Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Part 8: On Eight-Numbered Characteristics

A Believer Should Have Eight Characteristics

8-1 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Mahboob, on the authority of Jameel ibn Salih, on the authority of Abdullah ibn Qalib that Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB) said, “A believer should have eight characteristics:1- He should maintain his dignity when calamities befall him.2- He should be patient when he is in trouble.3- He should be grateful when he has plenty of blessings.4- He should be content with his share of God-given daily bread.5- He should not oppress his enemies.6- He should not be a burden on his friends.7- He should use his body (to perform his duties).8- The people should be safe from him. Knowledge is like a believer's friend. Patience is like his prime minister, and perseverance is like the head of his army. Kindness is like his brother, and gentleness is like his father."

8-2 Abul-Hussein Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Shah al-Faqih narrated that Abu Hamid Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn al-Hussein quoted on the authority of Abu Yazid Ahmad ibn Khalid al-Khalidy, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Salih al-Tamimy, on the authority of his father, who quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Muhammad

أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: دخل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله منزله فإذا عائشة مقبلة على فاطمة تصايحها وهي تقول: والله يابنت خديجة ما ترين إلا أن لامك علينا فضلا وأي فضل كان لها علينا ما هي إلا كبعضنا. فسمع مقالتها فاطمة فلما رأت فاطمة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله بكت فقال لها: ما يبكيك يا بنت محمد؟ قالت: ذكرت امي فتنقصتها فبكيت. فغضب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله ثم قال: مه يا حميراء، فإن الله تبارك وتعالى بارك في الولود الودود وإن خديجة رحمها الله ولدت مني طاهرا وهو عبد الله وهو المطهر، وولدت مني القاسم وفاطمة ورقية وام كلثوم وزينب وأنت ممن أعقم الله رحمه فلم تلدي شيئا

باب الثمانية

ينبغي أن يكون في المؤمن ثمان خصال

8-1 حدثنا أبي رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا سعد بن عبد الله، عن أحمد بن محمد بن عيسى، عن الحسن بن محبوب، عن جميل بن صالح، عن عبد الله بن غالب، عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال:ينبغي للمؤمن أن يكون فيه ثمان خصال: وقور عند الهزاهز صبور عند البلاء، شكور عند الرخاء، قانع بما رزقه الله، لا يظلم الاعداء، ولا يتحامل للاصدقاء بدنه منه في تعب، والناس منه في راحة، إن العلم خليل المؤمن، والحلم وزيره، والصبر أمير جنوده، والرفق أخوه، واللين والده

8-2 حدثنا أبوالحسين محمد بن علي بن الشاه الفقيه قال: حدثني أبوحامد أحمد بن محمد بن أحمد بن الحسين قال: حدثنا أبويزيد أحمد بن خالد الخالدي قال: حدثنا محمد بن أحمد بن صالح التميمي قال حدثنا أبي قال: حدثنا أبي قال: حدثنا محمد بن

ibn Hatam al-Qat’tan, on the authority of Hammad ibn Amr, on the authority of Ja’far ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq (MGB), on the authority of his father (MGB), on the authority of his grandfather (MGB), on the authority of Ali ibn Abi Talib (MGB) that in his will to Ali (MGB), God’s Prophet (MGB) told him, “O Ali! A believer should have eight characteristics:1- He should maintain his dignity when calamities befall him.2- He should be patient when he is in trouble.3- He should be grateful when he has plenty of blessings.4- He should be content with his share of God-given daily bread.5- He should not oppress his enemies.6- He should not be a burden on his friends.7- He should use his body (to perform his duties).8- The people should be safe from him.”

Eight Groups of People Whose Prayers Are Not Accepted

8-3 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ahmad ibn Idris and Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar quoted Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash’ari, on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid who linked it up through a chain of narrators to Aba Abdullah (MGB) who narrated that God’s Prophet (MGB) said, “There are eight groups of people whose prayers are not accepted by God; 1. A run-away slave until he returns to his master, 2. A woman who doesn’t give in to her husband and he is not happy with her, 3. One who doesn’t pay the alms-tax, 4. One who doesn’t make ablutions, 5. An adult girl who prays without a veil, 6. A prayer leader whose followers consider him not to be trustworthy, 7. One who has to go to the toilet, but doesn’t do so, and 8. One who is drunk.”

Eight Will Carry the Throne

8-4 Muhammad ibn al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Walid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad al-Isfahani, on the authority of Suleiman ibn Davood al-Munqeri, on the authority of Hafs ibn Qiyath al-Nakha’ee that he had heard Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB) say, “There are eight who will carry God’s Throne. Each one of them has eight eyes each of which equals all this world.”

8-5 Muhammad ibn al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Walid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted As-Sadiq (MGB) as having said, “There are four who will carry God’s Throne. One of them is like a human being who asks God for the daily bread of Adam’s offspring (the people). The second one is like a rooster who asks God for the daily bread for birds. The third one is like a lion who asks God for the daily bread for beasts. The fourth one is like a cow

بن حاتم القطان، عن حماد بن عمرو، عن جعفر بن محمد، عن أبيه، عن جده، عن علي بن أبي طالب عليهم السلام، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وآله أنه قال في وصيته له: يا علي ينبغي أن يكون في المؤمن ثمان خصال: وقارعند الهزاهز، وصبر عند البلاء، وشكر عند الرخاء وقنوع بما رزقه الله لا يظلم الاعداء، ولا يتحامل للاصدقاء، وبدنه منه في تعب والناس منه في راحه

ثمانية لا تقبل لهم صلاة

8-3 حدثنا أبي رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا أحمد بن إدريس، ومحمد بن يحيى العطار جميعا، عن محمد بن أحمد بن يحيى بن عمران الاشعري، عن أحمد بن محمد بن خالد بإسناده رفعه إلى أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله: ثمانية لا يقبل الله لهم صلاة: العبد الآبق حتى يرجع إلى مولاه، والناشزة عن زوجها وهو عليها ساخط ومانع الزكاة، وتارك الوضوء، والجارية المدركة تصلي بغير خمار، وإمام قوم يصلي بهم وهم له كارهون، والزبين قالوا: يارسول الله وما الزبين؟ قال: الذى يدافع الغائط والبولوالسكران، فهولاء ثمانية لاتقبل منهم الصلاة

حملة العرش ثمانية

8-4 حدثنا محمد بن الحسن بن أحمد بن الوليد رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا سعد ابن عبد الله، عن القاسم بن محمد الاصبهانى، عن سليمان بن داود المنقري، عن حفص ابن غياث النخعي قال: سمعت ابا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: إن حملة العرش ثمانية، لكل واحد منهم ثمانية أعين، كل عين طباق الدنيا

8-5 حدثنا محمد بن الحسن بن أحمد بن الوليد رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا محمد بن الحسن الصفار مرسلا قال: قال الصادق عليه السلام:إن حملة العرش ثمانية أحدهم على صورة ابن آدم يسترزق الله لولد آدم، والثاني على صـورة الديك يسترزق

who asks God for the daily bread for quadrupeds. The cow that carries God’s Threshold has held his head down due to shame, since the Israelites worshipped a calf. The ones who carry God’s Threshold shall be eight on the Resurrection Day.”

Eight Pairs

8-6 Davood al-Ruqi narrated, “One of the Kharajites1 asked me about the meaning of the following verse from the Honorable the Exalted God’s Book, ‘(Take) eight (head of cattle) in (four) pairs: of sheep a pair, and of goats a pair; say, hath He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose? Tell me with knowledge if ye are truthful: Of camels a pair, and oxen a pair;”2

His question was, ‘Which of these has God made lawful and which of them are forbidden.’ I did not know the answer to his question. Therefore, I went to see Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB) during my Hajj pilgrimage trip and asked him about it. The Imam (MGB) said, ‘The Blessed the Sublime God has allowed the offering of an oxen or a domestic sheep at Mina, but has forbidden their offering of a wild cow or sheep. And regarding camels and cows, the Sublime God has allowed the offering of Arab camels at Mina but has forbidden the offering of wild camels. God has allowed the offering of a domesticated cow but He has forbidden the offering of a wild cow.’

I delivered this reply to the man who had asked about it from me upon my return. He said, ‘You have learned this from Hijaz3 .’

The Eight Gate to Paradise

8-7 Ahmad ibn al-Hassan al-Qat’tan narrated that Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Zakaria al-Qat’tan quoted Bakr ibn Abdullah ibn Habib, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Abdullah, on the authority of Ali ibn al-Hikam, on the authority of Aban ibn Uthman, on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Fuzayl al-Rezqi, on the authority of Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB), on the authority of his father (MGB), on the authority of his grandfather (MGB) that Ali (MGB) said, “There are eight gates for Paradise. One of these gates is for the Prophets (MGB) and the honest ones. One is for the martyrs and the good ones. Five of them are for our Shiites and those who like us. I will always be standing at the Bridge, praying and asking God, ‘O My Lord! Please grant peace and health to my followers, friends and those who have recognized my Mastery on the Earth.’ There shall be a reply from within God’s Threshold which says, ‘Indeed your supplications are fulfilled.’ Anyone of my followers, those who have accepted my Mastery, helped me, or fought with my enemies - verbally or physically - may intercede on behalf of seventy-thousand of his relatives or neighbors. The last gate is for the entry of all other Muslims who bear testimony that ‘There is no god but God’ and there is not the least bit of hatred of the members of our Holy Household in their hearts.’”

الله للطير، والثالث على صورة الاسد يسترزق الله للسباع، والرابع على صورة الثور يسترزق الله للبهائم، ونكس الثور رأسه منذ عبد بنو إسرائيل العجل، فإذا كان يوم القيامة صاروا ثمانية

8-6 عن داود الرقي قال سألني بعض الخوارج عن هذه الاية من كتاب الله عز وجل ثَمَانِيَةَ أَزْوَاجٍ مِّنَ الضَّأْنِ اثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ الْمَعْزِ اثْنَيْنِ قُلْ آلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ الأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا اشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ الأُنثَيَيْنِ نَبِّؤُونِي بِعِلْمٍ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ وَمِنَ الإِبْلِ اثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ الْبَقَرِ اثْنَيْنِ..." ما الذي أحل الله تعالى من ذلك وما الذي حرم؟ فلم يكن عندي فيه شيء ، فدخلت على أبي عبد الله عليه السلام وأنا حاج فأخبرته بما كان فقال: ان الله تعالى أحل في الاضحية بمنى الضأن والمعز الاهلية وحرم أن يضحى فيه بالجبلية وأما قوله "وَمِنَ الإِبْلِ اثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ الْبَقَرِ اثْنَيْنِ..."فان الله أحل في الاضحية بمنى من الابل العراب وحرم فيه البخاتي ، وأحل من البقر الاهلية أن يضحى فيها وحرم الجبلية. فانصرفت إلى الرجل الخارجي الذي سألني عن تلك الاية فأخبرته بهذا الجواب فقال: هذا شيء حملته الابل من الحجاز

للجنة ثمانية أبواب

8-7 حدثنا أحمد بن الحسن القطان قال: حدثنا أحمد بن يحيى بن زكريا القطان قال: حدثنا بكر بن عبد الله بن حبيب قال: حدثنا محمد بن عبد الله قال: حدثنا علي بن الحكم، عن أبان بن عثمان، عن محمد بن الفضيل الرزقي، عن أبي عبد الله، عن أبيه، عن جده، عن علي عليهم السلام قال: إن للجنة ثمانية أبواب باب يدخل منه النبيون والصديقون، وباب يدخل منه الشهداء والصالحون، وخمسة أبواب يدخل منها شيعتنا ومحبونا، فلا أزال واقفا على الصراط أدعو وأقول: رب سلم شيعتي ومحبي وأنصاري ومن تولاني في دار الدنيا فإذا النداء من بطنان العرش قد اجيبت دعوتك وشفعت، في شيعتك ويشفع كل رجل من شيعتي ومن تولاني ونصرني وحارب من حاربني بفعل أوقول في سبعين إلف من جيرانه وأقربائه، وباب يدخل منه سائر المسلمين ممن شهد أن لا أله إلا الله ولم يكن في قلبه مقدار ذرة من بغضنا اهل البيت

8-8 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted Ahmad ibn Aba Abdullah al-Barqy, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ahmad ibn al-Nazr al-Khazzaz, on the authority of Amr ibn Shimr, on the authority of Jabir al-Jo’afy that Abi Ja’far al-Baqir (MGB) said, “Have a good opinion about God and know that there are eight gates for Paradise each of which has a width which would take forty years to traverse.”

The Height of a Residential Unit Should Not Exceed Eight Zar’as

8-9 Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluyih - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar quoted Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash’ari, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abi Muhammad al-Ansari, on the authority of Aban ibn Uthman, “A man complained to Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB) and said, ‘The genies bother my family.’ The Imam (MGB) asked him, ‘How tall is the ceiling of your house?’ He answered, ‘It is ten Zar’as.’ The Imam (MGB) said, ‘You should not build a house with a ceiling higher than eight Zar’as. You should have the verse of the Throne (Ayat al-Kursi)4 inscribed as a decoration around it. Any room that is taller than eight Zar’as would be occupied by genies.’”

Eight who are not considered to be of the people

8-10 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father and Muhammad ibn al-Hassan- may God be pleased with them - narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar and Ahmad ibn Idris quoted Muhammad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash’ari, on the authority of some companions that is Ja’far ibn Muhammad ibn Ubaydullah, on the authority of Abi Yahya al-Vaseti, “Someone asked Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB), ‘Do you consider all who are created to be of the people?’ The Imam (MGB) replied, ‘I do not consider the following to be of the people: those who do not brush their teeth; those who sit with their legs crossed in a narrow place; those who interfere in affairs which are none of their business; those who argue over what they are not knowledgeable about; those who pretend to be ill; those who are worried without being in hardship; those who unduly oppose their friends; and those who are proud of their fathers without having benefited from any of the good characteristics of their fathers. Such people are similar to a plant which should be peeled off until you reach the meat. They are an example of those referred to by the Honorable the Exalted God in the following verse, ‘Or thinkest thou that most of them listen or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are worse astray in Path.5 ’”

8-8 حدثنا أبي رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا سعد بن عبد الله، عن أحمد بن أبي عبد الله البرقي، عن أبيه، عن أحمد بن النضر الخزاز، عن عمرو بن شمر، عن جابر الجعفي، عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام قال:أحسنوا الظن بالله، واعلموا أن للجنة ثمانية أبواب عرض كل باب منها مسيرة اربعين سنة

لايجوز أن يكون سمك البيت فوق ثمانية أذرع

8-9 حدثنا محمد بن علي ماجيلويه رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا محمد بن يحيى العطار، عن محمد بن أحمد بن يحيى بن عمران الاشعري، عن محمد بن عيسى، عن أبي محمد الانصاري، عن أبان بن عثمان، عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: شكا إليه رجل عبث أهل الارض بأهل بيته وبعياله، فقال: كم سمك بيتك؟ قال: عشرة أذرع، فقال: اذرع ثمانية أذرع كما تدور، واكتب عليه آية الكرسي فان كل بيت سمكه أكثر من ثمانية أذرع فهو محتضر يحضره الجن ويسكنونه

ثمانية ليسوا من الناس

8-10 حدثنا أبي ومحمد بن الحسن رضي الله عنهما قالا: حدثنا محمد بن يحيى العطار، وأحمد بن إدريس جميعا قالا: حدثنا محمد بن يحيى بن عمران الاشعري قال: حدثني بعض أصحابنا يعني جعفر بن محمد بن عبيد الله، عن أبي يحيى الواسطي، عمن ذكره أنه قال لابي عبد الله عليه السلام: أترى هذا الخلق كله من الناس؟ فقال: الق منهم التارك للسواك، والمتربع في موضع الضيق، والداخل فيما لايعنيه، والمماري فيما لا علم له، والمتمرض من غير علة، والمتشعث من غير مصيبة، والمخالف على أصحابه في الحق وقد اتفقوا عليه، والمفتخر يفتخر بآبائه وهو خلو من صالح أعمالهم فهو بمنزلة الخلنج يقشر لحاء عن لحاء حتى يوصل إلى جوهريته وهو كما قال الله عز وجل: "إِنْ هُمْ إِلاَّ كَالأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلاً ."

Those who go to the mosque often shall acquire one of eight characteristics

8-11 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted Yaqoob ibn Yazid, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Abi Umayr, on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Abdul-Hamid, on the authority of Sa’ed al-Iskaf, on the authority of Zyad ibn Isa, on the authority of Abil Jarud, on the authority of Asbaq ibn al-Nobatat that the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (MGB) said, “Those who go to the mosque often shall acquire one of the following eight characteristics: brotherhood for the sake of God; new knowledge; certain verses; awaited Mercy or words to save them from destruction; hear words of guidance; and abandon sins out of fear of God or shame.”

8-12 In what Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Hamzih ibn Am’marat al-Hafiz wrote me, he narrated that Hussein ibn Abdullah quoted Musa ibn Marvan, on the authority of Marvan ibn Muawiyah, on the authority of Sa’ed ibn Tarif, on the authority of Umayr ibn Ma’moon, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Ali (MGB) that he had heard God’s Prophet (MGB) say, “Those who go to the mosque often shall acquire one of the following eight characteristics: brotherhood for the sake of the Honorable the Exalted God; new knowledge or words of guidance; or some thing which may save them from destruction; awaited Mercy; or shyness or fear due to which they abandon sins.’”

The eight classes of people who should blame no one but themselves if they are insulted

8-13 Abul-Hussein Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Shah al-Faqih, the jurisprudent in Marv al-Ruz - narrated that Abu Hamid Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn al-Hussein quoted Abu Yazid Ahmad ibn Khalid al-Khalidy, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Salih al-Tamimy, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Hatam al-Qat’tan, on the authority of Hammad ibn Amr, on the authority of Ja’far ibn Muhammad (MGB), on the authority of his father (MGB), on the authority of Ali ibn Abi Talib (MGB) that in his will to him God’s Prophet (MGB) told him, “O Ali! The following eight have no one but themselves to blame if they are insulted: those who attend a banquet without being invited; those who order their hosts around in a party; those who expect goodness from their enemies; those who seek favors from lowly people; those who interfere in other people’s private affairs without being asked to do so; those who mock at rulers; those who sit in a position which they do not deserve; and those who converse with people who do not listen to them.”

من اختلف إلى المسجد أصاب احدى ثمان خصال

8-11 حدثنا أبي رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا سعد بن عبد الله، عن يعقوب بن يزيد، عن محمد بن أبي عمير، عن إبراهيم بن عبدالحميد، عن سعد الاسكاف، عن زياد ابن عيسى، عن أبي الجارود، عن الاصبغ بن نباته، عن أميرالمومنين عليه السلام قال: كان يقول: من اختلف إلى المساجد أصاب إحدى الثمان أخا مستفاد في الله أو علما مستظرفا أو آية محكمة أو رحمة منتظرة أو كلمة ترده عن ردى اويسمع كلمة تدله على هدى أويترك ذنبا خشية أو حياء

8-12 أخبرني إبراهيم بن محمد بن حمزة بن عمارة الحافظ فيما كتب إلي قال: حدثني حسين بن عبد الله قال: حدثنا موسى بن مروان قال: حدثنا مروان بن معاوية عن سعد بن طريف، عن عمير بن مأمون قال: سمعت الحسن بن علي عليهما السلام يقول: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله يقول: من أدمن الاختلاف إلى المساجد أصاب إحدى الثمان أخا مستفادا في الله عز وجل، أو علما مستظرفا، أو كلمة تدله على هدى، أو اخرى تصرفه عن الردى، أو رحمة منتظرة، أو ترك الذنب حياء أو خشية

ثمانية ان اهينوا فلا يلوموا الا أنفسهم

8-13 حدثنا أبوالحسين محمد بن علي بن الشاه الفقيه بمرور الروذ قال: حدثنا أبوحامد أحمد بن محمد بن أحمد بن الحسين قال: حدثنا أبويزيد أحمد بن خالد الخالدي قال: حدثنا محمد بن أحمد بن صالح التميمي قال: حدثني أبي قال: حدثنا محمد بن حاتم القطان، عن حماد بن عمرو، عن جعفر بن محمد، عن أبيه، عن علي بن أبي طالب عليهم السلام، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وآله أنه قال في وصيته له: ياعلي ثمانية إن اهينوا فلا يلوموا إلا أنفسهم: الذاهب إلى مائدة لم يدع إليها، والمتأمر على رب البيت، وطالب الخير من أعدائه، وطالب الفضل من اللئام، والداخل بين اثنين في سر لهم لم يدخلاه فيه، والمستخف بالسلطان، والجالس في مجلس ليس له بأهل، والمقبل بالحديث على من لا يسمع منه

Guard the Mosques from the Following Eight Things

8-14 Muhammad ibn al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Walid - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted Al-Hassan ibn Musa al-Khishab, on the authority of Ali ibn Asbat, on the authority of some men who narrated that Abu Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB) said, “Guard your mosques from the following eight things: selling goods; buying goods; insane people; children; feeble ones; making judgements; executing punishments; and speaking in a loud voice.”

Faith consists of eight characteristics

8-15 (The compiler of the book narrated) that his father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashim, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Abi Umayr, on the authority of Ja’far ibn Uthman, on the authority of Abi Basir, “Once when I was with Abi Ja’far al-Baqir (MGB) a man told him, ‘May God improve you! There are some people in Kufa who have certain beliefs which they relate to you.’ The Imam (MGB) asked him, ‘What are those beliefs?’ The man said, ‘They say that belief is different from Islam.’ The Imam (MGB) said, ‘Yes. That is true.’ The man asked, ‘How come?’ The Imam (MGB) said, ‘Anyone who bears testimony that ‘There is no god but God. Muhammad is God’s Prophet’; believes in what Muhammad (MGB) has brought from God; establishes prayers; gives the alms; fasts in the month of Ramazan and goes on pilgrimage to Hajj is a Muslim.’ I (Abu Basir) asked, ‘Then what is belief?’ The Imam (MGB) said, ‘Anyone who bears testimony that ‘There is no god but God. Muhammad is God’s Prophet’; believes in what Muhammad (MGB) has brought from God; establishes prayers; gives the alms; fasts in the month of Ramazan; goes on pilgrimage to Hajj; and doesn’t meet God with a sin for which the punishment of the Fire (of Hell) has been declared is a believer.’ I (Abu Basir) asked, ‘May I be your ransom! How could we find someone who meets God without having committed a sin for which the punishment of the Fire has been declared?’ The Imam (MGB) said, ‘It is not so. The intention from this saying is that he commits a sin which for which the Punishment of the Fire has been declared and he doesn’t repent for committing it.’”

The Eight Major Sins

8-16 Muhammad ibn al-Hassan and my father - may God be pleased with them - narrated that Sa’ed ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Hussein ibn Abil-Khat’tab, on the authority of Al-Hikam ibn Meskin al-Saqafy, on the authority of Suleiman ibn Zarif, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Muslim, “I asked Aba Abdullah as-Sadiq (MGB), ‘May I be your ransom! Why do we believe that our opponents are

تجنب المساجد ثمانية أشياء

8-14 حدثنا محمد بن الحسن بن أحمد بن الوليد رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا محمد ابن الحسن الصفار، عن الحسن بن موسى الخشاب، عن علي بن أسباط، عن بعض رجاله قال: قال أبوعبد الله عليه السلام:جنبوا مساجدكم والبيع والمجانين والصبيان الضالة والاحكام والحدود ورفع الصوت

الايمان ثماني خصال

8-15 حدثني أبي رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا سعد بن عبد الله عن إبراهيم بن هاشم، عن محمد بن أبي عمير، عن جعفر بن عثمان، عن أبي بصير قال: كنت عند أبي جعفر عليه السلام فقال له رجل: أصلحك الله إن بالكوفة قوما يقولون مقالة ينسبونها إليك فقال: وماهي؟ قال: يقولون: الايمان غير الاسلام، فقال أبوجعفر عليه السلام: نعم، فقال الرجل: صفه لي قال: من شهد أن لاإله إلا الله وأن محمدا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وأقر بما جاء من عند الله وأقام الصلاة وآتى الزكاة وصام شهر رمضان وحج البيت فهو مسلم، قلت: فالايمان؟ قال: من شهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمدا رسول الله وأقر بما جاء من عند الله وأقام الصلاة وآتى الزكاة وصام شهر رمضان وحج البيت ولم يلق الله بذنب أو عد عليه النار فهو مؤمن

قال أبو بصير: جعلت فداك، وأينا لم يلق الله بذنب أو عد عليه النار؟

فقال: ليس هو حيث تذهب إنما هو لم يلق الله بذنب أو عد عليه النار ولم يتب منه

الكبائر ثمان

8-16 حدثنا محمد بن الحسن، وأبي رضي الله عنهما قالا: حدثنا سعد بن عبد الله عن محمد بن الحسين بن أبي الخطاب، عن الحكم بن مسكين الثقفي، عن سليمان بن ظريف، عن محمد بن مسلم، عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: قلت له: جعلت

atheists and will go to Hell, but we do not believe that we ourselves and our companions are going to go to Paradise?’ The Imam (MGB) replied, ‘That is due to your own weakness. You should know that you will go to Paradise, if you do not commit any major sins.’ I asked, ‘What are the major sins?’ The Imam (MGB) said, ‘The greater of the major sins are associating others as partners with the Honorable the Exalted God; emigration from an Islamic environment; damnation of parents; accusing pious women of fornication; fleeing from a holy war; oppressively devouring the properties of an orphan; usury after having clear proof of its forbiddance6 ; and murdering a believer.’ I asked the Imam (MGB), ‘What about adultery and stealing?’ The Imam (MGB) replied, ‘They are not like the above.’”

The compiler of the book - may God be pleased with him - said, “The various narrations in this book which differ in the quantity of major sins are not really that different from each other, although some state that there are five major sins, while others have stated that there are seven, eight and even more major sins. However, these are not different from each other since after the sin of associating partners with God which is the greatest major sin, the other sins are somewhat greater than the following ones, and every other major sin is less than the sin of associating a partner with God.”

The eight characteristics of Ali (MGB)

8-17 Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Ishaq al-Taleqani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Abu Sa’id al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Ado’we quoted Umar ibn al-Mukhtar, on the authority of Yahya al-Himani7 , on the authority of Qays ibn al-Rabi’a, on the authority of Al-A’amash, on the authority of Ababiat ibn Rub’ee Al-Asady, on the authority of Ayoob al-Ansari, “Fatimah (MGB) visited the Prophet (MGB) when he (MGB) became so ill that he was about to die. When she saw that he (MGB) was so ill, tears poured down her cheeks from her eyes. The Prophet (MGB) told her (MGB), ‘O Fatimah! God - Exalted is His Remembrance - took a close look at the Earth and chose your father (MGB) from amongst all of the people on it. Then He took another close look at the Earth and chose your husband Ali (MGB) and inspired me to marry you off to him (MGB). O Fatimah! You should know that out of God’s generosity He joined you in marriage to the one whose belief is the greatest of all people; who is the most patient of all; and whose knowledge is the most of all.’ Fatimah (MGB) became happy after hearing this. Then the Prophet (MGB) decided to tell her about the best thing which God had granted Muhammad (MGB)

فداك مالنا نشهد على من خالفنا بالكفر وبالنار، ولا نشهد لانفسنا ولاصحابنا أنهم في الجنة قال: من ضعفكم إن لم يكن فيكم شيء من الكبائر فاشهدوا أنكم في الجنة، قلت: فأي شيء الكبائر جعلت فداك،قال: أكبر الكبائر الشرك، وعقوق الوالدين، والتعرب بعد الهجرة، وقذف المحصنة، والفرار من الزحف، وأكل مال اليتيم ظلما، والربا بعد البينة، وقتل المؤمن، فقلت له: الزنا والسرقة فقال: ليسا من ذاك

قال مصنف هذا الكتاب رضي الله عنه: الاخبار في الكبائر ليست بمختلفه وإن كان بعضها ورد بأنها خمس وبعضها بسبع وبعضها بثمان وبعضها بأكثر لان كل ذنب بعد الشرك كبير بالاضافة إلى ماهو أصغر منه، وكل صغير من الذنوب كبير بالاضافة إلى ماهو اصغر منه، وكل كبير صغير بالاضافة إلى الشرك بالله العظيم

لعلي عليه السلام ثماني خصال

8-17 حدثنا محمد بن إبراهيم بن إسحاق الطالقاني رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا أبوسعيد الحسن بن علي العدوي قال: حدثنا عمر بن المختار قال: حدثنا يحيى الحماني قال: حدثنا قيس بن الربيع، عن الاعمش، عن عباية بن ربعي الاسدي، عن أبي أيوب الانصاري قال: إن رسول الله مرض مرضة فأتته فاطمة عليها السلام تعوده وهو ناقه من مرضه فلما رأت مابرسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله من الجهد والضعف خنقتها العبرة حتى جرت دمعتها على خدها، فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وآله لها: يا فاطمة إن الله جل ذكره اطلع على الارض اطلاعة فاختار منها أباك واطلع ثانية فاختار منها بعلك، فأوحى إلي فأنكحتكه، أما علمت يافاطمة أن لكرامة الله إياك زوجك أقدمهم سلما أعظمهم حلما وأكثرهم علما قال: فسرت بذلك فاطمة واستبشرت بما قال لها رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله فأراد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله أن يزيدها مزيد الخير كله من الذي قسمه الله له ولمحمـد

and his Holy Household. Thus, he (MGB) added, ‘O Fatimah! Ali (MGB) has eight characteristics as follows: his belief in God and His Prophet (MGB); his knowledge; his wisdom; his wife (MGB); his two sons who are Al-Hassan (MGB) and Al-Hussein (MGB); his (MGB) enjoining other people to do good deeds; his (MGB) admonishing other people against evil; and his (MGB) judgement which is based upon God's Book. O Fatimah! We are the Members of a Holy Household and have been given seven characteristics as follows which has never been granted to anyone in the past and will not be given to anyone in the future. Our Prophet (MGB) who is your father is the best of all the Prophets (MGB); his Trustee who is also your husband is the best of all the Trustees; our martyrs are the Master of the Martyrs (MGB) who are your father’s uncle Hamzih, and Ja’far who will have two wings with which to fly in Paradise; the sons of this nation who are your two sons are from us.’”

Notes

1. Mareqeen

2. The Holy Quran: Al-An’am 6:143-144.

3. Saudi Arabia

4. Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).[The Holy Quran: Baqara 2:255].

5. The Holy Quran: Al-Furqan 25:44.

6. After it was revealed in the Quran that it is forbidden.

7. Who is Yahya ibn Abdul Hamid al-Himani.