Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

CHAPTER X: HIS COMPANIONS AND THE REPORTERS OF HIS TRADITIONS (01)

Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) took great care of spreading knowledge among the people. He spared no effort to educate his companions. He taught them jurisprudence and sciences. So, they became prominent jurisprudents in the Islamic world. Imam al-Baqir asked his son, Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, to spend money on them to devote themselves to record the traditions they heard from him. Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be on him, lauded his father’s companions. Addressing his companions, he said: “By Allah, my father’s companions were better than you. They were leaves without thorns while you are thorns without leaves.”[1]

We will mention al-Baqir’s Companions and give a brief study about each of them. They are as follows:

1. Aban bin Taghlub

Aban bin Taghlub al-Rib’ï al-Kufi was among the most brilliant Moslem scholars. He was among the most prominent Moslem jurisprudents. We will talk about some of his affairs:

His Birth and his early Life

He was born in Kufa, but our books have not mentioned the year of his birth. He grew up in Kufa, the capital of the Shi‘ites. He was obedient to the members of the house (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, and loved them very much.

His Scientific Position

He was among the most prominent and brilliant scholars of his time. He reported traditions on the authority of Imam ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, Abu Ja‘far, and Abu ‘Abd Allah, peace be on them. He had priority and importance with them. Imam Abu Ja‘far said to him: “Sit down in the Mosque of Medina. Give religious opinions to the people. I like to see persons similar to you among my Shi‘ites.”[2]

Aban was the foremost in all techniques of sciences of the Koran, jurisprudence, tradition, literature, language, and grammar.[3]

His Obedience to the ahl al-Bayt

Aban was very obedient to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He learned their sciences and morals and proclaimed them among the people. That was at the time when the love for them was among the most intense disasters. For the Umayyads spared no effort to punish those who loved the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, and proclaimed their outstanding merits. However, Aban habituated himself to that. So, he suffered persecutions for them. His love for ahl al-Bayt was based on reason and proof, not on sentiments. He thought that the outstanding merits and high positions of the Companions (of the Prophet) were conditional on the obedience to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. ‘Abd al-Rahman b. al-Hajjaj reported. He said: “We were at the assembly of Aban b. Taghlub. Suddenly, a young man came and said to him:

“O Abu Sa‘ïd, tell me. How many of the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, followed ‘Ali b. Abï Talib?”

Aban understood the young man’s purpose. So, he asked him:

“Do you want to know the outstanding merits of ‘Ali through the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, who followed?”

“Yes,” the young man replied.

Aban answered him with the answer of the one who was aware of the right of Imam ‘Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him. He said:

“By Allah we have not known their outstanding merits but through obedience to him.”[4]

Aban passed by some people. The people blamed him, for he reported on the authority of Imam Ja‘far, peace be on him. So, he mocked at them, saying:

“Why do you blame me for my reporting on the authority of the man whom I asked about every thing, and he said: ‘Allah’s Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said.’?”

His Reliability

Aban was very pious. He devoted himself to the religion. Al-‘Ajali said: “Aban was reliable.”[5] Ahmed b. Hanbal, b. Na‘ïm and Abu Hatam regarded him as reliable. The proof for his reliability is that the Imams, peace be on them, praised him. Salïm b. Abu Habba reported. He said: “I was with Abu ‘Abd Allah, peace be on him. Before I saw him off, I had said to him: I want you to supply me.” So, he said: “Go to Aban b. Taghlub. For he has heard many traditions from me. What he narrates to you, then narrate it on my authority.”[6]

Safwan b. Yahya reported on the authority of Aban b. ‘Uthman on the authority of Abu ‘Abd Allah, peace be on him, who said: “Aban b. Taghlub received thirty thousand traditions on my authority, then report them on my authority.”[7]

Aban b. Mohammed b. Aban reported. He said: [I heard my father say] “My father and I came to Abu ‘Abd Allah, peace be on him. When Abu ‘Abd Allah saw my father, he ordered a cushion to be brought for him. The cushion was brought for him. Then he shook hand with him and embraced him and greeted him.”[8]

When Aban came to Medina, the people gathered about him, and the praying-place of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, was emptied for him.[9]

Al-Dhahabi said: “Aban was a steadfast Shi‘ite. However, he was truthful. His truthfulness is for us. His heresy is for him.”[10] Some people defamed him for his love for the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Al-Jawzani said: “Aban was deviated (from the truth). His doctrine was dispraised.”[11] Such a group of people regarded the love for the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, as deviation from the truth. Without doubt, the love for the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, is part of Islam. Whoever denies them denies Islam. Whoever loves them believes in Islam.

His Books

As for his books, they show his wide knowledge and sciences. The following are some of them:

1. Tafsïr Gharïb al-Qur’an. He mentioned some examples from poetry concerning it. Then ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Mohammed al-Azdi al-Kufi gathered in one book the book of Aban, of Mohammed b. al-Saiyib al-Kalbi, and of b. Rawaq b. ‘Atiya b. al-Harth.

2. Al-Fada’il.[12]

3. Al-Usool fi al-Ruwaiya ‘ala Madhhab al-Shï‘a.[13]

His Death

Aban died in the year 264 A.H.[14] This is a mistake. For he died in the year 141 A.H. When Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him, heard of his death, he became very sad. He praised him, saying: “By Allah, the death of Aban b. Taghlub has hurt my heart.”[15] Abu al-Bilad said: “The death of Aban was a disaster for all Shi‘ites everywhere.”[16]

Indeed Aban was the most knowledgeable of the Moslem main figures in the religion. So, his death was among the heaviest disasters that hit Islam.

2. Aban bin Abï ‘Ayyash Fayruz

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. He said that Aban was a weak narrator who belonged to the next generation.[17] Ibn al-Ghada’iri said: “Aban bin Abï ‘Ayyash was a narrator who belonged to the next generation. He reported on the authority of Anas b. Malik. He reported on the authority of ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him. He was weak. No one pays attention to him.”[18] A large group of the traditionists regarded him as weak.

Yazïd b. Harun said: [Shu‘ba said:] “If b.‘Ayyash did not narrate false traditions, I would give my garments to the poor as alms.”[19] Shu‘ba said: “To drink from my donkey’s urine is more lovable with me than to say: Aban relates to me.”[20]

Many main traditionists dispraised and refused his traditions.

His Death

Aban bin Abï ‘Ayyash Fayruz died in the year 128 A. H. It was said that he died in a year other than this.[21]

3. Ibrahim bin al-Azraq

Ibrahim bin al-Azraq was from Kufa. He sold food. Abu Ja‘far al-Tusi numbered him as one of the men of Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Baqir, peace be on him.[22] Ibrahim was an unknown Imami (Shi‘ite).

4. Ibrahim bin Abï al-Bilad

Al-Najashi said: “Ibrahim bin Abï al-Bilad: the real name of Abï al-Bilad is Yahya b. Salïm. It was said that he was the son of Sulayman, the retainer of b. ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Atfan. He was given the kunya of Abu Yahya. Abu al-Bilad was blind. He reported poetry. He reported (traditions) on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him, and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq).”[23]

5. Ibrahim bin Jamïl

He was the brother of Tarbal al-Kufi. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him. So did al-Barqi.”[24]

6. Ibrahim bin Hanan

He was called al-Asadi al-Kufi. He lived in Wasit. Shaykh al-Tusi and al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[25]

7. Ibrahim bin Salih al-Anmati

In his book “al-Rijal”, Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. Ibrahim wrote books on the doctrine of the Imami Shi‘ites.[26]

8. Ibrahim bin ‘Abd Allah

He was called al-Ahmari. He reported traditions on the authority of Imam al-Baqir and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. Sayf b. ‘Umayra reported traditions on his authority.[27] He was unknown.

9. Ibrahim bin ‘Ubayd

He was given the kunya of Abu Ghurata al-Ansari. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of al-Baqir and of al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[28] Apparently, he was an Imami Shi‘ite. He was unknown.[29]

10. Ibrahim bin ‘Umar

He was called al-Sanani al-Yamani. Al-Najashi said: “Ibrahim was a shaykh. He was among our companions. He was reliable. He reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them.” Abu al-‘Abbas and others mentioned that. He had a book. Hammad b. ‘Isa and others reported the book.

Ibn al-Ghada’iri regarded Ibrahim as a weak narrator. However, our Professor said: “Ibrahim is reliable, for al-Najashi regarded him as reliable, and al-Qummi mentioned him in his chain of authorities.[30]

11. Ibrahim bin Mohammed

He was called al-Madani. Al-Najashi said: “Ibrahim reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. He devoted his life to them. For this reason, the non-Shi‘a regard him as a weak narrator.

“Some of our companions narrated on the authority of the non-Shi‘a: ‘Al-Waqidi plagiarized the books of Ibrahim b. Mohammed b. Abu Yahya.’”[31] Ibn Hajar slandered him. It was reported on the authority of b. Abu Maryam, who said: [I heard Yahya say:] “Ibrahim had three qualities: He was a liar. He was a fatalist. He was a Rafidite.”[32]

Al-Shafi‘i regarded Ibrahim as a reliable narrator, and reported on his authority. He said: “Ibrahim was far above lying. He was reliable in tradition.”[33]

However, Ibrahim was reliable and truthful.

12. Ibrahim bin Marthed

He was called al-Azdi. He was given the kunya of Abu Sufyan. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[34] He was an Imami Shi‘ite. He was unknown.

13. Ibrahim bin Ma’adh

He was among the companions of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him. He reported on his authority the tradition of the agreement (ta’aqid) among the people concerning these Words of Allah, the Exalted: “Surely (as for) those who return on their backs after that guidance has become manifest to them.”[35]

14. Ibrahim b. Ma‘rad

He was called al-Kufi. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. He reported on his authority and on the authority of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him. Mansur b. Hazim and Husayn b. Mukhariq reported on the authority of Ibrahim.[36]

15. Ibrahim b. Na‘ïm

He was called al-Kinani. He was given the kunya of Abu al-Sabah. He was among the main companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him, said to him: “You are a balance!” So, Ibrahim said to him: “May I be a ransom for you, perhaps, the balance has a pan.” He said: “You are a balance without a pan.”[37] Shaykh al-Mufïd numbered him as one of the main jurists.[38]

16. Abyad bin Aban

Yousif b. ‘Abd al-Rahman mentioned him among those who narrated on the authority of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. We have not found his biography.[39]

17. Ahmed bin ‘A’idh bin Habïb

He was called al-Ahmas al-Bajali. He was a reliable retainer. He was a vinegar monger. He had a book.[40] Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[41]

18. Ahmed bin ‘Umran

He was called al-Halabi. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[42] Al-Wahïd mentioned that Ahmed belonged to a house famous for piety and righteousness.

19. Ishaq bin ‘Abd Allah

He was b. Abu Talha al-Madani. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam ‘Ali b. al-Husayn and of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on them.[43]

20. Ishaq bin Bashïr

He was called al-Nabbal. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam Abu Jadar al-Baqir, peace be on him.[44]

21. Ishaq bin Ja‘far b. ‘Ali.

He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[45] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

22. Ishaq bin Nuh

He was called al-Shami. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Baqir, peace be on him.[46]

23. Ishaq bin al-Fadl

b. Ya‘qub b. al-Fadl b. ‘Abd Allah b. al-Harith b. Noufal b. al-Harith b. ‘Abd al-Muttalib. He reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them.[47]

24. Ishaq bin Yasar

He was the retainer of Qays b. Makhzama (Makhrama). Shaykh al-Tusi and al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[48] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite

25. Ishaq bin Yazïd

He was called al-Ta’i. He was given the kunya of Abu Ya‘qub. He was a retainer. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[49]

26. Ishaq bin Wasil al-Dabbi.

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[50]

27. Ishaq al-Qummi

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[51]

28. Isra‘ïl bin Ghayyath al-Makki.

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[52]

29. Isma‘ïl bin Zyyad al-Bazzaz al-Kufi al-Asadi.

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. He reported on his authority and on the authority of Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him.[53]

30. Isma‘ïl bin Jabir al-Ju‘fi.

Al-Najashi said: “Isma‘ïl b. Jabir al-Ju‘fi reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. It was he who reported the tradition of al-Adan. He had a book.”[54] He reported about one hundred traditions on the authority of Imam al-Baqir and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[55]

A large group of narrators reported on his authority. Among them were Abu Ayyub, b. Sinan, b. Miskan, Aban b. ‘Abd al-Malik, Hurayz, al-Hasan b. ‘Atiya, and the like.[56]

31. Isma‘ïl bin ‘Abd Allah

He was b. Ja‘far b. Abï Talib al-Madani. He belonged to the next generation. He heard his father. He was one of the companions of Imam al-

Sajjad and of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on them. He was among those who reported on their authority.[57]

32. Isma‘ïl bin ‘Abd al-Rahman

He was called al-Ju‘fi al-Kufi. He belonged to the next generation. He reported on the authority of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and of Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. He was a jurist. Al-Najashi said: “Isma‘ïl was one of our main companions. His father and his uncles, of whom Isma‘ïl was the most prominent, lived in a house in Kufa. They belonged to Ju‘f. They were called the banu (sons of) Abu Sibra.[58]

33. Isma‘ïl bin Sulayman

He was called al-Azraq. He was given the kunya of Abu Khalid. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[59]

34. Isma‘ïl al-Katib

He was given the kunya of Abu Ahmed. He reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him. His son Ahmed reported on his authority.[60]

35. Aslam bin Ayman

He was called al-Timimi, al-Manqari, al-Kufi. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[61]

36. Aslam al-Qauwas

He was called al-Makki. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[62]

37. Usayd bin al-Qasim

He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him. Al-Toosi said: “ Usayd bin al-Qasim was called al-Kinani al-Kufi.”[63]

38. Isma‘ïl bin ‘Abd al-Khaliq

Al-Najashi said: “ Isma‘ïl b. ‘Abd al-Khaliq b. ‘Abd Rabba b. Abu Maymuna b. Yasar was the master of the banu (sons of) Asad. He was one of our main companions. He was among our jurists. He was among the house of the Shi‘ites. His uncles (Shahab, ‘Abd al-Rahïm, and Wahab) and his father, ‘Abd al-Khaliq, were all reliable. He reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and of Abu’Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them.[64]

39. Isma‘ïl bin ‘Abd al-‘Azïz

He was among the companions of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him.[65] He came to Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him. The Imam, peace be on him, said to him: “Bring me water to perform wudu.” He brought him water and began talking himself into the Imam. So, the Imam looked at him and said to him: “O Isma‘ïl, do not glorify. Rather, regard us as created servants and say concerning us whatever you want.

40. Isma‘ïl bin ‘Abd al-Rahman

He was b. Abu Karïma al-Saddi al-Kufi.[66] Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. Isma‘ïl explained the Koran.[67]

41. Isma‘ïl bin al-Fadl

He was b. Ya‘qub b. al-Fadl b. ‘Abd Allah b. al-Harith b. Noufal b. al-Harith. He was reliable. He was from Basrah. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[68]

42. A‘yun al-Razi

He was given the kunya of Abu Ma‘adh. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[69] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

43. Anas bin Taghlub

He was given the kunya of Abu Sa‘ïd. He was called al-Bakri al-Hariri. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[70]

44. Anas bin ‘Amru

He was called al-Azdi. He was one of the companions of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him.[71] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.[72]

45. Ayyub bin Bakr

He was b. Abu ‘Allajj al-Mousili. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[73] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

46. Ayyub bin Abu Tamima

He was called Kaysan al-Sijistani al-‘Anbari (al-‘Anzi) (al-Ghanawi) al-Basri. He was given the Kunya of Abu Bakr. He was the retainer of ‘Ammar b. Yasir, who was also a retainer. So, Ayyub was the retainer of a retainer. He shaved his hair once a year. When his hair become long, he parted it. He saw Anas b. Malik. He died of plague in Basrah in the year 131 A.H. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[74]

47. Ayyub bin Shahab

He was b. Zayd al-Barqi al-Azdi. He was their retainer from Kufa. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[75] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

48. Ayyub Washika

He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[76] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

49. Badr bin al-Khalïl

The people surnamed him al-Asadi. They gave him the kunya of Abu al-Khalïl. He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[77] Tha‘laba b. Maymun reported on his authority.

50. Burd al-Iskafi

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. He reported on his authority and on the authority of Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them.[78] He had a book.[79]

51. Burd al-Khayyat

He was from Kufa. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[80] He reported on the authority of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them. The traditionists said that he did not report from him.[81] Apparently, he was an Imami Shi‘ite.

52. Barïd al-Khayyat

Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[82]

53. Barïd al-Kanasi

[83]

He reported on the authority of Imam Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him. Hisham b. Salim reported on his auothority.[84]

54. Barïd bin Mu‘awiya

Al-Najashi said: “Barïd was b. Mu‘awiya. The people gave him the kunya of Abu al-Qasim. They called him al-Bajali. He was an Arab. He reported on the authority of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq) and Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) peace be on them. He died during the lifetime of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him. He was one of our main companions. He was also a jurist. He occupied an important position with the Imams.” Ahmed b. Al-Husayn said: “I saw Barïd’s book. ‘Ali b. ‘Aqaba b. Khalid al-Asadi reported the book on his authority.”[85]

The Shi‘ites have unanimously agreed on Barïd’s truthfulness and his knowledge of jurisprudence. Jamïl b. Darrajj reported. He said: [I heard Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him, say:] “The stakes of the earth and the signposts of the religion are four (persons). They are Mohammed b. Moslem, Barïd b. Mu‘awiya, Layth b. al-Bakhtari al-Muradi, and Zarara b. A‘yun.” Dauwd b. Sarhan reported. He said: [I heard Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him, say:] “I relate traditions to my companions. I prevent them from analogy. Then they leave me. They explain my traditions contrary to my explanations. I have ordered a group of them to talk. Meanwhile I have prevented another group from talking. However, both groups explain my traditions according to their explanations. So, they disobey Allah, the Most High, and His Apostle. If my companions had listened and obeyed, I would have supplied them with knowledge as my father did. My father’s companions were an ornament before and after their death. I mean Zarara, Mohammed b. Moslem, Layth al-Muradi, and Barïd al-‘Ajali. It is they who are just and truthful.”[86] Other narrations praised Barïd. They showed his high position with the Imams, peace be on them. Other narrations slandered him. However, our Professor contested the chain of the authorities of these narrations. He proved that some people had fabricated them.[87]

55. Bassam bin ‘Abd Allah

The people called him al-Sayrafi. He was the chief of the Asadis. He reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. He had a book.[88] Al-Mansur killed him, for he obeyed the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.

56. Bashshar al-Aslami

He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[89] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

57. Bishro bin Ja‘far

The people surnamed him al-Ju‘fi. They gave him the kunya of Abu al-Walïd. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. Ahmed b. al-Harith al-Anmati reported on his authority.[90] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

58. Bishr bin Khath‘am

He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[91] He was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

59. Bishr bin Abï ‘Aqaba

The people called him al-Mada’ini. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[92]

60. Bishr bin ‘Abd Allah

The people surnamed him al-Khath‘ami al-Kufi. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[93]

61. Bishr bin Maymun

The people called him al-Wabishi, al-Hamadani, al-Nabbal, and al-Kufi. He was the brother of Shajara. Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[94]

62. Bishr bin Yasar

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[95]

63. Bishr Bayya al-Zatti

Shaykh al-Tusi and al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[96] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

64. Bishr al-Rahhal

Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[97] Al-Barqi also numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. The people called al-Rahhal (traveler), for he traveled fifty times to perform pilgrimages (to Mecca) and to make raids (against the atheists).[98]

65. Bashïr al-Ju‘fi

The people gave him the kunya of Abu al-Mustanïr. They called him al-Azraq. He sold food. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[99] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

66. Bashïr Abu ‘Abd al-Samed

He was b. Bishr al-Kufi. He reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. ‘Ali b. al-Hasan b.

Faddal mentioned him among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[100]

67. Bashïr bin Sulayman

The people called him al-Madani. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[101]

68. Bakr bin Habïb

The people surnamed him al-Ahmasi, al-Bajali, al-Kufi.[102] They gave him the kunya of Abu Maryam.[103] He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir and of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them.

69. Bakr bin Khalid

He was from Kufa. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[104]

70. Bakr bin Salih

He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[105] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.[106]

71. Bakr bin Karb

He was called al-Sayrafi. He was one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. Shaykh al-Tusi mentioned him with his reporters. He also numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him.[107]

72. Bakkrawayh al-Kindi

He was called al-Kufi. He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir. Aban b. ‘Uthman reported on the authority Bakkrawayh al-Kindi. Shaykh al-Tusi mentioned him with the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.. He also numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him.[108] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.[109]

73. Bukayr bin A‘yun

He was b. (son of) Sansan al-Shaybani al-Kufi. He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir, and of Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. He was given the kunya of Abu ‘Abd Allah. He was also called Abu al-Jahm. He had six sons. They were ‘Abd Allah, al-Jahm, ‘Abd al-Hamïd, ‘Abd al-A‘la, ‘Umar, Zayd. He was among the main reliable Shi‘ites. When he died, Abu ‘Abd Allah al-Sadiq, peace be on him said: “Allah has made him live between Allah’s Apostle and the Commander of the faithful.”[110]

74. Bukayr bin Jundub

He was from Kufa. He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir, and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir.[111] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.[112]

75. Bukayr bin Habïb

He was from Kufa. He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir, and of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. He was among the

companions of Imam al-Baqir.[113] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.

76. Tamïm bin Zyyad

He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[114] Apparently, he was an unknown Imami Shi‘ite.[115]

77. Thabit bin Abï Thabit

His real name is ‘Abd Allah al-Bajali al-Kufi. He was given the kunya of Abu Sa‘ïd. He was a retainer. He reported on the authority of Imam al-Baqir, and of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir.[116]

78. Thabit bin Dïnar

He was given the kunya of Abu Hamza al-Thumali.[117] He was pious and righteous. He met Imam ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), and Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on them. Al-Najashi said: “He was the best of our companions and the most reliable of them in narration and tradition.” It was reported on the authority of Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him, who said: “Abu Hamza at his time is like Salman at his time.”[118] His supplication was accepted. His sons died martyrs with the great revolutionist, Zayd b. ‘Ali, peace be on him.[119] He died in the year 150 A.H.[120] As for his books, they are as follows:

1. Kitab fi Tafsïr al-Quran al-Karïm.

(A Book on the Explanation of the Holy Koran).

2. Kitab al-Nawadir.

(A Book on the rare things).

3. Kitab al-Zuhd.[121]

(A Book on Asceticism).

79. Thabit b. Za’ida

He was called al-‘Akkli.[122] He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on them.[123]

80. Thabit bin Hurmuz

Al-Najashi said: “Abu al-Muqdam, Thabit b. Hurmuz al-Farisi al-Kufi al-Haddad reported a copy on the authority of ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him. His son ‘Umar b. Thabit reported the copy on his authority.”[124] Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him, and of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him.[125] He reported the virtue of the visitation of Imam al-Husayn, peace be on him, on the authority of Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Baqir, peace be on him.[126]

Thabit Said to Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him: “The non-Shi‘a (‘amma) say that the pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr pleased Allah, the Glorified, when the people assembled, and that Allah would not divide the community of Mohammed, may Allah bless him and his family, after him.” So, al-Baqir, peace be on him, said: “Do they not recite Allah’s Book? Does Allah not say: ‘And Mohammed is no more than an Apostle. The apostles have already passed away before him. If then he dies or is killed, will you turn back upon your heels? And whoever turns back upon his heels,

he will by no means do harm to Allah in the least. And Allah will reward the grateful.’?” Thabit said: “They explain the verse in another way.” So, al-Baqir, peace be on him, said: “Has Allah not told them about the past communities, who disagreed with each other after the clear proofs had come to them? In this connection He said: ‘We gave clear Miracles to Jesus, son of Mary. And We strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if Allah had pleased, those after them would not have fought one with another after clear arguments had come to them. However, they disagreed. So, there were some of them who believed and others who denied. And if Allah had pleased they would not have fought with one another. However, Allah brings about what He intends.’”[127] This is evidence for that the Companions of Mohammed disagreed after him.[128]

Thabit reported on the authority of his father, on the authority of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), on the authority of his grandfathers, peace be on them, on the authority of Allah’s Apostle, may Allah less him and his family, who said: “The stars of the sky are safety for the people of the sky. If the stars of the sky went away, abominable events would come to the people of the sky. The members of my family are safety for the people of the earth. If the members of my family went away, abominable events would come to the people of the earth.”[129] Some people said that Thabit was a Zaydi. However, they have not supplied proof of that.

81. Thuwayr bin Abï Fakhta

Al-Najashi said: “Thuwayr bin Abï Fakhta was called Abu al-Jahm al-Kufi. The real name of Abï Fakhta was Sa’ïd b. ‘Illaqa. He reported on the authority of his father. He was the retainer of Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib.[130] Shaykh al-Tusi numbered him as one of the companions of Imam ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him, and of Imam Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him.[131]

Thuwayr reported the following: “I went out to perform the pilgrimage (to Mecca). ‘Amru b. Dharr al-Qadi (the judge), b. Qays al-Masir, al-Salt b. Bahram accompanied me. They said that they wrote four thousand problems to ask Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on them. That made me sad. When we entered Medina, we separated. I went to Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him and said to him: ‘May I be ransom for you, b. Dharr, b. Qays al-Masir, and al-Salt accompanied me. I heard them say: ‘We have written four thousand problems. We will ask Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir) about them.’ I became sad. So, Abu Ja‘far said: ‘What made you sad? When they come to me, let them enter.’ On the following day, a retainer of Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him, came in and said: ‘May I be ransom for you, b. Dharr a long with a group of people are at the door.’ So, Abu Ja‘far said to me: ‘ Abu Ja‘far said to me: ‘Thuwayr, go and ask them to come.’ So, I went and asked them to come. When they entered, they greeted the Imam and sat down. They were silent for a long time. So, Abu Ja‘far spoke first to them. Still, they were silent. When Abu Ja‘far knew that, he said to his slave-girl called Jariya: ‘Bring the food-cloth.’ She brought it and spread it over. Then Abu Ja‘far said: ‘Praise belongs to Allah, Who has set precepts for all things. For example, this food-cloth has precepts.’ So, b. Dharr asked Abu Ja‘far: “What are its precepts?”

“When it is put, Allah should be mentioned. When it is raised, Allah should be thanked,” replied Abu Ja‘far.

Then the Imam asked them to have the food. Then he ordered his slave-girl to bring him water. She brought him a jug of water. So, he said: “Praise belongs to Allah, Who has set precepts for all things. For example, this jug has precepts.”

“What are its precepts?” asked b. Dharr.

“One should mention Allah’s name before drinking. He should thank Allah after drinking. He should not drink out of its handle, nor should he drink out of a hole in it,” replied the Imam.

When they had finished eating their food, the Imam, peace be on him, asked them about the traditions. However, they were silent. So, the Imam asked b. Dharr: “Do you not tell us about some of our traditions?”

Bin Dharr replied: “Yes, son of Allah’s Apostle, Allah’s Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said: ‘I leave behind me among you two things, if you cleave to them, you will never go astray-that is the Book of Allah and my offspring from my family.’”

“Bin Dharr, you will meet Allah’s Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family. He will ask about his family. What will you say to him?” asked Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him.

So, b. Dharr wept, and then he said: “As for the Book of Allah, we tore it. As for the members of the Prophet’s family, we killed them.”

Abu Ja‘far said: “Bin Dharr, with that you will tell him the truth. On the Day of Judgment, you will be asked: Where had you finished your lifetime? From where had you earned your money? On what had you spent it? Had you loved the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt)?”

Then they left the house of the Imam, peace be on him. The Imam ordered his retainer to follow them to hear their words. The retainer returned and said to the Imam: [I heard them say to b. Dharr:] “Why did we come with you?” Then b. Dharr answered them: “Woe unto you! Keep silent. I did not think that Allah would ask about al-Baqir’s authority. I was unable to ask him, for he knows the religious rules of the food-cloth and of the jug.”[132]

82. Jabir bin ‘Abd Allah

He was the son of ‘Amru b. Huzam al-Ansari al-Khazraji. He was a prominent companion of al-Baqir. He was among the excellent Moslems. He devoted his life to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He was the last survival Companion of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. Abu al-Zubayr al-Makki reported on his authority. He said: “I asked Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah about ‘Ali b. Abï Talib. So, he raised his eye brows from his eyes, and then he said: ‘He was the best of all mankind. By Allah, during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle, we knew the hypocrites through their detest towards him.’”[133]

Jabir loved the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, very much. So, he leant on his rod and walked through the streets of Medina. He said: “‘Ali is the best of all mankind. Whoever denies that is unbeliever. O People of Ansar, educate your children to love ‘Ali.”[134]

Jabir was very obedient to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. So, Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him, reported on the authority of his grandfathers. He said: “Allah revealed this verse: ‘Say I demand not, of you any reward for it (the toils of preaching) except the love of my relations.’ Then Allah’s Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family rose and said: ‘A right for me has been imposed on you. Will you pay it to me?’ No one answered him, so he went away. On the following day, he stood up and asked the same question. No one answered him, so he left them and went away. On the third day, he also asked the same question. Then he explained: ‘The right is not gold nor silver nor food nor a drink.’ ‘Therefore, say it,’ they demanded. ‘Allah has revealed these Words of His: ‘Say I demand not, of you any reward for it (the toils of preaching) except the love of my relations.’ ‘This is the best right,’ they said” Then Abu ‘Abd Allah (al-Sadiq), peace be on him, said: “By Allah, no one was loyal to this right except seven persons. They are Salman, Abu Dharr, ‘Ammar, al-Muqdad b. al-Aswad, Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari, the retainer of Allah’s Apostle (may Allah bless him and his family), and Zayd b. Arqam.”[135]

Jabir took part in eighteen campaigns headed by the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. He took part in the Battle of Siffin headed by the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him.[136] It was he who recited the greetings of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, to Imam al-Baqir

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, asked Allah twenty-five times to forgive Jabir.[137] Jabir held a seminar of knowledge in the mosque.[138] He died at the age of ninty-four.[139]

83. Jabir bin Yazïd

He was called al-Ju‘fi. He was among the main religious scholars. He was among the greatest jurists of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He came to Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him. He learnt many sciences from him, so he became among the foremost Moslem religious scholars. When he reported anything on the authority of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him, he said: “The trustee of the trustees (of the Apostle) and the heir of the knowledge of the prophets, Mohammed b. ‘Ali (al-Baqir), peace be on him, told me.”[140] Ibn Shahrashub numbered him as a door to the sciences and secrets of Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him.

It was reported on the authority of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be on him, who said: “He was called Jabir because he helped (jabar) the believers with his knowledge. He is an inexhaustible sea. He is the door (to knowledge) at his time. He is the proof over the creatures. Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him, is among Allah’s proof.”

It was said that four persons encompassed the knowledge of Imams, peace be on them. They were Salman al-Farisi, Jabir b. Yazïd, Sayyid al-Himyari, and Younis b. ‘Abd al-Rahman.

His Reliability

Shu‘ba regarded him as reliable. He said:” Jabir said: ‘He (the Imam) related to us or I heard (from him). So, he was among the most reliable

people.’” Zuhayr b. Mu‘awiya said: “He (Jabir) was among the most truthful people.”[141] Wakï‘ said : “Jabir was reliable.”[142] Sufyan al-Thawri said to Shu‘ba: “If you talk about Jabir, we will not talk with you about him.”[143] Sufyan said: “Jabir al-Ju‘fi is the most pious person in the tradition.”[144]

His Books

Jabir wrote a group of books. The following is some of them:

1. Tafsïr al-Quran al-Karïm. (The Interpretation of the Holy Koran).

2. Kitab al-Nawadir. (The Book of Rare Things).

3. Kitab al-Jamal. (The Book of the Camel).

4. Kitab Siffin. (The Book of Siffin).

5. Kitab al-Naharwan. (The Book of al-Naharwan).

6. Kitab Maqtal al-Imam Amir al-Mu’minin, peace be on him.

(The Book of the Murder of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him.”

7. Kitab Maqtal al-Husayn, peace be on him.

(The Book of the Murder of al-Husayn, peace be on him.”

8. Risalat al-Imam Abu Ja‘far ila Ahl al-Basrah

(The Message of Imam Abu Ja‘far to the People of Basrah).[145]

These are some of his books. He learned most of them from Imam Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him. Unfortunately, we have found none of them in the public libraries in our country.

His Narration on the Authority of Abu Ja‘far

Jabir reported many narrations on the authority of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. He Reported seventy thousand traditions on his authority.[146] These traditions show the close relationship between him and the Imam. They show that he devoted his life to him.

His Mental Disorder

Hisham b. ‘Abd al-Malik ordered his Governor over Kufa to send him Jabir. Imam Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him, ordered Jabir to pretend insanity. So, Jabir went out wearing a cane container. Thus, the people said: “Jabir has become crazy.” The Governor asked the people about Jabir. They testified that he had become crazy. The Governor informed Hisham of that. So, Hisham did not mistreat him. Then Jabir refrain from the precautionary insanity.[147]

His Death

Jabir died in the year 167 A. H.[148]