Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

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Narratives Of The Veracious Vol. 1

Author (s): Murtadha Mutahhari

Translator (s): Al-Ridha’ Hamidi

Publisher (s): Islamic Propagation Organization

www.alhassanain.org/english

This text is the first volume of a collection of anecdotes about prominent personalities, some well-known and others unknown, both Muslim and non-Muslim, but mainly about the Holy Prophet (S) and the A’imma of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). These serve to guide us on the wisdom, morality and ethics that we should carry in our day-to-day affairs.

Notice:

This version is published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Foreword 1

Story 1: The Holy Prophet (S) And Two Circles Of Believers 2

Notes 2

Story 2: A Man Who Asked For Help 3

Note 3

Story 3: A Request For A Prayer 4

Note 4

Story 4: Tying The Knees Of The Camel 5

Note 5

Story 5: A Companion Of Hajj (Pilgrimage) 6

Note 6

Story 6: Having A Meal Together 7

Notes 7

Story 7: A Caravan On The Way To Hajj (Pilgrimage) 8

Note 8

Story 8: A Muslim And A Man (People Of The Book) 9

Note 9

Story 9: In The Procession Of The Caliph 10

Note 10

Story 10: Imam Baqir (‘A) And A Christian 11

Note 11

Story 11: The Holy Prophet (S) And The Bedouin 12

Note 12

Story 12: Imam Husayn (‘A) And The Syrian 13

Note 13

Story 13: A Man Who Sought Guidance And Advice 14

Note 14

Story 14: The Christian And Ali’s (‘A) Armour 15

Note 15

Story 15: Imam Al-Sadiq (‘A) And A Group Of Sufis 16

Notes 22

Story 16: Ali (‘A) And Assem 23

Notes 23

Story 17: The Needy And The Wealthy 24

Note 24

Story 18: The Merchant And The Passerby 25

Note 25

Story 19: Ghazali And The Thieves 26

Note 26

Story 20: Ibn Sina And Ibn Maskuyeh 27

Note 27

Story 21: An Ascetic’s Advice 28

Note 28

Story 22: At The Feast Of The Caliph 29

Note 30

Story 23: Festival Prayer 31

Note 32

Story 24: Listening To A Mother’s Prayer 34

Note 34

Story 25: In The Presence Of The Judge 35

Note 35

Story 26: In The Land Of Mina 36

Note 36

Story 27: The Weight-Lifters 37

Note 37

Story 28: A Newly Converted Muslim 38

Note 39

Story 29: At The Dinner Table Of The Caliph 40

Note 40

Story 30:The Complaint Of A Neighbour 41

Note 41

Story 31: The Date Palm 42

Note 42

Story 32: In Umm Salamah’s Home 43

Note 43

Story 33: The Black Market 44

Note 44

Story 34: The Late-Comer Of The Caravan 45

Note 46

Story 35: The Shoelace 47

Note 47

Story 36: Hisham And Farazdaq 48

Note 49

Story 37: Bizanti 50

Note 50

Story 38: ‘Aqil, A Guest Of Ali (‘A) 51

Note 52

Story 39: A Dreadful Dream 53

Note 53

Story 40: At The Shelter Of Banu Sa’dah 54

Note 54

Story 41: Salutation Of Jews 55

Note 55

Story 42: A Letter To Abu Dharr 56

Note 56

Story 43: Unfixed Wages 57

Note 57

Story 44: A Believer Or A Free Man 58

Note 58

Story 45: At Miqat 59

Notes 59

Story 46: The Burden Of The Palm Tree 61

Note 61

Story 47: The Sweat Of Labour 62

Note 62

Story 48: The End Of The Friendship 63

Note 63

Story 49: An Insult 64

Note 65

Story 50: The Sharp Tongue 66

Note 66

Story 51: Two Partners 67

Notes 67

Story 52: Prohibition Of The Drunkard 69

Note 69

Story 53: The Garment Of The Caliph 70

Note 70

Story 54: The Young Man Full Of Certainty 71

Note 71

Story 55: The Migrants In Abyssinia 72

Note 74

Story 56: The Worker And The Sun 75

Note 75

Story 57: The New Neighbour 76

Note 76

Story 58: The Last Words 77

Note 77

Story 59: Nasibah 78

Note 79

Story 60: Request Of The Messiah 80

Note 80

Story 61: Gathering Firewood In The Desert 81

Note 81

Story 62: Liquor At The Dinner Table 82

Note 82

Story 63: Listening To The Qur’an 83

Note 83

Story 64: The Man Renowned By The Public 84

Note 85

Story 65: The Words Which Made Abu Talib Strong 86

Note 86

Story 66: A Middle-Aged Student 88

Note 88

Story 67: The Botanist 89

Note 90

Story 68: The Eloquent Orator 91

Note 91

Story 69: The Fruit Of The Visit To Taif 92

Note 93

Story 70: Abu Is’haq, The Sabian 94

Note 94

Story 71: In Quest Of Truth 95

Note 96

Story 72: In Quest Of Certitude 97

Note 98

Story 73: A Thirsty Man With A Water Bag On His Shoulder 99

Note 100

Story 74: A Kind Reprisal 101

Note 101

Story 75: The Stranger 103

Note 103

Lexicon Of Proper Names And Arabic Terms 104

Foreword

Murtadha Mutahhari, the author of this work, was born on 2nd February, 1919 in Fariman, a town in the north-eastern Iranian province of Khurasan, and was assassinated by the pseudo-Islamic group, Furqan on 2nd May 1979, about three months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Having studied advanced literature, philosophy, Islamic jurisprudence and other Islamic fields in the religious city of Qum, Martyr Murtadha Mutahhari began teaching philosophy and religious sciences at Tehran University. He played a significant role in illuminating the minds of people from different walks of society, particularly university students. Subsequently, his political activity against the Shah dynasty resulted in his imprisonment by the SAVAK many times, as well as prohibition of him teaching at university.

By compiling more than forty works, mostly in the domain of philosophy and Islamic sociology, he can truly be considered as one of the outstanding forerunners of the revival of Islamic thought in the contemporary world.

The late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini (may Almighty Allah shower His peace and blessings upon his soul) said on the occasion of his martyrdom,“I have lost a very dear son.”

Narratives of the Veracious, ‘Dastan Rastan’, is not a philosophical text, nor an analysis. Rather, it is a series of narratives extracted, not only from Islamic traditions, but also from diverse historical books that relate anecdotes about prominent personalities, some well-known and others unknown, both Muslim and non-Muslim.

The martyred author's purpose, as he has explained in the introduction of the Persian edition, was to contribute to guidance and moral education by the instructive histories re-transcribed in the simple language, accessible to all, the expert and lay person alike. Ethics is a fundamental field in Islam to which this work refers and transmits authentic accounts.

Among the many works of Ayatullah Martyr Murtadha Mutahhari are:

1. Society and History

2. An Introduction to the Islamic World Outlook (7 Volumes)

3. Man and Faith

4. The Rights of Feminism in Islam

5. Divine Help in Human Life

6. The Martyr

7. A Recognition of Islamic Sciences (3 volumes)

8. Islam and Iran (A Historical Study of Mutual Services), and many others.

In recognizing the importance of the work by Martyr Murtadha Mutahhari, the ICRO wishes to publish this book with the hope of strengthening unity among the Muslim brotherhood, as well as with other communities.

Department of Translation and Publication,

Islamic Culture and Relations Organization

Story 1: The Holy Prophet (S) And Two Circles Of Believers

One day when the Holy Prophet (S) entered the Mosque (Masjid un-Nabi),1 his eyes were cast over two groups who were busy with their own affairs, forming separate circles. One group was engaged in prayers and supplication, while the other was busy in educational activities.

The Holy Prophet (S), after critically examining both groups, became very happy and turned towards his companions who were assisting him, and said,“Both the groups are engaged in useful pursuits and are blessed and prosperous.” He (S) added,“I have been sent to educate and instruct them.”

He (S) then made his way towards the group who had assembled for educational activities and sat in their circle.2

Notes

1. At the advent of Islam, Masjid un-Nabi (The Mosque of Madinah), was not exclusively devoted to the performance of ritual prayers. It was also a centre to carry out the religious and social activities of Muslims. Whenever Muslims were called to an assembly, they gathered in this Mosque. They were informed about any significant events and any crucial decisions made were publicly announced.

When the Muslims lived in Makkah, they were deprived of all forms of liberty and social activities. They could neither freely perform their religious obligations and practices, nor were they able to properly receive their religious instruction. This situation lasted until Islam spread to more tolerant parts of Arabia, for example Yathrib, before it became famous and came to be known as ‘Madinat ul-Nabi’ (The City of The Prophet). According to the proposition of the inhabitants of Madinah, and the pact made between them and his Eminence, the Holy Prophet (S) emigrated to this city, and all the other Muslims gradually emigrated in turn.

From that time onwards, Muslims acquired their liberty of conscience. The first achievement of the Holy Prophet (S) after his emigration to Madinah was to choose a plot of land where he (S) with the help of his Companions was able to erect this Mosque.

2. Muniyat ul-Murid, p. 10.

Story 2: A Man Who Asked For Help

Reflecting on his own painful past, full of afflictions, a man recalled how those bitter days had slipped away. The days when he was not even in a position to provide sustenance for his wife and innocent children. He mused on how a few words, which fell upon his ears three times, invigorated his soul, changed the course of his life, and rescued his whole family from being overwhelmed by poverty and calamity.

He was a companion of the Holy Prophet. Poverty and indigence had the upper hand on him. One day after reaching a dead end, he consulted with his family, and decided to go to the Holy Prophet (S), as his wife had suggested, to explain his situation and ask for financial assistance. With this intention he left his home, yet before he was able to make his request, the following words fell upon his ears,“We help whoever asks us for assistance, but Allah preserves the needs of those who feel enriched and refrain from stretching out their hands to others.”

He returned home without uttering a single word. He found himself again face to face with the awful shadow of poverty over his dwelling. The next day, he hurriedly rejoined the assembly of the Holy Prophet (S) with the same intention. He heard the same words from the Holy Prophet (S),“We help whoever asks us for assistance, but Allah preserves the needs of those who feel enriched and refrain from stretching out their hands to others.”

He returned home once again without putting forward his request. For the third time, he saw himself deep in the web of poverty, debility, misery, and helplessness. He decided once again to go to the assembly of the Holy Prophet (S) in order to put forward his request. Once again, the lips of the Prophet (S) moved and the same words were repeated, invigorating the heart and giving certainty to the soul.

This time, by hearing those words, the man felt more confident and realized that he had found the key to his problem. He left with more determination, thinking,“I will never ask for someone else’s help. I will rely on Allah and take advantage of the energy and capacity which exists in me, and I will pray to Him (Allah) for success in whatever I undertake and to provide for me.”

He thought about what kind of work would be suit him best. In such circumstances, he decided to go to the desert to gather firewood and sell it. He borrowed an axe, then he left for the desert. By gathering the firewood and selling it, he relished the fruits of his own labour. He continued working hard for the following days until he managed to buy an axe of his own, a beast of burden, and other tools with the money he gained. He continued working until he gained more capital and hired servants.

One day the Holy Prophet (S) met him with a smile on his lips. He (S) said,“We help whoever asks us for assistance, but Allah preserves the needs of those who feel free from want.” 1

Note

1. Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 2, p. 139 (Al-qina’a) and Safinat ul-Bihar (qana’a).

Story 3: A Request For A Prayer

Excited and agitated, a man came to Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) and said,“Could you do a favour for me and say a prayer so that Allah may grant me ease of life, for I am really poor and indigent.”

The Imam (‘a) replied,“I will never say the prayer for you!”

The man said,“Why?”

The Imam (‘a) replied,“Because Allah has determined a purpose for this. Allah has commanded man to search for his subsistence and do his utmost for his earnings. But you would like to use prayer to have your daily subsistence brought to you while sitting at home.” 1

Note

1. Wasa’il, v. 2, p. 529.

Story 4: Tying The Knees Of The Camel

The caravan having travelled for hours, weariness overcame both the riders and animals. As soon as they reached an oasis where there was water, they had their camels kneel down. The Holy Prophet (S) accompanying the caravan, made his camel kneel down and dismounted from it. All were rushing to the water to prepare for the preliminaries of prayer. Dismounting from his camel, the Holy Prophet (S) also made his way towards the water.

After covering a certain distance, without speaking to anyone, he (S) returned to his camel. Surprised, his companions thought he (S) was not pleased with the place and would order them to set out again. Lending their ears to him, in full attention, they awaited his order. The companions were astonished when they saw the Holy Prophet (S) reach up to his camel, pick up a rope and bind its knees. He (S) then returned towards his original destination. Exclamations arose among the companions,“O Messenger of Allah! Why did you not command us to do that for you. Why did you trouble yourself while we would all be proud to be at your service?”

The Holy Prophet (S) replied,“Do not ever ask for help from others for your own affairs and do not count upon others even if it would be for a tooth-pick.” 1

Note

1. Kuhl Al-Basar Fi Sirat Sayyid Al-Bashar, Muhaddith al-Qummi, p. 69.

Story 5: A Companion Of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

On returning from the journey of Hajj, a man related his and his companions’ experiences to Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a). He was stirred by and admired them, particularly one of his fellow travelers.“How noble he was. We were proud to accompany such an honourable man. He was praying continuously. No sooner did we stop at a place, then he would immediately part from us, seek a corner, spread his prayer mat, and engage himself in prayer and worship.”

The Imam (‘a) asked,“Then who was looking after his affairs? Who was tending to his animal?”

He replied,“Of course, we were. We had the honour to be at his service. He had nothing to worry about. He would engage himself in his devotional affairs.”

The Imam (‘a) replied,“Then all of you were better than him.” 1

Note

1. Kuhl Al-Basar Fi Sirat Sayyid Al-Bashar, Muhaddith al-Qummi, p. 69.

Story 6: Having A Meal Together

As soon as the Holy Prophet (S) and his companions alighted from their mounts and untied their luggage, they decided to slaughter a sheep and prepare a meal.

One of the Companions said,“I will slaughter the sheep.”

The second one said,“I will skin it.”

The third one said,“I will cook it.”

The fourth ........etc.

The Holy Prophet (S) said,“I will go to the desert to gather firewood.”

The Companions said,“O Messenger of Allah! Take no pains! Please be seated and rest! Let it be our honour to serve you!”

The Holy Prophet (S) said,“I know you would do that, but Allah hates to see his servant enjoy a state of privilege among his friends and companions and distinguish between himself and the others.” 1

He (S) then proceeded to the desert and fetched the firewood.2

Notes

1. انَّ الله يكره من عبده انَّ يراه متميزا بين اصحابه

2. Kuhl Al-Basar Fi Sirat Sayyid Al-Bashar, Muhaddith al-Qummi, p. 68

Story 7: A Caravan On The Way To Hajj (Pilgrimage)

A Muslim caravan that had started on a trip for Hajj (pilgrimage) heading towards Makkah, stopped for rest upon reaching Madinah. Then, after few days, it set out for Makkah again. In between Madinah and Makkah, the people of the caravan met a man who was well acquainted with them. While talking to them, the man recognized a person among the caravan whose face was of a pious man, who was willingly and happily busy serving the men of the caravan.

He recognized him immediately and asked them with amazement,“Do you know this man who is serving you and tending to your affairs?”

They said,“No, we do not know him. He joined the caravan in Madinah. He is a righteous, pious and virtuous man. No-one asked him to serve us, but it was he who volunteered to help and to assist with our affairs.”

“It is quite obvious that you do not know him, otherwise you would not be so impudent nor let him work as a servant.”

They were surprised and asked,“Then who is this man?”

“He is Ali ibn al-Husayn, Zain ul-Abidin.”

The people became flustered and stood up to kiss the Imam's hand and feet in order to apologize to him. Then they said reproachfully,“Why did you behave so? We might, may God preserve us, have committed a sin or offended you!”

The Imam replied,“I deliberately chose your group as my fellow travelers, for you did not know my identity. At times, I journeyed with the people who knew me. They were sympathetic and affectionate towards me for the sake of the Messenger of God (S). They did not allow me to do any type of work or render my services to them. This is the reason I choose, of my own desire, fellow travelers who did not recognize me, and I refrained from identifying myself to them so that I can enjoy serving my companions.” 1

Note

1. Bihar, v. 11, p. 21.

Story 8: A Muslim And A Man (People Of The Book)

In those days, the city of Kufah was the center of Islamic government. Throughout the entire territory of the vast Muslim nation, with the exception of Syria, all eyes were on that city, waiting to receive the latest orders and for vital decisions to be made.

On the road to the city, two men, a Muslim and a ‘man of the Book’ (i.e., Jew, Christian or Zoroastrian) met each other. They each inquired of their companion’s destination respectively, and it became evident that the Muslim was going to Kufah and the other man was going to another nearby place.

They proceeded cordially, conversing about various topics. When they arrived at the bifurcation of the road, the non-Muslim was surprised to see that his Muslim companion did not take the road to Kufah, but instead he accompanied him.

He asked,“Did you not say you were going to Kufah?”

“Yes.”

“Then why are you coming this way? The road to Kufah is that one!”

“I know, but I would like to accompany you for a few steps. Our Prophet (S) said, “When two people are travelling together on the same path, they acquire rights over each other. Now you have a right over me, thus I want to accompany you a few steps and then I shall surely be on my way.”

“Oh! It is certainly due to his noble ethics that your Prophet gained such influence and power among people, and that his belief has spread so quickly all over the world.”

The amazement and admiration of that non-Muslim rose to even greater heights when he discovered that his Muslim companion was none other than the Caliph of the time, Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘a). He soon embraced Islam and was counted among the most devout and faithful companions of Imam Ali (‘a).1

Note

1. Usul al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 670 (Chapter, Hussn al-sahaba)

Story 9: In The Procession Of The Caliph

Ali (‘a), while on his way to Kufah, entered a nearby city called Anbar where its inhabitants were Iranian. The chiefs and the farmers were exulted and overjoyed that their beloved Caliph would pass through their town. They ran to welcome him. As he prepared to depart, Ali (‘a) mounted his horse and started to move when they started running in front of him.

Ali (‘a) called out to them and asked,“Why are you running? What happened to you?”

They replied,“This is the way we show respect for our governors and distinguished personalities. It is a tradition as well as a type of courtesy, customary among us.”

The Imam (‘a) replied,“This custom makes you suffer in this world and will make you unfortunate in the hereafter. Refrain from practicing these kinds of deeds which will only humiliate and degrade you. Moreover, what is the benefit of this custom for your people?” 1

Note

1. Nahj al-Balaghah, Hikam No. 37.

Story 10: Imam Baqir (‘A) And A Christian

Imam Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn (‘a) had the title of ‘Baqir’, meaning ‘the one who analyzes’. He was called ‘Baqir ul-ulum’ which means ‘the one who analyzes knowledge’.

A Christian, in mockery, tried to play on the word Baqir, mispronouncing it as“baqar” . He said to him,“You are a baqar!” (i.e. You are a cow!)

Without expressing any annoyance or anger, the Imam (‘a) replied calmly:“No, I am not baqar, but I am Baqir.”

The Christian said,“You are the son of a lady cook.”

The Imam (‘a) said in reply,“It was her job and is not considered an insult or disgrace to her dignity.”

The Christian said,“Your mother was black, immodest and had an abusive tongue.”

The Imam (‘a) said,“If what you attribute to my mother is true, I pray to Allah to forgive her and absolve her sins; and if it is a lie, may Allah forgive you for your lies and slander.”

Observing such a clemency from a person who had the authority to subject a non-Muslim to punishment, was sufficient to provoke a transformation in the soul of the Christian and invite him towards Islam. Later, he accepted Islam and became a Muslim.1

Note

1. Bihar ul-Anwar, v. 11, p. 83

Story 11: The Holy Prophet (S) And The Bedouin

A nomadic, rough Arab arrived in Madinah and made his way towards the mosque in the hope of getting some gold and silver from the Messenger of Allah (S). When he entered the mosque, the Holy Prophet (S) was among a group of friends and companions. The man put forward his request and asked for charity.

The Holy Prophet (S) gave him something, but he was not pleased and considered it less than what he expected. In addition, he uttered harsh words and yelled out, insulting the Messenger of Allah (S). The companions lost their temper and were about to harm him, but the Holy Prophet (S) prohibited them.

Later, the Prophet (S) took the bedouin to his own home and extended him hospitality. The bedouin noticed the status of the Holy Prophet's (S) living conditions, which did not resemble that of any of the chiefs or governors that he had ever seen before. Neither gold nor wealth accumulated there.

Thus, the bedouin expressed his thanks and satisfaction.

Meanwhile the Holy Prophet (S) said to him,“You uttered harsh words yesterday, which provoked the anger of my companions. I am afraid you may be violated by them. Now that you have thanked me and said kind words in my presence, could you repeat the same words in front of my companions so as to ease the anger and the wrath which they had towards you?”

The bedouin said,“I have no objection.”

The following day he came to the mosque, while all were present. The Holy Prophet (S) turned the face towards his companions and said,“This man claims that he is pleased with me. Am I right?”

The bedouin replied,“Yes! You are right.” And he repeated the same words that he uttered privately with the Holy Prophet (S). The companions of the Holy Prophet (S) started smiling and were happy.

The Holy Prophet (S) then, turned to his companions and said,“My example with such persons is like the man whose camel was startled and ran away. People began shouting and running after the camel, thinking that this would help the camel’s owner, but the camel kicked more and ran away faster. The owner of the camel said, “I ask of you to let my camel be at ease. I know better how to calm it.” Once he kept people back from its pursuit, he picked up a handful of herbs and stood calmly in front of the camel. Without running or shouting, he slowly moved towards the camel and showed the herbs. Then he easily grasped the bridle of his camel and set off on his way.”

The Holy Prophet (S) added,“If I had let you free yesterday, surely you would have killed this poor bedouin and with such a bad attitude! But I stood between you and him, and treated him kindly and gently.” 1

Note

1. Kuhl Al-Basar Fi Sirat Sayyid Al-Bashar, Muhaddith al-Qummi, p. 70.

Story 12: Imam Husayn (‘A) And The Syrian

A man from Syria, with the intention of performing the Hajj pilgrimage or some other aim, arrived in Madinah. His eyes were cast over a man sitting in a corner. Paying attention to him, he asked,“Who is this man?”

They said,“He is Husayn, son of Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘a).”

Due to widespread propaganda against Husayn,1 anger penetrated the man’s soul and made him boil with rage. In his mind, in order to please Allah, he insulted and defamed Husayn ibn Ali (‘a) as much as he could. In order to unburden his hostility, he said whatever was on his mind.

Without losing his temper or expressing anger, Imam Husayn (‘a) looked at him full of affection and kindness and started reciting a few verses of the Holy Qur'an relating to good character, forgiveness and tolerance. He (‘a) said,“We are ready to help you, no matter what. Are you from Syria?”

He replied,“Yes.”

The Imam (‘a) said,“I have experience with this sort of disposition and character. I know the origin of this.”

Then he added,“You are a stranger in our city. If you are in need, we are ready to offer you help, and to welcome you and show you hospitality in our home. We can clothe you and provide you with money.”

Expecting a violent reaction and never supposing he would face such leniency and tolerance, the Syrian was so touched by Husayn’s (‘a) words that he said,“I wished the earth had split open and swallowed me whole at that moment, and that I had not been so rude and brazen. Until this moment no one was more hateful towards Husayn (‘a) and his father than me, but from this moment onwards no one is more beloved and dearer to me than them in the whole world.”

Note

1. Syria was conquered at the time of the Caliphate of Umar. The first person who was selected to govern Syria was Yazid ibn Abu Sufian. He died after two years of rule. The government of this rich province was entrusted to his brother, Mu'awiyah ibn Abu Sufian who was the governor for twenty years and ruled with absolute authority. Even during the Caliphate of Umar, when governors were frequently appointed and dismissed, nobody had ever governed a region for so many years. Mu'awiyah had a firm footing in his region and no-one trifled with him.

He became entrenched to such an extent that he started dreaming of the Caliphate. After twenty years of rule, and the bloody transgressions committed by him, he managed to achieve his goal. He reigned as Caliph over Syria and other regions of the vast Islamic territory for another twenty years. Hence, Syrians lived under the rule of the Umayyad dynasty from the day that they came to know the world of Islam.

As is well known, the Umayyads were hostile towards the Hashemites from days of old. After the advent of Islam, this hostility intensified, became more vigorous, and spread to the descendants of Imam Ali (as). Due to the spread of false propaganda, when Syrians came to hear the name of Imam Ali's descendants, they felt enmity towards them and they considered hostility against them a religious duty. They became well-known for such habits and character.