Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

The Letter Daal (D)

1. Dua (Supplication) Of His Eminence For The Believers

In the epistle (Tawqee) received from His Eminence, quoted at the end of the book of Ihtijaaj it is mentioned:

“Since we are continuously guarding them, with a prayer that is not concealed from the angels of the earth and the heavens, thus by this matter the hearts of our devotees and friends rest in peace.” 1

The prominent Sayyid Ali Ibne Tawus, may Allah have mercy on him writes in his book, Muhajjud Dawaat:

“I was in Surre-man-raa-ahu when I heard the supplication of that exalted personality early in the morning, in such a quantity that it refers to the alive and the dead; that from it a reminder came to remain with me: And keep them alive in our days of power, dominance and rulership.

This incident occurred on the eve of Wednesday, the 13th of the month of Zilqad of the year 638.”

In Kafi through the author’s own chain of narrators it is narrated from His Eminence, Abu Abdillah Sadiq (as) from the Holy Prophet (S) that he said in his sermon delivered in Masjid Kheef:

“There are three things that the heart of every Muslim is not dishonest about them:

1. Sincerity of deeds for Allah

2. Well-wishing for Imams and leaders of the Muslims

3. Following their congregation, because their call is widespread for all those who are in its pursuit.” 2

I say: It means the call (supplication) of the Imams (as).

In Kafi also from his chain of reporters it is narrated from a man of Quraish from the people of Mecca that:

Sufyan Thawri said to him,“Take me to Ja’far bin Muhammad (as).” He says that I went with him to the Imam but when we reached there, he was mounted on his beast. Sufyan said:“O Aba Abdillah please repeat for us the sermon that the Messenger of Allah (S) delivered at Masjid Kheef.” He replied:“Leave it for the time being. I am going out for some work and I will narrate it after I return, as I am already mounted.” He said:“I ask you for the sake of your relationship with the Messenger of Allah, tell us about it.” So His Eminence dismounted and Sufyan said:“Please call for pen and paper for me so that I may note it down from you directly.” So His Eminence called for ink and paper and said:“Write: Bismillaahir Rah’maanir Rah’eem. Sermon of the Holy Prophet (S) in Masjid Kheef: Allah likes one who listens to my words and places them in his heart and conveys them to those who have not heard it. O people it is necessary for those who are present to convey it to those who are absent.

How often it is that one who reports a point of law while he himself is not capable to think and reflect on it. And many a times it is so that he narrates points of knowledge and jurisprudence to one who is wiser and more intelligent than him. There are three things in which the heart of a Muslim is not dishonest:

1. Sincerity of deeds for Allah.

2. Well-wishing for Imams and leaders of the Muslims.

3. Following their congregation, because their call is widespread for all those who are in its pursuit.

The believers are equal and their blood is same. They are united against others. The smallest of them makes effort to fulfill their pledge.” Sufyan wrote down this tradition and then repeated it to His Eminence. After that His Eminence, Sadiq (as) mounted and went away. I and Sufyan also came away. On the way he said to me:“Just wait, let me look at the tradition again and think upon it.” I said:“By Allah, by quoting this tradition, Abu Abdillah has made something obligatory on you, from which you can never be free.” ‘What duty?’ he asked. I said:“As mentioned in this tradition there are three things in which a Muslim is not dishonest: The first is sincerity in deeds for Allah; we have understood it but the second one about well-wishing for Imams and leaders of the Muslims; who are these Imams that it is necessary for us to wish well for them? Is it Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan, Yazid bin Muawiyah and Marwan bin Hakam?

Those whose testimony is not valid for us and prayer behind whom is not correct? And the third point: Following their congregation, what congregation is it? Is it the Murjiah sect who say that even one who does not pray and fast and does not perform ghusl or one who demolishes the Kaaba and beds with his mother, he is equal in faith to Jibraeel and Mikaeel? Or is it the sect of Qadariyya which says that what Allah wants does not happen and that which Satan wishes happens? Or is it about the Hururiya sect that abuses Ali Ibne Abi Talib and calls him a disbeliever? Or the Hellish sect that says faith is only the recognition of Allah and nothing besides that?” Sufyan said:“What a strange thing you said. Now tell me what the Shias say?” I said:“They say that Ali Ibne Abi Talib (as) is an Imam, loving whom sincerely is obligatory and it is necessary to remain in the congregation of Ahle Bayt.” Hearing this, he took the paper from me and tore it up and told not to inform anyone about it.”3

Another tradition that supports the fact that the Imam of every age prays for his Shias is one quoted in Biharul Anwar on the authority of Manaqib Ibne Shahr Aashob. It is narrated by Moosa bin Sayyar who says:

“I was with His Eminence, Reza (as). When we had reached the gate of the city of Tus I heard the sound of wailing. I looked around for the source and suddenly decried a bier being carried out. When I looked, I saw that our master (His Eminence, Reza (as) suddenly alighting from his mount and heading towards the bier. Then he took it upon his shoulders and came towards us in such a way that he did not separate from the bier just as the kid of a goat does not leave its mother. Then he turned towards us and said: O Moosa bin Sayyar, one who follows the bier of one of our Shias is absolved of all his sins, as if he is like a newborn child and there is no sin upon him. And when I saw the bier of that man being placed besides the grave I noticed my master moving the people back. Then he placed his hand on the chest of the corpse and say: O so and so, son of so and so, good news of Paradise to you, as after this moment there is no fear for you. I said to Imam Reza: May I be sacrificed on you, do you know this person? Because this is a place you have never visited before. He replied: O Moosa bin Sayyar, you don’t know that the deeds of our Shias are presented to us, Imams, every morning and evening. Then for each of their shortcomings we beg the Almighty Allah to forgive them and for each of their good deeds we pray the Almighty to reward them.” 4

One more tradition that lends support to this fact is narrated from Amirul Momineen (as) when he addressed Zumila or Dumila. It is as follows:

“O Zumila there is no believer that falls ill but that we are also afflicted with his illness. And none is aggrieved but that we are also aggrieved for him. And none supplicates but that we say Amen for him. And none remains quiet but that we pray for him.”

The complete tradition will, Insha Allah be quoted in Part Five. And if you pay attention to the blessed epistles (Tawqees) of Imam Mahdi (aj) quoted inIhtijaaj you would be further convinced about it. And Allah guides the mankind to salvation. That which proves this matter is a tradition that Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan as-Saffar has recorded in Basairud Darajaat through his own chain of authorities from Abu Rabi Shami that he said:

I told His Eminence, Abu Abdillah Sadiq (as):“A tradition has reached me from Amr bin Ishaq.” He said:“Relate it.” I said:“He came to Amirul Momineen Ali (as) and His Eminence saw paleness in his face.” He asked:“Why is your face so pale?” So he explained his illness. His Eminence told him:“We become happy due to your happiness and are aggrieved due to your grief. We become ill due to your illness and we pray for you. And when you supplicate we say: Amen.” Amr said to Amirul Momineen (as):“I am aware of what you said, but how is it that we supplicate and you say: Amen?” His Eminence replied:“It same for us whether we are present or at a distance.” Imam Abu Abdillah Sadiq (as) said:“Amr has reported truth.” 5

2. Dawat (Call) Of His Eminence To Truth

It is mentioned in the Ziarat of the Holy Imam:

“Peace be upon you, O one who calls the people towards God, and O the expression and mirror of divine attributes.” 6

Also in Ziarat-e-Jamia it is mentioned:

“Peace be upon the Imams the callers towards God and the torch-bearers of guidance.”

In a tradition related by Abdul Aziz bin Muslim quoted in Kafi and Ikmal, His Eminence, Abul Hasan Imam Reza (as) is reported to have said:

“The Imam is the trustee of Allah among His creatures, and His Proof upon His servants, and His Caliph in His land, and the inviter towards Him and the defender of rights on His behalf.” 7

In Biharul Anwar it is narrated from His Eminence, Abi Abdullah Sadiq (as) that he said:

“When the Almighty Allah accords permission to the Qaim (aj) to reappear, His Eminence, will go on the pulpit and invite the people towards him and he would put them under the oath of the Almighty and he would invite them to his own rights. He would observe the manners and behavior of the Messenger of Allah (S) among them and he would perform all his actions. Then the Almighty Allah will send Jibraeel to him, who would reach him near the Hateem and ask: ‘Towards what are you inviting?’ The Qaim will inform him about it.

Then Jibraeel will say: ‘I am the first to pay allegiance to you, give me your hand.’ Thus he would clasp his hand while 300 odd person will be present with the Imam. Then they would all also pay allegiance to His Eminence. He would remain in Mecca till the number of his followers increase to 10000, then he would march to Medina.” 8

In a long traditional report it is narrated from His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) that he said:

“Then he will go and call the people to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (S) and the Wilayat (mastership) of Ali Ibne Abi Talib (as) and towards aloofness from the enemies.” 9

It is narrated from the same Imam that he said:

“When our Qaim rises up he will invite the people to a new faith just as the Messenger of Allah (S) had done so. And Islam began strange and it would return to strangeness. Then blessed be the strange ones.” 10

It is reported from Abu Baseer that he quoted His Eminence, Abu Abdillah Sadiq (as) thus:

“Islam began strange and in the end would return to the same condition. Then blessed be the strange ones.” Abu Baseer asked: May Allah bless you, please explain this to me. He replied:“An inviter from among us will initiate a new call just as the Messenger of Allah (S) had invited.” 11

3. Calamities are warded off from us due to the blessings of the presence of His Eminence

Some quotations related to this matter have already been mentioned in the Letter ‘A’. In addition to this a tradition recorded in Kharaij also supports this. Alaan has narrated from Zareef from Nasr the servant that he said:

“I came to the Master of the Time when he was in the cradle. Then he said to me: Bring red sandalwood for me. I brought it. Then he asked: Do you know who I am? I replied: Yes, you are my master and the son of my master. He said: “I did not ask about it.” I said:“Please explain it to me.” He said:“I am the seal of the legatees and only through me are the calamities warded off from my Shias.” 12

Shaykh Sadooq has also related this tradition in Kamaluddin13 with a slight difference. And in Ghayat al-Maraam it is quoted from Musnad of Ahmad Hanbal through his chain of authorities from Ali (as) that he said:

The Messenger of Allah (S) said:“The stars are the means of security for the inmates of the sky; such that if the stars are destroyed they shall also be destroyed, and my Ahle Bayt are the means of security for the people of the earth. Thus if my Ahle Bayt go away the people of the earth shall also perish.” 14

In the same book a tradition is mentioned on the authority of Hamuwaini, a prominent Sunni scholar from his own chain of narrators that the Messenger of Allah (S) said:

“Stars are the means of security for the folks of the sky and my family is the means of security for the folks of my community.” 15

In Kifayatul Athar through the author’s own chain of narrators it is related from Abu Saeed Khudri that he said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (S) say: My Ahle Bayt are means of security for the people of the earth just as the stars are security for the folks of the heavens. It was asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (S), so the Imams after you will be from your family?’ ‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘There shall be twelve Imams after me, nine of them shall be from the progeny of Husain, they shall be trustworthy and infallible. From us is the Mahdi of this community. Know that, they are my Ahle Bayt and my Progeny, they are my flesh and blood. What will happen to the people who hurt me with regard to them as the Almighty Allah will not allow my intercession to reach them?’” 16

In that same book, His Eminence, Husain bin Ali (as) is reported to have quoted the Messenger of Allah (S) that he said:

“The first thing that the Almighty Allah created was His veil, then He wrote on its hem: There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and Ali is his successor. Then He created the Arsh and on its edges He inscribed: There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and Ali is his successor. Then He created the Tablet (Lauh) and wrote on its perimeter: There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and Ali is his successor. Thus whoever claims to love the Prophet but does not love the successor, is a liar. And whoever thinks that he recognizes the Prophet but does not recognize the successor, has resorted to disbelief. Then he said: Know that, my Ahle Bayt are means of security for you, so love them. Remain attached to my love and theirs so that you may never go astray. It was said: Who are the Ahle Bayt, O Messenger of Allah (S)?”

He replied:“Ali, my two (Sibts) grandsons and nine persons from the descendants of Husain (as) are the righteous, trustworthy and infallible Imams. Know that, they are my Ahle Bayt and my Itrah; they are my flesh and blood.” 17

In Ghayat al-Maraam it is narrated from Jabir Jofi through his chain of reporters that:

I asked His Eminence, Muhammad bin Baqir (as):“What it is that is in need of the Prophet and the Imams?”

He replied: “They are needed for the survival of the universe in a good condition itself. And that Allah, the Mighty and the Sublime keeps away divine wrath from the people if the Prophet or Imam is among them. The Almighty Allah says:

وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنْتَ فِيهِمْ

“But Allah was not going to chastise them while you were among them.” (Qur’an, Surah Anfaal 8:33)

The Holy Prophet (S) has said that they are means of security for the folks of the heavens and my Ahle Bayt are security for the inhabitants of the earth. Thus if the stars die, the folks of the heavens have to face unfavorable circumstances and if my Ahle Bayt go away from among you the inhabitants of the earth will have to suffer calamities.”18

In Ikmaluddin and Amali, it is reported from the compiler’s own chains of narrators from the chief of the worshippers, Imam Sajjad (as) that he said:

“We are the Imams of the Muslims and the Divine Proofs over the worlds; we are the leaders and masters of the believers and the chiefs and guides of the righteous of the world. We are the masters of the people of faith. And we are the security for the inhabitants of the earth just as the stars are means of security for the inmates of the heavens. We are those through whom the Almighty Allah holds the sky aloft so that it does not crash upon the earth except by His permission. And through us He guards the earth so that it does not shake up its inhabitants except by His permission. And through us He sents down the rain and through us He spreads the bounties and brings out the treasures of the earth. And if our proof is not present on the earth it would swallow its inhabitants. Then he said: Since the day the Almighty Allah created Adam, the earth is not devoid of the divine proof, whether apparent and known or hidden and concealed. And it will not be devoid of divine proof till the Day of Judgment, otherwise the Almighty Allah will not be worshipped.”

Sulaiman bin Mehran says:

I asked Imam Sadiq (as):“How do the people derive benefit from the Imam who is hidden?” He replied:“Just as they benefit from the sun that is hidden behind the cloud.” 19

I say: The reason why His Eminence is being compared to the sun shall be discussed under the topic of the benefits of this Holy Personality, Insha Allah Taala.

It is reported from the Chief of the worshippers, Imam Sajjad (as) that he said:

“When the Qaim arises, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime will remove calamities and illnesses from our Shias and He shall make their hearts as solid as iron.” 20

The complete text of this traditional report shall be presented under the letter“Q” , if the Almighty Allah wills.

4. Warding Off The Calamities And Chastisement From The People Through The Blessings Of The Shias Of His Eminence

This is also among the effects and blessings of the presence and perfection of the presence of the Holy Imam (as). Thus in Kamaluddin it is narrated from His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) that he said:

“A time will come upon the people when their Imam shall disappear from their view. Blessed be those who remain firm upon our guardianship during such times. The least divine reward that shall reach them would be that the Almighty Allah shall call them and say: O My servants and maidservants, you brought faith in My secret and believed in My unseen. Then good news to you for My goodness and rewards as you are truly My servants and maidservants. I shall accept your deeds, disregard your faults and forgive your sins. And due to you I shall send rain to My creatures and ward off calamities from them. If you hadn’t been there I would have sent My chastisement upon them.” 21

Notes

1. Al-Ihtijaaj; Vol. 2, Pg. 324

2. Kafi, Vol. 1, Pg. 403

3. Kafi, Vol. 1, Pg. 403

4. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 49, Pg. 98 from Manaqib, Ibne Shahr Aashob, Vol. 4, Pg. 341

5. Al-Basair, Pg. 260

6. Al-Ihtijaaj; Tawqeeaat

7. Kafi, Vol. 1, Pg. 200

8. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 337

9. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 342

10. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 42, Pg. 366

11. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 42, Pg. 366

12. Al-Kharaij; Pg. 67

13. Kamaluddin; Vol. 2, Pg. 205

14. Ghayat al-Maraam Pg. 274

15. Ghayat al-Maraam Pg. 274

16. Kifayatul Athar, 292

17. Kifayatul Athar, 310

18. Ghayat al-Maraam Pg. 257

19. Kamaluddin; Vol. 1, Pg. 207, Amali, Shaykh Sadooq, Pg. 112, The chain of narrators is as follows: Ibne Babawahy from Muhammad bin Ahmad As Sinani bin Mehran Amash from His Eminence Sadiq Ja’far bin Muhammad from his father Muhammad bin Ali from his father Ali bin al-Husain (as). (The Author)

20. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 316

21. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 1, Pg. 330

The Letter Dhaal (Dh)

1. Dhabba (Warding Off) The Enemies From The Believers During The Occultation And Reappearance Of His Eminence

As for the period of occultation of His Eminence, it is achieved through the prayers of His Eminence. And as for the period when the Holy Imam (as) is present, we have already discussed it under the topic of the Jihad and battles of His Eminence, against the enemies. And also by the elimination and destruction of the infidels through his sword and the disgrace of the enemies at his hands will be brought about if Allah wills.

2. Disgrace Of The Enemies At The Hands Of His Eminence After The Reappearance

In Kafi it is narrated from His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) that he said:

“When the Qaim will arise he will present faith to every Nasibi (one who hates the Ahle Bayt). Thus if he accepts it with all sincerity, no problem; but if not, he would strike off his neck. Or he would have to pay the Jizyah just as these days the Dhimmis pay Jizyah. And they will tie the wallet to the waist and chase them from the cities to big cities.” 1

I say: What we have mentioned under the Letter“A” supports this matter.

In Kafi it is narrated from His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) that he said:

“There is a kingdom for the truth and a kingdom for falsehood and each of them are humiliated and disgraced during the rule of other.” 2

In Biharul Anwar it is narrated from His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) that he said regarding the verse:

خَاشِعَةً أَبْصَارُهُمْ تَرْهَقُهُمْ ذِلَّةٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمُ الَّذِي كَانُوا يُوعَدُونَ

“Their eyes cast down; disgrace shall overtake them; that is the day which they were threatened with.” (Qur’an, Surah Maarij 70:44)

“That is: the day of the advent of the Qaim.” 3

In Tafseer of Ali Ibne Ibrahim Qummi it is reported from His Eminence, Abi Abdullah Sadiq (as) that he said regarding the verse:

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنْكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ

“And whoever turns away from My reminder, his shall be a straitened life.” (Qur’an, Surah Taha 20:124)

“This condition, by Allah is for the Nasibis (enemies of Ahle Bayt).” Muawiyah bin Ammar said: May I be sacrificed on you, I have witnessed them leading a long life of prosperity and comfort till their death. His Eminence said:

“By Allah, there is a terrible condition for them during the Raja’t (return to life during the time of reappearance of Imam Mahdi) such that they will eat waste matter.” 4

Notes

1. Rauda Kafi, Vol. 8, Pg. 227

2. Ghaibat Nomani, Pg. 319

3. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 51, Baab Ayaat al-Maula

4. Tafsaeer al-Qummi, Pg. 424

The Letter Ra (R)

1. Rabat (Vigil)

We shall present the suitable discussion under the letter ‘M’ in the topic of“vigil in the way of Allah.”

2. Rahat (Comfort) For The Creatures By The Reappearance And Government Of His Eminence

In Biharul Anwar it is narrated from Ibne Abbas regarding the verse:

لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ

“…that He might cause it to prevail over all religions, though the polytheists may be averse.” (Qur’an, Surah Taubah 9:33)

That he said:

He said,“By Allah, its realization has not come yet.” I asked,“May I be your ransom, when will it be realized?” He said,“When the Qaim rises, God willing. When the Qaim rises, there will be no disbeliever or a polytheist but he will dislike his rise. Even if there will be a disbeliever or a polytheist inside a rock, the rock will call out, ‘O, believer, there is a disbeliever or a polytheist inside me, so kill him.’ So Allah brings the disbeliever to him, and he kills him.” 1

Also in Biharul Anwar, Amirul Momineen (as) has described the qualities of His Eminence, as follows:

“During his government the beasts shall make peace and the earth shall throw up its treasures and sky shall rain down its blessings.” 2

In the same book it is narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) that he said:

“The Mahdi is a man from my progeny. His color is an Arabic color and his body is an Israelite body. There is a mole on his right cheek, like a glittering star. He will fill the earth with equity and justice as it will be full of oppression. The dwellers of the heavens and the earth and birds of the sky will be happy in his rule.” 3

In another tradition it is narrated from His Eminence that he said:

“The Mahdi will rise while there will be a cloud over his head from which a caller will be calling. This is the Mahdi, the Vicegerent of Allah; follow him.” 4

In the same book it is quoted from Saad as-Saud from the scroll of Prophet Idrees (as) that:

“…and in that time I shall bestow security to the world. Thus nothing will receive harm from anything. And no living thing shall fear any other creature. At that time the quadrupeds shall be among the humans and they shall not harm each other. I shall take away the sting of every stinging creature and make their venom ineffective. And I will send the blessings from the heavens and the earth and the earth will become green with its vegetation and all types of fruits will grow and put forth different kinds of perfumes and I will put mercy and love among the people.” 5

It is narrated from Amirul Momineen Ali (as) that he said:

“When our Qaim reappears, the sky will send down rain and the earth will expose its treasures. Malice and hatred shall disappear from the hearts of the people; beasts and animals will live in amity. So much so that a lady will travel to Iraq and Syria walking only on greenery and grass and wearing her ornaments and no beast will frighten her.”

Traditions supporting the above have already been quoted under the letter ‘A’.

Notes

1. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 51, Pg. 61

2. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 280

3. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 51, Pg. 80

4. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 51, Pg. 81

5. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 384

The Letter Za (Z)

1. Zahmat (Struggle) Of His Eminence On The Path Of Faith

This point is the same that we discussed under the topic of the Jihad and battle of His Eminence with the enemies and disbelievers. Other traditions that support this matter will be presented under the topic of patience of His Eminence, the elimination of infidels and other topics, if Allah the Almighty wills.

2. Zuhd (Piety) Of His Eminence

In Kafi it is related through the author’s own chain of narrators from Hammad bin Uthman that he said:

I was in the illuminated assembly of His Eminence, Abu Abdillah Sadiq (as) when a person said to His Eminence:

“May Allah bless you, as you know, Ali Ibne Abi Talib (as) used to wear coarse woolen clothes and use very cheap garments etc…while you have put on a new dress.” The Imam said:“Ali Ibne Abi Talib (as) wore such clothes at that time so that it may not seem extravagant and hence people would have rejected it. But if such clothes are worn today it would seem odd. Thus the best garments of every age are those that are the garments of that time except that when our (Ahle Bayt’s) Qaim arises he will take to wearing the dress of Ali (as) and he shall display his manners and behavior.” 1

I say: Probably Amirul Momineen Ali (as) meant the same thing in his statement to Abu Abdullah Jadali when he said:“Shall I not inform you about the nose and eye of Mahdi?” He replied:“Please do.” Then His Eminence thumped his breast and said:“I am, because the nose implies the leader or the master of the affair and eye signifies something/someone who is similar to it.” Thus His Eminence is the nose of Mahdi, that is his leader in his actions and his eyes is his own supposition in piety, worship, manners, valor and all the good qualities and excellences of His Eminence. And this usage is common and well-known in idiom and general conversation. For example when something is having most of its qualities same as another thing it is said that it is the ‘Ain’ of it. And as for the usage of the word ‘nose’ in Arabic language to denote chief or predecessor we can present the example of the following line of Arabic poetry:

A nation that is the ‘nose’ and others are its followers.

And Allah knows best.

In the same book it is narrated from Mualla bin Khunais that he said:

“One day I mentioned to His Eminence, Abu Abdullah Sadiq (as): I recalled the progeny of so and so (that is Bani Abbas) and the bounties they possessed and said to myself: If the kingdom had reached you, we would also have shared in your wealth and had a prosperous life. The Imam said: Alas, O Mualla, by Allah, if we had the reins of the government in our hands, we would have prayed during the nights and in the day cared for the welfare of the people. We would have worn coarse clothes, ate low quality food. Except regarding this have you seen that Allah, the Mighty and the High has made the usurpation of rights a bounty?” 2

In Biharul Anwar it is quoted from Shaykh Tusi through his own chains of narrators from Abu Baseer that His Eminence, Abu Abdillah Sadiq (as) said:

“Why are you impatient for the advent of Qaim (aj)? By Allah, there will be no garments except the coarse ones and no food except barley with bran. His advent is not except with the sword and death under the shade of the sword.” 3

In the same book it is narrated from His Eminence, Reza (as) that he said:

“Today you are more comfortable than you would be at that time.” The narrator asked:“How?” The Imam replied:“If the Qaim rises there would be nothing except blood, sweat and toil. People mounted on horses will rush in all directions. The dress of the Qaim will be coarse and his food shall be hard.” 4

3. Ziarat Of His Eminence At The Tomb Of Abi Abdullah Al-Husain And Other Infallibles (as)

That which proves this point is the matter quoted in Biharul Anwar under the account of Green Island:

Sayyid Shamsuddin said in reply to the narrator who had asked: Does the Imam (aj) performs the Hajj?

He said:“The world is a step for the believer, what can be said about the one that except for whose existence and that of his forefathers this world has not been created? Yes, he performs the Hajj every year and he visits his forefathers in Medina, Iraq and Tus.” 5

As for praying for those who visit the graves of the Masoomeen (as) it is obviously expected from all those who have faith in the religion of Islam. The tradition of Muawiyah bin Wahab from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (as) also supports this point. It was that the Holy Imam (as) recited a long supplication for the pilgrims of the tomb of Husain (as) and he begged the Almighty Allah to bestow them a great reward. He also beseeched the Almighty to make them righteous. Then he remarked:

“O Muawiyah, those who pray in the heavens for the pilgrim of Imam Husain (as) are more than those who pray for them on the earth.” 6

The full text of the above tradition shall be presented in Part Eight, if Allah wills.

Notes

1. Kafi, Vol. 1, Pg. 411

2. Kafi, Vol. 1, Pg. 410

3. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 354

4. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 358

5. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 173

6. Kamil az-Ziyarat, Pg. 116

The Letter Seen (S)

1. Sirah (Behavior) And Manners Of His Eminence

His manners have become clear from what we have mentioned in the topic of the piety of His Eminence. In addition to this is the tradition of His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) when he described Imam Qaim (aj):

“When he reappears he shall observe the behavior and manners of the Prophet (S).” 1

In the topic about the call of His Eminence towards truth we have already mentioned points that prove the above matter.

In the same way Biharul Anwar has quoted Shaykh Nomani through his own series of reporters from Abdullah bin Ata that he said:

I asked His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as): When Qaim (aj) reappears how would he behave among the people? He replied:“He would raze the foundations preceding him just as the Messenger of Allah (S) had done and he would initiate Islam anew.” 2

In the book, Basairud Darajaat it is narrated through the author’s own chains of narrators from Abdul Malik bin Ayyin that he said:

His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) showed some writings of Ali (as) to us and then he asked:“For what are these books written?”

I said:“How clear and obvious is the meaning.”

He said:“Mention it.”

I said:“Since he knew that one day your Qaim will arise, thus he preferred to undertake this job.”

The Imam said:“You are right.” 3

2. Sakhaawat (Charity) Of His Eminence

From that which has been mentioned in the topic of the good manners of His Eminence and that which shall come in the ‘calls’ explains the matter. And also in Biharul Anwar quoting from Shaykh Nomani from His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as) it is mentioned:

“As if I could see that this religion of yours is in its terminal stage and no one is able to restore it to you except a man from Ahle Bayt who will pray for your forgiveness twice every year and give you two salaries (incomes) every month. In his time, wisdom would be bestowed upon you in such a measure that ladies sitting at home will dispense justice on the basis of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (S).” 4

In another tradition it is narrated from His Eminence:

“All the apparent and hidden wealth of the world will be brought together for him and the people would be told: Come and take this, for which you had broken off relations and shed innocent blood and for obtaining which you had committed unlawful acts.

Then His Eminence would give them so much as none before that has done.” 5

A tradition of the Holy Prophet (S) has been recorded through Sunni channels that he said:

“A person will come to the Mahdi and say: Give me. The skirt of this man will be filled with so much money that he would not be able to lift it.” 6

In another tradition from their channels it is mentioned that:

“Such wealth will be accumulated at that time that when a person will come and say: O Mahdi, give me. The Mahdi will say: Take it.” 7

In Ghayat al-Maraam it is narrated through their channels that the Messenger of Allah (S) is quoted by Abu Saeed Khudri to have said:

“Monies and wealth will be piled up at that time. Whoever will come and request him for funds will be given as much as he could carry.” 8

In another hadith from Abu Huraira it is mentioned that:

The Messenger of Allah (S) said:“In the last period of time there shall be a caliph who would distribute incalculable wealth.” 9

I say: Matters pertaining to this subject shall be discussed in the topic of the munificence of His Eminence, if Allah the High wills. And how nicely it is said:

“Good morals in your hands have achieved a status, thus all your wealth is lawful for the people, and if one day generosity locks up and closes its door, then you are the key to those locks.”

Someone else says:

He is the sea that bestows from all its sides. And its waves are goodness and well-being for the shores.

His hands are in the habit of giving, even if he were to keep the fist closed, his fingers will not obey him.

If indeed there is nothing in his hand except his soul, he will give that also, so the one who is asking should fear Allah.

The writer of this book, may Allah forgive him, has composed the following couplets on the same lines:

Indeed the one who created the perfect morals

In the being of Adam for the Imam-e-Qaim.

Notes

1. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 347

2. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 354; Ghaibat Nomani, Pg. 121

3. Basairud Darajaat, Pg. 162

4. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 352, Ghaibat Nomani, Pg. 125

5. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 52, Pg. 390

6. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 51, Pg. 88

7. Biharul Anwar; Vol. 51, Pg. 88

8. Ghayat al-Maraam Pg. 698

9. Ghayat al-Maraam Pg. 698