s). He hated Imam Abu
Muhammad(a.s.).Once,hetriedtokillhimbuthefailed.HeaskedSa’eedthechamberlaintotaketheimam to thepalaceof ibnHubayrahandassassinatehim there,butAllah saved the imam[460]aftersomeeventstookplacethatmadethembusyanddivertedtheirattentionfromtheimam.Al-Mu’tazzorderedhismentoarresttheimamandputhimintoprison,forhecouldnotbearto
hearallpeopletalkabouthisvirtues,vastknowledge,andpiety;besidesthat,theimamwasalsothefather of the awaited imam who would remove oppression and injustice and do away with thegovernmentsoftheoppressive.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)becameunabletobeartheoppressionofal-Mu’tazzanymore,andso
heprayedAllahtosavehimfromtheevilsofthistyrant,andAllahrespondedtohimafternotlong.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)hadtoldhisfollowersaboutthedepositionofal-Mu’tazzbeforeittookplace.HerepliedtoAbulHaythambinSubabahsaying,‘Afterthree(days)deliveranceshallcometoyou.’Onthethirdday,al-Mu’tazzwasdeposed.[461]
TheDepositionofAl-Mu’tazz
After the prayer of ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.),Allah took revenge on al-Mu’tazz. SomeTurk
leadersaskedal-Mu’tazztogivethemtheirsalaries,buttherewasnothinginthetreasury.Al-Mu’tazzwenttohismother,whowasverywealthy,possessingmillionsofdinars,butsherefusedtogivehimany.WhentheTurksbecamedesperateaboutgettingtheirsalaries,theyattackedal-Mu’tazz.Theydrewhimbyhisleg,stunghimwithpins,andstoodhimunderthesunonaveryhotsummer
daysayingtohim,‘Deposeyourself!’Then,theybroughtthejudgeofBaghdadandsomeprominentmen and announced his deposition. Five nights after his deposition, the Turks took him to thebathroom.Afterwashing,hefeltthirsty.Theydidnotgivehimwaterforaperiod,andthentheygavehimicywaterandhedied.[462]ThemenofSalihbinWaseeffollowedafterQabihah,motherofal-Mu’tazz,andtookhermoney
that was about five hundred thousand dinars. They found wardrobes of her under the groundcontaininglargeamountsofmoney.Theyfoundonemillionandthreehundredthousanddinarsinanundergroundroom.Theyfoundaquantityofemeraldsinabasket,largepearlsinanother,andrubiesinathird.AllthiswealthwastakentoSalihbinWaseef.Heabusedherandsaid,‘Sheexposedhersontokillingforfiftythousanddinarswhileshehadallthiswealth!’[463]
TheReignofAl-Muhtadi
After the deposition of al-Mu’tazz by theTurks, al-Muhtadi,whowas thirty-seven years of age,
assumed the rule.[464]He, likehis fathers,boreagrudge towards ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) andafflictedhimwithdistressesandpains.Heorderedhismen toarrest the imamandputhimintoprison.Hedetermined tokillhimashe
determinedtoannihilatealltheShi’a.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)remainedforsomedaysinprison,whereAbuHashimwaswithhim.HesaidtoAbuHashim,‘OAbuHashim,thistyrantwantedtokillmethisnight,butAllahhascuthisold.IhavenosonbutAllahwillgivemeason.[465]Some of the imam’s followers wrote to him, “We have been informed that he (al-Muhtadi)
threatensyourShi’aandsays,‘ByAllah,Iwillremovethemfromthefaceoftheearth.’ImamAbuMuhammadreplied,‘Thatisbeyondhislife.Count,fromthisdayfivedays,andheshall
bekilledinthesixthdayafterdisgrace,meanness,andlownessbefallhim.’Itwasastheimamsaid.[466]TheTurksbecamedispleasedwithal-Muhtadi.Theyattackedhimwithdaggersandkilledhim.[467]
TheReignofAl-Mu’tamid
The caliphate came to al-Mu’tamidwhile hewas twenty-five years old.[468]Historians say, ‘He
wasdissolute,andinterestedinlustsandamusements.Hewasbusywithmusicandsingingpayingnoattentiontohissubjects.Hecommittedsinsthatmadepeoplehatehim.’[469]Inhisreign,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)diedaftermeetingdistressesandmisfortunesfromhim.HeorderedhismentoarrestImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andhisbrotherJa’farandputtheminto
prison.HeinstructedthejailerAlibinJurayntoinformhimofhisactivitiesandhisconversationsatalltimes.ThejailertoldthecaliphthattheimamdidnotdoanythingthatmightopposetheAbbasidpolicy,andthatheturnedhisbacktothisworldandturnedtoAllahtheAlmighty.Hefastedduringthedayandspentthenightinworships.Anothertime,thecaliphaskedthejailertoinformhimabouteverythingtheimamdidorsaid,and
heansweredwiththesame.Heorderedhimtosettheimamfree,sendhimhisgreeting,andapologizetohim.Thejailerhurriedtotheimamandfoundhimreadytogetout.Hehadputonhisclothesandshoes.Thejailerwonderedatthat.Heinformedtheimamofthedecisionofal-Mu’tamid.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)rodeonhishorsebutdidnotmove.Thejaileraskedhimwhyandhesaid,‘UntilJa’farcomes.’Thejailersaid,‘Butheorderedmetosetyoufreealonewithouthim.’The imamsaid, ‘Goand tell him that I andhewere taken together from thehouse. If I goback
alone,therewillbesomethingthatyouknow!’The jailerwentand toldal-Mu’tamidwhat the imamsaid.Heorderedhim to set Ja’far free too.
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)lefttheprisonwhilereciting,(TheyintendtoputoutthelightofAllahwiththeirmouthsbutAllahwillperfectHislight,thoughtheunbelieversmaybeaverse)[470].[471]ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)suffereddifferentkindsofharmsanddistressesfromal-Mu’tamid.He
surrounded the imam with detectives and policemen to watch him and to chase all thejurisprudents,‘Ulama’,andtheShi’awhotriedtomeethim.Heremainedunderwatchuntilhewasassassinatedwithpoisonbytheorderofal-Mu’tamid.Imam AbuMuhammad (a.s.) was contemporary with these Abbasid kings, who oppressed him,
threwhimintoprison,andtriedtodoawaywithhim,butAllahprotectedhimfromthatbyafflictingthosekingswithimportanteventslikerebellionsorthedominationoftheTurksoverthem.Notes:[421]Tareekhal-Khulafa’byas-Sayouti,p.346.[422]Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117.[423]Tareekhal-Khulafa’,346.[424]Nisa’al-Khulafa’(thecaliphs’women),p.92.
[425]LecturesontheHistoryoftheIslamicnations,p.265-266.[426]Ad-Diyarat,p.26.[427]BaynalKhulafa’welKhula’a’(betweenthecaliphsandthedissolute),p.115.[428]Thimaral-Quloob(fruitsofhearts),p.122.[429]EncyclopediaoftheTwentiethCentury,vol.10p.964.[430]Mir ’ataz-Zaman,vol.6p.69.[431]Nisa’al-Khulafa’,p.95-96.[432]Zahral-Adaab,vol.4p.31.[433]BaynalKhulafa’welKhula’a’,p.108.[434]Mir ’ataz-Zaman,vol.6p.169.[435]Uyoonat-Tawareekh,vol.6p.170.[436]Akhbaral-Buhturibyas-Sawli,p.89.[437]Maqatilat-Talibiyeen,p.597.[438]Ibid.,p.599.[439]Akhbarad-Duwal,p.359.[440]Maqatilat-Talibiyin,p.598.[441]Maqatilat-Talibiyin,p.598.[442]Fawatal-Wafiyyat,vol.1p.203.[443]ImamHusayn(a.s).[444]TheAbbasidswhowerethecousinsoftheProphet(a.s)andofImamHusayn(a.s).[445]Akhbarad-Duwal,p.159,Tareekhal-Khulafa’,p.347.[446]Qur'an,45:21.[447]Rawdhatal-A’yan,manuscript.[448]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4p.44-45.[449]Fadakwasaveryvast,fertilevillagethattheProphet(s)haddonatedtohisdaughterFatima
(s).Itwasrichofdatepalmsandotherfruitfultrees.[450]Tareekhal-Khulafa’byas-Sayooti,p.357.[451]ItisthefourthmonthintheIslamiclunarcalendar.[452]Al-Anba’feeTareekhal-Khulafa’.[453]Tareekhal-Khulafa’,p.357.[454]Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.508.[455]Jawharatal-Kalam,p.155.[456]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.273.[457]Al-GhaybahbySheikhat-Toosi,p.132.[458]Tareekhal-Khulafa’,p.358-359.[459]Al-Fakhri,p.132.[460]Dala’ilal-Imamah,p.225,Muhajad-Da’awat.[461]Dala’ilal-Imamah,p.225.Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117.[462]Tareekhal-Khulafa’,p.360.[463]Tareekhibnal-Atheer,vol.5p.344.[464]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4p.124.[465]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.274.[466]Ibid.[467]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4p.127.[468]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.4,p.138.[469]Tareekhal-Khulafa’,p.363.[470]Qur'an,61:8.
[471]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.274.
15ChapterTotheBetterWorld
ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) spent his short life in sufferings and distresses.TheAbbasid kings
sparednoeffortinoppressinghim.Theymovedhimfromaprisontoanother.Theysubjectedhimtoconfinementandimposedonhimeconomicalblockades.Theypreventedhimfrommeetingwithhisfollowersastheyprevented‘Ulama’andscholarsfrom
contactingwithhimtotakeawayfromthefountainofhissciences.Andthis,asIthink,wastheworstdistress the imam suffered. They triedmore than once to assassinate him butAllah protected himfromtheirplots.Therewere some reasons thatmade theAbbasids bear a grudge against ImamAbuMuhammad
(a.s.).Herearesomeofthem:First,theAbbasidsfearedtheAwaitedImamwhomtheProphet(a.s)hadbroughtgoodnewsabout
andtoldthathewouldbethegreatestreformerthatmankindhadneverseenlikehimthroughoutallstages of history.TheProphet (a.s) told that theAwaited Imam (a.s.)would spreadpolitical, socialjusticeallover theworld,woulddoawaywithallkindsof injusticeandoppression,anddefeatalltyrantsandoppressivepowersintheworld.Hewoulddoawaywithpolytheismandatheism,andraisethebanneroffaithandtruth.Hewould
revivetheannulledlawsofAllah.Therefore,theAbbasidstriedtokillImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)tobesurehewouldnotleaveanyoffspring.ImamAbuMuhammadsaidaboutthat,‘Theyclaimedthattheywantedtokillmeinordertocutoffmyoffspring,butAllahfalsifiedtheirsaying,andpraisebetoAllah.’[472]Second, theAbbasids bore envy towards ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) for his popularity and the
great respect that all classes of society showed him,whereas the authoritywas in the hand of theAbbasidswho received nothing of respect or honor from people. Therefore, they plotted day andnighttodoawaywithhim.Third, theAlawids rose inmany revolts against theAbbasid rule since its beginning, aiming at
achieving the political justice of Islam and applying its economical and social programs in life.Those revoltswere supportedbygreatmasses of people in thedifferentMuslimcommunities thatharmedthedignityoftheruleandshookitsthroneandwereabouttooverthrowit.ThoserevoltsfilledtheheartsoftheAbbasidswithhatredandgrudgeagainsttheAlawids,andso
theyorderedtheirpolicementochaseeveryAlawid.ItwasnaturallythatImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sufferedthebitterestdistressesfromtheAbbasidsbecausehewasthemasterandchiefoftheAlawids
andtheimamofMuslimatthattime.Now,letuscomebacktothelastdaysofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).
AppointingImamAl-MahdiastheNextImam
Imamal-Mahdi(a.s.) is thehope,notonlyforMuslims,butforalloppressedhumanbeingswho
sufferslavery,oppression,andsubjection.He is theSaviorwhowill free thewillofmanandsavepeoplesandnationsfromtheoppressionofthecorruptiveregimeswhohaveturnedthisworldintounbearablehell.Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) was and is a great miracle in Islam. Allah concealed his birth, as he had
concealedthebirthofProphetMoses(a.s.),becausetheAbbasidgovernmentlookedforhim…andinhisremainingalive(inoccultation)throughoutthelongstagesoflifeisalsoamiracleforIslam,andinhisreappearanceandannouncingthepureprinciplesofIslamisanothermiracletoo.The following are some of the traditions transmitted from ImamAbuMuhammad al-Hasan al-
Askari(a.s.)concerningtheImamateofhissonal-Mahdi(a.s.).1.AhmadbinIsaaqbinSa’eedal-Ash’arisaid,“Once,IwenttoAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAli
(a.s.)intendingtoaskhimaboutthesuccessorafterhim.HesaidtomebeforeIaskedhim,‘OAhmadbin Isaaq, Allah the Almighty did not deprive the earth since He created Adam, and He will notdeprive it until the Day of Resurrection, of an authority over His people. By him (the authority)distresses are pushed away from the people of the earth, by him rain falls down, and by him theblessingsoftheearthareemitted.’Isaidtohim,‘OsonofthemessengerofAllah,whoistheimamandsuccessorafteryou?’Hegot
uphastily andwent in thehouse.Then,he cameoutholdinga three-year-oldboy,whose facewas(bright)likeafullmoon,onhisshoulderandsaid,‘OAhmad,wereitnotforyourhonornearAllahthe Almighty and near His authorities, I would not show you my this son. He was named andsurnamedlikethemessengerofAllah(a.s.).Hewillfilltheearthwithjusticeandfairnessafterithasbeenfilledwithinjusticeandoppression.OAhmad,he,inthisnation,islikeal-Khidhr(Elijah)andThulQarnayn.ByAllah,hewillhideinanoccultation,duringwhichnooneshallbesavedexceptonewhomAllah fixes on the belief in his imamate and supplicatingAllah to hasten his deliverance.’ Isaid,‘IsthereanysignsothatImaybesure?’Theyoungboysaid,‘IamtherepresentativeofAllahinHisearthandtheavengeronHisenemies.Donotlookforasignafteraproof!’Ileftdelightedly.Onthefollowingday,Icamebacktohimandsaid,‘Osonofthemessengerof
Allah,mydelightwassogreatforwhatyoufavoredmewith.Wouldyoupleasetellmewhatnormwithal-KhidrandThulQarnaynwas?’Hesaid,‘Longoccultation.’Isaid,‘OsonofthemessengerofAllah,shallhis(Imamal-Mahdi’s)occultationlastlong?’ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘Yes,bymyLord,untilmanyofthose,whobelieveinthismatter
(occultation and reappearance), shall apostatize, and no one shall remain (believing) except thosewhomAllah has taken from them a covenant on our guardianship, fixed faith in their hearts, andsupportedthemwithamercyfromHim.OAhmad,thisisacommandfromAllah,asecretfromthesecretsofAllah,andanunseenmatterfromtheunseen(matters)ofAllah.TakewhatItoldyou,andbefromthegrateful;youshallbewithusinIlliyin.[473]”[474]
2. Muhammad bin Uthman al-Umari narrated that his father said, “Once, I was with Abu
Muhammadal-HasanbinAli(al-Askari)whenhewasaskedaboutthetraditiontransmittedfromhisfatherthattheearthwouldnotbeemptyfromanauthorityfromAllahoverHispeopleuntiltheDayof Resurrection, and that whoever died without knowing the imam of his age would die as anunbeliever.Hesaid,‘Thisistrueasdayistrue.’Someoneaskedhim,‘OsonofthemessengerofAllah,then,whoshallbetheauthorityandimam
afteryou?’He said, ‘My son Muhammad is the imam and the authority after me. Whoever dies without
knowing (acknowledging) him shall dies as an unbeliever.Hewill be in an occultationwhere theignorantwillbeconfused,denierswillperish,anddaters[475]will tell lies.Then,hewillreappear,andasifIseewhiteflagsflutteringoverhisheadatthehillofKufa.’[476]3.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,‘PraisebetoAllahWhodidnottakemeoutofthislifeuntil
Hemademeseethesuccessorafterme.HeisthemostsimilarinshapeandmoralstothemessengerofAllah(a.s.).Allahwillprotecthiminhisoccultationandmakehimreappeartofilltheearthwithjusticeandfairnessafteritwillbefilledwithinjusticeandoppression.’[477]4.MusabinJa’faral-BaghdadinarratedthathehadheardImamAbuMuhammadal-HasanbinAli
al-Askari(a.s.)saying,‘(Itis)AsifIseethatyouwilldisagreeaftermeonmysuccessor.Surely,he,whobelieves in the imams after themessenger ofAllah (a.s.) but deniesmy son, is likeone,whobelieves in all prophets andmessengers ofAllah but denies the prophethood of themessenger ofAllah(Muhammad)(a.s.),becausetheobedienceofthelastofusisliketheobedienceofthefirstofus, andone,whodenies the last of us, is likeonewhodenies the first of us.My sonwill have anoccultationwherepeoplewillbeindoubtaboutitexceptthosewhomAllahpreserves.’[478]
TheImamComfortsHimself
ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)perceivedfrombehindtheunseenthathewouldleavethislifeandgo
nearhisLord.Hesaidtohismother,‘IntheyeartwohundredandsixtyIshallsufferbadfeverfromwhichIshallbeafflicted…’She was distressed, and sorrow overcame her. She began crying. Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.)
calmedherdownsaying,‘ThefateofAllahmusttakeplace.Donotworry…!’Intheyeartwohundredandsixty,hediedashehadpredicted.[479]
AssassinationoftheImam
Al-Mu’tamid, theAbbasid tyrant, couldnotbear ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.) any longer, forhe
sawandheardpeopleeverywhenandeverywhereglorifytheimamandpreferhimtoalltheAlawidsand theAbbasids.Finally,hemadeuphismind todoawaywith the imam.Heassassinatedhimbypoisoninghim.[480]Thepoisonreactedonhisbody,andhebegansufferingbitterandseverepains,whilebeingpatient,resortingtoAllah.
TheGovernment’sConfusion
TheAbbasidgovernmentwasveryconfusedwhenImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)becameseriously
ill.Al-Mu’tamid ordered five of his trusted statesmen, amongwhomwasNahrir, to remain in theimam’s house and report to him about every new happening. He also ordered a committee ofphysicians to test the imam’shealthdayandnight.After twodays,heordered thephysiciansnot toleavetheimamalonebecausehisstatewasverygrievous.[481]
ToTheBestofAbodes
The imams’ health gotworse, and the physicianswere despondent of his recovery.Death began
approachinghimquickly.Atthoselastmomentsofhislife,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),mentionedAllah,glorifiedHim,andprayedHimtotakehimnearertoHim.HislipswerebusyrecitingversesfromtheHolyQur'an.HeturnedtowardstheQiblah,andafternotlong,hispuresoulflewtowardstheHeavensurroundedbytheangelsoftheBeneficentLord.ItwasthegreatestlossMuslimssufferedinthatage.Theylosttheirleader,reformer,andinstructor
wholovedandhelpedtheirweak,poor,andorphans.Theimam’sbodywas(ritually)washed,enshrouded,putinthecoffin,andcarriedtobeprayedon
byMuslims.Eesasonofal-Mutawakkil led theprayerbyal-Mu’tamid’sorder.After theprayer,heuncovered the imam’s facebefore theHashemites, theAbbasids, army leaders, government clerks,stateofficials,judges,andphysiciansandsaidtothem,‘Thisisal-HasanbinAlibinMuhammadbinar-Redha(peacebeonthem).Hediedanaturaldeathinhisbed.So-and-soofAmeerulMu’minin’s(al-Mu’tamid) servants and trusted men, So-and-so of judges, and So-and-so of physicians werepresentwithhim.’Thenhecoveredhisholyface.[482]ThepainfulnewsspreadeverywhereinSamarra’.ItwasagreatshockforMuslimswhohurriedup
tothe imam’shousewhilecryingandweeping.Governmentofficesandallmarketswereclosed.ItwasliketheDayofResurrectioninSamarra’.[483]Samarra’ had neverwitnessed before, a day of escorting like this.Waves of human beings and
flowingmassesofpeoplefromallclassesandsocietiescametoescorttheholycorpseofthispureimam(a.s.)whilementioninghisvirtuesandfavorsandtalkingwithgreatsorrowandregretaboutthegreatlosstheywereafflictedwith.
InHisLastAbode
Thepurecorpsewasbroughtunderahalooftakbirandtahlil[484]towardsthelastabode.Imam
AbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasburiedinhishousebesidethetombofhisfatherImamal-Hadi(a.s.).Samarra’hadtwoimamsfromthetwelveimamsandleadersofMuslims,anditbecameoneofthe
chief holy places in the Muslim world. It received and still receives thousands of visitors fromeverywhereintheworldwhocametovisitthetwoholyshrinesofImamal-HadiandImamal-Askari(peacebeonthem).Once, an-Nasir Lideenillah, the Abbasid caliph, visited the holy shrines of these two infallible
imamstobeblessedandclosetoAllah.HisviziersuggestedtohimthathemightvisitthetombsofhisfathersoftheAbbasidkingsandheagreed.Whenhereachedthere,hefoundthegravesdarkandmiserablewheresweepingswereaccumulatedandcrowsgathered.Thevizieraskedthekingtotakecareandpaymoneytorebuildthesegraves,buttheAbbasidkingsaid,‘Howfar!Thatisofnouse.’Thevizierasked,‘why,OAmeerulMu’minin?’Hesaid,‘Didyouseetheflourishingtombsofthepureimams?’Theviziersaid,‘Yes.’Thekingasked,‘Doyouknowthesecretbehindthat?’Thevizieranswered,‘No.’An-Nasir Lideenillah said, ‘My fathers associated with Satan, and thesemasters associated with
Allah, and all that which is for Allah remains, and all that which is for Satan perishes anddisappears.’[485]TheAlawids,theAbbasids,andJa’far,ImamAbuMuhammad’sbrothersstoodatthetombandthe
massesofpeoplebeganconsolingthemforthispainfulaffliction.
TheDateofHisDeath
ImamAbuMuhammadal-Askari(a.s.)lefttothebetterworldontheeighthofRabee’ulAwwal[486]
intheyear twohundredandsixtyofhijra,[487]whilehewastwenty-eightyearsoldandstill in theprimeofyouth.[488]Notes:[472]Kifayatal-Athar.[473]IlliyinisthehighestpositionintheParadise.[474]IkmaluddeenbySheikhas-Saduq,p.216-217.[475]Thosewhodefinescertaindatesforthereappearanceoftheawaitedimam(a.s.).[476]Kifayatal-Athar.[477]Kifayatal-Athar,Ikmaluddeen,p.228.[478]Kifayatal-Athar.[479]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.274.[480]Al-Irshad,p.383.[481]Al-Irshad,p.383.[482]Al-Irshad,p.383.[483]Al-Irshad,p.383,Encyclopediaofal-Bustani,vol.7p.45.[484]Takbiristhesaying“AllahuAkbar-Allahisgreat”andtahlilisthesaying“laillahaillallah-
thereisnogodbutAllah”.[485]Kashfal-Ghummah.[486]TareekhBaghdad,vol.7p.366.[487]Mir ’at al-Jinan, vol.2 p.462,Tareekh al-Khamees, vol.2 p.343,Tareekh ibn al-Wardi, vol.1
p.325.[488]Jami’al-Akhbar,p.42,Akhbarad-Duwal,p.117,al-Irshad,p.389.
16ChapterTheZiyarahofImamAl-HasanAl-Askari
Translatedby:BadrShahin
Shaykh al-Tusi has reported through a considerable series of narrators that Imam al-Hasan al-
Askari (a.s.) said, “Mygravewill be in Surra-man-Ra’a (currentlySamarra). Itwill be shelter forboth the parties.” Explaining this saying, Shaykh al-Majlisi says that ‘both the parties’ means theShi’ahandtheSunnah.ThismeansthatthevirtueoftheImam(a.s.)includesbothhisadherentsandhisenemies.Similarly,theholytombofImamal-Kazim(a.s.)andImamal-Jawad(a.s.)isshelterforthepeopleofBaghdad.SayyidIbnTawussaysthatonceyouintendtovisittheholytombofImamal-Hasanal-Askari(a.s.),
youmaydothefollowinginthebeginning:OnceyouarriveinSamarra,youmaywashyourself(traditionally,thisbathingiscalled‘thebath
ofZiyarah’),putonthecleanestofyourclothes,walkwithgravityandtranquility to the tomb,andwhenyoureachatthegateoftheholymausoleum,youmaysaythefollowingasaformofseekingpermissiontoenter:
OtheProphetofAllah;mayIenter? A’adkhuluYaaNabiyyal-Laah(I) ؟ هللا يبن ای لخدأأ
O the Commander of the Believers; may Ienter? A’adkhuluYaaAmeeral-Mu`Mineen(A) ؟ نینمؤملا ریمأ ای لخدأأ
O Fatimah al-Zahraa, the Leader of thewomenoftheworld;mayIenter?
A’adkhulu Yaa Faat’imataz-Zahraa`USayyidataNisaa`Il-‘Aalameen(A)
ءارهزلا ةمطاف ای لخدأأ؟ نیملاعلا ءاسن ةدیس
Omymaster,al-HasanibnAli;mayIenter? A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya Al-H’asanubna‘Aliyy(In)
نسحلا يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ يلع نب
Omymaster,al-HusaynibnAli;mayIenter? A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya Al-H’usaynubna‘Aliyy(In)
نیسحلا يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ يلع نب
Omymaster,Aliibnal-Husayn;mayIenter? A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya ‘Aliyyubnal-H’usayn(I)
نب يلع يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ نیسحلا
Omymaster,MuhammadibnAli;mayIenter? A’adkhuluYaaMawlaayaMuh’ammadubna‘Aliyy(In)
نب دمحم يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ يلع
O my master, Ja’far ibn Muhammad; may Ienter?
A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya Ja’farubnaMuh’ammad(In)
نب رفعج يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ دمحم
Omymaster,MusaibnJa’far;mayIenter? A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya MoosabnaJa’far(In)
نب ىسوم يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ رفعج
A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya ‘Aliyyubna نب يلع يالوم ای لخدأأ
Omymaster,AliibnMusa;mayIenter? Muh’ammad(In) ؟ ىسوم
Omymaster,MuhammadibnAli;mayIenter? A’adkhuluYaaMawlaayaMuh’ammadubna‘Aliyy(In)
نب دمحم يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ يلع
Omymaster,Abu’l-HasanAliibnMuhammad;mayIenter?
A’adkhuluYaaMawlaayaYaaAbal-H’asani‘AliyyibniMuh’ammad(In)
ابأ ای يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ دمحم نب يلع نسحلا
Omymaster, Abu-Muhammad al-Hasan ibnAli;mayIenter?
A’adkhulu Yaa Mawlaaya Yaa AbaaMuh’ammadinil-H’asanibni‘Aliyy(In)
ابأ ای يالوم ای لخدأأ؟ يلع نب نسحلا دمحم
O the angels of Allahwhomare assigned tomanagethisholymausoleum;mayIenter?
A’adkhulu Yaa Malaa`Ikatal-Laahil-Muwakkaleena Bihaadhal-H’aramish-Shareef(I)
هللا ةكئالم ای لخدأأمرحلا اذهب نیلكوملا
؟ فیرشلا
Then,youmayenter theholymausoleumwithyour right footandwhenyoustopnear the tomb
facing it and giving your back to the kiblah direction, youmay repeat the following one hundredtimes:
AllahistheGreatest AllaahuAkbar(U) ربكأ هللاأ
Then,youmaysaythefollowingformofZiyarah:
Peacebeuponyou,OmyMaster: Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaaMawlaay(A) يالوم ای كیلع مالسلا
Abu-Muhammadal-HasansonofAli; Yaa Abaa Muh’ammadinil-H’asanib-Ni‘Aliyy(In)
نسحلا دمحم ابأ ایيلع نب
Theguide,thewell-guided Al-Haadil-Muhtadee يدتهملا يداهلا
Allah’smercyandblessingsbeuponyou. Wa Rah’matul-Laahi WaBarakaatuh(U) هتاكربو هللا ةمحرو ،
Peace be upon you,O the intimate servant of AllahandthesonofAllah’sintimateservants.
Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaaWaliyyal-LaahiWabnaAwliyaa`Ih(Ee)
يلو ای كیلع مالسلاهئایلوأ نباو هللا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OthedecisiveArgumentofAllahandthesonofAllah’sdecisiveArguments.
Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaaH’ujjatal-LaahiWabnaH’ujajih(Ee)
ةجح ای كیلع مالسلاهججح نباو هللا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OtheeliteofAllahandthesonofAllah’seliteones.
Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaaS’afiyyal-LaahiWabnaAs’fiyaa`Ih(Ee)
يفص ای كیلع مالسلاهئایفصأ نباو هللا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OtherepresentativeofAllah,andthesonofAllah’srepresentativesandthefatherofHisrepresentative.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Khaleefatal-LaahiWabna Khulafaa`IheeWa AbaaKhaleefatih(Ee)
ةفیلخ ای كیلع مالسلاابأو هئافلخ نباو هللاهتفیلخ ،
Peace be upon you, O son of the Seal of theProphets.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka YabnaKhaataman-Nabiyyeen(A)
نب ای كیلع مالسلانییبنلا متاخ ،
Peace be upon you, O son of the Chief of theProphets’Successors.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yabna Sayyidil-Was’iyyeen(A)
نب ای كیلع مالسلانییصولا دیس ،
Peacebeuponyou,OsonoftheCommanderoftheFaithfulbelievers.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yabna Ameeril-Mu`Mineen(A)
نب ای كیلع مالسلانینمؤملا ریمأ ،
Peacebeuponyou,Osonoftheleaderofallwomenoftheworld.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yabna SayyidatiNisaa`Il-‘Aalameen(A)
نب ای كیلع مالسلانیملاعلا ءاسن ةدیس ،
Peacebeuponyou,Osonoftheguidingleaders. Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yabnal-A`Immatil-Haadeen(A)
نب ای كیلع مالسلانیداهلا ةمئالا ،
Peace be upon you, O son of the orthodoxsuccessors(oftheProphets).
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yabnal-Aws’iyaa`Ir-Raashieen(A)
نب ای كیلع مالسلانیدشارلا ءایصوالا ،
Peacebeuponyou,Otheshelterofthepiousones. Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa ‘Is’matal-Muttaqeen(A)
ای كیلع مالسلانیقتملا ةمصع ،
Peacebeuponyou,Otheleaderofthewinningparty. Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Imaamal-Faa`Izeen(A)
مامإ ای كیلع مالسلانیزئافلا ،
Peace be upon you, O the haven of the (true)believers.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Ruknal-Mu`Mineen(A)
نكر ای كیلع مالسلانینمؤملا ،
Peace be upon you, O the relief of the aggrievedones.
Assalaam ‘Alayka Yaa Farajal-Malhoofeen(A)
جرف ای كیلع مالسلانیفوهلملا ،
Peacebeuponyou,O theheirof theProphets—thechosenones.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Waarithal-Anbiyaa`Il-Muntajabeen(A)
ثراو ای كیلع مالسلانیبجتنملا ءایبنالا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OthekeeperoftheknowledgeofthesuccessorofAllah’sMessenger.
Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaaKhaazina‘IlmiWas’iyyiRasoolil-Laah(I)
نزاخ ای كیلع مالسلالوسر يصو ملع
هللا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OhewhoinvitestothejudgmentofAllah.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Ayyuhad-Daa’eeBih’ukmil-Laah(I)
اهیأ كیلع مالسلاهللا مكحب يعادلا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OhewhospeakswiththeBookofAllah.
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Ayyuhan-Naat’iquBikitaabil-Laah(I)
اهیأ كیلع مالسلاهللا باتكب قطانلا ،
Peacebeuponyou,OtheprimeArgumentofall thearguments(ofAllah).
Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa H’ujjatal-H’ujaj(I)
ةجح ای كیلع مالسلاججحلا ،
Peacebeuponyou,Otheguideofallnations. Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Haadil-Umam(I)
يداه ای كیلع مالسلاممالا ،
Peacebeuponyou,Othesourceofallbounties. Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Waliyyan-Ni’am(I)
يلو ای كیلع مالسلامعنلا ،
Peacebeuponyou,Othestoreofknowledge. Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaa‘Aybatal-‘Ilm(I) ةبیع ای كیلع مالسلاملعلا ،
Peacebeuponyou,Othearkofforbearance. Assalaamu ‘Alayka Yaa Safeenatal-H’ilm(I)
ةنیفس ای كیلع مالسلاملحلا ،
Peace be upon you, O the father of the AwaitedImam:
Assalaamu‘AlaykaYaaAbal-Imaamil-Muntaz’ar(I)
ابأ ای كیلع مالسلارظتنملا مامالا ،
Whoseclaimisevidentfortherationalpeople; Az’-Z’aahiratiLil-‘AaqiliH’ujjatuh(Oo) لقاعلل ةرهاظلاهتجح ،
Whoserecognitionisfixedinthemostcertainthings; Wath-Thaabitati Fil-YaqeeniMa’rifatuh(Oo)
نیقیلا يف ةتباثلاوهتفرعم ،
Whoisconcealedagainsttheeyesoftheoppressors; Al-Muh’tajabi ‘An A’yuniz’-Z’aalimeen(A)
نیعأ نع بجتحملانیملاظلا ،
Who is hidden from the regimes of the faithlessauthorities;
Wal-Mughayyabi ‘An Dawlatil-Faasiqeen(A)
ةلود نع بیغملاونیقسافلا ،
And throughwhomourLordshall renew Islamagainafteritwillbeeffaced,
Wal-Mu’eedi Rabbunaa Bihil-IslaamaJadeedanBa’dal-Int’imaas(I)
هب انبر دیعملاودعب ادیدج مالسالا
سامطنالا ،
AndHeshallrecovertheQur’anfreshoveragainafteritwillbeeradicated.
Wal-Qur`Aana Ghad’d’an Ba’dal-Indiraas(I)
دعب اضغ نآرقلاوساردنالا ،
Omaster:Ibearwitnessthatyoudidofferprayers, Ash-Hadu Yaa Mawlaaya AnnakaAqamtas’-S’alaa(Ta)
كنأ يالومای دهشأةالصلا تمقأ ،
AndyoudiddefraytheZakat, Wa-Aataytaz-Zakaa(Ta) ةاكزلا تیتآو ،
Andyoudidenjoinedtheright, Wa-AmartaBil-Ma’roof(I) فورعملاب ترمأو ،
Andyoudidforbidthewrong, WaNahayta‘Anil-Munkar(I) ركنملا نع تیهنو ،
AndyoudidcalltothewayofyourLordwithwisdomandgoodlyexhortation,
Wa Da’awta Iaa Sabeeli Rabbika Bil-H’ikmatiWal-Maw-‘Iz’atil-H’asana(Ti)
لیبس ىلإ توعدوةمكحلاب كبرةنسحلا ةظعوملاو ،
AndyoudidworshipAllahsincerelyuntildeathcameuponyou.
Wa ‘Abadtal-LaahaMukhlis’anH’attaaAtaakal-Yaqeen(U)
اصلخم هللا تدبعونیقیلا كاتأ ىتح ،
IthusbeseechAllahinthenameoftherankthatyouenjoywithHim,
As`Alul-Laaha Bish-Sha`Nil-LadheeLakum‘Indah(Oo)
نأشلاب هللا لأسأهدنع مكل يذلا
ThatHemayacceptmyvisittoyou, AnYataqabbalaZiyaarateeLakum مكل يترایز لبقتی نأ ،
AndHemayreceivemyeffortswiththanks, WaYashkuraSa’yeeIlaykum مكیلإ يیعس ركشیو ،
AndHemayrespondtomyprayersthroughyou, WaYastajeebaDu’aa`EeBikum مكب يئاعد بیجتسیو ،
And He may include me with the supporters, thefollowers,andadherentstotheright
Wa Yaj-‘Alanee Min Ans’aaril-H’aqqiWaAtbaa’iheeWaAshyaa’ih(Ee)
راصنأ نم ينلعجیوهعابتأو قحلاهعایشأو
Aswellaswiththedevoteesandtheloversofit. WaMawaaleehiWaMuh’ibbeeh(I) هیبحمو هیلاومو ،
PeaceandAllah’smercyandblessingsbeuponyou. Was-Salaamu ‘AlaykaWaRah’matul-LaahiWaBarakaatuh(Oo)
ةمحرو كیلع مالسلاوهتاكربو هللا .
Youmaythenkisstheholytomb,putyourrightandthenyouleftcheekonit,andsaythefollowing: مث ، هیلع نمیألا كدخ عضو هحیرض لبق مث
لقو رسیألا :
O Allah: (please do) send blessings upon our masterMuhammadanduponhisHousehold,
AllaahummS’alli ‘AlaaSayyidinaaMuh’ammadinWaAhliBaytih(Ee)
اندیس ىلع لص مهللاهتیب لهأو دمحم ،
Andsendblessingsuponal-Hasan,sonofAli,whoguidestoYourreligion,
Wa S’alli ‘Alal-H’asanibnin‘Aliyyinil-HaadeeIlaaDeenik(A)
نب نسحلا ىلع لصوىلإ يداهلا يلعكنید ،
WhocallstoYourway, Wad-Daa’eeIlaaSabeelik(A) كلیبس ىلإ يعادلاو ،
Thesignoftrueguidance ‘Alamil-Hudaa ىدهلا ملع ،
Thelanternoftruepiety WaManaarit-Tuqaa ىقتلا رانمو ،
Theessenceofrationality WaMa’dinil-H’ijaa ىجحلا ندعمو ،
Theresourceofreason WaMa`Wan-Nuhaa ىهنلا ىوأمو ،
Therainingcloudovermankind WaGhaythil-Waraa ىرولا ثیغو ،
Thecloudofwisdom WaSah’aabil-H’ikma(Ti) ةمكحلا باحسو ،
Theoceanofadmonition WaBah’ril-Maw’iz’a(Ti) ةظعوملا رحبو ،
TheheiroftheImams WaWaarithil-A`Imma(Ti) ةمئالا ثراوو ،
Thewitnessoverthe(Muslim)community Wash-Shaheedi‘Alal-Umma(Ti) ةمالا ىلع دیهشلاو ،
Thesinless,thewell-mannered, Al-Ma’s’oomil-Muhadhdhab(I) بذهملا موصعملا ،
Thevirtuous,thefavorite(byAllah), Wal-Faad’ilil-Muqarrab(I) برقملا لضافلاو ،
Thepurifiedagainstfilth Wal-Mut’ahhariMinar-Rijs(I) سجرلا نم رهطملاو ،
The one whom You have given the knowledge of the(Holy)Bookininheritance,
Alladhee Warrathtahoo ‘Ilmal-Kitaab(I)
ملع هتثرو يذلاباتكلا ،
AndYouhavegivenclearjudgment, WaAlhamtahooFas’lal-Khit’aab(I) لصف هتمهلأوباطخلا ،
AndYouhaveappointedhimastheleadingsignforthosewhofollowthedirectionYouhavedecided,
Wa Nas'abtahoo ‘Alaman Li-AhliQiblatik(A)
لهأل املع هتبصنوكتلبق ،
AndYouhavedecidedtheobediencetohimtobeattachedtotheobediencetoYou
Wa Qaranta T’aa’atahooBit’aa’atik(A)
هتعاط تنرقوكتعاطب ،
And You have imposed the love for him upon all Yourcreatures.
WaFarad’taMawaddatahoo ‘AlaaJamee’iKhaleeqatik(A)
ىلع هتدوم تضرفوكتقیلخ عیمج ،
OAllah: on account of the fact that he always turned toyouwithexcellentsincerityinYourOneness,
Allaahumma Fakamaa AnaabaBih’usnil-Ikhlaas’i FeeTawh’eedik(A)
بانأ امكف مهللايف صالخالا نسحب
كدیحوت ،
And he always argued and defeated those whoanthropomorphizedYou
Wa Ardaa Man Khaad’a FeeTashbeehik(A)
يف ضاخ نم ىدرأوكهیبشت ،
And he always defended thosewho faithfully believed inYou;
Wa H’aamaa ‘An Ahlil-EemaaniBik(A)
لهأ نع ىماحوكب نامیالا ،
So, Omy Lord, (please) cover him with Your blessingsdue to which he joins the rank of those who behavehumblytowardsYou,
Fas’alliYaaRabbi‘AlayhiS’alaatanYalh’aqu Bihaa Mah’allal-Khaashi’eeen(A)
هیلع برای لصفلحم اهب قحلی ةالص
نیعشاخلا ،
And due to which he surmounts to the rank of hisforefather—theSealoftheProphets,
Wa Ya’loo Fil-Jannati BidarajatiJaddihee Khaatamin-Nabiyyeen(A)
ةنجلا يف ولعیومتاخ هدج ةجردبنییبنلا ،
And(pleasedo)conveytohimgreetingsandcomplimentsfromus,
Waballigh-Hu Minnaa Tah’iyyatanWaSalaamaa(N)
ةیحت انم هغلبوامالسو ،
And(pleasedo)grantusfavorandbenevolencefromYou,onaccountofourloyaltytohim
Wa Aatinaa Min Ladunka FeeMuwaalaatihee Fad’lan WaIh’saanaa(N)
يف كندل نم انتآوالضف هتالاوماناسحإو
Andalsograntusforgivenessandgratification, Wa Maghfiratan WaRid’waanaa(N) اناوضرو ةرفغمو ،
ForYouare,mostcertainly, theLordofenormous favorandhugebliss.
InnakaDhooFad’lin‘Az’eeminWaManninJaseem(In)
، میظع لضف وذ كنإمیسج نمو .
You may then offer the (two-Rak’ah) Ziyarah Prayer and say the followingthereafter: تغرف اذإف ةرایزلا ةالص يلصت مث
لق :
OAll-eternalLord,OAll-everlasting, YaaDaa`ImuYaaDaymoom(U) مومید ای مئاد ای ،
OEver-living,OAll-subsisting, YaaH’ayyuYaaQayyoom(U) مویق ای يح ای ،
ORelieverofagoniesandgriefs YaaKaashifal-KarbiWal-Hamm(I) مهلاو بركلا فشاك ای ،
OSootherofanguishes, WaYaaFaarijal-Ghamm(I) مغلا جراف ایو ،
OAppointeroftheMessengers, WaYaaBaa’ithar-Rusul(I) لسرلا ثعاب ایو ،
OTruthfultowhatHepromises, WaYaaS’aadiqal-Wa’d(I) دعولا قداص ایو ،
OEver-living,thereisnodeitysaveYou WaYaaH’ayyuLaaIlaahaIllaaAnt(A) تنأ الإ هلإ ال يح ایو ،
I beg You in the name of Your two dear ones:Muhammad
Atawassalu Ilayka Bi-H’abeebaykaMuh’ammad(In) دمحم كبیبحب كیلإ لسوتأ
And his successor, Ali—his cousin and thehusbandofhisdaughter,
WaWas’iyyihee ‘Aliyyinibni ‘AmmiheeWaS’ihrihee‘Alabnatih(Ee)
همع نبا يلع هیصووهتنبا ىلع هرهصو
BybothofwhomYouhavesealedYourlaws Alladhayni Khatamta Bihimash-Sharaa`I’(A) عئارشلا امهب تمتخ نیذلا ،
And by both of whom You have openedinterpretationandYourpioneeringordains,
Wa Fatah’ta Bihimat-Ta`Weela Wat’-T’alaa`I’(A)
لیوأتلا امهب تحتفوعئالطلاو ،
So,(pleasedo)senduponbothofthemblessings Fas’alli ‘Alayhimaa S’alaatan Yash- دهشی ةالص امهیلع لصف
thatarewitnessedbytheancientandthecominggenerations,
Hadu Bihal-Awwaloona Wal-Aakhiroon(A)
نورخآلاو نولوالا اهب ،
And by which the intimate servants and therighteousonesaresaved,
Wa Yanjoo Bihal-Awliyaa`U Was’-S’aalih’oon(A)
ءایلوالا اهب وجنیونوحلاصلاو ،
And I also begYou in the nameof Fatimah theLuminous,themotherofthewell-guidedImams,
Wa Atawassalu Ilayka Bi-Faat’imataz-Zahraa`I Waalidatil-A`Immatil-Mahdiyyeen(A)
ةمطافب كیلإ لسوتأوةمئالا ةدلاو ءارهزلانییدهملا ،
AndtheLeaderofallwomenoftheworld, WaSayyidatiNisaa`Il-‘Aalameen(A) نیملاعلا ءاسن ةدیسو ،
Who shall be allowed to intercede for thefollowersofherimmaculatedescendants,
Al-Mushaffa’atiFeeShii’atiAwlaadihat’-T’ayyibeen(A)
اهدالوأ ةعیش يف ةعفشملانیبیطلا ،
So,(pleasedo)senduponherblessingsthatareasendlessasages
Fas’alli ‘AlayhaaS’alaatanDaa`ImatanAbadal-Aabideen(A)
دبأ ةمئاد ةالص اهیلع لصفنیدبآلا ،
Andasendlessastimes. WaDahrad-Daahireen(A) نیرهادلا رهدو ،
AndIalsobegYouinthenameofal-Hasan—thepleased,
Wa Atawassalu Ilayka Bil-H’asanir-Rad’iyy(I)
نسحلاب كیلإ لسوتأويضرلا
Theinfallible,andthepure— At’-T’aahiriz-Zakiyy(I) يكزلا رهاطلا ،
And in the name of al-Husayn—the oppressed,thepleased,thepious,andtherighteous—
Wal-H’usaynil-Maz’loomil-Mard’iyyil-Barrit-Taqiyy(I)
يضرملا مولظملا نیسحلاويقتلا ربلا ،
(they both are) the masters of the youth ofParadise, SayyidayShabaabiAhlil-Janna(Ti) ةنجلا لهأ بابش يدیس
ThetwovirtuousandinfallibleImams Al-Imaamaynil-Khayyiraynit’-T’ayyibayn(I) نیبیطلا نیریخلا نیمامالا
Thepious,thepure, At-Taqiyyaynin-Naqiyyayn(I) نییقنلا نییقتلا
Theimmaculate,themartyred At’-T’aahiraynish-Shaheedayn(I) نیدیهشلا نیرهاطلا
Theoppressed,theslain; Al-Maz’loomaynil-Maqtoolayn(I) نیلوتقملا نیمولظملا ،
So, (please do) send upon them blessingswheneverthesunrisesandsets;
Fas’alli ‘Alayhimaa Maa T’ala’atShamsunWaMaaGharabat
تعلط ام امهیلع لصفتبرغ امو سمش
Blessingsthatareconsecutiveandsuccessive. S’alaatan MutawaaliyatanMutataaliya(Tan) ةیلاتتم ةیلاوتم ةالص ،
AndIalsobegYouinthenameofAlisonofal-Husayn—thechiefoftheworshippers,
Wa Atawassalu Ilayk Bi-‘Aliyyibnil-H’usayniSayyidil-‘Aabideen(A)
نب يلعب كیلإ لسوتأونیدباعلا دیس نیسحلا ،
Andtheconcealedforfearoftheoppressors— Al-Mah’joobi Min Khawfiz’-Z’aalimeen(A)
فوخ نم بوجحملانیملاظلا ،
And in the name of Muhammad son of Ali, al-Baqir (i.e. the one who splits knowledge), thepure,
Wa Bimuh’ammadibni ‘Aliyyinil-Baaqirit’-T’aahir(I)
رقابلا يلع نب دمحمبورهاطلا
Theglowinglight. An-Nooriz-Zaahir(I) رهازلا رونلا
(theybothare)thetwoImamsandmasters, Al-Imaamaynis-Sayyidayn(I) نیدیسلا نیمامالا ،
Thekeystoblessings, Miftaah’ayil-Barakaat(I) تاكربلا يحاتفم ،
Andthelanternsinthemurk. WaMis’baah’ayiz’-Z’ulumaat(I) تاملظلا يحابصمو ،
So,(please)sendblessingsuponthemwhenevernightcomes, Fas’alli‘AlayhimaaMaaSaraaLayl(Un) لیل ىرس ام امهیلع لصف
Andwheneverdaylightrises, WaMaaAd’aa`ANahaar(Un) راهن ءاضأ امو
Suchceaselessblessings. S’alaatanTaghdooWaTarooh’(U) حورتو ودغت ةالص ،
AndIalsobegYou in thenameofJa’farsonofMuhammad—
Wa Atawassalu Ilayka Bi-Ja’faribniMuh’ammad(In)
نب رفعجب كیلإ لسوتأودمحم
ThetruthfulinwhatheconveysfromAllah, As’-S’aadiqi‘Anil-Laah(I) هللا نع قداصلا ،
ThespokesmanofAllah’sknowledge— Wan-Naat’iqiFee‘Ilmil-Laah(I) هللا ملع يف قطانلاو ،
AndinthenameofMusasonofJa’far, WaBimoosabniJa’far(In) رفعج نب ىسومبو
Theself-righteousservant(ofAllah), Al-‘Abdis’-S’aalih’iFeeNafsih(Ee) هسفن يف حلاصلا دبعلا ،
Andthewell-whishersuccessor(oftheProphet). Wal-Was’iyyin-Naas’ih’(I) حصانلا يصولاو ،
(They both are) the two guiding andwell-guidedImams,
Al-Imaamaynil-Haadiyaynil-Mahdiyyayn(I) نییدهملا نییداهلا نیمامالا
Thetwoadequate,rightImams. Al-Waafiyaynil-Kaafiyayn(I) نییفاكلا نییفاولا ،
So,(please)senduponthemblessingswheneveranangelglorifiesYou
Fas’alli‘AlayhimaaMaaSabbah'aLakaMalak(Un)
كل حبس ام امهیلع لصفكلم ،
Andwheneveraplanetmoves. WaTah’arrakaLakaFalak(Un) كلف كل كرحتو ،
Suchincreasableandgrowingblessings S’alaatanTunmaaWaTazeed(U) دیزتو ىمنت ةالص ،
Thatneitherendnorstop. WaLaaTafnaaWaLaaTabeed(U) دیبت الو ىنفت الو ،
AndIalsobegYou in thenameofAli ibnMusa,thewell-pleased
Wa Atawassalu Ilayka Bi-‘AliyyibniMoosar-Rid’aa
نب يلعب كیلإ لسوتأواضرلا ىسوم ،
And in the name of Muhammad son of Ali, thewell-contented—
Wa Bimuh’ammadibni ‘Aliyyinil-Murtad’aa ىضترملا يلع نب دمحمبو
ThetwopurifiedandselectedImams, Al-Imaamaynil-Mut’ahharaynil-Muntajabayn(I)
نیرهطملا نیمامالانیبجتنملا ،
So,(please)senduponthemblessingswhenevermorningglowsandendures,
Fas’alli ‘Alayhimaa Maa Ad’aa`AS’ubh’unWaDaam(A)
ءاضأ ام امهیلع لصفمادو حبص
Such blessings that take themup to the rank ofYourpleasureinthehighestlevelofYourgardensofParadise.
S’alaatan Turaqqeehimaa IlaaRid’waanikaFil-‘IlliyyeenaMinJinaanik
كناوضر ىلإ امهیقرت ةالصكنانج نم نییلعلا يف ،
I also beg You in the name of Ali son ofMuhammad,theorthodox,
Wa Atawassalu Ilayka Bi-‘AliyyinibniMuh’ammadinir-Raashid
نب يلعب كیلإ لسوتأودشارلا دمحم
Andinthenameofal-HasanibnAli,theguide; Wal-H’asanibni‘Aliyyinil-Haadee يداهلا يلع نب نسحلاو
(The two Imams) who supervise the affairs ofYourservants, Al-Qaa`ImayniBi`Amri‘Ibaadik(A) كدابع رمأب نیمئاقلا ،
(the two Imams) whom are also tested byunbearableordeals,
Al-Mukhtabarayni Bil-Mih’anil-Haa`Ila(Ti) ةلئاهلا نحملاب نیربتخملا ،
And who acted patiently against the swervingenmities. Was’-S’aabirayniFil-Ih’anil-Maa`Ila(Ti) نحالا يف نیرباصلاو
ةلئاملا ،
So, (please do) send upon them blessings thatare suitable enough to be the reward of theenduringpeople,
Fas’alli ‘Alayhimaa Kifaa`A Ajris’-S’aabireen(A)
رجأ ءافك امهیلع لصفنیرباصلا ،
Andthatareworthbeingtheprizeofthewinners, WaIzaa`AThawaabil-Faa`Izeen(A) نیزئافلا باوث ءازإو
Such blessings that pave for them the way toexaltation.
S’alaatan Tumahhidu Lahumar-Rif’a(Ta) ةعفرلا امهل دهمت ةالص ،
And IalsobegYou,OLord, in thenameofourImam,
Wa Atawassalu Ilayka Yaa Rabbi Bi-Imaaminaa
بر ای كیلإ لسوتأوانمامإب ،
Therisinginourages, WaMuh’aqqiqiZamaaninaa اننامز ققحمو ،
Thepromisedday, Al-Yawmil-Maw’ood(I) دوعوملا مویلا ،
Thewitnessedobserver Wash-Shaahidil-Mash-Hood(I) دوهشملا دهاشلاو ،
Theluminouslight Wan-Nooril-Az-Har(I) رهزالا رونلاو ،
Thebrightillumination Wad’-D’iyaa`Il-Anwar(I) رونالا ءایضلاو ،
Thesupportedbymeansofawe Al-Mans’ooriBir-Ru’b(I) بعرلاب روصنملا ،
Andthetriumphantwithhappiness. Wal-Muz’affariBis-Sa’aada(Ti) ةداعسلاب رفظملاو ،
So,(please)senduponhimblessingsthatareasmanyasthenumberoffruits Fas’alli‘Alayhi‘Adadath-Thamar(I) رمثلا ددع هیلع لصف ،
Andasmanyastheleavesoftrees, WaAwraaqish-Shajar(I) رجشلا قاروأو ،
Andasmanyastownspeople WaAjzaa`Il-Madar(I) ردملا ءازجأو ،
Andasmanyashairsofpeopleandanimals Wa‘Adadash-Sha’riWal-Wabar(I) ربولاو رعشلا ددعو ،
And as many as all things that Your knowledgeencompasses
Wa ‘Adada Maa Ah’aat’a Bihee‘Ilmuk(A) كملع هب طاحأ ام ددعو ،
AndYouBookcounts, WaAh’s’aahuKitaabuk(A) كباتك هاصحأو ،
Such blessings due to which all the ancient andthelastgenerationsenvyhim.
S’alaatan Yaghbit’uhoo Bihal-AwwaloonaWal-Aakhiroon(A)
نولوالا اهب هطبغی ةالصنورخآلاو .
OAllah:(pleasedo)includeuswithhisgroup, Allaahumma Wah’shurnaa FeeZumratih(Ee) هترمز يف انرشحاو مهللا ،
Andcauseustokeeponobeyinghim, Wah’faz’naa‘AlaaT’aa’atih(Ee) هتعاط ىلع انظفحاو ،
Andguardusthroughhisstate Wah’rusnaaBidawlatih(Ee) هتلودب انسرحاو ،
Andconferuponuswiththeloyaltytohim, WaAt-H’ifnaaBiwilaayatih(Ee) هتیالوب انفحتأو ،
Andgiveusvictoryoverourenemiesasaresultofhispower
Wans’urnaa ‘Alaa A’daa`IheeBi-‘Izzatih(Ee)
انئادعأ ىلع انرصناوهتزعب ،
And include us, O Lord, with those who turn toYouconstantly,
Waj-‘Alnaa Yaa Rabbi Minat-Tawwaabeen(A) نیباوتلا نم بر ای انلعجاو
OthemostMercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy. YaaArh’amar-Raah’imeen(A) نیمحارلا محرأ ای .
OAllah:surely,Iblis,therebel,theaccursed, Allaahumma Wa Inna Ibleesal-Mutamarridal-La’een(A)
درمتملا سیلبإ نإو مهللانیعللا
AskedYou togranthimrespiteso thathewouldmisleadYourcreatures,andYougrantedhimso,
Qadis-Tanz’araka Li-Ighwaa`I KhalqikaFa-Anz’artah(Oo)
كقلخ ءاوغال كرظنتسا دقهترظنأف ،
And he asked You to reprieve him so that hewouldmisguideYourservants,andYoureprievedhim,
Wastamhalaka Li-Id’laali ‘Abeedika FaAmhaltah(Oo)
كدیبع لالضال كلهمتساوهتلهمأف
ThisisbecausehecarriedagoodideaaboutYou. Bisaabiqi‘IlmikaFeeh(I) هیف كملع قباسب
Hethusnestedandgavebirthtomanyhosts. Waqad ‘Ashshasha Wa KathuratJunooduh(Oo) هدونج ترثكو ، ششع دقو ،
So,hisarmieshavebeenovercrowding, Wazdah’amatJuyooshuh(Oo) هشویج تمحدزاو ،
And his propagandists are widespread in all thecornersofthisearth,
WantasharatDu’aatuhooFeeAqt’aaril-Ard’(I)
راطقأ يف هتاعد ترشتناوضرالا ،
AndtheyhavemisleadYourservants, Fa-Ad’alloo‘Ibaadak(A) كدابع اولضأف ،
AnddeformedYourreligion, Wa-AfsadooDeenak(A) كنید اودسفأو ،
Anddisplacedthewordsfromtheirrightplaces, Wa H’arraful-Kalima ‘AnMawaad’i’ih(Ee) هعضاوم نع ملكلا اوفرحو ،
And made Your servants indule in diverserevelries,
Wa Ja’aloo ‘Ibaadaka Shiya’anMutafarriqeen(A)
اعیش كدابع اولعجونیقرفتم ،
Andrebelliousparties. WaAh’zaabanMutamarrideen نیدرمتم ابازحأو ،
And You promised that You would demolish his
(i.e.Iblis)edifice, WaqadWa’adtaNaqd’aBunyaanih(Ee) هناینب ضقن تدعو دقو ،
AndYouwouldtearouthismatters, WaTamzeeqaSha`Nih(Ee) هنأش قیزمتو ،
So,(pleasedo)deadenhissonsandarmies, Fa Ahlik Awlaadahoo WaJuyooshah(Oo) هشویجو هدالوأ كلهأف ،
And purify Your lands from his inventions andfabrications,
Wa T’ahhir Bilaadaka Minikh-Tiraa’aatiheeWakh-Tilaafaatih(Ee)
هتاعارتخا نم كدالب رهطوهتافالتخاو ،
And relieveYour servants fromhis factions andanalogies,
WaArih’‘IbaadakaMinMadhaahibiheeWaQiyaasaatih(Ee)
هبهاذم نم كدابع حرأوهتاسایقو ،
Andmakethedisasterofevilsurroundthem, Waj-‘AlDaa`Iratas-Saw`I‘Alayhim مهیلع ءوسلا ةرئاد لعجاو ،
AndextendYourjustice Wabsut’‘Adlak(A) كلدع طسباو ،
AndgivevictorytoYourreligion, WaAz’-HirDeenak(A) كنید رهظأو ،
AndgivestrengthtoYourintimateservants, WaQawwiAwliyaa`Ak(A) كءایلوأ وقو ،
AndweakenYourenemies, WaAwhinA’daa`Ak(A) كءادعأ نهوأو ،
AndmakeYourintimateservantsinheritthelandsofIblisandthoseofhisfans,
WaAwrithDiyaaraIbleesaWaDiyaaraAwliyaa`IheeAwliyaa`Ak(A)
رایدو سیلبإ راید ثروأوكءایلوأ هئایلوأ ،
And make the fans of Iblis stay forever in theblazingFire WaKhallid-HumFil-Jah’eem(I) میحجلا يف مهدلخو ،
Andmakethemtastefromthepainfultorment, Wa Adhiq-Hum Minal-‘Adhaabil-Aleem(I) میلالا باذعلا نم مهقذأو ،
Andmake thecursesofYou thatarekept in theevilpartof thecreationand in thedeformedpartofthenaturesurroundthemforever,
Waj-‘AlLa’aa`Inakal-Mustawda’ataFeeManaah’isil-KhilqatiWaMashaaweehil-Fit’ratiDaa`Iratan‘Alayhim
ةعدوتسملا كنئاعل لعجاوةقلخلا سحانم يفةرئاد ةرطفلا هیواشمومهیلع
Andcontrolthem, WaMuwakkalatanBihim مهب ةلكومو
Andstrikethemeverymorningandevening WaJaariyatanFeehimKullaS’abaah’inWaMasaa`(In)
حابص لك مهیف ةیراجوءاسمو
Andeverysingleminute. WaGhuduwwinWaRawaah’(In) حاورو ودغو .
OOurLord:(pleasedo)grantusgoodnessinthisworld
Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fid-DunyaaH’asana(Tan) ةنسح ایندلا يف انتآ انبر
Andgoodnessintheworldtocome, WaFil-AakhiratiH’asana(Tan) ةنسح ةرخآلا يفو
Andsaveus,outofYourmercy,fromthetormentofFire.
Wa Qinaa Birah’matika ‘Adhaaban-Naar(I) رانلا باذع كتمحرب انقو
YouaresurelythemostMercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy. YaaArh’amar-Raah’imeen(A) نیمحارلا محرأ ای .
YoumaythenpraytoHimforyourselfandyourbrethren-in-faith. كناوخالو كسفنل بحت امب عدا مث .
PrayerforImamal-Hasanal-Askari
OAllah: (pleasedo)sendblessingsuponal-Hasan,sonofAli,sonofMuhammad,
Allaahumma S’alli ‘Alal-H’asanibni‘AliyyinibniMuh’ammad(In)
نسحلا ىلع لص مهللادمحم نب يلع نب
Theupright,thepious, Al-Barrit-Taqiyy(I) يقتلا ربلا ،
Thehonest,thefaithful, As’-S’aadiqil-Wafiyy(I) يفولا قداصلا ،
Thebrilliantlight An-Nooril-Mudhee`(I) ءيضملا رونلا ،
ThekeeperofYourknowledge, Khaazini‘Ilmik(A) كملع نزاخ ،
AndthereminderofYourOneness, Wal-MudhakkiriBitawh’eedik(A) كدیحوتب ركذملاو ،
AndYourrepresentative, WaWaliyyiAmrik(A) كرمأ يلوو ،
Andthesuccessoroftheleadersofthereligion—theguide,orthodoxones—
Wa Khalafi A`Immatid-Deenil-Hudaatir-Raashideen(A)
ةادهلا نیدلا ةمئأ فلخونیدشارلا ،
AndtheClaimagainsttheinhabitantsofthisworld. Wal-H’ujjati‘AlaaAhlid-Dunyaa ایندلا لهأ ىلع ةجحلاو ،
So,OLord:(pleasedo)sendblessingsuponhim, Fas’alli‘AlayhiYaaRabb(I) بر ای هیلع لصف
InthebestmannerthatYouhaveeversentblessingsuponanyofYoureliteservants,
Afd’ala Maa S’allayta ‘Alaa Ah’adinMinAs’fiyaa`Ik(A)
ىلع تیلص ام لضفأكئایفصأ نم دحأ
And Your Claimants, and the descendants of YourApostles, WaH’ujajikaWaAwlaadiRusulik(A) كلسر دالوأو كججحو
OtheGodoftheWorlds. YaaIlaahal-‘Aalameen(A) نیملاعلا هلإ ای .
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