The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites

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The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites

The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites

Author:
Publisher: www.al-islam.org
English

This book is corrected and edited by Al-Hassanain (p) Institue for Islamic Heritage and Thought

Alhassanain (p) Network for Islamic Heritage and Thought

The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites

The relation between the ideological and the theological realms in Islam. Theories of the Caliphate and the Imamate in Islam and the historical development of Shi'ism as a distinct school of Islamic thought.

Author(s): Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr

www.alhassanain.org/english

Table of Contents

Preface 3

Foreword 4

The Author and the Book 4

Concerning the Present Edition 5

Notes 6

Introduction 7

Notes 8

Part 1:The Emergence of Shi'ism 9

Preliminary Remarks 9

Notes 9

The First Discussion: Denial, Neglecting the Question of Succession 10

First Issue 10

Second Issue 11

Notes 12

The Second Discussion: The Affirmative Path Represented by the Consultative Order 15

First Issue 15

Second Issue 19

Third Issue 25

Notes 26

The Third Discussion: Affirmation Represents Choice and Designation 31

Notes 33

Part 2: The Emergence of the Shi'ites 35

Preliminary Remarks 35

The First Discussion: The Genesis of Two Main Currents during the Prophet's Lifetime 36

Notes 38

The Second Discussion 41

Notes 43

The Third Discussion: Spiritual Shi'ism and Political Shi'ism 45

Notes 47

Appendix: The Moral and Intellectual Preparation for 'Ali's Guardianship and Succession 48

Introduction 49

The First Discussion 50

Notes 53

The Second Discussion: The Preparation and Adaptation of the Ummah to 'Ali's Succession 55

Notes 60

The Third Discussion: The Pertinence of 'Ali's Proficient Knowledge of the Qur'an to His Preparation for Succession 62

Notes 66

Bibliography 68

Preface

In The Name of Allah the All Merciful

Imam Ali Foundation has published books and book translations of high quality concerning many subjects, especially regarding a wider understanding of Islam both in its dogmatic and legal aspects.

Dear Reader, the book which you have in your hands treats a most important topic regarding the relation between the ideological and the theological realms in Islam. It concerns theories of the Caliphate and the Imamate in Islam and especially the historical development of Shi'ism, which insists upon a strict observance of Koranic and prophetic texts in everyday life.

The first text represents the inspired thought of the martyr Sayyed Mohammad Baqir As-Sadr, who was highly reputed for the intellectual quality, scientific value and objectivity of his works. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Chararah has been given the great distinction, and privilege, to annotate this work and to present it here, in order to facilitate its access to the public.

Imam Ali Foundation

Foreword

The Author and the Book

Imam Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, the author of this study, was a reverent scholar and one of the most eminent jurists of our time. He struggled diligently in the way of God; his devotion to Islam was complete to the point of martyrdom, which he finally attained in 1979.

An endless source of learnedness, his genuine gift, he was unrivaled in the study of legal principles and jurisprudence. Imam al­ Sadr was a rare mind in the area of logic and the logic of inquiry, and sought to renew Islamic thought in the face of contemporary intellectual challenges in philosophy, economy and sociology. By setting forth his theses, observations and positions, he helped to establish firmly the Islamic School. He refurbished theological studies, enriched knowledge of the Qur'an and secured the pillars of a sober scientific method in every subject he took up through his pen.

In the probing study of Shi'ism before us, Imam al-Sadr brought to bear a sedate, scholarly method supported by that impeccable logic for which he is so well known. At every step, he has the depth of a skilled expert who knows from the very outset how to take the reader wherever true logic dictates. He handled this weighty subject with concision in a way unmatched by anyone, thanks to his strength of argument, compactness, evenness and subtlety of expression, to say nothing of the sheer elegance of his presentation.

This, despite the number of points and allusions made. These may be perfectly comprehensible to cultured or attained persons, but less so to those inexperienced in this kind of extended theological inquiry. The allusions are not easily understood by those uninitiated in the area of debate and argumentation, or who have never before had to deal with either Prophetic traditions (hadi`ths) or historical events.

In view of the significance of the subject matter, style and treatment, it is regrettable that this study has not received the attention it deserves. Nor has it been properly edited and commented on, for proper guidance through all the evidence invoked. We have yet to be enlightened on its references or the context of its arguments - which should reveal to the reader the soundness of the logic and leave him or her reassured, in turn, as to the logic of their soundness.

This study was originally written in Baghdad in 1970 AD/1390 AH as a preface to a book by Dr. `Abdullah Fayyad entitled History of the Imamites and Their Shi'ite Predecessors, and published in Baghdad by Matba`at As`ad. The first independent edition was published in Cairo in 1977 AD/1397 AH, under the supervision of Mr. Talib al-Husaym al-Rifai.1 In the same year, but just earlier, it was also published in Beirut by Dar al-Ta`aruf lil-Matbu`at.

These two editions, however, have failed to measure up to their goal, since there was little effort to edit or accurately to determine the text. Neither are the Prophetic traditions expounded nor the texts properly supported, to say nothing of the many printing errors.

Nevertheless, the Cairo edition is provided with Mr. al-Rifais helpful comments; it is also the more precise of the two, having fewer errors. The two editions have different titles - the Cairo going by Shi'ism, an Authentic Phenomenon Within the Call of Islam,2 the Beirut by A Study Concerning Guardianship.3

The result was that there arose a need for this study to be given the attention it rightly deserved in terms of textual editing, exactness and commentary. I have made every effort to determine the precise expressions by benefiting from the editions just mentioned, with a view to the necessary corrections. As to the title, I have heeded the view of the eminent Ayatullah al-Sayyid Mahmud al-Hashimi, who suggested to me that it be The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites. It was the most appropriate one.

Finally, I have seen it fit to append another scholarly study, adhering to the very same sober method he used, to this solid research by the late Imam al-Sadr. I hope to analyze something to which he pointed without much elaboration, instead relying on its obvious sense on the assumption that it has been related by several transmitters and handed down through many biographical works: namely, the intellectual and moral preparation for Imam `Ali's spiritual leadership (imamah) and political succession (khilafah) to the Prophet.

Concerning the Present Edition

First of all, only printed copies, together with the preface in the introductory section of Dr. `Abdullah Fayyad's History of the Imamites and Their Shi'ite Predecessors, have been available to me. But since the Cairo copy that came out under Mr. Talib al-Husayni al-Rifai's supervision is the better and more accurate one, I have basically relied on it. In order to determine the text and to rectify the errors and whatever seems doubtful, I have referred to the other two editions, that of Beirut and that of Baghdad (the one included in the introduction to Dr. Fayyad's book).

Secondly, I have devised a new layout for the study; it is now divided into an introduction and two chapters. The first chapter is entitled “What is the origin of Shi'ism?” -exactly as the author wished by way of presentation. I broke it up into three discussions. The firstdeals with what the title it carries says , “The First Path - Denial,” that is, “Neglecting the Succession.” This title appears in the Cairo edition. The Second Discussion deals with the path of affirmation, epitomized by the consultative system. The Third Discussion presents the affirmative path, exemplified by the preparation and investiture of whomever was to lead the Ummah, or the community. The second chapter is called “How did the Shiites become Shiite?” It, too, is divided into three discussions. The first is concerned with the two principal trends that accompanied the development of the Ummah; the second with intellectual authority and guidance; and the third with the issue of spiritual and political Shi`ism.

Thirdly, I have consulted those references given by Imam al-Sadr, and have been able to establish the specific texts he relied on. I have, therefore, indicated the volume of the Tradition source left out, along with the page numbers. All told, twenty-three references were given. I have attached the word “Imam” to them, thereby retaining the original text written in the notes and distinguishing them from my own comments.

Fourthly, with respect to those texts which Imam al-Sadr does quote or refer to, I have sought to provide the source, based on the information he gives. I have also made available the references to the ayat of the Qur'an and to the Prophetic hadiths.

Fifthly, wherever needed, I have documented the views and ideas evoked by the Imam.

Sixthly, in order to clarify the objects of discussion, or to reinforce through evidence and proof, I have in many cases made the appropriate comments.

I implore God to render pure this work before Him. Praisebe to God, Lord of the World.

Editor

Dr. Abd al Jabbar Sharrarah

Notes

1. By Dar Ahl al-Bayt, Matabi` al-Dajawi, Abidin.

2. Al-Tashayyu zahirah tabi'iyyah fi itar al-da'wah al-islamiyyah

3. Bahth hawl al-walayah.

Introduction

Some scholars who study Shi`ism describe it as a phenomenon that is incidental to Islamic society. They observe the Shi segment within the body of the Islamic community precisely in its quality of a segment, one that first came into being, through the passage of time, as a result of specific societal events and developments, leading to the intellectual and doctrinal formation of one part only within the larger body; a part which gradually broadened later.1 Beyond this assumption, these scholars differ as to the particular events and developments that led to the rise of such a phenomenon.

Some assume that `Abd Allah b. Saba'2 and his alleged political activity were at the origin of the rise of the Shi`ite bloc. Others trace the phenomenon of Shi`ism back to the era of Imam `Ali's Caliphate and whatever political and social circumstances had taken shape within the pale of events of the time. Still others claim that, within the historical sequence of the Islamic community, the appearance of the Shi`ites occurred through still later events than these.3

As far as I can tell, what has prompted many of these scholars to believe that Shi`ism was a phenomenon merely incidental to Islamic society is precisely that the Shiites of early Islam represented but a tiny portion of the Ummah. This fact may have inspired the feeling that what was not Shi`i must have then been the predominant pattern in Islamic society, and that Shi'ism was the exception, an accidental phenomenon whose causes can be discovered through developments relating to the opposition to the dominant order.

But to consider either numerical majority or relative minority as grounds enough for distinguishing the dominant order from the exception, or the original root from the schism, lacks logical rigour. It is incorrect to describe “non-Shi'ism” as dominant simply on the basis of a numerical majority; and, based on numerical inferiority, to relegate “Shi'ism” to an incidental phenomenon and the idea of schism.

That would not agree with the nature of creedal divisions, since many divisions can remain within the fold of a single message and arise only through the differences attending the process of defining certain of the message's features. No two credal divisions ever have numerical equivalence, although both sides may at bottom be seeking to express the same message on whose nature they disagree.

Hence, under no circumstances can we build our conception upon a creedal division between Shi'ism and other currents within the Islamic Mission4 based on numbers alone; just as we may not link the birth of the Shi'i thesis, as it occurs within the framework of the Islamic Mission, with the advent of the word “Shi'ites” or “Shi'ism” taken as a technical term or proper noun for a clearly defined group among the Muslims. This is because the advent of names and technical terms is one thing, and the development of the content, the actual current and the thesis are another. If we cannot find the word “Shiites”5 in current usage at the time of God's Messenger, or immediately following his death, this does not mean that the Shiite current and thesis did not exist.

With this frame of mind, then, let us turn to the issue of “Shi`ism” and “Shi`ites” in order to answer the following two questions:

What is the origin of Shi'ism?

How did the Shi'ites emerge?

Notes

1. See Dr. Kamil Mustafa al-Shaybi, al-Silah bayna al-tasawwuf wal-tashajyu; I:11 -14, where he presents the views of many ancient and contemporary investigators into the origin and evolution of Shi'ism. He also states that some of them differentiate between political and spiritual (i.e. doctrinal) Shi`ism.See Dr. Mustafa al-Shak`ah, Islam bila madhahib, p. 153; and Dr. Diya' al-Din al-Rayyis, al-Nazariyyat al-siyasiyyah al­ islamiyyah, p. 69.

2. See Dr. Mahmud Jabir `Abd al-`Al, Harakat al-Shi`ah al-mutatarrafin ma atharuhum fi al-hayat al-ijtimiyyah, p. 19. This claim is ascribed to some Muslim historians.However, al-`Al points out that this was rejected by Bernard Lewis, the well-known Orientalist. Wellhausen and Friedlander, two of the biggest scholars in the field, are quoted as saying, “Ibn Saba' was fabricated by those who came later in time.” Dr. Taha Husayn, in his al-Fitnah al-kubra, II:327 , says: “The Shiites' opponents exaggerated the issue of Ibn Saba' in order to defame Ali and his followers.” He added that `We find no mention of Ibn Saba' in any of the important sources ...He is not mentioned in Baladhuris Ansab al-ashraf, but is in Tabari's Tarikh, as reported by Sayf b. `Umar al-Tamimi About this Sayf, though, Ibn Hayyan said that “He related forgeries and was said to fabricate hadiths himself.” Al-Hakim stated that he was accused of heresy, and that his hadiths were omitted. See Ibn Hajar, Tadhhib al-tadhbib IV:260 .Concerning the legend of `Abd Allah b. Saba, see `Allamah Murtadha al­`Askari's book, `Abd Allah b. Saba'.

3. See al-Shaybi al-Silah bayna al-tasawwuf wal-tashayyu; Dr. `Abd Allah Fayyad, Ta'rikh al-Imamiyyah wa aslafihim min al-Shi'ah; Dr. Mustafa al-Shakah, Islam bila madhahib, p. 152ff; Dr. Diya' al-Din al-Rayyis, al Nazarijyat al-siyasiyyah al-islamiyyah, p. 72ff.

4. Indeed, it is consistent neither with ordinary logic nor with the logic of the Holy Qur'an. In numerous places, the Qur'an mostly, if not always, censures the majority, and praises the few in as many places. For instance, God says: “And yet most are not wont to be thankful...”(Qur'an 27:73 “al-Naml”). God also says: “... but a few of my servants are grateful” (34:13 “al-Saba”); “...and many people are sinful” (5:52 “al ­Maidah”)...Those are they who are brought near in the Gardens of Delight, a party from those of old and a few from those who have come later” (56:11-4 “al-waqiah”). This is one aspect. The other is that the Holy Qur'an informs us in many places that those who adhere to Truth and to God's Messengers, and are directed by Divine teachings, are always fewer in comparison to those who headstrongly resist the truth. God says: “Most of them dislike the truth...” (23:70 “al-Mu'minun”); “Yet no faith will the greater part of mankind have, however ardently thou dost desire it” (12:103 “Yusuf”). In every case, there is allusion to the invalidity of relying on the standards of the majority in order to evaluate the correctness of a trend or an opinion. See Muhammad Fuad `Abd al-Baqi, al-Mujam al-mufahris li-alfaz al-Qur'an, p. 597ff.

5. It appears that the Imam is proffering this by way of humbleness and tolerance; otherwise there are prophetic hadiths which utter the word “Shi'ism” in connection with `Ali. It is said in Ibn Manzur's Mukhtasar Tar'ikh Ibn Asaki'r (XVII:384 ) that `Ali uttered: “The Prophet told me [May God bless him and his Household [you and your followers [shiatuka] are in the Garden of Paradise.” But there is another account by Jabir (XVIII:14 ). Cf. Ibn al-Athir, al-Nihayah IV:106 (“Madat qamh”): “You and your followers [shiatuka] will be pleased and pleasing...” - addressed to `Ali.

Part 1:The Emergence of Shi'ism

Preliminary Remarks

With respect to the first question - “What is the origin of Shi`ism?” -one may safely regard Shi'ism as a consequence that is natural to Islam, representing a thesis whose realization is imperative for the Call (or Mission of Islam1 ) if the latter's sound progress is to be assured.

It is possible for us logically to infer this thesis from the Call of Islam, led by the Prophet, because its formation was natural and due to particular circumstances. The Prophet had put into practice a revolutionary leadership, and drove for a comprehensive change of society, its conventions, structures and ideas. But the road to such a change was not to be a short one. It was long, extending the length of that deep spiritual chasm separating pre-Islam from Islam. The calling pursued by the Prophet had to begin with the man of pre-Islam in order to create a new being out of him; it was from the pre-Islamic world that the man of Islam would issue, carrying the new light to the rest of the world. This Mission had to extirpate every last root and vestige in him of pre-Islam.2

Within a short period of time, this remarkable leader was able to make quite amazing progress in the drive for change. But this drive had also to continue its lengthy path even after his death. The Prophet had known for some time that his term was nearing an end. He openly announced it at the “Farewell Pilgrimage.”3 Death hardly took him by surprise. That means that he had ample opportunity to ponder the fate of the Mission beyond his lifetime, even if we disregard the element of a liaison with the hidden world, or for that matter the direct Grace of God evinced by the Message revealed to him.4

In the light of this, we may note that the Prophet had before him three possible paths to choose from with respect to the future. First, the path of denial; second, the affirmative path (for example, consultation); third, appointment.5 These will constitute the three discussions to be taken up below.

Notes

1. These two terms, “Call” and “Mission” of Islam, are used interchangeably in this translation - Translator.

2. The Qur'an affirms that “He is the one who sends down to His servants the clear signs, that He may bring ye out of the veils of darkness and unto the Light” (57:9 “al­Had”).

3. This was done at the formal address of the Farewell Pilgrimage, where he declared: “I am about to be summoned forth, and am about to reply.” And in another account: “It is as if I am being summoned forth and am answering. Verily, I leave thee two weighty things...”(Sahih Muslim, IV4:1874). `Abd Allah b. Mas`ud, is reported as saying, `We were with the Prophet [May God Bless him and his household] one night, when he sighed. So, I asked him, `What ails you, O Messenger of God?' He said: `My death has been announced to me”' (Mukhtasar Ta'r'ikh Ibn Asakir XVIII:32 ).

4. That is, if we suppose the Prophet to have been so keen to have his blessed calling go the full length set for it - as indeed it was his nature to be - and to have striven to take it to the rest of the world, it could only be that he took it upon himself to reckon the future.

5. That is, of a successor - Translator.

The First Discussion: Denial, Neglecting the Question of Succession

1

Based on such an attitude, the Prophet would have assumed a stance of denial with respect to the Mission of Islam, being content to pursue his own leadership role and to direct the Mission only while he lived. He would thus have abandoned it to circumstance and chance. But such a position of denial cannot be assumed for the Prophet, because it would have to arise from one of two issues that fail to apply to him.

First Issue

This consists of the belief denial and neglect cannot affect the fate of the Mission, and that the Ummah that would soon inherit the Call of Islam was capable enough to assume the responsibility of protecting it and ensuring against its distortion.

In fact, this belief has absolutely no basis. Rather, the pattern of events was such as to point to something else. This is because the Call - being from the outset a mission for revolutionary change aimed at constructing an Ummah and at eradicating every root of pre-Islam from it - would become exposed to the worst dangers if the stage were suddenly voided of its leader, or abandoned by him without any pre-arrangements.

Firstly, there are the inherent dangers engendered by trying to confront this vacuum without any advance planning, and by the urgent need to take a makeshift position while still under the massive shock of having lost the Prophet.

If the Messenger had abandoned the stage without planning the course of the Islamic Mission, the Ummah would for the first time have faced the responsibility of managing the most serious problems of its mission without a leader but brandishing not the slightest prescription. The situation called for immediate and swift application - despite the gravity of the underlying problem - because a vacuum cannot persist.2

Indeed, a hasty measure was taken at a moment of shock for the Ummah, reeling as it was from the loss of its leader. This was the shock which, by its very nature, was to upset the course of thinking in Islam, leaving it in such disarray that its effects induced a well-known Companion to announce that the Prophet neither has nor will die.3 But such a measure could not but entail danger, with the most undesirable consequences.

Second are the dangers emanating from a message that is not consummated at a level that could allow the Prophet to be certain of anticipating the actual procedures soon to be taken, and to keep within the fold of the IslamicCall. That would not have enabled him to prevail over latent dissensions that continued to survive in crevices deep inside the hearts of the Muslims, which dissensions were based on the divisions between the Muhajirun (those who migrated to the City of Medina) and the Ansar (native Medinans); the Quraysh and the rest of the Arab tribes; Mecca and Medina.4

Third, there axe dangers arising from that segment of society which passes under the cover of Islam; but against which it used to conspire during the Prophet's lifetime. This is the group that the Qur'an collectively calls the “Hypocrites.”5

If we add to them a good number of those who embraced Islam after the taking of Mecca, who were more resigned to the new order of things than open to truth as such, we can then assess the threat posed as all these elements seized their opportunity for a broad initiative, doing so just when - the stage being cleared of the leader as the custodian - a large vacuum had existed.6 Hence, the gravity of the situation after his departure was not something that could have been hidden from any leader seasoned in doctrinal matters, let alone the Seal of the Prophets.7

It might well be true that Abu Bakr, moreover, had no intention of leaving the scene without a positive intervention ensuring the future of political authority, on the argument that there was need of precaution under the circumstances.8 It may also be true that people rushed to `Umar, when he was wounded, imploring him: “O Commander of the Faithful, if you would only nominate someone.”9

This was done out of fear of the vacuum that the Caliph would soon leave behind, notwithstanding the political and social solidity which the Islamic Mission had attained a decade after the passing away of the Prophet. Also, `Umar may well have named six persons10 in his will in deference to the latter's presentiment of danger. He must have seen the depth of this perilous situation on the Day of the Saqifah and what Abu Bakr's Caliphate would bring in its train, in view of its doubly improvised appearance, since he declared that “Abu Bakr's oath-taking was an oversight from whose evil God has shielded us.”11

Abu Bakr himself regretted his hasty acceptance to become the sovereign as he bore the heavy responsibility that went with it, in that he became aware of the seriousness of the situation and the need to venture some quick solution. When he was censured for accepting to be sovereign, his words were: “God's Messenger has died, and the people only recently were in a state of faithless ignorance. I took alarm that they might be beguiled, but my companions charged me with the task.”12

If all of the above is valid,13 at any rate, it stands to reason that the Prophet and exemplar of the Call to Islam would have been the most aware of the danger of denial,14 most perceptive and farsighted in his understanding of the nature of the situation and the exigencies of the change he pursued in an Ummah newly emerging from faithless ignorance, in the words of Abu Bakr.15

Second Issue

The second issue which could explain why the leader would have disavowed the fate of the Mission, or its progress, after his death goes as follows. Despite his awareness of the danger of the situation, he did not attempt to fortify the Mission of Islam against this danger, supposedly because he was mindful of the advantages. And so, his only concern was to protect the Mission while he lived in order to benefit from it and to enjoy the gains, caring little to secure its fate beyond his own lifetime.

This explanation cannot hold true for the Prophet, even if we should refuse to describe him as a Prophet dedicated to God through everything connected to the Message, making him out instead to be a leader with a message no different from any other. Yet, in the entire history of message-bearing leaders no one matches Muhammad in his earnestness toward the Call or, to his last breath, in his devoted sacrifice for its furtherance. His whole life proves it. Even as he lay on his deathbed, his illness worsening, he was concerned about a battle he had earlier planned. Preparing to deploy Usamah's forces, he repeated: “Make ready the army of Usamah, send it forth,send off Usamah!” as he fainted now and then.16

If the Prophet's attentiveness toward a single problem of military interest relating to the Call could go to that length, as he slowly expired on his deathbed; if knowing that he will die before plucking the fruit of victory did not prevent him from tending to the battle; in short, if he could maintain active interest while drawing his last few breaths of life - how, then, could one possibly think that the Prophet did not lived through moments of anxiety over the fate of the Call? How could he not have planned for its welfare in the face of anticipated dangers?

Finally, there is one record in the Prophet's life, during his last illness, which is sufficient to refute the entire case for the “first path.” It shows that nothing was more remote for such an outstanding leader as our Prophet Muhammad than to assume the position of denial with respect to the future of the Call, simply because of a lack of sensitivity to the dangers or to a disinterest in its nature.

This record, upon whose line of transmission all fair-minded Muslims - whether Sunni or Shi'i -without exception agree upon, is as follows. With certain men present in the house where he was about to face death, including `Umar b. al ­Khattab, the Prophet made a request: “Bring me the inkwell and tablet17 that I may write you an epistle. After this you shall never stray.”18

This attempt by the leader - the soundness and authoritative transmission of whose account, once again, is roundly accepted - points unequivocally to the fact that he did reflect on the future. He saw clearly the necessity to provide a plan by which the Ummah can be fortified against deviation and the Mission of Islam protected from dissolution or ruin.

Hence, it is not possible to presuppose a position of denial19 for the Prophet.

Notes

1. The titles given to the three discussions in both the first and the second chapters were construed from Imam Sadr's own statements, but are not part of the original text.

2. It is well recognized that a head of state's empty seat engendered countless perils and dangers, particularly in the absence of clearly stipulated constitutional provisions for quickly filling the vacancy. See Dr. al-Rayyis, al Nazarijyat al-siyasiyyah al-islamiyyah, p. 134.

3. See al-Shahrastani, al-Milal wal-nihal I:15 , where he states: `Umar b. al-Khattab: 'Whosever says that Muhammad has died I shall slay with this mine own sword. He has ascended to Heaven.”' Cf. Muhammad b. Jarir al-Tabari, Ta'rikh al-Tabari II:233 : “He said that Muhammad indeed did not die and that he would go over to the one spread rumour of his death and cut off his hands and smite him at the neck...”

4. On this state of affairs, there is no lack of evidence. For example, al-Bukhari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi (in Kitab al-tafsir) recount, on the authority of Jabir b.` Abdullah: “We were on an expedition, when a Muhajir struck someone from the Ansar. The Ansari called out, `O Ansar [help me]!' while the Muhajirun called out, `O Muhajirin [help me]!' The Prophet heard all this and said `What pagan cry is this?' Ibn Sallul was also heard saying. `They have done it. By God if we return to Medina the stronger will drive out the weaker”' (al-Shaykh al-Nasif, al Tajj -aljami li1-usul 1V:263).

5. During the Prophet's lifetime, the “Hypocrites” as a group sought to play a menacing role through plots against Islam, the Messenger of God himself and the Muslims. See the previous note, for instance, for the statement by Ibn Sallul, who headed the “Hypocrites.” They happened to stir up all manner of falsehoods and to disseminate disruptive rumours, as in the Battles of Uhud and Ahzab. Consequently, God revealed the “Surah of the Hypocrites” in the Qur'an, in which He exposed this malicious group, informing His Messenger of their designs and whatever they sought to hide. See, for example, al-Fakhr al-Razi's Tafsi'r First ed.VIII:157 (Cairo: al­ Khayriyyah,1308 AH); al-Zamakhshari al-Kahshaf IV:811

6. During the Prophet's lifetime, the “Hypocrites” as a group sought to play a menacing role through plots against Islam, the Messenger of God himself and the Muslims. See the previous note, for instance, for the statement by Ibn Sallul, who headed the “Hypocrites.” They happened to stir up all manner of falsehoods and to disseminate disruptive rumours, as in the Battles of Uhud and Ahzab. Consequently, God revealed the “Surah of the Hypocrites” in the Qur'an, in which He exposed this malicious group, informing His Messenger of their designs and whatever they sought to hide. See, for example, al-Fakhr al-Razi's Tafsi'r First ed.VIII:157 (Cairo: al­ Khayriyyah,1308 AH); al-Zamakhshari al-Kahshaf IV:811

7. Ibid.

8. Regarding the story of Abu Bakr's appointment of `Umar b. al-Khattab as his successor, there are the following words uttered by Abu Bakr: “If you have accepted my command while I live, it would be unbecoming that you should differ after me...” (Mukhtasar Ta'rikh Ibn Asakir XVIII:308 -09); Ta'rikh al-Tabari II:245, 280.

9. Ta'rikh al-Tabari II:580 - Imam. Ibn Manzur, Mukhtasar Tarikh Ibn Asakir XVIII:312 .

10. Tarikh al-Tabari II:581 - Imam

11. Tarikh al-Tabari, ed Muhammad Abu al-Fadl Ibrahim II:205 ; ibid, II:581.

12. Ibn Abi al-Hadid, Sharh Nahj al-balaghah, ed. Abu al-Fadl Ibrahirn II:42 - Imam. Tarikh al-Tabari II:353 . Abu Bakr said: “Would that I had not accepted it...”

13. `Umar wished the deliberations would have ended and a Caliph selected before his wounding, so that he might die a tranquil death knowing that Islam would progress after him...” (Dr. Muhammad Husayn Haykal, al-Faruq `Umar II:313 -314).

14. The Prophet Muhammad, during his blessed calling, earnestly desired for the unity of the Ummah and the progress of Islam, no doubtless more intensely than any of his Companions. For God has declared: “...a beloved friend taking to heart that ye should suffer adversity, ardently concerned for you, and to the, faithful most kind, compassionate” (Qur'aan, 9:128 “al-Tawbah”). What is important is that his concern for the Ummah, his teaching of the Companions the necessary avoidance of discord, and his practical experience in this hardly need proof, especially as the Qur'an is replete with tens of ayat calling for the repudiation of all dissension, its causes and motives. How can one then imagine that this compassionate Prophet could have passed over the chief cause of strife (namely, the question of leadership) without setting up what is likely to obstruct and to bar its baleful effects; the more so that this same perception impelled the first and second Caliphs themselves to appoint successors, as is clear. Cf. Tarikh al-Tabari II:580 .

15. Ibid.

16. Ibn al-Athir, Ta'rikh al-Kamil II:318 - Imam. See also Ibn Sad, al-Tabaqat al ­kubra II:249 .

17. Literally, a “shoulder blade,” on which important documents used to be written. It must be recalled that this was the period just before the Muslims had introduced a new paper substance as a mass commodity, for the first time in history - Translator.

18. Sahih al-Bukhari I:37 ; Kitab al-`ilm 8:161; Kitab al-i'tisam. See also Sahih Muslim V:76 (Ch. “al-Wasiyyah”) (Cairo: Matba`at Muhammad 'Ali Sabih); Musnad al-Imam Ahmad I:355; cf Ibn Sa'd, al-Tabaqat al-kubra II:242-44 - Imam.

19. Every Muslim believes in the preeminence of the Messenger's personality as a leader, let alone as a Prophet-Messenger, which discounts unconditionally the presupposition stated above. Indeed, the Muslim usually holds such a presupposition to be illegitimate with respect to the Prophet for at least two reasons. One, it would be contrary to the Prophet's familiar life-conduct unanimously acknowledged by the entire community. His noble life abounds with goodly works and continuous struggle for change, construction and salvation of the Ummah. Second, the presupposition runs contrary both to those hadiths which have numerous, uninterrupted lines of transmission and to what he taught the Ummah with respect to diligence - indeed, to the point of declaring: “Whosever wakes without a care for the affairs of the Muslims is not one of them” (Usul al-kafi II:131). His disinterest in the fate of the Call and of the Ummah would have actuallymake him derelict in his obligations and trustworthiness.

Chapter 4: On Imam Al-Kazim's (a.s.) Clear Appointment of Imam Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)

4-1 (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Al-Hassan ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Isa quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Asbaq, on the

ثُمَّ قَبِلَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَلايَة الْعَهْدِ مِنَ الْمَأمُون - وَهُوَ باكٍ حَزِينٌ - عَلَى أَن لا يُوَلّيَ أَحَداً وَلا يَعْزِلَ أَحَداً، وَلايُغَيِّرَ رَسْماً وَلا سُنَّةً، وَأَنْ يَكُونَ فِي الأَمْر مُشِيراً مِنْ بَعِيدٍ، فَأَخَذَ الْمَأمُون لَهُ البِيْعَةَ عَلَى النَّاسِ، الخاصِّ مِنْهُمْ وَالعامِّ، فَكانَ مَتى‏ ماظَهَر لِلْمَأمُونِ مِنَ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَضْلٌ وَعِلْمٌ وَحُسْنُ تَدْبِيرٍ، حَسَدَهُ عَلَى ذلِكَ وَحَقَدَهُ عَلَيْهِ حَتّى‏ ضاقَ صَدْرُهُ مِنْهُ، فَغَدَرَ بِهِ وَقَتَلَهُ بِالسَّمِّ و مَضى‏ إِلى رِضْوانُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ وَكَرامَتِهِ.

2 - حَدَّثَني تَمِيمُ بْنُ عَبْدِاللَّه بْنِ تَمِيمٍ القُرَشِي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني أَبي، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ عَلِى الأَنْصارِي، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ مِيْثَم، عَنْ أَبيهِ قالَ: سَمِعْتُ اُمِّي تَقُولُ: سَمِعْتُ نَجْمَة اُمِّ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ تَقُول: لَمّا حَمَلْتُ بِاِبْنِي عَلِيٍّ لَمْ أَشعِرْ بِثِقْلِ الحَمْلِ، وَكُنْتُ أَسْمَعُ فِي مَنامِي تَسْبِيحاً وَتَهْلِيلاً وَتَمْجِيداً مِنْ بَطْني، فَيَفْزَعُنِي ذلِكَ وَيَهُولُنِي فَإِذا انتَبَهْتُ لَمْ أَسْمَعُ شَيْئاً، فَلَمَّا وَضَعْتُهُ وَقَعَ عَلَى الأَرْض واضِعاً يَدَيْهِ عَلَى الأَرْض، رافِعاً رَأسِهِ إِلى السَّماءِ، يُحَرِّكُ شَفْتَيْهِ كَأَنَّهُ يُتَكَلِّمُ فَدَخَلَ إِلىَّ أَبُوه مُوسَى بْنُ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ فَقالَ لي‏: هَنِيئاً لَكِ يا نَجْمَةُ كَرامَةُ رَبِّكَ فَناوَلْتُهُ إِيَّاهُ فِي خِرْقَةٍ بَيْضاءَ، فَأَذِّنَ فِي اُذُنِهِ الُيمْنى‏ وَأَقامَ اليُسْرى‏ وَدَعا بِماءِ الفُراتِ فَحَكَنَّهُ بِهِ، ثُمَّ رَدُّهُ إِلَىَّ، فَقالَ: خُذِيهِ، فَإِنَّهُ بَقِيَّةُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ فِي أَرْضِهِ.

4- بابُ نَصُّ أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ عَلَى اِبْنِهِ الرِّضا عَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَر عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلاَمُ بِالإِمامَة وَالوَصِيَّةِ

1 - حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني الحَسَنُ بْنُ عَبْدِاللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الأَصْبَغِ، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الحَسَن المِيْثَمي - وَكانَ واقِفِيّاً - قالَ: مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ إِسْــمَاعِيل بْنِ الفَضْلِ الهاشِــمي، قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي

authority of Ahmad ibn Al-Hassan al-Maysami - who was one of the Waqifites1 quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isma’il ibn Al-Fadhl al-Hashemi, “I went to see Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.) when he was seriously ill. I asked him: If God forbid something should happen to you, whom should we follow? He said, “Follow my son Ali (Imam al-Ridha’). His writing is my writing. He is my Testamentary Trustee, and my successor after me.

4-2 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar and Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa Al-Ash'ari, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Yaqteen, on the authority of his brother Al-Husayn, on the authority of his father Ali ibn Yaqteen, “I was with Abil Hassan2 Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.). His son Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)) was with him. Then he said, ‘O Ali, This son of mine is the master of my children. I put my nickname on him.’ Then Hisham (who heard this from me) hit himself on the forehead and said, ‘Verily from God we are! Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) has thus informed you of his upcoming death.’”

4-3 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Mahboob and Uthman ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn No’aym As-Sahhaf, “I was in Baghdad with Hisham ibn al-Hikam and Ali ibn al-Yaqteen. Ali ibn al-Yaqteen said, ‘I was (a.s.itting) in the presence of the virtuous servant Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.). Then his son Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) entered. Then he said, ‘O Ali! This is the master of my children. I have given him my nickname3 .’ Then Hisham hit himself on the forehead and said, ‘Woe! What did you say?’ Then Ali ibn Yaqteen said, ‘I swear by God that I heard him say (what I just told you).’ Then Hisham said, ‘By God, he has informed you that the affairs are entrusted to him (Imam al-Ridha’) (after Imam Musa Al-Kazim).’”

4-4 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Mutawakkil - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Al-Husayn As-Sa’dabadi quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Abi Abdullah al-Barqi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of

الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَقَدْ اشْتَكى‏ شَكاةً شَدِيدَةً، فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: إِنْ كانَ ما أَسْأَلُ اللَّه أَن لا يُرْيَناهُ فَإَلى‏ مَنْ ؟ قالَ: إِلى عَلِيٍّ اِبْنِي، وَكِتابُهُ كِتابي، وَهُوَ وَصِيِّي وَخَلِيفَتِي مِنْ بَعْدي.

2 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن الصَفَّار؛ وَسَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّه جَمِيعاً، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى الأَشْعَرِيِّ، عَنْ الحَسَن بْنِ علىِ بن يَقْطِينٍ، عَنْ أَخِيهِ الحُسَيْن، عَنْ أَبيهِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ يَقْطِينٍ قالَ: كُنْتُ عِنْدَ أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَعنْدَهُ عَليٌّ اِبْنُهُ، فَقالَ: يا عَلِيُّ هذا اِبْنِي سَيِّدُ وُلِدِي، وَقَدْ نَحَلْتُهُ كُنْيَتِي، قالَ: فَضَرَبَ هِشامِ - يَعْنِي ابْنِ سالِمٍ - يَدَهُ عَلَى جَبْهَتِهِ ! فَقالَ: إنَّا لِلَّهِ نَعى‏ وَاللَّهِ إِلَيْكَ نَفْسَهُ.

3 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن الصَفَّار، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مَحْبُوب؛ وَعُثْمانَ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ [ال] حُسَيْنِ بْنِ نُعَيْم الصَّحَّاف قالَ: كُنْتُ أَنَا وَهِشامُ بْنُ الحَكَمِ وَعَلِىُّ بْنُ يَقْطِينٍ بِبَغْدادَ فَقالَ عَلِىُّ بْنُ يَقْطِينٍ: كُنْتُ عِنْدَ العَبْدِ الصَّالِح مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ [جالِساً] فَدَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ ابْنُهُ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقالَ: يا عَلِيُّ هذا سَيِّد وُلْدِي وَقَدْ نَحَلْتُهُ كُنْيَتِي، فَضَرَبَ هِشامٌ بِراحَتِهِ جَبْهَتَهُ ! ثُمَّ قالَ: وَيْحَكَ كَيْفَ قُلْتَ؟! فقالَ عَلِىُّ بْنُ يَقْطِينٍ: سَمِعْتُ وَاللَّه مِنْهُ [كَما قُلتُ لَكَ] فَقالَ هِشامٌ: أَخْبَرَكَ وَاللَّهِ أَنَّ الأَمْرَ فِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ.

4 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَى بْنِ المُتَوَكِّل رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ الحُسَيْنِ السَعْدْ آبادِي، عَنْ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّه البَرْقِيُّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ خَلَفِ بْنِ حَمَّادٍ، عَنْ داوُدَ بْنِ زُرْبِي، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ يَقْطِين، قالَ: قالَ لي‏ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَر عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اِبْتِداءً

Dawood ibn Zorbi, on the authority of Ali ibn Yaqteen, “Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) told me - without me having said anything to him, ‘This is my most knowledgeable child. I have placed my nickname on him.’ He pointed to Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) with his hand.”

4-5 In another tradition we read that my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Al-Hassan ibn Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Isa quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Asbaq, on the authority of Uthman ibn al-Qasim, “Mansoor ibn Yunus bin Bozorj told me that once he went to visit Abul Hassan, that is Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (al-Kazim) (a.s.). Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘O Mansoor! Do you know what I have done today?’ Mansoor said, ‘No.’ Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ’I have appointed my son Ali as my Testamentary Trustee, and my successor after me.’ Then Mansoor said, ‘I then went to see Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) and congratulated him (a.s.) this. I let him know that his father had instructed me to do so.’ However, Mansoor later denied this, confiscated the property that he had4 control over, and spent it.”

4-6 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa Al-Khashshab, on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr Al-Bezanti, on the authority of Zakaria ibn Adam, on the authority of Dawood ibn Kathir that he said to Abi Abdullah, “May I be your ransom! Who should I follow if anything should happen to you and you perish?” Imam As-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “My son Musa.” Then this happened. By God, I did not have the least bit of doubt in my mind about (the appointment of) Musa (a.s.). About thirty years passed. Then I went to see Abul Hassan Musa (al-Kazim) (a.s.) and said, “May I be your ransom! Who should I follow if anything should happen to you and you perish?” Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, “My son Ali.” Dawood added, “Then this happened. By God, I did not have the least bit of doubt in my mind about (the appointment of) Ali (al-Ridha’) (a.s.).”

4-7 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Haj'jal, on the authority

مِنْهُ: هذا أَفْقَهُ وُلْدِي - وَأَشارَ بِيَدِهِ إِلى الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - وَقَدْ نَحَلْتُهُ كُنْيَتِي.

5 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا الحَسَنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الأَصْبَغِ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ عُثْمانَ بْنِ القاسِم قالَ: قالَ لي مَنْصُور بْنُ يُونُسَ - بُزُرْج -: دَخَلُتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَن يَعْنِي مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ يَوْماً فَقالَ لي‏: يا مَنْصُور أما عَلِمْتَ ما أَحْدَثْتُ فِي يَوْمِي هذا؟ قُلتُ: لا، قالَ: قَدْ صَيَّرْتُ عَلِيّاً اِبْنِي وَصِيِّي وَالخَلَفَ مِنْ بَعْدِي، فَادْخُلْ عَلَيْهِ وَهَنِّئْهُ بِذلِكَ، وَأَعْلِمْهُ أَنِّي أَمَرْتُكَ بِهذَا، قالَ: فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَيْهِ، فَهَنَّئْتُهُ بِذلِكَ و أَعْلَمْتُهُ أَنّ أباهُ أَمَرَنِي بِذلِكَ.

ثُمَّ جَحَدَ مَنْصُورٌ فَأَخَذَ الأَمْوالَ الَّتِي كانَتْ فِي يَدِهِ وَكَسَرَها.

6 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّارُ، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي نَصْرِ البِزَنْطِيِّ، عَنْ زَكَرِيَّا بْنِ آدَمَ، عَنْ داوُدِ بْنِ كَثِير قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي عَبْدِاللَّه: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ وَقَدْمَِنيَ المَوْتَ قَبْلِكَ، إِنْ كانَ كُونٌ فَإِلىْ مَنْ؟ قالَ: إِلى اِبْنِي مُوسَى، فَكانَ ذلِكَ الكَوْنُ، فَوَاللَّهِ ما شَكَكْتُ فِي [شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْ أَمْرِ] مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ قَطُّ ثُمَّ مَكَثْتُ نَحْواً مِنْ ثَلاثِينَ سَنَةً، ثُمَّ أَتَيْتُ أَبَا الحَسَن مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ إِنْ كانَ كَوْنٌ فَإِلى‏ مَنْ؟ قالَ: عَلِيٍّ اِبْنِي، قالَ: فَكانَ ذلِكَ الكَوْنُ، فَوَاللَّهِ ما شَكَكْتُ فِي عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ قَطُّ.

7 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنِي سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ الحَجَّالِ، قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سِنان، عَنْ داوُدَ

of Muhammad ibn Sinan, on the authority of Dawood al-Raq'qi that he asked Abi Ibrahim Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.), “May I be your ransom! I have become old. Then tell me who will be the Divine Leader (Imam) after you?” Dawood al-Riqqi then continued, “The Imam (a.s.) pointed at Abul Hassan Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) and said, ‘He is the possessor of authority over you after me.’”

4-8 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al-Haj'jal and Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr Al-Bezanti, on the authority of Abi Ali Al-Khazzaz, on the authority of Dawood Ar-Riqqi that he asked Abi Ibrahim - that is Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.), “May my father be your ransom! I have become old. I am afraid that something might happen to me, and I may not be able to visit you anymore. Can you please inform me about the Imam after you?” Then the Imam (a.s.) said, “My son, Ali.”

4-9 In another tradition it is narrated that my father narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid, Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Motavakil, Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar and Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluwayh - may God be pleased with them - quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash'ari, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ash-Shami, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Ali ibn Asbat, on the authority of Al-Husayn Maula Abi Abdullah, on the authority of Abi al-Hakam, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Ibrahim Al-Ja'fari, on the authority of Yazid ibn Saleet az-Zaydi, “My travel companions and I met Abu Abdullah (Imam as-Saqiq) (a.s.) on the way to Mecca. I told him, ‘May my mother and father be your ransom! You are one of the Immaculate Imams (a.s.). There is no escape from death for anyone. Then please tell me something (the Imam who will succeed you) so that I could tell my descendants.’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Yes. These are my children, and he is their master.’ The Imam (a.s.) pointed at his son, Musa (a.s.). He (a.s.) added, ‘He has knowledge, just judgement, understanding, generosity and recognition of what the people need regarding their conflicts concerning their religious affairs. He is good-tempered. He is a

الرَّقِّيِّ قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي إبراهِيمَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ قَدْ كَبُرَ سِنِّي فَحَدِّثْنِي مَنِ الإِمامُ بَعْدَكَ؟ قالَ: فَأَشارَ إِلى أَبي الحَسَن الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ، وَقالَ: هذا صاحِبُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدي.

8 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّارُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّد الحَجَّالِ ؛ وَأَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي نَصْرٍ البِزَنْطِيِّ، عَنْ أَبي عَلِيٍّ الخَزَّار، عَنْ داوُدِ الرَّقِّيِّ قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي‏إِبْراهيمَ - يَعْنِي موسى الكاظِمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - فِداكَ أَبي إِنّي قَدْ كَبُرْتُ وَخِفْتُ أَنْ يَحْدُثَ بي حَدَثٌ وَلا أَلْقاكَ فَأَخبِرْنِي مِنَ الإِمامُ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ؟ فَقالَ: اِبْنِي عَلِيِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

9 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي؛ وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد؛ وَمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ المُتَوَكِّل؛ وَأَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى العَطَّار؛ وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنِ عَلِىٍ ماجِيلوَيْه - رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ - قالُوا: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى العَطَّارُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ عِمْران الأَشْعَرِيِّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّد الشَّامِيِّ، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَسْباطٍ، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ مَوْلى‏ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَبي الحَكَمْ، عَنْ عَبْدِاللَّه بْنِ إِبْراهيم الجَعْفَرِيِّ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ سَلِيطٍ الزِيْدِيِّ قالَ: لَقِينا أَبَا عبداللّهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي طَرِيقِ مَكَّةَ وَنَحْنُ جَماعَةٌ، فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي أَنْتُمْ الأَئِمَّةُ المُطَهَّرُونَ و المَوْتُ لا يَعْرى‏ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُ، فَأَحدث إِلى‏ شَيْئاً اُلْقِيهِ إِلى‏ مَنْ يَخْلُفُنِي، فَقالَ لي‏: نَعَمْ، هؤُلاءِ وُلْدِي وَهذا سَيِّدهُمُ - وأَشارَ إِلى اِبْنِهِ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - وَفِيهِ العِلْمُ وَالحُكمْ وَالفَهْمِ وَالسَّخْاءُ وَالمَعْرِفَةُ بِما يَحْتاجُ النَّاسُ إِلَيْهِ فِيما اختَلَفُوا فِيهِ مِنْ أَمْرِ دِينِهُمْ، وَفِيهِ حُسْنُ الْخَلْقِ وَحُسْنِ الجِوارِ وَهُوَ

good neighbor. He is a gate from the gates of the Almighty the Sublime God. There is another important point about him that is even more important than all these points.’ Yazid ibn Saleet continued, ‘My father told him, ‘May my father and mother be your ransom! What is this point?’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘The Almighty God will deliver this nation's helper through him - their helper, their knowledge, their light, their understanding and their just judgement. He will deliver through him the best baby and the best youth. God will prevent bloodshed through him. He will settle the disputes through him. He will eliminate separation through him. He will fill the gaps through him. He will clothe the bare through him. He will feed the hungry through him. He will secure the fearful ones through him. He will send down rain because of him. He will make the servants obedient due to him. He will be the best middle-aged man. He will be the best young man. His family will be given the glad tidings (of his becoming the Imam before puberty). His words are full of wisdom. His silence is out of knowledge. He will clarify for the people issues on which they differ.’' Yazid ibn Saleet continued, ‘My father asked, ‘May my father and my mother be our ransom! Will we have a child after him?’ Then the Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Yes.’ Then he stopped talking. Then Yazid ibn Saleet said, ‘I met Abul Hassan - that is Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) after a while and told him, ‘May my father and my mother be our ransom! I wish that you inform me (of the one who will follow you) just as your father did.’ Then Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘My father (a.s.) lived at a time that was quite different from this time.’ Then Yazid ibn Saleet said, ‘God will damn whoever stops the following of the Divine Leaders at ths point!’ Then the Imam (a.s.) laughed and said, ‘O Aba Imara! I left my house. I set all my sons including Ali as my Testamentary Trustees on the surface. However, in private, I appointed him (Imam al-Ridha’) as my Testamentary Trustee. In fact, I dreamt of God's Prophet (S) and the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) with him, along with a ring, a sword, a cane, a book and a turban. I asked what these were. The Prophet (S) said, ‘The turban is a sign of the kingdom of the Almighty God. The sword is a sign of the Honor of the Almighty God. The book is a sign of the Light of the Almighty God. The cane is a sign of the Might of the Almighty God. And the ring includes all of these.’ The Prophet (S) added, ‘The affairs will be entrusted to your son Ali.’ Yazid ibn Saleet added, ‘Then the Imam (a.s.) said, ‘O Yazid! You are entrusted with these. Do not speak to anyone about what I told you except

بابٌ من أَبْواب اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَفِيهِ اُخْرى‏ هِيَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ هذا كُلِّهِ، فَقالَ لَهُ أَبي: وَما هِيَ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي؟ قالَ: يُخْرِجُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْهُ غَوْثَ هذِهِ الاُمَّةِ وَغِياثَها وَعَلَمَها وَنُورَها وَفَهْمَها وَحُكمِها و خَيْرَ مَولُودٍ وَخَيْرَ ناشى‏ءٍ يَحْقِنُ اللَّهَ بِهِ الدِّماءَ، وَيُصْلِحُ بِهِ ذاتِ البَيْنِ، و يَلُمُّ بِهِ الشَعْثَ، وَيَشْعُبَ بِهِ الصَّدْعَ، وَيَكْسُو بِهِ العارِي، وَيُشْبِعُ بِهِ الجائِعَ، وَيُؤْمِنُ بِهِ الخائِفَ، وَيُنْزِلُ بِهِ القَطْرَ، وَيَأْتَمِرُ بِهِ العِبادُ، خَيْرُ كَهْلٍ، وَخَيْرُ ناشى‏ءٍ يُبَشَّرُ بِهِ عَشِيرَتَهُ قَبْلَ أَوانَ حُلُمِهِ، قَوْلَهُ حُكْمٌ، وَصَمْتُهُ عِلْمٌ، يُبَيِّنُ لِلنَّاسِ ما يَخْتَلِفُون فِيهِ، قالَ: فَقالَ أَبي: بِأَبِي أَنْتَ و اُمِّي فَيَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ بَعْدَهُ؟ فَقالَ: نَعَم، ثُمَّ قَطَعَ الكَلام وَقالَ يَزِيدُ: ثُمَّ لَقِيتُ أَبَا الحَسَن - يَعْنِي مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَر عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - بَعْدُ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي إِنّي اُرِيدُ أَن تُخْبِرَنِي بِمِثْلِ ما أَخْبَرنِي بِهِ أَبُوكَ، قالَ: فَقالَ: كانَ أَبي‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي زَمَنٍ لَيْسَ هذا مِثْلَهُ، قالَ يَزِيد: فَقُلْتُ: مَنْ يَرضى‏ مِنْكَ بِهذَا فَعَلَيْهِ لَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ، قالَ: فَضَحِكَ، ثُمَّ قالَ: اُخْبِرُكَ يا أَبا عُمارَة إِنّي خَرَجْتُ مِنْ مَنْزِلي فَأَوصَيْتُ فِي الظَّاهِر إِلى بَنِيِّ فَأَشْرَكْتُهُمْ مَعَ اِبْنِي عَلِيِّ، وَأَفْرَدْتُهُ بِوَصِيَّتِي فِي الباطِنَ، وَلَقَدْ رَأَيْت رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فِي المَنامِ وَأَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنين‏عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ مَعَهُ وَمَعَهُ خاتَمٌ وَسَيْفٌ وَعَصاً وَكِتابٌ وَعِمامَةٌ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: ما هذا؟ فَقالَ: أَمَّا العَمامَة فَسُلْطانُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَأَمَّا السَّيْف فَعِزَّةُ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَأمَّا الْكِتابُ فَنُورُ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، و أَمَّا العَصا فَقُوَّةُ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَأَمَّا الخاتَم فَجامِعُ هذِهِ الاُمُور، ثُمَّ قالَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْـــهِ وَآلِهِ: و الأَمْرُ يَخْرُجُ إِلى عَلِيِّ ابْنِكَ قالَ: ثُمَّ قــالَ: يا يَزِيدُ إِنَّها وَدِيعَة

for intelligent people, or those whose hearts have been tested for faith by God, or honest ones. Do not be ungrateful for the Almighty God’s Blessings. Testify if you are ever asked to testify to this since God the Blessed the Sublime has said, ‘God doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due….’;5 He also said, ‘…Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God?…’6 Then Yazid ibn Saleet said, ‘By God, I will never do that.’ Then Abul Hassan (a.s.) said, ‘Then God's Prophet (S) started to enumerate his characteristics and said, ‘Your son Ali is one who looks using God's light; hears using God's understanding; speaks using God's wisdom; always acts right and never makes any mistakes; he is knowledgeable and is not ignorant; he is filled with wisdom and knowledge. But how short a period will you be with him! It will be so short that it is as if he was never with you. Thus settle your affairs upon your return from this journey. Relieve yourself of your wishes, since you will be separated from them and be with other things. Therefore, gather your children together, and have God be as a witness over them all. It suffices for God to witness.’ Then Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘O Yazid! I will die this year. My son Ali has the same name as Ali ibn Al-Husayn (a.s.). He has been granted the understanding of the former, and his knowledge, grandeur and honor. He is not allowed to say anything until four years after Harun. Then after the four years have passed, you may ask him any question you have. He will answer your question by the Almighty God's will.’”

4-10 In another tradition it is narrated that (the author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ahmad ibn Idris quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of al-Abbas an-Nakhkhas al-Asadi, “I asked Al-Ridha’ (a.s.), ‘Are you the possessor of authority now?’ Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) replied, ‘Yes. By God, I am the Divine Leader of the people and the genies.’”

4-11 In another tradition it is narrated that Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja'far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Khalid al-Bareqi, on the authority of Soleiman ibn Hafs al-Marwazi, “I went to see Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.). I wanted to ask about the Divine Leader (Imam) after him. He (a.s.) looked at me. Before I asked any question he (a.s.) said, ‘O Soleiman! Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)) is my son, my Testamentary Trustee and the Divine

عِنْدَكَ، فَلا تُخْبِر بِها إِلاّ عاقِلاً أَوْ عَبْداً امْتَحَنَ اللَّه قَلْبِهِ لِْلإيمان أَوْ صادِقاً، وَلا تَكْفُر نِعَمَ اللَّه تَعالى‏ وَإِن سُئِلْتَ عَنِ الشَّهادَة فَأَدَّها فَإِنَّ اللَّه تَعالى‏ يَقُولُ: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الأَماناتِ إِلى أَهْلِها» و قالَ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: «وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ كَتَمَ شَهادَةً عِنْدَهُ مِنَ اللَّه».

فَقُلْتُ: وَاللَّه ما كُنْتُ لأَفْعَلَ هذا أَبَداً، قالَ: ثُمَّ قالَ أَبُو الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: ثُمَّ وَصَفَهُ لي رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَقالَ: عَلِيٌّ ابْنِكَ الَّذِي يَنْظُرُ بِنُور اللَّه وَيَسْمَعُ بِتَفْهِيمِهِ وَيَنْطِقُ بِحِكْمَتِهِ يُصِيبُ وَلا يُخْطِى‏ءُ وَيَعْلَمُ وَلا يَجْهَلُ وَقَدْ مُلِى‏ءَ حُكْماً وَعِلْماً، وَما أَقَلَّ مَقامَكَ مَعَهُ!

إِنَّما هُوَشَي‏ءٌ كانَ لَمْ يَكُنْ فَإِذا رَجَعْتَ مِنْ سَفَرِكَ فَأَصلح أَمْرِك، وَاَفْرِغ مِمَّا أَرَدَتْ فَإِنَّكَ مُنْتَقِل عَنْهُ وَمُجاوِرٌ غَيْرَهُ، فَاجْمَع وُلْدَكَ وَأَشْهَدِ اللَّه عَلَيْهِمْ جَمِيعاً وَكَفى‏ بِاللَّه شَهِيداً ثُمَّ قالَ: يا يَزِيد! إِنّي اوخَذُ فِي هذِهِ السَّنَةِ، وَعَلِيٌّ اِبْنِي سَميُّ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَبي طالِب‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَسَمِيُّ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْن‏عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ اُعْطِيَ فَهُمْ الأَوَّلُ وَعِلْمَهُ وَنَصْرَهُ وَرُواءَهُ، وَلَيْسَ لَهُ أَنْ يُتَكَلِّمُ إِلاّ بَعْد هارُونَ بِأَرْبَعَ سِنِينَ فَإِذا مَضَتْ أَرْبَعَ سِنِينَ، فَأَسْأَلْهُ عَمَّا شِئْتَ يُجِبْكَ إِن شاءَ اللَّه تَعالى‏.

10 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِدْرِيس، عَنْ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ العَبَّاس النَخَّاس الأَسَدِي قالَ: قُلْتُ لِلرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَنْتَ صاحِبُ هذا الأَمْرِ؟ قالَ: إِي وَاللَّهِ عَلَى الإِنْس وَالجِنِّ.

11 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرِ الْهَمَذانيّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ إِبراهِيمِ بْنِ هاشِم، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خالِد البَرْقِيِّ، عَنْ سُلَيْمانَ بْنِ حَفْصٍ الْمَرْوَزِيِّ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَأَنَا اُرِيدُ أَنْ أَسْأَلَهُ الحُجَّة عَلَى النَّاسِ بَعْدَهُ.

فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلى‏ فَابْتَدَأَنِي وقالَ: يا سُلَيْمان إِنَّ عَلِيّاً ابْنِي وَوَصِيِّي وَالحُجَّةُ عَلَى النَّاسِ بَعْدي،

Leader (Imam) of the people after me. He is my noblest child. Then witness on his behalf to my followers and my friends who want to know about my successor if you live after me.’”

4-12 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa'd ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Hajjal, on the authority of Sa’d ibn Zakarya ibn Adam, on the authority of Ali ibn Obaydullah al-Hashemi, “We were nearly sixty Shiites who were next to the tomb of the Prophet (S). Abu Ibrahim Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) came towards us. He was holding the hand of his son - Ali - in his hand. He said, ‘Do you know who I am?’ We said, ‘You are our Master and our elder.’ Then he said, ‘Tell me my name and my family.’ Then we said, ‘You are Musa ibn Ja'far ibn Muhammad (a.s.).’ Then he asked, ‘Who is this with me?’ Then we said, ‘He is Ali ibn Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.).’ He said, ‘Then bear witness that he is my counsel in my life, and is my Testamentary Trustee after my death.’

4-13 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Mahboob, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Marhoom, “I left Basra to go towards Medina. I met Aba Ibrahim (Imam al-Kazim) (a.s.) who was being taken to Basra. He sent someone to me and I went to him. Then Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) gave me several books and ordered me to take them to Medina. I asked him, ‘May I be your ransom! Who should I give these books to?’ He (a.s.) replied, ’Give them to my son Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)). He is my Testamentary Trustee and in charge of my affairs. He is my best son.’”

4-14 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Al-Husayn ibn Abi Al-Khattab, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Al-Fozayl, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Al-Harith whose mother is a descendant of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, “Abu Ibrahim (al-Kazim) (a.s.) sent someone after us, gathered us together and asked us, ‘Do you know why I have gathered you together?’ We replied, ‘No.’ Imam

وَهُوَ أَفْضَلُ وُلْدِي، فَإِنْ بَقِيتَ بَعْدِي فَاَشْهَد لَهُ بِذلِكَ عِنْدَ شِيعَتِي وَأَهْل وِلايَتِي المُسْتَخْبِرِينَ عَنْ خَلِيفَتِي من بَعْدي.

12 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحَجَّالِ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنُ زَكَرِيَّا بْنِ آدَمِ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ عُبِيْدِاللَّهِ الهاشِمي قالَ: كُنَّا عِنْدَ القَبْرِ نَحْوَسِتِّينَ رَجُلاً مِنَّا وَمِنْ مُوالِينا، إِذْ أَقْبَلَ أَبُو إِبْراهيمَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ و يَدُ عَلِيَّ ابْنِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي يَدِهِ، فَقالَ أَتَدْرُونَ مَنْ أَنَا؟ قُلْنا: أَنْتَ سَيِّدَنا وَكَبِيرنا. فَقالَ: سَمُّوني وَاَنْسِبُونِي، فَقُلْنا أَنْتَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّد، فَقالَ: مَنْ هذا الَّذِي مَعِي؟ قُلْنا هُوَعَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ‏جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلاَمُ، قالَ: فَاشْهَدُوا أَنَّهُ وَكِيلي فِي حَياتِي وَوَصِيِّي بَعْد مَوْتِي.

13 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ الحَسَنِ بْنِ مَحْبُوبٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَرْحُومٍ قالَ: خَرَجْتُ مِنَ البَصْرَةِ اُرِيدُ المَدِينَةَ، فَلَمَّا صِرْتُ في بَعْض الطَرِيقِ لَقِيتُ أَبَا إِبْراهِيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَهُوَ يُذْهَبُ بِهِ إِلى البَصْرَةِ فَأَرْسَلَ إِلَىَّ، فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَيْهِ، فَدَفَعَ إِلَىَّ كُتُباً وَأَمَرَنِي أَن اُوصِلَها إِلَى الْمَدِينَةِ، فَقُلْتُ: إلى‏ مَنْ أَدْفَعُها جُعِلْتُ فِداكَ؟ قالَ: إِلَى ابْنِي عَلِيِّ، فَإِنَّهُ وَصِيِّي وَالقَيِّمُ بِأَمْرِي وَخَيْرُ بَنِيِّ.

14 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَنِ الصَفَّارُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أَبي الخَطَّاب، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الفُضَيْلِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ الحارِثِ - وَاُمُّهُ مِنْ وُلْدِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ أَبي طالِب - قالَ: بَعَثَ إِلَيْنا أَبُوإِبْراهِيم‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّــلامُ فَـجَمَعَنا، ثُـمَّ قــالَ: أَتَـدْرُونَ لِمَ جَـمَعْتُكُمْ قُلْنا: لا، قالَ: اشْهَدُوا أَنَّ عَلِيّاً

Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘Bear witness that this - my son Ali is my Testamentary Trustee. He (a.s.) is in charge of all my affairs. He (a.s.) is my successor. Whoever has lent me something can take it back from him. Whoever has been given a promise by me should ask him to fulfill that promise. Whoever has to visit me in person can come to see me with a note from him.’”

4-15 In another tradition it is narrated that Al-Mudhaffar ibn Ja'far Al-Alavi As-Samarqandi - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Mas’ood al-Ayyashi quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Yusuf ibn As-Sakht, on the authority of Ali ibn Qasim al-Uraydhi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Safwan ibn Yahya, on the authority of Haydar ibn Ayyoub that Muhammad ibn Yazid al-Hashemi said, “The Shiites will accept Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) to be their Divine Leader now.”' Haydar ibn Ayyoub said, “How come?” He said, “Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) called them in and appointed him as his Testamentary Trustee.”

4-16 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Ali ibn al-Hakam, on the authority of Haydar ibn Ayyoub, “We were in a place known as Qaba in Medina where Muhammad ibn Zayd ibn Ali lived. Muhammad came later than usual. We asked him, ‘May we be your ransom! What kept you from coming on time?’ He said, ‘Abu Ibrahim (a.s.) invited seventeen men from the descendants of Ali (a.s.) and (the Blessed Lady) Fatima (a.s.). He had us bear witness that his son Ali is his Testamentary Trustee and deputy in his lifetime and after his death and that he accepts Ali's decrees against him or in favor of him.’ Muhammad ibn Zayd continued, ‘O Haydar (ibn Ayyoub)! By God, today he appointed him as the Imam. The Shiites will follow him from today. Haydar said, ‘What are you saying? God will keep him alive.’ Muhammad (ibn Zayd) said, ‘O Haydar (ibn Ayyoub)! Once he (a.s.) appointed his son (Ali) as his Testamentary Trustee, he has established Ali (a.s.) as the Imam.’ Ali ibn al-Hakam said, ‘Haydar (ibn Ayyoub) passed away while he was still in doubt.’

4-17 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluwayh -may God be pleased with him- quoted on the authority of his

ابْنِي هذا، وَصِيِّي وَالقَيِّمُ بِأَمْرِي وَخَلِيفَتِي مِنْ بَعْدي، مَنْ كانَ لَهُ عِنْدِي دَيْنٌ فَلْيَأْخُذْهُ مِنِ ابْنِي هذا، وَمَنْ كانَتْ لَهُ عِنْدِي عِدَةٌ فَلْيَسْتَنْجِزْها مِنْهُ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ بُدٌ مِنْ لِقائِي فَلا يَلْقِنِي إلاَّ بِكِتابِهِ.

15 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا المُظَفَّرُ بْنُ جَعْفَر العَلَوِيُّ السَمَرْقَنْدِيُّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا جَعْفَرُ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ العَيَّاشِيُّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا يُوسُفُ بْنُ السَّخْتِ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ القاسِمِ العُرَيْضِيِّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ صَفْوانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى، عَنْ حَيْدَرِ بْنِ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَزِيد الهاشِميِّ أَنَّهُ قالَ: ألآنَ يَتَّخِذُ الشِّيعَةُ عَلِيَّ بْنَ مُوسَى‏عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ إِماماً، قُلْتُ: وَكَيْفَ ذلِكَ؟ قالَ: دَعاهُ أَبُو الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَأَوصى‏ إِلَيْهِ.

16 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحَكَمِ، عَنْ حَيْدَرِ بْنِ أَيُّوبَ قالَ: كُنَّا بِالْمَدِينَةِ فِي مَوْضِع يُعْرَفُ بِالقُبْا، فِيهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ زِيْدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، فَجاءَ بَعْدَ الوَقْتِ الَّذِي كانَ يَجِيئُنا فِيهِ، فَقُلْنا لَهُ: جَعَلْنَا اللَّهُ فَداكَ ما حَبَسَكَ قال: دَعانا أَبُو إِبْراهِيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ الْيَوْمَ سَبْعَةَ عَشَر رَجُلاً مِنْ وُلْدِ عَلِيٍّ وَفاطِمَةَعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ، فَأَشْهَدَنا لِعَلِيِّ ابْنِهِ بِالْوَصِيَّةِ وَالوِكالَةِ فِي حَياتِهِ وَبَعْد مَوْتِه وَأَنَّ أَمْرَهُ جائِزٌ عَلَيْهِ وَلَهُ، ثُمَّ قالَ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ وَاللَّهِ يا حَيْدَرُ لَقَدْ عَقَدَ لَهُ الإِمامَةَ اليَوْمَ و لَيَقُولَنَّ الشِّيعَةُ بِهِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ، قالَ حَيْدَرِ: قُلْتُ: بَلْ يُبْقيهِ اللَّهُ، وَأَيُّ شَي‏ءٍ هذا؟ قالَ: يا حَيْدَرُ إِذا أوْصى‏ إِلَيْهِ فَقَدْ عَقَدَ لَهُ الإِمامَة. قالَ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحَكَمُ ماتَ حَيْدَرٌ وَهُوَ شاكٌ.

17 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ عَلِى ماجِيلوَيْه ‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَمِّي مُحَمَّدُ

uncle Muhammad ibn Abil Qasim, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ali al-Kufi, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Khalaf, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdul Rahman, on the authority of Asad ibn Abi al-A'la, on the authority of Abdul Rahman ibn al-Hajjaj that, “Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) appointed his son Ali (a.s.) as his Testamentary Trustee. He wrote him a note and had sixty of the noble men of Medina sign it as witnesses.”

4-18 In another tradition it is narrated that Ahmad ibn Zayad ibn Ja'far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Isma'il ibn Mar'rar and Salih ibn As-Sindi, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdul Rahman, on the authority of Husayn ibn Bashir, “Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) appointed his son Ali (Al-Ridha’) (a.s.) just as God's Prophet (S) appointed Ali (a.s.) on the day of Ghadir Khom. He (a.s.) said, ‘O people of Medina! This is my Testamentary Trustee after me.’’ Or said, ‘O people of the mosque! This is my Testamentary Trustee after me.’”

4-19 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Motavakil - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Khazzaz, “We went towards Mecca with Ali ibn Abi Hamza. He was carrying some goods and property. I asked him, ‘What is all of this?’ He said, ‘They belong to the good servant (Imam al-Kazim). He has ordered me to take them to his son Ali (a.s.) since he has appointed him as his Testamentary Trustee.’”

The author of this book (a.s.heikh Sadooq) said, “Ali ibn Hamza denied this after the death of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) and did not turn these goods and property over to Imam Al-Ridha’ (a.s.).”

4-20 In another tradition it is narrated that Ali ibn Abdullah al-Warraq - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Obayd, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdurrahman, on the authority of Safwan ibn Yahya, on the authority of Ayyoub al-Khazzaz, on the authority of Salama ibn Mohrez that he told Abi Abdillah (a.s.), “A man from the Ejelites asked, ‘How much longer do you hope this old man will live? He will die in a couple of years and you will have no one to place your hopes in.” Abu Abdillah (a.s.)

بْنِ أَبي القاسِم، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِىٍّ الكُوفِيّ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خَلَفٍ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ أَسَد بْنِ أَبي العَلاءِ، عَنْ عَبْد الصَّمَدِ بْنِ بَشِير وَخَلَفِ بْنِ حَمّادٍ، عَنْ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمن بْنِ الحَجَّاجِ قالَ: أَوْصى‏ أَبُو الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ إِلى ابْنِهِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ، وَكَتَبَ لَهُ كِتاباً أَشْهَدَ فِيهِ سِتِّينَ رَجُلاً مِنْ وُجُوه أَهْلِ المَدِينَةِ.

18 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْهَمَذانيّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلىُّ بْنُ إِبراهِيمَ بْنِ هاشِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ مَرّار وَصالِح بْنِ السَّنْدِيِّ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدِالرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ حُسَيْن بْنِ بَشِيرٍ قالَ: أَقامَ لَنا أَبُو الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ اِبْنَهُ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ كَما أَقامَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَوْمَ غَدِيرِ خُمٍّ فَقالَ: يا أَهْل المَدِينَة - أَوْ قالَ: يا أَهْل الْمَسْجِد - هذا وَصِيِّي من بَعْدِي.

19 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَى بْنِ المُتَوَكِّل‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى العَطَّارُ، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ عَلِىٍّ الخَزَّارِ قالَ: خَرَجْنا إِلى مَكَّةَ وَمَعَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ أَبي حَمْزَةَ وَمَعَهُ مالٌ وَمَتاعٌ، فَقُلْنا: ما هذا؟ قالَ: هذا لِلْعَبْدِ الصَّالِح‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أَحْمِلَهُ إِلى عَلِيِّ ابْنِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَدْ أَوْصى‏ إِلَيْهِ.

قالَ مُصَنِّفُ هذا الْكِتاب: اِنَّ عَلِىَّ بْنِ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ أَنْكَرَ ذلِكَ بَعْدَ وَفاةِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ، وَحَبَسَ المالَ عَنِ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

20 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الوَرَّاقُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبِيْدٍ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ صَفْوانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى، عَنْ أَبي أَيُّوب الخَزَّارِ، عَنْ سَلَمَةِ بْنِ مُحْرِزٍ قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إِنَّ رَجُلاً مِنَ العِجْلِيّةِ قالَ لي‏: كَمْ عَسى‏ أَنْ يَبْقى‏ لَكُمْ هذا الشَّيْخُ، إِنَّما هُوَ[لِ] سَنَةٍ أَوْ سَنَتَيْنِ حَتّى‏ يَهْلِكَ، ثُمَّ تَصِيرُونَ لَيْسَ لَكُمْ أَحَـدٌ تَنْظُرُونَ إِلَيْهِ فَقـالَ عَبْدِ اللَّه‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَلا قُلْتَ لَهُ:

asked, “Why didn’t you tell him that it is this Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) who has become a man? We have bought him a slave-wife who is legitimate for him. Soon you will see that God willing he will have a highly-intelligent son.”

4-21 In another tradition it is narrated that Al-Mudhaffar ibn Ja'far Al-Mudhaffar Al-Alawi As-Samarqandi - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Masoud quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Yusuf ibn As-Sakht, on the authority of Ali ibn al-Qasim, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ja'far ibn Khalaf, on the authority of Isma'il ibn al-Khattab, “Abul Hassan (a.s.) often praised his son Ali (a.s.), and expressed his nobilities and virtues in a manner in which he never praised others. It was as if he wanted to attract their attention to him.”

4-22 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Obayd, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdir-Rahman, on the authority of Ja'far ibn Khalaf that he had heard Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) say, “One who can see his son that he will leave behind as a memory before he dies is prosperous. God has shown me the son that I will leave behind by giving him to me.” Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) was pointing at him - that is Al-Ridha’ (a.s.).

4-23 In another tradition from Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-valid - may God be pleased with him - it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah Muhammad al-Hajjal, Ahmad ibn Abi Nasr al-Bezanti, Muhammad ibn Sinan, Ali ibn Sinan, and Ali, on the authority of al-Hakam, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn al-Mukhtar who said, “These sheets came to us from Abi Ibrahim Musa (a.s.) while he was in prison in which it was written, “My successor is my oldest son.”

4-24 In another tradition we read that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdillah, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa bin Obayd, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdurrahman, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn al-Mokhtar, “When Abul Hassan (Imam Al-Kazim) (a.s.) passed by Basra, we received letters from him (a.s.) in which it was written, ‘My successor

هذا مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ قَدْ أَدْرَكَ ما يُدْرِكُ الرِّجال وَقَدْ اشْتَرَينا لَهُ جارِيَةً تُباحُ لَهُ فَكَأَنَّكَ بِهِ إِنْ شاءَ اللَّه وَقَدْ وُلِدَ لَهُ فَقِيهٌ خَلَفٌ.

21 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا المُظَفَّرُ بْنِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ المُظَفَّرِ العَلَوِيُّ السَمَرْقَنْدِيُ‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قال: حَدَّثَني جَعْفَرُ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ يُوسُفَ بْنِ السَّخْتِ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ القاسِم، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ خَلَفٍ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ الخَطَّابِ، قالَ: كانَ أَبُو الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَبْتَدِءُ بِالثَّناءِ عَلَى ابْنِهِ عَلِيِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَيُطْرِيهِ وَيَذْكُرُ مِنْ فَضْلِهُ وَبِرِّهِ ما لا يَذْكُرُ من غَيْرِهِ، كَأَنَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَدُلَّ عَلَيْهِ.

22 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ يُونُس بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ خَلَفٍ، قالَ: سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ يَقُولُ: سَعِدُ امْرُءٌ لَمْ يَمُتْ حَتّى‏ يُرى مِنْهُ خَلَفٌ، وَقَدْ أَرانِيَ اللَّهُ مِن ابْنِي هذا خَلَفاً - وَأَشارَ إِلَيْهِ - يَعْنِي الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ-.

23 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّار، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسى‏، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الحَجَّالِ؛ وَأَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي نَصْرِ البِزَنْطِيِّ؛ وَمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَنانٍ؛ وَعَلِىِّ بْنِ الحَكَمِ، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ الُمخْتار، خَرَجَتْ إِلَيْنا أَلْواحٌ مِنْ أَبي إِبْراهيمَ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَهُوَ فِي الحَبْسِ، فَإِذا فِيها مَكْتُوبٌ: عَهْدِي إِلى أَكْبَر وُلْدِي.

24 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبِيْدٍ، عَنْ يُونُس بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ الُمخْتارِ قالَ: لَمّا مَرَّ بِنا أَبُوالحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِالْبَصْرَةِ خَرَجَت إِلَيْنا مِنْهُ أَلْواحٌ مَكْتُوب فِيها بِالعَرْضِ عَهْدِي إِلى

is my oldest son (Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)).’”

4-25 In another tradition from (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - it is narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Obayd, on the authority Ziyad ibn Marwan al-Qandi, “I went to see Abi Ibrahim (a.s.). His son Ali was with him. He told me, ‘O Ziyad! This is his writing that is (just as effective as) my writing. His words are my words. His messenger is my messenger. And whatever he says, (the truth) is in what he says.’”

The author of this book (a.s.heikh Sadooq) said, “In fact, Ziyad ibn Marwan al-Qandi narrated this tradition. But he later denied it after Musa (a.s.) passed away. He became one of the Vaqafites7 and confiscated whatever he had that belonged to Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.).

4-26 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Hajjal, on the authority of Sa'eed ibn Abil Jahm, on the authority of Nasr ibn Qaboos that he told Abi Ibrahim Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.), “I asked your father (a.s.) ‘Who is going to be your successor?’ Your father (a.s.) informed me that you were his successor. When Abu Abdillah (a.s.) passed away each group of people went on different ways. But my friends and I believed in you. Then please inform me about whom your successor will be.” Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.) said, “My son Ali.”

4-27 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Waleed - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Nasr ibn Qaboos that Abul Hassan (Imam al-Kazim) (a.s.) told him, “My son Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)) is my oldest son. He is the most obedient of them to me. He studies the books of AL-JAFR and AL-JAME’A along with me. No one can look at these two books except for the Prophet and his Testamentary Trustees.”

4-28 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdillah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Abi Abdillah al-Barqi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Abdullah ibn

أَكْبَرِ وُلْدِي».

25 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ زِيادِ بْنِ مَرْوان القَنْدِيِّ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي إِبْراهيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَعنْدَهُ عَلِيٌّ ابْنُهُ، فَقالَ لي‏: يا زِيادُ هذا كِتابُهُ كِتابي، وَكَلامُهُ كَلامِي، وَرَسُولُهُ رَسُولِي، وَما قالَ فَالْقَوْلُ قَوْلُهُ.

قالَ مُصَنِّفُ هذَا الْكِتاب: إِنَّ زِيادِ بْنِ مَرْوان القَنْدِيِّ رَوى‏ هذا الْحَدِيثِ ثُمَّ أَنْكَرَه بَعْد مُضِيِّ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقالَ بِالْوَقْفِ، وَحَبَسَ ما كانَ عنْدَهُ مِنْ مالِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ.

26 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الحَجَّالِ، قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعِيدُ بْنِ أَبي الجَهْمِ، عَنْ نَصْرِ بْنِ قابوس قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي إِبْراهِيمَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ: إِنّي سَأَلْتُ أَباكَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَنِ الَّذِي يَكُونُ بَعْدَكَ؟ فَأَخبَرَنِي أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ هُوَ، فَلَمَّا تُوُفِّي أَبُو عَبْدِاللَّه‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ذَهَبَ النَّاسِ يَمِيناً وَشِمالاً، وَقُلْتُ أَنَا وَأَصْحابِي بِكَ، فَأَخْبِرْنِي مِنَ الَّذِي يَكُونُ بَعْدَكَ؟ قالَ: اِبْنِي عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

27 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّارُ، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّابِ، عَنْ نَصْرِ بْنِ قابُوسَ قالَ: قالَ لي‏ أَبُو الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: عَلِيٌّ ابْنِي أَكْبَرُ وُلْدِي وَأسْمَعُهُمْ لِقَوْلِي وَأَطْوَعُهُمْ لأَمْرِي يَنْظُرُ مَعِي فِي كِتابي الجَفْرِ وَالجامِعَة وَلَيْسَ يَنْظُرُ فِيهِ إِلاّ نَبِيٌّ أَوْ وَصِيُّ نَبِيٍّ.

28 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ البَرْقِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمـنِ، عَنِ المَفْضَّل بْنِ عُمَرَ قـالَ:

Abdurrahman, on the authority of Mufaz'zal ibn Umar, “I went to see Abil Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) and he was holding his son Ali (a.s.) in his arms. He kissed him, sucked his tongue, put him on his back, hugged him and said, May my father and mother be your ransom! How good-scented you are! How pure a nature! How clear are your nobilities!” Mufadhdhal said, “May I be your ransom! There is a feeling of love in my heart for this child that I have for no one else but you.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “O Mufadhdhal! He is to me as I was to my father (a.s.), ‘Offspring, one of the other. And God heareth and knoweth all things.’” Mufadhdhal asked, “Is he in charge of the affairs after you?” The Imam (a.s.) said, “Yes. Whoever obeys him will make progress. Whoever disobeys him is an infidel.”

4-29 In another tradition it is narrated that Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja’far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Sinan, “One day about a year before they took Abil Hassan Al-Kazim (a.s.) to Iraq, I went to see him. His son Ali Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) was in front of him (a.s.). Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘O Muhammad (ibn Sinan)!’ I said, ’Yes.’ He said, ‘There will be a problem this year. Try not to get upset.’ Then he (a.s.) became silent. He hit the ground with his hand. Then the Imam (a.s.) looked at me and recited the Quranic verse ‘but God will leave to stray, those who do wrong. God doeth what He willeth.’8 Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘May I be your ransom! What is the matter?’ He (a.s.) said, ‘Whoever oppresses this son of mine, does not honor his rights and denies his Divine Leadership after me is like those who oppressed Ali ibn Abi-Talib (a.s.), did not honor his rights and denied his Divine Leadership after the Prophet Muhammad (S).’ Then Muhammad (ibn Sinan) realized that the Imam (a.s.) was informing him about his upcoming death, and the appointment of his son. Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘[I swear by God that if God extends my life, I will honor his right and accept his Divine Leadership and] I will bear witness that he will be the Almighty God’s witness for the creatures after you, and the inviter to His Religion.’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘O Muhammad (ibn Sinan)! God will extend your life, and you will invite the people to accept his Divine Leadership, and the Divine Leadership of the Imam that will come after him.’ Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘O May I be your ransom! Who is it?’ He (a.s.) said, ‘His son Muhammad.9 ’ Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘I accept.’ He (a.s.) said, ‘Yes. I had found you to be this

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَعَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ابْنِهِ فِي حِجْرِه وَهُوَ يُقَبِّلُهُ وَيَمُصُّ لِسانَهُ وَيَضَعُهُ عَلَى عاتِقِهِ وَيَضُمُّهُ إِلَيْهِ، وَيَقُولُ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي ما أَطْيَبَ رِيحَكَ وَأَطْهَرَ خَلْقَكَ وَأَبْيَنَ فَضْلَكَ؟ ! قُلْتُ: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ لَقَدْ وَقَعَ في قَلْبِي لِهذَا الغُلام مِنَ المَوَدَّةِ ما لَمْ يَقَعْ لأَحَدٍ إِلاَّ لَكَ، فَقالَ لي: يا مُفَضَّل هُوَمِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَتِي مِنْ أَبِي‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ «ذُرِّيَّةً بَعْضُها مِنْ بَعْضٍ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ» قالَ: قُلْتُ: هُوَصاحِبُ هذا الأَمْرِ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ؟ قالَ: نَعَمْ، مَنْ أَطاعَهُ رَشَدَ وَمن عَصاهُ كَفَرَ.

29 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنِ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْهَمَذانيُّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنِ إِبراهِيمَ بْنِ هاشِمٍ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَنانٍ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَبْلَ أَن يُحْمَلَ إِلى العَراقِ بِسَنَّةٍ وَعَلِيٌّ ابْنِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ، فَقالَ لي: يا مُحَمَّدُ! فَقُلْتُ: لَبَّيْكَ، قالَ: إِنَّهُ سَيَكُونُ فِي هذِهِ السَّنَّةِ حَرَكَةٌ فَلا تَجْزَعْ مِنْها، ثُمَّ أَطْرَقَ وَنَكَتَ بِيَدِهِ فِي الأَرْضِ، وَرَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ إِلَىَّ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ: «وَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الظَّالِمِين وَيَفْعَلُ اللَّه ما يَشاءَ» قُلْتُ: وَما ذاكَ جُعِلْتُ فِداكَ؟ قالَ: مَنْ ظَلَمَ ابْنِي هذا حَقُّهُ وَجَحَدَ إِمامَتَهُ مِنْ بَعْدي، كانَ كَمَنْ ظَلَمَ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَبِي طالِب‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ حَقَّهُ وَجَحَدَ إِمامَتَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ، فَعَلِمْتُ أَنَّهُ قَدْ نَعى‏ إِلَىَّ نَفْسَهِ، وَدَلَّ عَلَى ابْنِهِ، فَقُلْتُ: [وَاللَّهِ لَئِنْ مَدَّ اللَّهُ فِي عُمْرِي لَاُسَلِّمَنَّ إِلَيْهِ حَقَّهُ، و لَاُقِرَّنِّ لَهُ بِالإِمامَة وَ] أَشْهَدُ أَنَّهُ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ حُجَّةُ اللَّهِ تَعالى‏ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ وَالدَّاعِي إِلى دِينِهِ، فقالَ لِي‏: يا مُحَمَّد يَمُدُّ اللَّهُ فِي عُمْرِكَ وَتَدْعُو إِلى إِمامَتِهِ وَإِمامَةِ مَنْ يَقُومُ مَقامَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ فَقُلْتُ: مَنْ ذاكَ جُعِلْتُ فِداكَ؟ قالَ: مُحَمَّدٌ ابْنُهُ، قـالَ: قُـلْتُ: فَالرِّضـا وَالتَّسْـلِيمُ، قـالَ: نَعَمْ، كَذلِكَ وَجَدْتُكَ في كِتاب أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنينَ ‏عليه

way in the Commander of the Faithful’s (a.s.) book. Among our followers you are brighter than lightening in the darkness of night.’ The Imam (a.s.) then added, ‘O Muhammad (ibn Sinan)! Indeed Mufadhdhal has been my companion, and a source of my comfort. You are going to be their10 companion (Imam Al-Ridha’’s (a.s.) and Imam Al-Jawad’s (a.s.) companion) and their source of comfort. It is forbidden for the Fire to ever touch you.’”

Notes

1. A sect comprised of those who believe that the Divine Leadership of the Immaculate Imams ended at the Imamate of Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.) and do not recognize the Divine Leadership of the Imams who came after him.

2. Abil Hassan, Abal Hassan and Abul Hassan are all the same name but pronounced differently.

3. Both are called Abal Hassan

4. Which belonged to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.)

5. Qur'an, 4:58

6. Qur'an, 2:140

7. The Waqifites are those who believe that Divine Leadership stopped at the Imamate of Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.) and do not recognize the Divine Leadership of the Imams who came after him.

8. Qur'an, 14:27

9. The ninth Imam Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Musa (a.s.) - Imam Al-Jawad

10. The eighth and the ninth Imams

Chapter 4: On Imam Al-Kazim's (a.s.) Clear Appointment of Imam Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)

4-1 (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Al-Hassan ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Isa quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Asbaq, on the

ثُمَّ قَبِلَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَلايَة الْعَهْدِ مِنَ الْمَأمُون - وَهُوَ باكٍ حَزِينٌ - عَلَى أَن لا يُوَلّيَ أَحَداً وَلا يَعْزِلَ أَحَداً، وَلايُغَيِّرَ رَسْماً وَلا سُنَّةً، وَأَنْ يَكُونَ فِي الأَمْر مُشِيراً مِنْ بَعِيدٍ، فَأَخَذَ الْمَأمُون لَهُ البِيْعَةَ عَلَى النَّاسِ، الخاصِّ مِنْهُمْ وَالعامِّ، فَكانَ مَتى‏ ماظَهَر لِلْمَأمُونِ مِنَ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَضْلٌ وَعِلْمٌ وَحُسْنُ تَدْبِيرٍ، حَسَدَهُ عَلَى ذلِكَ وَحَقَدَهُ عَلَيْهِ حَتّى‏ ضاقَ صَدْرُهُ مِنْهُ، فَغَدَرَ بِهِ وَقَتَلَهُ بِالسَّمِّ و مَضى‏ إِلى رِضْوانُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ وَكَرامَتِهِ.

2 - حَدَّثَني تَمِيمُ بْنُ عَبْدِاللَّه بْنِ تَمِيمٍ القُرَشِي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني أَبي، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ عَلِى الأَنْصارِي، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ مِيْثَم، عَنْ أَبيهِ قالَ: سَمِعْتُ اُمِّي تَقُولُ: سَمِعْتُ نَجْمَة اُمِّ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ تَقُول: لَمّا حَمَلْتُ بِاِبْنِي عَلِيٍّ لَمْ أَشعِرْ بِثِقْلِ الحَمْلِ، وَكُنْتُ أَسْمَعُ فِي مَنامِي تَسْبِيحاً وَتَهْلِيلاً وَتَمْجِيداً مِنْ بَطْني، فَيَفْزَعُنِي ذلِكَ وَيَهُولُنِي فَإِذا انتَبَهْتُ لَمْ أَسْمَعُ شَيْئاً، فَلَمَّا وَضَعْتُهُ وَقَعَ عَلَى الأَرْض واضِعاً يَدَيْهِ عَلَى الأَرْض، رافِعاً رَأسِهِ إِلى السَّماءِ، يُحَرِّكُ شَفْتَيْهِ كَأَنَّهُ يُتَكَلِّمُ فَدَخَلَ إِلىَّ أَبُوه مُوسَى بْنُ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ فَقالَ لي‏: هَنِيئاً لَكِ يا نَجْمَةُ كَرامَةُ رَبِّكَ فَناوَلْتُهُ إِيَّاهُ فِي خِرْقَةٍ بَيْضاءَ، فَأَذِّنَ فِي اُذُنِهِ الُيمْنى‏ وَأَقامَ اليُسْرى‏ وَدَعا بِماءِ الفُراتِ فَحَكَنَّهُ بِهِ، ثُمَّ رَدُّهُ إِلَىَّ، فَقالَ: خُذِيهِ، فَإِنَّهُ بَقِيَّةُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ فِي أَرْضِهِ.

4- بابُ نَصُّ أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ عَلَى اِبْنِهِ الرِّضا عَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَر عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلاَمُ بِالإِمامَة وَالوَصِيَّةِ

1 - حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني الحَسَنُ بْنُ عَبْدِاللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الأَصْبَغِ، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الحَسَن المِيْثَمي - وَكانَ واقِفِيّاً - قالَ: مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ إِسْــمَاعِيل بْنِ الفَضْلِ الهاشِــمي، قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي

authority of Ahmad ibn Al-Hassan al-Maysami - who was one of the Waqifites1 quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isma’il ibn Al-Fadhl al-Hashemi, “I went to see Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.) when he was seriously ill. I asked him: If God forbid something should happen to you, whom should we follow? He said, “Follow my son Ali (Imam al-Ridha’). His writing is my writing. He is my Testamentary Trustee, and my successor after me.

4-2 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar and Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa Al-Ash'ari, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Yaqteen, on the authority of his brother Al-Husayn, on the authority of his father Ali ibn Yaqteen, “I was with Abil Hassan2 Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.). His son Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)) was with him. Then he said, ‘O Ali, This son of mine is the master of my children. I put my nickname on him.’ Then Hisham (who heard this from me) hit himself on the forehead and said, ‘Verily from God we are! Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) has thus informed you of his upcoming death.’”

4-3 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Mahboob and Uthman ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn No’aym As-Sahhaf, “I was in Baghdad with Hisham ibn al-Hikam and Ali ibn al-Yaqteen. Ali ibn al-Yaqteen said, ‘I was (a.s.itting) in the presence of the virtuous servant Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.). Then his son Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) entered. Then he said, ‘O Ali! This is the master of my children. I have given him my nickname3 .’ Then Hisham hit himself on the forehead and said, ‘Woe! What did you say?’ Then Ali ibn Yaqteen said, ‘I swear by God that I heard him say (what I just told you).’ Then Hisham said, ‘By God, he has informed you that the affairs are entrusted to him (Imam al-Ridha’) (after Imam Musa Al-Kazim).’”

4-4 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Mutawakkil - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Al-Husayn As-Sa’dabadi quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Abi Abdullah al-Barqi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of

الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَقَدْ اشْتَكى‏ شَكاةً شَدِيدَةً، فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: إِنْ كانَ ما أَسْأَلُ اللَّه أَن لا يُرْيَناهُ فَإَلى‏ مَنْ ؟ قالَ: إِلى عَلِيٍّ اِبْنِي، وَكِتابُهُ كِتابي، وَهُوَ وَصِيِّي وَخَلِيفَتِي مِنْ بَعْدي.

2 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن الصَفَّار؛ وَسَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّه جَمِيعاً، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى الأَشْعَرِيِّ، عَنْ الحَسَن بْنِ علىِ بن يَقْطِينٍ، عَنْ أَخِيهِ الحُسَيْن، عَنْ أَبيهِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ يَقْطِينٍ قالَ: كُنْتُ عِنْدَ أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَعنْدَهُ عَليٌّ اِبْنُهُ، فَقالَ: يا عَلِيُّ هذا اِبْنِي سَيِّدُ وُلِدِي، وَقَدْ نَحَلْتُهُ كُنْيَتِي، قالَ: فَضَرَبَ هِشامِ - يَعْنِي ابْنِ سالِمٍ - يَدَهُ عَلَى جَبْهَتِهِ ! فَقالَ: إنَّا لِلَّهِ نَعى‏ وَاللَّهِ إِلَيْكَ نَفْسَهُ.

3 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن الصَفَّار، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مَحْبُوب؛ وَعُثْمانَ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ [ال] حُسَيْنِ بْنِ نُعَيْم الصَّحَّاف قالَ: كُنْتُ أَنَا وَهِشامُ بْنُ الحَكَمِ وَعَلِىُّ بْنُ يَقْطِينٍ بِبَغْدادَ فَقالَ عَلِىُّ بْنُ يَقْطِينٍ: كُنْتُ عِنْدَ العَبْدِ الصَّالِح مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ [جالِساً] فَدَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ ابْنُهُ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقالَ: يا عَلِيُّ هذا سَيِّد وُلْدِي وَقَدْ نَحَلْتُهُ كُنْيَتِي، فَضَرَبَ هِشامٌ بِراحَتِهِ جَبْهَتَهُ ! ثُمَّ قالَ: وَيْحَكَ كَيْفَ قُلْتَ؟! فقالَ عَلِىُّ بْنُ يَقْطِينٍ: سَمِعْتُ وَاللَّه مِنْهُ [كَما قُلتُ لَكَ] فَقالَ هِشامٌ: أَخْبَرَكَ وَاللَّهِ أَنَّ الأَمْرَ فِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ.

4 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَى بْنِ المُتَوَكِّل رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ الحُسَيْنِ السَعْدْ آبادِي، عَنْ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّه البَرْقِيُّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ خَلَفِ بْنِ حَمَّادٍ، عَنْ داوُدَ بْنِ زُرْبِي، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ يَقْطِين، قالَ: قالَ لي‏ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَر عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اِبْتِداءً

Dawood ibn Zorbi, on the authority of Ali ibn Yaqteen, “Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) told me - without me having said anything to him, ‘This is my most knowledgeable child. I have placed my nickname on him.’ He pointed to Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) with his hand.”

4-5 In another tradition we read that my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Al-Hassan ibn Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Isa quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Asbaq, on the authority of Uthman ibn al-Qasim, “Mansoor ibn Yunus bin Bozorj told me that once he went to visit Abul Hassan, that is Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (al-Kazim) (a.s.). Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘O Mansoor! Do you know what I have done today?’ Mansoor said, ‘No.’ Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ’I have appointed my son Ali as my Testamentary Trustee, and my successor after me.’ Then Mansoor said, ‘I then went to see Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) and congratulated him (a.s.) this. I let him know that his father had instructed me to do so.’ However, Mansoor later denied this, confiscated the property that he had4 control over, and spent it.”

4-6 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa Al-Khashshab, on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr Al-Bezanti, on the authority of Zakaria ibn Adam, on the authority of Dawood ibn Kathir that he said to Abi Abdullah, “May I be your ransom! Who should I follow if anything should happen to you and you perish?” Imam As-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “My son Musa.” Then this happened. By God, I did not have the least bit of doubt in my mind about (the appointment of) Musa (a.s.). About thirty years passed. Then I went to see Abul Hassan Musa (al-Kazim) (a.s.) and said, “May I be your ransom! Who should I follow if anything should happen to you and you perish?” Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, “My son Ali.” Dawood added, “Then this happened. By God, I did not have the least bit of doubt in my mind about (the appointment of) Ali (al-Ridha’) (a.s.).”

4-7 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Haj'jal, on the authority

مِنْهُ: هذا أَفْقَهُ وُلْدِي - وَأَشارَ بِيَدِهِ إِلى الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - وَقَدْ نَحَلْتُهُ كُنْيَتِي.

5 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا الحَسَنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الأَصْبَغِ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ عُثْمانَ بْنِ القاسِم قالَ: قالَ لي مَنْصُور بْنُ يُونُسَ - بُزُرْج -: دَخَلُتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَن يَعْنِي مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ يَوْماً فَقالَ لي‏: يا مَنْصُور أما عَلِمْتَ ما أَحْدَثْتُ فِي يَوْمِي هذا؟ قُلتُ: لا، قالَ: قَدْ صَيَّرْتُ عَلِيّاً اِبْنِي وَصِيِّي وَالخَلَفَ مِنْ بَعْدِي، فَادْخُلْ عَلَيْهِ وَهَنِّئْهُ بِذلِكَ، وَأَعْلِمْهُ أَنِّي أَمَرْتُكَ بِهذَا، قالَ: فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَيْهِ، فَهَنَّئْتُهُ بِذلِكَ و أَعْلَمْتُهُ أَنّ أباهُ أَمَرَنِي بِذلِكَ.

ثُمَّ جَحَدَ مَنْصُورٌ فَأَخَذَ الأَمْوالَ الَّتِي كانَتْ فِي يَدِهِ وَكَسَرَها.

6 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّارُ، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي نَصْرِ البِزَنْطِيِّ، عَنْ زَكَرِيَّا بْنِ آدَمَ، عَنْ داوُدِ بْنِ كَثِير قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي عَبْدِاللَّه: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ وَقَدْمَِنيَ المَوْتَ قَبْلِكَ، إِنْ كانَ كُونٌ فَإِلىْ مَنْ؟ قالَ: إِلى اِبْنِي مُوسَى، فَكانَ ذلِكَ الكَوْنُ، فَوَاللَّهِ ما شَكَكْتُ فِي [شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْ أَمْرِ] مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ قَطُّ ثُمَّ مَكَثْتُ نَحْواً مِنْ ثَلاثِينَ سَنَةً، ثُمَّ أَتَيْتُ أَبَا الحَسَن مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ إِنْ كانَ كَوْنٌ فَإِلى‏ مَنْ؟ قالَ: عَلِيٍّ اِبْنِي، قالَ: فَكانَ ذلِكَ الكَوْنُ، فَوَاللَّهِ ما شَكَكْتُ فِي عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ قَطُّ.

7 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنِي سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ الحَجَّالِ، قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سِنان، عَنْ داوُدَ

of Muhammad ibn Sinan, on the authority of Dawood al-Raq'qi that he asked Abi Ibrahim Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.), “May I be your ransom! I have become old. Then tell me who will be the Divine Leader (Imam) after you?” Dawood al-Riqqi then continued, “The Imam (a.s.) pointed at Abul Hassan Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) and said, ‘He is the possessor of authority over you after me.’”

4-8 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al-Haj'jal and Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr Al-Bezanti, on the authority of Abi Ali Al-Khazzaz, on the authority of Dawood Ar-Riqqi that he asked Abi Ibrahim - that is Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.), “May my father be your ransom! I have become old. I am afraid that something might happen to me, and I may not be able to visit you anymore. Can you please inform me about the Imam after you?” Then the Imam (a.s.) said, “My son, Ali.”

4-9 In another tradition it is narrated that my father narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid, Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Motavakil, Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar and Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluwayh - may God be pleased with them - quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash'ari, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ash-Shami, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Ali ibn Asbat, on the authority of Al-Husayn Maula Abi Abdullah, on the authority of Abi al-Hakam, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Ibrahim Al-Ja'fari, on the authority of Yazid ibn Saleet az-Zaydi, “My travel companions and I met Abu Abdullah (Imam as-Saqiq) (a.s.) on the way to Mecca. I told him, ‘May my mother and father be your ransom! You are one of the Immaculate Imams (a.s.). There is no escape from death for anyone. Then please tell me something (the Imam who will succeed you) so that I could tell my descendants.’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Yes. These are my children, and he is their master.’ The Imam (a.s.) pointed at his son, Musa (a.s.). He (a.s.) added, ‘He has knowledge, just judgement, understanding, generosity and recognition of what the people need regarding their conflicts concerning their religious affairs. He is good-tempered. He is a

الرَّقِّيِّ قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي إبراهِيمَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ قَدْ كَبُرَ سِنِّي فَحَدِّثْنِي مَنِ الإِمامُ بَعْدَكَ؟ قالَ: فَأَشارَ إِلى أَبي الحَسَن الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ، وَقالَ: هذا صاحِبُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدي.

8 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّارُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّد الحَجَّالِ ؛ وَأَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي نَصْرٍ البِزَنْطِيِّ، عَنْ أَبي عَلِيٍّ الخَزَّار، عَنْ داوُدِ الرَّقِّيِّ قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي‏إِبْراهيمَ - يَعْنِي موسى الكاظِمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - فِداكَ أَبي إِنّي قَدْ كَبُرْتُ وَخِفْتُ أَنْ يَحْدُثَ بي حَدَثٌ وَلا أَلْقاكَ فَأَخبِرْنِي مِنَ الإِمامُ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ؟ فَقالَ: اِبْنِي عَلِيِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

9 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي؛ وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد؛ وَمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ المُتَوَكِّل؛ وَأَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى العَطَّار؛ وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنِ عَلِىٍ ماجِيلوَيْه - رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ - قالُوا: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى العَطَّارُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ عِمْران الأَشْعَرِيِّ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّد الشَّامِيِّ، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّاب، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَسْباطٍ، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ مَوْلى‏ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَبي الحَكَمْ، عَنْ عَبْدِاللَّه بْنِ إِبْراهيم الجَعْفَرِيِّ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ سَلِيطٍ الزِيْدِيِّ قالَ: لَقِينا أَبَا عبداللّهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي طَرِيقِ مَكَّةَ وَنَحْنُ جَماعَةٌ، فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي أَنْتُمْ الأَئِمَّةُ المُطَهَّرُونَ و المَوْتُ لا يَعْرى‏ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُ، فَأَحدث إِلى‏ شَيْئاً اُلْقِيهِ إِلى‏ مَنْ يَخْلُفُنِي، فَقالَ لي‏: نَعَمْ، هؤُلاءِ وُلْدِي وَهذا سَيِّدهُمُ - وأَشارَ إِلى اِبْنِهِ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - وَفِيهِ العِلْمُ وَالحُكمْ وَالفَهْمِ وَالسَّخْاءُ وَالمَعْرِفَةُ بِما يَحْتاجُ النَّاسُ إِلَيْهِ فِيما اختَلَفُوا فِيهِ مِنْ أَمْرِ دِينِهُمْ، وَفِيهِ حُسْنُ الْخَلْقِ وَحُسْنِ الجِوارِ وَهُوَ

good neighbor. He is a gate from the gates of the Almighty the Sublime God. There is another important point about him that is even more important than all these points.’ Yazid ibn Saleet continued, ‘My father told him, ‘May my father and mother be your ransom! What is this point?’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘The Almighty God will deliver this nation's helper through him - their helper, their knowledge, their light, their understanding and their just judgement. He will deliver through him the best baby and the best youth. God will prevent bloodshed through him. He will settle the disputes through him. He will eliminate separation through him. He will fill the gaps through him. He will clothe the bare through him. He will feed the hungry through him. He will secure the fearful ones through him. He will send down rain because of him. He will make the servants obedient due to him. He will be the best middle-aged man. He will be the best young man. His family will be given the glad tidings (of his becoming the Imam before puberty). His words are full of wisdom. His silence is out of knowledge. He will clarify for the people issues on which they differ.’' Yazid ibn Saleet continued, ‘My father asked, ‘May my father and my mother be our ransom! Will we have a child after him?’ Then the Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Yes.’ Then he stopped talking. Then Yazid ibn Saleet said, ‘I met Abul Hassan - that is Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) after a while and told him, ‘May my father and my mother be our ransom! I wish that you inform me (of the one who will follow you) just as your father did.’ Then Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘My father (a.s.) lived at a time that was quite different from this time.’ Then Yazid ibn Saleet said, ‘God will damn whoever stops the following of the Divine Leaders at ths point!’ Then the Imam (a.s.) laughed and said, ‘O Aba Imara! I left my house. I set all my sons including Ali as my Testamentary Trustees on the surface. However, in private, I appointed him (Imam al-Ridha’) as my Testamentary Trustee. In fact, I dreamt of God's Prophet (S) and the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) with him, along with a ring, a sword, a cane, a book and a turban. I asked what these were. The Prophet (S) said, ‘The turban is a sign of the kingdom of the Almighty God. The sword is a sign of the Honor of the Almighty God. The book is a sign of the Light of the Almighty God. The cane is a sign of the Might of the Almighty God. And the ring includes all of these.’ The Prophet (S) added, ‘The affairs will be entrusted to your son Ali.’ Yazid ibn Saleet added, ‘Then the Imam (a.s.) said, ‘O Yazid! You are entrusted with these. Do not speak to anyone about what I told you except

بابٌ من أَبْواب اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَفِيهِ اُخْرى‏ هِيَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ هذا كُلِّهِ، فَقالَ لَهُ أَبي: وَما هِيَ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي؟ قالَ: يُخْرِجُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْهُ غَوْثَ هذِهِ الاُمَّةِ وَغِياثَها وَعَلَمَها وَنُورَها وَفَهْمَها وَحُكمِها و خَيْرَ مَولُودٍ وَخَيْرَ ناشى‏ءٍ يَحْقِنُ اللَّهَ بِهِ الدِّماءَ، وَيُصْلِحُ بِهِ ذاتِ البَيْنِ، و يَلُمُّ بِهِ الشَعْثَ، وَيَشْعُبَ بِهِ الصَّدْعَ، وَيَكْسُو بِهِ العارِي، وَيُشْبِعُ بِهِ الجائِعَ، وَيُؤْمِنُ بِهِ الخائِفَ، وَيُنْزِلُ بِهِ القَطْرَ، وَيَأْتَمِرُ بِهِ العِبادُ، خَيْرُ كَهْلٍ، وَخَيْرُ ناشى‏ءٍ يُبَشَّرُ بِهِ عَشِيرَتَهُ قَبْلَ أَوانَ حُلُمِهِ، قَوْلَهُ حُكْمٌ، وَصَمْتُهُ عِلْمٌ، يُبَيِّنُ لِلنَّاسِ ما يَخْتَلِفُون فِيهِ، قالَ: فَقالَ أَبي: بِأَبِي أَنْتَ و اُمِّي فَيَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ بَعْدَهُ؟ فَقالَ: نَعَم، ثُمَّ قَطَعَ الكَلام وَقالَ يَزِيدُ: ثُمَّ لَقِيتُ أَبَا الحَسَن - يَعْنِي مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَر عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ - بَعْدُ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي إِنّي اُرِيدُ أَن تُخْبِرَنِي بِمِثْلِ ما أَخْبَرنِي بِهِ أَبُوكَ، قالَ: فَقالَ: كانَ أَبي‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي زَمَنٍ لَيْسَ هذا مِثْلَهُ، قالَ يَزِيد: فَقُلْتُ: مَنْ يَرضى‏ مِنْكَ بِهذَا فَعَلَيْهِ لَعْنَةُ اللَّهِ، قالَ: فَضَحِكَ، ثُمَّ قالَ: اُخْبِرُكَ يا أَبا عُمارَة إِنّي خَرَجْتُ مِنْ مَنْزِلي فَأَوصَيْتُ فِي الظَّاهِر إِلى بَنِيِّ فَأَشْرَكْتُهُمْ مَعَ اِبْنِي عَلِيِّ، وَأَفْرَدْتُهُ بِوَصِيَّتِي فِي الباطِنَ، وَلَقَدْ رَأَيْت رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فِي المَنامِ وَأَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنين‏عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ مَعَهُ وَمَعَهُ خاتَمٌ وَسَيْفٌ وَعَصاً وَكِتابٌ وَعِمامَةٌ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ: ما هذا؟ فَقالَ: أَمَّا العَمامَة فَسُلْطانُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَأَمَّا السَّيْف فَعِزَّةُ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَأمَّا الْكِتابُ فَنُورُ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، و أَمَّا العَصا فَقُوَّةُ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَأَمَّا الخاتَم فَجامِعُ هذِهِ الاُمُور، ثُمَّ قالَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْـــهِ وَآلِهِ: و الأَمْرُ يَخْرُجُ إِلى عَلِيِّ ابْنِكَ قالَ: ثُمَّ قــالَ: يا يَزِيدُ إِنَّها وَدِيعَة

for intelligent people, or those whose hearts have been tested for faith by God, or honest ones. Do not be ungrateful for the Almighty God’s Blessings. Testify if you are ever asked to testify to this since God the Blessed the Sublime has said, ‘God doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due….’;5 He also said, ‘…Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God?…’6 Then Yazid ibn Saleet said, ‘By God, I will never do that.’ Then Abul Hassan (a.s.) said, ‘Then God's Prophet (S) started to enumerate his characteristics and said, ‘Your son Ali is one who looks using God's light; hears using God's understanding; speaks using God's wisdom; always acts right and never makes any mistakes; he is knowledgeable and is not ignorant; he is filled with wisdom and knowledge. But how short a period will you be with him! It will be so short that it is as if he was never with you. Thus settle your affairs upon your return from this journey. Relieve yourself of your wishes, since you will be separated from them and be with other things. Therefore, gather your children together, and have God be as a witness over them all. It suffices for God to witness.’ Then Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘O Yazid! I will die this year. My son Ali has the same name as Ali ibn Al-Husayn (a.s.). He has been granted the understanding of the former, and his knowledge, grandeur and honor. He is not allowed to say anything until four years after Harun. Then after the four years have passed, you may ask him any question you have. He will answer your question by the Almighty God's will.’”

4-10 In another tradition it is narrated that (the author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ahmad ibn Idris quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of al-Abbas an-Nakhkhas al-Asadi, “I asked Al-Ridha’ (a.s.), ‘Are you the possessor of authority now?’ Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) replied, ‘Yes. By God, I am the Divine Leader of the people and the genies.’”

4-11 In another tradition it is narrated that Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja'far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Khalid al-Bareqi, on the authority of Soleiman ibn Hafs al-Marwazi, “I went to see Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.). I wanted to ask about the Divine Leader (Imam) after him. He (a.s.) looked at me. Before I asked any question he (a.s.) said, ‘O Soleiman! Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)) is my son, my Testamentary Trustee and the Divine

عِنْدَكَ، فَلا تُخْبِر بِها إِلاّ عاقِلاً أَوْ عَبْداً امْتَحَنَ اللَّه قَلْبِهِ لِْلإيمان أَوْ صادِقاً، وَلا تَكْفُر نِعَمَ اللَّه تَعالى‏ وَإِن سُئِلْتَ عَنِ الشَّهادَة فَأَدَّها فَإِنَّ اللَّه تَعالى‏ يَقُولُ: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الأَماناتِ إِلى أَهْلِها» و قالَ اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: «وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ كَتَمَ شَهادَةً عِنْدَهُ مِنَ اللَّه».

فَقُلْتُ: وَاللَّه ما كُنْتُ لأَفْعَلَ هذا أَبَداً، قالَ: ثُمَّ قالَ أَبُو الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: ثُمَّ وَصَفَهُ لي رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَقالَ: عَلِيٌّ ابْنِكَ الَّذِي يَنْظُرُ بِنُور اللَّه وَيَسْمَعُ بِتَفْهِيمِهِ وَيَنْطِقُ بِحِكْمَتِهِ يُصِيبُ وَلا يُخْطِى‏ءُ وَيَعْلَمُ وَلا يَجْهَلُ وَقَدْ مُلِى‏ءَ حُكْماً وَعِلْماً، وَما أَقَلَّ مَقامَكَ مَعَهُ!

إِنَّما هُوَشَي‏ءٌ كانَ لَمْ يَكُنْ فَإِذا رَجَعْتَ مِنْ سَفَرِكَ فَأَصلح أَمْرِك، وَاَفْرِغ مِمَّا أَرَدَتْ فَإِنَّكَ مُنْتَقِل عَنْهُ وَمُجاوِرٌ غَيْرَهُ، فَاجْمَع وُلْدَكَ وَأَشْهَدِ اللَّه عَلَيْهِمْ جَمِيعاً وَكَفى‏ بِاللَّه شَهِيداً ثُمَّ قالَ: يا يَزِيد! إِنّي اوخَذُ فِي هذِهِ السَّنَةِ، وَعَلِيٌّ اِبْنِي سَميُّ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَبي طالِب‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَسَمِيُّ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْن‏عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ اُعْطِيَ فَهُمْ الأَوَّلُ وَعِلْمَهُ وَنَصْرَهُ وَرُواءَهُ، وَلَيْسَ لَهُ أَنْ يُتَكَلِّمُ إِلاّ بَعْد هارُونَ بِأَرْبَعَ سِنِينَ فَإِذا مَضَتْ أَرْبَعَ سِنِينَ، فَأَسْأَلْهُ عَمَّا شِئْتَ يُجِبْكَ إِن شاءَ اللَّه تَعالى‏.

10 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِدْرِيس، عَنْ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ العَبَّاس النَخَّاس الأَسَدِي قالَ: قُلْتُ لِلرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَنْتَ صاحِبُ هذا الأَمْرِ؟ قالَ: إِي وَاللَّهِ عَلَى الإِنْس وَالجِنِّ.

11 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرِ الْهَمَذانيّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ إِبراهِيمِ بْنِ هاشِم، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خالِد البَرْقِيِّ، عَنْ سُلَيْمانَ بْنِ حَفْصٍ الْمَرْوَزِيِّ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَأَنَا اُرِيدُ أَنْ أَسْأَلَهُ الحُجَّة عَلَى النَّاسِ بَعْدَهُ.

فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلى‏ فَابْتَدَأَنِي وقالَ: يا سُلَيْمان إِنَّ عَلِيّاً ابْنِي وَوَصِيِّي وَالحُجَّةُ عَلَى النَّاسِ بَعْدي،

Leader (Imam) of the people after me. He is my noblest child. Then witness on his behalf to my followers and my friends who want to know about my successor if you live after me.’”

4-12 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa'd ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Hajjal, on the authority of Sa’d ibn Zakarya ibn Adam, on the authority of Ali ibn Obaydullah al-Hashemi, “We were nearly sixty Shiites who were next to the tomb of the Prophet (S). Abu Ibrahim Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) came towards us. He was holding the hand of his son - Ali - in his hand. He said, ‘Do you know who I am?’ We said, ‘You are our Master and our elder.’ Then he said, ‘Tell me my name and my family.’ Then we said, ‘You are Musa ibn Ja'far ibn Muhammad (a.s.).’ Then he asked, ‘Who is this with me?’ Then we said, ‘He is Ali ibn Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.).’ He said, ‘Then bear witness that he is my counsel in my life, and is my Testamentary Trustee after my death.’

4-13 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Mahboob, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Marhoom, “I left Basra to go towards Medina. I met Aba Ibrahim (Imam al-Kazim) (a.s.) who was being taken to Basra. He sent someone to me and I went to him. Then Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) gave me several books and ordered me to take them to Medina. I asked him, ‘May I be your ransom! Who should I give these books to?’ He (a.s.) replied, ’Give them to my son Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)). He is my Testamentary Trustee and in charge of my affairs. He is my best son.’”

4-14 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Valid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan As-Saffar quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Al-Husayn ibn Abi Al-Khattab, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Al-Fozayl, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Al-Harith whose mother is a descendant of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, “Abu Ibrahim (al-Kazim) (a.s.) sent someone after us, gathered us together and asked us, ‘Do you know why I have gathered you together?’ We replied, ‘No.’ Imam

وَهُوَ أَفْضَلُ وُلْدِي، فَإِنْ بَقِيتَ بَعْدِي فَاَشْهَد لَهُ بِذلِكَ عِنْدَ شِيعَتِي وَأَهْل وِلايَتِي المُسْتَخْبِرِينَ عَنْ خَلِيفَتِي من بَعْدي.

12 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحَجَّالِ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنُ زَكَرِيَّا بْنِ آدَمِ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ عُبِيْدِاللَّهِ الهاشِمي قالَ: كُنَّا عِنْدَ القَبْرِ نَحْوَسِتِّينَ رَجُلاً مِنَّا وَمِنْ مُوالِينا، إِذْ أَقْبَلَ أَبُو إِبْراهيمَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ و يَدُ عَلِيَّ ابْنِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي يَدِهِ، فَقالَ أَتَدْرُونَ مَنْ أَنَا؟ قُلْنا: أَنْتَ سَيِّدَنا وَكَبِيرنا. فَقالَ: سَمُّوني وَاَنْسِبُونِي، فَقُلْنا أَنْتَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّد، فَقالَ: مَنْ هذا الَّذِي مَعِي؟ قُلْنا هُوَعَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ‏جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلاَمُ، قالَ: فَاشْهَدُوا أَنَّهُ وَكِيلي فِي حَياتِي وَوَصِيِّي بَعْد مَوْتِي.

13 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ الحَسَنِ بْنِ مَحْبُوبٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَرْحُومٍ قالَ: خَرَجْتُ مِنَ البَصْرَةِ اُرِيدُ المَدِينَةَ، فَلَمَّا صِرْتُ في بَعْض الطَرِيقِ لَقِيتُ أَبَا إِبْراهِيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَهُوَ يُذْهَبُ بِهِ إِلى البَصْرَةِ فَأَرْسَلَ إِلَىَّ، فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَيْهِ، فَدَفَعَ إِلَىَّ كُتُباً وَأَمَرَنِي أَن اُوصِلَها إِلَى الْمَدِينَةِ، فَقُلْتُ: إلى‏ مَنْ أَدْفَعُها جُعِلْتُ فِداكَ؟ قالَ: إِلَى ابْنِي عَلِيِّ، فَإِنَّهُ وَصِيِّي وَالقَيِّمُ بِأَمْرِي وَخَيْرُ بَنِيِّ.

14 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَنِ الصَفَّارُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أَبي الخَطَّاب، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الفُضَيْلِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ الحارِثِ - وَاُمُّهُ مِنْ وُلْدِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ أَبي طالِب - قالَ: بَعَثَ إِلَيْنا أَبُوإِبْراهِيم‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّــلامُ فَـجَمَعَنا، ثُـمَّ قــالَ: أَتَـدْرُونَ لِمَ جَـمَعْتُكُمْ قُلْنا: لا، قالَ: اشْهَدُوا أَنَّ عَلِيّاً

Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘Bear witness that this - my son Ali is my Testamentary Trustee. He (a.s.) is in charge of all my affairs. He (a.s.) is my successor. Whoever has lent me something can take it back from him. Whoever has been given a promise by me should ask him to fulfill that promise. Whoever has to visit me in person can come to see me with a note from him.’”

4-15 In another tradition it is narrated that Al-Mudhaffar ibn Ja'far Al-Alavi As-Samarqandi - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Mas’ood al-Ayyashi quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Yusuf ibn As-Sakht, on the authority of Ali ibn Qasim al-Uraydhi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Safwan ibn Yahya, on the authority of Haydar ibn Ayyoub that Muhammad ibn Yazid al-Hashemi said, “The Shiites will accept Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) to be their Divine Leader now.”' Haydar ibn Ayyoub said, “How come?” He said, “Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) called them in and appointed him as his Testamentary Trustee.”

4-16 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Ali ibn al-Hakam, on the authority of Haydar ibn Ayyoub, “We were in a place known as Qaba in Medina where Muhammad ibn Zayd ibn Ali lived. Muhammad came later than usual. We asked him, ‘May we be your ransom! What kept you from coming on time?’ He said, ‘Abu Ibrahim (a.s.) invited seventeen men from the descendants of Ali (a.s.) and (the Blessed Lady) Fatima (a.s.). He had us bear witness that his son Ali is his Testamentary Trustee and deputy in his lifetime and after his death and that he accepts Ali's decrees against him or in favor of him.’ Muhammad ibn Zayd continued, ‘O Haydar (ibn Ayyoub)! By God, today he appointed him as the Imam. The Shiites will follow him from today. Haydar said, ‘What are you saying? God will keep him alive.’ Muhammad (ibn Zayd) said, ‘O Haydar (ibn Ayyoub)! Once he (a.s.) appointed his son (Ali) as his Testamentary Trustee, he has established Ali (a.s.) as the Imam.’ Ali ibn al-Hakam said, ‘Haydar (ibn Ayyoub) passed away while he was still in doubt.’

4-17 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluwayh -may God be pleased with him- quoted on the authority of his

ابْنِي هذا، وَصِيِّي وَالقَيِّمُ بِأَمْرِي وَخَلِيفَتِي مِنْ بَعْدي، مَنْ كانَ لَهُ عِنْدِي دَيْنٌ فَلْيَأْخُذْهُ مِنِ ابْنِي هذا، وَمَنْ كانَتْ لَهُ عِنْدِي عِدَةٌ فَلْيَسْتَنْجِزْها مِنْهُ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ بُدٌ مِنْ لِقائِي فَلا يَلْقِنِي إلاَّ بِكِتابِهِ.

15 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا المُظَفَّرُ بْنُ جَعْفَر العَلَوِيُّ السَمَرْقَنْدِيُّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا جَعْفَرُ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ العَيَّاشِيُّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا يُوسُفُ بْنُ السَّخْتِ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ القاسِمِ العُرَيْضِيِّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ صَفْوانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى، عَنْ حَيْدَرِ بْنِ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَزِيد الهاشِميِّ أَنَّهُ قالَ: ألآنَ يَتَّخِذُ الشِّيعَةُ عَلِيَّ بْنَ مُوسَى‏عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ إِماماً، قُلْتُ: وَكَيْفَ ذلِكَ؟ قالَ: دَعاهُ أَبُو الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَأَوصى‏ إِلَيْهِ.

16 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحَكَمِ، عَنْ حَيْدَرِ بْنِ أَيُّوبَ قالَ: كُنَّا بِالْمَدِينَةِ فِي مَوْضِع يُعْرَفُ بِالقُبْا، فِيهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ زِيْدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، فَجاءَ بَعْدَ الوَقْتِ الَّذِي كانَ يَجِيئُنا فِيهِ، فَقُلْنا لَهُ: جَعَلْنَا اللَّهُ فَداكَ ما حَبَسَكَ قال: دَعانا أَبُو إِبْراهِيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ الْيَوْمَ سَبْعَةَ عَشَر رَجُلاً مِنْ وُلْدِ عَلِيٍّ وَفاطِمَةَعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ، فَأَشْهَدَنا لِعَلِيِّ ابْنِهِ بِالْوَصِيَّةِ وَالوِكالَةِ فِي حَياتِهِ وَبَعْد مَوْتِه وَأَنَّ أَمْرَهُ جائِزٌ عَلَيْهِ وَلَهُ، ثُمَّ قالَ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ وَاللَّهِ يا حَيْدَرُ لَقَدْ عَقَدَ لَهُ الإِمامَةَ اليَوْمَ و لَيَقُولَنَّ الشِّيعَةُ بِهِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ، قالَ حَيْدَرِ: قُلْتُ: بَلْ يُبْقيهِ اللَّهُ، وَأَيُّ شَي‏ءٍ هذا؟ قالَ: يا حَيْدَرُ إِذا أوْصى‏ إِلَيْهِ فَقَدْ عَقَدَ لَهُ الإِمامَة. قالَ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحَكَمُ ماتَ حَيْدَرٌ وَهُوَ شاكٌ.

17 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ عَلِى ماجِيلوَيْه ‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَمِّي مُحَمَّدُ

uncle Muhammad ibn Abil Qasim, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ali al-Kufi, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Khalaf, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdul Rahman, on the authority of Asad ibn Abi al-A'la, on the authority of Abdul Rahman ibn al-Hajjaj that, “Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) appointed his son Ali (a.s.) as his Testamentary Trustee. He wrote him a note and had sixty of the noble men of Medina sign it as witnesses.”

4-18 In another tradition it is narrated that Ahmad ibn Zayad ibn Ja'far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Isma'il ibn Mar'rar and Salih ibn As-Sindi, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdul Rahman, on the authority of Husayn ibn Bashir, “Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) appointed his son Ali (Al-Ridha’) (a.s.) just as God's Prophet (S) appointed Ali (a.s.) on the day of Ghadir Khom. He (a.s.) said, ‘O people of Medina! This is my Testamentary Trustee after me.’’ Or said, ‘O people of the mosque! This is my Testamentary Trustee after me.’”

4-19 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Motavakil - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Khazzaz, “We went towards Mecca with Ali ibn Abi Hamza. He was carrying some goods and property. I asked him, ‘What is all of this?’ He said, ‘They belong to the good servant (Imam al-Kazim). He has ordered me to take them to his son Ali (a.s.) since he has appointed him as his Testamentary Trustee.’”

The author of this book (a.s.heikh Sadooq) said, “Ali ibn Hamza denied this after the death of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) and did not turn these goods and property over to Imam Al-Ridha’ (a.s.).”

4-20 In another tradition it is narrated that Ali ibn Abdullah al-Warraq - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Obayd, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdurrahman, on the authority of Safwan ibn Yahya, on the authority of Ayyoub al-Khazzaz, on the authority of Salama ibn Mohrez that he told Abi Abdillah (a.s.), “A man from the Ejelites asked, ‘How much longer do you hope this old man will live? He will die in a couple of years and you will have no one to place your hopes in.” Abu Abdillah (a.s.)

بْنِ أَبي القاسِم، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِىٍّ الكُوفِيّ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خَلَفٍ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ أَسَد بْنِ أَبي العَلاءِ، عَنْ عَبْد الصَّمَدِ بْنِ بَشِير وَخَلَفِ بْنِ حَمّادٍ، عَنْ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمن بْنِ الحَجَّاجِ قالَ: أَوْصى‏ أَبُو الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ إِلى ابْنِهِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ، وَكَتَبَ لَهُ كِتاباً أَشْهَدَ فِيهِ سِتِّينَ رَجُلاً مِنْ وُجُوه أَهْلِ المَدِينَةِ.

18 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْهَمَذانيّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلىُّ بْنُ إِبراهِيمَ بْنِ هاشِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ مَرّار وَصالِح بْنِ السَّنْدِيِّ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدِالرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ حُسَيْن بْنِ بَشِيرٍ قالَ: أَقامَ لَنا أَبُو الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ اِبْنَهُ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ كَما أَقامَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَوْمَ غَدِيرِ خُمٍّ فَقالَ: يا أَهْل المَدِينَة - أَوْ قالَ: يا أَهْل الْمَسْجِد - هذا وَصِيِّي من بَعْدِي.

19 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَى بْنِ المُتَوَكِّل‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى العَطَّارُ، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ عَلِىٍّ الخَزَّارِ قالَ: خَرَجْنا إِلى مَكَّةَ وَمَعَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ أَبي حَمْزَةَ وَمَعَهُ مالٌ وَمَتاعٌ، فَقُلْنا: ما هذا؟ قالَ: هذا لِلْعَبْدِ الصَّالِح‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أَحْمِلَهُ إِلى عَلِيِّ ابْنِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَدْ أَوْصى‏ إِلَيْهِ.

قالَ مُصَنِّفُ هذا الْكِتاب: اِنَّ عَلِىَّ بْنِ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ أَنْكَرَ ذلِكَ بَعْدَ وَفاةِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ، وَحَبَسَ المالَ عَنِ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

20 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الوَرَّاقُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبِيْدٍ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ صَفْوانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى، عَنْ أَبي أَيُّوب الخَزَّارِ، عَنْ سَلَمَةِ بْنِ مُحْرِزٍ قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إِنَّ رَجُلاً مِنَ العِجْلِيّةِ قالَ لي‏: كَمْ عَسى‏ أَنْ يَبْقى‏ لَكُمْ هذا الشَّيْخُ، إِنَّما هُوَ[لِ] سَنَةٍ أَوْ سَنَتَيْنِ حَتّى‏ يَهْلِكَ، ثُمَّ تَصِيرُونَ لَيْسَ لَكُمْ أَحَـدٌ تَنْظُرُونَ إِلَيْهِ فَقـالَ عَبْدِ اللَّه‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَلا قُلْتَ لَهُ:

asked, “Why didn’t you tell him that it is this Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) who has become a man? We have bought him a slave-wife who is legitimate for him. Soon you will see that God willing he will have a highly-intelligent son.”

4-21 In another tradition it is narrated that Al-Mudhaffar ibn Ja'far Al-Mudhaffar Al-Alawi As-Samarqandi - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Masoud quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Yusuf ibn As-Sakht, on the authority of Ali ibn al-Qasim, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ja'far ibn Khalaf, on the authority of Isma'il ibn al-Khattab, “Abul Hassan (a.s.) often praised his son Ali (a.s.), and expressed his nobilities and virtues in a manner in which he never praised others. It was as if he wanted to attract their attention to him.”

4-22 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Obayd, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdir-Rahman, on the authority of Ja'far ibn Khalaf that he had heard Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) say, “One who can see his son that he will leave behind as a memory before he dies is prosperous. God has shown me the son that I will leave behind by giving him to me.” Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) was pointing at him - that is Al-Ridha’ (a.s.).

4-23 In another tradition from Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-valid - may God be pleased with him - it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah Muhammad al-Hajjal, Ahmad ibn Abi Nasr al-Bezanti, Muhammad ibn Sinan, Ali ibn Sinan, and Ali, on the authority of al-Hakam, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn al-Mukhtar who said, “These sheets came to us from Abi Ibrahim Musa (a.s.) while he was in prison in which it was written, “My successor is my oldest son.”

4-24 In another tradition we read that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdillah, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa bin Obayd, on the authority of Yunus ibn Abdurrahman, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn al-Mokhtar, “When Abul Hassan (Imam Al-Kazim) (a.s.) passed by Basra, we received letters from him (a.s.) in which it was written, ‘My successor

هذا مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ قَدْ أَدْرَكَ ما يُدْرِكُ الرِّجال وَقَدْ اشْتَرَينا لَهُ جارِيَةً تُباحُ لَهُ فَكَأَنَّكَ بِهِ إِنْ شاءَ اللَّه وَقَدْ وُلِدَ لَهُ فَقِيهٌ خَلَفٌ.

21 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا المُظَفَّرُ بْنِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ المُظَفَّرِ العَلَوِيُّ السَمَرْقَنْدِيُ‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قال: حَدَّثَني جَعْفَرُ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ يُوسُفَ بْنِ السَّخْتِ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ القاسِم، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ خَلَفٍ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ الخَطَّابِ، قالَ: كانَ أَبُو الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَبْتَدِءُ بِالثَّناءِ عَلَى ابْنِهِ عَلِيِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَيُطْرِيهِ وَيَذْكُرُ مِنْ فَضْلِهُ وَبِرِّهِ ما لا يَذْكُرُ من غَيْرِهِ، كَأَنَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَدُلَّ عَلَيْهِ.

22 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ يُونُس بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ خَلَفٍ، قالَ: سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ يَقُولُ: سَعِدُ امْرُءٌ لَمْ يَمُتْ حَتّى‏ يُرى مِنْهُ خَلَفٌ، وَقَدْ أَرانِيَ اللَّهُ مِن ابْنِي هذا خَلَفاً - وَأَشارَ إِلَيْهِ - يَعْنِي الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ-.

23 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّار، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسى‏، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الحَجَّالِ؛ وَأَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي نَصْرِ البِزَنْطِيِّ؛ وَمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَنانٍ؛ وَعَلِىِّ بْنِ الحَكَمِ، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ الُمخْتار، خَرَجَتْ إِلَيْنا أَلْواحٌ مِنْ أَبي إِبْراهيمَ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَهُوَ فِي الحَبْسِ، فَإِذا فِيها مَكْتُوبٌ: عَهْدِي إِلى أَكْبَر وُلْدِي.

24 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبِيْدٍ، عَنْ يُونُس بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ الُمخْتارِ قالَ: لَمّا مَرَّ بِنا أَبُوالحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِالْبَصْرَةِ خَرَجَت إِلَيْنا مِنْهُ أَلْواحٌ مَكْتُوب فِيها بِالعَرْضِ عَهْدِي إِلى

is my oldest son (Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)).’”

4-25 In another tradition from (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - it is narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Obayd, on the authority Ziyad ibn Marwan al-Qandi, “I went to see Abi Ibrahim (a.s.). His son Ali was with him. He told me, ‘O Ziyad! This is his writing that is (just as effective as) my writing. His words are my words. His messenger is my messenger. And whatever he says, (the truth) is in what he says.’”

The author of this book (a.s.heikh Sadooq) said, “In fact, Ziyad ibn Marwan al-Qandi narrated this tradition. But he later denied it after Musa (a.s.) passed away. He became one of the Vaqafites7 and confiscated whatever he had that belonged to Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.).

4-26 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Muhammad al-Hajjal, on the authority of Sa'eed ibn Abil Jahm, on the authority of Nasr ibn Qaboos that he told Abi Ibrahim Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.), “I asked your father (a.s.) ‘Who is going to be your successor?’ Your father (a.s.) informed me that you were his successor. When Abu Abdillah (a.s.) passed away each group of people went on different ways. But my friends and I believed in you. Then please inform me about whom your successor will be.” Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.) said, “My son Ali.”

4-27 In another tradition it is narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Waleed - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khashshab, on the authority of Nasr ibn Qaboos that Abul Hassan (Imam al-Kazim) (a.s.) told him, “My son Ali (Al-Ridha’ (a.s.)) is my oldest son. He is the most obedient of them to me. He studies the books of AL-JAFR and AL-JAME’A along with me. No one can look at these two books except for the Prophet and his Testamentary Trustees.”

4-28 In another tradition it is narrated that (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdillah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Abi Abdillah al-Barqi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Abdullah ibn

أَكْبَرِ وُلْدِي».

25 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى بْنِ عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ زِيادِ بْنِ مَرْوان القَنْدِيِّ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي إِبْراهيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَعنْدَهُ عَلِيٌّ ابْنُهُ، فَقالَ لي‏: يا زِيادُ هذا كِتابُهُ كِتابي، وَكَلامُهُ كَلامِي، وَرَسُولُهُ رَسُولِي، وَما قالَ فَالْقَوْلُ قَوْلُهُ.

قالَ مُصَنِّفُ هذَا الْكِتاب: إِنَّ زِيادِ بْنِ مَرْوان القَنْدِيِّ رَوى‏ هذا الْحَدِيثِ ثُمَّ أَنْكَرَه بَعْد مُضِيِّ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقالَ بِالْوَقْفِ، وَحَبَسَ ما كانَ عنْدَهُ مِنْ مالِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ.

26 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الحَجَّالِ، قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعِيدُ بْنِ أَبي الجَهْمِ، عَنْ نَصْرِ بْنِ قابوس قالَ: قُلْتُ لأَبِي إِبْراهِيمَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ: إِنّي سَأَلْتُ أَباكَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَنِ الَّذِي يَكُونُ بَعْدَكَ؟ فَأَخبَرَنِي أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ هُوَ، فَلَمَّا تُوُفِّي أَبُو عَبْدِاللَّه‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ذَهَبَ النَّاسِ يَمِيناً وَشِمالاً، وَقُلْتُ أَنَا وَأَصْحابِي بِكَ، فَأَخْبِرْنِي مِنَ الَّذِي يَكُونُ بَعْدَكَ؟ قالَ: اِبْنِي عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

27 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني مُحَمَّدُ بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّارُ، عَنِ الحَسَن بْنِ مُوسَى الخَشَّابِ، عَنْ نَصْرِ بْنِ قابُوسَ قالَ: قالَ لي‏ أَبُو الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: عَلِيٌّ ابْنِي أَكْبَرُ وُلْدِي وَأسْمَعُهُمْ لِقَوْلِي وَأَطْوَعُهُمْ لأَمْرِي يَنْظُرُ مَعِي فِي كِتابي الجَفْرِ وَالجامِعَة وَلَيْسَ يَنْظُرُ فِيهِ إِلاّ نَبِيٌّ أَوْ وَصِيُّ نَبِيٍّ.

28 - نَصٌّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ البَرْقِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمـنِ، عَنِ المَفْضَّل بْنِ عُمَرَ قـالَ:

Abdurrahman, on the authority of Mufaz'zal ibn Umar, “I went to see Abil Hassan Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) and he was holding his son Ali (a.s.) in his arms. He kissed him, sucked his tongue, put him on his back, hugged him and said, May my father and mother be your ransom! How good-scented you are! How pure a nature! How clear are your nobilities!” Mufadhdhal said, “May I be your ransom! There is a feeling of love in my heart for this child that I have for no one else but you.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “O Mufadhdhal! He is to me as I was to my father (a.s.), ‘Offspring, one of the other. And God heareth and knoweth all things.’” Mufadhdhal asked, “Is he in charge of the affairs after you?” The Imam (a.s.) said, “Yes. Whoever obeys him will make progress. Whoever disobeys him is an infidel.”

4-29 In another tradition it is narrated that Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja’far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Sinan, “One day about a year before they took Abil Hassan Al-Kazim (a.s.) to Iraq, I went to see him. His son Ali Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) was in front of him (a.s.). Imam Al-Kazim (a.s.) said, ‘O Muhammad (ibn Sinan)!’ I said, ’Yes.’ He said, ‘There will be a problem this year. Try not to get upset.’ Then he (a.s.) became silent. He hit the ground with his hand. Then the Imam (a.s.) looked at me and recited the Quranic verse ‘but God will leave to stray, those who do wrong. God doeth what He willeth.’8 Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘May I be your ransom! What is the matter?’ He (a.s.) said, ‘Whoever oppresses this son of mine, does not honor his rights and denies his Divine Leadership after me is like those who oppressed Ali ibn Abi-Talib (a.s.), did not honor his rights and denied his Divine Leadership after the Prophet Muhammad (S).’ Then Muhammad (ibn Sinan) realized that the Imam (a.s.) was informing him about his upcoming death, and the appointment of his son. Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘[I swear by God that if God extends my life, I will honor his right and accept his Divine Leadership and] I will bear witness that he will be the Almighty God’s witness for the creatures after you, and the inviter to His Religion.’ The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘O Muhammad (ibn Sinan)! God will extend your life, and you will invite the people to accept his Divine Leadership, and the Divine Leadership of the Imam that will come after him.’ Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘O May I be your ransom! Who is it?’ He (a.s.) said, ‘His son Muhammad.9 ’ Muhammad (ibn Sinan) said, ‘I accept.’ He (a.s.) said, ‘Yes. I had found you to be this

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَنِ جَعْفَرٍعَلَيْهِمَا السَّلاَمُ وَعَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ابْنِهِ فِي حِجْرِه وَهُوَ يُقَبِّلُهُ وَيَمُصُّ لِسانَهُ وَيَضَعُهُ عَلَى عاتِقِهِ وَيَضُمُّهُ إِلَيْهِ، وَيَقُولُ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَاُمِّي ما أَطْيَبَ رِيحَكَ وَأَطْهَرَ خَلْقَكَ وَأَبْيَنَ فَضْلَكَ؟ ! قُلْتُ: جُعِلْتُ فَداكَ لَقَدْ وَقَعَ في قَلْبِي لِهذَا الغُلام مِنَ المَوَدَّةِ ما لَمْ يَقَعْ لأَحَدٍ إِلاَّ لَكَ، فَقالَ لي: يا مُفَضَّل هُوَمِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَتِي مِنْ أَبِي‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ «ذُرِّيَّةً بَعْضُها مِنْ بَعْضٍ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ» قالَ: قُلْتُ: هُوَصاحِبُ هذا الأَمْرِ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ؟ قالَ: نَعَمْ، مَنْ أَطاعَهُ رَشَدَ وَمن عَصاهُ كَفَرَ.

29 - نَصُّ آخَرُ: حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدُ بْنِ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْهَمَذانيُّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنِ إِبراهِيمَ بْنِ هاشِمٍ، عَنْ أَبيهِ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَنانٍ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبي الحَسَن‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَبْلَ أَن يُحْمَلَ إِلى العَراقِ بِسَنَّةٍ وَعَلِيٌّ ابْنِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ، فَقالَ لي: يا مُحَمَّدُ! فَقُلْتُ: لَبَّيْكَ، قالَ: إِنَّهُ سَيَكُونُ فِي هذِهِ السَّنَّةِ حَرَكَةٌ فَلا تَجْزَعْ مِنْها، ثُمَّ أَطْرَقَ وَنَكَتَ بِيَدِهِ فِي الأَرْضِ، وَرَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ إِلَىَّ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ: «وَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الظَّالِمِين وَيَفْعَلُ اللَّه ما يَشاءَ» قُلْتُ: وَما ذاكَ جُعِلْتُ فِداكَ؟ قالَ: مَنْ ظَلَمَ ابْنِي هذا حَقُّهُ وَجَحَدَ إِمامَتَهُ مِنْ بَعْدي، كانَ كَمَنْ ظَلَمَ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَبِي طالِب‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ حَقَّهُ وَجَحَدَ إِمامَتَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ، فَعَلِمْتُ أَنَّهُ قَدْ نَعى‏ إِلَىَّ نَفْسَهِ، وَدَلَّ عَلَى ابْنِهِ، فَقُلْتُ: [وَاللَّهِ لَئِنْ مَدَّ اللَّهُ فِي عُمْرِي لَاُسَلِّمَنَّ إِلَيْهِ حَقَّهُ، و لَاُقِرَّنِّ لَهُ بِالإِمامَة وَ] أَشْهَدُ أَنَّهُ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ حُجَّةُ اللَّهِ تَعالى‏ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ وَالدَّاعِي إِلى دِينِهِ، فقالَ لِي‏: يا مُحَمَّد يَمُدُّ اللَّهُ فِي عُمْرِكَ وَتَدْعُو إِلى إِمامَتِهِ وَإِمامَةِ مَنْ يَقُومُ مَقامَهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ فَقُلْتُ: مَنْ ذاكَ جُعِلْتُ فِداكَ؟ قالَ: مُحَمَّدٌ ابْنُهُ، قـالَ: قُـلْتُ: فَالرِّضـا وَالتَّسْـلِيمُ، قـالَ: نَعَمْ، كَذلِكَ وَجَدْتُكَ في كِتاب أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنينَ ‏عليه

way in the Commander of the Faithful’s (a.s.) book. Among our followers you are brighter than lightening in the darkness of night.’ The Imam (a.s.) then added, ‘O Muhammad (ibn Sinan)! Indeed Mufadhdhal has been my companion, and a source of my comfort. You are going to be their10 companion (Imam Al-Ridha’’s (a.s.) and Imam Al-Jawad’s (a.s.) companion) and their source of comfort. It is forbidden for the Fire to ever touch you.’”

Notes

1. A sect comprised of those who believe that the Divine Leadership of the Immaculate Imams ended at the Imamate of Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.) and do not recognize the Divine Leadership of the Imams who came after him.

2. Abil Hassan, Abal Hassan and Abul Hassan are all the same name but pronounced differently.

3. Both are called Abal Hassan

4. Which belonged to Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.)

5. Qur'an, 4:58

6. Qur'an, 2:140

7. The Waqifites are those who believe that Divine Leadership stopped at the Imamate of Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a.s.) and do not recognize the Divine Leadership of the Imams who came after him.

8. Qur'an, 14:27

9. The ninth Imam Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Musa (a.s.) - Imam Al-Jawad

10. The eighth and the ninth Imams


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