Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

An Index to the Qur'an

www.alseraj.net

www.alhassanain.org/english

Notice:

This workis published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english

The typingerrorsaren’t corrected.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A 4

B 8

C 10

D 13

E 16

F 17

G 19

H 21

I 24

J 26

K 29

L 30

M 31

N 35

O 36

P 37

Q 39

R 40

S 42

T 44

U 45

W 46

Z 48

A

A aron, 4:163, 6:84, 7:122, 7:142, 7:150, 7:172, 10:75, 19:53, 20:30, 20:40, 20:90, 20:92, 21:48, 23:45, 25:35, 26:12, 26:48, 28:34, 37:114-120

H ouse of, 2:248

A blution, 4:43, 5:6

circumstances requiring, 4:43

A braham, 2:124-129, 2:130-132, 2:135, 2:136, 2:140, 2:258, 2:260, 3:65, 3:67-68, 3:84, 3:95, 3:97, 4:54-55, 4:125, 4:163, 6:74-83, 6:161, 9:70, 9:114, 11:69-76, 12:6, 12:38, 14:35, 15:51-56, 16:120, 16:123, 19:41-49, 19:58, 21:51-73, 22:26, 22:43, 22:78, 26:69, 29:16, 29:25, 29:31, 33:7, 37:83-109, 38:45, 42:13, 43:26, 51:24-34, 53:37, 57:26, 60:4-5, 87:19

neither Jew nor Christian, 3:67

stood in first temple atBakkah , 3:97, 26:123

A brogation, 2:106, 16:101

A buLahab (Abd al-Uzza ), 111:1-3

his wife, 111:4-5

A cacia flowers, 56:26

A d, 7:65, 7:74, 9:70, 11:50-60, 22:42, 25:38, 26:123-140, 29:38, 38:12, 41:15-16, 46:21-26, 50:13, 51:41, 53:50, 54:18-21, 69:4, 69:6, 89:6

A dam, 2:31-32, 3:33, 5:27, 7:19-25, 17:61, 17:70, 18:50, 19:58, 20:115-123, 40:31, 41:13, 41:15

angels to prostrate before, 2:34, 7:11

tree of knowledge, 2:35, 7:19, 20:120-121

banishment from Garden (no blame to Eve), 2:36, 7:24

A dultery (see Marriage)

A dversity

not burdened beyond capability to withstand, 2:286, 6:152, 7:42, 23:62

not burdened with another's burden, 6:164, 17:15, 35:18, 39:7, 53:38

patience during, 2:153, 2:155, 2:177, 2:250, 3:17, 3:125, 3:142, 3:146, 3:186, 3:200, 7:87, 7:126, 7:128, 7:137, 8:46, 8:65, 8:66, 10:109, 11:11, 11:49, 11:115, 12:18, 12:83, 12:90, 13:22, 16:96, 16:110, 16:126, 21:85, 22:35, 23:111, 28:54, 29:59, 30:60, 31:17, 31:31, 37:102, 38:44, 39:10, 40:55, 40:77, 41:35, 42:33, 46:35, 47:31, 70:5, 76:12, 90:17, 103:3

A ging, 16:70, 22:5, 30:54, 36:68

behavior towards aging parents in your care, 17:23

A hmad, 61:6

A lRass , 25:38, 50:13

A lcohol (see Intoxicants)

A llah

a day for Him is

a thousand human years, 22:47, 32:5

fifty thousand years, 70:4

ability to do anything, 2:106, 2:117, 3:165, 3:189, 8:41, 9:116, 11:4, 16:40, 40:68, 41:39, 42:49, 57:2

best of all judges, 95:8

beyond definition, 43:82, 67:12

brings disbelievers schemes tonought , 8:30, 8:36

cause human beings to disappear and bring forth other beings, 4:133, 14:19, 35:16

causes laughter and crying, 53:43

caused a man to sleep for a century, 2:259

enemy of those who deny the truth, 2:98

extol his glory from morning until night, 33:42

false daughters of, 16:57, 17:40, 43:16, 52:39, 53:21-22

by name, 53:19-20

gives humans free will, 36:67

giving it all up for him, 4:66-68, 4:125

good and evil are from Him, 4:78

grants life and death, 44:8, 53:44, 57:2, 67:2

hard strivers rewarded better, 4:95-96, 5:54, 9:120, 49:15, 61:11

has no consort, 72:3

has no son, 43:81, 72:3, 112:3

has not forsaken you during your hard times, 93:3

is everywhere, 2:115, 2:142, 2:177, 4:126

is the

F irst and the Last (alpha and omega), 57:3

O utward and Inward, 57:3

knows that beyond comprehension, 6:59, 6:73, 9:94, 9:105, 13:9, 32:6, 34:48, 35:38, 39:46, 49:18, 59:22, 62:8, 64:18, 72:26, 74:31, 87:7

loves those who behave equitably, 49:9

made no laws regarding that of which He didn't speak, 5:101, 6:140, 6:148, 7:32

mercy towards prisoners of war who have good in them, 8:70

nature of, 2:255

no human is a divinity, 3:64, 3:151

not a trinity, 4:171

refuge from evil with, 113:1-5, 114:1-6

remembering him standing, sitting, lying down, 3:191, 4:103, 10:12, 25:64

shapes you in the womb, 3:6

throne rests upon the water, 11:7

will create things of which you have no knowledge, 16:8

wills no wrong to His creation, 3:108, 4:40, 17:71, 21:47, 22:10, 26:209, 40:31, 41:46, 45:22, 50:29, 64:11

A lliances, 8:72, 9:7

C hristians and Jews, 5:51

forbidden with disbelieving kin, 9:23

forbidden with hypocrites, 4:88-89, 4:139, 4:144

A ngels, 2:30-34, 2:98, 2:285, 4:97, 8:50, 13:23, 21:108, 22:75, 25:22, 25:25, 32:11, 33:43, 33:56, 34:40, 35:1, 37:150, 38:71, 39:75, 41:14, 41:30, 42:5, 43:53, 43:60, 47:27, 53:26, 66:4, 66:6, 69:17, 70:4, 89:22, 97:4

created from fire, 7:12, 38:76

eight will bear Allah's throne aloft onJudgement Day, 69:17

false claim that they are female, 43:19, 53:27

"guardian ", 82:10-12, 86:4

nineteen lord over hell, 74:30-31

not sent to satisfy whims, 15:7-8

sent to inspire, 16:2

A nger

withhold , 3:134

A nts, 27:18

A pes, 5:60

despicable , 2:65, 7:166

A postacy , 3:72, 3:86-88, 3:90-91, 3:167, 4:137, 5:54, 9:74, 9:107, 16:106, 33:14

do not ask for speedy doom for apostates, 46:35

A llah alone will punish them, 73:11,74:11

punishment in the hereafter, 2:217, 9:74

rejection by others, 3:87

repentence , 3:89, 5:34, 9:5, 9:11

on Judgement Day is too late, 40:85

under duress, 16:106

A rguments/Attacks

respond in kind, 8:58, 16:126

being patient is far better, 16:126

A rk (see Noah)

A rmor, 16:81

A stronomy

celestial mechanics, 7:54, 22:65

moon, 10:5, 16:12, 21:33, 22:18, 25:61, 29:61, 41:37, 54:1, 71:16, 74:32, 84:18, 91:2

solar and lunar orbits, 6:96, 10:5, 13:2, 14:33, 21:33, 31:29, 35:13, 36:38-40, 39:5, 55:5

sun, 10:5, 16:12, 21:33, 22:18, 25:45, 25:61, 29:61, 41:37, 71:16, 78:13, 81:1, 91:1

celestial navigation, 6:97, 16:16

constellations , 15:16, 25:61, 85:1

motion of objects in the Universe, 35:41, 44:39, 45:22, 46:3, 64:3, 86:11

objects impacting Earth, 34:9

planets , 81:16

S irius (AlphaCanis Major), 53:49

stars , 22:18, 37:88, 51:7, 79:1, 81:2, 86:3

neighborhood of Earth populated by, 37:6, 41:12, 67:5

proper motion of, 79:2-4

revolving , 81:15

sunrise , 37:5, 55:17, 70:40

sunset , 55:17, 70:40, 84:16

A toms (perhaps meant as "ants" originally?), 10:61, 34:3, 34:22, 99:7-8

A zar , 6:74

B

B aal, 37:125

B adr , 8:42

B akkah

first temple, 3:96

B easts, 6:38, 22:18, 25:49, 36:71, 42:11, 43:12, 45:4

B edouin, 9:90-99, 9:101-106, 33:20, 48:11, 48:16, 49:14

B ees, 16:68

B ehavior

argue in a kindly manner with those given earlier revelation, 16:125, 29:46

avoid becoming involved in matters you know nothing of, 17:36

avoid grave sins and shameful deeds, 53:32

avoid guesswork about one another, 49:12

be just in your opinions, 6:152

community should be moderate, 2:143, 25:67

conceit discouraged, 4:36, 57:23

don't chide those who seek your help, 93:10

don't consider yourself pure, 53:32

don't deride others, 49:11, 104:1

don't mention evil things openly, 4:148

don't speak ill of each other, 49:12, 104:1

don't spy on each other, 49:12

each group given a law and way of life, 2:148, 5:48, 10:47, 10:74, 13:38, 16:36, 16:63, 16:84

and a prophet, 10:47, 16:36

and a way of worship, 22:67

Allah could have made them one community, 5:48, 11:118, 16:93,42:8

one community under Allah, 21:92

forgive Jews who distort the Qur'an, 5:13

forgive non-believers, 31:15, 45:14

forgive readily, 42:37

maligning believers is sinful, 33:58

men (toward women), 24:30

peacemakers rewarded, 42:40

rulers make decisions after consultations, 42:38

speak justly toward those in want, if you can do nothing else, 17:28

towards aging parents in your care, 17:23

towards other Muslims, 33:6

towards others, 17:26-29, 17:35, 17:53, 60:8

towards parents, 46:15

towards slaves, 4:36, 24:33

treat non-belligerent non-believers with equity, 60:8

wives of the Prophet, 33:28-34

women (toward men), 24:31

B elief

in all revelations, 2:136, 2:285

nature of, 49:14-15

B elievers, 2:2-5, 2:285, 8:2-4 , 8:24

B ible, 5:64, 5:65, 5:68

distortion of, 3:78, 5:14-15

B iology

living things made of water ?, 11:7, 21:30, 24:45, 25:54

B irds, 6:38, 16:79, 21:41, 27:16, 27:17, 27:20, 34:10, 38:19, 67:19

B orders (jurisdictional boundaries), 8:72

B otany, 13:4, 39:21

two sexes to every plant, 13:3

B ooty, 48:15, 59:6-7

enjoy that which is lawful and good, 8:69

must not benefit those already rich, 59:7

one fifth goes for charity, 8:41

B uilders, 38:37

B urden (see Adversity)

B urial

indirect reference to?, 5:31

B usiness

be fair in dealings, 6:152, 17:35

B yzantines, 30:2-4

C

C ain and Abel, 5:27-31

C alendar

lunar , 2:189, 10:5

correctness of, 9:37

disbelievers tamper with annual intercalation, 9:37

C anaan, 5:12

C attle, 16:5-7, 16:66, 22:28, 23:21, 39:6, 47:12

C aptives, 8:67, 8:70

C harity, 2:43, 2:110, 2:177, 2:262-264, 2:271-274, 2:277, 3:92, 3:134, 4:39, 5:12, 5:55, 9:5, 9:18, 9:60, 9:71, 9:121, 21:73, 22:41, 22:78, 24:37, 27:3, 30:38-39, 31:4, 36:47, 41:7, 47:36-38, 51:19, 52:40, 57:7, 57:10-12, 63:10, 64:16-17, 73:20, 76:8, 92:18, 98:5, 107:7

during consultation with the Prophet, 58:12-13

during the Hajj, 22:36

niggardliness, 3:180, 4:37, 25:67, 47:37, 57:24, 92:8

not payment for favors received, 92:19

precedence of spending, 2:215, 2:219

sharing food, 24:61, 89:18, 107:3

spending to earn praise forbidden, 4:38

those displeased with distribution of, 9:58, 9:76

towards slaves, 16:71

C hastity, 23:5, 24:33, 70:29

C hildren, 16:72, 17:64, 18:46, 19:77, 26:133, 34:35, 34:37, 40:67, 46:15, 57:20, 58:17, 63:9, 64:14, 64:15, 65:7, 68:14, 71:12, 71:22, 74:13, 80:36

adopted ones should be named after their fathers, 33:5

baby daughters wrongly thought an evil sign, 16:58-59, 43:18, 53:21-22

breast feed for two years, 2:233, 31:34

do not kill for fear of poverty, 6:151, 17:31

female offspring buried alive will ask for what crime she'd been slain, 81:8-9

gift of female offspring, 42:49

gift of male offspring, 42:49

helpless , 4:127

ignorant at time of birth, 16:78

in Heaven, 40:8, 52:24, 56:17

of Adam, 36:60

of Israel, 2:40, 2:47, 2:72, 3:180, 5:12, 5:70, 5:78, 7:105, 10:90, 17:2, 17:4, 17:101, 17:104, 20:47, 20:80, 20:94, 26:17, 26:22, 26:59, 26:197, 27:76, 32:23, 40:53, 43:59, 44:30, 45:16, 46:10, 61:6, 61:14

commandment concerning killing by, 5:32

pre-Islamic customs of slaying children, 6:137, 6:140

wet nurses, 2:233

C hristians, 5:14, 5:19, 5:64-65, 5:69, 22:17

and Jews (see Jews)

asked not to deify Jesus, 4:171

come closest to feeling affection to Muslims, 5:82

most have forgotten what they've been told to bear in mind, 5:14

now comes to you a messenger, 5:15, 5:19

righteous will be rewarded, 2:62, 5:65, 5:69

say "Jesus is Allah's son", 9:30

C hurches, 22:40

C lothing, 7:26, 16:81

of fire, 22:19

"the veil" or women's clothing in non-household situations, 24:31

women's outer garments prevent harassment by hypocrites, 33:59-60

C ommandments

general religious, 2:42-45, 2:83, 2:110, 2:177, 3:113-114, 3:134, 5:12, 5:55, 6:151-153, 7:33, 7:156, 8:3, 9:18, 9:20, 9:86, 9:112, 10:87, 10:93, 13:22, 14:31, 16:90, 16:110, 22:41, 22:78, 24:57, 25:68, 26:181-184, 26:227, 31:3-4, 31:14-19, 35:29, 42:36-43, 58:13, 73:20, 90:13-17, 98:5

kindness towards others, 4:36

leave company of those in the act of mocking Allah's law, 4:140, 6:68

C ommunications (attempting to divine the future is forbidden)

overhearing the Host on high, 15:18, 37:8, 72:9

C onservation, 6:141, 7:31

C ontract Law

contract must be in writing, 2:282

during journey a person's "word" is acceptable, 2:283

when things go wrong don't punish scribe or witness, 2:282

witnesses told to be truthful, 2:283, 5:8, 25:72

witnessing (two men, or one man and two women), 2:282

C orruption, 5:32, 8:73, 30:41

C osmology

age of the Universe, 76:1

expanding Universe, 51:47

T he Big Bang, 21:30

Covenants, 5:1

breaking of (see also Oaths), 8:58

with disbelievers, 8:56, 8:72, 9:4, 9:7

breaking of, 8:58, 9:12

C reation of everything

in due measure and proportion, 54:49

in opposite duality, 36:36, 43:12, 51:49

C reatures, 6:38, 42:47, 42:49

C rystal, 76:15-16

C ustoms

used but not given as reliable traditions orQur'anic injunctions, 2:170, 5:3, 5:104, 6:138

D

D anger

be prepared for, 4:71

D ate palms, 36:34, 50:10, 55:11, 55:68, 59:5, 80:29

D ates, 50:10

D avid, 4:163, 5:78, 6:84, 17:55, 21:78, 21:79, 27:15-16, 34:10, 34:13, 38:17, 38:21-26, 38:30

and Bath Sheba, 38:23

and Goliath, 2:251

given the Psalms, 4:163

D eath, 3:185, 3:193, 4:78, 21:35, 33:19, 33:23, 44:56, 47:27, 56:60, 56:84-87, 63:10, 75:29

and flight from battle, 33:16

in Allah's cause, 3:195, 22:58, 47:4

those communities who have no revelation will not be destroyed, 6:131, 9:115, 10:47, 11:117, 15:4, 16:119, 17:15, 28:59

those slain in Allah's cause are alive, 2:154, 3:169

while fleeing evil towards Allah, 4:100

D eities

none besides Allah, 25:68

D isbelievers (see also Hypocrites)

ask Muhammad to invoke Allah's wrath upon them as proof, 6:57-58, 8:32, 10:49-52

bear their company in kindness, 31:15

bear what they say in patience, 20:130, 50:39

covenants with, 8:56, 8:72, 9:4, 9:7

breaking of, 8:58, 9:12

A llah brings their scheming tonought , 8:30, 8:36

leave company of those in the act of mocking Allah's law, 4:140, 6:68

protect them if they ask you to, 9:6

punishment

during war, 8:12, 8:50, 8:59

in the hereafter, 8:37

should not visit or take care of mosques, 9:17

speak kindly to them, 17:53

striving hard against, 9:73, 25:52, 66:9

treat non-belligerents with equity, 60:8

will only ally with other disbelievers, 8:72

D isciples (of Jesus), 3:52, 61:14

D ivers, 38:37

D iversity

of humans, 30:22, 35:27-28

of life, 35:27-28

D ivorce, 4:130, 65:1

after waiting period, dissolve or reconcile, 2:231, 65:2

two witnesses, 65:2

alimony , 2:233, 2:241

extends to ex-husband's heir, 2:233

can be revoked twice, 2:229

dowry status, 2:229, 2:236-237

find wet-nurse if necessary, 65:6

M an

divorce one woman for another - don't take back what you gave first, 4:20

don't harass wife, 65:6

don't hold wives against their will, 4:19

four months to change his mind, 2:226

support wife fully

during her pregnancy, 65:6

during her waiting period, 65:6

if she's nursing your child, 65:6

mother shouldn't suffer because of her fatherless child, 2:233

pre-Islamic , 58:2

contrition to reconcile

fast for 2 consecutive months, 58:4

feed 60 needy people, 58:4

free a slave, 58:3

reconciliation attempt, 4:35

sinless if marriage unconsummated, 2:236

bride entitled to half of the dowry, 2:237

W oman

after third divorce (this one from another husband) can return to original husband, 2:229

entitled to maintenance, 2:241, 65:1

equal right to divorce, 2:228

fear ill treatment by husband, 4:128

may keep what her husband gave her, 2:229

not to be expelled from their homes, 65:1

three menstruation wait to disprove pregnancy, 2:228

three month wait for those free of menstruation, 65:4

unless marriage unconsummated, 33:49

D ogs, 7:176

D onkeys, 16:8, 31:19

D rugs (see Intoxicants)

E

E arth, 51:20, 51:48, 91:6

changed into another earth, 14:48

creation of, 3:190, 79:30

in six "days", 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, 25:59, 50:38, 57:4

in two "days", 41:9

the rest in the other four, 41:10

inclination of rotational axis to orbital plane, 22:61, 57:6

rotation of, 3:190, 7:54, 10:6, 13:3, 14:33, 25:62, 39:5, 41:37, 45:5

E arthquake, 7:78, 7:91, 7:155, 7:171, 16:26, 17:37, 17:68, 29:37, 34:9, 67:16, 69:5, 99:1

E lephant, 105:1

E lijah, 6:85, 37:123-130

E lisha, 6:86, 38:48

E mbryology, 22:5, 23:14, 35:11, 40:67, 75:37-39

E volution (?), 71:14, 71:18

E zra, 9:30

F

F amily, 8:75

F asting, 2:183-184

during the Hajj, 2:196

during Ramadhan , 2:185

exemptions , 2:184-185

hours of, 2:187

F ig, 95:1

F ighting, 9:14, 9:123, 22:39, 47:4, 48:16

aggression

forbidden , 2:190, 4:90, 60:8

sin of, 5:2

be brave, 4:104

between two groups of believers, 49:9

do notaquire slaves except through war, 8:67

do not beg for peace, 47:35

exemptions , 9:122, 48:17

asking for it for wrong reasons, 9:43, 9:45, 9:49, 9:86, 9:93

for helpless, 4:98, 9:91

for ill, 4:102, 9:91

if foes cease, then you must cease, 2:193, 4:90, 8:37, 8:61

forbidden during the four sacred months, 9:36

unless attacked, 2:194, 2:217

free slaves after fighting ends, 47:4

go forth humbly, 8:47

in Allah's cause, 4:74, 4:77, 4:84, 9:38-39, 9:41

killing only during hostilities in progress, 2:191, 4:89, 4:91, 5:33, 8:39, 8:57, 9:5, 9:12

not for material gain, 4:94

prepare well, 8:60

repentence of recent belligerents, 5:34, 9:5, 9:11

when ordained, 2:190-193, 2:216-217, 4:91, 22:39, 60:8

F ire, 56:71, 100:2

F ood (see also Health rules), 3:93, 35:12, 40:79, 80:24

blessing of, 6:118, 6:138

forbidden , 2:173, 5:3, 6:121, 6:145, 16:115

lawful , 2:168, 5:4, 6:118, 6:146

F orgetting, 17:86, 18:24, 87:6-7

F ornication (see Marriage)

F riends, 8:72

avoid active disbelievers, 3:118-120, 5:57, 15:94, 58:14, 60:1, 60:13

leave company of those in the act of mocking Allah's law, 4:140, 6:68

forbidden are those who fight against you because of your religion, 60:9

F uture

learning of it through divination forbidden, 5:3, 5:90, 15:18, 37:8, 72:9

G

G abriel, 2:97, 66:4

G ames of Chance

forbidden , 2:219, 5:20, 5:91

G eographic locations and History

A sSafa and AlMarwah , 2:158

first temple atBakkah , 3:96

G inger, 76:12

G oddesses of the pagan Arabs, 53:19

names of, 53:19-20

nature of, 53:19-28

G ods of pre-Islamic Arabs by name, 71:23

G og andMagog , 21:96

G old, 35:33, 43:35, 43:71, 56:15

G olden armlets, 43:53

G olden Calf, 2:51, 2:54, 4:153, 7:148, 7:152, 20:88

and thunderbolt of punishment, 2:55

forgiven after destruction of, 2:36-37

G oliath, 2:249

and David, 2:251

G ospel, 3:3, 3:65, 5:46-47, 5:66, 5:68, 5:77, 5:110, 7:157, 9:111, 48:29, 57:27

G overnment

decision making in public matters, 3:159

rulers make decisions after consultations, 42:38

G rain, 36:33, 55:12

G rave, 9:84, 22:7, 35:22, 36:51, 54:7, 60:13, 70:43, 77:26, 80:21, 82:4, 100:9, 102:2

G reed (see Materialism)

G reetings, 4:86

G uardianship

proper conduct of, 4:5-6, 6:151

punishment for bad ones, 4:10

when to end it, 4:6

witnesses required to end it, 4:6

H

H agar

and Ishmael, 2:158

H ajj, 2:158, 2:189, 2:196-199, 22:27-36

abstention from quarreling during, 2:197

duty to visit Mecca (Makkah ), 3:97

exemption from, 2:196

fasting during, 2:196

hunting forbidden, 5:1, 5:94-95

aquatic game approved during, 5:96

violate it once? Don't do it twice!, 5:95

reparations for doing it once, 5:95

rules , 5:2

sacrifice during, 2:196

H aman, 28:6, 28:8, 28:38, 29:39, 40:24, 40:36

H arut andMarut , 2:102

H ealth rules, 41:44

children

breast feed for two years, 2:233, 31:34

food, 2:173, 5:1, 5:3, 5:5, 5:96, 6:118-119, 6:121, 6:142, 6:145-146, 16:115

caught by your hunting animals, 5:4

intoxicants forbidden (see Intoxicants)

menstruation , 2:222

H earing, 41:22

H eaven, 2:25, 3:15, 3:136, 3:181, 3:195, 3:198

filled with mighty guards and flames, 72:8

immortal youths in, 56:17, 76:19

parents united with offspring, 52:21, 56:36

pure spouses in, 2:25, 3:15

several, 2:29, 2:164, 3:129, 6:73, 6:101, 17:44, 55:30, 65:12, 67:3, 71:15, 78:12

virgin mates of modest gaze, 55:56, 55:72-74, 56:22

H ell (the fire, the blazing flame), 2:24, 2:119, 2:161, 2:166, 2:201, 3:10, 3:12, 3:116, 3:131, 3:151, 3:162, 3:192, 4:55-56, 4:93, 4:97, 4:114, 4:121, 4:169, 5:10, 5:37, 5:72, 5:86, 6:27, 6:70, 6:128, 7:18, 7:36, 7:38, 7:41, 7:50, 7:179, 8:16, 8:36, 8:50, 9:17, 9:35, 9:49, 9:63, 9:68, 9:73, 9:81, 9:95, 9:109, 9:113, 10:8, 10:27, 11:16, 11:17, 11:98, 11:106, 11:113, 11:119, 13:5, 13:18, 13:35, 14:16, 14:49, 15:43, 16:29, 16:62, 17:8, 17:18, 17:39, 17:63, 17:97, 18:29, 18:53, 18:100, 18:106, 19:68, 19:70, 19:86, 20:74, 21:39, 21:98, 22:4, 22:9, 22:19-22, 22:51, 22:72, 23:103-104, 24:57, 25:11-13, 25:34, 25:65, 26:91, 26:94, 27:90, 28:41, 29:25, 29:54, 29:68, 31:21, 32:13, 32:20, 33:64, 33:66, 34:12, 34:42, 35:6, 35:36, 36:63, 37:10, 37:23, 37:55, 37:63, 37:68, 37:163, 38:27, 38:56, 38:59, 38:61, 38:64, 38:85, 39:8, 39:16, 39:19, 39:32, 39:60, 39:71, 39:72, 40:6, 40:7, 40:41, 40:43, 40:46, 40:47, 40:49, 40:60, 40:72, 40:76, 41:19, 41:24, 41:28, 41:40, 42:7, 43:74, 44:47, 44:56, 45:10, 45:34, 45:35, 46:20, 46:34, 47:12, 47:15, 48:6, 48:13, 50:24, 50:30, 51:13, 52:13-16, 52:18, 54:48, 55:43, 56:94, 57:15, 57:19, 58:8, 58:17, 59:3, 59:17, 59:20, 64:10, 66:6, 66:9, 66:10, 67:5-10, 69:31, 70:15, 71:25, 72:15, 72:23, 73:12-13, 74:26-31, 74:42, 76:4, 77:31, 78:21, 79:36, 79:39, 81:12, 82:14, 83:16, 84:12, 85:10, 87:12, 88:4, 89:23, 90:20, 92:14, 98:6, 101:9-11, 102:6, 104:6-9, 111:3

burning despair and ice cold darkness in, 38:57

chain of 70 cubits, 69:32

inmates will neither die nor remain alive, 87:13

stay for a limited duration, 78:23

H istory

study it, 3:137, 12:110-111, 14:5

H omosexuality

regarded as evil, 26:165-166, 27:55, 29:28-29

H oney, 16:69, 47:15

H orses, 16:8, 17:64

H ousing, 16:80

H ud , 7:65-72, 11:50-57, 11:89, 26:124-138, 46:21-25

H umankind, 55:33, 91:7-8

born with a restless disposition, 70:19

created in fine form, 95:4

created in pairs, 78:8, 92:3

creation of, 2:30, 4:1, 6:98, 7:189, 10:4, 15:26, 15:28, 15:33, 39:6, 71:14, 96:2

from a drop of sperm, 16:4, 18:37, 22:5, 23:13, 35:11, 36:77, 40:67, 53:46, 75:37, 76:2, 80:19

from clay, 6:2, 7:12, 15:26, 17:61, 23:12, 32:7, 38:71, 38:76, 55:14

with water, 37:11

from dark transmuted slime, 15:26, 15:28, 15:33

from dust, 3:59, 18:37, 22:5, 30:20, 35:11, 40:67, 53:32

from earth, 11:61

from seminal fluid, 86:6

from male and female, 49:13

diversity in, 30:22, 35:28

given free will, 36:67

grows gradually from the earth, 71:17

insignificant compared to the Universe, 40:57

mates of your own kind, 16:72, 30:21, 42:11

selfishness ever present in soul, 4:128

vilest are those who don't use reason, 8:22, 8:55

H unayn , 9:25

H unting

about animals trained to hunt, 5:4

H ur'in (a.k.a.Houries ), 44:54, 52:20, 55:72, 56:22

H ydrology, 14:32, 16:15, 39:21

scum , 13:17

H ypocrites, 2:217, 4:38, 5:61, 9:61-70, 9:73-110

praying for them does no good, 9:84, 9:113

Chapter 56: On Ar-Ridha’’s Answer to Abi Qorrah - a friend of the Catholic Archbishop

56-1 Ahmad ibn Ziyad al-Hamadani, Al-Husayn ibn Ibrahim ibn Ahmad ibn Hashem al-Mokattib and Ali ibn Abdullah al-Warraq - may God be pleased with them - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Safwan ibn Yahya - Al-Saberi’s friend, “Abu Qorrah - a friend of al-Jaseliq - asked me to take him to the meeting held by Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). I requested permission to do so. Then the Imam (a.s.) (granted permission and) said, ‘Bring him in.’ Then when Abu Qor’rah entered, he kissed the rug beneath the Imam’s (a.s.) feet and said, ‘This is how our religion has instructed us to treat the noble ones of our era. May God keep you healthy. What is your opinion about one group who has a claim and another group that are known to be just and acknowledge their claim?’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Their claim is right.’ Then Abu Qorrah asked, ‘What about another group who have a claim, but they cannot find any witnesses to prove their claim other than themselves?’

The Imam (a.s.) replied, ‘Their claim is rejected.’ Abu Qorrah man said, ‘Now we claim that Jesus is the Spirit of God and His Word which He induced into (the Blessed Lady) Mary (a.s.). The Muslims agree with us regarding this claim. However, the Muslims claim that Muhammad is a Prophet of God, but we do not acknowledge their claim. Therefore what both groups agree upon is better than what they disagree upon.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘John.’ The Imam (a.s.) replied, ‘O John! We believe in Jesus (a.s.) - the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (a.s.) and the Spirit of God - and His Word who believed in Muhammad (a.s.). Jesus (a.s.) gave the glad tidings of Muhammad’s (a.s.) coming, and Jesus (a.s.) himself confessed that he was a servant who has a Lord. Then if the Jesus in whom you believe is not so, and he does not believe in Muhammad (a.s.) and does not believe in being a servant of God and does not accept God the Honorable the Exalted to be his Lord, then we reject such a Jesus. Then how could we reject him and you claim that we agree with each other?’ Then (John) Abu Qorrah stood up and told me (i.e. Safwan ibn Yahya), ‘Stand up. This meeting was not beneficial for us.’”

56- بابُ جَواب الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَنْ سُؤالِ أَبي قرّةً صاحِبَ الجاثليقِ‏

1- حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدِ بْنِ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَر الهَمْدانِيَّ وَالحُسَيْنِ بْنِ إِبْراهيمِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ هاشِم المكتب وَعَلِىِّ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه الوَرَّاقُ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ قالُوا حَدَّثَنا عَلِىِّ بْنِ إِبراهِيمِ بْنِ هاشِم‏عَنْ صَفْوانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى صاحِبَ السابري قالَ سَأَلَنِي أَبُو قُرَّةَ صَاحِبُ الْجَاثَلِيقِ أَنْ أُوصِلَهُ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَاسْتَأْذَنْتُهُ فِي ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيَّ فَلَمَّا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ قَبَّلَ بِسَاطَهُ وَقَالَ هَكَذَا عَلَيْنَا فِي دِينِنَا أَنْ نَفْعَلَ بِأَشْرَافِ أَهْلِ زَمَانِنَا ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ أَصْلَحَكَ اللَّهُ مَا تَقُولُ فِي فِرْقَةٍ ادَّعَتْ دَعْوَى فَشَهِدَتْ لَهُمْ فِرْقَةٌ أُخْرَى مُعَدِّلُونَ قَالَ الدَّعْوَى لَهُمْ قَالَ فَادَّعَتْ فِرْقَةٌ أُخْرَى دَعْوَى فَلَمْ يَجِدُوا شُهُوداً مِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ قَالَ لا شَيْ‏ءَ لَهُمْ قَالَ فَإِنَّا نَحْنُ ادَّعَيْنَا أَنَّ عِيسَى رُوحُ اللَّهِ.

وَكَلِمَتُهُ فَوَافَقَنَا عَلَى ذَلِكَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ وَادَّعَى الْمُسْلِمُونَ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً نَبِيٌّ فَلَمْ نُتَابِعْهُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَمَا أَجْمَعْنَا عَلَيْهِ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا افْتَرَقْنَا فِيهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَا اسْمُكَ قَالَ يُوحَنَّا قَالَ يَا يُوحَنَّا إِنَّا آمَنَّا بِعِيسَى رُوحِ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتِهِ الَّذِي كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِمُحَمَّدٍ وَيُبَشِّرُ بِهِ وَيُقِرُّ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ أَنَّهُ عَبْدٌ مَرْبُوبٌ فَإِنْ كَانَ عِيسَى الَّذِي هُوَ عِنْدَكَ رُوحُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ لَيْسَ هُوَ الَّذِي آمَنَ بِمُحَمَّدٍ وَبَشَّرَ بِهِ وَلا هُوَ الَّذِي أَقَرَّ لِلَّهِ بِالْعُبُودِيَّةِ وَالرُّبُوبِيَّةِ فَنَحْنُ مِنْهُ بِرَاءٌ فَأَيْنَ اجْتَمَعْنَا فَقَامَ فَقَالَ لِصَفْوَانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى قُمْ فَمَا كَانَ أَغْنَانَا عَنْ هَذَا الْمجْلِسِ.

Chapter 57: On What Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said on the Subject of Divine Leadership to Yahya ibn ad-Dhahhak al-Samarqandi in the Presence of Al-Ma’mun

57-1 Al-Hakim Abu Ali Al-Husayn ibn Ahmad al-Bayhaqi narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Sowli said that there have been various forms of narration transmitted from Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) in various wordings for which I have not found any authentic document. I have seen the various forms. I will include the meaning of this narration here, even though it has been narrated in different words.

“Al-Ma’mun wished in his heart that Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) would fail in the arguments and be overcome by the opposing sides. However, Al-Ma’mun acted differently on the surface. Then Al-Ma’mun gathered together the jurisprudents and the masters of eloquent speech, and privately told them to argue with the Imam (a.s.) on the subject of Divine Leadership. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told them, ‘Please choose one person from among yourselves to argue with me on your behalf. Then whatever becomes imperative for him is going to be imperative for all of you.’ Then they chose a man known as Yahya ibn adh-Dhahhak al-Samarqandi for whom there was no man in Khorasan (in Persia) to challenge. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘O Yahya! Ask me about anything you wish.’ Yahya said, ‘I will ask about Divine Leadership. How do you claim one to be a Divine Leader who did not lead the people (perhaps he was referring to Imam Ali (a.s.)), and abandon one who has led the people and the people are content with his Divine Leadership?’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘O Yahya! Tell me, which of the following two people are right: One who acknowledges a person who denounces himself, and one who acknowledges a person who considers himself to be honest! Which of the two are right, and which one is wrong?’ Then Yahya remained silent. Al-Ma’mun told him, ‘Answer him.’ Yahya said, ‘O the Commander of the Faithful (i.e. Al-Ma’mun)! Please excuse me from answering.’ Al-Ma’mun said, ‘O Abal Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.))! We understand your intentions behind asking this question.’ Then the Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Now Yahya must inform us about which of his leaders have denounced themselves and which ones have acknowledged themselves. If he thinks that they have denounced themselves, then they do not deserve to be Divine Leaders. And if he

57- بابُ ذِكرَ ما كَلَّمَ بِهِ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَحْيَى بْنِ الضَّحّاكِ السَمَرْقَنْدِيُ‏

فِي الإِمامَة عِنْدَ الْمَأمُونِ‏

1- حَدَّثَنا الْحاكِم أَبُو عَلِي الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أحْمَد الْبِيْهَقِيُّ قالَ حَدَّثَني مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى الصُّوليُّ قالَ يُحْكَى لِلرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ خَبَرٌ مُخْتَلِفُ الأَلْفَاظِ لَمْ تَقَعْ لِي رِوَايَتُهُ بِإِسْنَادٍ أَعْمَلُ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدِ اخْتُلِفَ أَلْفَاظُ مَنْ رَوَاهُ إِلا أَنِّي سَ‏آتِي بِهِ وَبِمَعَانِيهِ وَإِنِ اخْتَلَفَتْ أَلْفَاظُهُ كَانَ الْمَأْمُونُ فِي بَاطِنِهِ يُحِبُّ سَقَطَاتِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَأَنْ يَعْلُوَهُ الْمحْتَجُّ وَإِنْ أَظْهَرَ غَيْرَ ذَلِكَ فَاجْتَمَعَ عِنْدَهُ الْفُقَهَاءُ وَالْمُتَكَلِّمُونَ فَدَسَّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَنْ نَاظِرُوهُ فِي الإِمَامَةِ فَقَالَ لَهُمُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اقْتَصِرُوا عَلَى وَاحِدٍ مِنْكُمْ يَلْزَمُكُمْ مَا لَزِمَهُ فَرَضُوا بِرَجُلٍ يُعْرَفُ بِيَحْيَى بْنِ الضَّحَّاكِ السَّمَرْقَنْدِيِّ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ بِخُرَاسَانَ مِثْلُهُ فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا يَحْيَى سَلْ مَا شِئْتَ فَقَالَ نَتَكَلَّمُ فِي الإِمَامَةِ كَيْفَ ادَّعَيْتَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَؤُمَّ وَتَرَكْتَ مَنْ أَمَّ وَوَقَعَ الرِّضَا بِهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ يَا يَحْيَى أَخْبِرْنِي عَمَّنْ صَدَقَ كَاذِباً عَلَى نَفْسِهِ أَوْ كَذَبَ صَادِقاً عَنْ نَفْسِهِ أَيَكُونُ مُحِقّاً مُصِيباً أَمْ مُبْطِلاً مُخْطِئاً فَسَكَتَ يَحْيَى.

فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ أَجِبْهُ فَقَالَ يُعْفِينِي أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ جَوَابِهِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا أَبَا الْحَسَنِ عَرِّفْنَا الْغَرَضَ فِي هَذِهِ الْمَسْأَلَةِ فَقَالَ لا بُدَّ لِيَحْيَى مِنْ أَنْ يُخْبِرَ عَنْ أَئِمَّتِهِ أَنَّهُمْ كَذَبُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ أَوْ صَدَقُوا فَإِنْ زَعَمُوا أَنَّهُمْ كَذَبُوا فَلا إِمَامَةَ لِكَذَّابٍ وَإِنْ زَعَمَ أَنَّهُمْ صَدَقُوا فَقَدْ قَالَ

thinks that they have acknowledged themselves, then the first one said, ‘I have attained mastery over you but I am not the best of you.’ And the one who comes next will say, ‘It was a mistake to pledge allegiance to the first one. Kill anyone who does this again.’ Then, by God, he was not pleased with anything but killing those who repeated that. Then when someone is not the best of the people - given that to be the best is only possible by having such characteristics as knowledge, struggling in the way of God, and possessing other nobilities - none of which he possessed; then how can the pledge of allegiance to someone be proper if the pledge of allegiance to one has made such a mistake which deserves that anyone doing such an act (pledge of allegiance) be killed. How can his leadership be acceptable for others while he is as such? Then he himself said the following on the pulpit, ‘Indeed there is a Satan within me which may overcome me. Please direct me to the straight way whenever he (the Satan within me) makes me go astray. And please advise me whenever I make a mistake.’ Therefore, they themselves declare that they are not Divine Leaders whether they are telling the truth or lying.’ Then Yahya had no answer to give. Then Al-Ma’mun got surprised about what the Imam (a.s.) had said and said, ‘O Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)! There exists no one else but you on the Earth who can speak so eloquently.’”

Chapter 56: On Ar-Ridha’’s Answer to Abi Qorrah - a friend of the Catholic Archbishop

56-1 Ahmad ibn Ziyad al-Hamadani, Al-Husayn ibn Ibrahim ibn Ahmad ibn Hashem al-Mokattib and Ali ibn Abdullah al-Warraq - may God be pleased with them - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Safwan ibn Yahya - Al-Saberi’s friend, “Abu Qorrah - a friend of al-Jaseliq - asked me to take him to the meeting held by Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). I requested permission to do so. Then the Imam (a.s.) (granted permission and) said, ‘Bring him in.’ Then when Abu Qor’rah entered, he kissed the rug beneath the Imam’s (a.s.) feet and said, ‘This is how our religion has instructed us to treat the noble ones of our era. May God keep you healthy. What is your opinion about one group who has a claim and another group that are known to be just and acknowledge their claim?’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Their claim is right.’ Then Abu Qorrah asked, ‘What about another group who have a claim, but they cannot find any witnesses to prove their claim other than themselves?’

The Imam (a.s.) replied, ‘Their claim is rejected.’ Abu Qorrah man said, ‘Now we claim that Jesus is the Spirit of God and His Word which He induced into (the Blessed Lady) Mary (a.s.). The Muslims agree with us regarding this claim. However, the Muslims claim that Muhammad is a Prophet of God, but we do not acknowledge their claim. Therefore what both groups agree upon is better than what they disagree upon.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He said, ‘John.’ The Imam (a.s.) replied, ‘O John! We believe in Jesus (a.s.) - the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (a.s.) and the Spirit of God - and His Word who believed in Muhammad (a.s.). Jesus (a.s.) gave the glad tidings of Muhammad’s (a.s.) coming, and Jesus (a.s.) himself confessed that he was a servant who has a Lord. Then if the Jesus in whom you believe is not so, and he does not believe in Muhammad (a.s.) and does not believe in being a servant of God and does not accept God the Honorable the Exalted to be his Lord, then we reject such a Jesus. Then how could we reject him and you claim that we agree with each other?’ Then (John) Abu Qorrah stood up and told me (i.e. Safwan ibn Yahya), ‘Stand up. This meeting was not beneficial for us.’”

56- بابُ جَواب الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَنْ سُؤالِ أَبي قرّةً صاحِبَ الجاثليقِ‏

1- حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدِ بْنِ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَر الهَمْدانِيَّ وَالحُسَيْنِ بْنِ إِبْراهيمِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ هاشِم المكتب وَعَلِىِّ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه الوَرَّاقُ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ قالُوا حَدَّثَنا عَلِىِّ بْنِ إِبراهِيمِ بْنِ هاشِم‏عَنْ صَفْوانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى صاحِبَ السابري قالَ سَأَلَنِي أَبُو قُرَّةَ صَاحِبُ الْجَاثَلِيقِ أَنْ أُوصِلَهُ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَاسْتَأْذَنْتُهُ فِي ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ أَدْخِلْهُ عَلَيَّ فَلَمَّا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ قَبَّلَ بِسَاطَهُ وَقَالَ هَكَذَا عَلَيْنَا فِي دِينِنَا أَنْ نَفْعَلَ بِأَشْرَافِ أَهْلِ زَمَانِنَا ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ أَصْلَحَكَ اللَّهُ مَا تَقُولُ فِي فِرْقَةٍ ادَّعَتْ دَعْوَى فَشَهِدَتْ لَهُمْ فِرْقَةٌ أُخْرَى مُعَدِّلُونَ قَالَ الدَّعْوَى لَهُمْ قَالَ فَادَّعَتْ فِرْقَةٌ أُخْرَى دَعْوَى فَلَمْ يَجِدُوا شُهُوداً مِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ قَالَ لا شَيْ‏ءَ لَهُمْ قَالَ فَإِنَّا نَحْنُ ادَّعَيْنَا أَنَّ عِيسَى رُوحُ اللَّهِ.

وَكَلِمَتُهُ فَوَافَقَنَا عَلَى ذَلِكَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ وَادَّعَى الْمُسْلِمُونَ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً نَبِيٌّ فَلَمْ نُتَابِعْهُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَمَا أَجْمَعْنَا عَلَيْهِ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا افْتَرَقْنَا فِيهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَا اسْمُكَ قَالَ يُوحَنَّا قَالَ يَا يُوحَنَّا إِنَّا آمَنَّا بِعِيسَى رُوحِ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتِهِ الَّذِي كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِمُحَمَّدٍ وَيُبَشِّرُ بِهِ وَيُقِرُّ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ أَنَّهُ عَبْدٌ مَرْبُوبٌ فَإِنْ كَانَ عِيسَى الَّذِي هُوَ عِنْدَكَ رُوحُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ لَيْسَ هُوَ الَّذِي آمَنَ بِمُحَمَّدٍ وَبَشَّرَ بِهِ وَلا هُوَ الَّذِي أَقَرَّ لِلَّهِ بِالْعُبُودِيَّةِ وَالرُّبُوبِيَّةِ فَنَحْنُ مِنْهُ بِرَاءٌ فَأَيْنَ اجْتَمَعْنَا فَقَامَ فَقَالَ لِصَفْوَانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى قُمْ فَمَا كَانَ أَغْنَانَا عَنْ هَذَا الْمجْلِسِ.

Chapter 57: On What Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said on the Subject of Divine Leadership to Yahya ibn ad-Dhahhak al-Samarqandi in the Presence of Al-Ma’mun

57-1 Al-Hakim Abu Ali Al-Husayn ibn Ahmad al-Bayhaqi narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Sowli said that there have been various forms of narration transmitted from Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) in various wordings for which I have not found any authentic document. I have seen the various forms. I will include the meaning of this narration here, even though it has been narrated in different words.

“Al-Ma’mun wished in his heart that Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) would fail in the arguments and be overcome by the opposing sides. However, Al-Ma’mun acted differently on the surface. Then Al-Ma’mun gathered together the jurisprudents and the masters of eloquent speech, and privately told them to argue with the Imam (a.s.) on the subject of Divine Leadership. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told them, ‘Please choose one person from among yourselves to argue with me on your behalf. Then whatever becomes imperative for him is going to be imperative for all of you.’ Then they chose a man known as Yahya ibn adh-Dhahhak al-Samarqandi for whom there was no man in Khorasan (in Persia) to challenge. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘O Yahya! Ask me about anything you wish.’ Yahya said, ‘I will ask about Divine Leadership. How do you claim one to be a Divine Leader who did not lead the people (perhaps he was referring to Imam Ali (a.s.)), and abandon one who has led the people and the people are content with his Divine Leadership?’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘O Yahya! Tell me, which of the following two people are right: One who acknowledges a person who denounces himself, and one who acknowledges a person who considers himself to be honest! Which of the two are right, and which one is wrong?’ Then Yahya remained silent. Al-Ma’mun told him, ‘Answer him.’ Yahya said, ‘O the Commander of the Faithful (i.e. Al-Ma’mun)! Please excuse me from answering.’ Al-Ma’mun said, ‘O Abal Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.))! We understand your intentions behind asking this question.’ Then the Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Now Yahya must inform us about which of his leaders have denounced themselves and which ones have acknowledged themselves. If he thinks that they have denounced themselves, then they do not deserve to be Divine Leaders. And if he

57- بابُ ذِكرَ ما كَلَّمَ بِهِ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَحْيَى بْنِ الضَّحّاكِ السَمَرْقَنْدِيُ‏

فِي الإِمامَة عِنْدَ الْمَأمُونِ‏

1- حَدَّثَنا الْحاكِم أَبُو عَلِي الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أحْمَد الْبِيْهَقِيُّ قالَ حَدَّثَني مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى الصُّوليُّ قالَ يُحْكَى لِلرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ خَبَرٌ مُخْتَلِفُ الأَلْفَاظِ لَمْ تَقَعْ لِي رِوَايَتُهُ بِإِسْنَادٍ أَعْمَلُ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدِ اخْتُلِفَ أَلْفَاظُ مَنْ رَوَاهُ إِلا أَنِّي سَ‏آتِي بِهِ وَبِمَعَانِيهِ وَإِنِ اخْتَلَفَتْ أَلْفَاظُهُ كَانَ الْمَأْمُونُ فِي بَاطِنِهِ يُحِبُّ سَقَطَاتِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَأَنْ يَعْلُوَهُ الْمحْتَجُّ وَإِنْ أَظْهَرَ غَيْرَ ذَلِكَ فَاجْتَمَعَ عِنْدَهُ الْفُقَهَاءُ وَالْمُتَكَلِّمُونَ فَدَسَّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَنْ نَاظِرُوهُ فِي الإِمَامَةِ فَقَالَ لَهُمُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اقْتَصِرُوا عَلَى وَاحِدٍ مِنْكُمْ يَلْزَمُكُمْ مَا لَزِمَهُ فَرَضُوا بِرَجُلٍ يُعْرَفُ بِيَحْيَى بْنِ الضَّحَّاكِ السَّمَرْقَنْدِيِّ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ بِخُرَاسَانَ مِثْلُهُ فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا يَحْيَى سَلْ مَا شِئْتَ فَقَالَ نَتَكَلَّمُ فِي الإِمَامَةِ كَيْفَ ادَّعَيْتَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَؤُمَّ وَتَرَكْتَ مَنْ أَمَّ وَوَقَعَ الرِّضَا بِهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ يَا يَحْيَى أَخْبِرْنِي عَمَّنْ صَدَقَ كَاذِباً عَلَى نَفْسِهِ أَوْ كَذَبَ صَادِقاً عَنْ نَفْسِهِ أَيَكُونُ مُحِقّاً مُصِيباً أَمْ مُبْطِلاً مُخْطِئاً فَسَكَتَ يَحْيَى.

فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ أَجِبْهُ فَقَالَ يُعْفِينِي أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ جَوَابِهِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا أَبَا الْحَسَنِ عَرِّفْنَا الْغَرَضَ فِي هَذِهِ الْمَسْأَلَةِ فَقَالَ لا بُدَّ لِيَحْيَى مِنْ أَنْ يُخْبِرَ عَنْ أَئِمَّتِهِ أَنَّهُمْ كَذَبُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ أَوْ صَدَقُوا فَإِنْ زَعَمُوا أَنَّهُمْ كَذَبُوا فَلا إِمَامَةَ لِكَذَّابٍ وَإِنْ زَعَمَ أَنَّهُمْ صَدَقُوا فَقَدْ قَالَ

thinks that they have acknowledged themselves, then the first one said, ‘I have attained mastery over you but I am not the best of you.’ And the one who comes next will say, ‘It was a mistake to pledge allegiance to the first one. Kill anyone who does this again.’ Then, by God, he was not pleased with anything but killing those who repeated that. Then when someone is not the best of the people - given that to be the best is only possible by having such characteristics as knowledge, struggling in the way of God, and possessing other nobilities - none of which he possessed; then how can the pledge of allegiance to someone be proper if the pledge of allegiance to one has made such a mistake which deserves that anyone doing such an act (pledge of allegiance) be killed. How can his leadership be acceptable for others while he is as such? Then he himself said the following on the pulpit, ‘Indeed there is a Satan within me which may overcome me. Please direct me to the straight way whenever he (the Satan within me) makes me go astray. And please advise me whenever I make a mistake.’ Therefore, they themselves declare that they are not Divine Leaders whether they are telling the truth or lying.’ Then Yahya had no answer to give. Then Al-Ma’mun got surprised about what the Imam (a.s.) had said and said, ‘O Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)! There exists no one else but you on the Earth who can speak so eloquently.’”