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وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِنَّ حُبَّنَا أَهْلَ الْبَیْتِ لَیَحُطُّ الذُّنُوبَ عَنِ الْعِبَادِ کَمَا یَحُطُّ الرِّیحُ الشَّدِیدَهُ الْوَرَقَ عَنِ الشَّجَرِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The sins of the lovers of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) are destroyed in the same way as dry leaves of a tree fall off due to wind.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع مَا قَضَی مُسْلِمٌ لِمُسْلِمٍ حَاجَهً إِلَّا نَادَاهُ اللَّهُ عَلَیَّ ثَوَابُکَ وَ لَا أَرْضَی لَکَ بِدُونِ الْجَنَّهِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said, “One who fulfils a desire of a Muslim brother, Allah calls out to the former, ‘Your reward is with Me and I won’t be satisfied unless I send you to Paradise.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ عَنْ بَکْرِ بْنِ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ عَمَّارٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا یَقْدِرُ أَحَدٌ قَدْرَهُ فَکَمَا لَا یَقْدِرُ أَحَدٌ قَدْرَهُ کَذَلِکَ لَا یَقْدِرُ أَحَدٌ قَدْرَ نَبِیِّهِ ص فَکَذَلِکَ لَا یَقْدِرُ أَحَدٌ قَدْرَ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّهُ لَیَلْقَی أَخَاهُ فَیُصَافِحُهُ فَیَنْظُرُ اللَّهُ إِلَیْهِمَا وَ الذُّنُوبُ تَحَاتُّ عَنْ وُجُوهِهِمَا حَتَّی یَتَفَرَّقَا کَمَا تَحُطُّ الرِّیحُ الشَّدِیدَهُ الْوَرَقَ عَنِ الشَّجَرِ.

1. And from the previous chain from Bakr b. Ishaq b. Ammar from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “One who is not aware of the status of Allah is not aware of the status of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) also. And one who is not aware of the status of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is not aware of the status of a believer also. If someone sees a believing brother and shakes hands with him, sins are wiped off from their faces like dry leaves fall off a tree due to wind, till they (the believers) separate from one another.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع مَنْ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَیْهِ بِنِعْمَهٍ فَعَرَفَهَا بِقَلْبِهِ وَ جَهَرَ بِحَمْدِ اللَّهِ عَلَیْهَا فَفَرَغَ مِنْهَا حَتَّی یُؤْمَرَ لَهُ بِالْمَزِیدِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said, “O Abu Ishaq! When Allah grants a bounty to His servant and he recognizes it with his heart and he praises and glorifies Allah openly, Allah will grant him a better bounty as soon as this bounty gets finished.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الْعَطَّارُ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارِ عَنِ الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ مَعْرُوفٍ عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِی نَجْرَانَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِی الْقَاسِمِ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ الْمُغِیرَهِ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ سَمِعْتُهُ یَقُولُ إِذَا بَلَغَ الْمَرْءُ أَرْبَعِینَ سَنَهً آمَنَهُ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْأَدْوَاءِ الثَّلَاثَهِ الْجُنُونِ وَ الْجُذَامِ وَ الْبَرَصِ فَإِذَا بَلَغَ الْخَمْسِینَ خَفَّفَ اللَّهُ حِسَابَهُ فَإِذَا بَلَغَ السِّتِّینَ رَزَقَهُ اللَّهُ الْإِنَابَهَ إِلَیْهِ فَإِذَا بَلَغَ السَّبْعِینَ أَحَبَّهُ أَهْلُ السَّمَاءِ فَإِذَا بَلَغَ الثَّمَانِینَ أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِإِثْبَاتِ حَسَنَاتِهِ وَ إِلْقَاءِ سَیِّئَاتِهِ فَإِذَا بَلَغَ التِّسْعِینَ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ وَ مَا تَأَخَّرَ وَ کُتِبَ أَسِیرَ اللَّهِ فِی أَرْضِهِ.

1. It is narrated that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said, “When a person reaches the age of forty, Allah keeps him safe from three diseases like insanity, leprosy and white spots. When he reaches the age of fifty, Allah curtails his accounting. When he reaches the age of sixty, Allah makes him return to Himself. When he reaches the age of seventy, the people of heavens start loving him. When he reaches the age of eighty, Allah orders that his good deeds be written down and sins not be written. When he reaches the age of ninety, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime forgives his past and present sins and writes him as a prisoner of Allah on His earth.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ سَلَمَهَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْخَالِقِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ طَلْحَهَ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لَیُکْرِمُ أَبْنَاءَ التِّسْعِینَ وَ یَسْتَحِی مِنْ أَبْنَاءِ الثَّمَانِینَ.

2. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to us by Sa’d b. Abdillah from Salamah b. al-Khattab from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Abdulrahman from Ismail b. Abd al-Khaliq from Muhammad b. Talha from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “Surely Allah honors a person aged seventy and grants modesty to a person aged seventy.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ عَنْ سَلَمَهَ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْمُؤَدِّبِ عَنْ عَاصِمِ بْنِ حُمَیْدٍ عَنْ خَالِدٍ الْقَلَانِسِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ یَسْتَحِی مِنْ أَبْنَاءِ الثَّمَانِینَ أَنْ یُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَ قَالَ ع یُؤْتَی بِشَیْخٍ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَهِ فَیُدْفَعُ إِلَیْهِ کِتَابُهُ ظَاهِرُهُ فِیمَا یَلِی النَّاسَ لَا یَرَی إِلَّا مَسَاوِیَ فَیَطُولُ ذَلِکَ عَلَیْهِ فَیَقُولُ یَا رَبِّ أَ تُعِیدُنِی إِلَی النَّارِ فَیَقُولُ الْجَبَّارُ جَلَّ جَلَالُهُ یَا شَیْخُ إِنِّی أَسْتَحِی أَنْ أُعَذِّبَکَ وَ قَدْ کُنْتَ تُصَلِّی لِی فِی دَارِ الدُّنْیَا اذْهَبُوا بِعَبْدِی إِلَی الْجَنَّهِ.

3. And from the previous chain from Salamah from Ali b. al-Hassan from Ahmad b. Muhammad Mu’addab from ’Asim b. Hameed from Khalid al-Qalanisi from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “Allah feels ashamed to punish a person aged eighty. An elderly person will be brought on the Day of Judgment and his scroll of deeds will be handed over to him. People will see nothing in it except unpleasant things. He will say, ‘O Lord! Will you throw me also into Hell?’ Allah will reply, ‘O elderly! You used to offer Salaat in the world for. I feel ashamed to throw you in Hell’, and he will be ordered to be taken to Paradise.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَلَمَهُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ حَسَّانَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ حَمَّادٍ عَنْ أُمَیَّهَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ یَرْفَعُهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَنْ عَرَفَ فَضْلَ شَیْخٍ کَبِیرٍ فَوَقَّرَهُ لِسِنِّهِ آمَنَهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَزَعِ یَوْمِ الْقِیَامَهِ وَ قَالَ مِنْ تَعْظِیمِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِجْلَالُ ذِی الشَّیْبَهِ الْمُؤْمِنِ.

1. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One who knows the excellence of an elderly person and honors him, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime will grant him salvation from fear on the Day of Judgment.” And he said, “Respecting an elderly believer is a way of showing respect to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْبَرْقِیِّ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ وَهْبِ بْنِ وَهْبٍ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص إِنَّ جَبْرَئِیلَ ع أَخْبَرَنِی بِأَمْرٍ فَقَرَّتْ بِهِ عَیْنِی وَ فَرِحَ بِهِ قَلْبِی قَالَ یَا مُحَمَّدُ مَنْ غَزَا غَزْوَهً فِی سَبِیلِ اللَّهِ مِنْ أُمَّتِکَ فَمَا أَصَابَتْهُ قَطْرَهٌ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ أَوْ صُدَاعٌ إِلَّا کَانَ لَهُ شَهَادَهٌ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَهِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his predecessors that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said that Jibraeel (a.s.) told him, “O Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)! One who from your Ummah participates in a battle in the way of Allah, each and every drop of rain falling from the sky will bear witness on the Day of Judgment to the trouble he had to take.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص لِلْجَنَّهِ بَابٌ یُقَالُ لَهُ بَابُ الْمُجَاهِدِینَ یَمْضُونَ إِلَیْهِ فَإِذَا هُوَ مَفْتُوحٌ وَ الْمُجَاهِدُونَ مُتَقَلِّدُونَ سُیُوفَهُمْ وَ الْجَمْعُ فِی الْمَوْقِفِ وَ الْمَلَائِکَهُ تَتَرَحَّبُ بِهِمْ فَمَنْ تَرَکَ الْجِهَادَ أَلْبَسَهُ اللَّهُ ذُلًّا- وَ فَقْراً فِی مَعِیشَتِهِ وَ مَحْقاً فِی دِینِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَکَ وَ تَعَالَی أَعَزَّ أُمَّتِی بِسَنَابِکِ خَیْلِهَا وَ مَرَاکِزِ رِمَاحِهَا.

2. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One of the doors of Paradise is called ‘the door of soldiers’. All the people will have to wait while the soldiers will enter through this door with swords hanging from their necks. Angels will be congratulating them. Those who keep away from Jihad in the world, Allah will give them disgrace and poverty in this world and make them wear the dress of destruction in the hereafter. Surely the Almighty Allah has kept the greatness of my Ummah in the hooves of horses and points of the lances.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَنْ بَلَّغَ رِسَالَهَ غَازٍ کَمَنْ أَعْتَقَ رَقَبَهً وَ هُوَ شَرِیکُهُ فِی بَابِ غَزْوَتِهِ.

3. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One who takes a letter of a warrior to its destination, will be like one who has freed a slave and will get the reward of participating in that Jihad.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنِ الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ مَعْرُوفٍ عَنْ أَبِی هَمَّامٍ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ غَزْوَانَ عَنِ السَّکُونِیِّ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص خُیُولُ الْغُزَاهِ هِیَ خُیُولُهُمْ فِی الْجَنَّهِ.

4. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his father that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The horses of warriors are from Paradise.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِیٍّ مَاجِیلَوَیْهِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی الْعَطَّارُ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ إِسْمَاعِیلَ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ الْحَکَمِ عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ أَبَانٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص الْخَیْرُ کُلُّهُ فِی السَّیْفِ وَ تَحْتَ ظِلِّ السَّیْفِ وَ لَا یُقِیمُ النَّاسَ إِلَّا السَّیْفُ وَ السُّیُوفُ مَقَالِیدُ الْجَنَّهِ وَ النَّارِ.

5. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his predecessors that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “All the good lies in the sword and its shade. Nothing except sword can improve people. Sword is the key of Paradise and Hell.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنِ الْقَاسِمِ بْنِ یَحْیَی عَنْ جَدِّهِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ رَاشِدٍ عَنْ یَعْقُوبَ بْنِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْجَعْفَرِیِّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ مُوسَی بْنَ جَعْفَرٍ ع یَقُولُ مَنِ ارْتَبَطَ فَرَساً عَتِیقاً مُحِیَتْ عَنْهُ ثَلَاثُ سَیِّئَاتٍ فِی کُلِّ یَوْمٍ وَ کُتِبَتْ لَهُ إِحْدَی وَ عِشْرُونَ حَسَنَهً وَ مَنِ ارْتَبَطَ هَجِیناً مُحِیَتْ عَنْهُ فِی کُلِّ یَوْمٍ سَیِّئَتَانِ وَ کُتِبَتْ لَهُ سَبْعُ حَسَنَاتٍ وَ مَنِ ارْتَبَطَ بِرْذَوْناً یُرِیدُ بِهِ جَمَالًا وَ قَضَاءَ حَوَائِجَ وَ دَفْعَ عَدُوٍّ عَنْهُ مُحِیَتْ عَنْهُ فِی کُلِّ یَوْمٍ سَیِّئَهٌ وَ کُتِبَتْ لَهُ سِتُّ حَسَنَاتٍ.

1. It is narrated that Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) said, “One who looks after an ‘Ateeq horse’ his three sins will be forgiven daily. He will be given twenty one rewards. One who looks after a ‘Hajin horse’ his two sins will be wiped off daily and he will be given seven rewards. One who keeps a Birzaun horse for his use and for protection against enemy, a sin will be wiped off daily for him and he will be granted six rewards.

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِیُّ بْنُ الْحُسَیْنِ السَّعْدَآبَادِیُّ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْبَرْقِیِّ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ الْحَکَمِ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ أَبَانٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص الْخَیْرُ مَعْقُودٌ بِنَوَاصِی الْخَیْلِ إِلَی یَوْمِ الْقِیَامَهِ.

2. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The reward till the Day of Judgment is tied to the forehead of a horse.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِیٍّ مَاجِیلَوَیْهِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی عَمِّی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِی الْقَاسِمِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْبَرْقِیِّ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِی عُمَیْرٍ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ رِئَابٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: إِذَا اشْتَرَیْتَ دَابَّهً فَإِنَّ مَنْفَعَتَهَا لَکَ وَ رِزْقَهَا عَلَی اللَّهِ.

3. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Ali Majluwayh who said it was narrated to me by my uncle Muhammad b. Abi al-Qasim from Ahmad b. Abi Abdillah al-Barqi from his father from Ibn Abi ’Umayr from Ali b. Riyab from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “If you buy a domestic animal you will benefit from it and its sustenance is with Allah.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَی بْنِ الْمُتَوَکِّلِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِیُّ بْنُ الْحُسَیْنِ السَّعْدَآبَادِیُّ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ بَکْرِ بْنِ صَالِحٍ عَنْ سُلَیْمَانَ بْنِ الْجَعْفَرِیِّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ الْکَاظِمَ ع یَقُولُ مَنِ ارْتَبَطَ فَرَساً أَشْقَرَ أَغَرَّ وَ أَقْرَحَ فَإِنْ کَانَ أَغَرَّ سَائِلَ الْغُرَّهِ بِهِ وَضَحٌ فِی قَوَائِمِهِ فَهُوَ أَحَبُّ إِلَیَّ لَمْ یَدْخُلْ بَیْتَهُ فَقْرٌ مَا دَامَ ذَلِکَ الْفَرَسُ فِیهِ وَ مَا دَامَ أَیْضاً فِی مِلْکِهِ لَا یَدْخُلُ بَیْتَهُ حَنَقٌ قَالَ وَ سَمِعْتُهُ یَقُولُ مَنِ ارْتَبَطَ فَرَساً لِیُرْهِبَ بِهِ عَدُوّاً أَوْ یَسْتَعِینَ بِهِ عَلَی جَمَالِهِ لَمْ یَزَلْ مُعَاناً عَلَیْهِ أَبَداً مَا دَامَ فِی مِلْکِهِ وَ لَا یَدْخُلُ بَیْتَهُ خَصَاصَهٌ.

4. It is narrated that Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) said, “One who domesticates a horse having white forehead or a part white for the sake of Allah, his house will not have poverty as long as the horse is present in it. He will not face any difficulty as long as this horse is with him.” It is also narrated that Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) said, “One who keeps a horse to scare or destroy an enemy, gets help as long as the horse is with him and his house will not have poverty.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ عَنْ سُلَیْمَانَ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْجَعْفَرِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ الْبَاقِرِ ع قَالَ: مَنْ خَرَجَ مِنْ مَنْزِلِهِ أَوْ مَنْزِلِ غَیْرِهِ فَلَقِیَ فَرَساً أَشْقَرَ بِهِ وَضَحٌ أَوْ کَانَتْ لَهُ غُرَّهٌ سَائِلٌ فَهُوَ الْعَیْشُ کُلُّ الْعَیْشِ لَمْ یَلْقَ فِی ذَلِکَ الْیَوْمِ إِلَّا سُرُوراً وَ إِنْ تَوَجَّهَ فِی حَاجَهٍ فَلَقِیَ الْفَرَسَ قَضَی اللَّهُ حَاجَتَهُ.

5. And from the previous chain from Sulayman b. Ja’far al-Ja’fari from Abi Ja’far al-Baqir (a.s.) who said: “One who sees a horse having a part of its body white while coming out of his or someone’s house, he will have lots of happiness on that day. If he is going for some work and sees such a horse on his way, Allah will accomplish that task and fulfill his desire.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مُوسَی الْیَقْطِینِیِّ عَنِ الدِّهْقَانِ عَنْ دُرُسْتَ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْحَمِیدِ عَنْ أَبِی الْحَسَنِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص إِذَا رَکِبَ الرَّجُلُ الدَّابَّهَ فَسَمَّی رَدِفَهُ مَلَکٌ یَحْفَظُهُ حَتَّی یَنْزِلَ فَإِنْ رَکِبَ وَ لَمْ یُسَمِّ رَدِفَهُ شَیْطَانٌ فَیَقُولُ لَهُ تَغَنَّ فَإِنْ قَالَ لَا أُحْسِنُ قَالَ لَهُ تَمَنَّ فَلَا یَزَالُ یَتَمَنَّی حَتَّی یَنْزِلَ وَ قَالَ مَنْ قَالَ إِذَا رَکِبَ الدَّابَّهَ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ وَ لَا حَوْلَ وَ لَا قُوَّهَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ- الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِی هَدانا لِهذا وَ سُبْحانَ الَّذِی سَخَّرَ لَنا هذا وَ ما کُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِینَ إِلَّا حُفِظَتْ لَهُ نَفْسُهُ وَ دَابَّتُهُ حَتَّی یَنْزِلَ.

1. Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One who says Bismillaah before mounting an animal, an angel sits behind that person and protects him till he gets down from that animal. However if he does not say Bismillaah, the Satan sits behind him and asks him to sing. If he says that he does know how to sing he asks him to make a wish. Now the person continuously goes on wishing for something or the other till he gets down. One who recites: Bismillaahi wa laa h’aula wa laa quwwata illaa billaahil h’amdu lillaahilladhee hadaanaa lihaadhaa wa sub- h’aanalladhee sakhkhara lanaa haadhaa wa maa kunnaa lahu muqrineen, he and his mount reach the destination safely.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارِ عَنْ یَعْقُوبَ بْنِ یَزِیدَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ آدَمَ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَا مِنْ دَابَّهٍ عُرِّفَ بِهَا خَمْسَ وَقَفَاتٍ إِلَّا کَانَتْ مِنْ نَعَمِ الْجَنَّهِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “If an animal travels for Hajj five times, it is like a camel of Paradise.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِدْرِیسَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنِ الْهَیْثَمِ بْنِ أَبِی مَسْرُوقٍ عَنْ شَیْخٍ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا یُکَنَّی بِأَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ رَجُلٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص الْحُمَّی رَائِدُ الْمَوْتِ وَ سِجْنُ اللَّهِ فِی أَرْضِهِ وَ فَوْرُهَا وَ حَرُّهَا مِنْ جَهَنَّمَ وَ هِیَ حَظُّ کُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ مِنَ النَّارِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Fever is a spy of death and a prison of Allah on earth. High fever is from Hell and a part of fire for the believer.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارِ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْقَاشَانِیِّ عَنِ الْقَاسِمِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ سُلَیْمَانَ بْنِ دَاوُدَ عَنْ سُفْیَانَ بْنِ عُیَیْنَهَ عَنِ الزُّهْرِیِّ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ الْحُسَیْنِ ع قَالَ: نِعْمَ الْوَجَعُ الْحُمَّی تُعْطِی کُلَّ عُضْوٍ قِسْطَهُ مِنَ الْبَلَاءِ وَ لَا خَیْرَ فِیمَنْ لَا یُبْتَلَی.

2. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan from Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from Ali b. Muhammad al-Qashani from al-Qasim b. Muhammad from Sulayman b. Dawud from Sufyan b. U’yaynah from al-Zuhri from Ali b. al-Hussain (a.s.) who said: “Fever is a good disease. It gives a part of suffering to each and every part of body. Not getting involved in it has no good.”

حَدَّثَنِی الْحُسَیْنُ بْنُ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی یُوسُفُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بِإِسْنَادٍ لَهُ قَالَ: إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ إِذَا حُمَّ حُمَّی وَاحِدَهً تَنَاثَرَتِ الذُّنُوبُ مِنْهُ کَوَرَقِ الشَّجَرِ فَإِنْ أَنَّ عَلَی فِرَاشِهِ فَأَنِینُهُ تَسْبِیحٌ وَ صِیَاحُهُ تَهْلِیلٌ وَ تَقَلُّبُهُ عَلَی فِرَاشِهِ کَمَنْ یَضْرِبُ بِسَیْفِهِ فِی سَبِیلِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ أَقْبَلَ یَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ بَیْنَ إِخْوَانِهِ وَ أَصْحَابِهِ کَانَ مَغْفُوراً لَهُ فَطُوبَی لَهُ إِنْ تَابَ وَ وَیْلٌ لَهُ إِنْ عَادَ وَ الْعَافِیَهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَیْنَا.

3. It was narrated to me by al-Hussain b. Ahmad from his father from Muhammad b. Ahmad who said it was narrated to me by Yusif b. Ismail through his chain to him who said: “If a believer has fever once, his sins are destroyed like dry leaves fall off in the wind. His cries on his bed are like Tasbih and moans like praising Allah. His turning left and right is like fighting with sword in the way of Allah. If he worships Allah along with his brothers and friends, he will be forgiven. If he repents, he is indeed fortunate and if he breaks repentance, he is ill-fated. Any way, we prefer his well being and salvation.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنِ الْقَاسِمِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ سُلَیْمَانَ بْنِ دَاوُدَ عَنْ سُفْیَانَ بْنِ عُیَیْنَهَ عَنِ الزُّهْرِیِّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَلِیَّ بْنَ الْحُسَیْنِ زَیْنَ الْعَابِدِینَ ع یَقُولُ حُمَّی لَیْلَهٍ کَفَّارَهُ سَنَهٍ وَ ذَلِکَ أَنَّ أَلَمَهَا یَبْقَی فِی الْجَسَدِ سَنَهً.

1. It is narrated that Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) said, “Having fever for a night compensates for sins of a year because its pain remains in the body for a year.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ الْحِمْیَرِیُّ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ أَبِی الْخَطَّابِ عَنِ الْحَکَمِ بْنِ مِسْکِینٍ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مَرْوَانَ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: حُمَّی لَیْلَهٍ کَفَّارَهٌ لِمَا قَبْلَهَا وَ لِمَا بَعْدَهَا.

2. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to us by Abdillah b. Ja’far al-Himyari from Muhammad b. al-Hassan b. Abi al-Khattab from al-Hakam b. Miskeen from Muhammad b. Marwan from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “Having fever for a night compensates for past and future sins.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارِ عَنِ الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ مَعْرُوفٍ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِیِّ بْنِ فَضَّالٍ عَنْ ظَرِیفِ بْنِ نَاصِحٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ سَمِعْتُهُ یَقُولُ مَنِ اشْتَکَی لَیْلَهً فَقَبِلَهَا بِقَبُولِهَا وَ أَدَّی إِلَی اللَّهِ شُکْرَهَا کَانَتْ لَهُ کَفَّارَهُ سِتِّینَ سَنَهً قَالَ قُلْتُ وَ مَا مَعْنَی قَبِلَهَا بِقَبُولِهَا قَالَ صَبَرَ عَلَی مَا کَانَ فِیهَا.

1. It is narrated that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said, “One who thanks Allah after bearing illness for a night, is compensated for his sins of sixty years.” The narrator asked the meaning of bearing. Imam (a.s.) replied, “Remaining patient during illness.”

حَدَّثَنِی أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ إِسْحَاقَ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنِ الرِّضَا ع قَالَ: الْمَرَضُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ تَطْهِیرٌ وَ رَحْمَهٌ وَ لِلْکَافِرِ تَعْذِیبٌ وَ لَعْنَهٌ وَ إِنَّ الْمَرَضَ لَا یَزَالُ بِالْمُؤْمِنِ حَتَّی لَا یَکُونَ عَلَیْهِ ذَنْبٌ.

1. It was narrated to me by Ahmad b. Muhammad from his father from Muhammad b. Ahmad from Ibrahim b. Ishaq from Abdillah b. Ahmad from Muhammad b. Sinan from al-Ridha (a.s.) who said: “Illness purifies a believer. It is a mercy for him and a chain and curse for an infidel. A believer remains ill till the time his sins are forgiven.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِدْرِیسَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْأَصْبَغِ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بْنِ مِهْرَانَ عَنْ سَعْدَانَ بْنِ مُسْلِمٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: صُدَاعُ لَیْلَهٍ تَحُطُّ کُلَّ خَطِیئَهٍ إِلَّا الْکَبَائِرَ.

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Ahmad b. Idris from Muhammad b. Ahmad from Muhammad b. al-Asbagh from Ismail b. Mihran from Sa’dan b. Muslim from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “Having headache for a night wipes all but greater sins of a person.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ زِیَادٍ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ بَشَّارٍ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دُرُسْتَ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْحَمِیدِ عَنْ أَبِی إِبْرَاهِیمَ مُوسَی بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص لِلْمَرِیضِ أَرْبَعُ خِصَالٍ یُرْفَعُ عَنْهُ الْقَلَمُ وَ یَأْمُرُ اللَّهُ الْمَلَکَ یَکْتُبُ لَهُ فَضْلًا کَانَ یَعْمَلُهُ فِی صِحَّتِهِ وَ یَتَّبَّعُ مَرَضُهُ کُلَّ عُضْوٍ فِی جَسَدِهِ فَیَسْتَخْرِجُ ذُنُوبَهُ مِنْهُ فَإِنْ مَاتَ مَاتَ مَغْفُوراً لَهُ وَ إِنْ عَاشَ عَاشَ مَغْفُوراً لَهُ.

1. Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “There are four rewards for a sick - the pen of difficulty is taken off from him, Allah orders angels to write those deeds of a sick again, which he used to perform in good health, illness goes into the parts of his body and takes out all the sins, if he passes away from this world, he will be forgiven and if he remains alive, then too he will be forgiven.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِدْرِیسَ وَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی الْعَطَّارُ جَمِیعاً عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ حَسَّانَ عَنِ الْحُسَیْنِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ النَّوْفَلِیِّ مِنْ وُلْدِ نَوْفَلِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِی جَعْفَرُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِیٍّ عَنْ عِیسَی بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْقَصْرِیِّ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ عَنْ أَمِیرِ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ ع فِی الْمَرَضِ یُصِیبُ لِلصَّبِیِّ قَالَ کَفَّارَهٌ لِوَالِدَیْهِ.

1. Amirul Momineen (a.s.) said, “The illness of a child is compensation of the sins of parents.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِیسَی عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنْ أَبِی الْجَارُودِ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ: کَانَ فِیمَا نَاجَی اللَّهُ بِهِ مُوسَی ع رَبَّهُ أَنْ قَالَ یَا رَبِّ أَعْلِمْنِی مِمَّا بَلَغَ مِنْ عِیَادَهِ الْمَرِیضِ مِنَ الْأَجْرِ قَالَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ أُوَکِّلُ بِهِ مَلَکاً یَعُودُهُ فِی قَبْرِهِ إِلَی مَحْشَرِهِ قَالَ یَا رَبِّ فَمَا لِمَنْ غَسَّلَ الْمَوْتَی قَالَ أَغْسِلُهُ مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ کَمَا وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ قَالَ یَا رَبِّ فَمَا لِمَنْ شَیَّعَ الْجِنَازَهَ قَالَ أُوَکِّلُ بِهِ مَلَائِکَهً مِنْ مَلَائِکَتِی مَعَهُمْ رَایَاتٌ یُشَیِّعُونَهُمْ مِنْ قُبُورِهِمْ إِلَی مَحْشَرِهِمْ قَالَ یَا رَبِّ فَمَا لِمَنْ عَزَّی الثَّکْلَی قَالَ أُظِلُّهُ فِی ظِلِّی یَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلِّی.

1. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan who said it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa from Muhammad b. Sinan from Abi al-Jarud from Abi Ja’far (a.s.) who said: Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) narrates that Musa (a.s.) asked Allah, “Let me know the reward of visiting a sick.” Allah replied, “I order an angel to worship in the grave of the visitor till the Day of Reckoning.” Musa (a.s.) asked, “O Lord! What is the reward of giving ritual bath to a dead body?” Allah replied, “I will wash his sins like that of the day when he was born.” Musa (a.s.) asked, “O Allah! What is the reward of those who attend a funeral?” I will appoint flag-bearing angels to attend him from his grave till the Day of Reckoning.” Musa (a.s.) asked, “What is the reward of condoling a woman whose son has passed away?” Allah answered, “He will get the shade on the day when there will be no shade.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَی قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ أَبِی الْجَوْزَاءِ الْمُنَبِّهِ بْنِ عُبَیْدِ اللَّهِ عَنِ الْحُسَیْنِ بْنِ عُلْوَانَ عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ عَنْ زَیْدِ بْنِ عَلِیٍّ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ عَنْ أَمِیرِ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ ع قَالَ: دَخَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص عَلَی رَجُلٍ مِنْ وُلْدِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ وَ هُوَ فِی السِّیَاقِ وَ قَدْ وُجِّهَ لِغَیْرِ الْقِبْلَهِ فَقَالَ وَجِّهُوهُ إِلَی الْقِبْلَهِ فَإِنَّکُمْ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمْ ذَلِکَ أَقْبَلَتْ عَلَیْهِ الْمَلَائِکَهُ وَ أَقْبَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَیْهِ فَلَمْ یَزَلْ کَذَلِکَ حَتَّی یُقْبَضَ.

1. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Musa who said it was narrated to me by Abdillah b. Ja’far who said it was narrated to me by Ahmad b. Abdillah from Abi al-Jawzaa’ al-Munabih b. ’Ubayd-Allah from al-Hussain b. Alwan from Umar b. Khalid from Zayd b. Ali from his father from his grandfather from Ameer al-Mumineen (a.s.) who said: “If you turn his face towards qiblah, angels and God look at him till his soul is captured.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِیٍّ مَاجِیلَوَیْهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ یَحْیَی عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنِ الْحُسَیْنِ بْنِ مُوسَی الْخَشَّابِ عَنْ غِیَاثِ بْنِ کَلُّوبٍ عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ عَمَّارٍ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ ع أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص قَالَ: لَقِّنُوا مَوْتَاکُمْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ فَإِنَّ مَنْ کَانَ آخِرُ کَلَامِهِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّهَ.

1. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Ali Majluwayh from Muhammad b. Yahya from Muhammad b. Ahmad from al-Hussain b. Musa al-Khashab from Ghiyath b. Kalub from Ishaq b. Ammar from al-Sadiq Ja’far b. Muhammad from his father from his forefathers (a.s.) that The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) who said: “Do Talqeen of ‘there is no god except Allah’, for a person whose last words are, ‘there is no god except Allah’, will enter Paradise.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنِ الْهَیْثَمِ بْنِ أَبِی مَسْرُوقٍ النَّهْدِیِّ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ مَحْبُوبٍ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ غَالِبٍ عَنْ سَعْدٍ الْإِسْکَافِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ: أَیُّمَا مُؤْمِنٍ غَسَّلَ مُؤْمِناً فَقَالَ إِذَا قَلَّبَهُ- اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا بَدَنُ عَبْدِکَ الْمُؤْمِنِ وَ قَدْ أَخْرَجْتَ رُوحَهُ مِنْهُ وَ فَرَّقْتَ بَیْنَهُمَا فَعَفْوَکَ عَفْوَکَ إِلَّا غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ ذُنُوبَ سَنَهٍ إِلَّا الْکَبَائِرَ.

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Sa’d b. Abdillah from al-Haytham b. Abi Masruq al-Hindi from al-Hassan b. Mahbub from Abdillah b. Ghalib from Sa’d al-Iskafi from Abi Ja’far (a.s.) who said: “If a believer gives ghusl to a dead believer and recites: Allaahumma haadhaa badanu a’bdikal mu-mini wa qad akharajta rooh’ahu minhu wa farraqta bainahumaa fa-a’fwaka a’fwak Allah forgives the sins committed by him in one year except for the greater sins.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِیٍّ مَاجِیلَوَیْهِ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ هَاشِمٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بْنِ مَرَّارٍ عَنْ یُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: مَنْ غَسَّلَ مَیِّتاً مُؤْمِناً فَأَدَّی فِیهِ الْأَمَانَهَ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ قَالَ وَ کَیْفَ یُؤَدِّی فِیهِ الْأَمَانَهَ قَالَ لَا یُخْبِرُ بِمَا یَرَی.

2. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Ali Majluwayh from Ali b. Ibrahim b. Hashim from his father from Ismail b. Marrar from Yunis b. Abdulrahman from Abdillah b. Sinan from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “One who gives ghusl to a body of a believer and remain trustworthy with him, Allah will forgive all his sins.” Someone asked, “How should one be trustworthy?” Imam (a.s.) answered, “One should not tell to others what he sees on the body.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ الْحِمْیَرِیُّ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِیسَی عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ سَیْفٍ عَنْ أَخِیهِ الْحُسَیْنِ عَنْ أَبِیهِ سَیْفِ بْنِ عَمِیرَهَ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شِمْرٍ عَنْ جَابِرٍ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِیٍّ ع قَالَ: مَنْ قَدَّمَ أَوْلَاداً یَحْتَسِبُهُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ حَجَبُوهُ مِنَ النَّارِ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ.

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Abdillah b. Ja’far al-Himyari from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa from Ali b. Sayf from his brother al-Hussain from his father Sayf b. ’Umayra from ’Amru b. Shimr from Jabir from Abi Ja’far Muhammad b. Ali (a.s.) who said: “If a few children of a person die and if he/she hopes for reward in turn those children will act as a shield in front of the fire of Hell for that person.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ عَنْ سَیْفِ بْنِ عَمِیرَهَ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْحَمِیدِ بْنِ بَهْرَامَ عَنْ شمر [شَهْرِ] بْنِ خوشب [حَوْشَبَ] عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَنْبَسَهَ السُّلَمِیِّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص یَقُولُ أَیُّمَا رَجُلٍ قَدَّمَ ثَلَاثَهَ أَوْلَادٍ لَمْ یَبْلُغُوا الْحِنْثَ أَوِ امْرَأَهٍ قَدَّمَتْ ثَلَاثَهَ أَوْلَادٍ فَهُمْ حُجَّابٌ یَسْتُرُونَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ.

2. It is narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “If three children of a person die before reaching puberty or if three children of a woman pass away from this world, these children will act as a shield in front of the fire of Hell for that person.”

وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ عَنْ سَیْفِ بْنِ عَمِیرَهَ عَنْ شُعَیْبِ بْنِ سَوَّارٍ عَنِ الْأَحْنَفِ بْنِ قَیْسٍ عَنْ أَبِی ذَرٍّ الْغِفَارِیِّ ره قَالَ: مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمَیْنِ یُقَدِّمَانِ عَلَیْهِمَا ثَلَاثَهَ أَوْلَادٍ لَمْ یَبْغُوا الْحِنْثَ إِلَّا أَدْخَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ الْجَنَّهَ بِفَضْلِ رَحْمَتِهِ.

3. And from the previous chain from Sayf b. ’Umayra from Shu’aib b. Sawwar from al-Ahnaf b. Qays from Abi Dharr al-Ghifari (rah) who said: “If three children pass away from the world, Allah will make the parents enter Paradise with His grace and mercy.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الْحُسَیْنِ بْنِ سَعِیدٍ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ مُیَسِّرٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: وَلَدٌ وَاحِدٌ یُقَدِّمُهُ الرَّجُلُ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ سَبْعِینَ ولد [وَلَداً] یَبْقَوْنَ بَعْدَهُ یُدْرِکُونَ الْقَائِمَ.

4. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan who said it was narrated to us by Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from Ahmad b. al-Hussain b. Sa’eed from Ali b. Maysar from his father from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “If a child of a person passes away from this world, he/she is better than seventy children who are alive and that child will see Imam-e-Zamana.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارِ عَنِ الْعَبَّاسِ بْنِ مَعْرُوفٍ عَنْ سَعْدَانَ بْنِ مُسْلِمٍ عَنْ سُلَیْمَانَ بْنِ صَالِحٍ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: مَنْ أَخَذَ بِقَائِمَهِ السَّرِیرِ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ خَمْساً وَ عِشْرِینَ کَبِیرَهً فَإِذَا رَبَّعَ خَرَجَ مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ.

1. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan from Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from al-Abbas b. Ma’ruf from Sa’dan b. Muslim from Sulayman b. Salih from his father from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “One who shoulders the coffin of a person, Allah will forgive his twenty-five greater sins and one who shoulders the coffin from all four sides, Allah will purify him of his sins.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِیسَی یَرْفَعُهُ إِلَی أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: أَجِیدُوا أَکْفَانَ مَوْتَاکُمْ فَإِنَّهَا زِینَتُهُمْ.

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Yahya from Muhammad b. Ahmad from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa who raised it to Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “Arrange for a good burial shroud for the dead among you and shroud them well for the shroud is the only embellishment for them.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ هَاشِمٍ عَنِ النَّوْفَلِیِّ عَنِ السَّکُونِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الصَّادِقِ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ عَنْ أَمِیرِ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص ضَغْطَهُ الْقَبْرِ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ کَفَّارَهٌ لِمَا کَانَ مِنْهُ مِنْ تَضْیِیعِ النِّعَمِ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his ancestors that Amirul Momineen narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The squeeze of grave for a believer is the atonement for the bounties wasted by him.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِیمُ بْنُ هَاشِمٍ عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عُذَافِرٍ الصَّیْرَفِیِّ وَ أَبِی حَمْزَهَ الثُّمَالِیِّ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مُسْلِمٍ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِیٍّ ع قَالَ: مَنْ لَقِیَ اللَّهَ مَکْفُوفاً مُحْتَسِباً مُوَالِیاً لآِلِ مُحَمَّدٍ ع لَقِیَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ لَا حِسَابَ عَلَیْهِ وَ رُوِیَ لَا یَسْلُبُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ عَبْداً مُؤْمِناً کَرِیمَتَیْهِ أَوْ إِحْدَاهُمَا ثُمَّ یَسْأَلُهُ عَنْ ذَنْبٍ.

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to us by Sa’d b. Abdillah who said it was narrated to us by Ibrahim b. Hashim from Umar b. Uthman from Muhammad b. Adhafir al-Sayrafi and Abi Hamzah al-Thumali from Muhammad b. Muslim from Abi Ja’far Muhammad b. Ali (a.s.) who said: “If a blind person hopes for reward from Allah for his blindness and is a lover of Ahle Bayt (a.s.), none of his sins will remain when he meets Allah.” It is also narrated that if a believer is deprived of one or two eyes, he/she won’t be questioned about his/her sins.

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِیٍّ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنْ مَعْرُوفِ بْنِ خَرَّبُوذَ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ سَمِعْتُهُ یَقُولُ مَا مِنْ مُؤْمِنٍ یُصَابُ بِمُصِیبَهٍ فِی الدُّنْیَا فَیَسْتَرْجِعُ عِنْدَ مُصِیبَتِهِ حَتَّی تَفْجَأَهُ الْمُصِیبَهُ إِلَّا غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ مَا مَضَی مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ إِلَّا الْکَبَائِرَ الَّتِی أَوْجَبَ اللَّهُ عَلَیْهَا النَّارَ قَالَ وَ کُلَّمَا ذَکَرَ مُصِیبَهً فِیمَا یَسْتَقْبِلُ مِنْ عُمُرِهِ فَاسْتَرْجَعَ عِنْدَهَا وَ حَمِدَ اللَّهَ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ کُلَّ ذَنْبٍ اکْتَسَبَهُ فِیمَا بَیْنَ الِاسْتِرْجَاعِ الْأَوَّلِ إِلَی الِاسْتِرْجَاعِ الثَّانِی إِلَّا الْکَبَائِرَ مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ.

1. Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said, “If a believer faces a calamity in this world and utters Laa ilaaha illallaah, Allah will forgive all of his sins except the greater sins for which the punishment of Hell is obligatory. Utter Laa ilaaha illallaah and glorify Allah whenever you are faced with a calamity in future. In this case Allah will forgive all the sins committed between two utterances (of the above phrase) except greater sins.”

وَ مِنْهُ أَیْضاً حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ سَیْفٍ عَنْ أَخِیهِ عَنْ أَبِیهِ سَیْفِ بْنِ عَمِیرَهَ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: مَنْ أُلْهِمَ الِاسْتِرْجَاعَ عِنْدَ الْمُصِیبَهِ وَجَبَتْ لَهُ الْجَنَّهُ.

2. And from him too it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan who said it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from Ahmad b. Muhammad from Ali b. Sayf from his brother from his father Sayf b. ’Umayra from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “When a person gets the inspiration of uttering Laa ilaaha illallaah at the time of calamity, Paradise becomes obligatory on him.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِیٍّ مَاجِیلَوَیْهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ یَحْیَی الْعَطَّارِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ حَسَّانَ الرَّازِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی مُحَمَّدٍ الرَّازِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی الْمَغْرَاءِ عَنْ أَبِی بَصِیرٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع یَقُولُ إِنِّی لَأَصْبِرُ مِنْ غُلَامِی هَذَا وَ مِنْ أَهْلِی عَلَی مَا هُوَ أَمَرُّ مِنَ الْحَنْظَلِ إِنَّهُ مَنْ صَبَرَ نَالَ بِصَبْرِهِ دَرَجَهَ الصَّائِمِ الْقَائِمِ وَ دَرَجَهَ الشَّهِیدِ الَّذِی قَدْ ضَرَبَ بِسَیْفِهِ قُدَّامَ مُحَمَّدٍ ص.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates that Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said, “I am bearing patiently the bitter behavior of this servant and my family regarding the matter of Hanzal. One who is patient, is like one who stays up at night for prayers, observes fast and one who is martyred while fighting alongside Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْقَاسِمِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنِ الْحُسَیْنِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ زَیْدٍ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ أَبِی بَکْرٍ عَنْ عَاصِمٍ عَنْ أَبِی حَمْزَهَ الثُّمَالِیِّ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ الْبَاقِرِ ع قَالَ: مَنْ صَبَرَ عَلَی مُصِیبَهٍ زَادَهُ اللَّهُ عِزّاً عَلَی عِزِّهِ وَ أَدْخَلَهُ جَنَّتَهُ مَعَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ أَهْلِ بَیْتِهِ.

2. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan who said it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Qasim from Ahmad b. Abi Abdillah from al-Hussain b. al-Hassan b. Zayd from Ibrahim b. Abi Bakr from ’Asim from Abi Hamzah al-Thumali from Abi Ja’far al-Baqir (a.s.) who said: “One who remains patient on a calamity, Allah will increase his honor and make him enter Paradise along with the Holy Prophet and his Ahle Bayt (a.s.).

حَدَّثَنِی حَمْزَهُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الْعَلَوِیُّ عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِیمَ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْمُغِیرَهِ السَّکُونِیِّ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الصَّادِقِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص التَّعْزِیَهُ تُورِثُ الْجَنَّهَ.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his ancestors that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Saying words of condolence is a way to enter Paradise.”

وَ عَنْهُ ص قَالَ: مَنْ عَزَّی حَزِیناً کُسِیَ فِی الْمَوْقِفِ حُلَّهً یُجْبَرُ بِهَا.

2. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One who says words of condolence to a sad person, will be awarded a fine dress to be worn on the Day of Judgment.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِیسَی عَنْ عَلِیِّ بْنِ الْحَکَمِ عَنْ رِفَاعَهَ بْنِ مُوسَی النَّخَّاسِ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع أَنَّهُ عَزَّی رَجُلًا بِابْنٍ لَهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ اللَّهُ خَیْرٌ لِابْنِکَ مِنْکَ وَ ثَوَابُ اللَّهِ خَیْرٌ لَکَ مِنْهُ فَلَمَّا بَلَغَهُ جَزَعُهُ عَلَیْهِ عَادَ إِلَیْهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ قَدْ مَاتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص فَمَا لَکَ بِهِ أُسْوَهٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ إِنَّهُ کَانَ مُرَاهِقاً قَالَ إِنَّ أَمَامَهُ ثَلَاثَ خِصَالٍ شَهَادَهَ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَ رَحْمَهَ اللَّهِ وَ شَفَاعَهَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص فَلَنْ یَفُوتَهُ وَاحِدَهٌ مِنْهُنَّ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ.

3. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) condoled a person for the death of his son and said, “The Holy Prophet has passed away from this world. Why don’t you see the good qualities of this great personality?” He replied, “My son was a sinner.” Imam (a.s.) said, “He has three things in front of him. God willing, he won’t waste any of them. Firstly, the testimony that there is no god except Allah, mercy of God and intercession of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَی بْنِ الْمُتَوَکِّلِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی سَعْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْبَرْقِیِّ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ وَهْبِ بْنِ وَهْبٍ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الصَّادِقِ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ ع عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص قَالَ: مَنْ عَزَّی مُصَاباً کَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ مِنْ غَیْرِ أَنْ یَنْقُصَ مِنْ أَجْرِ الْمُصَابِ شَیْ ءٌ.

4. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Musa b. al-Mutawakil who said it was narrated to me by Sa’d b. Abdillah from Ahmad b. Abi Abdillah al-Barqi from his father from Wahab b. Wahab from Ja’far b. Muhammad al-Sadiq from his father from his forefathers (a.s.) from The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) who said: “One who condoles a person afflicted by calamity, will get reward equal to the latter while the reward of the latter won’t be reduced.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ قَالَ: کُنْتُ أَنَا وَ إِبْرَاهِیمُ بْنُ هَاشِمٍ فِی بَعْضِ الْمَقَابِرِ إِذْ جَاءَ إِلَی قَبْرٍ فَجَلَسَ مُسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَهِ ثُمَّ وَضَعَ یَدَهُ عَلَی الْقَبْرِ فَقَرَأَ سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی صَاحِبُ الْقَبْرِ وَ هُوَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بْنِ بَزِیعٍ أَنَّهُ مَنْ زَارَ قَبْرَ مُؤْمِنٍ فَقَرَأَ عِنْدَهُ سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ وَ لِصَاحِبِ الْقَبْرِ.

1. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan who said it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from Ahmad b. Muhammad who said: “It is the grave of Muhammad bin Ismail bin Bazee’, who had narrated a tradition that one who visits the grave of a believer and recites Surah Qadr seven times, Allah is responsible for the salvation of that person and the dead believer.”

أَبِی ره عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ سَلَمَهَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بْنِ إِسْحَاقَ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِیلَ بْنِ أَبَانٍ عَنْ غِیَاثِ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِیمَ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ عَلِیُّ بْنُ أَبِی طَالِبٍ ع وَ مَا مِنْ مُؤْمِنٍ وَ لَا مُؤْمِنَهٍ یَضَعُ یَدَهُ عَلَی رَأْسِ یَتِیمٍ تَرَحُّماً لَهُ إِلَّا کَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِکُلِّ شَعْرَهٍ مَرَّتْ یَدُهُ عَلَیْهَا حَسَنَهً.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his ancestors that Amirul Momineen (a.s.) said, “If a believing man or woman strokes the head of an orphan with mercy, Allah will grant him/her a light for each hair of the head of that orphan.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مُوسَی بْنِ الْمُتَوَکِّلِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِیُّ بْنُ الْحُسَیْنِ السَّعْدَآبَادِیُّ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْبَرْقِیِّ عَنْ أَبِیهِ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ النَّضْرِ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شِمْرٍ عَنْ جَابِرٍ عَنْ أَبِی جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَنْ أَنْکَرَ مِنْکُمْ قَسْوَهَ قَلْبِهِ فَلْیَدْنُ یَتِیماً فَیُلَاطِفُهُ وَ لْیَمْسَحْ رَأْسَهُ یَلِینُ قَلْبُهُ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ لِلْیَتِیمِ حَقّاً وَ قَالَ فِی حَدِیثٍ آخَرَ یُقْعِدُهُ فِی خِوَانِهِ وَ یَمْسَحُ رَأْسَهُ یَلِینُ قَلْبُهُ فَإِنَّهُ إِذَا فَعَلَ ذَلِکَ لَانَ قَلْبُهُ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ.

2. Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One who is wary of his hard- heartedness and if he strokes the head of an orphan gently, he will become soft-hearted by the order of Allah and it is the right of an orphan.” It is narrated in another tradition that one should make orphans sit in ones gatherings and stroke their heads gently so that one can become soft- hearted. One becomes soft-hearted by the order of Allah as soon as he/she performs this deed.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَیُّوبَ بْنِ نُوحٍ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِی عُمَیْرٍ عَنِ ابْنِ سِنَانٍ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی رَجُلٌ مِنْ أَهْلِ هَمَذَانَ یُقَالُ لَهُ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ الضَّحَّاکِ عَنْ أَبِی خَالِدٍ الْأَحْمَرِ عَنْ أَبِی مَرْیَمَ الْأَنْصَارِیِّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص إِنَّ الْیَتِیمَ إِذَا بَکَی اهْتَزَّ لَهُ الْعَرْشُ فَیَقُولُ الرَّبُّ تَبَارَکَ وَ تَعَالَی مَنْ هَذَا الَّذِی أَبْکَی عَبْدِیَ الَّذِی أَسْلَبْتُهُ أَبَوَیْهِ فِی صِغَرِهِ فَوَ عِزَّتِی وَ جَلَالِی لَا یُسْکِتُهُ أَحَدٌ إِلَّا أَوْجَبْتُ لَهُ الْجَنَّهَ.

1. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Surely the Divine throne begins to tremble when an orphan cries and the Almighty Allah says: Who has made this servant of Mine cry, whose parents were taken back by me while he was young? I swear by My honor that I will make Paradise obligatory for one who consoles him.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ الْحِمْیَرِیُّ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ مَحْبُوبٍ عَنْ سَدِیرٍ الصَّیْرَفِیِّ قَالَ: کُنْتُ عِنْدَ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَذَکَرُوا عِنْدَهُ الْمُؤْمِنَ فَالْتَفَتَ إِلَیَّ فَقَالَ یَا أَبَا الْفَضْلِ أَ لَا أُحَدِّثُکَ بِحَالِ الْمُؤْمِنِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ قُلْتُ بَلَی فَحَدِّثْنِی قَالَ إِذَا قَبَضَ اللَّهُ رُوحَ الْمُؤْمِنِ صَعِدَ مَلَکَاهُ إِلَی السَّمَاءِ فَقَالا رَبَّنَا عَبْدُکَ فُلَانٌ وَ نِعْمَ الْعَبْدُ کَانَ لَکَ سَرِیعاً فِی طَاعَتِکَ بَطِیئاً فِی مَعْصِیَتِکَ وَ قَدْ قَبَضْتَهُ إِلَیْکَ فَمَا ذَا تَأْمُرُنَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ قَالَ فَیَقُولُ اللَّهُ لَهُمَا اهْبِطَا إِلَی الدُّنْیَا وَ کُونَا عِنْدَ قَبْرِ عَبْدِی فَاحْمَدَانِی وَ سَبِّحَانِی وَ هَلِّلَانِی وَ کَبِّرَانِی وَ اکْتُبَا ذَلِکَ لِعَبْدِی حَتَّی أَبْعَثَهُ مِنْ قَبْرِهِ- ثُمَّ قَالَ أَ لَا أَزِیدُکَ فَقُلْتُ بَلَی فَزِدْنِی فَقَالَ إِذَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ قَبْرِهِ خَرَجَ مَعَهُ مِثَالٌ یَقْدُمُهُ أَمَامَهُ فَکُلَّمَا رَأَی الْمُؤْمِنُ هَوْلًا مِنْ أَهْوَالِ الْقِیَامَهِ قَالَ لَهُ الْمِثَالُ لَا تَحْزَنْ وَ لَا تَفْزَعْ وَ أَبْشِرْ بِالسُّرُورِ وَ الْکَرَامَهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَمَا زَالَ یُبَشِّرُهُ بِالسُّرُورِ وَ الْکَرَامَهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ حَتَّی یَقِفَ بَیْنَ یَدَیِ اللَّهِ جَلَّ جَلَالُهُ فَیُحَاسِبُهُ حِساباً یَسِیراً وَ یَأْمُرُ بِهِ إِلَی الْجَنَّهِ وَ الْمِثَالُ أَمَامَهُ فَیَقُولُ لَهُ الْمُؤْمِنُ رَحِمَکَ اللَّهُ نِعْمَ الْخَارِجُ خَرَجْتَ مَعِی مِنْ قَبْرِی مَا زِلْتَ تُبَشِّرُنِی بِالسُّرُورِ وَ الْکَرَامَهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ حَتَّی رَأَیْتُ ذَلِکَ فَمَنْ أَنْتَ فَیَقُولُ لَهُ الْمِثَالُ أَنَا السُّرُورُ الَّذِی کُنْتَ تُدْخِلُهُ عَلَی أَخِیکَ الْمُؤْمِنِ فِی الدُّنْیَا خَلَقَنِیَ اللَّهُ مِنْهُ لأسترک [لِأَسُرَّکَ].

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Abdillah b. Ja’far al-Himyari from Ahmad b. Muhammad from al-Hassan b. Mahbub from Sadeer al-Sayrafi who said: “When Allah resurrects that believer, his look-alike will also come out with him and it will move ahead of the believer. Whenever the believer fears the stages of the Day of Judgment, this look-alike will tell him not to fear or aggrieve. It will go on giving him glad tidings about good fortune and divine mercy.” “The accounting of deeds will be easy for him and he will be ordered to enter Paradise. This look-alike will walk in front of the believer and the latter will ask: How good you are! You were resurrected from my grave and you are providing me happiness and glad tidings of divine mercy continuously. I have seen everything. After all, who are you? The look-alike will reply: I am the same happiness which you had given to a believer in the world. Allah had created me to give you glad tidings.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی الْعَطَّارُ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنِ الْعَبْدِیِّ عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِی عُمَیْرٍ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ یَرْحَمُ الرَّجُلَ لِشِدَّهِ حُبِّهِ لِوَلَدِهِ.

1. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Yahya al-’Attar from Muhammad b. Ahmad from al-’Abdi from Ibn Abi ’Umayr from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “Surely Allah will shower mercy on a person who loves his children greatly.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ سَلَمَهَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ عَنْ أَیُّوبَ بْنِ سُلَیْمٍ الْعَطَّارِ عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ بَشِیرٍ الْکَاهِلِیِّ عَنْ سلیم [سَالِمٍ] الْأَفْطَسِ عَنْ سَعِیدِ بْنِ جُبَیْرٍ عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَنْ دَخَلَ السُّوقَ فَاشْتَرَی تُحْفَهً فَحَمَلَهَا إِلَی عِیَالِهِ کَانَ کَحَامِلِ صَدَقَهٍ إِلَی قَوْمٍ مَحَاوِیجَ وَ لْیَبْدَأْ بِالْإِنَاثِ قَبْلَ الذُّکُورِ فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ فَرَّحَ أُنْثَی فَکَأَنَّمَا عتق [أَعْتَقَ] رَقَبَهً مِنْ وُلْدِ إِسْمَاعِیلَ وَ مَنْ أَقَرَّ بِعَیْنِ ابْنٍ فَکَأَنَّمَا بَکَی مِنْ خَشْیَهِ اللَّهِ وَ مَنْ بَکَی مِنْ خَشْیَهِ اللَّهِ أَدْخَلَهُ جَنَّاتِ النَّعِیمِ.

1. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “One who goes to the market and buys gifts for his near and dear ones, its reward is equal to that of paying sadaqah to a community of needy people. Present gifts to your daughters before sons. A person who makes his daughter happy will get the reward of freeing a slave from the progeny of Ismail (a.s.). A person who makes his sons happy will get the reward of weeping in the fear of Allah. A person who weeps in the fear of Allah, will be rewarded a Paradise full of bounties.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ مُوسَی بْنِ عِمْرَانَ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ یَحْیَی بْنِ خَاقَانَ عَنْ رَجُلٍ عَنْ أَبَانِ بْنِ تَغْلِبَ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: الْبَنَاتُ حَسَنَاتٌ وَ الْبَنُونَ نِعْمَهٌ وَ الْحَسَنَاتُ یُثَابُ عَلَیْهَا وَ النِّعْمَهُ یُسْأَلُ عَنْهَا.

1. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Daughters are good deeds while sons are bounties. One will be rewarded for his good deeds and have to account for bounties received.”

أَبِی ره قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی الْعَطَّارُ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ إِبْرَاهِیمَ بْنِ هَاشِمٍ عَنِ الْبَرْقِیِّ رَفَعَهُ قَالَ: بُشِّرَ النَّبِیُّ ص بِفَاطِمَهَ ع فَنَظَرَ فِی وُجُوهِ أَصْحَابِهِ فَرَأَی الْکَرَاهَهَ فِیهِمْ فَقَالَ مَا لَکُمْ رَیْحَانَهٌ أَشَمُّهَا وَ رِزْقُهَا عَلَی اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ.

2. My father (rah) said: it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. Yahya al-’Attar from Muhammad b. Ahmad from Ibrahim b. Hashim from al-Barqi who raised it to who said: “What has happened to you? It is a fragrance, which is making me happy and its sustenance is guaranteed by the Almighty Allah.”

حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِی مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِیسَی عَنْ عَبَّاسٍ الزَّیَّاتِ عَنْ حَمْزَهَ بْنِ حُمْرَانَ عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: أَتَی رَجُلٌ النَّبِیَّ ص وَ عِنْدَهُ رَجُلٌ فَأَخْبَرَهُ بِمَوْلُودٍ لَهُ فَتَغَیَّرَ لَوْنُ الرَّجُلِ فَقَالَ لَهُ النَّبِیُّ ص مَا لَکَ قَالَ خَیْرٌ قَالَ قُلْ قَالَ خَرَجْتُ وَ الْمَرْأَهُ تَمْخَضُ فَأُخْبِرْتُ أَنَّهَا وَلَدَتْ جَارِیَهً فَقَالَ لَهُ النَّبِیُّ ص الْأَرْضُ تُقِلُّهَا وَ السَّمَاءُ تُظِلُّهَا وَ اللَّهُ یَرْزُقُهَا وَ هِیَ رَیْحَانَهٌ تَشَمُّهَا ثُمَّ أَقْبَلَ عَلَی أَصْحَابِهِ فَقَالَ مَنْ کَانَتْ لَهُ ابْنَهٌ فَهُوَ مَقْرُوحٌ وَ مَنْ کَانَتْ لَهُ ابْنَتَانِ فَیَا غَوْثَاهْ وَ مَنْ کَانَتْ لَهُ ثَلَاثُ بَنَاتٍ وُضِعَ عَنْهُ الْجِهَادُ وَ کُلُّ مَکْرُوهٍ وَ مَنْ کَانَتْ لَهُ أَرْبَعُ بَنَاتٍ فَیَا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ أَقْرِضُوهُ یَا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ ارْحَمُوهُ یَا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ أَعِینُوهُ.

3. It was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan who said it was narrated to me by Muhammad b. al-Hassan al-Saffar from Muhammad b. Isa from Abbas al-Zayyat from Hamzah b. Hamran from Abi Abdillah (a.s.) who said: “One who has one daughter is burdened. One who has two daughters, you should help him in his problems. One who has three daughters is exempted from jihad and all other difficulties. One who has four daughters, O servants of Allah, help him, give him loans and shower mercy on him.”

أَبِی وَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ ره قَالا حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ إِدْرِیسَ وَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ یَحْیَی الْعَطَّارُ جَمِیعاً عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ عَنْ یَعْقُوبَ بْنِ یَزِیدَ یَرْفَعُهُ إِلَی أَحَدِ الْإِمَامَیْنِ الْبَاقِرِ أَوِ الصَّادِقِ ع قَالَ: إِذَا أَصَابَ الرَّجُلُ ابْنَهً بَعَثَ اللَّهُ إِلَیْهَا مَلَکاً فَأَمَرَّ جَنَاحَهُ عَلَی رَأْسِهَا وَ صَدْرِهَا وَ قَالَ ضَعِیفَهٌ خُلِقَتْ مِنْ ضَعْفٍ الْمُنْفِقُ عَلَیْهَا مُعَانٌ إِلَی یَوْمِ الْقِیَامَهِ.

4. Abi and Muhammad b. al-Hassan (rah) they said it was narrated to us by Ahmad b. Idris and Muhammad b. Yahya al-’Attarall of themfrom Muhammad b. Ahmad from Ya’qub b. Yazid who raised it to one of the two Imams al-Baqir or al-Sadiq (a.s.) who said: “Whenever a girl is born, Allah appoints an angel near that child, who touches his wings over her head and chest saying: It is created with weakness. One who bears her expenses will be helped on the Day of Judgment.”

٢٩ - حَدَّثَنا أَبُو الحَسَنِ عَلِىُّ بْنُ ثابِتٍ الدَّوالِينيِّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ بِمَدِينَةِ السَّلامِ سِنَةَ اِثْنَتَيْنِ وَخَمْسِينَ ثَلاثِمائَةٍ [قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الفَصْلِ النَّحْوِيُّ] قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِىِّ بْنِ عَبْدِ الصَّمَدِ الكُوفِيٌّ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا عَلِىُّ بْنُ عاصِمٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى، عَنْ أَبيهِ عَلِيِّ بْنِ مُوسَى، عَنْ أَبِيهِ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ، عَنْ أَبيهِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ، عَنْ أَبيهِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِىِّ، عَنْ أَبيهِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْنِ، عَنْ أَبيهِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أَبي طالِبٍ‏ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلاَمُ قالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَـلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَعنْدَهُ اُبَيُّ بْنُكَعْبٍ، فَقالَ لي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ: مَرْحَباً بِكَ يا أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّه، يا زَيْنَ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرَضِينَ ! قالَ لهُ اُبَيُّ: وَكَيْفَ يَكُونُ يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ زَيْنُ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرَضِينَ أَحَدٌ غَيْرِكَ؟ قالَ: يا اُبَيُّ وَالَّذِي بَعَثَني بِالْحَقِّ نَبِيّاً إِنَّ الحُسَيْنَ بْنِ عَلِىٍّ فِي السَّماءِ أَكْبَرُ مِنْهُ فِي الأَرْضِ، وَإِنَّهُ لَمَكْتُوبٌ عَنْ يَمِينِ عَرْشِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: مِصْباحُ هُدىً وَسَفِينَةُ نَجاةٍ، وَإِمامٍ غَيْرِ وَهْنٍ، وَعِزٌّ وَفَخْرٌ وَعِلْمٌ وَذُخْرٌ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ رَكَّبَ فِي صُلْبِهِ نُطْفَةً طَيِّبَةً مُبارِكَةً زَكِيَّةً، وَلَقَدْ لُقَّنَ دَعَواتٍ ما يَدْعُو بِهِنَّ مَخْلُوق إِلاّ حَشَرَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَعَهُ، وَكانَ شَفِيعَه فِي آخِرَتِهِ، وَفَرَّجَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كَرْبَهُ، وَقَضى‏ بِها دِينِهِ، وَيَسِّرَ أَمْرَهُ، وَأَوْضَحَ سَبِيلَهُ، وَقَوَّاهُ عَلَى عَدُوِّهِ، وَلَمْ يَهْتِكْ سِتْرَهُ، فَقالَ لَهُ اُبَيُّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ: وَما هذِهِ الدَّعَواتُ يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قالَ: تَقُولُ فَرَغْتَ مِنْ صَلواتِكَ وَأَنْتَ قاعِدٌ: «اَللّْهُمَّ إِنّي أَسأَلُكَ بِكَلِماتِكَ وَمَعاقِدِ عَرْشِك وَسُكَّانِ سَماواتِكَ وَأَنْبِيائِك وَرُسُلِك أَنْ تَسْتَجِيبَ لِي، فَقَدْ رَهِقَنِي مِنْ أَمْرُي عُسْرٌ، فَأَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَأَنْ تَجْعَلَ لي‏ مِنْ أَمْرِي يُسْراً».فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُسَهِّلُ أَمْرَكَ، وَيَشْرَحُ صَدْرِك، وَيُلَقِّنُكَ شَهادَةَ أَنْ لا إِلهَ إِلاّ اللَّهُ عِنْدَ خُروُجِ نَفْسِكَ، قالَ لَهُ اُبَيُّ: يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَما هذِهِ النُّطْفَةُ الَّتِي فِي صُلْبِ حَبِيبِي الحُسَيْنِ؟ مَثَلُ هذِهِ النُّطْفَةِ كَمَثَلِ القَمَر، وَهِيَ نُطْفَة بَنِينٍ وَبَناتٍ، يَكُونُ مِنَ اتَّبَعَهُ رَشِيداً، وَمَنْ ضَلَّ عَنْهُ غَوِيّاً، قالَ: فَما اسْمُهُ وَما دَعاؤُهُ؟ قالَ: اِسْمُهُ عَلِيٌّ وَدَعاؤُهُ:«يا دائِمُ يا دَيْمُومُ يا حَيُّ يا قَيُّومُ، يا فارِجَ الَهُمْ وَيا باعِثَ الرُّسُل، وَيا صادِقَ الوَعْد».مَنْ دَعا بِهذَا الدُّعاء حَشَرَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَعَ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْن، وَكانَ قائِدَهُ إِلى الجَنَّة، فَقالَ لَهُ اُبَيُّ: يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَهَلْ لَهُ مِنْ خَلَفٍ وَوَصِيٍّ؟ قالَ: نَعَمْ، لَهُ مَوارِيثُ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرْضِ، قالَ: ما مَعْنى‏ مَوارِيثِ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرْضِ يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قالَ: القَضاءُ بِالْحَقِّ وَالْحُكْمُ بِالدِّيانَةِ وَتَأْوِيلُ الأحْكامِ، وَبَيان ما يَكُونُ، قالَ: فَما اسْمُهُ؟ قالَ: اسْمُهُ مُحَمَّدٌ وَإِنَّ الْمَلائِكَةَ لَتَسْتَأْنِسْ بِهِ فِي السَّماواتِ وَيَقُولُ فِي دُعائِهِ: «اَللّْهُمَّ إِنْ كانَ لِي عِنْدَكَ رِضْوانٌ وَوُدٌّ فَاغْفِرْلي وَلِمَنْ تَبِعَني مِنْ إِخْوانِي وَشِيعَتِي، وَطَيِّبْ ما فِي صُلْبِي» فَرَكَّبَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي صُلْبِهِ نُطْفَةً طَيِّبَةً مُبارِكَةً زَكِيَّةً وَأَخْبَرَنِي جِبْرَئِيلُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ طَيَّبَ هذِهِ النُّطْفَةَ وَسَمَّاها عنْدَهُ جَعْفَراً، وَجَعَلَهُ هادِياً مَهْدِياً راضِياً مَرْضِياً، يَدْعُو رَبَّهُ فَيَقُولُ فِي دُعائِهِ:«يا دانٍ غَيْرِ مُتَوانٍ، يا أَرْحَمُ الرّاحِمِينَ اجْعَلْ لِشِيعَتِي مِنَ النَّار وِقاءٍ، وَلَهُم عِنْدَكَ رِضاً، وَاغْفِرْ ذُنُوبهم وَيَسِّرْ اُمُورهم، وَاقْضِ دُيُونَهُمْ، وَاسْتِرْ عَوْراتَهُمْ، وَهَبْ لَهُمُ الكَبائِر الَّتِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُمْ، يا مَنْ لا يَخافُ الضَّيْمَ، وَلا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلا نَوْمٌ اجْعَلْ لي‏ مِنْ كُلِّ غَمٍّ فَرَجاً».مَنْ دَعا بِهذَا الدُّعاءِ حَشَرَهُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ أَبْيَضَ الوَجْهِ مَعَ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ إِلى الجَنَّةِ، يا اُبَيُّ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبارَكَ وَتَعالى‏ رَكَّبَ عَلَى هذِهِ النُّطْفَةِ نُطْفَةً زَكِيَّةً مُبارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً، أَنْزَلَتْ عَلَيْها الرَّحْمَة وَسَمَّاها عنْدَهُ مُوسَى، قالَ لَهُ اُبَيُّ: يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَأَنَّهُمْ يَتَواصَفُونَ وَيَتَناسَلُونَ وَيَتَوارَثُونَ، وَيَصِفُ بَعْضَهُمْ بَعْضاً، قالَ: وَصَفَهُمْ لي‏ جِبْرَئِيلُ عَنْ رَبِّ العـالَمِينَ جَلَّ جَـلالُهُ، قالَ: فَهَلْلِمُوسَى مِنْ دَعْوَة يَدْعُو بِها سِوى‏ دُعاءِ آبائِهِ؟ قالَ: نَعَمْ، يَقُولُ فِي دُعائِهِ:«يا خالِقَ الْخَلْقِ وَيا باسِطَ الرِّزْق وَيا فالِقَ الحُبِّ وَالنَّوى‏ وَبارِى‏ءَ النَّسَمِ، وَمُحْيِيَ المَوْتى‏، وَمُمِيتَ الأَحْياء، وَدائِمُ الثُّباتِ، وَمُخْرِجَ النَّباتِ، افْعَلْ بي ما أَنْتَ أَهْلُهُ».مَنْ دَعا بِهذَا الدُّعاءِ قَضَى اللَّهُ تَعالى‏ حَوائِجَهُ، وَحَشَرَهُ يَوْمَ القِيامَةِ مَعَ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ رَكِّبَ فِي صُلْبِهِ نُطْفَةً مُبارِكَةً زَكِيَّةً مَرْضِيَّةً سَمَّاها عنْدَهُ عَلِيّاً يَكُونُ لِلَّهِ تَعالى‏ فِي خَلْقِهِ رَضِيّاً فِي عِلْمِهِ وَحُكْمِهِ، وَيَجْعَلُهُ حُجَّةً لِشِيعَتِهِ يَحْتَجُونَ بِهِ يَوْمَ القِيامَةِ وَلَهُ دُعاءٌ يَدْعُو بِهِ:«اَللّْهُمَّ أعْطِني الهُدى‏ وَثَبِّتْني عَلَيْهِ‏َ وَاحْشُرْنِي عَلَيْهِ آمِناً، أَمْنَ مَنْ لا خَوْفَ عَلَيْهِ وَلا حُزْنَ وَلا جَزَعَ، إِنَّكَ أَهْل التَّقْوى‏ وَأَهْلُ الْمَغْفِرَةِ».وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ رَكَّبَ فِي صُلْبِه نُطْفَةً مُبارِكَةً طَيِّبَةً زَكِيَّةً مَرْضِيَّةً وَسَمَّاها مُحَمَّدَ بْنِ عَلِىٍّ، فَهُوَشَفِيعُ شِيعَتِهِ وَوارِثُ عِلْم جَدِّهِ، لَهُ عَلامةٌ وَحُجَّةً ظاهِرَةٌ، إِذا وُلِدَ يَقُولُ: «لا إِلهَ إِلاّ اللَّهِ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ » وَيَقُولُ فِي دُعائِهِ:«يا مَنْ لا شَبِيهَ لَهُ وَلا مِثالَ، أَنْتَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لا إِلهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ وَلا خالِقَ إِلاّ أَنْتَ، تُفْنِي الَمخْلُوقِينَ وَتُبْقي أَنْتَ، حَلُمَتْ عَمَّنْ عَصاكَ، وَفِي الْمَغْفِرَةِ رِضاكَ».من دَعا بِهذَا الدُّعاءِ كانَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِىٍّ شَفِيعَهُ يَوْمَ القِيامَةِ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعالى‏ رَكَّبَ فِي صُلْبِهِ نُطْفَةً لا باغِيَةً وَلا طاغِيَةً، بارَّةً مُبارِكَةً طَيِّبَةً طاهِرَةً، سَمَّاها عنْدَهُ عَلِىَّ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ، فَأَلْبَسَهاالسَّكِينَةَ وَالْوَقار، وَأَوْدَعَها العُلُومَ، وَكُلَّ سِرٍّ مَكْتُومٍ، مَنْ لَقِيَهُ وَفِي صَدْرِهِ شَي‏ءٌ أَنْبَأَهُ بِهِ وَحَذَّرَهُ مِنْ عَدُوِّهِ وَيَقُولُ فِي دَعائِهِ:«يا نُورُ يا بُرْهان يا مُنِيرُ يا مُبِينُ يا رَبِّ اكْفِنِي شَرَّ الشُّرُورِ وَآفاتَ الدُّهُورِ وَأَسأَلُكَ النَّجاةَ يَوْمَ يَنْفَخُ فِي الصُّورِ».مَنْ دَعا بِهذَا الدُّعاءِ كانَ عَلِىُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ شَفِيعَهُ وَقائِدَهُ إِلى الجَنَّةِ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبارَكَ وَتَعالى‏ رَكَّبَ فِي صُلْبِهِ نُطْفَةً، وَسَمَّاها عِنْدَهُ الحَسَنَ، فَجَعَلَهُ نُوراً فِي بِلادِهِ، وَخَلِيفَةً فِي أَرْضِهِ، وَعِزّاً لِاُمَّةِ جَدِّهِ، وَهادِياً لِشِيعَتِهِ، وَشَفِيعاً لَهُم عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ، وَنِقْمَةً عَلَى مَنْ خالَفَهُ، وَحُجَّةً لِمَنْ والاهُ وَبُرْهاناً لِمَنِ اتَّخَذَهُ إِماماً يَقُولُ فِي دُعائِهِ:«يا عَزِيزَ الْعِزِّ فِي عِزِّهِ، ما أَعَزَّ عَزِيزَ العِزِّ فِي عِزِّهِ، يا عَزِيزاً عُزَّنِي بِعِزِّكَ، وَأيَّدْني بِنَصْرِكَ، وَأَبْعِدْ عَنِّي هَمَزاتِ الشَّياطِينَ، وَأَدْفَع عَنِّي بِدَفْعِكَ، وَاْمنَعْ عَنِّي بِمَنْعِكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِيَ مِنْ خِيارِ خَلْقِكَ، يا واحِدُ يا أَحَدُ، يا فَرْدُ يا صَمَدُ».مَنْ دَعا بِهذَا الدُّعاءِ حَشَرَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَعَهُ، وَنَجَّاهُ مِنَ النَّارِ و لَوْ وَجَبَتْ عَلَيْهِ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبارَكَ وَتَعالى‏ رَكَّبَ فِي صُلْبِ الحَسَنِ نُطْفَةً مُبارِكَةً زَكِيَّةً طَيِّبَةً طاهِرَةً مُطَهَّرَةً يَرضى‏ بِها كُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ مِمَّنْ قَدْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ تَعالى‏ مِيثاقَهُ فِي الوِلايَة، وَيَكْفُرُ بِها كُلُّ جاحِدٍ، فَهُوَإِمامٌ تَقيٌّ نَقيٌّ بارٌّ، مَرْضِيٌّ هادِيٌّ مَهْدِيٌّ، يَحْكُمُ بِالْعَدْلِ، وَيَأْمُر بِهِ، يُصَدِّقُ اللَّهَ تَعالى‏، وَيُصَدِّقُهُ اللَّهُ تَعالى‏ فِي قَوْلَهُ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ تِهامَةَ حِينَ تَظْهَرُ الدَّلائِلُ وَالْعَلاماتُ، وَلَهُ كُنُوزٌ لا ذَهَبٌ وَلا فِضَّةٌ إِلاّ خُيُولٌ مُطَهَّمَةٌ وَرِجالٌ مُسَوَّمَةٌ، يَجْمَعُ اللَّه تَعالى‏ لَهُ مِنْ أقــاصِي البِلادِ عَلَى عِدَّةِأَهْلِ بَدْرٌ ثَلاثِمائَةٍ وَثَلاثَةَ عَشَر رَجُلاً، مَعَهُ صَحِيفَةٌ مَخْتُومَةٌ فِيها عَدَدُ أَصْحابِهِ بِأَسْمائِهِمْ أَنْسابِهِمْ وَبُلْدانِهِمْ وَطَبائِعِهِمْ وَحِلاهُمْ وَكُناهُمْ كَرَّارُونَ، مُجِدُّونَ فِي طاعَتِهِ. فَقالَ لَهُ اُبَيُّ: وَما دَلائِلُهُ وَعَلاماتُهُ يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قالَ: لَهُ عَلَمٌ إِذا حانَ وَقْتُ خُرُوجِهِ انْتَشَرَ ذلِكَ الْعِلْمُ مِنْ نَفْسَهُ، وَأَنْطَقَهُ اللَّه تَعالى‏، فَناداهُ العَلَمُ: اُخْرُجْ يا وَلِيَّ اللَّه فَاقْتُلْ أَعْداءَ اللَّهِ، وَهُما آيَتانِ و عَلامَتانِ، وَلَهُ سَيْفٌ مُغْمَدٌ فَإِذا حانَ وَقْتُ خُرُوجِه اخْتَلَعَ ذلِكَ السَّيْفُ مِنْ غِمْدِهِ وَأَنْطَقَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَناداهُ السَّيْفُ: اخْرُجْ يا وَلِيَّ اللَّهِ، فَلا يَحِلُّ لَكَ أَنْ تَقْعَدُ عَنْ أَعْداءَ اللَّهِ، فَيَخْرِجُ وَيَقْتُلُ أَعْداءَ اللَّهُ حَيْثُ ثَقَفَهُمْ وَيُقِيمُ حُدُودَ اللَّه، وَيَحْكُمُ بِحُكْمِ اللَّهِ، يَخْرُجُ وَجَبْرَئِيلُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَنْ يَمِينِه مِيكائِيلُ عَنْ يَسارِهِ وَسَوْفَ تَذْكُرُونَ ما أَقُولُ لَكُمْ وَلَوْ بَعْدَ حِينٍ، وَاُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِي إِلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ.يا اُبَيُّ طُوبى‏ لِمَنْ لَقِيهُ، وَطُوبى‏ لِمَنْ أَحَبَّهُ، وَطُوبى‏ لِمَنْ قالَ بِهِ، يَنْجِيِهِمُ اللَّهُ بِهِ مِنَ الهَلَكَةِ وَبِالْإِقْرارِ بِاللَّه وَبِرَسُولِهِ وَبِجَمِيعِ الأَئِمَّةِ، يَفْتَحُ اللَّهُ لَهُمُ الجَنَّةَ، مَثَلُهُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ كَمَثَلِ المِسْكِ الَّذِي يَسْطَعُ ريحُهُ وَلا يَتَغَيَّرُ أبَداً، وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي السَّماءِ كَمَثَلِ الْقَمَرِ المُنِير الَّذِي لا يُطْفى‏ نُورُهُ أَبَداً.قالَ اُبَيُّ: يا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ بَيانُ حالِ هؤُلاءِ الأَئِمَّةِ عَنِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ؟ قالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنْزَلَ عَلِيِّ اثْنَتَيْ عَشَرةَ صَحِيفَةً، اسْمُ كُلِّ إِمامٍ عَلَى خاتِمِهِ وَصِفَتُهُ فِي صَحِيفَتِهِ.

6-29 Abul Hassan Ali ibn Thabit al-Dawalini - may God be pleased with him - in Medinat Al-Salam narrated in the year 352 A.H. (962 A.D.) that Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Abdul Samad al-Kufi quoted on the authority of Ali ibn Aasim, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Musa (s), on the authority of his father Ali ibn Musa (ar-Ridha) (s), on the authority of his father Musa ibn Ja’far (Imam Kadhim) (s), on the authority of his father Ja’far ibn Muhammad (as-Sadiq) (s), on the authority of his father Muhammad ibn Ali (s), on the authority of Ali ibn Al-Hussein (s), on the authority of his father Al-Hussein ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (s), “I went to see God’s Prophet (s) and Ubay ibn Ka’b was with him (s). God’sProphet (s) told me, “O Aba Abdullah! O the adornment of the heavens and the Earths ! Welcome.”Ubay asked him (s), “O Prophet of God! How could anyone but you be the adornment of the heavens and the Earths?”The Prophet (s) said, “O Ubay! I swear by Him who rightfully appointed me as the Prophet that Al-Hussein ibn Ali is greater in the heavens than he is on the Earth. In fact, the following is written on about him on the right side of the Throne of the Honorable the Exalted God, “He (Al-Hussein ibn Ali) is the Lantern of Guidance and the Ship of Salvation. He is the Divine Leader of steadfastness, honor, pride, (source of) knowledge and treasures. And the Honorable the Exalted God has placed a pure, blessed and pious sperm in his loin. He has been taught supplications. The Honorable the Exalted God will reunite with him whoever recites these supplications. He will intercede on their behalf in the Hereafter. And God will eliminate his sorrows, pay back his debts, ease his affairs, clarify his path, empower him over his enemies and not make known his faults all due to him (that is Imam As-Sajjad (s).”Then Ubay ibn Ka’b asked him, “O Messenger of God! What are these supplications?” He (s) said, “When you finish your prayers sit down and say, ‘O my Lord! I implore Thee by your Words, the Seats of your Throne, the Rudder of your Heavens, your Prophets and Messengers to fulfill my prayers since I have encountered difficulties in my affairs. Thus I ask Thee to send blessings upon Muhammad (s) and the Household of Muhammad, and establish convenience in my affairs for me.’ Then the Honorable the Exalted God will make your affairs easy for you, expand your breast , and dictate to you the expression of I bear witness that there is no god but God when you die.”Ubay asked, “O Messenger of God! What is this sperm that He has placed in the loin of my beloved Al-Hussein?”He (s) replied, “The similitude of this sperm is like that of the moon. It is the sperm of boys and girls. Whoever follows him will attain growth and whoever deviates from him will be lost.” He asked, “And what is his name, and what is his supplication?” The Prophet (s) said, “His name is Ali, and his supplication is, ‘O the Eternal, the Everlasting! O the Living the Everbeing! O the Remover of sorrows! O the Appointer of the Messengers! O the Honest in Promises!’”The Honorable the Exalted God will reunite anyone with Ali ibn Al-Hussein (on the Resurrection Day) who supplicates using this supplication. He will lead him to Paradise.Then Ubay asked, “O Messenger of God! Will there be any Successors and Trustees for him?” The Prophet (s) said, “Yes. To him belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the Earth.” He asked, “O Messenger of God! What does the inheritance of the heavens and the Earth mean?” The Prophet (s) said, “It means judging rightfully, issuing decrees according to the religion, interpreting the decrees and expressing what will come in the future.”He asked, “And what is his name?” The Prophet (s) replied, “His name will be Muhammad. He will be the companion of the angels in the heavens. In his supplications he will say, “O my Lord! If Thee are pleased with me and like me, then please forgive me and those of my brethren who follow me, and purify what is in my loin.”Then the Honorable the Exalted God will place a pure, blessed and pious sperm in his loin. Gabriel (s) informed me that the Honorable the Exalted God purifies this sperm and calls him Ja’far Himself, and He establishes him as a Divinely Guided guide, well pleased, and well-pleasing. He will pray to his Lord by saying the following in his supplications, “O the Near One who do not neglect, O the Most Beneficent the Most Merciful! Please grant my followers armour against the Fire. Be pleased with them. Forgive their sins, and ease their affairs. Pay back their debts. Cover up their faults. Forgive their major sins that are between you and them. O the One who has no fear of the oppression of the oppressors! O the One who does not become sleepy or fall asleep. Please establish a relief from all sorrows for me.” The Sublime God will reunite anyone with Ja’far ibn Muhammad with a bright face towards Paradise (on the Resurrection Day) who supplicates using this supplication.O Ubay! Indeed the Honorable the Exalted God has placed a pure, blessed and pious sperm in his loin. He Himself has descended His Mercy unto him and called him Musa. Then Ubay asked, “O Messenger of God! It seems as if they are similar to each other. They are from one generation. They inherit from each other. Some of them describe some others.The Prophet (s) said, “Gabriel described them for me on the authority of the Lord of the Two Worlds - the Exalted the Magnificent.”Then Ubay asked, “Does Musa have supplications that are different from those of his forefathers?” The Prophet (s) said, “Yes. He says the following in his supplications: ‘O the Creator of the creatures! O the expander of the sustenance! O the splitter of the seeds who makes them grow! O the Creator of the living! O the One who gives life to the dead!: Who takes away life from the living! O the Constant and the Well-Established! O the One who makes the plants sprout! Treat me as You please!’”The Sublime God will fulfill the needs of and reunite anyone with Musa ibn Ja’far on the Resurrection Day who supplicates using this supplication by Ali ibn Al-Hussein.And the Honorable the Exalted God Himself has placed a pure, blessed, pious and well-pleasing sperm in his loin, and called him Ali. He is well-pleasing to God among the creatures regarding his knowledge and wisdom. God establishes him as a Proof for his followers on the Resurrection Day so that they can argue based on him on the Resurrection Day. He has supplications in which he says, “O my Lord! Grant me guidance, and establish me firm on that. Resurrect me with it while I am safe and secure as someone who has no fears. You foster piety and forgiveness.”And the Honorable the Exalted God has placed a pure, blessed, pious and well-pleasing sperm in his loin. He Himself has called him Muhammad ibn Ali Himself. He will intercede on behalf of his followers. He inherits the knowledge of his grandfather. He possesses clear signs and proofs which become apparent. When he is born he will say, There is no god but God, and Muhammad (s) is God’s Messenger. In his supplications, he will say, “O the One with no one like unto Him! You are God. There is no god but You. There is no creator but You. You make the creatures perish, but remain yourself. You forgive those who disobey you, and your pleasure lies in forgiveness.”Muhammad ibn Ali will intercede on the Resurrection Day on behalf of whoever supplicates using this supplication by Ali ibn Al-Hussein. And the Sublime God has placed a sperm -neither oppressive nor disobedient, but pious, blessed, pure, and clean- in his loin. He Himself has calledhim Ali ibn Muhammad. He has equipped him with calmness and dignity. He has granted him knowledge and the hidden secrets. Whoever visits him while covering up something in his heart (mind), he will inform him of that, and will admonish him against his enemies and will say the following in his supplications, “O the Light! O the Proof! O the Luminous! O the Lucid! O Lord! Please guard me against the wickedness of the devils, the seditions of the ages. I ask Thee for salvation on the Day on which the Trumpet is blown.”Ali ibn Muhammad will intercede (on the Resurrection Day) on behalf of whoever supplicates using this supplication and lead him into Paradise. And the Blessed the Sublime God Himself has placed a sperm in his loin whom He called Al-Hassan.Then He established him as light in the towns, His Successor on the Earth, as a source of honor for his grandfather, as a guide for his followers, and as one to intercede on their behalf near his Lord, as a revenger of His enemies, and as a Proof for those who are his friends and those who adhere to him as their Divine Leader. In his supplications he said,“O the Noble One - noble in your nobility! How noble is one who is noble in his nobility! O the Noble One! Grant me nobility by your Nobleness. And acknowledge me by your assistance. Keep away from me the temptations of Satan and fend things off from me using your own fending. And protect me by your protection. And establish me as one of your best creatures. O the One and Only! O the Single and the Eternal.”The Honorable the Exalted God will reunite with him (al-Hasan) whoever supplicates using this supplication and save him from the Fire even if the Fire has become incumbent upon him. Indeed the Blessed the Sublime God has placed a pure, blessed and pious sperm - pure and purifying in Al-Hassan’s loin. Any believer from whom the Sublime God has taken a pledge of his Mastery will be pleased with him, and all those who refute him will become atheists. He is a pious, pure, righteous, approved, guiding and Divinely Guided Divine Leader. And he rules justly, and orders to rule that way. He acknowledges the Sublime God, and the Sublime God acknowledges him in His words. He will rise from Tihama (in the Arabia) when signs and proofs have appeared. He possesses treasures that are not of silver and gold, but are of very beautifuland strong horses and remarkable men marked with faith and worship. The Sublime God will gather together as many people as there were in the (Battle of) Badr - that is three hundred and thirteen men - around him from the farthest towns. There is a sealed Tablet with him in which the number of his companions, their names, their family names, their towns, their characteristics, their looks and their nicknames are recorded. They are all fighters striving in his obedience.And Ubay asked him, “O Prophet of God! And what are his proofs and his signs?”The Prophet (s) said, “He has a flag which opens up by itself when the time comes for him to rise. This is inherent in its nature. The Sublime God will empower it to talk, and the flag will say, “O Friend of God! Rise and kill the enemies of God.” These two are two signs and proofs for him. And he has a sword that is placed in its sheath. And when the time comes for him to rise, this sword is drawn out of its sheath by itself. The Sublime God will empower it to talk, and the sword will say, “O Friend of God! Rise. It is no longer allowed for you to be indifferent to the enemies of God.”Then he will rise and kill the enemies of God wherever he finds them. He will establish the bounds set up by God, and rule according to the Decrees of God. He will rise with Gabriel on his right side and Michael on his left side. You will see what I told you happen, even though it may be after some time. And I entrust my affairs to the Sublime, the Honorable the Exalted God.O Ubay! Prosperous be the one who meets him. Prosperous be the one who loves him. Prosperous be the one who believes in him. God will save them from destruction due to him, and due to confessing to God, His Messenger and all the Divine Leaders. God will open up Paradise for them. Their similitude on the Earth is like that of musk which always smells good and never changes. And their similitude in the heavens is like that of the bright moon whose illumination never ceases.Ubay asked, “O Prophet of God! How were the details about these Divine Leaders expressed to you by the Honorable the Exalted God?” The Prophet (s) said, “Indeed the Honorable the Exalted God sent down twelve Tablets to me on each of which the names of each of the Divine Leaders is sealed. The descriptions of each of them is in the appropriate Tablet.”

٢٨ - حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِى ماجِيلوَيْه رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني عَمِّي مُحَمَّد بن أَبي القاسِم قالَ: حَدَّثَني أَبُو سَمينَةِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِى الكُوفِي الصَّيْرَفيِّ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِاللَّه الخراسانِيِّ خادِمُ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قالَ: دَخَلَ‏دَخَلَ رَجُلٌ مِنَ الزَّنَادِقَةِ عَلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَعِنْدَهُ جَمَاعَةٌ، فَقَالَ لَهُ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ كَانَ الْقَوْلُ قَوْلَكُمْ وَلَيْسَ هُوَكَمَا تَقُولُونَ أَلَسْنَا وَإِيَّاكُمْ شَرَعاً سَوَاءً، وَلا يَضُرُّنَا مَا صَلَّيْنَا وَصُمْنَا وَزَكَّيْنَا وَأَقْرَرْنَا؟ فَسَكَتَ فَقَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِنْ يَكُنْ الْقَوْلُ قَوْلَنَا - وَهُوَقُولُنا - كَمَا نَقُولُ، أَلَسْتُمْ قَدْ هَلَكْتُمْ وَنَجَوْنَا؟قَالَ: رَحِمَكَ اللَّهُ، فَأَوْجِدْنِي كَيْفَ هُوَ؟ وَأَيْنَ هُوَ؟ قَالَ: وَيْلَكَ! إِنَّ الَّذِي ذَهَبْتَ إِلَيْهِ غَلَـطٌ.هُوَ أَيَّنَ الأَيْنَ وَكَانَ وَلا أَيْنَ وَهُوَكَيَّفَ الْكَيْفَ، وَكَانَ وَلا كَيْفَ فَلا يُعْرَفُ بِكَيْفُوفِيَّةٍ وَلا بِأَيْنُونِيَّةٍ وَلا بِحَاسَّةٍ، وَلا يُقَاسُ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ.قَالَ الرَّجُلُ: فَإِذَنْ إِنَّهُ لا شَيْ‏ءَ إِذَا لَمْ يُدْرَكْ بِحَاسَّةٍ مِنَ الْحَوَاسِّ، فَقَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: وَيْلَكَ لَمَّا عَجَزَتْ حَوَاسُّكَ عَنْ إِدْرَاكِهِ أَنْكَرْتَ رُبُوبِيَّتَهُ وَنَحْنُ إِذَا عَجَزَتْ حَوَاسُّنَا عَنْ إِدْرَاكِهِ أَيْقَنَّا أَنَّهُ رَبُّنَا، وَأَنَّهُ شَيْ‏ءٌ بِخِلافِ الأَشْيَاءِ. قَالَ الرَّجُلُ: فَأَخْبِرْنِي مَتَى كَانَ؟ قَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَخْبِرْنِي مَتَى لَمْ يَكُنْ فَأُخْبِرَكَ مَتَى كَانَ.قَالَ الرَّجُلُ: فَمَا الدَّلِيلُ عَلَيْهِ؟ قَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ: إِنِّي لَمَّا نَظَرْتُ إِلَى جَسَدِي فَلَمْ يُمْكِنِّي فِيهِ زِيَادَةٌ وَلا نُقْصَانٌ فِي الْعَرْضِ وَالطُّولِ وَدَفْعُ الْمَكَارِهِ عَنْهُ وَجَرُّ الْمَنْفَعَةِ إِلَيْهِ، عَلِمْتُ أَنَّ لِهَذَا الْبُنْيَانِ بَانِياً، فَأَقْرَرْتُ بِهِ مَعَ مَا أَرَى مِنْ دَوَرَانِ الْفَلَكِ بِقُدْرَتِهِ، وَإِنْشَاءِ السَّحَابِ وَتَصْرِيفِ الرِّيَاحِ، وَمَجْرَى الشَّمْسِ وَالْقَمَرِ وَالنُّجُومِ، وَغَيْرِ ذَلِكَ مِنَ الآْيَاتِ الْعَجِيبَاتِ الْمُتْقَنَاتِ عَلِمْتُ أَنَّ لِهَذَا مُقَدِّراً وَمُنْشِئاً.قَالَ الرَّجُلُ: فَلِمَ احْتَجَبَ فَقَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إِنَّ الْحِجَابَ عَلَى [عَن خ ب] الْخَلْقِ لِكَثْرَةِ ذُنُوبِهِمْ فَأَمَّا هُوَفَلا تَخْفَى عَلَيْهِ خَافِيَةٌ فِي آنَاءِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ.قَالَ: فَلِمَ لا تُدْرِكُهُ حَاسَّةُ الْبَصَرِ؟ قَالَ: لِلْفَرْقِ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ خَلْقِهِ الَّذِينَ تُدْرِكُهُمْ حَاسَّةُ الأَبْصَارِ مِنْهُمْ وَمِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ، ثُمَّ هُوَأَجَلُّ مِنْ أَنْ يُدْرِكَهُ بَصَرٌ، أَوْ يُحِيطَ بِهِ وَهْمٌ، أَوْ يَضْبِطَهُ عَقْلٌ.قَالَ: فَحُدَّهُ لِي، فَقَالَ: لا حَدَّ لَهُ، قَالَ: وَلِمَ؟ قَالَ: لانَّ كُلَّ مَحْدُودٍ، مُتَنَاهٍ إِلَى حَدٍّ، وَإِذَا احْتَمَلَ التَّحْدِيدَ احْتَمَلَ الزِّيَادَةَ، وَإِذَا احْتَمَلَ الزِّيَادَةَ احْتَمَلَ النُّقْصَانَ، فَهُوَغَيْرُ مَحْدُودٍ وَلا مُتَزَايِدٍ وَلا مُتَنَاقِصٍ وَلا مُتَجَزِّئٍ وَلا مُتَوَهَّمٍ.قَالَ الرَّجُلُ: فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ قَوْلِكُمْ: إِنَّهُ لَطِيفٌ وَسَمِيعٌ وَبَصِيرٌ وَعَلِيمٌ وَحَكِيمٌ، أَيَكُونُ السَّمِيعُ إِلا بِالأُذُنِ، وَالْبَصِيرُ إِلا بِالْعَيْنِ، وَاللَّطِيفُ إِلا بِعَمَلِ الْيَدَيْنِ، وَالْحَكِيمُ إِلا بِالصَّنْعَةِ؟ فَقَالَ: أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إِنَّ اللَّطِيفَ مِنَّا عَلَى حَدِّ اتِّخَاذِ الصَّنْعَةِ، أَوَمَا رَأَيْتَ الرَّجُلَ يَتَّخِذُ شَيْئاً فَيَلْطُفُ فِي اتِّخَاذِهِ؟ فَيُقَالُ مَا أَلْطَفَ فُلاناً، فَكَيْفَ لا يُقَالُ لِلْخَالِقِ الْجَلِيلِ: لَطِيفٌ؟ إِذْ خَلَقَ خَلْقاً لَطِيفاً وَجَلِيلاً وَرَكَّبَ فِي الْحَيَوَانِ مِنْهُ أَرْوَاحَهَا وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ جِنْسٍ مُتَبَايِناً مِنْ جِنْسِهِ فِي الصُّورَةِ وَلا يُشْبِهُ بَعْضُهُ بَعْضاً فَكُلٌّ لَهُ لُطْفٌ مِنَ الْخَالِقِ اللَّطِيفِ الْخَبِيرِ فِي تَرْكِيبِ صُورَتِهِ، ثُمَّ نَظَرْنَا إِلَى الأَشْجَارِ وَحَمْلِهَا أَطَايِبَهَا الْمَأْكُولَةَ مِنْهَا وَغَيْرَ الْمَأْكُولَةِ فَقُلْنَا عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ: إِنَّ خَالِقَنَا لَطِيفٌ، لا كَلُطْفِ خَلْقِهِ فِي صَنْعَتِهِمْ وَقُلْنَا: إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ لانَّهُ لا يَخْفَى عَلَيْهِ أَصْوَاتُ خَلْقِهِ مَا بَيْنَ الْعَرْشِ إِلَى الثَّرَى مِنَ الذَّرَّةِ إِلَى أَكْبَرَ مِنْهَا فِي بَرِّهَا وَبَحْرِهَا، وَلا تَشْتَبِهُ عَلَيْهِ لُغَاتُهَا فَقُلْنَا عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ: إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ لا بِأُذُنٍ وَقُلْنَا: إِنَّهُ بَصِيرٌ لا بِبَصَرٍ، لانَّهُ يَرَى أَثَرَ الذَّرَّةِ السَّحْمَاءِ فِي اللَّيْلَةِ الظَّلْمَاءِ عَلَى الصَّخْرَةِ السَّوْدَاءِ، وَيَرَى دَبِيبَ الَّنمْلِ فِي اللَّيْلَةِ الدُّجْنَةِ وَيَرَى مَضَارَّهَا وَمَنَافِعَهَا وَأَثَرَ سِفَادِهَا وَفَرَاخَهَا وَنَسْلَهَا، فَقُلْنَا عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ: إِنَّهُ بَصِيرٌ لا كَبَصَرِ خَلْقِهِ.

11-28 Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluwayh - may God be pleased with him - narrated that his uncle Muhammad ibn Abil Qasim quoted on the authority of Abu Sameena Muhammad ibn Ali al-Kufi al-Sayrafi, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Khorasani - the servant of Al-Ridha (s), “One of the hypocrites (zanadiqa) entered into the presence of the Imam (s) when there were some people with him. Abul Hassan Al-Ridha (s) asked him, ‘Are we equal even if your point of view is the correct one? Has not all our prayers, fasting, giving alms taxes and our acknowledgment of our beliefs have not harmed us?’ The hypocrite remained silent. Then Abul Hassan Al-Ridha (s) added, ‘If the correct view is our view - which is the case - then have you not perished and have we not gained salvation?’ The man said, ‘May God’s Mercy be upon you! Can you let me know how He is and where He is?’ The Imam (s) answered, ‘Woe be to you! Surely what you think is wrong. He has created the ’where’ while He existed when there was no ‘where’; and Hefashioned the ’how’ while He existed when there was no ’how.’ So He is not known through qualities of ‘how to be’ or ‘where to be’ or through any form of perception by our senses, nor can He be gauged by any means.’”The man said, “So then surely He is nothing (la shay’) if He cannot be perceived by any of the senses.”Abul Hassan (s) said, “Woe be to you! When your senses fail to perceive Him, you deny His Lordship? But when our senses fail to perceive Him, we know for certain that He is our Lord and that He is something different from other things.The man said, “Then tell me, when was He?”Abul Hassan (Imam Al-Ridha (s)) said, “Tell me when He was not, and then I will tell you when He was.”The man said, “Then what is the proof of Him?”Abul Hassan (Imam Al-Ridha (s)) said, “Surely when I contemplate about my body and see that it is impossible for me to increase or decrease its breadth and height, or to keep unpleasant things away from it, or draw benefits to it, then I know that this structure has a maker. And I acknowledge Him considering that which I have seen of the rotation of the celestial sphere by His Power; the production of the clouds; the movements of the winds; the procession of the Sun, the Moon and the stars; and others of His wondrous and perfectly created signs, has (already) made me know that all these have a Determiner (muqaddir) and an Originator (munshi’).”The man said, “Then why has He veiled Himself (from men)?”The Imam (s) replied, “Surely the veil is upon creatures because of the abundance of their sins. As for Him, no secret is hidden from Him during the day or at night.”The man said, “Then why does the sense of sight not perceive Him?”The Imam (s) answered, “Because of the difference between Him and His creatures who are perceived by the vision of the eyes, whether their own or others. Then He is Exalted above that to be perceived by the sight, encompassed by imagination, or delineated by the power of reasoning.”The man said, “Then, define His limits for me.” The Imam (s) answered, “He has no limits.” The man asked, “Why?” The Imam (s) answered, “Because every limited thing ends at its limit. If limitation is possible, then extension is also possible. If extension is possible; then constriction is also possible. But He is unlimited. He is neither extended nor is He constrained. He cannot be divided, nor can He be perceived by the imagination.”The man said, “Then tell me about your saying that He is Subtle, All-Hearing, All-Seeing, All-Knowing and All-Wise. Can He be the All-Hearing without ears, the All-Seeing without eyes, the Subtle without working with hands and the All-Wise without workmanship?”Abul Hassan (s) said, “Surely a person among us is subtle in accordance with (his) skill in workmanship. Have you not seen the man who undertakes a task and is subtle in his handling of it, so that it is said, ’How subtle is so and so!’ Then how should it not be said of the Majestic Creator that He is Subtle, when He creates a subtle and majestic Creation, places in its living creatures their souls, creates every kind different in form from its own kind, and none resembles any of the other ones? Each possesses in the composition of its form a subtlety from the Subtle and All-Aware Creator.”“Then we look upon the trees and their bearing of delicate things, whether edible or not, and we say that ’Surely our Creator is Subtle, (but) not like the subtlety of His creatures in their workmanship.’And we say, ’Surely He is All-Hearing, since not hidden from Him are the sounds of His creatures between the Throne and the Earth, from a mote to what is larger than that, both in the land and at sea. And their words are not confused by Him.’ We say that ’Surely He is All-Hearing, but not through ears.’““Then we say, ’Surely He is All-Seeing, but not through eyes, for He sees the trace of a black speck on a dark night on a black stone. He sees the tracks of an ant in a pitch-black night. He sees what is harmful for it and what is beneficial to it, and the result of its cohabitation, and its offspring and its descendents.’ And we say, ’Surely He is All-Seeing, but not similar to the sight of His creatures.”

١ - حَدَّثَنا أَبُو مُحَمَّد جَعْفَرِ بْنِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ أحْمَد الفَقِيه القُمِّيّ ثُمَّ الإيلاقى رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: أَخْبَرنا مُحَمَّد الحَسَن بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ صدقه القُمِّيّ قالَ: حَدَّثَني أَبُو عمرو مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عمر بْنِ عَبْد العَزِيز الأَنْصارِي الكَجِّيُّ قالَ: حَدَّثَني مَن سَمِعَ الحَسَن بْنِ مُحَمَّد النُّوفَلِيِّ ثُمَّ الهاشِمي يَقُولُ لَمَّا قَدِمَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُوسَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَلَى الْمَأْمُونِ أَمَرَ الْفَضْلَ بْنَ سَهْلٍ أَنْ يَجْمَعَ لَهُ أَصْحَابَ الْمَقَالاتِ مِثْلَ الْجَاثَلِيقِ وَرَأْسِ الْجَالُوتِ وَرُؤَسَاءِ الصَّابِئِينَ وَالْهِرْبِذِ الأَكْبَرِ وَأَصْحَابِ زَرْدَهُشْتَ وَنِسْطَاسَ الرُّومِيِّ وَالْمُتَكَلِّمِينَ لِيَسْمَعَ كَلامَـهُوَكَلامَهُمْ فَجَمَعَهُمُ الْفَضْلُ بْنُ سَهْلٍ ثُمَّ أَعْلَمَ الْمَأْمُونَ بِاجْتَِماعِهِمْ فَقَالَ: أَدْخِلْهُمْ عَلَيَّ فَفَعَلَ فَرَحَّبَ بِهِمُ الْمَأْمُونُ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُمْ إِنِّي إِنَّمَا جَمَعْتُكُمْ لِخَيْرٍ وَأَحْبَبْتُ أَنْ تُنَاظِرُوا ابْنَ عَمِّي هَذَا الْمَدَنِيَّ الْقَادِمَ عَلَيَّ فَإِذَا كَانَ بُكْرَةً فَاغْدُوا عَلَيَّ وَلا يَتَخَلَّفْ مِنْكُمْ أَحَدٌ فَقَالُوا: السَّمْعَ وَالطَّاعَةَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نَحْنُ مُبْكِرُونَ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى.قَالَ الْحَسَنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ النَّوْفَلِيُّ فَبَيْنَا نَحْنُ فِي حَدِيثٍ لَنَا عِنْدَ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِذْ دَخَلَ عَلَيْنَا يَاسِرٌ وَكَانَ يَتَوَلَّى أَمْرَ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ: يَا سَيِّدِي إِنَّ أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُقْرِئُكَ السَّلامَ وَيَقُولُ فِدَاكَ أَخُوكَ إِنَّهُ اجْتَمَعَ إِلَيَّ أَصْحَابُ الْمَقَالاتِ وَأَهْلُ الأَدْيَانِ وَالْمُتَكَلِّمُونَ مِنْ جَمِيعِ الْمِلَلِ فَرَأْيُكَ فِي الْبُكُورِ عَلَيْنَا إِنْ أَحْبَبْتَ كَلامَهُمْ وَإِنْ كَرِهْتَ ذَلِكَ فَلا تَتَجَشَّمْ وَإِنْ أَحْبَبْتَ أَنْ نَصِيرَ إِلَيْكَ خَفَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَيْنَا فَقَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: أَبْلِغْهُ السَّلامَ وَقُلْ لَهُ: قَدْ عَلِمْتُ مَا أَرَدْتَ وَأَنَا صَائِرٌ إِلَيْكَ بُكْرَةً إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى.قَالَ الْحَسَنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ النَّوْفَلِيُّ: فَلَمَّا مَضَى يَاسِرٌ الْتَفَتَ إِلَيْنَا، ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي: يَا نَوْفَلِيُّ، أَنْتَ عِرَاقِيٌّ، وَرِقَّةُ الْعِرَاقِيِّ غَيْرُ غَلِيظَةٍ؛ فَمَا عِنْدَكَ فِي جَمْعِ ابْنِ عَمِّكَ عَلَيْنَا أَهْلَ الشِّرْكِ وَأَصْحَابَ الْمَقَالاتِ؟ فَقُلْتُ: جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ، يُرِيدُ الامْتِحَانَ وَيُحِبُّ أَنْ يَعْرِفَ مَا عِنْدَكَ، وَلَقَدْ بَنَى عَلَى أَسَاسٍ غَيْرِ وَثِيقِ الْبُنْيَانِ، وَبِئْسَ وَاللَّهِ مَا بَنَى. فَقَالَ لِي: وَمَا بِنَاؤُهُ فِي هَذَا الْبَابِ؟ قُلْتُ: إِنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْكَلامِ وَالْبِدَعِ خِلافُ الْعُلَمَاءِ، وَذَلِكَ أَنَّ الْعَالِمَ لا يُنْكِرُ غَيْرَ الْمُنْكَرِ، وَأَصْحَابُ الْمَقَالاتِ وَالْمُتَكَلِّمُونَ وَأَهْلُ الشِّرْكِ أَصْحَابُ إِنْكَارٍ وَمُبَاهَتَةٍ؛ إِنِ احْتَجَجْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى وَاحِدٌ، قَالُوا صَحِّحْ وَحْدَانِيَّتَهُ، وَإِنْ قُلْتَ إِنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُاللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالُوا ثَبِّتْ رِسَالَتَهُ ثُمَّ يُبَاهِتُونَ الرَّجُلَ وَهُوَيُبْطِلُ عَلَيْهِمْ بِحُجَّتِهِ وَيُغَالِطُونَهُ حَتَّى يَتْرُكَ قَوْلَهُ فَاحْذَرْهُمْ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ. قَالَ: فَتَبَسَّمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا نَوْفَلِيُّ أَفَتَخَافُ أَنْ يَقْطَعُونِي عَلَى حُجَّتِي؟ قُلْتُ: لا وَاللَّهِ، مَا خِفْتُ عَلَيْكَ قَطُّ، وَإِنِّي لأرْجُو أَنْ يُظْفِرَكَ اللَّهُ بِهِمْ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى. فَقَالَ لِي: يَا نَوْفَلِيُّ أَتُحِبُّ أَنْ تَعْلَمَ مَتَى يَنْدَمُ الْمَأْمُونُ؟ قُلْتُ: نَعَمْ. قَالَ: إِذَا سَمِعَ احْتِجَاجِي عَلَى أَهْلِ التَّوْرَاةِ بِتَوْرَاتِهِمْ، وَعَلَى أَهْلِ الإِنْجِيلِ بِإِنْجِيلِهِمْ، وَعَلَى أَهْلِ الزَّبُورِ بِزَبُورِهِمْ، وَعَلَى الصَّابِئِينَ بِعِبْرَانِيَّتِهِمْ، وَعَلَى أَهْلِ الْهَرَابِذَةِ بِفَارِسِيَّتِهِمْ، وَعَلَى أَهْلِ الرُّومِ بِرُومِيَّتِهِمْ، وَعَلَى أَصْحَابِ الْمَقَالاتِ بِلُغَاتِهِمْ. فَإِذَا قَطَعْتُ كُلَّ صِنْفٍ وَدَحَضْتُ حُجَّتَهُ، وَتَرَكَ مَقَالَتَهُ وَرَجَعَ إِلَى قَوْلِي، عَلِمَ الْمَأْمُونُ أَنَّ الْمَوْضِعَ الَّذِي هُوَ بِسَبِيلِهِ لَيْسَ بِمُسْتَحِقٍّ لَهُ، فَعِنْدَ ذَلِكَ تَكُونُ النَّدَامَةُ مِنْهُ. وَلا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلا بِاللَّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ.فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحْنَا أَتَانَا الْفَضْلُ بْنُ سَهْلٍ فَقَالَ لَهُ: جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ، ابْنُ عَمِّكَ يَنْتَظِرُكَ، وَقَدِ اجْتَمَعَ الْقَوْمُ. فَمَا رَأْيُكَ فِي إِتْيَانِهِ؟ فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: تَقَدَّمْنِي وَإِنِّي صَائِرٌ إِلَى نَاحِيَتِكُمْ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ.ثُمَّ تَوَضَّأَ وُضُوءَهُ لِلصَّلاةِ وَشَرِبَ شَرْبَةَ سَوِيقٍ وَسَقَانَا مِنْهُ، ثُمَّ خَرَجَ وَخَرَجْنَا مَعَهُ حَتَّى دَخَلْنَا عَلَى الْمَأْمُونِ. فَإِذَا الَْمجْلِسُ غَاصٌّ بِأَهْلِهِ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ فِي جَمَاعَةِ الطَّالِبِيِّينَ وَالْهَاشِمِيِّينَ، وَالْقُوَّادُ حُضُورٌ، فَلَمَّا دَخَلَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَامَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَقَامَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ وَجَمِيعُ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ، فَمَا زَالُوا وُقُوفاً وَالرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ جَالِسٌ مَعَ الْمَأْمُونِ حَتَّى أَمَرَهُمْ بِالْجُلُوسِ فَجَلَسُوا. فَلَـمْ يَزَلِ الْمَأْمُونُ مُقْبِـلاً عَلَيْهِ يُحَدِّثُهُ سَـاعَةً. ثُمَّ الْتَفَــتَ إِلَىالْجَاثَلِيقِ فَقَالَ: يَا جَاثَلِيقُ هَذَا ابْنُ عَمِّي عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ وَهُوَمِنْ وُلْدِ فَاطِمَةَ بِنْتِ نَبِيِّنَا، وَابْنُ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ تُكَلِّمَهُ وَتُحَاجَّهُ وَتُنْصِفَهُ.فَقَالَ الْجَاثَلِيقُ: يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كَيْفَ أُحَاجُّ رَجُلاً يَحْتَجُّ عَلَيَّ بِكِتَابٍ أَنَا مُنْكِرُهُ وَنَبِيٍّ لا أُومِنُ بِهِ؟فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ، فَإِنِ احْتَجَجْتُ عَلَيْكَ بِإِنْجِيلِكَ أَتُقِرُّ بِهِ؟قَالَ الْجَاثَلِيقُ: وَهَلْ أَقْدِرُ عَلَى دَفْعِ مَا نَطَقَ بِهِ الإِنْجِيلُ؟ نَعَمْ وَاللَّهِ أُقِرُّ بِهِ عَلَى رَغْمِ أَنْفِي.فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: سَلْ عَمَّا بَدَا لَكَ، وَاسْمَعِ الجَوَابَ.فَقَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: مَا تَقُولُ فِي نُبُوَّةِ عِيسَى وَكِتَابِهِ؟ هَلْ تُنْكِرُ مِنْهُمَا شَيْئاً؟قَالَ الرِّضَا: اَنَا مُقِرٌّ بِنُبُوَّةِ عِيسَى وَكِتَابِهِ وَمَا بَشَّرَ بِهِ أُمَّتَهُ وَأَقَرَّتْ بِهِ الْحَوارِيُّونَ، وَكَافِرٌ بِنُبُوَّةِ كُلِّ عِيسَى لَمْ يُقِرَّ بِنُبُوَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَبِكِتَابِهِ وَلَمْ يُبَشِّرْ بِهِ أُمَّتَهُ.قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: أَلَيْسَ إِنَّمَا نَقْطَعُ الأَحْكَامَ بِشَاهِدَيْ عَدْلٍ؟قَالَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ : بَلَى.قَالَ: فَأَقِمْ شَاهِدَيْنِ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَهْلِ مِلَّتِكَ عَلَى نُبُوَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ) مِمَّنْ لاَ تُنْكِرُهُ النَّصْرَانِيَّةُ، وَسَلْنَا مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَهْلِ مِلَّتِنَا.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: اَلآنَ جِئْتَ بِالنَّصَفَةِ يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ. اَلاَ تَقْبَلُ مِنِّي العَدْلَ المُقَدَّمَ عِنْدَ المَسِيحِ عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ؟قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: وَمَنْ هَذا العَدْلُ؟ سَمِّهِ لِي.قَالَ: مَا تَقُولُ بِيُوحَنّا الدَّيْلَمِيِّ؟قَالَ: بَخٍ بَخٍ، ذَكَرْتَ أَحَبَّ النّاسِ إلى المَسِيحِ.قَالَ: فَأَقْسَمْتُ عَلَيْكَ هَلْ نَطَقَ الإنْجِيلُ أَنَّ يُوحَنّا قَالَ: إنمَّا المَسِيحُ أخْبَرَنِي بِدِينِ مُحَمَّدٍ العَرَبِيِّ وَبَشَّرَنِي بِهِ أَنَّهُ يَكُونُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ فَبَشَّرْتُ بِهِ الحَوَارِيِّينَ فَآمَنُوا بِهِ؟قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: قَدْ ذَكَرَ ذَلِكَ يُوحَنّا عَنِ المَسِيحِ وَبَشَّرَ بِنُبُوَّةِ رَجُلٍ وَبِأَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَوَصِيِّهِ وَلَمْ يُلَخِّصْ مَتى يَكُونُ ذَلِكَ، وَلَمْ تُسَمَّ لَنَا القَوْمُ فَنَعْرِفَهُمْ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَإنْ جِئْنَاكَ بِمَنْ يَقْرَأُ الإنْجِيلَ فَتَلا عَلَيْكَ ذِكْرَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَأُمَّتِهِ، أَتُؤْمِنُ بِهِ؟قَالَ: سَديداً.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ لِنَسْطاسَ الرُّومِيِّ: كَيْفَ حِفْظُكَ لِلسِّفْرِ الثّالِثِ مِنَ الإنْجِيلِ؟قَالَ: مَا أحْفَظَنِي لَهُ.ثُمَّ الْتَفَتَ إلى رَأسِ الجَالُوتِ فَقَالَ: أَلَسْتَ تَقْرَأُ الإنْجِيلَ؟ قَالَ: بَلَى لَعَمْرِي.قَالَ: فَخُذْ عَلَى السِّفْرِ، فَإنْ كَانَ فِيهِ ذِكْرُ مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَأُمَّتِهِ فَاشْهَدوا لِي، وَإنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ فِيهِ ذِكْرُهُ فَلا تَشْهَدُوا لِي.ثُمَّ قَرَأَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ السِّفْرَ الثَّالِثَ، حَتّى إذَا بَلَغَ ذِكْرَ النَّبِيِّ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَقَفَ ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ إنّي أسْأَلُكَ بِحَقِّ المَسِيحِ وَأُمِّهِ، أَتَعْلَمُ أنّي عَالِمٌ بِالإنْجِيلِ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ.ثُمَّ تَلاَ عَلَيْنَا ذِكْرَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَأُمَّتِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: مَا تَقُولُ يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ؟ هَذَا قَوْلُ عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ فَإنْ كَذَّبْتَ بِمَا يَنْطِقُ بِهِ الإنْجِيلُ فَقَدْ كَذَّبْتَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلامُ، وَمَتى أَنْكَرْتَ هَذَا الذِّكْرَ وَجَبَ عَلَيْكَ القَتْلُ لأَنَّكَ تَكُونُ قَدْ كَفَرْتَ بِرَبِّكَ وَنَبِيِّكَ وَبِكِتَابِكَ.قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: لا أُنْكِرُ مَا قَدْ بَانَ لِي فِي الإنْجِيلِ، وَإنّي لَمُقِرٌّ بِهِ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: إشْهَدُوا عَلَى إقْرَارِهِ. ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا جَاثْلِيقُ، سَلْ عَمّا بَدا لَكَ.قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: أخْبِرْنِي عَنْ حَوَارِيِّي عِيسَى بْنِ مَرَيْمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ؛ كَمْ كَانَ عِدَّتَهُمْ؟ وَعَنْ عُلَمَاءِ الإنْجِيلِ؛ كَمْ كَانوا؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: عَلَى الْخَبِيرِ سَقَطْتَ! أمّا الحَوَارِيُّونَ فَكَانُوا اثْنَيْ عَشَرَ رَجُلاً، وَكَانَ أَعْلَمَهُمْ وَأَفْضَلَهُمْ ألُوقَا. وَأمّا عُلَمَاءُ النَّصَارَى فَكَانوا ثَلاثَةَ رِجَالٍ: يُوحَنّا الأَكْبَرُ بِأَجّ، وَيُوحَنّا بِقِرْقِيسِيا، وَيُوحَنّا الدَّيْلَمِيَّ بِرَجَازَ. وَعِنْدَهُ كَانَ ذِكْرُ النَّبِيِّ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَذِكْرُ أهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَأُمَّتِهِ، وَهُوَ الَّذِي بَشَّرَ أُمَّةَ عِيسَى وَبَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ بِهِ.ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ، وَاللهِ إنّا لَنُؤْمِنُ بِعِيسَى الَّذِي آمَنَ بِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَمَا نَنْقِمُ عَلَى عِيساكُمْ شَيْئاً إلاّ ضَعْفَهُ وَقِلَةَ صِيامِهِ وَصَلاتِهِ.قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: أفْسَدْتَ وَاللهِ عِلْمَكَ وَضَعَّفْتَ أمْرَكَ وَمَا كُنْتُ ظَنَنْتُ إلاّ أنَّكَ أعْلَمُ أهْلِ الإسْلاَمِ! قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: وَكَيْفَ ذَاكَ؟قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: مِنْ قَوْلِكَ أنَّ عِيسَى كَانَ ضَعِيفاً قَلِيلَ الصِّيَامِ قَلِيلَ الصَّلاَةِ؛ وَمَا أفْطَرَ عِيسَى يَوماً قَطُّ وَلاَ نَامَ بِلَيْلٍ قَطُّ وَمَا زَالَ صَائِمَ الدَّهْرِ وَقَائِمَ اللَّيْلِ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَلِمَنْ كَانَ يَصُومُ وَيُصَلِّي؟! قَالَ: فَخَرِسَ الجَاثْلِيقُ وَانْقَطَعَ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ، أَسْأَلُكَ عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ. قَالَ: سَلْ؛ فَإنْ كَانَ عِنْدِي عِلْمُهَا أَجَبْتُكَ. قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: مَا أَنْكَرْتَ أنَّ عِيسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ كَانَ يُحْيِي المَوْتَى بِإذْنِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ؟قَالَ الجَــاثْلِيقُ: أنْكَـرْتُ ذَلِكَ مِنْ أَجْلِ أنَّ مَنْ أحْيَى المَوْتَى وَأبْرَأَ الأَكْمَهَ وَالأَبْرَصَ فَهُوَرَبٌّ مُسْتَحِقٌّ لأَنْ يُعْبَدَ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: فَإنَّ الْيَسَعَ قَدْ صَنَعَ مِثْلَ صُنْعِ عِيسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: مَشَى عَلَى المَاءِ وَأَحْيَى المَوْتَى وَأبْرَأَ الأَكْمَهَ وَالأَبْرَصَ، فَلَمْ تَتَّخِذْهُ أُمَّتُهُ رَبّاً، وَلَمْ يَعْبُدْهُ أَحَدٌ مِنْ دُونِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. وَلَقَدْ صَنَعَ حِزْقِيلُ النَّبِيُّ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ مِثْلَ مَا صَنَعَ عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ فَأَحْيَا خَمْسَةً وَثَلاثِينَ ألْفِ رَجُلٍ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَوْتِهِمْ بِسِتِّينَ سَنَةً.ثُمَّ الْتَفَتَ إلى رَأسِ الجَالُوتِ فَقَالَ لَهُ: يَا رَأسَ الجَالُوتِ، أَتَجِدُ هَؤُلاءِ فِي شَبَابِ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ؟ إخْتَارَهْمْ بُخْتْ نُصَّرَ مِنْ سَبْيِ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلِ حِينَ غَزا بَيْتَ المَقْدِسِ، ثُمَّ انْصَرَفَ بِهِمْ إلى بَابِلَ فَأَرْسَلَهُ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إلَيْهِمْ فَأحْيَاهُمْ. هَذا فِي التَّوْرَاةِ لاَ يَدْفَعُهُ إلاّ كَافِرٌ مِنْكُمْ. قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: قَدْ سَمِعْنَا بِهِ وَعَرَفْنَاهُ. قَالَ: صَدَقْتَ.ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا يَهُودِيُّ، خُذْ عَلَى هَذا السِّفْرِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ.فَتَلاَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ آيَاتٍ، فَأَقْبَلَ اليَهُودِيُّ يَتَرَجَّجُ لِقِرائَتِهِ وَيَتَعَجَّبُ! ثُمَّ أقْبَلَ عَلَى النَّصْرَانِيِّ فَقَالَ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ، أَفَهَؤُلاءِ كَانُوا قَبْلَ عِيسَى أَمْ عِيسَى كَانَ قَبْلَهُمْ؟قَالَ: بَلْ كَانُوا قَبْلَهُ.فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: لَقَدِ اجْتَمَعَتْ قُرَيْشٌ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَسَأَلُوهُ أَنْ يُحْيِيَ لَهُمْ مَوْتَاهُمْ، فَوَجَّهَ مَعَهُمْ عَلِيُّ بْنُ أبِي طَالِبٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ فَقَالَ لَهُ: إذْهَبْ إلى الجَبّانَةِ، فَنَادِ بِأَسْمَاءِ هَؤُلاءِ الرَّهْطِ الَّذِينَ يَسْأَلُونَ عَنْهُمْ بِأَعْلَى صَوْتِكِ: يَا فُلانُ وَيَا فُلانُ وَيَا فُلانُ، يَقُولُ لَكُمْ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللهِ (صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ) قُومُوا بِإذْنِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. فَقَامُوا يَنْفِضُونَ التُّرَابَ عَنْ رُؤوسِهِمْ. فَأَقْبَلَتْ قُرَيْشٌ يَسْأَلُونَهُمْ عَنْ أُمُورِهِمْ. ثُمَّ أخْبَرُوهُمْ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً بُعِثَ نَبِيّاً، فَقَالُوا: وَدِدْنَا أنّا أدْرَكْنَاهُ فَنُؤْمِنَ بِهِ. وَلَقَدْ أبْرَأَ الأَكْمَهَ وَالأَبْرَصَ وَالمَجَانِينَ، وَكَلَّمَهُ البَهَائِمُ وَالطَّيْرُ وَالجِنُّ وَالشَّيَاطِينُ، وَلَمْ نَتَّخِذْهُ رَبّاً مِنْ دُونِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ،وَلَمْ نُنْكِرْ لأَحَدٍ مِنْ هَؤُلاءِ فَضْلَهُمْ. فَمَتى إتَّخَذْتُمْ عِيسَى رَبّاً جَازَ لَكُمْ أنْ تَتَّخِذُوا الْيَسَعَ وَحِزْقِيلَ رَبّاً، لأَنَّهُمَا قَدْ صَنَعَا مِثْلَ مَا صَنَعَ عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ مِنْ إحْيَاءِ المَوْتَى وَغَيْرِهِ. وَإنَّ قَوْماً مِنْ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ خَرَجُوا مِنْ بِلاَدِهِمْ مِنَ الطّاعُونِ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ فَأَمَاتَهُمُ اللهُ فِي سَاعَةٍ وَاحِدَةٍ، فَعَمَدَ أَهْلُ تِلْكَ القَرْيَةِ فَحَظَرُوا عَلَيْهِمْ حَظِيرَةً فَلَمْ يَزالُوا فِيهَا حَتّى نَخِرَتْ عِظَامُهُمْ وَصَارُوا رَمِيماً. فَمَرَّ بِهِمْ نَبِيٌّ مِنْ أنْبِيَاءِ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ فَتَعَجَّبَ مِنْهُمْ وَمِنْ كَثْرَةِ العِظَامِ الْبَالِيَةِ، فَأَوْحَى اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إلَيْهِ: أَتُحِبُّ أَنْ أُحْيِيَهُمْ لَكَ فَتُنْذِرَهُمْ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ يَا رَبِّ.فَأَوْحَى اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إلَيْهِ أنْ نَادِهِمْ. فَقَالَ: أيَّتُهَا العِظَامُ البَالِيَةُ، قُومِي بِإذْنِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. فَقَامُوا أحْيَاءَ أجْمَعِينَ يَنْفُضُونَ التُّرَابَ عَنْ رُؤوسِهِمْ.ثُمَّ إنَّ إبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ حِينَ أخَذَ الطَّيْرَ فَقَطَّعَهُنَّ قِطَعاً، ثُمَّ وَضَعَ عَلَى كُلِّ جَبَلٍ مِنْهُنَّ جُزْءاً، ثُمَّ نَادَاهُنَّ فَأَقْبَلْنَ سَعْياً إلَيْهِ.ثُمَّ مُوسَى بْنِ عِمْرَانَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ وَأصْحَابُهُ السَّبْعُونَ الَّذِينَ اخْتَارَهُمْ؛ صَارُوا مَعَهُ إلى الجَبَلِ فَقَالُوا لَهُ: إنَّكَ قَدْ رَأَيْتَ اللهَ سُبْحَانُهُ، فَأَرِنَاهُ كَمَا رَأَيْتَهُ! فَقَالَ لَهُمْ: إنّي لَمْ أَرَهُ.فَقَالُوا: لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتّى نَرَى اللهَ جَهْرَةً. فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الصَّاعِقَةُ فَاحْتَرَقوا عَنْ آخِرِهِمْ، وَبَقِيَ مُوسَى وَحِيداً فَقَالَ: يَا رَبِّ إخْتَرْتُ سَبْعِينَ رَجُلاً مِنْ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ فَجِئْتُ بِهِمْ وَأرْجَعُ وَحْدِي! فَكَيْفَ يُصَدِّقُنِي قَوْمِي بِمَا أُخْبِرُهُمْ بِهِ؟ فَلَوْ شِئْتَ أَهْلَكْتَهُمْ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَإيَّايَ. أتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ السُّفَهَاءُ مِنّا؟ فَأحْيَاهُمُ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَوْتِهِمْ.وَكُلَّ شَيْءٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ لَكَ مِنْ هَذا لا تَقْدِرُ عَلَى دَفْعِهِ، لأَنَّ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالإنْجِيلَ وَالزَّبُورَ وَالفُرْقَانَ قَدْ نَطَقَتْ بِهِ, فَإنْ كَانَ كُلُّ مَنْ أحْيَى المَوْتَى وَأبْرَأَ الأَكْمَهَ وَالأبْرَصَ وَالمَجَانِينَ يُتَّخَذُ رَبّاً مِنْ دُونِ اللهِ فَاتَّخِذْ هَؤُلاءِ كُلَّهُمْ أرْباباً! مَا تَقُولُ يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ؟فَقَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: اَلقَوْلُ قَوْلُكَ، وَلا إلَهَ إلاّ اللهُ.ثُمَّ الْتَفَتَ إلى رَأسِ الجَالُوتِ فَقَالَ: يَا يَهُودِيُّ، أقْبِلْ عَلَيَّ أسْأَلْكَ بِالعَشْرَةِ الآيَاتِ الَّتِي أُنْزِلَتْ عَلَى مُوسَى بْنِ عِمْرَانَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ. هَلْ تَجِدُ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ مَكْتُوباً بِنَبَأِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَأُمَّتِهِ: إذَا جَاءَتِ الأُمَّةُ الأَخِيرَةُ أتْبَاعُ رَاكِبِ البَعِيرِ يُسَبِّحُونَ الرَّبَّ جِدّاً جِدّاً تَسْبِيحاً جَدِيداً فِي الكَنَائِسِ الجُدُدِ، فَلْيَفْزَعْ بَنُو إسْرَائِيلَ إلَيْهِمْ وَإلى مَلِكِهِمْ لِتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُهُمْ فَإنَّ بِأيْدِيهِمْ سُيُوفاً يَنْتَقِمُونَ بِها مِنَ الأُمَمِ الكَافِرَةِ فِي أقْطَارِ الأَرْضِ. أهَكَذا هُوَ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ مَكْتُوبٌ؟ قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: نَعَمْ! إنَّا لَنَجِدُهُ كَذَلِكَ. ثُمَّ قَالَ لِلْجَاثْلِيقِ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ! كَيْفَ عِلْمُكَ بِكِتَابِ شَعْيا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ؟ قَالَ: أعْرِفُهُ حَرْفاً حَرْفاً.قَالَ لَهُمَا: أتَعْرِفَانِ هَذا مِنْ كَلامِهِ يَا قَوْمُ: إنّي رَأَيْتُ صُورَةَ رَاكِبِ الحِمَارِ لابِساً جَلابِيبَ النُّورِ، وَرَأيْتُ رَاكِبَ البَعِيرِ ضَوؤهُ مِثْلَ ضَوْءِ القَمَرِ؟ فَقَالا: قَدْ قَالَ ذَلِكَ شَعْيا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ، هَلْ تَعْرِفُ فِي الإنْجِيلِ قَوْلَ عِيسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إنّي ذَاهِبٌ إلى رَبِّكُمْ وَرَبّي، وَالبَارْقَلِيطا جَاءَ هُوَ الَّذِي يَشْهَدُ لِي بِالحَقِّ كَمَا شَهِدْتُ، وَهُوَ الَّذِي يُفَسِّرُ لَكُمْ كُلَّ شَيءٍ، وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَبْدَأُ فَضَائِحَ الأُمَمِ، وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَكْسِرُ عَمُودَ الكُفْرِ؟فَقَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: مَا ذَكَرْتَ شَيْئاً مِنَ الإنْجِيلِ إلاّ وَنَحْنُ مُقِرُّونَ بِهِ.فَقَالَ: أتَجِدُ هَذا الإنْجِيلَ ثَابِتاً يَا جَاثْلِيقُ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا جَاثْلِيقُ، ألاَ تُخْبِرُنِي عَنِ الإنْجِيلِ الأَوَّلِ حِينَ افْتَقَدْتُمُوهُ عِنْدَ مَنْ وَجَدْتُمُوهُ، وَمَنْ وَضَعَ لَكُمْ هَذا الإنْجِيلَ؟فَقَالَ لَهُ: مَا افْتَقَدْنَا الإنْجِيلَ إلاّ يَوْماً وَاحِداً حَتّى وَجَدْنَاهُ غَضّاً طَرِيّاً، فَأَخْرَجَهُ إلَيْنَا يُوحَنّا وَمَتّى. فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: مَا أَقَلَّ مَعْرِفَتَكَ بِسُنَنِ الإنْجِيلِ وَعُلَمَائِهِ! فَإنْ كَانَ هَذا كَمَا تَزْعُمُ، فَلِمَ اخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِي الإنْجِيلِ؟ وَإنَّمــا وَقَـعَ الاخْتِلافُ فِي هَذا الإنْجِيلِ الَّذِي فِيأيَادِيكُمُ الْيَوْمَ. فَلَوْ كَانَ عَلَى الْعَهْدِ الأَوَّلِ لَمْ تَخْتَلِفُوا فِيهِ، وَلَكِنِّي مُفِيدُكَ عِلْمَ ذَلِكَ؛ إعْلَمْ أنَّهُ لَمَّا افْتُقِدَ الإنْجِيلُ الأَوَّلُ اجْتَمَعَتِ النَّصَارَى إلى عُلَمَائِهِمْ فَقَالُوا لَهُمْ: قُتِلَ عِيسَى بْنُ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ وَافْتَقَدْنَا الإنْجِيلَ وَأنْتُمُ العُلَمَاءُ، فَمَا عِنْدَكُمْ؟فَقَالَ لَهُمْ أَلُوقَا وَمَرْقَابُوسُ: إنَّ الإنْجِيلَ فِي صُدُورِنَا وَنَحْنُ نُخْرِجُهُ إلَيْكُمْ سِفْراً سِفْراً فِي كُلِّ أَحَدٍ، فَلا تَحْزَنُوا عَلَيْهِ، وَلا تُخْلُوا الكَنَائِسَ، فَإنّا سَنَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي كُلِّ أَحَدٍ سِفْراً سِفْراً حَتّى نَجْمَعَهُ كُلَّهُ. فَقَعَدَ أَلُوقَا وَمَرْقَابُوسُ وَيُوحَنّا وَمَتّى فَوَضَعُوا لَكُمْ هَذا الإنْجِيلَ بَعْدَ مَا افْتَقَدْتُمُ الإنْجِيلَ الأَوَّلَ. وَإنَّما كَانَ هَؤلاءِ الأَرَبَعَةُ تَلامِيذَ تَلامِيذِ الأَوَّلِينَ. أعَلِمْتَ ذَلِكَ؟ فَقَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: أمّا هَذا فَلَمْ أعْلَمْهُ، وَقَدْ عَلِمْتُهُ الآنَ، وَبَانَ لِي مِنْ فَضْلِ عِلْمِكَ بِالإنْجِيلِ وَسَمِعْتُ أشْيَاءَ مِمّا عَلِمْتُهُ، شَهِدَ قَلْبِي أنَّها حَقٌّ فَاسْتَزَدْتُ كَثِيراً مِنَ الفَهْمِ.فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ : فَكَيْفَ شَهَادَةُ هَؤلاءِ عِنْدَكَ؟قَالَ: جَائِزَةٌ! هَؤلاءِ عُلَمَاءُ الإنْجِيلِ، وَكُلُّ مَا شَهِدُوا بِهِ فَهُوَ حَقٌّ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ لِلْمَأمُونِ وَمَنْ حَضَرَهُ مِنْ أهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَمِنْ غَيْرِهِ: إشْهَدُوا عَلَيْهِ.قَالوا: قَدْ شَهِدْنَا.ثُمَّ قَالَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ لِلْجَاثْلِيقِ: بِحَقِّ الابْنِ وَأُمِّهِ، هَلْ تَعْلَمُ أنَّ مَتّى قَالَ إنَّ الْمَسِيحَ هُوَ ابْنُ دَاوُودَ بْنِ إبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ إسْحَاقَ بْنِ يَعْقُوبَ بْنِ يَهُوذا بْنِ خَضْرونَ؟ وَقَالَ مَرْقَابُوسُ فِي نَسَبِ عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ إنَّهُ كَلِمَةُ اللهِ أَحَلَّهَا فِي جَسَدِ الآدَمِيِّ فَصَارَتْ إنْساناً. وَقَالَ ألُوقَا إنَّ عِيسَى بْنَ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ وَأُمَّهُ كَانا إنْسَانَيْنِ مِنْ لَحْمٍ وَدَمٍ، فَدَخَلَ فِيهَا الرُّوحُ القُدُسُ. ثُمَّ إنَّكَ تَقُولُ مِنْ شَهَادَةِ عِيسَى عَلَى نَفْسِهِ: حَقّاً أقُولُ لَكُمْ يَا مَعْشَرَ الحَوَارِيِّينَ: إنَّهُ لاَ يَصْعَدُ إلى السَّمَاءِ إلاّ مَنْ نَزَلَ مِنْهَا إلاّ رَاكِبَ البَعِيرِ خَاتَمَ الأنْبِيَاءِ، فَإنَّهُ يَصْعَدُ إلى السَّمَاءِ وَيَنْزِلُ. فَمَا تَقُولُ فِي هَذا القَوْلِ؟قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: هَذا قَوْلُ عِيسَى لاَ نُنْكِرُهُ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَمَا تَقُولُ فِي شَهَادَةِ ألُوقا وَمَرْقَابُوسَ وَمتّى عَلَى عِيسَى وَمَا نَسَبُوهُ إلَيْهِ؟قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: كَذَبوا عَلَى عِيسَى.فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا قَوْمُ، ألَيْسَ قَدْ زَكَّاهُمْ وَشَهِدَ أنَّهُمْ عُلَمَاءُ الإنْجِيلِ وَقَوْلَهُمْ حَقٌّ.فَقَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: يَا عَالِمَ المُسْلِمِينَ، أُحِبُّ أنْ تَعْفِيَنِي مِنْ أمْرِ هَؤلاءِ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَإنّا قَدْ فَعَلْنَا. سَلْ يَا نَصْرَانِيُّ عَمّا بَدَا لَكَ.قَالَ الجَاثْلِيقُ: لِيَسْألْكَ غَيْرِي، فَلا وَحَقِّ الْمَسِيحِ مَا ظَنَنْتُ أَنَّ فِي عُلَمَاءِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِثْلَكَ.فَالْتَفَتَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِلَى رَأْسِ الْجَالُوتِ فَقَالَ لَهُ: تَسْأَلُنِي أوْ أسْأَلُكَ؟فَقَالَ: بَلْ أسْأَلُكَ، وَلَسْتُ أقْبَلُ مِنْكَ حُجَّةً إلاّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ أوْ مِنَ الإنْجِيلِ أوْ مِنْ زَبُورِ دَاوُودَ أوْ بِمَا فِي صُحُفِ إبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَى.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: لاَ تَقْبَلْ مِنّي حُجَّةً إلاّ بِمَا تَنْطِقُ بِهِ التَّوْرَاةُ عَلَى لِسَانِ مُوسَى بْنِ عِمْرَانَ، وَالإنْجِيلُ عَلَى لِسَانِ عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ، وَالزَّبُورُ عَلَى لِسَانِ دَاوُودَ.فَقَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: مِنْ أيْنَ تُثْبِتُ نُبُوَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ)؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: شَهِدَ بِنُبُوَّتِهِ مُوسَى بْنُ عِمْرَانَ وَعِيسَى بْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَدَاوُودُ خَلِيفَةُ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي الأرْضِ. فَقَالَ لَهُ: ثَبِّتْ قَوْلَ مُوسَى بْنِ عِمْرَانَ.فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: هَلْ تَعْلَمُ يَا يَهُودِيُّ أنَّ مُوسَى أوْصَى بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ فَقَالَ لَهُمْ: إنَّهُ سَيَأتِيكُمْ نَبِيٌّ مِنْ إخْوَانِكُمْ. بِهِ فَصَدِّقُوا وَمِنْهُ فَاسْمَعُوا. فَهَلْ تَعْلَمُ أنَّ لِبَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ إخْوَةً غَيْرَ وُلْدِ إسْمَاعِيلَ إنْ كُنْتَ تَعْرِفُ قَرَابَةَ إسْرَائِيلَ مِنْ إسْمَاعِيلَ وَالسَّبَبَ الَّذِي بَيْنَهُمَامِنْ قِبَلِ إبْرَاهِيمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ؟ فَقَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: هَذا قَوْلُ مُوسَى لاَ نَدْفَعُهُ. فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: هَلْ جَاءَكُمْ مِنْ إخْوَةِ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ نَبِيٌّ غَيْرُ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ؟ قَالَ: لاَ. قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أوَلَيْسَ قَدْ صَحَّ هَذا عِنْدَكُمْ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ. وَلَكِنِّي أُحِبُّ أنْ تُصَحِّحَهُ إلَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ. فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: هَلْ تُنْكِرُ أنَّ التَّوْرَاةَ تَقُولُ لَكُمْ: جَاءَ النُّورُ مِنْ قِبَلِ طُورِ سَيْنَاءَ، وَأضَاءَ لَنَا مِنْ جَبَلِ سَاعِيرَ، وَاسْتَعْلَنَ عَلَيْنَا مِنْ جَبَلِ فَارَانَ؟ قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: أعْرِفُ هَذِهِ الكَلِمَاتِ وَمَا أعْرِفُ تَفْسِيرَهَا.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أنَا أُخْبِرُكَ بِهِ: أمَّا قَوْلُهُ: جَاءَ النُّورُ مِنْ قِبَلِ طُورِ سَيْنَاءَ، فَذَلِكَ وَحْيُ اللهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى الَّذِي أنْزَلَهُ عَلَى جَبَلِ طُورِ سَيْنَاءَ. وَأمَّا قَوْلُهُ: وَأضَاءَ لَنَا مِنْ جَبَلِ سَاعِيرَ، فَهُوَ الجَبَلُ الَّذِي أوْحَى اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إلى عِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِ. وَأمَّا قَوْلُهُ: وَاسْتَعْلَنَ عَلَيْنَا مِنْ جَبَلِ فَارَانَ، فَذَلِكَ جَبَلٌ مِنْ جِبَالِ مَكَّةَ، بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهَا يَوْمٌ.وَقَالَ شَعْيَاءُ النَّبِيُّ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ فِي مَا تَقُولُ أنْتَ وَأصْحَابُكَ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ: رَأَيْتُ رَاكِبَيْنِ أضَاءَتْ لَهُمُ الأَرْضُ؛ أَحَدُهُمَا عَلَى حِمَارٍ وَالآخَرُ عَلَى جَمَلٍ. فَمَنْ رَاكِبُ الحِمَارِ وَمَنْ رَاكِبُ الجَمَلِ؟ قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: لا أعْرِفُهُمَا، فَخَبِّرْنِي بِهِمَا. قَالَ: أمَّا رَاكِبُ الحِمَارِ فَعِيسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ، وَأمَّا رَاكِبُ الجَمَلِ فَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ. أتُنْكِرُ هَذَا مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ؟ قَالَ: لا، مَا أُنْكِرُهُ. ثُمَّ قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: هَلْ تَعْرِفُ حَيْقُوقَ النَّبِيَّ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ، إنّي بِهِ لَعَارِفٌ.قَالَ: فَإنَّهُ قَالَ، وَكِتَابُكُمْ يَنْطِقُ بِهِ: جَاءَ اللهُ تَعَالى بِالبَيَانِ مِنْ جَبَلِ فَارَانَ، وَامْتَلأَتِ السَّمَاوَاتُ مِنْ تَسْبِيحِ أحْمَدَ وَأُمَّتِهِ. يَحْمِلُ خَيْلَهُ فِي البَحْرِ كَمَا يَحْمِلُ فِي البَرِّ، يَأتِينَا بِكِتَابٍ جَدِيدٍ بَعْدَ خَرَابِ بَيْتِ المَقْدِسِ. يَعْنِي بِالكِتَابِ، الفُرْقَانَ. أتَعْرِفُ هَذَا وَتُؤْمِنُ بِهِ؟قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: قَدْ قَالَ ذَلِكَ حَيْقُوقُ النَّبِيُّ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ، وَلا نُنْكِرُ قَوْلَهُ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَقَدْ قَالَ دَاوُودُ فِي زَبُورِهِ، وَأنْتَ تَقْرَأُهُ: اَللَّهُمَّ ابْعَثْ مُقِيمَ السُّنَّةِ بَعْدَ الفَتْرَةِ. فَهَلْ تَعْرِفُ نِبِيّاً أقَامَ السُّنَّةَ بَعْدَ الْفَتْرَةِ غَيْرَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ؟قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: هَذَا قَوْلُ دَاوُودَ نَعْرِفُهُ وَلا نُنْكِرُ، وَلكِنْ عَنِيَ بِذَلِكَ عِيسَى، وَأيَّامُهُ هِيَ الْفَتْرَةُ. قَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: جَهِلْتَ! إنَّ عِيسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ لَمْ يُخَالِفِ السُّنَّةَ، وَكَانَ مُوافِقاً لِسُنَّةِ التَّوْرَاةِ حَتّى رَفَعَهُ اللهُ إلَيْهِ. وَفِي الإنْجِيلِ مَكْتُوبٌ: إنَّ ابْنَ البَرَّةِ ذَاهِبٌ، وَالبَارْقَلِيطا جَاءَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ، وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَحْفَظُ الآصَارَ، وَيُفَسِّرُ لَكُمْ كُلَّ شَيءٍ، وَيَشْهَدُ لِي كَمَا شَهِدْتُ لَهُ. أنَا جِئْتُكُمْ بِالأمْثَالِ وَهُوَ يَأتِيكُمْ بِالتَّأوِيلِ. أَتُؤْمِنُ بِهَذا فِي الإنْجِيلِ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ.فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا رَأسَ الجَالُوتِ، أسْأَلُكَ عَنْ نَبِيِّكَ مُوسَى بْنِ عِمْرَانَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ. فَقَالَ: سَلْ. قَالَ: مَا الحُجَّةُ عَلَى أنَّ مُوسَى ثَبُتَتْ نُبُوَّتُهُ؟قَالَ اليَهُودِيُّ: إنَّهُ جَاءَ بِمَا لَمْ يَجِئْ بِهِ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الأنْبِيَاءِ قَبْلَهُ.قَالَ لَهُ: مِثْلُ مَاذا؟قَالَ: مِثْلُ فَلْقِ البَحْرِ، وَقَلْبِهِ العَصَا حَيَّةً تَسْعَى، وَضَرْبِهِ الحَجَرَ فَانْفَجَرَتْ مِنْهُ العُيُونُ، وَإخْراجِهِ يَدَهُ بَيْضَاءَ لِلنّاظِرِينَ. وَعَلامَاتُهُ لاَ يَقْدِرُ الخَلْقُ عَلَى مِثْلِهَا.قَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: صَدَقْتَ فِي أنَّهُ كَانَتْ حُجَّتَهُ عَلَى نُبُوَّتِهِ أنَّهُ جَاءَ بِمَا لاَ يَقْدِرُ الخَلْقُ عَلَى مِثْلِهِ. أفَلَيْسَ كُلُّ مَنِ ادَّعَى أنَّهُ نَبِيٌّ ثُمَّ جَاءَ بِمَا لاَ يَقْدِرُ الخَلْقُ عَلَى مِثْلِهِ وَجَبَ عَلَيْكُمْ تَصْدِيقُهُ؟قَالَ: لاَ. لأنَّ مُوسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ نَظِيرٌ، لِمَكَانِهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَقُرْبِهِ مِنْهُ. وَلاَ يَجِبُ عَلَيْنَا الإقْرَارُ بِنُبُوَّةِ مَنِ ادَّعَاهَا حَتّى يَأتِيَ مِنَ الأعْلامِ بِمِثْلِ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ مَوسَى.فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَكَيْفَ أقْرَرْتُمْ بِالأنْبِيَاءِ الَّذِينَ كَانوا قَبْلَ مُوسَى عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ وَلَمْيَفْلُقُوا البَحْرَ وَلَمْ يُفَجِّرُوا مِنَ الحَجَرِ اثْنَي عَشَرَةَ عَيْناً وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوا أيْدِيَهُمْ مِثْلَ إخْرَاجِ مُوسَى يَدَهُ بَيْضَاءَ وَلَمْ يَقْلِبُوا العَصَا حَيَّةً تَسْعَى؟قَالَ اليَهُودِيُّ: قَدْ خَبَّرْتُكَ أنَّهُ مَتَى مَا جَاؤوا عَلَى نُبُوَّتِهِمْ مِنَ الآيَاتِ بِمَا لاَ يَقْدِرُ الخَلْقُ عَلَى مِثْلِهِ، وَلَوْ جَاؤوا بِمَا يَجِئُ بِهِ مُوسَى أوْ كَانَ عَلَى غَيْرِ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ مُوسَى وَجَبَ تَصْدِيقُهُمْ.قَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا رَأسَ الجَالُوتِ، فَمَا يَمْنَعُكَ مِنَ الإقْرَارِ بِعِيسَى بْنِ مَرْيَمَ وَقَدْ كَانَ يُحْيِي المَوْتَى وَيُبْرِءُ الأَكْمَهَ وَالأَبْرَصَ وَيَخْلُقُ مِنَ الطِّينَ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ ثُمَّ يَنْفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْراً بِإذْنِ اللهِ تَعَالى؟قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: يُقَالُ إنَّهُ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ، وَلَمْ نَشْهَدْهُ!قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أرَأَيْتَ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ مُوسَى مِنَ الآيَاتِ؟ أشَاهَدْتَهُ؟ ألَيْسَ إنَّمَا جَاءَتِ الأخْبَارُ مِنْ ثِقَاتِ أصْحَابِ مُوسَى أنَّهُ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ؟ قَالَ: بَلَى.قَالَ: فَكَذلِكَ أيْضاً. أتَتْكُمُ الأخْبَارُ المُتَوَاتِرَةُ بِمَا فَعَلَ عِيسَى بْنُ مَرْيَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ. فَكَيْفَ صَدَّقْتُمْ بِمُوسَى وَلَمْ تُصَدِّقوا بِعِيسَى؟فَلَمْ يَحْرَ جَواباً. قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: وَكَذلِكَ أمْرُ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَمَا جَاءَ بِهِ، وَأَمْرُ كُلِّ نَبِيٍّ بَعَثَهُ اللهُ. وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أنَّهُ كَانَ يَتِيماً فَقِيراً رَاعِياً أجِيراً، لَمْ يَتَعَلَّمْ كِتَاباً وَلَمْ يَخْتَلِفْ إلَى مُعَلِّمٍ. ثُمَّ جَاءَ بِالقُرْآنِ الَّذِي فِيهِ قَصَصُ الأنْبِيَاءِ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلاَمُ وَأخْبَارُهُمْ حَرْفاً حَرْفاً، وَأخْبَارُ مَنْ مَضَى وَمَنْ بَقِيَ إلى يَوْمِ القِيَامَةِ. ثُمَّ كَانَ يُخْبِرُهُمْ بِأَسْرَارِهِمْ وَمَا يَعْمَلُونَ فِي بُيُوتِهِمْ، وَجَاءَ بِآيَاتٍ كَثِيرَةٍ لاَ تُحْصَى.قَالَ رَأسُ الجَالُوتِ: لَمْ يَصِحَّ عِنْدَنَا خَبَرُ عِيسَى وَلا خَبَرُ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ). وَلاَ يَجُوزُ لَنَا أنْ نُقِرَّ لَهُمَا بِمَا لاَ يَصِحُّ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَالشَّاهِدُ الَّذِي شَهِدَ لِعِيسَى وَلِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ شَاهِدُ زُورٍ! فَلَمْ يَحْرَ جَوَاباً. ثُمَّ دَعَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ بِالْهِرْبِذِ الأكْبَرِ، فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أخْبِرْنِي عَنْ زُرَدِهشْتَ الَّذِي تَزْعَمُ أنَّهُ نَبِيٌّ؛ مَا حُجَّتُكَ عَلَى نُبُوَّتِهِ؟قَالَ: إنَّهُ أتَى بِمَا لَمْ يَأتِنَا أَحَدٌ قَبْلَهُ وَلَمْ نَشْهَدْهُ، وَلكِنَّ الأخْبَارَ مِنْ أسْلاَفِنَا وَرَدَتْ عَلَيْنَا بِأنَّهُ أَحَلَّ لَنَا مَا لَمْ يُحِلَّهُ غَيْرُهُ فَاتَّبَعْنَاهُ. قَالَ: أفَلَيْسَ إنَّمَا أَتَتْكُمُ الأخْبَارُ فَاتَّبَعْتُمُوهُ؟قَالَ: بَلَى. قَالَ: فَكَذلِكَ سَائِرَ الأُمَمِ السَّالِفَةِ؛ أَتَتْهُمُ الأخْبَارُ بِمَا أتَى بِهِ النَّبِيُّونَ وَأتَى بِهِ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَمُحَمَّدُ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ. فَمَا عُذْرُكُمْ فِي تَرْكِ الإقْرَارِ لَهُمْ، إذْ كُنْتُمْ إنَّمَا أقْرَرْتُمْ بِزُرَدِهشِتَ مِنْ قِبَلِ الأَخْبَارِ المُتَوَاتِرَةِ بِأنَّهُ جَاءَ بِمَا لَمْ يَجِئْ بِهِ غَيْرُهُ؟فَانْقَطَعَ الْهِرْبِذُ مَكَانَهُ. فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: يَا قَوْمُ، إنْ كَانَ فِيكُمْ أَحَدٌ يُخَالِفُ الإِسْلامَ وَأَرَادَ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ فَلْيَسْأَلْ غَيْرَ مُحْتَشِمٍ.فَقَامَ إِلَيْهِ عِمْرَانُ الصَّابِي، وَكَانَ وَاحِداً فِي الْمُتَكَلِّمِينَ فَقَالَ: يَا عَالِمَ النَّاسِ، لَوْ لا أَنَّكَ دَعَوْتَ إِلَى مَسْأَلَتِكَ لَمْ أُقْدِمْ عَلَيْكَ بِالْمَسَائِلِ، فَلَقَدْ دَخَلْتُ الْكُوفَةَ وَالْبَصْرَةَ وَالشَّامَ وَالْجَزِيرَةَ وَلَقِيتُ الْمُتَكَلِّمِينَ فَلَمْ أَقَعْ عَلَى أَحَدٍ يُثْبِتُ لِي وَاحِداً لَيْسَ غَيْرُهُ قَائِماً بِوَحْدَانِيَّتِهِ، أَفَتَأْذَنُ أَنْ أَسْأَلَكَ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا: إِنْ كَانَ فِي الْجَمَاعَةِ عِمْرَانُ الصَّابِي فَأَنْتَ هُوَ. قَالَ: أَنَا هُوَ.قَالَ: سَلْ يَا عِمْرَانُ، وَعَلَيْكَ بِالنَّصَفَةِ، وَإِيَّاكَ وَالْخَطَلَ وَالْجَوْرَ.فَقَالَ: وَاللَّهِ يَا سَيِّدِي مَا أُرِيدُ إِلا أَنْ تُثْبِتَ لِي شَيْئاً أَتَعَلَّقُ بِهِ فَلا أَجُوزُهُ. قَالَ: سَلْ عَمَّا بَدَا لَكَ. فَازْدَحَمَ النَّاسُ وَانْضَمَّ بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَى بَعْضٍ.فَقَالَ عِمْرَانُ الصَّابِيُّ: أخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الكَائِنِ الأَوَّلِ وَعَمَّا خَلَقَ.فَقَالَ لَهُ: سَأَلْتَ فَافْهَمْ. أمَّا الْوَاحِدُ فَلَمْ يَزَلْ وَاحِداً كَائِناً لاَ شَيءَ مَعَهُ بِلاَ حُدِودٍ وَأعْرَاضٍ،وَلاَ يَزَالُ كَذلِكَ، ثُمَّ خَلَقَ خَلْقاً مُبْتَدِعاً مُخْتَلِفاً بِأعْرَاضٍ وَحُدُودٍ مُخْتَلِفَةٍ، لاَ فِي شَيءٍ أقَامَهُ وَلاَ فِي شيءٍ حَدَّهُ وَلاَ عَلَى شَيءٍ حَذَاهُ وَمَثَّلَهُ لَهُ. فَجَعَلَ الْخَلْقَ مِنْ بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ صَفْوَةً وَغَيْرَ صَفْوَةٍ وَاخْتِلاَفاً وَائْتِلاَفاً وَألْوَاناً وَذَوْقاً وَطَعْماً، لا لِحَاجَةٍ كَانَتْ مِنْهُ إلى ذَلِكَ وَلا لِفَضْلِ مَنْزِلَةٍ لَمْ يَبْلُغْهَا إلاَّ بِهِ، وَلا أرَى لِنَفْسِهِ فِيمَا خَلَقَ زِيَادَةً وَلا نُقْصَاناً. تَعْقِلُ هَذا يَا عِمْرَانُ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ وَ اللهِ يَا سَيِّدِي.قَالَ: وَاعْلَمْ يَا عِمْرَانُ أنَّهُ لَوْ كَانَ خَلَقَ مَا خَلَقَ لِحَاجَةٍ لَمْ يَخْلُقْ إلاَّ مَنْ يَسْتَعِينُ بِهِ عَلَى حَاجَتِهِ، وَلَكَانَ يَنْبَغِي أنْ يَخْلُقَ أضْعَافَ مَا خَلَقَ لأَنَّ الأَعْوَانَ كُلَّمَا كَثُرُوا كَانَ صَاحِبُهُمْ أقْوَى. وَالحَاجَةُ يَا عِمْرَانُ لاَ يَسَعُهَا لأنَّهُ كَانَ لَمْ يُحْدِثْ مِنَ الخَلْقِ شَيْئاً إلاّ حَدَثَتْ بِهِ حَاجَةٌ أُخْرَى. وَلِذَلِكَ أقُولُ: لَمْ يَخْلُقِ الخَلْقَ لِحَاجَةٍ وَلكِنْ نَقَلَ بِالخَلْقِ الحَوَائِجَ بَعْضَهُمْ إلى بَعْضٍ، وَفَضَّلَ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ بِلاَ حَاجَةٍ مِنْهُ إلى فَضْلٍ وَلاَ نِقْمَةٍ مِنْهُ عَلَى مَنْ أذَلَّ. فَلِهذَا خَلَقَ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، هَلْ كَانَ الكَائِنُ مَعْلُوماً فِي نَفْسِهِ عِنْدَ نَفْسِهِ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: إنَّما يَكُونُ المَعْلَمَةُ بِالشَّيءِ لِنَفْيِ خِلاَفِهِ وَلِيَكُونَ الشَّيءُ نَفْسُهُ بِمَا نُفِيَ عَنْهُ مَوْجُوداً، وَلَمْ يَكُنْ هُناكَ شَيءٌ يُخَالِفُهُ فَتَدْعُوهُ الحَاجَةُ إلى نَفْيِ ذَلِكَ الشَّيءِ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ بِتَحْدِيدِ مَا عَلِمَ مِنْهَا. أفَهِمْتَ يَا عِمْرَانُ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ وَاللهِ. سَيِّدِي فَأخْبِرْنِي بِأيِّ شَيءٍ عَلِمَ مَا عَلِمَ. أبِضَمِيرٍ أمْ بِغَيْرِ ذَلِكَ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أرَأَيْتَ إذَا عَلِمَ بِضَمِيرٍ هَلْ يَجِدُ بُدّاً مِنْ أنْ يَجْعَلَ لِذَلِكَ الضَّمِيرِ حَدّاً تَنْتَهِي إلَيْهِ المَعْرِفَةُ؟ قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: لاَ بُدَّ مِنْ ذَلِكَ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَمَا ذَلِكَ الضَّمِيرُ؟ فَانْقَطَعَ وَلَمْ يَحْرَ جَوَاباً.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: لا بَأسَ إنْ سَأَلْتُكَ عَنِ الضَّمِيرِ نَفْسِهِ، تَعْرِفُهُ بِضَمِيرٍ آخَرَ؟ فَإنْ قُلْتَ نَعَمْ، أفْسَدْتَ عَلَيْكَ قَوْلَكَ وَدَعْوَاكَ يَا عِمْرَانُ. ألَيْسَ يَنْبَغِي أنْ تَعْلَمَ أنَّ الوَاحِدَ لَيْسَ يُوصَفُ بِضَمِيرٍ وَلَيْسَ يُقَالُ لَهُ أكْثَرَ مِنْ فِعْلٍ وَعَمَلٍ وَصُنْعٍ، وَلَيْسَ يُتَوَهَّمُ مِنْهُ مَذاهِبُ وَتَجْزِيَةٍ كَمَذَاهِبِ المَخْلُوقِينَ وَتَجْزِيَتِهِمْ؟ فَاعْقِلْ ذَلِكَ وَابْنِ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَلِمْتَ صَواباً.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، ألاَ تُخْبِرُنِي حُدُودَ خَلْقِهِ كَيْفَ هِيَ؟ وَمَا مَعَانِيهَا؟ وَعَلَى كَمْ نَوْعٍ يَكُونُ؟قَالَ: قَدْ سَأَلْتَ فَاعْلَمْ أنَّ حُدُودَ خَلْقِهِ عَلَى سِتَّةِ أنْوَاعٍ: مَلْمُوسٍ وَمَوْزُونٍ وَمَنْظُورٍ إلَيْهِ وَمَا لاَ ذَوْقَ لَهُ وَهُوَ الرُّوحُ وَمِنْها مَنْظُورٌ إلَيْهِ وَلَيْسَ لَهُ وَزْنٌ وَلاَ لَمْسٌ وَلاَ حِسٌّ وَلاَ لَوْنٌ وَلاَ ذَوْقٌ وَالتَّقْدِيرُ وَالأعْرَاضُ وَالصُّوَرُ وَالطُّولُ وَالْعَرْضُ، وَمِنْهَا العَمَلُ وَالحَرَكَاتُ الَّتِي تَصْنَعُ الأشْيَاءَ وَتَعْمَلُهَا وَتُغَيِّرُهَا مِنْ حَالٍ إلى حَالٍ وَتَزِيدُهَا وَتُنْقِصُهَا. فَأمّا الأعْمَالُ وَالحَرَكَاتُ فَإنَّهَا تَنْطَلِقُ لأَنَّهُ لا وَقْتَ لَها أكْثَرَ مِنْ قَدْرِ مَا يُحْتَاجُ إلَيْهِ. فَإذَا فَرَغَ مِنَ الشَّيءِ انْطَلَقَ بِالحَرَكَةِ وَبَقِيَ الأَثَرُ وَيَجْرِي مَجْرَى الكَلاَمِ، يَذْهَبُ وَيَبْقَى أثَرُهُ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، ألاَ تُخْبِرُنِي عَنِ الخَالِقِ إذَا كَانَ وَاحِداً لاَ شَيءَ غَيْرَهُ وَلاَ شَيْءَ مَعَهُ؟ ألَيْسَ قَدْ تَغَيَّرَ بِخَلْقِهِ الخَلْقُ؟قَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: قَدِيمٌ لَمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِخَلْقِهِ الخَلْقُ وَلكِنَّ الخَلْقَ يَتَغَيَّرُ بِتَغَيُّرِهِ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي فَبِأَيِّ شَيْءٍ عَرَفْنَاهُ؟قَالَ: بِغَيْرِهِ.قَالَ: فَأيُّ شَيءٍ غَيْرُهُ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: مَشِيَّتُهُ وَاسْمُهُ وَصِفَتُهُ وَمَا أشْبَهَ ذَلِكَ، وَكُلُّ ذَلِكَ مُحْدَثٌ مَخْلُوقٌ مُدَبَّرٌ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، فَأيُّ شَيءٍ هُوَ؟ قَالَ: هُوَ نُورٌ بِمَعْنَى أنَّهُ هَادٍ خَلْقَهُ مِنْ أهْلِ السَّمَاءِ وَأهْلِ الأرْضِ، وَلَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَى أكْثَرَ مِنْ تَوْحِيدِي إيَّاهُ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، ألَيْسَ قَدْ كَانَ سَاكِتاً قَبْلَ الخَلْقِ لاَ يَنْطِقُ ثُمَّ نَطَقَ؟ قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: لاَ يَكُونُ السُّكُوتُ إلاّ عَنْ نَطْقٍ قَبْلَهُ. وَالمَثَلُ فِي ذَلِكَ أنَّهُ لاَ يُقَالُ لِلسِّرَاجِ هُوَ سَاكِتٌ لاَ يَنْطِقُ، وَلا يُقَالُ إنَّ السِّرَاجَ لَيُضِيءُ فِيمَا يُرِيدُ أنْ يَفْعَلَ بِنَا لأَنَّ الضَّوْءَ مِنَ السِّرَاجِ لَيْسَ بِفِعْلٍ مِنْهُ وَلا كَوْنٍ، وَإنَّما هُوَ لَيْسَ شَيءٌ غَيْرُهُ فَلَمّا اسْتَضَاءَ لَنَا قُلْنَا قَدْ أضَاءَ لَنَا حَتّى اسْتَضَأْنَا بِهِ. فَبِهَذا تَسْتَبْصِرُ أمْرَكَ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، فَإنَّ الَّذِي كَانَ عِنْدِي أنَّ الكَائِنَ قَدْ تَغَيَّرَ فِي فِعْلِهِ عَنْ حَالِهِ بِخَلْقِهِ الخَلْقَ. قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أحَلْتَ يَا عِمْرَانُ فِي قَوْلِكَ أنَّ الكَائِنَ يَتَغَيَّرُ فِي وَجْهٍ مِنَ الوُجُوهِ حَتّى يُصِيبَ الذَّاتَ مِنْهُ مَا يُغَيِّرُهُ. يَا عِمْرَانُ، هَلْ تَجِدُ النَّارَ تُغَيِّرُهَا تَغَيُّرُ نَفْسِهَا؟ وَهَلْ تَجِدُ الحَرَارَةَ تُحْرِقُ نَفْسَهَا؟ أوْ هَلْ رَأيْتَ بَصِيراً قَطُّ رَأى بَصَرَهُ؟قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: لَمْ أَرَ هَذَا إلاَّ أنْ تُخْبِرَنِي يَا سَيِّدِي أهُوَ فِي الخَلْقِ أمِ الخَلْقُ فِيهِ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أَجَلْ يَا عِمْرَانُ، لَيْسَ هُوَ فِي الخَلْقِ وَلاَ الخَلْقُ فِيهِ. تَعَالى عَنْ ذَلِكَ وَسَاءَ عِلْمُكَ مَا تَعْرِفُهُ، وَلاَ قُوَّةَ الاّ بِاللهِ. أخْبِرْنِي عَنِ المِرْآةِ أنْتَ فِيهَا أمْ هِيَ فِيكَ؟ فَإنْ كَانَ لَيْسَ وَاحِدٌ مِنْكُمَا فِي صَاحِبِهِ فَبِأَيِّ شَيْءٍ إسْتَدْلَلْتَ بِهَا عَلَى نَفْسِكَ يَا عِمْرَانُ؟قَالَ: بِضَوْءٍ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَهَا.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: هَلْ تَرَى مِنْ ذَلِكَ الضَّوْءِ فِي المِرْآةِ أكْثَرَ مِمّا تَرَاهُ فِي عَيْنِكَ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: فَأَرِنَاهُ.فَلَمْ يَحْرَ جَوَابـاً. قَالَ: فَلا أرَى النُّورَ إلاّ وَقَدْ دَلَّكَ وَدَلَّ المِرْآةَ عَلَى أنْفُسِكُمَا مِنْ غَيْرِ أنْيَكُونَ فِي وَاحِدٍ مِنْكُمَا. وَلِهَذَا أمْثَالٌ كَثِيرَةٌ غَيْرُ هَذَا، لاَ يَجِدُ الجَاهِلُ فِيهَا مَقَالاً. وَللهِ المَثَلُ الأَعْلَى.ثُمَّ الْتَفَتَ إلى المَأمُونِ فَقَالَ: الصَّلاَةُ قَدْ حَضَرَتْ.فَقَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، لا تَقْطَعْ عَلَيَّ مَسْأَلَتِي فَقَدْ رَقَّ قَلْبِي.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: نُصَلِّي وَنَعُودُ.فَنَهَضَ، وَنَهَضَ الْمَأْمُونُ. فَصَلَّى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ دَاخِلاً، وَصَلَّى النَّاسُ خَارِجاً خَلْفَ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ. ثُمَّ خَرَجَا فَعَادَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِلَى مَجْلِسِهِ وَدَعَا بِعِمْرَانَ فَقَالَ: سَلْ يَا عِمْرَانُ.قَالَ: يَا سَيِّدِي، ألاَ تُخْبِرُنِي عَنِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، هَلْ يُوَحَّدُ بِحَقِيقَةٍ أوْ يُوَحَّدُ بِوَصْفٍ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: إنَّ اللهَ المُبْدِئَ الوَاحِدَ الكَائِنَ الأَوَّلَ لَمْ يَزَلْ وَاحِداً لاَ شَيْءَ مَعَهُ، فَرْداً لاَ ثَانِيَ مَعَهُ، لاَ مَعْلُوماً وَلاَ مَجْهُولاً، وَلا مُحْكَماً وَلا مُتَشَابِهاً، وَلا مَذْكُوراً وَلاَ مَنْسِيّاً، وَلا شَيْئاً يَقَعُ عَلَيْهِ اسْمُ شَيْءٍ مِنَ الأشْيَاءِ غَيْرِهِ، وَلا مِنْ وَقْتٍ كَانَ وَلا إلى وَقْتٍ يَكُونُ، وَلا بِشَيْءٍ قَامَ وَلا إلى شَيْءٍ يَقُومُ، وَلا إلى شَيْءٍ اِسْتَنَدَ وَلا فِي شَيْءٍ اِسْتَكَنَّ. وَذَلِكَ كُلُّهُ قَبْلَ الخَلْقِ إذْ لاَ شَيْءَ غَيْرُهُ، وَمَا أوْقَعْتُ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ الكُلِّ فَهِيَ صِفَاتٌ مُحْدَثَةٌ وَتَرْجَمَةٌ يَفْهَمُ بِهَا مَنْ فَهِمَ.وَاعْلَمْ أنَّ الإبْدَاعَ وَالمَشِيئَةَ وَالإرَادَةَ مَعْنَاهَا وَاحِدٌ وَأسْمَاؤها ثَلاثَةٌ. وَكَانَ أوَّلَ إبْدَاعِهِ وَإرَادَتِهِ وَمَشِيَّتِهِ الحُرُوفُ الَّتِي جَعَلَهَا أصْلاً لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَدَلِيلاً عَلَى كُلِّ مَدْرَكٍ وَفَاصِلاً لِكُلِّ مُشْكِلٍ. وَبِتِلْكَ الحُرُوفِ تَفْرِيقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مِنِ اسْمٍ حَقٍّ وَبَاطِلٍ أوْ فِعْلٍ أوْ مَفْعُولٍ أوْ مَعْنىً أوْ غَيْرِ مَعْنى. وَعَلَيْهَا اجْتَمَعَتِ الأُمُورُ كُلُّهَا وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ لِلْحُرُوفِ فِي إبْدَاعِهِ لَهَا مَعْنًى غَيْـرَأنْفُسِهَا تَتَنَاهَى وَلا وُجُودَ لَهَا لأَنَّهَا مُبْدَعَةٌ بِالإبْدَاعِ. وَالنُّورُ فِي هَذَا المَوْضِعِ أوَّلُ فِعْلِ اللهِ الَّذِي هُوَ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ، وَالْحُرُوفُ هِيَ الْمَفْعُولُ بِذَلِكَ الْفِعْلِ وَهِيَ الْحُرُوفُ الَّتِي عَلَيْهَا مَدَارُ الْكَلاَمِ، وَالْعِبَادَاتُ كُلُّهَا مِنَ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَلَّمَهَا خَلْقَهُ، وَهِيَ ثَلاَثَةٌ وَثَلاَثُونَ حَرْفاً؛ فَمِنْهَا ثَمَانِيَةٌ وَعِشْرُونَ حَرْفاً تَدُلُّ عَلَى لُغَاتِ الْعَرَبِيَّةِ وَمِنَ الثَّمَانِيَةِ وَالْعِشْرِينَ اثْنَانِ وَعِشْرُونَ حَرْفاً تَدُلُّ عَلَى لُغَاتِ السَّرْيَانِيَّةِ وَالعِبْرَانِيَّةِ، وَمِنْهَا خَمْسَةُ أحْرُفٍ مُتَحَرِّفَةٍ فِي سَائِرِ اللُّغَاتِ مِنَ العَجَمِ وَالأقَالِيمِ.وَاللُّغَاتُ كُلُّهَا هِيَ خَمْسَةُ أحْرُفٍ تَحَرَّفَتْ مِنَ الثَّمَانِيَةِ وَالعِشْرِينَ حَرْفاً مِنَ اللُّغَاتِ فَصَارَتِ الْحُرُوفُ ثَلاَثَةً وَثَلاَثِينَ حَرْفاً. فَأمّا الْخَمْسَةُ الْمُخْتَلِفَةُ فَـ: (ي) (ت) (ج) (ح) (خ) لاَ يَجُوزُ ذِكْرُهَا أكْثَرَ مِمَّا ذَكَرْنَاهُ. ثُمَّ جَعَلَ الْحُرُوفَ بَعْدَ إحْصَائِها وَإحْكَامِ عِدَّتِهَا فِعْلاً مِنْهُ، كَقَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: ( كُنْ فَيَكُونُ) وَكُنْ مِنْهُ صُنِعَ وَمَا يَكُونُ بِهِ الْمَصْنُوعُ، فَالْخَلْقُ الأَوَّلُ مِنَ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ الإبْدَاعُ لاَ وَزْنٌ لَهُ وَلاَ حَرَكَةٌ وَلاَ سَمْعٌ وَلاَ لَوْنٌ وَلاَ حِسٌّ. وَالْخَلْقُ الثَّانِي الْحُرُوفُ لاَ وَزْنٌ لَهَا وَلاَ لَوْنٌ، وَهِيَ مَسْمُوعَةٌ مَوْصُوفَةٌ غَيْرُ مَنْظُورٍ إلَيْهَا. وَالْخَلْقُ الثَّالِثُ مَا كَانَ مِنَ الأنْوَاعِ كُلِّهَا مَحْسُوساً مَلْمُوساً ذَا ذَوْقٍ مَنْظُوراً إلَيْهِ.وَاللهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالى سَابِقٌ لِلإبْدَاعِ لأَنَّهُ لَيْسَ قَبْلَهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ شَيْءٌ وَلا كَانَ مَعَهُ شَيءٌ، وَالإبْدَاعُ سَابِقٌ لِلْحُرُوفِ وَالْحُرُوفُ لاَ تَدُلُّ عَلَى غَيْرِ نَفْسِهَا.قَالَ الْمَأمُونُ: وَكَيْفَ لاَ تَدُلُّ عَلَى غَيْرِ أنْفُسِهَا؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: لأَنَّ اللهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالى لاَ يَجْمَعُ مِنْهَا شَيْئاً لِغَيْرِ مَعْنىً أبَداً؛ فَإذَا ألَّفَ مِنْهَا أحْرُفاً أرْبَعَةً أوْ خَمْسَةً أوْ سِتَّةً أوْ أكْثَرَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ أوْ أقَلَّ لَمْ يُؤَلِّفْهَا بِغَيْرِ مَعْنى وَلَمْ يَكُنْ إلاَّ لِمَعْنى مُحْدَثٍ لَمْ يَكُنْ قَبْلَ ذَلِكَ شَيءٌ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: فَكَيْفَ لَنَا بِمَعْرِفَةِ ذَلِكَ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أمَّا الْمَعْرِفَةُ فَوَجْهُ ذَلِكَ وَبَيَانُهُ أنَّـكَ تَذْكُرُ الْحُرُوفَ إذَا لَمْ تُرِدْ بِهَـا غَيْرَ نَفْسِهَا ذَكَرْتَهَا فَرْداً فَقُلْتَ: (ألف) (باء) (تاء) (ثاء) (جيم) (حاء) (خاء)… حِتّى تَأتِيَ عَلَى آخِرِهَا فَلَمْ تَجِدْ لَهَا مَعْنَىً غَيْرَ أنْفُسِهَا، وَإذَا ألَّفْتَهَا وَجَمَعْتَ مِنْهَا أحْرُفاً وَجَعَلْتَها اسْماً وَصِفَةً لِمَعْنىً ما طَلَبْتَ وَوَجْهٍ مَا عَنَيْتَ، كَانَتْ دَلِيلَهُ عَلَى مَعَانِيهَا دَاعِيَةً إلى الْمَوْصُوفِ بِهَا. أفَهِمْتَهُ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: وَاعْلَمْ أنَّهُ لاَ يَكُونُ صِفَةٌ لِغَيْرِ مَوْصُوفٍ وَلا اسْمٌ لِغَيْرِ مَعْنى وَلا حَدٌّ لِغَيْرِ مَحْدُودٍ. وَالصِّفَاتُ وَالأسْمَاءُ كُلُّهَا تَدُلُّ عَلَى الْكَمَالِ وَالوُجُودِ، وَلا تَدُلُّ عَلَى الإحَاطَةِ كَمَا تَدُلُّ الحُدُودُ الَّتِي هِيَ التَّرْبِيعُ وَالتَّثْلِيثُ وَالتَّسْدِيسُ، لأنَّ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ تُدْرَكُ مَعْرِفَتُهُ بِالصِّفَاتِ وَالأسْمَاءِ ولاَ تُدْرَكُ بِالتَّحْدِيدِ بِالطُّولِ وَالعَرْضِ وِالقِلَّةِ وَالكَثْرَةِ وَاللَّوْنِ وَالوَزْنِ وَمَا أشْبَهَ ذَلِكَ. وَلَيْسَ يَحِلُّ باللهِ تَقَدَّسَ شَيءٌ مِنْ ذَلِكَ حَتّى يَعْرِفَهُ خَلْقُهُ بِمَعْرِفَتِهِمْ أنْفُسَهُمْ بِالضَّرُورَةِ الَّتِي ذَكَرْنَا، وَلَكِنْ يُدَلُّ عَلَى اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِصِفَاتِهِ وَيُدْرَكُ بِأسْمَائِهِ وَيُسْتَدَلُّ عَلَيْهِ بِخَلْقِهِ. لاَ يَحْتَاجُ فِي ذَلِكَ الطَّالِبُ الْمُرْتَادُ إلى رُؤيَةِ عَيْنٍ وَلا اسْتِماعِ أُذُنٍ وَلا لَمْسِ كَفٍّ وَلا إحَاطَةٍ بِقَلْبٍ؛ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ صِفَاتُهُ جَلَّ ثَنَاؤهُ لاَ تَدِلُّ عَلَيْهِ وَأسْمَاؤهُ لا تَدْعُو إلَيْهِ وَالْمَعْلَمَةُ مِنَ الخَلْقِ لاَ تُدْرِكُهُ لِمَعْنَاهُ، كَانَتِ العِبَادَةُ مِنَ الخَلْقِ لأسْمَائِهِ وَصِفَاتِهِ دُونَ مَعْنَاهُ. فَلَوْلا أنَّ ذَلِكَ كَذَلِكَ لَكَانَ الْمَعْبُودُ الْمُوَحَّدُ غَيْرَ اللهِ، لأنَّ صَفَاتِهِ وَأسْمَائَهُ غَيْرُهُ. أفَهِمْتَ؟قَالَ: نَعَمْ يَا سَيِّدِي، زِدْنِي.قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: إيَّاكَ وَقَوْلَ الجُهَّالِ مِنْ أهْلِ العَمَى وَالضَّلالِ الَّذِينَ يَزْعُمُونَ أنَّ اللهَ جَلَّ وَتَقَدَّسَ مَوْجُودٌ فِي الآخِرَةِ لِلْحِسَابِ فِي الثَّوَابِ وَالعِقَابِ، وَلَيْسَ بِمَوْجُودٍ فِي الدُّنْيَا لِلطَّاعَةِ وَالرَّجَاءِ! وَلَوْ كَانَ فِي الوُجُودِ للهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ نَقْصٌ وَاهْتِضَامٌ لَمْ يُوجَدْ فِي الآخِـرَةِأبَداً. وَلكِنَّ القَوْمَ تَاهوا وَعَمُوا وَصَمُّوا عَنِ الحَقِّ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَعْلَمُونَ. وَقَوْلُهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: (وَمَنْ كَانَ فِي هَذِهِ أعْمَى فَهُوَ فِي الآخِرَةِ أعْمَى وَأضَلُّ سَبِيلاً) يَعْني أعْمَى عَنِ الحَقَائِقِ الْمَوْجُودَةِ. وَقَدْ عَلِمَ ذَووا الألْبَابِ أنَّ الاسْتِدْلالَ عَلَى مَا هُنَاكَ لاَ يَكُونُ إلاَّ بِمَا هَا هُنَا، وَمَنْ أخَذَ عِلْمَ ذَلِكَ بِرَأيِهِ وَطَلَبَ وُجُودَهُ وَإدْراكَهُ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ دُونَ غَيْرِهَا لَمْ يَزْدَدْ مِنْ عِلْمِ ذَلِكَ إلاَّ بُعْداً، لأنَّ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ جَعَلَ عِلْمَ ذَلِكَ خَاصَّةً عِنْدَ قَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ وَيَعْلَمُونَ وَيَفْهَمُونَ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، ألاَ تُخْبِرُنِي عَنِ الإبْدَاعِ، أخَلْقٌ هُوَ أمْ غَيْرُ خَلْقٍ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: بَلْ خَلْقٌ سَاكِنٌ لاَ يُدْرَكُ بِالسُّكُونِ، وَإنَّمَا صَارَ خَلْقاً لأنَّهُ شَيءٌ مُحْدَثٌ، وَاللهُ تَعَالى الَّذِي أحْدَثَهُ فَصَارَ خَلْقاً لَهُ. وَإنَّما هُوَ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَخَلْقُهُ لاَ ثَالِثَ بَيْنَهُمَا وَلاَ ثَالِثَ غَيْرَهُمَا. فَمَا خَلَقَ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمْ يَعْدُ أنْ يَكُونَ خَلْقَهُ وَيَكُونَ الخَلْقُ سَاكِناً وَمُتَحَرِّكاً وَمُخْتَلِفاً وَمُؤْتَلِفاً وَمَعْلُوماً وَمُتَشَابِهاً، وَكُلُّ مَا وَقَعَ عَلَيْهِ حَدٌّ فَهُوَ خَلْقُ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ.وَاعْلَمْ أنَّ كُلَّ مَا أوْجَدَتْكَ الحَوَاسُّ فَهُوَ مَعْنىً مُدْرِكٌ لِلْحَوَاسِّ، وَكُلُّ حَاسَّةٍ تَدُلُّ عَلَى مَا جَعَلَ اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَها فِي إدْرَاكِهَا وَالفَهْمِ مِنَ القَلْبِ بِجَمِيعِ ذَلِكَ كُلِّهِ. وَاعْلَمْ أنَّ الوَاحِدَ الَّذِي هُوَ قَائِمٌ بِغَيْرِ تَقْدِيرٍ وَلاَ تَحْدِيدٍ خَلَقَ خَلْقاً مُقَدَّراً بِتَحْدِيدٍ وَتَقْدِيرٍ، وَكَانَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ خَلْقَيْنِ اثْنَيْنِ: التَّقْدِيرَ وَالمُقَدَّرَ، وَلَيْسَ فِي كُلِّ وَاحِدٍ مِنْهُمَا لَوْنٌ وَلاَ وَزْنٌ وَلاَ ذَوْقٌ، فَجَعَلَ أحَدَهُمَا يُدْرَكُ بِالآخَرِ وَجَعَلَهُمَا مُدْرِكَيْنِ بِنَفْسِهِمَا وَلَمْ يَخْلُقْ شَيْئاً فَرْداً قَائِماً بِنَفْسِهِ دُونَ غَيْرِهِ لِلَّذِي أرَادَ مِنَ الدَّلالَةِ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ وَإثْبَاتِ وُجُودِهِ.فَاللهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالى فَرْدٌ وَاحِدٌ لاَ ثَانِيَ مَعَهُ يُقَيِّمُهُ وَلا يَعْضُدُهُ وَلا يُكِنُّهُ، وَالخَلْقُ يُمْسِكُ بَعْضُهُ بَعْضاً بِإذْنِ اللهِ تَعَالى وَمَشِيئَتِهِ، وَإنَّمَا اخْتَلَفَ النَّاسُ فِي هَذا البَابِ حَتّى تَاهوا وَتَحَيَّرُوا وَطَلَبُوا الخَلاصَ مِنَ الظُّلْمَةِ بِالظُّلْمَةِ فِي وَصْفِهِمُ اللهَ تَعَالى بِصِفَةِ أنْفُسِهِمْ فَازْدادُوا مِنَ الحَقِّ بُعْداً. وَلَوْ وَصَفُوا اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِصِفَاتِهِ وَوَصَفُوا الْمَخْلُوقِينَ بِصِفَاتِهِمْ لَقَالُوا بِالْفَهْمِ وَالْيَقِينِ وَلَمَا اخْتَلَفُوا. فَلَمَّا طَلَبُوا مِنْ ذَلِكَ مَا تَحَيَّرُوا فِيهِ ارْتَكَبُوا. وَاللهُ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إلى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ.قَالَ عِمْرَانُ: يَا سَيِّدِي، أشْهَدُ أنَّهُ كَمَا وَصَفْتَ، وَلَكِنْ بَقِيَتْ لِي مَسْأَلَةٌ.قَالَ: سَلْ عَمّا أرَدْتَ.قَالَ: أسْألُكَ عَنِ الحَكِيمِ؛ فِي أيِّ شَيْءٍ هُوَ؟ وَهَلْ يُحِيطُ بِهِ شَيْءٌ؟ وَهَلْ يَتَحَوَّلُ مِنْ شَيءٍ إلى شَيءٍ؟ أوْ بِهِ حَاجَةٌ إلى شَيءٍ؟قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ: أُخْبِرُكَ يَا عِمْرَانُ فَاعْقِلْ مَا سَأَلْتَ عَنْهُ، فَإنَّهُ مِنْ أغْمَضِ مَا يَرِدُ عَلَى الخَلْقِ فِي مَسَائِلِهِمْ، وَلَيْسَ يَفْهَمُ المُتَفَاوِتُ عَقْلُهُ العَازِبُ حِلْمُهُ وَلا يَعْجَزُ عَنْ فَهْمِهِ أولُوا العَقْلِ المُنْصِفُونَ. أمَّا تَأوِيلُ ذَلِكَ فَلَوْ كَانَ خَلَقَ مَا خَلَقَ لِحَاجَةٍ مِنْهُ لَجَازَ لِقَائِلٍ أنْ يَقُولَ يَتَحَوَّلُ إلى مَا خَلَقَ لِحَاجَتِهِ إلى ذَلِكَ؛ وَلَكِنَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمْ يَخْلُقْ شَيْئاً لِحَاجَةٍ وَلَمْ يَزَلْ ثَابِتاً لاَ في شَيءٍ وَلا عَلَى شَيءٍ.إنَّ الخَلْقَ يُمْسِكُ بَعْضُهُ بَعْضاً وَيَدْخُلُ بَعْضُهُ في بَعْضٍ وَيَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ، وَاللهُ جَلَّ وَتَقَدَّسَ بِقُدْرَتِهِ يُمْسِكُ ذَلِكَ كُلِّهِ وَلَيْسَ يَدْخُلُ في شَيءٍ وَلا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ وَلا يَؤُودُهُ حِفْظُهُ وَلا يَعْجَزُ عَنْ إمْسَاكِهِ وَلا يَعْرِفُ أحَدٌ مِنَ الخَلْقِ كَيْفَ ذَلِكَ إلاَّ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَمَنْ أطْـلَعَهُ عَلَيْهِ مِـنْرُسُلِهِ وَأهْلِ سِرِّهِ وَالمُسْتَحْفَظِينَ لأمْرِهِ وَخُزَّانِهِ القَائِمِينَ بِشَرِيعَتِهِ.وَإنَّمَا أمْرُهُ كَلَمْحِ البَصَرِ أوْ هُوَ أقْرَبُ. إذَا شَاءَ شَيْئاً فَإنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ (كُنْ فَيَكُونُ) بِمَشِيئَتِهِ وَإرَادَتِهِ. وَلا شَيْءَ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ أقْرَبُ إلَيْهِ مِنْ شَيْءٍ وَلا شَيْءَ أبْعَدُ مِنْهُ مِنْ شَيْءٍ. أَفَهِمْتَ يَا عِمْرَانُ؟قَالَ نَعَمْ يَا سَيِّدِي، قَدْ فَهِمْتُ. وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا وَصَفْتَ وَوَحَّدْتَ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ الْمَبْعُوثُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ.ثُمَّ خَرَّ سَاجِداً نَحْوَالْقِبْلَةِ وَأَسْلَمَ.قَالَ الْحَسَنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ النَّوْفَلِيُّ: فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ الْمُتَكَلِّمُونَ إِلَى كَلامِ عِمْرَانَ الصَّابِي، وَكَانَ جَدِلاً لَمْ يَقْطَعْهُ عَنْ حُجَّتِهِ أَحَدٌ قَطُّ، لَمْ يَدْنُ مِنَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَحَدٌ مِنْهُمْ وَلَمْ يَسْأَلُوهُ عَنْ شَيْ‏ءٍ. وَأَمْسَيْنَا فَنَهَضَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَالرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَدَخَلا وَانْصَرَفَ النَّاسُ.وَكُنْتُ مَعَ جَمَاعَةٍ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا إِذْ بَعَثَ إِلَيَّ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ فَأَتَيْتُهُ فَقَالَ لِي: يَا نَوْفَلِيُّ أَمَا رَأَيْتَ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ صَدِيقُكَ لا وَاللَّهِ مَا ظَنَنْتُ أَنَّ عَلِيَّ بْنَ مُوسَى خَاضَ فِي شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْ هَذَا قَطُّ وَلا عَرَفْنَاهُ بِهِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ يَتَكَلَّمُ بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَوْ يَجْتَمِعُ إِلَيْهِ أَصْحَابُ الْكَلامِ قُلْتُ قَدْ كَانَ الْحَاجُّ يَأْتُونَهُ فَيَسْأَلُونَهُ عَنْ أَشْيَاءَ مِنْ حَلالِهِمْ وَحَرَامِهِمْ فَيُجِيبُهُمْ وَرُبَّمَا كَلَّمَ مَنْ يَأْتِيهِ يُحَاجُّهُ فَقَالَ: مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ يَا بَا مُحَمَّدٍ إِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَحْسُدَهُ هَذَا الرَّجُلُ فَيَسُمَّهُ أَوْ يَفْعَلَ بِهِ بَلِيَّةً فَأَشِرْ عَلَيْهِ بِالإِمْسَاكِ عَنْ هَذِهِ الأَشْيَاءِ قُلْتُ إِذاً لا يَقْبَلُ مِنِّي وَمَا أَرَادَ الرَّجُلُ إِلا امْتِحَانَهُ لِيَعْلَمَ هَلْ عِنْدَهُ شَيْ‏ءٌ مِنْ عُلُومِ آبَائِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ لِي: قُلْ لَهُ: إِنَّ عَمَّكَ قَدْ كَرِهَ هَذَا الْبَابَ وَأَحَبَّ أَنْ تُمْسِكَ عَنْ هَذِهِ الأَشْيَاءِ لِخِصَالٍ شَتَّى فَلَمَّا انْقَلَبْتُ إِلَى مَنْزِلِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَخْبَرْتُهُ بِمَا كَانَ مِنْ عَمِّهِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ فَتَبَسَّمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ثُمَّقَالَ حَفِظَ اللَّهُ عَمِّي مَا أَعْرَفَنِي بِهِ لِمَ كَرِهَ ذَلِكَ يَا غُلامُ صِرْ إِلَى عِمْرَانَ الصَّابِي فَأْتِنِي بِهِ فَقُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ أَنَا أَعْرِفُ مَوْضِعَهُ وَهُوَعِنْدَ بَعْضِ إِخْوَانِنَا مِنَ الشِّيعَةِ قَالَ فَلا بَأْسَ قَرِّبُوا إِلَيْهِ دَابَّةً فَصِرْتُ إِلَى عِمْرَانَ فَأَتَيْتُهُ بِهِ فَرَحَّبَ بِهِ وَدَعَا بِكِسْوَةٍ فَخَلَعَهَا عَلَيْهِ وَحَمَلَهُ وَدَعَا بِعَشَرَةِ آلافِ دِرْهَمٍ فَوَصَلَهُ بِهَا فَقُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ حَكَيْتَ فِعْلَ جَدِّكَ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ هَكَذَا يَجِبُ ثُمَّ دَعَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِالْعِشَاءِ فَأَجْلَسَنِي عَنْ يَمِينِهِ وَأَجْلَسَ عِمْرَانَ عَنْ يَسَارِهِ حَتَّى إِذَا فَرَغْنَا قَالَ لِعِمْرَانَ انْصَرِفْ مُصَاحِباً وَبَكِّرْ عَلَيْنَا نُطْعِمْكَ طَعَامَ الْمَدِينَةِ فَكَانَ عِمْرَانُ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ يَجْتَمِعُ إِلَيْهِ الْمُتَكَلِّمُونَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْمَقَالاتِ فَيُبْطِلُ أَمْرَهُمْ حَتَّى اجْتَنَبُوهُ وَوَصَلَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ بِعَشَرَةِ آلافِ دِرْهَمٍ وَأَعْطَاهُ الْفَضْلُ مَالاً وَحَمَلَهُ وَوَلاهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ صَدَقَاتِ بَلْخٍ فَأَصَابَ الرَّغَائِب‏.

12-1 Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Ahmad al-Ilaqi - the jurisprudent from Qum - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Abu Muhammad Al-Hassan ibn Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Sadaqa al-Qumi quoted on the authority of Abu Amro ibn Muhammad ibn Umar ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Ansari al-Kajji, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Muhammad al-Nowafali al-Hashemi,When Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha (s) went to see Al-Ma’mun, Al-Ma’mun ordered Al-Fadhl ibn Sahl to summon the prominent theologians from among the rhetoricians and the religions such as al-Jaseliq (the Catholic Archbishop), the High Rabbi, the Hindu High Priest, followers of Zoroaster, Nestus the Roman medical scientist, and the rest of thetheologians in order to hear their words, and those of Al-Ridha (s). Al-Fadhl ibn Sahl gathered them together (in Al-Ma’mun’s palace), and then he informed Al-Ma’mun about the meeting. Al-Ma’mun granted them permission to enter and received them with hospitality and honor.Then he presented before them what he intended to do by saying, “I have gathered you for (something) good and want you to have a debate with my cousin from Medina, who will come to me. Come to me tomorrow morning. None of you should be absent.”They said, “O Commander of the Faithful! We listen and obey you. God willing, we will be here first thing in the morning.”Al-Nawfali said, “We were talking to Abil Hassan (s) when Yasir - the servant who was in charge of serving Abil Hassan (s) entered and told him, “O my master! Indeed the Commander of the Faithful expressed his greetings to you and said, May your brother be your ransom! Indeed the chief scientists, scholars from all religions and masters of speech from all nations have all gathered together here with me. Would you like to come to us and have a discussion with them? If you do not wish to do so, do not bother yourself. Even if you prefer, we do not mind coming to you. Then Abul Hassan said, “Express my greetings to him and tell him that I understand what you mean. God willing, I will come to you myself tomorrow morning.”Al-Hassan ibn Muhammad al-Nawfali said, ‘When Yasir went out, the Imam (s) turned to me and said, ‘O Nawfali! You are an Iraqi, and an Iraqi’s heart is not hard. So, what do think is your cousin’s intention in setting up a meeting between me and the pagans and scholars?”Al-Nawfali answered, “May I be your ransom! He wants to test you, and wants to know how much knowledge you possess. He has, indeed, based his assumption on shaky grounds. By God, what he has set up is dangerous.”The Imam (s) asked, “And what has he set up?”Al-Nawfali said, “The theologians and the heretics are different from the scholars. That is because a scholar does not deny the undeniable, whereas rhetoricians, theologians, and polytheists are people who deny things and try to prove what is not true. If you argue with them and tell them that God is One, they would say, ’Prove His Oneness’, and if yousay that Muhammad (s) is the Messenger of God, they would say, ’Prove his Prophethood.’ May I be your ransom! They confuse you and make you disprove your own proofs. They continue these false accusations until you back off.”Al-Nawfali added, “Then the Imam (s) smiled and told me, ‘O Al-Nawfali! Do you fear that they will disprove my argument?’”Al-Nawfali said, ‘No, by God! I have never worried about you, and I hope that God willing, God will make you victorious over them!’The Imam (s) asked again, ‘O Nawfali! Would you like to know when Al-Ma’mun will feel regretful?’ He answered, ‘Yes.’ The Imam (s) said, ‘When he (al-Ma’mun) hears me argue with the people of the Torah quoting their own Torah, with the people of the Gospel quoting their own Gospel, with the people of the Psalms quoting their own Psalms, with the Zoroastrians arguing in their Persian language, with the Romans in their own Latin, and with the rhetoricians using their very own rhetoric. So, if I close the avenues of argument in the face of each arguing party and disprove his claim, making him renounce his statement from its onset and referring to my own statement, then Al-Ma’mun will realize that he has not achieve what he aspires to achieve. It is then that he will feel regretful. And there is no strength save in the Highest, the Almighty God.’”On the following day, Al-Fadhl ibn Sahl went in a hurry to see the Imam (s) and told him, “May I be your ransom! Your cousin is waiting for you. The people have gathered together. When will you go to him?”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “You go ahead. God willing, I will come to you.” Then he (s) made ablutions for praying, drank something, ate some soup with us and we all left. Then we reached Al-Ma’mun’s palace. The meeting was full of people. Muhammad ibn Ja’far, some of the Talibites and the Hashemites, and the Commanders of the Army were amongst those present.When Al-Ridha (s) entered, Al-Ma’mun stood up. Muhammad ibn Ja’far and all the Hashemites who were present there stood up for him. The Imam and Al-Ma’mun sat down while all the people were still standing, until Al-Ma’mun ordered them to sit down. Al-Ma’mun talked to the Imam (s) for a while. Then Al-Ma’mun turned to the CatholicArchbishop and said, “O Catholic Archbishop! This is my cousin Ali ibn Musa ibn Ja’far (s). He is one of the children of (the Blessed Lady) Fatima (s) - the daughter of our Prophet (s) - and Ali ibn Abi Talib (s). I would like you to have a debate with him and be fair with him.The Catholic Archbishop said, “O Commander of the Faithful! How can I argue with a man who argues with me using a Book which we have denied and a Prophet whom I do not believe in?”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “O Christian! Will you accept it if I present proofs from your Gospel?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “How could I reject what the Bible speaks about? I swear to God that I will accept it even if I dislike it.”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “Ask whatever you wish to ask and receive your answer.”The Catholic Archbishop said, “What is your opinion about the Prophethood of Jesus (s) and his Book? Do you deny either one of them?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “I admit to the Prophethood of Jesus (s), his Book, and what he advised his nation to do- which his disciples accepted. However, I reject the Prophethood of any Jesus who has not professed the Prophethood of Muhammad, his Book and what he (s) advised his nation to do.”The Catholic Archbishop said, “Aren’t precepts proved through two just witnesses?”The Imam (s) said, “Yes.” The Catholic Archbishop said, “Therefore, name two witnesses other than the people of your own nation and ones whom Christianity does not reject to testify to the Prophethood of Muhammad. Likewise, ask us a similar thing from people other than our own nation.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “O Christian! Now you are speaking fairly. Do you accept a just person who was given preference (over others) by the Messiah - Jesus (s): the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “Who is the just one? Name him for me.”The Imam (s) said, “What is your opinion of John al-Daylami?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “Bravo! Bravo!” You have mentioned the person loved the most by the Messiah.”The Imam (s) said, “Then I ask you to swear to and tell me whether or not the Bible says that John says, ‘The Messiah has informed me of the religion of Muhammad, the Arab, and has given me the glad tidings about him who will be (a Prophet) after him. Therefore, I gave the glad tidings of him to the disciples and they believed in him.’”The Catholic Archbishop said, “John did quote this from the Messiah. He did give the glad tidings of a man who will be a Prophet, his Household and his Trustees. He has not clarified when this will happen and has not named them so that we may know who they are.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “If we bring someone here who can recite the Bible and he recites to you Muhammad’s name, his Household, and his nation, will you believe in him?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “What a sound suggestion!”Al-Ridha (s) turned to Nestus the Roman and asked him, “Have you memorized the third Book of the Bible?”He answered, “I have thoroughly memorized it.” Then the Imam (s) addressed the Catholic Archbishop and said, “Can you recite the Bible?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “Yes, of course.”The Imam (s) said, “Then I will recite to you (some verses from) the third Book. If Muhammad (s), his Household, and his nation were mentioned in it, then bear witness! And if they have not been mentioned therein, then do not bear witness.” Then the Imam (s) recited to him some of the verses of the third Book until he (s) reached the reference to the Prophet (s). He stopped reading and said, “O Christian! I challenge you to swear by the Messiah and his mother. Have you realized that I have knowledge of the Bible?” He replied, “Yes.”The Imam recited to him some verses from the third Book concerning the reference to the Prophet, his Household and his community. Then the Imam (s) said, “O Christian! What do you think now? These are the words of Jesus: the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s). If you deny what the Bible says, then you will deny Moses (s) and Jesus (s). If you deny them, then it is incumbent (upon the people) to kill you since you have blasphemed against your Lord, your Prophet and your Book.”The Catholic Archbishop said, “I do not deny the clear things in the Bible, rather I profess them.”The Imam (s) asked others who were present, “Bear witness that he professed.”Then the Imam (s) told the Catholic Archbishop, “O Catholic Archbishop! Ask me any other questions that you wish to ask.”The Catholic Archbishop asked, “What about the disciples of Jesus (s): the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s)? How many were they? And tell me about the scholars of the Bible. How many were they?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “You have found the expert! As for (the number of) the disciples, they were twelve men. The best and the most learned of them was Aluqas (Luke). As for (the number of) Christian scholars, there were three men: John (Yohanna), ‘the greatest’, John at Qriqisiya, and John - the al-Daylami at Zijar, who made reference to the Prophet Muhammad (s). It is he who gave the good news to the nation of Jesus and the Children of Israel about the Prophet Muhammd.”The Imam (s) added, “O Christian! By God, we believe in the Jesus who believed in Muhammad (s). We have nothing against Jesus (s) except for his weakness and the paucity of his fasting and prayer.”The Catholic Archbishop said, “By God, you have corrupted your knowledge! Your affair has become weak! I thought that you were the most learned of the Muslims!”Al-Ridha (s) asked, “Why?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “Since you said that Jesus was weak with little fasting and praying, while Jesus never broke fasting by day and never slept at night. He always fasted during the day and prayed at night.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “For whom did he fast and pray?” The Catholic Archbishop did not answer, not knowing what to say.Al-Ridha (s) said, “I want to ask you a question.” The Catholic Archbishop said, “Ask. I will respond to you if I know the answer.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Why do you deny that Jesus (s) gave life to the dead with the Honorable the Exalted God’s permission?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “I denied that before, since whoever giveslife to the dead and heals the blind and the leprous is a lord worthy of being worshipped.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Well. Indeed al-Yasa (Elija) did just as Jesus (s) did. He walked on water, gave life to the dead, and healed the blind and the leprous. Why did his nation not adopt him as a Lord? Why did not anyone worship him as a god other than God?”The Prophet Hezqeel (Ezekiel) (s) did just what Jesus (s) did. He gave life to thirty-five men sixty years after their death.” Then the Imam (s) turned towards the Catholic Archbishop and told him, “O Catholic Archbishop! Have you found the following about some of the youth of the Children of Israel in the Torah? When Bukht Nasr (Nebuchadnezzar) invaded Jerusalem, he chose from amongst the Children of Israel who were enslaved and took them with him to go to Babylon. Then the Honorable the Exalted God dispatched al-Yasa’ for them and he gave life to them. This (statement) is in the Torah. No one but an atheist would deny it.”The Catholic Archbishop said, “I have heard about this and know it.” The Imam (s) said, “That is right.”Then the Imam (s) said, “O Jew! See if I read the following Book of the Torah properly.” The Imam (s) then recited some of the verses from the Torah for us. The Jew who was surprised hearing how the Imam (s) was reciting the Torah kept moving his body. He then faced the Christian and asked, “O Christian! Were these before Jesus (s) or was Jesus (s) before them?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “They were before him.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “(People from) the Quraysh (tribe) gathered around God’s Messenger Muhammad (s) and asked him to give life to their dead. He (s) sent along Ali ibn Abi Talib with them and told him, “Go to the cemetery and loudly call the people about whom they have asked, Say, “O so-and-so, so-and-so, etc.” Tell them, “God’s Messenger Muhammad (s) says, ‘Rise with the permission of the Honorable the Exalted God!’ Then they will all arise and brush off the dust from their heads.” The people from the Quraysh tribe walked towards them and asked them about their affairs. They told them that Muhammad was appointed as a Prophet. The people who had risen from the dead said, “We wish we had lived in his age and believed in him!” The Prophet healed the blind, the leprous and the insane. He spoke with the beasts, the birds, the jinn,and Satan. Still, we do not adopt him as a Lord other than God. We do not deny the nobilities of any of these Prophets. But you who have adopted Jesus (s) as a Lord, so then is it permissible for you to adopt al-Yasa and Hizqeel as two Lords, for they did just as Jesus (s): the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s) did - acts such as giving life to the dead and else?Moreover, thousands of the Children of Israel left their homeland in fear of death due to plague. God made them die immediately. The people of the village built a fence around them, and left them there until their bones decayed. One of the Prophets of the Children of Israel passed by. He was amazed when he saw many decayed bones. The Honorable the Exalted God revealed to him, “Would you like Me to bring them to life so that you can admonish them?” The Prophet (s) said, “Yes, Lord!” Then the Honorable the Exalted God revealed to him, “Then call them.” He said, “O decayed bones! Rise with God’s permission.” They all rose while brushing off the dust from their heads.”Also Abraham - the friend of God the Merciful (s) - took the birds, cut them into pieces, and put each piece on a mountain top. He called out to them and they came towards him. Moses the son of Imran (s) and seventy of his companions whom he had chosen went to the mountain. They told Moses (s), “You have seen God, then show Him to us.” Moses (s) told them, “I have not seen Him.” But they said, ‘…We shall never believe in thee until we see Allah manifestly…’ A thunderbolt struck them, and burnt them all up. Only Moses (s) survived. Moses (s) said, “O my Lord! I chose seventy men from among the Children of Israel and brought them to the mountain. Shall I return by myself? How shall my people believe what I must tell them? ‘If it had been Thy will Thou couldst have destroyed, long before, both them and me: wouldst Thou destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? ’ ’’Then the Honorable the Exalted God gave life to them after their death. You cannot deny all these things which I have told you, for the Torah, the Bible, the Psalms of David and the Quran have mentioned them. If all those who gave life to the dead, healed the blind, the leprous and the mad were adopted as Lords other than God, then you should also adopt them as Lords. O Christian! What is your opinion?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “Yes. You are right. There is no god but God.”Then the Imam (s) turned towards the High Rabbi and told him, “O Jew! Turn to me. I swear to you by the Ten Commandments which were sent down to Moses (the son of Imran) to tell me whether or not there exists the following statement about the Prophet Muhammad and his nation in the Torah, “When the people of the last nation whose followers are the Rider of the Camel who extremely glorifies the Lord - new glorifications in new churches (implying mosques), then let the Children of Israel flee towards them and their dominion so that their hearts may be tranquil, since there will be swords in their hands with which they will take revenge on the unbelievers around the globe.” Is this not written in the Torah?” The High Rabbi said, “Yes, we have found that written in this manner.”Then the Imam (s) asked the Catholic Archbishop, “O Christian! How is your knowledge of the Book of Sha’ya?” He answered, “I know it letter by letter.” Then the Imam (s) asked them both, “Do you know that the following statement is made by him?, ‘O people! I have seen the picture of the Rider of the Donkey. He was wearing gowns of light. And I have seen the Rider of the Camel - who is as bright as the moon.’” They answered, “Indeed Sha’ya did say that!”Al-Ridha (s) said, “O Christian! Do you know that Jesus (s) said, ‘I am going to my Lord and your Lord, and the Paraclete is coming who shall testify to my truth just as I testified for him, and he shall explain everything to you, and he shall be the one to expose all the sins of nations, and he shall be the one to smash down the pillars of unbelief?’” The Catholic Archbishop said, “We accept whatever you cite from the Bible.” The Imam (s) said, “O Catholic Archbishop! Have you found this established in the Bible?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “Yes.” Al-Ridha (s) said, “O Catholic Archbishop! When you lost the first Bible, with whom did you find it?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “We only lost the Bible for one day. Then we found it fresh (in its original state). John and Matthew brought it back to us.”Al-Ridha (s) asked him, “How little your knowledge of the Bible and its scholars is! If what you say is right, then why is there so much dispute amongst you with each other about the Bible? The reason is that there iscontroversy lies in the Bible which is in your hands today. Had it been the same as the first Bible, there would no disputes over it. However, I will clarify this for you myself. Know that when the first Bible was lost, the Christians gathered around their scholars and said to them, ‘’Jesus (s): the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s) has been killed, and we have lost the Bible. You are the scholars. What do you have?’ Luke, Mark and John told them, ‘We have memorized the Bible. Do not worry about it. Do not forsake the churches. We will recite each Gospel of the Bible for you on each Sunday until we put it all together.’ Then Luke, Mark, John and Matthew gathered together and put together this Bible after you had lost the first one. These four students were of the first students. Did you know that?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “I did not know this before. Now I have learned it from you due to your noble knowledge of the Bible. I heard things which you knew from you - things which my heart testifies to be the truth. Therefore, I have gained a much better understanding.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “How do you consider what they bear witness to?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “I completely accept whatever they say is right and bear witness to it.” Then Al-Ridha (s) told Al-Ma’mun and those of his family and others who were present, “Be witnesses to this.” They said, “We witness to that.”Then the Imam (s) told the Catholic Archbishop, “I swear by the Son and his Mother to tell us whether you know that Matthew said the following, ‘The Messiah is the son of David, the son of Abraham, the son of Isaac, the son of Jacob, the son of Yehuda, the son of Khadrun.’ Mark said the following regarding the lineage of Jesus (s): the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s), ‘He is God’s Word placed in the human body. So it turned into the human form.’ Moreover, Luke said, ‘Jesus the son of Mary and his mother were humans made of flesh and blood. Then the Holy Spirit entered into them.’ You also testify that Jesus had said the following about himself, ‘O disciples! I will tell you the truth. No one will ascend the heavens, except for him who descends therefrom, except for the Rider of the Camel - the Seal of the Prophets, for he will ascend the heavens and then will descend there from.’ What do you have to say about that?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “These are the words of Jesus (s). We do not deny them.” Al-Ridha (s) said, “If so, what do you say about the testimonies of Luke, Mark and Matthew regarding Jesus (s) and the lineage they attributed to him?”The Catholic Archbishop said, “They ascribed lies to Jesus (s).”Al-Ridha (s) said, “O people! Did he not just bear witness that they (Luke, Mark and Matthew) are the Scholars of the Bible and that what they say is the truth?” The Catholic Archbishop said, “O Scholar of the Muslims! I would like you to excuse me from discussing about these men.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Fine. I will excuse you from that. O Christian! Ask me whatever you wish to ask.” The Catholic said, “Let someone else ask you questions. By Jesus (s), I did not think that there was a scholar like you among the Muslims.”Al-Ridha (s) turned towards the High Rabbi and said, “Will you ask me questions or should I ask?” The High Rabbi said, “I will ask. However, I will not accept any proofs from you except those from the Torah, the Bible, the Psalms of David, or the Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Do not accept any of my proofs unless they are from the Torah as expressed by Moses (s) - the son of Imran (s), the Bible as expressed by Jesus (s): the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s), or the Psalms of David as expressed by David (s).”The High Rabbi said, “How can you prove the Prophethood of Muhammad (s)?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Moses (s) - the son of Imran, Jesus (s) - the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s) and David (s) - the Vicegerent of God on the Earth have testified to his Prophethood.”The High Rabbi said, “Provide evidence of the testimony of Moses the son of Imran.”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “O Jew! Do you know that Moses said the following to the Children of Israel, ‘A Prophet will come to you from among your brethren. Believe in him and obey him.’ Do you know that the Children of Israel have no brethren other than the Children of Ishmael? Do you know about the ties of kinship between Israel and Ishmael and the relationship that existed between them from the pastthrough Abraham (s)?” The High Rabbi said, “These are the words of Moses. I do not deny them.” Al-Ridha (s) asked him, “Has any Prophet other than Muhammad (s) come from amongst the brethren of the Children of Israel?” He replied, “No.” Al-Ridha (s) said, “Is this not correct in your opinion?” The High Rabbi said, “Yes, but I want you to prove its correctness from the Torah.”Al-Ridha (s) asked him, “Do you deny that the Torah says the following to you? ‘There came light from Mount Sina. Light shined upon us from Mount Sa’eer and it became apparent to us from Mount Faran.’” The High Rabbi said, “I am familiar with these words, but I do not know what they mean.’”Al-Ridha (s) said, “I will inform you about them. What is meant when it says ‘There came light from Mount Sina’ is a reference to the Blessed the Sublime God’s revelations to Moses (s) on Mount Sina. And what is meant when it says, ‘Light shined upon us from Mount Sa’eer’ is a reference to the Mountain upon which the Honorable the Exalted God sent revelations to Jesus (s) - the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s). Jesus (s) was on that mountain. And what is meant when it says, ‘and it became apparent to us from Mount Faran’ is a reference to a mountain that is one day away from Mecca. As you and your friends said, the Prophet Sha’ya has said in the Torah that ‘I have seen the picture of the Rider of the Donkey. He was wearing gowns of light. And I have seen the Rider of the Camel - who is as bright as the moon.’ Who is the Rider of the Donkey? Who is the Rider of the Camel?” The High Rabbi said, “I do not know who they are.” The Imam (s) said, “The Rider of the Donkey is Jesus (s) and the Rider of the Camel is Muhammad (s). Do you deny that this is from the Torah?” The High Rabbi said, “No, I do not deny that.”Then Al-Ridha (s) said, “Do you know the Prophet Hayquq (s)?” The High Rabbi said, “Yes, I know him.” The Imam (s) said, “He has said the following which your Book has also stated, ‘God brought down the Bay’an from Mount Faran. The heavens are filled with the glorification of Ahmad and his nation. He will carry his troops at sea just as he carries them on land. He will bring us a new Book after the destruction of the Holy House (in Jerusalem).’ Did you know this (statement) and do you believe in it?” The High Rabbi said, “In fact, the Prophet Hayquq (s) has said this. I will not deny his words.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “David said in his Psalms which you have also read, ‘O my God! Appoint him who will establish the Sunna (practice) after the cessation (of the Prophets).’ Did you know of any Prophet other than Muhammad (s) who has established the Sunna after the cessation (of the Prophets)?”The High Rabbi said, “This is what is said by David. We do not deny it. However, he meant Jesus by that, and it is his era that was the age of cessation.” Al-Ridha (s) told him, “You are wrong. In fact, Jesus (s) endorsed the Sunna (practices) of the Torah until God pulled him up to Himself. It is written in the Bible, ‘The son of pious woman will go, and the Paraclete will come after him. It is he who will preserve the bonds, explain everything to you, and testify to my truth just as I testified for him. I have brought you the examples, and he will bring you the interpretations.’ Do you believe that this statement is in the Bible?”The High Rabbi said, “Yes.”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “O the High Rabbi! I want to ask you about your Prophet Moses (s). The High Rabbi said, “Ask.” The Imam (s) said, “What is the evidence for the Prophethood of Moses?”The Jew said, “He brought miracles which the Prophets before him had not brought.” The Imam (s) asked, “Could you give me an example?” The High Rabbi replied, “He split the sea, turned the cane into a running serpent, cleaved the stones so that springs gushed forth from them, took out his hand shining white for the onlookers, and other signs the like of which other creatures were unable to bring.”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “You are right. They are proofs of his Prophethood. He brought the like of which other creatures were unable to bring. Is it obligatory on you to believe in whoever claims Prophethood and performs something which all other creatures are unable to perform?”The High Rabbi said, “No, since there is no one like Moses (s) considering his position near his Lord and his closeness to Him. It is not incumbent upon us to profess the Prophethood of whoever claims it, unless he brings us miracles similar to those brought by Moses (s).”The Imam (s) said, “Then how come you admit the Prophethood of the other Prophets who preceded Moses who did not split the sea; nor didthey cleave the stone so that twelve springs would gush forth from them; nor did they take their hands out shining white as Moses did; nor did they turn the cane into a running serpent.”The Jew replied, “I told you that if they performed miracles as evidence for their Prophethood which all other creatures were unable to perform, and if they brought something the like of which Moses had brought or they followed what Moses had brought, then it is incumbent upon us to believe in them.”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “O High Rabbi! What has prevented you from professing (the Prophethood of) Jesus (s) - the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s)? Jesus (s) brought the dead to life, healed the blind and the leprous, made birds formed of clay and breathed at them giving them life with God’s permission.”The High Rabbi said, “It is said that he did that, but we did not see it.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Have you seen the miracles performed by Moses? Have you not received this news by way of Moses’s closest trustworthy companions who said he (s) did them?” The High Rabbi said, “Yes. That is so.”The Imam (s) said, “Well. The news about the miracles of Jesus (s) - the son of (the Blessed Lady) Mary (s) have reached you in a similar fashion. Why then did you acknowledge Moses (s) and believe in him, but you did not believe in Jesus?” The High Rabbi did not answer. Al-Ridha (s) said, “The same is true about Muhammad (s) and his miracles. The same is true about any other Prophet appointed by God. One of the miracles of Muhammad (s) was that he was a poor hired shepherd. He had not been taught anything. He did not go to any teachers. However, the Quran which he (s) brought contains the stories of the Prophets (s) and the associated news letter by letter. It has narrated the news of the past and the things to come in the future all the way up until the Resurrection Day. The Quran provided information about what they did in hiding or in their homes. He brought innumerable miracles.” The High Rabbi said, “Neither the account about Jesus nor that about Muhammad are considered correct by us. It is not permissible to admit their Prophethood through what is not correct.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Has the witness who testified for Jesus and Muhammad then given false testimony?” The High Rabbi did not answer him.Then the Imam (s) called the Zoroastrian High Priest. Al-Ridha (s) told him, “Let me know about Zoroaster who considered himself to be a Prophet. What is your proof of his Prophethood?” The Zoroastrian High Priest said, “He had miracles which no one ever had before him. Of course, I have not seen him, but the stories of our ancestors tell us that he made legitimate for us things which others had not made legitimate. Therefore, we follow him.”The Imam (s) asked, “You believed in the stories which came to you about him, so you followed him, didn’t you?” He replied, “Yes.” The Imam (s) said, “This is the case with all other nations. Stories came to them about what the Prophets had accomplished, and what Moses (s), Jesus (s), and Muhammad (s) had all brought to them. So why didn’t you believe in any of these Prophets, having believed in Zoroaster through the stories that came to you about him saying that he brought forth what others did not?” The Zoroastrian High Priest froze in place.Then Al-Ridha (s) said, “O people! If any of you is opposed to Islam and wants to ask me any questions, then let him ask me without any shame.” Imran As-Sa’bee who was an expert in theology stood up and said, “O Scholar of the people. I would not have asked you any questions if you had not invited me to ask. I have been to Kufa, Basra, Syria and Algeria. There I have met many theologians. However, none of them has been able to establish for me the proof that there is One who has no second other than Him and that He remains to be One Being. Will you permit me to ask you this question?” Al-Ridha (s) said, “If Imran As-Sab’ee is present among the people here, it must be you.” He said, “Yes. This is me.” The Imam (s) said, “O Imran! Ask. But I advise you to be fair. Avoid vain talk and nonsense.” Imran said, “My Master! By God, I just want you to prove something which I can adhere to for me. Then I need not seek anything else.” The Imam (s) said, “Ask whatever you wish to ask.” The crowds moved closer to Imran and crowded in on him. Imran As-Sa’bee asked, “Let me know of the first thing and what it created.”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “You asked. Now try to understand. As for the One, He has always been One Being. He has neither limits nor does Hehave transient qualities. He will always remain so. Then unprecedentedly He created a different creature with transient qualities and various different limits. He neither placed it in anything, nor did He limit it by anything. He neither created it like anything, nor did He create other thing like it. He then created the creatures in various shapes: pure and impure, different and alike, with various colors, flavors and tastes. He did not create them out of a need for them, nor did He create them to attain a higher rank. He did not sense any increase or decrease in Himself due to this Creation. O Imran! Do you understand this?” Imran said, “By God, yes my Master!”The Imam (s) added, “O Imran! Know that if He had created what He created since He needed them, He would have only created things by which He could fulfill His need. In that case, it would have been better for Him to create several times more than what He created, since the more the helpers were, the more powerful their master would be. O Imran! In that case, His need would be a never-ending one. The more He created, the more newer needs appeared for Him. That is why we say that He did not create the creatures out of need. Through Creation He transfers the needs of some of them to others. And He makes some of them nobler than others without any need of the nobler one or without wanting to take any revenge against those whom He had debased. That is how He has created.”Imran asked, “Master! Was the Being known to Himself by His Own Self?” Al-Ridha (s) said, “It is the case that knowledge of something is required to distinguish it from other things, and to prove its existence through what it is negated about it. However, there was nothing else there to oppose Him to make it necessary to negate. Since there was only Him there was no need to establish limits. O Imran! Do you understand?”Imran said, “Yes, by God, my Master! Then tell me, by what means did He come to know what He knew. Was it done by conscience or by something else?” Al-Ridha (s) said, “If it had been that His Knowledge was acquired by conscience, can’t we then establish any limits for that conscience where Knowledge ends?” Imran answered, “There is no way out.” The Imam (s) then asked him, “Then what is that conscience?” Imran could not provide any answer.Al-Ridha (s) said, “Never mind. O Imran! If I now ask you about that conscience and whether you can recognize it through another conscience, and you answer if the affirmative, have you not then disproved your own statement and claim? O Imran! Is it not more proper for you to know that the One cannot be described by a conscience? And that the most that can be said about Him is that He has done something, or created something?He is not such that one can conceive any directions or parts for Him as can be imagined for the creatures and their parts. Understand this and base your proper knowledge on it.”Imran asked, “O my Master! Can you let me know what are the types of limits for His creatures? What is the meaning and what are the varieties of His creatures?”The Imam (s) said, “You asked. Now understand. In fact, there are six types of limits for His creatures. These are the tangibles; the weighable; the seeable; those that have no weight - that is spirit; those that are seeable but are without any weight, are untouchable, intangible, colorless, and tasteless; and the measurable that are the widths, the forms, width and height. Included amongst them are deeds and movements which make things, act upon them, change them from one state to another, increase them, or reduce them. As for deeds and movements, they pass by since they have no more time than that which is ordained for their need. Whenever a deed is finished and the movement is stopped it ends, but its effects remain just like talking which ends but its effect remains.”Imran said, “O my Master! Will you let me know about the Creator? If He is One, there is nothing other than Him and there is nothing with Him, has He not changed (His Essence) through creating the creatures?”Al-Ridha (s) told him, “He is Eternal. The Honorable the Exalted does not change due to creating the creatures. However, the creatures change through the changes which He exerts upon them.”Imran asked, “O my Master! With what have we recognized Him?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “With something other than Him.” Imran asked, “What is something other than Him?” Al-Ridha (s) said, “His Volition, His Name, His Attribute, and the like which are all originated, created and managed (by Him).”Imran said, “O my Master! Then what is He?” The Imam (s) replied, “He is Light. That means that He guides His creatures from among the people of the heavens and the Earth. You have no rights incumbent upon me more than my professing His Unity to you.”Imran said, “O my Master! Was He not silent before creating the creatures and then He spoke?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Silence does not exist unless there is some utterance before it. An example of this is that it is not said that the lamp is silent and does not utter; nor is it said that the lamp shines implying that it wants to do something to us. The light shining from the lamp is not considered to be the act of the lamp. It is not something separate from the lamp. Therefore, when it is illuminating us we say that it was lit for us by which we found our way around. Through this example you can find what you are after and become enlightened in your affairs.”Imran said, “O my Master! I thought that the Ever-Being is changed in His own Essence by His action of creating the creatures.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “O Imran! What you said that the Ever-Being will change in one or another way (by acting) and that this change will affect His own Essence, and thereby changes Him. O Imran! Have you ever seen that the changes in fire change it? Have you ever seen heat burn itself? Have you ever seen an eye see itself?” Imran said, “No I have not. O my Master! Will you let me know whether He is in the creatures or the creatures are in Him?” Al-Ridha (s) said, “O Imran! He is Exalted and above all that. He is not in the creatures; nor are the creatures in Him. He is High above that. I will teach you what you do not know. There is no strength save in God. Tell me about the mirror: are you in it or is it in you? O Imran! If neither one of you is in the other, then by what thing do you reason that you can see your own reflection in it?”Imran said, “Through the light between me and the mirror.” Al-Ridha (s) said, “Can you see more of that light in the mirror than what you see in your own eyes?”He answered, “Yes.” Al-Ridha (s) said, “Then show it to us!” It was then that the man was too baffled to say a word. The Imam (s) said, “I do not see the light, except leading you and the mirror to come to know each other without being in either one of you. There are many other suchexamples which the ignorant simply cannot comprehend. God is the highest such example.”Then the Imam (s) turned to Al-Ma’mun and told him, “Now it is time to pray.”Imran said, “O my Master! Do not interrupt my questions since I am feeling inclined towards you in my heart.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “We will pray and come back.”Then the Imam (s) stood up. Al-Ma’mun got up, too. Then Al-Ridha (s) prayed inside and the people prayed outside led by Muhammad ibn Ja’far. Then the Imam (s) came out, returned to the meeting, called out to Imran and said, “O Imran! Ask your questions.”Imran said, “O my Master! Will you let me know whether the Unity of the Honorable the Exalted God is perceived through reality or through description?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Certainly, God is the Only Initiator, and the first Ever-Being. He has always been One without anything to accompany Him. He is One and there are no seconds for Him. He is neither definite nor indefinite. He is neither decisive nor allegorical. He is neither mentioned nor forgotten. He is not a thing such that a name of things can fit Him. There is no time for the beginning of His Being. And there is no time until which only He will last. He has not been standing upon anything else, nor will He be standing upon anything. There is nothing up until which He is. There is nothing on which He leans. He had all these attributes before creating anything when there was nothing but Him. Whatever you attribute to Him will be originated attributes which are only means for understanding Him, which anyone possessing understanding can comprehend.Know that innovation, volition, and will have the same meaning with different names. His foremost innovation, will and volition were the letters which He established as the origin of everything, the evidence for all perceived things, and the separator for all vague things. Everything was separated by these letters: things such as the name of right and wrong, action and object, meaning and meaningless. All affairs were run based on them. He did not establish any limited meaning for them other than what they were themselves when He originated the letters. He didnot establish for them any existence other than themselves since they were originated via innovation. Here Light is God’s first deed: The deed of God who is the Light of the heavens and the Earth Himself. It was through that deed which the letters became action. It is the letters upon which speech is based. Expressions are all from the Honorable the Exalted God who taught them to His creatures. There are thirty-three letters. Twenty-eight of them are the letters on which the Arabic language is based. Twenty-two of the twenty-eight letters show the letters of the Assyrian and Hebrew languages. Five of them were separated and are in the rest of the languages of non-Arabs in the regions. These are the five letters which were separated from the twenty-eight letters. Therefore, there are thirty-three letters. It is not permissible to mention more about them than what we have mentioned regarding these five letters which were separated. He then established the letters after counting them and numbering them as His own deed. An example of this is in the Honorable the Exalted God’s words, ‘We but say the word, ‘Be’, and it is.’ Here ‘be’ refers to God’s Creation, and ‘what is created’ refers to the creature. Thus the first Creation by the Honorable the Exalted God was innovation which has neither any weight nor any movement. It is neither heard nor does it have any color. It is intangible. And the second thing that was created are the letters which neither have any weight nor any color. They are neither heard nor described. They are not seeable. The third creature includes all the various kinds of things which are perceptible, tangible, tasteable, and seeable. The Blessed the Sublime God existed before innovation as there has been nothing before the Honorable the Exalted God, and nothing with him. Innovation was created before the letters were created, and the letters do not indicate anything other than themselves.”Al-Ma’mun asked, “How come they do not indicate anything other than themselves?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Surely, the Blessed the Sublime God never combines any of them together unless to mean something. When He combines several letters together, say four, five, and six or more, He uses them to originate a new meaning which did not exist before.”Imran asked, “How can we understand this better?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “This is how it can be understood. When you only want to refer to the letters and not anything else, you mention them one by one and say, a b c d e f g etc. Here you find no meaning in them other than themselves. But when you put several letters together you construct names and attributes for a meaning which you have in mind. They will now demonstrate the meaning for which they were intended. Did you understand this?”Imran said, “Yes.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Know that an attribute cannot be without what it describes. Also a name cannot be without a meaning. A limit cannot be without a limited. All attributes and names indicate perfection and existence. They do not indicate encompassment, as the limits do. Limits make squares, make triangles, and make hexagons. Indeed the recognition of the Honorable the Exalted God is perceived by attributes and names, not by limits such as length, width, smallness, largeness, color, weight, and the like. No such limits are applicable to the Exalted the All-Holy God, so that His creatures could recognize Him by recognizing themselves. This is certain as I said, but the Honorable the Exalted God’s attributes prove Him. He can be understood through His Names. We can argue about His Existence by referring to the existence of His creatures. A true seeker does not need to see Him with his own eyes, or hear Him with his own ears, or touch Him with his own hands, or encompass Him with his own heart. Were it not the case that His attributes proved Him - Exalted is His Praise - and His Names denoted Him, it was not possible for the taught knowledge of the creatures to perceive Him. Then the creatures would have worshipped His Names and Attributes instead of His Meaning. Were it any different, the Only Worshipped One would have been other than God since God’s Names and Attributes are other than Him. Imran! Did you understand?” Imran said, “Yes, my Master. Please tell me more.”Al-Ridha (s) said, “Beware of the sayings of the ignorant people from among those whose hearts are blind and are at a loss - those who claim that the Exalted the All-Holy God is present in the Hereafter for the Reckoning concerning rewards and punishments, but He is not present in this world for the acts of obedience and hope. If it were that the Honorable the Exalted God’s presence was a source of His beingdefective in this world, He would not be present in the Hereafter either. However, these people have gone astray, have become blind, and deaf toward the truth regarding what they do not know. That is according to the Words of the Honorable the Exalted God, ‘But those who were blind in this world, will be blind in the Hereafter, and most astray from the Path.’ What is meant by blindness here is blindness regarding existing realities. Intellectuals know that reasoning about what exists in the Hereafter is only possible through what exists in this world. Whoever tries to adopt knowledge of that world based upon his own personal views, and seek its existence or tries to perceive it through his own soul, and not through anything else would only get more distant from the facts about that world. That is because the Honorable the Exalted God has entrusted the knowledge of that world to an especial group of people who think, know and understand.”Imran asked, “Is innovation a created being or not?” Imam Al-Ridha (s) answered, “It is a still Creation which cannot be perceived through stillness. It is a created being since it has been created. And it is the Sublime God who has originated it. Thus it has become a creature. In other words, there only exist the Honorable the Exalted God and His creatures. There exists no third thing in between, and there is no third thing other than them. Whatever the Honorable the Exalted God creates does not disobey from being His creature. What is created is either still, moving, different, harmonious, known, or ambiguous. Whatever is bounded is the Honorable the Exalted God’s creature.Moreover, know that all the things which the senses find for you are meanings perceived by the senses, and every sense demonstrates what the Honorable the Exalted God has placed in its perception, and the heart understands all of that. Know that the One who is Ever-Standing without any ordination or bounds created creatures ordained by bounds and ordination. What He created were two creatures: the ordination and the ordained. Neither one had any color, weight or taste. He established one as the means of perceiving the other and made them such that they could be perceived on their own. He did not create anything which could stand alone relying only on itself so as to provide a means for arguing about and proving His own existence.Thus the Blessed the Sublime God is One and Only. There is no second one to support Him in order to enable Him to stand, or to assist Him or protect Him. However, the creatures support one another through the permission and will of the Sublime God. People have differences of opinion over this subject to the extent that they have gone astray, become perplexed, and seek salvation from darkness by means of darkness through describing the Sublime God using their own qualities. In this way, they have become very far away from the truth. Had they described the Honorable the Exalted God using His own Attributes, and described the creatures with the qualities of the creatures, they would have spoken through understanding and certitude and would not have come up with so many differences of opinion over Him. Since they sought that which would perplex them, and get entrapped, they became confused. God guides whomever He wills to the straight path.”Imran said, “O my Master! I bear witness that He is just as you have described. However, I still have one more question to ask.” The Imam (s) said, “Ask whatever you wish to ask.”Imran said, “I want to ask you what the All-Wise (God) is contained in. Has anything encompassed Him? Does He change from one state to another state? Is He in need of anything?”Al-Ridha (s) said, “O Imran! I will tell you, so understandWhom you have questioned about. He is the most ambiguous issues which the creatures face. As for those who are deficient in understanding, they do not recognize Him. As for those who are just and can reason, they are not incapable of understanding Him. First of all, if He had created the creatures due to needing them, then it would be proper to say that He changes His Location to the location of what He creates because of His need for them. However, the Honorable the Exalted God has not created anything out of need. He is always stable. Neither is He on something, or something is on Him. However, it is the creatures which hold each other, enter into one another, and leave one another. As for the Great and All-Holy God, He holds all of that by His Might. He does not enter anything and does not leave anything. Its preservation does not tire Him, nor is He incapable of holding it. None of the creatures knows how that is, except for the Honorable the Exalted God and His Messengers, the People who know His Secrets, those whorun the Affairs, and His Guardians who carry out His Laws. God Himself has informed them about it. In fact, His command is like the twinkling of an eye. If He wills a thing, He only says to it be, ‘We but say the word, ‘Be’, and it is.’ according to His intent and will. Nothing that He has created is closer to Him than any other thing. O Imran! Have you understood?” Imran said, “Yes, my Master. I understood. I bear witness that the Sublime God is as you described Him to be, He is One. I also witness that Muhammad (s) - his servant - is appointed to guide and lead to the right religion.” He then faced the Qibla and fell into prostration.Al-Hassan ibn Muhammad al-Nawfali said, “When the other rhetoricians heard what Imran al-Sabee - who was very hard to defeat in arguments and no one had ever defeated him before in arguments - none of them dared approach Al-Ridha (s), and they asked him no more questions. Slowly the sun set. Then Al-Ma’mun and Al-Ridha (s) stood up, went inside and the people left.I was sitting along with some of my friends when Muhammad ibn Ja’far called me in. I went to see him.He told me, “O Nawfali! Did you see what your friend (the Imam (s)) did?” Al-Nawfali replied, “By God! No. I did not think that Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha (s) could plumb such depths. I did not know that him in this way. He never spoke about theology in Medina and theologians never gathered around him.” I said, “The pilgrims come to him and ask him about the lawful and the unlawful and he answers them. Sometimes rhetoricians come to him and argue with him, and he plunges into theology.”Muhammad ibn Ja’far said, “O Aba Muhammad! I fear that this man (i.e. Al-Ma’mun) will envy him, poison him or injure him. So advise him to refrain from these things.”Al-Nawfali added, “I said, ‘He will not listen to me. This man (Al-Ma’mun) only wants to test him to see whether he possesses any of the knowledge of his forefathers (s).’He told me, “Tell him that his uncle does not like him to do such things and wishes him to quit doing these things.” When we returned to Al-Ridha’s (s) house I related to the Imam (s) the message from his uncle. Then the Imam (s) smiled and said, “May God protect my uncle. I knowhim well. Why is he upset? O servant! Go to Imran al-Sa’ebi and bring him here.”I said, “May I be your ransom! I know where he is. He is with some of the Shiite brethren.” The Imam (s) said, “Don’t worry. Take a horse for him to ride on and bring him here.” I went and brought Imran. The Imam (s) welcomed him and asked for a robe of honor which he (s) put on Imran. The Imam also gave him a horse and asked for ten-thousand Dinars which he (s) donated to Imran.Imran said, “May I be your ransom! You have followed in the footsteps of your grandfather - the Commander of the Faithful (s).” The Imam (s) said, “We prefer this.” Then the Imam (s) ordered dinner and had me sit on his right side and had Imran sit on his left side. After eating dinner, the Imam (s) told Imran, “Go now and come back in the morning. Then I will give you food from Medina.”From then on many people came to Imran to have a debate. He used to respond to their arguments and disprove them until they left. Al-Ma’mun granted him ten thousand Dirhams. Al-Fadhl gave him some money, too. Then he appointed him as the director over the alms in (the city of) Balkh where he attained much good.

١٣ - حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِى ماجِيلوَيْه رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَني أَبي، عَن أَحْمَدِ بْنِ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّه البَرْقِي، عَن السَيّاريُّ عَنْ الحارِثِ بْنِ الدلهاث، عَن أَبيهِ، عَن أَبي الحَسَن الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَمْر بِثَلاثَةِ مقرون بِهاثَلاثَة اُخْرى‏ أَمْر بِالصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكاة فَمَنْ صَلَّى وَلَمْ يزك لَمْ يُقْبَلُ مِنْهُ صَلاتَهُ وَأَمْر بِالشكرله وَللوالدِّين فَمَنْ لَمْ يشكر والديه لَمْ يشكر اللَّه وَأَمْر باتقاء اللَّه‏صلة الرَّحِمَ فَمَنْ لم يُصَلِّ رحمه لَمْ يتق اللَّه عَزَّ وَجَلَّ.

26-13 Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluwayh - may God be pleased with him - narrated that his father quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Abi Abdillah al-Barqi, on the authority of al-Sayyari, on the authority of al-Harith ibn al-Dalhath, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Abil Hassan Al-Ridha (s), “Indeed the Honorable the Exalted God has ordered three things which are along with three other things. He has ordered us to pray and pay the alms. The prayers of whoever prays but does not pay the alms is not accepted of him. He has also ordered to thank Him and our parents. Whoever thanks God but does not thank his parents has not really thanked God. God has ordered us to fear God and to visit the relations of kin. Whoever does not visit his relatives has indeed not feared God.”

١٩ - حَدَّثَنا أَبي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا سَعْدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه، عَن أَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنِ الحَسَن بن عَلِيِّ الوَشَّاء، عَن أَبي الحَسَن الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قالَ: سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ: إِذَا نَامَ الْعَبْدُ وَهُوَسَاجِدٌ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِلْمَلائِكَةِ انْظُرُوا إِلَى عَبْدِي قَبَضْتُ رُوحَهُ وَهُوَفِي طَاعَتِي.

30-19 (The author of the book narrated) my father - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Sa’d ibn Abdullah quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Washsha’ that he had heard Abil Hassan Al-Ridha (s) say, “Whenever a servant (i.e. a person) falls asleep while he is prostrating, the Honorable the Exalted God will tell the angels: Look at My servant! I took away his soul while he was obeying Me.”

١٩٦ - حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ الوَلِيدرَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّد بْنِ الحَسَن الصَفَّار، عَنْ إِبْراهيمِ بْنِ هاشِمٍ، عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ مُعبَّد، عَنِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ خالِد، عَنْ أَبي الحَسَن مُوسَى الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قالَ: النَّظَرُ إِلى ذُرّيَّتَنا عِبادَةٌ فَقِيلَ لَهُ: يا ابْنَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ النَظَر إِلى الأَئِمَّةِ مِنْكُمْ عِبادَة أَوِ النَّظَر إِلى جَمِيع ذُرِّيَّة النَّبِي‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ ؟ قالَ: بَلِ النَظَر إِلى جَمِيعَ ذُرِّيَّة النَّبِي‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ عِبادَةٌ ما لَم يُفارِقوا مِنْهاجَهُ وَلَمْ يَتَوَلَّوثُوا بِالمَعاصي.

31-196 Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Waleed - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Hashem, on the authority of Ali ibn Ma’bad, on the authority of Al-Husayn ibn Khalid, on the authority of Abil Hassan Ali ibn Musa Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), “Looking at our progeny is worshipping.” They asked Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), “O son of God’s Prophet! Does that apply to looking at just you, i.e. the Immaculate Leaders from the progeny of God’s Prophet? Or does that apply to all of the people from the progeny of God’s Prophet?” Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) replied, “Of course, looking at anyone from the progeny of God’s Prophet is worshipping as long as he/she has not deviated from the straight path and not unpurified himself by committing sins.”

٢٣ - حَدَّثَنا حَمْزَة بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زِيْد بْنِ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْن بْنِ‏أَبي طالِب‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بقم فِي رَجَب سِنَةَ تِسْعَ وَثَلاثِينَ وَثَلاثِمائَةٍ قالَ أَخْبَرنِي عَلِىِّ بْنِ‏هاشِم فِيما كتب إِلى‏ سِنَةِ سبع وَثَلاثِمائَةٍ قالَ حَدَّثَني ياسر الخادِم قالَ كَانَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِذَا خَلا جَمَعَ حَشَمَهُ كُلَّهُمْ عِنْدَهُ الصَّغِيرَ وَالْكَبِيرَ فَيُحَدِّثُهُمْ وَيَأْنَسُ بِهِمْ وَيُؤْنِسُهُمْ وَكَانَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِذَا جَلَسَ عَلَى الْمَائِدَةِ لا يَدَعُ صَغِيراً وَلا كَبِيراً حَتَّى السَّائِسَ وَالْحَجَّامَ إِلا أَقْعَدَهُ مَعَهُ عَلَى مَائِدَتِهِ قَالَ يَاسِرٌ فَبَيْنَا نَحْنُ عِنْدَهُ يَوْماً إِذْ سَمِعْنَا وَقْعَ الْقُفْلِ الَّذِي كَانَ عَلَى بَابِ الْمَأْمُونِ إِلَى دَارِ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ لَنَا الرِّضَا أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قُومُوا تَفَرَّقُوا فَقُمْنَا عَنْهُ فَجَاءَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَمَعَهُ كِتَابٌ طَوِيلٌ فَأَرَادَ الرِّضَاأَنْ يَقُومَ فَأَقْسَمَ عَلَيْهِ الْمَأْمُونُ بِحَقِّ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَنْ لا يَقُومَ إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ جَاءَ حَتَّى انْكَبَّ عَلَى أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَبَّلَ وَجْهَهُ وَقَعَدَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ عَلَى وِسَادَةٍ فَقَرَأَ ذَلِكَ الْكِتَابَ عَلَيْهِ فَإِذَا هُوَ فَتْحٌ لِبَعْضِ قُرَى كَابُلَ فِيهِ إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا قَرْيَةَ كَذَا وَكَذَا فَلَمَّا فَرَغَ قَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَسَرَّكَ فَتْحُ قَرْيَةٍ مِنْ قُرَى الشِّرْكِ فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ: أَوَلَيْسَ فِي ذَلِكَ سُرُورٌ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ فِي أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَمَا وَلاكَ اللَّهُ مِنْ هَذَا الأَمْرِ وَخَصَّكَ بِهِ فَإِنَّكَ قَدْ ضَيَّعْتَ أُمُورَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَفَوَّضْتَ ذَلِكَ إِلَى غَيْرِكَ يَحْكُمُ فِيهِمْ بِغَيْرِ حُكْمِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَقَعَدْتَ فِي هَذِهِ الْبِلادِ وَتَرَكْتَ بَيْتَ الْهِجْرَةِ وَمَهْبِطَ الْوَحْيِ وَإِنَّ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالأَنْصَارَ يُظْلَمُونَ دُونَكَ وَلا يَرْقُبُونَ فِي مُؤْمِنٍ إِلّاً وَلا ذِمَّةً وَيَأْتِي عَلَىالْمَظْلُومِ دَهْرٌ يُتْعِبُ فِيهِ نَفْسَهُ وَيَعْجِزُ عَنْ نَفَقَتِهِ فَلا يَجِدُ مَنْ يَشْكُو إِلَيْهِ حَالَهُ وَلا يَصِلُ إِلَيْكَ فَاتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي أُمُورِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَارْجِعْ إِلَى بَيْتِ النُّبُوَّةِ وَمَعْدِنِ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالأَنْصَارِ أَمَا عَلِمْتَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنَّ وَالِيَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِثْلُ الْعَمُودِ فِي وَسَطِ الْفُسْطَاطِ مَنْ أَرَادَهُ أَخَذَهُ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا سَيِّدِي فَمَا تَرَى قَالَ أَرَى أَنْ تَخْرُجَ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْبِلادِ وَتَتَحَوَّلَ إِلَى مَوْضِعِ آبَائِكَ وَأَجْدَادِكَ وَتَنْظُرَ فِي أُمُورِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَلا تَكِلَهُمْ إِلَى غَيْرِكَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ سَائِلُكَ عَمَّا وَلاكَ فَقَامَ الْمَأْمُونُ فَقَالَ نِعْمَ مَا قُلْتَ يَا سَيِّدِي هَذَا هُوَ الرَّأْيُ وَخَرَجَ وَأَمَرَ أَنْ تُقَدَّمَ النَّوَائِبُ وَبَلَغَ ذَلِكَ ذَا الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ فَغَمَّهُ غَمّاً شَدِيداً وَقَدْ كَانَ غَلَبَ عَلَى الأَمْرِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لِلْمَأْمُونِ عِنْدَهُ رَأْيٌ فَلَمْ يَجْسُرْ أَنْ يُكَاشِفَهُ ثُمَّ قَوِيَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ جِدّاً فَجَاءَ ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ إِلَى الْمَأْمُونِ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَا هَذَا الرَّأْيُ الَّذِي أَمَرْتَ بِهِ فَقَالَ أَمَرَنِي سَيِّدِي أَبُو الْحَسَنِ بِذَلِكَ وَهُوَ الصَّوَابُ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَا هَذَا بِصَوَابٍ قَتَلْتَ بِالأَمْسِ أَخَاكَ وَأَزَلْتَ الْخِلافَةَ عَنْهُ وَبَنُو أَبِيكَ مُعَادُونَ لَكَ وَجَمِيعُ أَهْلِ الْعِرَاقِ وَأَهْلِ بَيْتِكَ وَالْعَرَبِ ثُمَّ أَحْدَثْتَ هَذَا الْحَدَثَ الثَّانِيَ أَنَّكَ جَعَلْتَ وِلايَةَ الْعَهْدِ لابِي الْحَسَنِ وَأَخْرَجْتَهَا مِنْ بَنِي أَبِيكَ وَالْعَامَّةُ وَالْعُلَمَاءُ وَالْفُقَهَاءُ وَآلُ عَبَّاسٍ لا يَرْضَوْنَ بِذَلِكَ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ مُتَنَافِرَةٌ عَنْكَ وَالرَّأْيُ أَنْ تُقِيمَ بِخُرَاسَانَ حَتَّى تَسْكُنَ قُلُوبُ النَّاسِ عَلَى هَذَا وَيَتَنَاسَوْا مَا كَانَ مِنْ أَمْرِ مُحَمَّدٍ أَخِيكَ وَهَاهُنَا يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَشَايِخُ قَدْ خَدَمُوا الرَّشِيدَ وَعَرَفُوا الأَمْرَ فَاسْتَشِرْهُمْ فِي ذَلِكَ فَإِنْ أَشَارُوا بِهِ فَامْضِهِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ مِثْلُ مَنْ قَالَ مِثْلُ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي عِمْرَانَ وَابْنِ مُونِسَ وَالْجَلُودِيِّ وَهَؤُلاءِ هُمُ الَّذِينَ نَقَمُوا بَيْعَةَ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَلَمْ يَرْضَوْا بِهِ فَحَبَسَهُمُ الْمَأْمُونُ بِهَذَا السَّبَبِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ نَعَمْ.فَلَمَّا كَانَ مِنَ الْغَدِ جَاءَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَدَخَلَ عَلَى الْمَأْمُونِ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَا صَنَعْتَ فَحَكَى لَهُ مَا قَالَ ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ وَدَعَا الْمَأْمُونُ بِهَؤُلاءِ النَّفَرِ فَأَخْرَجَهُمْ مِنَ الْحَبْسِ فَأَوَّلُ مَنْ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي عِمْرَانَ فَنَظَرَ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِجَنْبِ الْمَأْمُونِ فَقَالَ أُعِيذُكَ بِاللَّهِ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنْ تُخْرِجَ هَذَا الأَمْرَ الَّذِي جَعَلَهُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَخَصَّكُمْ بِهِ وَتَجْعَلَهُ فِي أَيْدِي أَعْدَائِكُمْ وَمَنْ كَانَ آبَاؤُكَ يَقْتُلُونَهُمْ وَيُشَرِّدُونَهُمْ فِي الْبِلادِ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ لَهُ يَا ابْنَ الزَّانِيَةِ وَأَنْتَ بَعْدُ عَلَى هَذَا قَدِّمْهُ يَا حَرَسِيُّ وَاضْرِبْ عُنُقَهُ فَضُرِبَتْ عُنُقُهُ وَأُدْخِلَ ابْنُ مُونِسَ فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِجَنْبِ الْمَأْمُونِ قَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ هَذَا الَّذِي بِجَنْبِكَ وَاللَّهِ صَنَمٌ يُعْبَدُ دُونَ اللَّهِ قَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا ابْنَ الزَّانِيَةِ وَأَنْتَ بَعْدُ عَلَى هَذَا يَا حَرَسِيُّ قَدِّمْهُ وَاضْرِبْ عُنُقَهُ فَضَرَبَ عُنُقَهُ ثُمَّ أُدْخِلَ الْجَلُودِيُّ وَكَانَ الْجَلُودِيُّ فِي خِلافَةِ الرَّشِيدِ لَمَّا خَرَجَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ بِالْمَدِينَةِ بَعَثَهُ الرَّشِيدُ وَأَمَرَهُ إِنْ ظَفِرَ بِهِ أَنْ يَضْرِبَ عُنُقَهُ وَأَنْ يُغِيرَ عَلَى دُورِ آلِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ وَأَنْ يَسْلُبَ نِسَاءَهُمْ وَلا يَدَعَ عَلَى وَاحِدَةٍ مِنْهُنَّ إِلا ثَوْباً وَاحِداً فَفَعَلَ الْجَلُودِيُّ ذَلِكَ وَقَدْ كَانَ مَضَى أَبُو الْحَسَنِ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَصَارَ الْجَلُودِيُّ إِلَى بَابِ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَانْهَجَمَ عَلَى دَارِهِ مَعَ خَيْلِهِ فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلَيْهِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ جَعَلَ النِّسَاءَ كُلَّهُن فِي بَيْتٍ وَوَقَفَ عَلَى بَابِ الْبَيْتِ فَقَالَ الْجَلُودِيُّ لابِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ لا بُدَّ مِنْ أَنْ أَدْخُلَ الْبَيْتَ فَأَسْلُبَهُنَّ كَمَا أَمَرَنِي أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَنَا أَسْلُبُهُنَّ لَكَ وَأَحْلِفُ أَنِّي لا أَدَعُ عَلَيْهِنَّ شَيْئاً إِلا أَخَذْتُهُ فَلَمْ يَزَلْ يَطْلُبُ إِلَيْهِ وَيَحْلِفُ لَهُ حَتَّى سَكَنَ فَدَخَلَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَلَمْ يَدَعْ عَلَيْهِنَّ شَيْئاً حَتَّى أَقْرَاطِهِنَّ وَخَلاخِيلِهِنَّ وَإِزَارِهِنَّ إِلا أَخَذَهُ مِنْهُنَّ وَجَمِيعَ مَا كَانَ فِي الدَّارِ مِنْ قَلِيلٍ وَكَثِيرٍ فَلَمَّا كَانَ فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَلُودِيُّ عَلَى الْمَأْمُونِ قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ هَبْ لِي هَذَا الشَّيْخَ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا سَيِّدِي هَذَا الَّذِي فَعَـلَ بِبَنَـاتِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ مَـا فَعَلَ مِنْ سَلْبِهِنَّ. فَنَظَرَالْجَلُودِيُّ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَهُوَ يُكَلِّمُ الْمَأْمُونَ وَيَسْأَلُهُ عَنْ أَنْ يَعْفُوَعَنْهُ وَيَهَبَهُ لَهُ فَظَنَّ أَنَّهُ يُعِينُ عَلَيْهِ لِمَا كَانَ الْجَلُودِيُّ فَعَلَهُ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَسْأَلُكَ بِاللَّهِ وَبِخِدْمَتِي لِلرَّشِيدِ أَنْ لا تَقْبَلَ قَوْلَ هَذَا فِيَّ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا أَبَا الْحَسَنِ قَدِ اسْتَعْفَى وَنَحْنُ نُبِرُّ قَسَمَهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ: لا وَاللَّهِ لا أَقْبَلُ فِيكَ قَوْلَهُ أَلْحِقُوهُ بِصَاحِبَيْهِ فَقُدِّمَ وَضُرِبَ عُنُقُهُ وَرَجَعَ ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ إِلَى أَبِيهِ سَهْلٍ وَقَدْ كَانَ الْمَأْمُونُ أَمَرَ أَنْ تُقَدَّمَ النَّوَائِبُ فَرَدَّهَا ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ فَلَمَّا قَتَلَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَؤُلاءِ عَلِمَ ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ أَنَّهُ قَدْ عَزَمَ عَلَى الْخُرُوجِ فَقَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مَا صَنَعْتَ بِتَقْدِيمِ النَّوَائِبِ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا سَيِّدِي مُرْهُمْ أَنْتَ بِذَلِكَ فَخَرَجَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَصَاحَ بِالنَّاسِ قَدِّمُوا النَّوَائِبَ قَالَ فَكَأَنَّمَا وَقَعَتْ فِيهِمُ النِّيرَانُ وَأَقْبَلَتِ النَّوَائِبُ يَتَقَدَّمُ وَيَخْرُجُ وَقَعَدَ ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ مَنْزِلَهُ فَبَعَثَ إِلَيْهِ الْمَأْمُونُ فَأَتَاهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ مَا لَكَ قَعَدْتَ فِي بَيْتِكَ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِنَّ ذَنْبِي عَظِيمٌ عِنْدَ أَهْلِ بَيْتِكَ وَعِنْدَ الْعَامَّةِ وَالنَّاسُ يَلُومُونَنِي بِقَتْلِ أَخِيكَ الَْمخْلُوعِ وَبَيْعَةِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَلا آمُنُ السُّعَاةَ وَالْحُسَّادَ وَأَهْلَ الْبَغْيِ أَنْ يَسْعَوْا بِي فَدَعْنِي أَخْلُفُكَ بِخُرَاسَانَ فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ لا نَسْتَغْنِي عَنْكَ فَأَمَّا مَا قُلْتَ إِنَّهُ يُسْعَى بِكَ وَيُبْغَى لَكَ الْغَوَائِلُ فَلَيْسَ أَنْتَ عِنْدَنَا إِلا الثِّقَةَ الْمَأْمُونَ النَّاصِحَ الْمُشْفِقَ فَاكْتُبْ لِنَفْسِكَ مَا تَثِقُ بِهِ مِنَ الضَّمَانِ وَالأَمَانِ وَأَكِّدْ لِنَفْسِكَ مَا تَكُونُ بِهِ مُطْمَئِنّاً فَذَهَبَ وَكَتَبَ لِنَفْسِهِ كِتَاباً وَجَمَعَ عَلَيْهِ الْعُلَمَاءَ وَأَتَى بِهِ الْمَأْمُونَ فَقَرَأَهُ وَأَعْطَاهُ الْمَأْمُونُ كُلَّ مَا أَحَبَّ وَكَتَبَ لَهُ بِخَطِّهِ كِتَابَ الْحَبْوَةِ إِنِّي قَدْ حَبَوْتُكَ بِكَذَا وَكَذَا مِنَ الأَمْوَالِ وَالضِّيَاعِ وَالسُّلْطَانِ وَبَسَطَ لَهُ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا أَمَلَهُ فَقَالَ ذُو الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ خَطُّ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ فِي هَذَا الأَمَانِ يُعْطِينَا مَا أَعْطَيْتَ، فَإِنَّهُ وَلِيُّ عَهْدِكَ، فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُقَدْ عَلِمْتَ أَنَّ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَدْ شَرَطَ عَلَيْنَا أَنْ لا يَعْمَلَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ شَيْئاً وَلا يُحْدِثَ حَدَثاً فَلا نَسْأَلُهُ مَا يَكْرَهُهُ فَاسْأَلْهُ أَنْتَ فَإِنَّهُ لا يَأْبَى عَلَيْكَ فِي هَذَا فَجَاءَ وَاسْتَأْذَنَ عَلَى أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ يَاسِرٌ فَقَالَ لَنَا الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قُومُوا فَتَنَحَّوْا فَتَنَحَّيْنَا فَدَخَلَ فَوَقَفَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ سَاعَةً فَرَفَعَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏رَأْسَهُ إِلَيْهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ مَا حَاجَتُكَ يَا فَضْلُ قَالَ يَا سَيِّدِي هَذَا مَا كَتَبَهُ لِي أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَأَنْتَ أَوْلَى أَنْ تُعْطِيَنَا مِثْلَ مَا أَعْطَى أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ كُنْتَ وَلِيَّ عَهْدِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اقْرَأْهُ وَكَانَ كِتَاباً فِي أَكْبَرِ جِلْدٍ فَلَمْ يَزَلْ قَائِماً حَتَّى قَرَأَهُ فَلَمَّا فَرَغَ قَالَ لَهُ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا فَضْلُ لَكَ عَلَيْنَا هَذَا مَا اتَّقَيْتَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَالَ يَاسِرٌ فَنَقَضَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرَهُ فِي كَلِمَةٍ وَاحِدَةٍ فَخَرَجَ مِنْ عِنْدِهِ وَخَرَجَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَخَرَجْنَا مَعَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَلَمَّا كَانَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ بِأَيَّامٍ وَنَحْنُ فِي بَعْضِ الْمَنَازِلِ وَرَدَ عَلَى ذِي الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ كِتَابٌ مِنْ أَخِيهِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ سَهْلٍ أَنِّي نَظَرْتُ فِي تَحْوِيلِ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ فِي حِسَابِ النُّجُومِ وَوَجَدْتُ فِيهِ أَنَّكَ تَذُوقُ فِي شَهْرِ كَذَا يَوْمَ الأَرْبِعَاءِ حَرَّ الْحَدِيدِ وَحَرَّ النَّارِ وَأَرَى أَنْ تَدْخُلَ أَنْتَ وَالرِّضَا وَأَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الْحَمَّامَ فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ فَتَحْتَجِمَ فِيهِ وَتَصُبَّ الدَّمَ عَلَى بَدَنِكَ لِيَزُولَ نَحْسُهُ عَنْكَ فَبَعَثَ الْفَضْلُ إِلَى الْمَأْمُونِ وَكَتَبَ إِلَيْهِ بِذَلِكَ وَسَأَلَهُ أَنْ يَدْخُلَ الْحَمَّامَ مَعَهُ وَيَسْأَلَ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَيْضاً ذَلِكَ فَكَتَبَ الْمَأْمُونُ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ رُقْعَةً فِي ذَلِكَ وَسَأَلَهُ فَكَتَبَ إِلَيْهِ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ لَسْتُ بِدَاخِل غَداً الْحَمَّامَ وَلا أَرَى لَكَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنْ تَدْخُلَ الْحَمَّامَ غَداً وَلا أَرَى لِلْفَضْلِ أَنْ يَدْخُلَ الْحَمَّامَ غَداً فَأَعَادَ إِلَيْهِ الرُّقْعَةَ مَرَّتَيْنِ فَكَتَبَ إِلَيْهِ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏لَسْتُ بِدَاخِلٍ غَداً الْحَمَّامَ فَإِنِّي رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏فِي النَّوْمِ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ يَقُولُ لِي: يَا عَلِيُّ لا تَدْخُلِ الْحَمَّامَ غَداً فَلا أَرَى لَكَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلا لِلْفَضْلِ أَنْ تَدْخُلا الْحَمَّامَ غَداً فَكَتَبَ إِلَيْهِ الْمَأْمُونُ صَدَقْتَ يَا سَيِّدِي وَصَدَقَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ لَسْتُ بِدَاخِلٍ غَداً الْحَمَّامَ وَالْفَضْلُ فَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ وَمَا يَفْعَلُهُ قَالَ يَاسِرٌ فَلَمَّا أَمْسَيْنَا وَغَابَتِ الشَّمْسُ فَقَالَ لَنَا الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قُولُوا نَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا يَنْزِلُ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ فَأَقْبَلْنَا نَقُولُ كَذَلِكَ فَلَمَّا صَلَّى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ الصُّبْحَ قَالَ لَنَا قُولُوا نَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا يَنْزِلُ فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ فَمَا زِلْنَا نَقُولُ ذَلِكَ فَلَمَّا كَانَقَرِيباً مِنْ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ قَالَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اصْعَدِ السَّطْحَ فَاسْتَمِعْ هَلْ تَسْمَعُ شَيْئاً فَلَمَّا صَعِدْتُ سَمِعْتُ الضَّجَّةَ وَالنَّحِيبَ وَكَثُرَ ذَلِكَ فَإِذَا بِالْمَأْمُونِ قَدْ دَخَلَ مِنَ الْبَابِ الَّذِي كَانَ إِلَى دَارِهِ مِنْ دَارِ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَقُولُ: يَا سَيِّدِي يَا أَبَا الْحَسَنِ آجَرَكَ اللَّهُ فِي الْفَضْلِ وَكَانَ دَخَلَ الْحَمَّامَ فَدَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ قَوْمٌ بِالسُّيُوفِ فَقَتَلُوهُ وَأُخِذَ مَنْ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ فِي الْحَمَّامِ وَكَانُوا ثَلاثَةَ نَفَرٍ أَحَدُهُمْ ابْنُ خَالَةِ الْفَضْلِ ذُو الْقَلَمَيْنِ قَالَ وَاجْتَمَعَ الْقُوَّادُ وَالْجُنْدُ وَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْ رِجَالِ ذِي الرِّئَاسَتَيْنِ عَلَى بَابِ الْمَأْمُونِ فَقَالُوا اغْتَالَهُ وَقَتَلَهُ فَلَنَطْلُبَنَّ بِدَمِهِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ لِلرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا سَيِّدِي تَرَى أَنْ تَخْرُجَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَتُفَرِّقَهُمْ قَالَ يَاسِرٌ فَرَكِبَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَالَ لِيَ ارْكَبْ فَلَمَّا خَرَجْنَا مِنَ الْبَابِ نَظَرَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِلَيْهِمْ وَقَدِ اجْتَمَعُوا وَجَاءُوا بِالنِّيرَانِ لِيُحْرِقُوا الْبَابَ فَصَاحَ بِهِمْ وَأَوْمَأَ إِلَيْهِمْ بِيَدِهِ تَفَرَّقُوا فَتَفَرَّقُوا قَالَ يَاسِرٌ فَأَقْبَلَ النَّاسُ وَاللَّهِ يَقَعُ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ وَمَا أَشَارَ إِلَى أَحَدٍ إِلا رَكَضَ وَمَرَّ وَلَمْ يَقِفْ لَهُ أَحَدٌ.

40-23 Hamza ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ja’far ibn Muhammad ibn Zayd ibn Ali ibn Al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) narrated in Qum in the month of Rajab of the year 339 A.H. (949 A.D.) that Ali ibn Ibrahim informed me on the following through a book in the year 307 A.H. (918 A.D.) in which he wrote on the authority of Yasir - the servant, “Whenever Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) had a private session, he gathered all his workers - whether young or old - and talked with them and was friendly with them. When Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) sat down to dine, he invited them all -whether young or old - to sit down at the same tablecloth. He did not leave anyone out. He even invited the horse caretaker and the phlebotomist. One day we were with the Imam (a.s.) and heard the door which connected Al-Ma’mun’s house to Abil Hassan’s house open. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told us, “Stand up and disperse.” We stood up. Al-Ma’mun came in with a long letter in his hand. Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) decided to get up, but Al-Ma’mun swore to him by the right of God’s Prophet (S) - not to stand up. Then he went to Abil Hassan (a.s.), kissed him and sat down in front of him leaning on the cushion, and read that letter for him. The letter said that we have opened the gates of such and such a castle, have conquered such and such towns, etc. When he finished reading, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) asked him, “Does conquering one of the towns of the pagans make you happy?” Al-Ma’mun replied to him, “Is there not happiness in it?” He (a.s.) said, “O Commander of the Faithful! Fear God in the way you deal with the nation of Muhammad (a.s.) and the mission that God has given you, and made you especial in that. You have left the Muslims’ affairs unattended to, and have turned running their affairs over to others who rule over them in ways different from God’s Decrees. You have totally forgotten about these towns, have left the town of the Emigration (Medina) and the site of descension of the revelations where the Emigrants (Muhajerin) and their Helpers (Ansar) were oppressed there. There is no taking into consideration of the believers or the Divine Covenants. The oppressedpeople there are having hard times. They cannot provide for their basic expenses. They find no one to complain to regarding their conditions and they cannot reach you. O Commander of the Faithful! Fear God. Attend to the affairs of the Muslims. Return to the home of the Prophethood and the source of the Emigrants and the Helpers. O Commander of the Faithful! Beware that the ruler of the Muslims is like the main pillar of a tent. Whoever wants to attack the tent captures the main pillar.” Al-Ma’mun asked him (a.s.), “O my Master! What do you think now?” Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) replied, “I think that you should leave these towns and return to the place of your father and forefathers. Take care of the affairs of the Muslims. Do not leave them up to someone else. Indeed God the Highest will question you regarding your rule.” Al-Ma’mun stood up and said, “Yes, my Master! You are right!” He went out and ordered everyone to get prepared to go. The news of this reached Thul-Riasatayn. He became really depressed about this, since he was totally in charge of all the affairs; and Al-Ma’mun’s views were not important at all since he did not dare oppose. That is why Al-Ma’mun sought to strengthen himself through Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). Then Thul-Riasatayn went to Al-Ma’mun and asked him, “O Commander of the Faithful! What is this order that you have issued?” Al-Ma’mun replied, “My Master Abul Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)) has ordered me to do so, and it is right.” Thul-Riasatayn said, “O Commander of the Faithful! This is not right. Yesterday you killed your brother and seized the Caliphate (the rule) from him. Your father’s children, all the people of Iraq, your family and all the Arabs are your enemies. Then there is a second issue being that you designated Abil Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)) as the successor to the throne and took the Caliphate from your own family. The public, the jurists, the scholars and the Abbasids were not in agreement with you. They hate you in their hearts. The best thing to do is to stay in Khorasan until the people’s hearts calm down about this issue, and they slowly get accustomed to you and forget what you did to your brother Muhammad. O Commander of the Faithful! There are elders with whom your father used to consult. You also must seek their advice on this issue. If they agree with this, then go ahead with it.” Al-Ma’mun asked, “Like who?” Thul-Riasatayn replied, “People like Ali ibn (Abi) Imran, Abu Yunus and Al-Joloodi (who had refused to pledge allegiance to Abil Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)), since they were not pleased with him and were prisoned by Al-Ma’mun for this).” Al-Ma’mun said, “Fine.”The next morning Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) went to Al-Ma’mun and said, “O Commander of the Faithful! What did you do?” Al-Ma’mun informed Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) about what Thul-Riasatayn had said, and ordered that those three people be taken out of prison and brought to him. At first, Ali ibn (Abi) Imran entered. When he saw Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) sitting next to Al-Ma’mun, he said, “O Commander of the Faithful! I will entrust you to God. Don’t ever let this affair that God has established for you and has made you especial for it, be taken out and placed into the hands of your enemies who were ordered to be killed and were thrown out of their hometowns by your forefathers (referring to Imam Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and his forefathers (a.s.)). Then Al-Ma’mun said, “O bastard! You still think this way? O guard! Behead him.” Then he was beheaded. Then Abu Yunus came in. When he saw Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) sitting next to Al-Ma’mun he said, “O Commander of the Faithful! This man at your side is an idol that they worship besides God.” Al-Ma’mun said, “O bastard! You still think this way, too? O guard! Behead him.” Then he was beheaded. Then al-Joloodi entered.(When Muhammad ibn Ja’far ibn Muhammad revolted in Medina during the rule of Al-Rashid, Al-Joloodi was sent there with orders to behead Muhammad if he overcame him. He was also ordered to loot the Talibites’ homes of the, to strip their women and take away all their clothing but one article. Al-Joloodi did that. That was the time when Abul Hassan Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.) was killed. Al-Joloodi reached Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) house. He attacked his house with his troops. Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) took all the women into the house and stood at the door himself. Al-Joloodi told Abil Hassan (a.s.), “I must enter and take away in person everything that they possess, as the Commander of the Faithful has ordered this.” Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, “I will take all of it myself and promise that I will not leave anything behind.” Al-Joloodi, however, did not agree to this and kept trying to do that himself. The Imam (a.s.) promised him and he finally agreed. Then Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) went in and took away all their possessions including their earrings, anklets and other ornaments; and handed them over to Al-Joloodi. They took away everything else that was in the house, too.)When Al-Joloodi entered that day, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told Al-Ma’mun, “O Commander of the Faithful! Grant this old man to me. Al-Ma’mun said, “O my Master! This is the same man who did the same to the family ofGod’s Prophet (S) as he did when looting the goods of the women.” Al-Joloodi was looking at Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) who was talking to Al-Ma’mun and insisting that he be forgiven and be turned over to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). However, he imagined that Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) was talking against him knowing what he had done. Thus he told Al-Ma’mun, “O Commander of the Faithful! I ask you in the Name of God and due to the services that I have rendered to Al-Rashid that you do not accept what he says.” Then Al-Ma’mun said, “O Abal Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.))! I forgive him but he is swearing that I reject your request.” Then he told Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), “No, by God, I will not accept what he says about you. Let him join his friends.” He was taken away and beheaded, too. Then Thul-Riasatayn went to his father Sahl. Al-Ma’mun had already issued orders to ride. However Thul-Riasatayn had refused. Since Al-Ma’mun had killed those three men, Zul-Riasatasyn knew that he was determined to leave. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) asked him, “O Commander of the Faithful! What did you do about getting ready to go?” Al-Ma’mun said, “O my Master! Please tell them yourself to do that.” Then Abul Hassan (a.s.) went out and loudly announced to the people, “Bring forth the animals.” It was as if he had spread fire amongst the people. The agents brought forth the riding animals. Thul-Riasatayn was still sitting at home. Al-Ma’mun sent someone and called him in and asked why he was sitting in the house. He replied, “O Commander of the Faithful! My sins are innumerable in the sight of the members of your household and the general public. The people blame me for killing your dethroned brother and for pledging allegiance to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). I am not secure from the bad wishers, the jealous ones, and the oppressors who may gossip behind my back before you. Please leave me here in Khorasan and let me run the affairs here.” Then Al-Ma’mun told him, “We are not yet not in need of you. And regarding what you said that they might make trouble for you, you have been tested by us and are known to be a sympathetic counselor. Write whatever form of letter of immunity that you wish to and I will sign it for you to be sure.” Then Thul-Riasatayn went and wrote a letter himself and had it signed by all the scholars. He then brought it to Al-Ma’mun and recited it. Al-Ma’mun granted whatever he had wanted and wrote it in his own handwriting and added to it that he would grant him whatever property, land or power that he desired in the world. Then Thul-Riasatayn said, “It is necessary for Abil Hassan’s (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)) handwriting to be in this letter of immunity. He should accept this as youdid since he is the successor to the throne.” Al-Ma’mun said, “You know that Abal Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)) made a condition not to interfere in any of our affairs, or say anything. We cannot ask him to do what he does not like to do. Ask him yourself. It is hoped that he does not turn you down.” Then he went and asked for permission to see Abil Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)). Yasir added, “Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told us to go away and we did. Al-Fadhl came in and stood in front of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). After a while, Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) raised his head and asked him, “O Al-Fadhl! What do you want?” He said, “O my Master! This is a letter of immunity that the Commander of the Faithful has written for me. It is also best if you could grant me the same as he did, since you are the successor to the throne for the Muslims.” Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, “Read it.” He stood up and recited it, even though it was long. When he finished, Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, “O Fadhl! As long as you fear God the Honorable the Exalted, this holds true for you with me.” Yasir added, “The Imam (a.s.) restricted Thul-Riasatayn with what he (a.s.) said.” Then Thul-Riasatayn left. Al-Ma’mun set out and we left along with Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). A few days passed. We were at one of the way-stations when Thul-Riasatayn received a letter from his brother Al-Hassan ibn Sahl saying, “I have taken a look at the astrology chart. You will experience the heat of the iron and fire on the Wednesday of such and such a month. I think that you, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and the Commander of the Faithful should go to the bath on that day and you should do a phlebotomy so that blood can flow out of your body and the bad omen that is in you on that day gets removed.” Then Al-Fadhl dispatched someone to Al-Ma’mun and reported this and asked that he accompany him to the bath and also ask Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) to do the same. Then Al-Ma’mun wrote to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and asked him to do so. Abal Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)) wrote him back and said, “I will not go to the bath tomorrow, since just tonight I dreamt of God’s Prophet (S) who told me, ‘O Ali! Do not go to the bath tomorrow. Therefore I do not consider it wise for you or Al-Fadhl to go to the bath.” Al-Ma’mun wrote him (a.s.) back, “O my Master! You are right. God’s Prophet (S) is right. I will not go to the bath, but Al-Fadhl knows best for himself.”Yasir added, “When the sun set and the night came Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told us, ‘Say I seek refuge in God from the evil that will descend tonight.’ We started saying that until dawn when Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said his prayers. He said, ‘Say I seek refuge in God from the evil that will descend today.’ Thennear dawn, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told me, ‘Go to the roof and see if you can hear anything.’ When I went on up onto the roof, I heard a lot of mourning and crying that was increasing. Then I saw that Al-Ma’mun entered the house through the gate from his house to Abil Hassan’s (a.s.) house and said, ‘O my Master! O Abal Hassan (Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.))! May God grant you rewards for the calamity that has happened to Al-Fadhl. He had entered the bath when some people attacked him with swords and killed him. They were three in number. One of them was Al-Fadhl’s maternal cousin (his aunt’s son) called Thul-Qalamayn.” Then the troops and the heads of the army who were under the control of Thul-Riasatayn gathered in front of Al-Ma’mun’s house and said, “Al-Ma’mun has tricked him and killed him. We will take revenge.” Then Al-Ma’mun told Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), “O my Master! Please consider going out and dispersing them.” Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) got on the horse and told me to get on the horse, too. Then when we got out of the house, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) saw that they had gathered there and had made a fire to put the door on fire and burn it. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) yelled at them and pointed at them with his hand saying, “Disperse!” They all dispersed. The people ran away with such fear that they ran into each other and fell over one another. Whoever Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) pointed at ran away. Everyone left and no body was left.

٢ - حَدَّثَنا أَبي وَمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحَسَن بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِالوَلِيد رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ‏ما قالا حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى العطار وَأَحْمَدِ بْنِ إِدْرِيس جَمِيعاً قالا: حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ عِمْران الأَشْعَرِيِّ حَدَّثَني أَبُو الحُسَيْن صالِح بْنِ أَبي حَمَّادٍ الرَّازِيُّ، عَن إِسْحاق بْنِ حَمَّادٍ بْنِ زِيْد قالَ: سَمِعْنَا يَحْيَى بْنَ أَكْثَمَ الْقَاضِيَ قَالَ أَمَرَنِي الْمَأْمُونُ بِإِحْضَارِ جَمَاعَةٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْحَدِيثِ وَجَمَاعَةٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكَلامِ وَالنَّظَرِ فَجَمَعْتُ لَهُ مِنَ الصِّنْفَيْنِ زُهَاءَ أَرْبَعِينَ رَجُلاً ثُمَّ مَضَيْتُ بِهِمْ فَأَمَرْتُهُمْ بِالْكَيْنُونَةِ فِي مَجْلِسِ الْحَاجِبِ لاعْلِمَهُ بِمَكَانِهِمْ فَفَعَلُوا فَأَعْلَمْتُهُ فَأَمَرَنِي بِإِدْخَالِهِمْ فَفَعَلْتُ فَدَخَلُوا وَسَلَّمُوا فَحَدَّثَهُمْ سَاعَةً وَآنَسَهُمْ ثُمَّ قَالَ: إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَجْعَلَكُمْ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى فِي يَوْمِي هَذَا حُجَّةً فَمَنْ كَانَ حَاقِناً أَوْ لَهُ حَاجَةٌ فَلْيَقُمْ إِلَى قَضَاءِ حَاجَتِهِ وَانْبَسِطُوا وَسَلُّوا أَخْفَافَكُمْ وَضَعُوا أَرْدِيَتَكُمْ فَفَعَلُوا مَا أُمِرُوا بِهِ فَقَالَ يَا أَيُّهَا الْقَوْمُ إِنَّمَا اسْتَحْضَرْتُكُمْ لاحْتَجَّ بِكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَانْظُرُوا لانْفُسِكُمْ وَإِمَامِكُمْ وَلا تَمْنَعْكُمْ جَلالَتِي وَمَكَانِي مِنْ قَوْلِ الْحَقِّ حَيْثُ كَانَ وَرَدِّ الْبَاطِلِ عَلَى مَنْ أَتَى بِهِ وَأَشْفِقُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَتَقَرَّبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى بِرِضْوَانِهِ وَإِيثَارِ طَاعَتِهِ فَمَا أَحَدٌ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَى مَخْلُوقٍ بِمَعْصِيَةِ الْخَالِقِ إِلا سَلَّطَهُ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ فَنَاظِرُونِي بِجَمِيعِ عُقُولِكُمْ إِنِّي رَجُلٌ أَزْعُمُ أَنَّ عَلِيّاً خَيْرُ الْبَشَرِ بَعْدَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَإِنْ كُنْتُ مُصِيباً فَصَوِّبُوا قَوْلِي وَإِنْ كُنْتُ مُخْطِئاً فَرُدُّوا عَلَيَّ وَهَلُمُّوا فَإِنْ شِئْتُمْ سَأَلْتُكُمْ وَإِنْ شِئْتُمْ سَأَلُْتمُونِي فَقَالَ لَهُ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ بِالْحَدِيثِ بَلْ نَسْأَلُكَ فَقَالَ هَاتُوا وَقَلِّدُوا كَلامَكُــمْ رَجُلاًمِنْكُمْ فَإِذَا تَكَلَّمَ فَإِنْ كَانَ عِنْدَ أَحَدِكُمْ زِيَادَةٌ فَلْيَزِدْ وَإِنْ أَتَى بِخَلَلٍ فَسَدِّدُوهُ فَقَالَ قَائِلٌ مِنْهُمْ أَمَّا نَحْنُ فَنَزْعُمُ أَنَّ خَيْرَ النَّاسِ بَعْدَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَبُو بَكْرٍ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ الرِّوَايَةَ الُْمجْمَعَ عَلَيْهَا جَاءَتْ عَنِ الرَّسُولِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ اقْتَدُوا بِالَّذِينَ مِنْ بَعْدِي أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ فَلَمَّا أَمَرَ نَبِيُّ الرَّحْمَةِ بِالاقْتِدَاءِ بِهِمَا عَلِمْنَا أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَأْمُرْ بِالاقْتِدَاءِ إِلا بِخَيْرِ النَّاسِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ الرِّوَايَاتُ كَثِيرَةٌ وَلا بُدَّ مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ كُلُّهَا حَقّاً أَوْ كُلُّهَا بَاطِلاً أَوْ بَعْضُهَا حَقّاً وَبَعْضُهَا بَاطِلاً فَلَوْ كَانَتْ كُلُّهَا حَقّاً كَانَتْ كُلُّهَا بَاطِلاً مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ بَعْضَهَا يَنْقُضُ بَعْضاً وَلَوْ كَانَتْ كُلُّهَا بَاطِلاً كَانَ فِي بُطْلانِهَا بُطْلانُ الدِّينِ وَدُرُوسُ الشَّرِيعَةِ فَلَمَّا بَطَلَ الْوَجْهَانِ ثَبَتَ الثَّالِثُ بِالاضْطِرَارِ وَهُوَ أَنَّ بَعْضَهَا حَقٌّ وَبَعْضَهَا بَاطِلٌ فَإِذَا كَانَ كَذَلِكَ فَلا بُدَّ مِنْ دَلِيلٍ عَلَى مَا يَحِقُّ مِنْهَا لِيُعْتَقَدَ وَيُنْفَى خِلافُهُ فَإِذَا كَانَ دَلِيلُ الْخَبَرِ فِي نَفْسِهِ حَقّاً كَانَ أَوْلَى مَا أَعْتَقِدُهُ وَآخُذُ بِهِ وَرِوَايَتُكَ هَذِهِ مِنَ الأَخْبَارِ الَّتِي أَدِلَّتُهَا بَاطِلَةٌ فِي نَفْسِهَا وَذَلِكَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَحْكَمُ الْحُكَمَاءِ وَأَوْلَى الْخَلْقِ بِالصِّدْقِ وَأَبْعَدُ النَّاسِ مِنَ الأَمْرِ بِالُْمحَالِ وَحَمْلِ النَّاسِ عَلَى التَّدَيُّنِ بِالْخِلافِ وَذَلِكَ أَنَّ هَذَيْنِ الرَّجُلَيْنِ لا يَخْلُو مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَا مُتَّفِقَيْنِ مِنْ كُلِّ جِهَةٍ أَوْ مُخْتَلِفَيْنِ فَإِنْ كَانَا مُتَّفِقَيْنِ مِنْ كُلِّ جِهَةٍ كَانَا وَاحِداً فِي الْعَدَدِ وَالصِّفَةِ وَالصُّورَةِ وَالْجِسْمِ وَهَذَا مَعْدُومٌ أَنْ يَكُونَ اثْنَانِ بِمَعْنًى وَاحِدٍ مِنْ كُلِّ جِهَةٍ وَإِنْ كَانَا مُخْتَلِفَيْنِ فَكَيْفَ يَجُوزُ الاقْتِدَاءُ بِهِمَا وَهَذَا تَكْلِيفُ مَا لا يُطَاقُ لانَّكَ إِنِ اقْتَدَيْتَ بِوَاحِدٍ خَالَفْتَ الآْخَرَ وَالدَّلِيلُ عَلَى اخْتِلافِهِمَا أَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ سَبَى أَهْلَ الرِّدَّةِ وَرَدَّهُمْ عُمَرُ أَحْرَاراً وَأَشَارَ عُمَرُ عَلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ بِعَزْلِ خَالِدٍ وَبِقَتْلِهِ بِمَالِكِ بْنِ نُوَيْرَةَ فَأَبَى أَبُو بَكْرٍ عَلَيْهِ وَحَرَّمَ عُمَرُ الْمُتْعَةَ وَلَمْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَوَضَعَ عُمَرُ دِيـوَانَ الْعَطِيَّةِ وَلَمْ يَفْعَلْـهُ أَبُو بَكْـرٍوَاسْتَخْلَفَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَلَمْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ عُمَرُ وَلِهَذَا نَظَائِرُ كَثِيرَةٌقَالَ مصنف هذا الكتاب رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ فِي هَذَا فَصْلٌ لَمْ يَذْكُرْهُ الْمَأْمُونُ لِخَصْمِهِ وَهُوَ أَنَّهُمْ لَمْ يَرْوُوا أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ اقْتَدُوا بِالَّذِينَ مِنْ بَعْدِي أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ وَإِنَّمَا رَوَوْا أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ رَوَى أَبَا بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ فَلَوْ كَانَتِ الرِّوَايَةُ صَحِيحَةً لَكَانَ مَعْنَى قَوْلِهِ بِالنَّصْبِ اقْتَدُوا بِالَّذِينَ مِنْ بَعْدِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَالْعِتْرَةِ يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ وَمَعْنَى قَوْلِهِ بِالرَّفْعِ اقْتَدُوا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ وَأَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ بِالَّذِينَ مِنْ بَعْدِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَالْعِتْرَةِ رَجَعْنَا إِلَى حَدِيثِ الْمَأْمُونِ فَقَالَ آخَرُ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ الْحَدِيثِ فَإِنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ لَوْ كُنْتُ مُتَّخِذاً خَلِيلاً لاتَّخَذْتُ أَبَا بَكْرٍ خَلِيلاً فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا مُسْتَحِيلٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ رِوَايَاتِكُمْ أَنَّهُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ آخَى بَيْنَ أَصْحَابِهِ وَأَخَّرَ عَلِيّاً فَقَالَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ لَهُ فِي ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ مَا أَخَّرْتُكَ إِلا لِنَفْسِي فَأَيُّ الرِّوَايَتَيْنِ ثَبَتَتْ بَطَلَتِ الأُخْرَى قَالَ آخَرُ إِنَّ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ عَلَى الْمِنْبَرِ خَيْرُ هَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ بَعْدَ نَبِيِّهَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا مُسْتَحِيلٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لَوْ عَلِمَ أَنَّهُمَا أَفْضَلُ مَا وَلَّى عَلَيْهِمَا مَرَّةً عَمْرَو بْنَ الْعَاصِ وَمَرَّةً أُسَامَةَ بْنَ زَيْدٍ وَمِمَّا يُكَذِّبُ هَذِهِ الرِّوَايَةَ قَوْلُ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قُبِضَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَأَنَا أَوْلَى بِمَجْلِسِهِ مِنِّي بِقَمِيصِي وَلَكِنِّي أَشْفَقْتُ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ النَّاسُ كُفَّاراً وَقَوْلُهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَنَّى يَكُونَانِ خَيْراً مِنِّي وَقَدْ عَبَدْتُ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَبْلَهُمَا وَعَبَدْتُهُ بَعْدَهُمَا قَالَ آخَرُ فَإِنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ أَغْلَقَ بَابَهُ وَقَالَ هَلْ مِنْ مُسْتَقِيلٍ فَأُقِيلَهُ فَقَالَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَدَّمَكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ فَمَنْ ذَا يُؤَخِّرُكَ؟ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا بَاطِلٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَعَدَ عَنْ بَيْعَةِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَرَوَيْتُمْ أَنَّهُ قَعَدَ عَنْهَا حَتَّى قُبِضَتْ فَاطِمَةُ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَأَنَّهَا أَوْصَتْ أَنْ تُدْفَنَ لَيْلاً لِئَلا يَشْهَدَا جَنَازَتَهَا وَوَجْهٍ آخَرَ وَهُوَ أَنَّهُ إِنْ كَانَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ اسْتَخْلَفَهُ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ لَهُ أَنْ يَسْتَقِيلَ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ لِلأَنْصَارِيِّ قَدْ رَضِيتُ لَكُمْ أَحَدَ هَذَيْنِ الرَّجُلَيْنِ أَبَا عُبَيْدَةَ وَعُمَرَ قَالَ آخَرُ إِنَّ عَمْرَو بْنَ الْعَاصِ قَالَ يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ مَنْ أَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ عَائِشَةُ فَقَالَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ فَقَالَ أَبُوهَا فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا بَاطِلٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّكُمْ رَوَيْتُمْ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وُضِعَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ طَائِرٌ مَشْوِيٌّ فَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ ائْتِنِي بِأَحَبِّ خَلْقِكَ إِلَيْكَ فَكَانَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَأَيُّ رِوَايَتِكُمْ تُقْبَلُ فَقَالَ آخَرُ فَإِنَّ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ مَنْ فَضَّلَنِي عَلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ جَلَدْتُهُ حَدَّ الْمُفْتَرِي قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ كَيْفَ يَجُوزُ أَنْ يَقُولَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَجْلِدُ الْحَدَّ مَنْ لا يَجِبُ الْحَدُّ عَلَيْهِ فَيَكُونُ مُتَعَدِّياً لِحُدُودِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَامِلاً بِخِلافِ أَمْرِهِ وَلَيْسَ تَفْضِيلُ مَنْ فَضَّلَهُ عَلَيْهِمَا فِرْيَةً وَقَدْ رَوَيْتُمْ عَنْ إِمَامِكُمْ أَنَّهُ قَالَ وُلِّيتُكُمْ وَلَسْتُ بِخَيْرِكُمْ فَأَيُّ الرَّجُلَيْنِ أَصْدَقُ عِنْدَكُمْ أَبُو بَكْرٍ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ أَوْ عَلِيٌ‏عَلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ مَعَ تَنَاقُضِ الْحَدِيثِ فِي نَفْسِهِ وَلا بُدَّ لَهُ فِي قَوْلِهِ مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ صَادِقاً أَوْ كَاذِباً فَإِنْ كَانَ صَادِقاً فَأَنَّى عَرَفَ ذَلِكَ أَبِوَحْيٍ فَالْوَحْيُ مُنْقَطِعٌ أَوْ بِالنَّظَرِ فَالنَّظَرُ مُتَحَيِّرٌ وَإِنْ كَانَ غَيْرَ صَادِقٍ فَمِنَ الُْمحَالِ أَنْيَلِيَ أَمْرَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَيَقُومَ بِأَحْكَامِهِمْ وَيُقِيمَ حُدُودَهُمْ وَهُوَ كَذَّابٌ قَالَ آخَرُ فَقَدْ جَاءَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ سَيِّدَا كُهُولِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ مُحَالٌ لانَّهُ لا يَكُونُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ كَهْلٌ وَيُرْوَى أَنَّ أَشْجَعِيَّةَ كَانَتْ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَقَالَ لا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ عَجُوزٌ فَبَكَتْ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ إِنَّا أَنْشَأْناهُنَّ إِنْشاءً فَجَعَلْناهُنَّ أَبْكاراً عُرُباً أَتْراباً فَإِنْ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ يُنْشَأُ شَابّاً إِذَا دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ رَوَيْتُمْ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ لِلْحَسَنِ وَالْحُسَيْنِ إِنَّهُمَا سَيِّدَا شَبَابِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ مِنَ الأَوَّلِينَ وَالآْخِرِينَ وَأَبُوهُمَا خَيْرٌ مِنْهُمَا قَالَ آخَرُ قَدْ جَاءَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ لَوْ لَمْ أُبْعَثْ فِيكُمْ لَبُعِثَ عُمَرُ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا مُحَالٌ لانَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ إِنَّا أَوْحَيْنا إِلَيْكَ كَما أَوْحَيْنا إِلى‏ نُوحٍ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَقَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَإِذْ أَخَذْنا مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ مِيثاقَهُمْ وَمِنْكَ وَمِنْ نُوحٍ وَإِبْراهِيمَ وَمُوسى‏ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ فَهَلْ يَجُوزُ أَنْ يَكُونَ مَنْ لَمْ يُؤْخَذْ مِيثَاقُهُ عَلَى النُّبُوَّةِ مَبْعُوثاً وَمَنْ أُخِذَ مِيثَاقُهُ عَلَى النُّبُوَّةِ مُؤَخَّراً قَالَ آخَرُ إِنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ نَظَرَ إِلَى عُمَرَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ فَتَبَسَّمَ وَقَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى بَاهَى بِعِبَادِهِ عَامَّةً وَبِعُمَرَ خَاصَّة فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ فَهَذَا مُسْتَحِيلٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى لَمْ يَكُنْ لِيُبَاهِيَ بِعُمَرَ وَيَدَعَ نَبِيَّهُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَيَكُونَ عُمَرُ فِي الْخَاصَّةِ وَالنَّبِيُّ فِي الْعَامَّةِ وَلَيْسَتْ هَذِهِ الرِّوَايَةُ بِأَعْجَبَ مِنْ رِوَايَتِكُمْ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ دَخَلْتُ الْجَنَّةَ فَسَمِعْتُ خَفَقَ نَعْلَيْنِ فَإِذَا بِلالٌ مَوْلَى أَبِي بَكْـرٍ قَـدْ سَبَقَنِي إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَإِنَّمَـاقَالَتِ الشِّيعَةُ عَلِيٌّ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَقُلْتُمْ عَبْدُ أَبِي بَكْرٍ خَيْرٌ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لانَّ السَّابِقَ أَفْضَلُ مِنَ الْمَسْبُوقِ وَكَمَا رَوَيْتُمْ أَنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَفِرُّ مِنْ حِسِّ عُمَرَ وَأَلْقَى عَلَى لِسَانِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَنَّهُنَّ الْغَرَانِيقُ الْعُلَى فَفَرَّ مِنْ عُمَرَ وَأَلْقَى عَلَى لِسَانِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِزَعْمِكُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ آخَرُ قَدْ قَالَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لَوْ نَزَلَ الْعَذَابُ مَا نَجَا إِلا عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا خِلافُ الْكِتَابِ نَصّاً لانَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ: وَما كانَ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنْتَ فِيهِمْ فَجَعَلْتُمْ عُمَرَ مِثْلَ الرَّسُولِ قَالَ آخَرُ فَقَدْ شَهِدَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لِعُمَرَ بِالْجَنَّةِ فِي عَشَرَةٍ مِنَ الصَّحَابَةِ فَقَالَ لَوْ كَانَ هَذَا كَمَا زَعَمْتَ كَانَ عُمَرُ لا يَقُولُ لِحُذَيْفَةَ نَشَدْتُكَ بِاللَّهِ أَمِنَ الْمُنَافِقِينَ أَنَا فَإِنْ كَانَ قَدْ قَالَ لَهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَنْتَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ وَلَمْ يُصَدِّقْهُ حَتَّى زَكَّاهُ حُذَيْفَةُ وَصَدَّقَ حُذَيْفَةَ وَلَمْ يُصَدِّقِ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَهَذَا عَلَى غَيْرِ الإِسْلامِ وَإِنْ كَانَ قَدْ صَدَّقَ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَلِمَ سَأَلَ حُذَيْفَةَ وَهَذَانِ الْخَبَرَانِ مُتَنَاقِضَانِ فِي أَنْفُسِهِمَا فَقَالَ آخَرُ فَقَدْ قَالَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وُضِعَتْ أُمَّتِي فِي كِفَّةِ الْمِيزَانِ وَوُضِعْتُ فِي أُخْرَى فَرَجَحْتُ بِهِمْ ثُمَّ وُضِعَ مَكَانِي أَبُو بَكْرٍ فَرَجَحَ بِهِمْ ثُمَّ عُمَرُ فَرَجَحَ ثُمَّ رُفِعَ الْمِيزَانُ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ هَذَا مُحَالٌ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّهُ لا يَخْلُو مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ مِنْ أَجْسَامِهِمَا أَوْ أَعْمَالِهِمَا فَإِنْ كَانَتِ الأَجْسَامُ فَلا يَخْفَى عَلَى ذِي رُوحٍ أَنَّهُ مُحَالٌ لانَّهُ لا يَرْجَحُ أَجْسَامُهُمَا بِأَجْسَامِ الأُمَّةِ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ أَفْعَالُهُمَا فَلَمْ يَكُنْ بَعْدُ فَكَيْفَ يَرْجَحُ بِمَا لَيْسَ وَخَبِّرُونِي بِمَا يَتَفَاضَلُ النَّاسُ فَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ بِالأَعْمَالِ الصَّالِحَةِ قَالَ فَأَخْبِرُونِي فَمَنْ فَضَلَ صَاحِبَهُ عَلَى عَهْدِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِثُمَّ إِنَّ الْمَفْضُولَ عَمِلَ بَعْدَ وَفَاةِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِأَكْثَرَ مِنْ عَمَلِ الْفَاضِلِ عَلَى عَهْدِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَيَلْحَقُ بِهِ فَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ نَعَمْ أَوْجَدْتُكُمْ فِي عَصْرِنَا هَذَا مَنْ هُوَ أَكْثَرُ جِهَاداً وَحَجّاً وَصَوْماً وَصَلاةً وَصَدَقَةً مِنْ أَحَدِهِمْ قَالُوا صَدَقْتَ لا يَلْحَقُ فَاضِلُ دَهْرِنَا فَاضِلَ عَصْرِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ فَانْظُرُوا فِيَما رَوَتْ أَئِمَّتُكُمُ الَّذِينَ أَخَذْتُمْ عَنْهُمْ أَدْيَانَكُمْ فِي فَضَائِلِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَايَسُوا إِلَيْهَا مَا رَوَوْا فِي فَضَائِلِ تَمَامِ الْعَشَرَةِ الَّذِينَ شَهِدُوا لَهُمْ بِالْجَنَّةِ فَإِنْ كَانَتْ جُزْءاً مِنْ أَجْزَاءٍ كَثِيرَةٍ فَالْقَوْلُ قَوْلُكُمْ وَإِنْ كَانُوا قَدْ رَوَوْا فِي فَضَائِلِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَكْثَرَ فَخُذُوا عَنْ أَئِمَّتِكُمْ مَا رَوَوْا وَلا تَعْدُوهُ قَالَ فَأَطْرَقَ الْقَوْمُ جَمِيعاً فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ مَا لَكُمْ سَكَتُّمْ قَالُوا قَدِ اسْتَقْصَيْنَا قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ فَإِنِّي أَسْأَلُكُمْ خَبِّرُونِي أَيُّ الأَعْمَالِ كَانَ أَفْضَلَ يَوْمَ بَعَثَ اللَّهُ نَبِيَّهُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالُوا السَّبْقُ إِلَى الإِسْلامِ لانَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى يَقُولُ: السَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ أُولئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ قَالَ فَهَلْ عَلِمْتُمْ أَحَداً أَسْبَقَ مِنْ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِلَى الإِسْلامِ قَالُوا إِنَّهُ سَبَقَ حَدَثاً لَمْ يَجْرِ عَلَيْهِ حُكْمٌ وَأَبُو بَكْرٍ أَسْلَمَ كَهْلاً قَدْ جَرَى عَلَيْهِ الْحُكْمُ وَبَيْنَ هَاتَيْنِ الْحَالَتَيْنِ فَرْقٌ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ فَخَبِّرُونِي عَنْ إِسْلامِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَبِإِلْهَامٍ مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَمْ بِدُعَاءِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ بِإِلْهَامٍ فَقَدْ فَضَّلْتُمُوهُ عَلَى النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لانَّ النَّبِيَّ لَمْ يُلْهَمْ بَلْ أَتَاهُ جَبْرَئِيلُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَنِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ دَاعِياً وَمُعَرِّفاً وَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ بِدُعَاءِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَهَلْ دَعَاهُ مِنْ قِبَلِ نَفْسِهِ أَمْ بِأَمْرِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ مِنْ قِبَلِ نَفْسِهِ فَهَذَا خِلافُ مَا وَصَفَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ نَبِيَّهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَـالَى:وَما أَنَا مِنَ الْمُتَكَلِّفِينَ وَفِي قَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَما يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوى‏ وَإِنْ كَانَ مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَقَدْ أَمَرَ اللَّهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى نَبِيَّهُ‏بِدُعَاءِ عَلِيٍّ مِنْ بَيْنِ صِبْيَانِ النَّاسِ وَإِيثَارِهِ عَلَيْهِمْ فَدَعَاهُ ثِقَةً بِهِ وَعِلْماً بِتَأْيِيدِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى إِيَّاهُ وَخُلَّةٌ أُخْرَى خَبِّرُونِي عَنِ الْحَكِيمِ هَلْ يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُكَلِّفَ خَلْقَهُ مَا لا يُطِيقُونَ فَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ نَعَمْ كَفَرْتُمْ وَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ لا فَكَيْفَ يَجُوزُ أَنْ يَأْمُرَ نَبِيَّهُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِدُعَاءِ مَنْ لَمْ يُمْكِنْهُ قَبُولُ مَا يُؤْمَرُ بِهِ لِصِغَرِهِ وَحَدَاثَةِ سِنِّهِ وَضِعْفِهِ عَنِ الْقَبُولِ وَخُلَّةٌ أُخْرَى هَلْ رَأَيْتُمُ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ دَعَا أَحَداً مِنْ صِبْيَانِ أَهْلِهِ وَغَيْرِهِمْ فَيَكُونَ أُسْوَةَ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَإِنْ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَدْعُ غَيْرَهُ فَهَذِهِ فَضِيلَةٌ لِعَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَلَى جَمِيعِ صِبْيَانِ النَّاسِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: أَيُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ بَعْدَ السَّبْقِ إِلَى الإِيمَانِ قَالُوا الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ فَهَلْ تُحَدِّثُونَ لاحَدٍ مِنَ الْعَشَرَةِ فِي الْجِهَادِ مَا لِعَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي جَمِيعِ مَوَاقِفِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ مِنَ الأَثَرِ هَذِهِ بَدْرٌ قُتِلَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ فِيهَا نَيِّفٌ وَسِتُّونَ رَجُلاً قَتَلَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مِنْهُمْ نَيِّفاً وَعِشْرِينَ وَأَرْبَعُونَ لِسَائِرِ النَّاسِ فَقَالَ قَائِلٌ كَانَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ مَعَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فِي عَرِيشِهِ يُدَبِّرُهَا فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ لَقَدْ جِئْتَ بِهَا عَجِيبَةً أَكَانَ يُدَبِّرُ دُونَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَوْ مَعَهُ فَيَشْرَكُهُ أَوْ لِحَاجَةِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ إِلَى رَأْيِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ أَيُّ الثَّلاثِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ فَقَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ أَنْ أَزْعُمَ أَنَّهُ يُدَبِّرُ دُونَ النَّبِيِ‏أَوْ يَشْرَكُهُ أَوْ بِافْتِقَارٍ مِنَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ إِلَيْهِ قَالَ فَمَا الْفَضِيلَةُ فِي الْعَرِيشِ فَإِنْ كَانَتْ فَضِيلَةُ أَبِي بَكْرٍ بِتَخَلُّفِهِ عَنِ الْحَرْبِ فَيَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ كُـلُّمُتَخَلِّفٍ فَاضِلاً أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الُْمجَاهِدِينَ وَاللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ: لا يَسْتَوِي الْقاعِدُونَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ غَيْرُ أُولِي الضَّرَرِ وَالُْمجاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوالِهِمْ وَأَنْفُسِهِمْ فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ الُْمجاهِدِينَ بِأَمْوالِهِمْ وَأَنْفُسِهِمْ عَلَى الْقاعِدِينَ دَرَجَةً وَكُلّاً وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الْحُسْنى‏ وَفَضَّلَ اللَّهُ الُْمجاهِدِينَ عَلَى الْقاعِدِينَ أَجْراً عَظِيماً.قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ حَمَّادِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِيَ: اقْرَأْ هَلْ أَتى‏ عَلَى الإِنْسانِ حِينٌ مِنَ الدَّهْرِ، فَقَرَأْتُ حَتَّى بَلَغْتُ: وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعامَ عَلى‏ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِيناً وَيَتِيماً وَأَسِيراً… إِلَى قَوْلِهِ وَكانَ سَعْيُكُمْ مَشْكُوراً. فَقَالَ فِيمَنْ نَزَلَتْ هَذِهِ الآْيَاتُ قُلْتُ فِي عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ فَهَلْ بَلَغَكَ أَنَّ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ حِينَ أَطْعَمَ الْمِسْكِينَ وَالْيَتِيمَ وَالأَسِيرَ إِنَّما نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لا نُرِيدُ مِنْكُمْ جَزاءً وَلا شُكُوراً عَلَى مَا وَصَفَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي كِتَابِهِ فَقُلْتُ لا قَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَرَفَ سَرِيرَةَ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَنِيَّتَهُ فَأَظْهَرَ ذَلِكَ فِي كِتَابِهِ تَعْرِيفاً لِخَلْقِهِ أَمْرَهُ فَهَلْ عَلِمْتَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَصَفَ فِي شَيْ‏ءٍ مِمَّا وَصَفَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ مَا فِي هَذِهِ السُّورَةِ قَوارِيرَا مِنْ فِضَّةٍ قُلْتُ لا قَالَ فَهَذِهِ فَضِيلَةٌ أُخْرَى فَكَيْفَ يَكُونُ الْقَوَارِيرُ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ؟ قُلْتُ لا أَدْرِي. قَالَ يُرِيدُ كَأَنَّهَا مِنْ صَفَائِهَا مِنْ فِضَّةٍ يُرَى دَاخِلُهَا كَمَا يُرَى خَارِجُهَا وَهَذَا مِثْلُ قَوْلِهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا أَنْجَشَةُ رُوَيْداً سَوْقَكَ بِالْقَوَارِيرِ وَعَنَى بِهِ النِّسَاءَ كَأَنَّهُنَّ الْقَوَارِيرُ رِقَّةً وَقَوْلُهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ رَكِبْتُ فَرَسَ أَبِي طَلْحَةَ فَوَجَدْتُهُ بَحْراً أَيْ كَأَنَّهُ بَحْرٌ مِنْ كَثْرَةِ جَرْيِهِ وَعَدْوِهِ وَكَقَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَيَأْتِيهِ الْمَوْتُ مِنْ كُلِّ مَكانٍ وَما هُوَ بِمَيِّتٍ وَمِنْ وَرائِهِ عَذابٌ غَلِيظٌ أَيْ كَأَنَّهُ مَا يَأْتِيهِ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ أَتَاهُ مِنْ مَكَانٍ وَاحِدٍ لَمَاتَ.ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا إِسْحَاقُ أَلَسْتَ مِمَّنْ يَشْهَدُ أَنَّ الْعَشَرَةَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ فَقُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ أَرَأَيْتَ لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلاً قَالَ مَا أَدْرِي أَصَحِيحٌ هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ أَمْ لا أَكَانَ عِنْدَكَ كَافِراً قُلْتُ لا قَالَ أَفَرَأَيْتَ لَوْ قَالَ مَا أَدْرِي أَهَذِهِ السُّورَةُ قُرْآنٌ أَمْ لا أَكَانَ عِنْدَكَ كَافِراً قُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ أَرَى فَضْلَ الرَّجُلِ يَتَأَكَّدُ خَبِّرْنِي يَا إِسْحَاقُ أَنَّ حَدِيثَ الطَّائِرِ الْمَشْوِيِّ أَصَحِيحٌ عِنْدَكَ قَالَ بَلَى قَالَ بَانَ وَاللَّهِ عِنَادُكَ لا يَخْلُو هَذَا مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ كَمَا دَعَا النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَوْ يَكُونَ مَرْدُوداً أَوْ عَرَفَ اللَّهُ الْفَاضِلَ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ وَكَانَ الْمَفْضُولُ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ أَوْ تَزْعُمُ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَمْ يَعْرِفِ الْفَاضِلَ مِنَ الْمَفْضُولِ فَأَيُّ الثَّلاثِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْكَ أَنْ تَقُولَ بِهِ قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ فَأَطْرَقْتُ سَاعَةً ثُمَّ قُلْتُ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ فِي أَبِي بَكْرٍ ثانِيَ اثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُما فِي الْغارِ إِذْ يَقُولُ لِصاحِبِهِ لا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنا فَنَبَّهَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِلَى صُحْبَةِ نَبِيِّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَقَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ مَا أَقَلَّ عِلْمَكُمْ بِاللُّغَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ أَمَا يَكُونُ الْكَافِرُ صَاحِباً لِلْمُؤْمِنِ فَأَيُّ فَضِيلَةٍ فِي هَذِهِ أَمَا سَمِعْتَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ: (قالَ لَهُ صاحِبُهُ وَهُوَ يُحاوِرُهُ أَكَفَرْتَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَكَ مِنْ تُرابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ سَوَّاكَ رَجُلاً؟)فَقَدْ جَعَلَهُ لَهُ صَاحِباً. وَقَالَ الْهُذَلِيُّ:وَلَقَدْ غَدَوْتُ وَصَاحِبِي وَحْشِيَّةٌتَحْتَ الرِّدَاءِ بَصِيرَةٌ بِالْمَشْرِقِوَقَالَ الأَزْدِيُّ:وَلَقَدْ دَعَوْتُ الْوَحْشَ فِيهِ وَصَاحِبِيمَحْضُ الْقَوَائِمِ مِنْ هِجَانٍ هَيْكَلٍ‏فَصَيَّرَ فَرَسَهُ صَاحِبَهُ وَأَمَّا قَوْلُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنا فَإِنَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى مَعَ الْبَرِّ وَالْفَاجِرِ أَمَا سَمِعْتَ قَوْلَهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ما يَكُونُ مِنْ نَجْوى‏ ثَلاثَةٍ إِلا هُوَ رابِعُهُمْ وَلا خَمْسَةٍ إِلا هُوَ سادِسُهُمْ وَلا أَدْنى‏ مِنْ ذلِكَ وَلا أَكْثَرَ إِلا هُوَ مَعَهُمْ أَيْنَ ما كانُوا وَأَمَّا قَوْلُهُ لا تَحْزَنْ فَخَبِّرْنِي عَنْ حُزْنِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ أَكَانَ طَاعَةً أَوْ مَعْصِيَةً فَإِنْ زَعَمْتَ أَنَّهُ كَانَ طَاعَةً فَقَدْ جَعَلْتَ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ يَنْهَى عَنِ الطَّاعَةِ وَهَذَا خِلافُ صِفَةِ الْحَكِيمِ وَإِنْ زَعَمْتَ أَنَّهُ مَعْصِيَةٌ فَأَيُّ فَضِيلَةٍ لِلْعَاصِي وَخَبِّرْنِي عَنْ قَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلَيْهِ عَلَى مَنْ قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ فَقُلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ لانَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ كَانَ مُسْتَغْنِياً عَنِ السَّكِينَةِ قَالَ فَخَبِّرْنِي عَنْ قَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَيَوْمَ حُنَيْنٍ إِذْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ كَثْرَتُكُمْ فَلَمْ تُغْنِ عَنْكُمْ شَيْئاً وَضاقَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الأَرْضُ بِما رَحُبَتْ ثُمَّ وَلَّيْتُمْ مُدْبِرِينَ ثُمَّ أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلى‏ رَسُولِهِ وَعَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَتَدْرِي مَنِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ أَرَادَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي هَذَا الْمَوْضِعِ قَالَ قُلْتُ لا قَالَ إِنَّ النَّاسَ انْهَزَمُوا يَوْمَ حُنَيْنٍ فَلَمْ يَبْقَ مَعَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ إِلا سَبْعَةٌ مِنْ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَضْرِبُ بِسَيْفِهِ وَالْعَبَّاسُ أَخَذَ بِلِجَامِ بَغْلَةِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَالْخَمْسَةُ مُحْدِقُونَ بِالنَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ خَوْفاً مِنْ أَنْ يَنَالَهُ سِلاحُ الْكُفَّارِ حَتَّى أَعْطَى اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى رَسُولَهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ الظَّفَرَ عَنَى بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي هَذَا الْمَوْضِعِ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَمَنْ حَضَرَ مِنْ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ فَمَنْ كَانَ أَفْضَلَ؟ أَمَنْ كَانَ مَعَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِوَآلِهِ وَنَزَلَتِ السَّكِينَةُ عَلَى النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَعَلَيْهِ أَمْ مَنْ كَانَ فِي الْغَارِ مَعَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ أَهْلاً لِنُزُولِهَا عَلَيْهِ يَا إِسْحَاقُ مَنْ أَفْضَلُ مَنْ كَانَ مَعَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فِي الْغَارِ أَمْ مَنْ نَامَ عَلَى مِهَادِهِ وَوَقَاهُ بِنَفْسِهِ حَتَّى تَمَّ لِلنَّبِيِ‏مَا عَزَمَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ الْهِجْرَةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى أَمَرَ نَبِيَّهُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَنْ يَأْمُرَ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِالنَّوْمِ عَلَى فِرَاشِهِ وَوِقَايَتِهِ بِنَفْسِهِ فَأَمَرَهُ بِذَلِكَ فَقَالَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَتَسْلَمُ يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ سَمْعاً وَطَاعَةً ثُمَّ أَتَى مَضْجَعَهُ وَتَسَجَّى بِثَوْبِهِ وَأَحْدَقَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ بِهِ لا يَشُكُّونَ فِي أَنَّهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَقَدْ أَجْمَعُوا أَنْ يَضْرِبَهُ مِنْ كُلِّ بَطْنٍ مِنْ قُرَيْشٍ رَجُلٌ ضَرْبَةً لِئَلا يُطَالِبَ الْهَاشِمِيُّونَ بِدَمِهِ وَعَلِيٌ‏يَسْمَعُ مَا الْقَوْمُ فِيهِ مِنَ التَّدْبِيرِ فِي تَلَفِ نَفْسِهِ فَلَمْ يَدْعُهُ ذَلِكَ إِلَى الْجَزَعِ كَمَا جَزِعَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ فِي الْغَارِ وَهُوَ مَعَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَعَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَحْدَهُ فَلَمْ يَزَلْ صَابِراً مُحْتَسِباً فَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى مَلائِكَةً تَمْنَعُهُ مِنْ مُشْرِكِي قُرَيْشٍ فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ قَامَ فَنَظَرَ الْقَوْمُ إِلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا أَيْنَ مُحَمَّدٌ قَالَ وَمَا عِلْمِي بِهِ قَالُوا فَأَنْتَ غَرَرْتَنَا ثُمَّ لَحِقَ بِالنَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَلَمْ يَزَلْ عَلِيٌّ أَفْضَلَ لِمَا بَدَا مِنْهُ إلا مَا يَزِيدُ [إِلا] خَيْراً حَتَّى قَبَضَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى إِلَيْهِ وَهُوَ مَحْمُودٌ مَغْفُورٌ لَهُ يَا إِسْحَاقُ أَمَا تَرْوِي حَدِيثَ الْوَلايَةِ فَقُلْتُ نَعَمْ قَالَ ارْوِهِ فَرَوَيْتُهُ فَقَالَ أَمَا تَرَى أَنَّهُ أَوْجَبَ لِعَلِيٍّ عَلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ مَا لَمْ يُوجِبْ لَهُمَا عَلَيْهِ قُلْتُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ يَقُولُونَ إِنَّ هَذَا قَالَهُ بِسَبَبِ زَيْدِ بْنِ حَارِثَةَ قَالَ وَأَيْنَ قَالَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ هَذَا قُلْتُ بِغَدِيرِ خُمٍّ بَعْدَ مُنْصَرَفِهِ مِنْ حَجَّةِ الْوَدَاعِ قَالَ فَمَتَى قُتِلَ زَيْدُ بْنُ حَارِثَةَ قُلْتُ بِمُؤْتَةَ قَالَ أَفَلَيْسَ قَدْ كَانَ قُتِلَ زَيْدُ بْنُ حَارِثَةَ قَبْلَ غَدِيرِ خُمٍّ قُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ فَخَبِّرْنِي لَوْ رَأَيْتَ ابْناً لَكَ أَتَتْ عَلَيْهِ خَـمْسَ عَشْـرَةَسَنَةً يَقُولُ مَوْلايَ مَوْلَى ابْنِ عَمِّي أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ فَاقْبَلُوا أَكُنْتَ تَكْرَهُ ذَلِكَ فَقُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ أَفَتُنَزِّهُ ابْنَكَ عَمَّا لا تُنَزِّهُ النَّبِيَ‏وَيْحَكُمْ أَجَعَلْتُمْ فُقَهَاءَكُمْ أَرْبَابَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ اتَّخَذُوا أَحْبارَهُمْ وَرُهْبانَهُمْ أَرْباباً مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهِ مَا صَامُوا لَهُمْ وَلا صَلَّوْا لَهُمْ وَلَكِنَّهُمْ أَمَرُوا لَهُمْ فَأُطِيعُوا ثُمَّ قَالَ: أَتَرْوِي قَوْلَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لِعَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَنْتَ مِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى قُلْتُ نَعَمْ قَالَ أَمَا تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَارُونَ أَخُو مُوسَى لابِيهِ وَأُمِّهِ قُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ فَعَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ كَذَلِكَ قُلْتُ لا قَالَ فَهَارُونُ نَبِيٌّ وَلَيْسَ عَلِيٌّ كَذَلِكَ فَمَا الْمَنْزِلَةُ الثَّالِثَةُ إِلا الْخِلافَةُ وَهَذَا كَمَا قَالَ الْمُنَافِقُونَ إِنَّهُ اسْتَخْلَفَهُ اسْتِثْقَالاً لَهُ فَأَرَادَ أَنْ يُطَيِّبَ نَفْسَهُ وَهَذَا كَمَا حَكَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَنْ مُوسَى حَيْثُ يَقُولُ لِهَارُونَ اخْلُفْنِي فِي قَوْمِي وَأَصْلِحْ وَلا تَتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ فَقُلْتُ إِنَّ مُوسَى خَلَّفَ هَارُونَ فِي قَوْمِهِ وَهُوَ حَيٌّ ثُمَّ مَضَى إِلَى مِيقَاتِ رَبِّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَإِنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ خَلَّفَ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ حِينَ خَرَجَ إِلَى غَزَاتِهِ فَقَالَ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ مُوسَى حِينَ خَلَّفَ هَارُونَ أَكَانَ مَعَهُ حَيْثُ مَضَى إِلَى مِيقَاتِ رَبِّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِهِ فَقُلْتُ نَعَمْ قَالَ أَوَلَيْسَ قَدِ اسْتَخْلَفَهُ عَلَى جَمِيعِهِمْ قُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ فَكَذَلِكَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ خَلَّفَهُ النَّبِيُ‏حِينَ خَرَجَ فِي غَزَاتِهِ فِي الضُّعَفَاءِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالصِّبْيَانِ إِذْ كَانَ أَكْثَرُ قَوْمِهِ مَعَهُ وَإِنْ كَانَ قَدْ جَعَلَهُ خَلِيفَتَهُ عَلَى جَمِيعِهِمْ وَالدَّلِيلُ عَلَى أَنَّهُ جَعَلَهُ خَلِيفَةً عَلَيْهِمْ فِي حَيَاتِهِ إِذَا غَابَ وَبَعْدَ مَوْتِهِ قَوْلُهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَلِيٌّ بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى إِلا أَنَّهُ لا نَبِيَّ بَعْدِي وَهُوَ وَزِيرُ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَيْضاً بِهَذَا الْقَوْلِ لأنَّ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَدْ دَعَا اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَقَالَ فِيَما دَعَا: وَاجْعَلْ لِي وَزِيراً مِنْ أَهْلِي، هــارُونَ أَخِي، اشْدُدْ بِهِ أَزْرِي، وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِي أَمْرِي. وَإِذَا كَـانَ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِالسَّلامُ مِنْهُ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى فَهُوَ وَزِيرُهُ كَمَا كَانَ هَارُونُ وَزِيرَ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَهُوَ خَلِيفَتُهُ كَمَا كَانَ هَارُونُ خَلِيفَةَ مُوسَى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ثُمَّ أَقْبَلَ عَلَى أَصْحَابِ النَّظَرِ وَالْكَلامِ فَقَالَ أَسْأَلُكُمْ أَوْ تَسْأَلُونِّي قَالُوا بَلْ نَسْأَلُكَ فَقَالَ قُولُوا فَقَالَ قَائِلٌ مِنْهُمْ أَلَيْسَتْ إِمَامَةُ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ نَقَلَ ذَلِكَ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ مَنْ نَقَلَ الْفَرْضَ مِثْلُ الظُّهْرُ أَرْبَعُ رَكَعَاتٍ وَفِي مائتين [مِائَتَيْ] دِرْهَمٍ خَمْسَةُ دَرَاهِمَ وَالْحَجُّ إِلَى مَكَّةَ فَقَالَ بَلَى قَالَ فَمَا بَالُهُمْ لَمْ يَخْتَلِفُوا فِي جَمِيعِ الْفَرْضِ وَاخْتَلَفُوا فِي خِلافَةِ عَلِيٍ‏وَحْدَهَا قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ لانَّ جَمِيعَ الْفَرْضِ لا يَقَعُ فِيهِ مِنَ التَّنَافُسِ وَالرَّغْبَةِ مَا يَقَعُ فِي الْخِلافَةِ فَقَالَ آخَرُ مَا أَنْكَرْتَ أَنْ يَكُونَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَمَرَهُمْ بِاخْتِيَارِ رَجُلٍ يَقُومُ مَقَامَهُ رَأْفَةً بِهِمْ وَرِقَّةً عَلَيْهِمْ أَنْ يَسْتَخْلِفَ هُوَ بِنَفْسِهِ فَيُعْصَى خَلِيفَتُهُ فَيَنْزِلَ الْعَذَابُ فَقَالَ أَنْكَرْتُ ذَلِكَ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَرْأَفُ بِخَلْقِهِ مِنَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَقَدْ بَعَثَ نَبِيَّهُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَهُوَ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّ فِيهِمُ الْعَاصِيَ وَالْمُطِيعَ فَلَمْ يَمْنَعْهُ ذَلِكَ مِنْ إِرْسَالِهِ وَعِلَّةٌ أُخْرَى لَوْ أَمَرَهُمْ بِاخْتِيَارِ رَجُلٍ مِنْهُمْ كَانَ لا يَخْلُو مِنْ أَنْ يَأْمُرَهُمْ كُلَّهُمْ أَوْ بَعْضَهُمْ فَلَوْ أَمَرَ الْكُلَّ مَنْ كَانَ الُْمخْتَارَ وَلَوْ أَمَرَ بَعْضاً دُونَ بَعْضٍ كَانَ لا يَخْلُو مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ عَلَى هَذَا الْبَعْضِ عَلامَةٌ فَإِنْ قُلْتَ الْفُقَهَاءُ فَلا بُدَّ مِنْ تَحْدِيدِ الْفَقِيهِ وَسِمَتِهِ قَالَ آخَرُ فَقَـدْ رُوِيَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَـلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْـهِ وَآلِـهِ قَالَ مَا رَآهُ الْمُسْلِمُونَ حَسَناً فَهُوَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ حَسَنٌ وَمَا رَأَوْهُ قَبِيحاً فَهُوَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى قَبِيحٌ فَقَالَ هَذَا الْقَوْلُ لا بُدَّ مِنْ أَنْ يُرِيدَ كُلَّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَوِ الْبَعْضَ فَإِنْ أَرَادَ الْكُلَّ فَهُوَ مَفْقُودٌ لانَّ الْكُلَّ لا يُمْكِنُ اجْتَِماعُهُمْ وَإِنْ كَانَ الْبَعْضَ فَقَدْ رَوَى كُلٌّ فِي صَاحِبِهِ حُسْناً مِثْلُ رِوَايَةِ الشِّيعَةِ فِي عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَرِوَايَةِ الْحَشْوِيَّةِ فِي غَيْرِهِ فَمَتَى يَثْبُتُ مَا يُرِيدُونَ مِنَ الإِمَامَةِ قَالَ آخَرُ فَيَجُوزُ أَنْ يُزْعَمَ أَنَّ أَصْحَابَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ أَخْطَئُوا قَالَ كَيْفَ نَزْعُمُ أَنَّهُمْ أَخْطَئُوا وَاجْتَمَعُوا عَلَى ضَلالَةٍ وَهُمْ لا يَعْلَمُونَ فَرْضاً وَلا سُنَّةً لانَّكَ تَزْعُمُ أَنَّ الإِمَامَةَ لا فَرْضٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَلا سُنَّةٌ مِنَ الرَّسُولِ‏فَكَيْفَ يَكُونُ فِيَما لَيْسَ عِنْدَكَ بِفَرْضٍ وَلا سُنَّةٍ خَطَأٌ قَالَ آخَرُ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَدَّعِي لِعَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مِنَ الإِمَامَةِ دُونَ غَيْرِهِ فَهَاتِ بَيِّنَتَكَ عَلَى مَا تَدَّعِي فَقَالَ مَا أَنَا بِمُدَّعٍ وَلَكِنِّي مُقِرٌّ وَلا بَيِّنَةَ عَلَى مُقِرٍّ وَالْمُدَّعِي مَنْ يَزْعُمُ أَنَّ إِلَيْهِ التَّوْلِيَةَ وَالْعَزْلَ وَأَنَّ إِلَيْهِ الاخْتِيَارَ وَالْبَيِّنَةُ لا تَعْرَى مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ مِنْ شُرَكَائِهِ فَهُمْ خُصَمَاءُ أَوْ يَكُونَ مِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ وَالْغَيْرُ مَعْدُومٌ فَكَيْفَ يُؤْتَى بِالْبَيِّنَةِ عَلَى هَذَا قَالَ آخَرُ فَمَا كَانَ الْوَاجِبَ عَلَى عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بَعْدَ مُضِيِّ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ مَا فَعَلَهُ قَالَ أَفَمَا وَجَبَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يُعْلِمَ النَّاسَ أَنَّهُ إِمَامٌ فَقَالَ إِنَّ الإِمَامَةَ لا تَكُونُ بِفِعْلٍ مِنْهُ فِي نَفْسِهِ وَلا بِفِعْلٍ مِنَ النَّاسِ فِيهِ مِنِ اخْتِيَارٍ أَوْ تَفْضِيلٍ أَوْ غَيْرِ ذَلِكَ إِنَّمَا يَكُونُ بِفِعْلٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِيهِ كَمَا قَالَ لابْرَاهِيمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِنِّي جاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِماماً وَكَمَا قَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِدَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يـاداوُدُ إِنَّا جَعَلْناكَ خَلِيفَةً فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَمَا قَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لِلْمَلائِكَةِ فِي آدَمَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِنِّي جاعِلٌ فِي الأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً فَالإِمَامُ إِنَّمَا يَكُونُ إِمَاماً مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ بِاخْتِيَارِهِ إِيَّاهُ فِي بَدْءِ الصَّنِيعَةِ وَالتَّشْرِيفِ فِي النَّسَبِ وَالطَّهَارَةِ فِي الْمَنْشَإِ وَالْعِصْمَةِ فِي الْمُسْتَقْبَلِ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ بِفِعْلٍ مِنْهُ فِي نَفْسِهِ كَانَ مَنْ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ الْفِعْلَ مُسْتَحِقّاً لِلإِمَامَةِ وَإِذَا عَمِلَ خِلافَهَا اعْتَزَلَ فَيَكُونُ خَلِيفَةً قِبَلَ أَفْعَالِهِ وَقَالَ آخَرُ فَلِمَ أَوْجَبْتَ الإِمَامَةَ لِعَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بَعْدَ الرَّسُولِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَقَالَ لِخُرُوجِهِ مِنَ الطُّفُولِيَّةِ إِلَى الإِيمَانِ كَخُرُوجِ النَّبِيِ‏مِنَ الطُّفُولِيَّةِ إِلَى الإِيمَانِ وَالْبَرَاءَةِ مِنْ ضَلالَةِ قَوْمِهِ عَنِ الْحُجَّةِ وَاجْتِنَابِهِ الشِّرْكَ كَبَرَاءَةِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ مِنَ الضَّلالَةِ وَاجْتِنَابِهِ الشِّرْكَ لانَّ الشِّرْكَ ظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ وَلا يَكُونُ الظَّالِمُ إِمَاماً وَلا مَنْ عَبَدَ وَثَناً بِإِجْمَاعٍ وَمَنْ أَشْرَكَ فَقَدْ حَلَّ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَحَلَّ أَعْدَائِهِ فَالْحُكْمُ فِيهِ الشَّهَادَةُ عَلَيْهِ بِمَا اجْتَمَعَتْ عَلَيْهِ الأُمَّةُ حَتَّى يَجِي‏ءَ إِجْمَاعٌ آخَرُ مِثْلُهُ وَلانَّ مَنْ حُكِمَ عَلَيْهِ مَرَّةً فَلا يَجُوزُ أَنْ يَكُونَ حَاكِماً فَيَكُونَ الْحَاكِمُ مَحْكُوماً عَلَيْهِ فَلا يَكُونُ حِينَئِذٍ فَرْقٌ بَيْنَ الْحَاكِمِ وَالَْمحْكُومِ عَلَيْهِ قَالَ آخَرُ فَلِمَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلْ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَبَا بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ وَعُثَْمانَ كَمَا قَاتَلَ مُعَاوِيَةَ فَقَالَ الْمَسْأَلَةُ مُحَالٌ لانَّ لَمْ اقْتِضَاءٌ وَلا يَفْعَلُ نَفْيٌ وَالنَّفْيُ لا يَكُونُ لَهُ عِلَّةٌ إِنَّمَا الْعِلَّةُ لِلإِثْبَاتِ وَإِنَّمَا يَجِبُ أَنْ يُنْظَرَ فِي أَمْرِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَمِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ أَمْ مِنْ قِبَلِ غَيْرِهِ فَإِنْ صَحَّ أَنَّهُ مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَالشَّكُّ فِي تَدْبِيرِهِ كُفْرٌ لِقَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَلا وَرَبِّكَ لا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيما شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَرَجاً مِمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيماً فَأَفْعَالُ الْفَاعِلِ تَبَعٌ لاصْلِهِ فَإِنْ كَانَ قِيَامُهُ عَنِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَأَفْعَالُهُ عَنْهُوَعَلَى النَّاسِ الرِّضَا وَالتَّسْلِيمُ وَقَدْ تَرَكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ الْقِتَالَ يَوْمَ الْحُدَيْبِيَةِ يَوْمَ صَدَّ الْمُشْرِكُونَ هَدْيَهُ عَنِ الْبَيْتِ فَلَمَّا وَجَدَ الأَعْوَانَ وَقَوِيَ حَارَبَ كَمَا قَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي الأَوَّلِ فَاصْفَحِ الصَّفْحَ الْجَمِيلَ ثُمَّ قَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: فَاقْتُلُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَيْثُ وَجَدْتُمُوهُمْ وَخُذُوهُمْ وَاحْصُرُوهُمْ وَاقْعُدُوا لَهُمْ كُلَّ مَرْصَدٍ قَالَ آخَرُ إِذَا زَعَمْتَ أَنَّ إِمَامَةَ عَلِيٍ‏مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَأَنَّهُ مُفْتَرَضُ الطَّاعَةِ فَلِمَ لَمْ يَجُزْ إِلا التَّبْلِيغُ وَالدُّعَاءُ كَمَا لِلأَنْبِيَاءِ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَجَازَ لِعَلِيٍّ أَنْ يَتْرُكَ مَا أُمِرَ بِهِ مِنْ دَعْوَةِ النَّاسِ إِلَى طَاعَتِهِ فَقَالَ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّا لَمْ نَدَّعِ أَنَّ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أُمِرَ بِالتَّبْلِيغِ فَيَكُونَ رَسُولاً وَلَكِنَّهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وُضِعَ عَلَماً بَيْنَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى وَبَيْنَ خَلْقِهِ فَمَنْ تَبِعَهُ كَانَ مُطِيعاً وَمَنْ خَالَفَهُ كَانَ عَاصِياً فَإِنْ وَجَدَ أَعْوَاناً يَتَقَوَّى بِهِمْ جَاهَدَ وَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ أَعْوَاناً فَاللَّوْمُ عَلَيْهِمْ لا عَلَيْهِ لانَّهُمْ أُمِرُوا بِطَاعَتِهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ وَلَمْ يُؤْمَرْ هُوَ بِمُجَاهَدَتِهِمْ إِلا بِقُوَّةٍ وَهُوَ بِمَنْزِلَةِ الْبَيْتِ عَلَى النَّاسِ الْحِجُّ إِلَيْهِ فَإِذَا حَجُّوا أَدَّوْا مَا عَلَيْهِمْ وَإِذَا لَمْ يَفْعَلُوا كَانَتِ اللائِمَةُ عَلَيْهِمْ لا عَلَى الْبَيْتِ وَقَالَ آخَرُ إِذَا وَجَبَ أَنَّهُ لا بُدَّ مِنْ إِمَامٍ مُفْتَرَضِ الطَّاعَةِ بِالاضْطِرَارِ فَكَيْفَ يَجِبُ بِالاضْطِرَارِ أَنَّهُ عَلِيٌ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ دُونَ غَيْرِهِ فَقَالَ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لا يَفْرِضُ مَجْهُولاً وَلا يَكُونُ الْمَفْرُوضُ مُمْتَنِعاً إِذِ الَْمجْهُولُ مُمْتَنِعٌ وَلا بُدَّ مِنْ دَلالَةِ الرَّسُولِ عَلَى الْفَرْضِ لِيَقْطَعَ الْعُذْرَ بَيْنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَبَيْنَ عِبَادِهِ أَرَأَيْتَ لَوْ فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَلَى النَّاسِ صَوْمَ شَهْرٍ وَلَـمْيُعْلِمِ النَّاسَ أَيُّ شَهْرٍ هُوَ وَلَمْ يُسَمِّ كَانَ عَلَى النَّاسِ اسْتِخْرَاجُ ذَلِكَ بِعُقُولِهِمْ حَتَّى يُصِيبُوا مَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى فَيَكُونُ النَّاسُ حِينَئِذٍ مُسْتَغْنِينَ عَنِ الرَّسُولِ وَالْمُبَيِّنِ لَهُمْ وَعَنِ الإِمَامِ النَّاقِلِ خَبَرَ الرَّسُولِ إِلَيْهِمْ وَقَالَ آخَرُ مِنْ أَيْنَ أَوْجَبْتَ أَنَّ عَلِيّاً عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ كَانَ بَالِغاً حِينَ دَعَاهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ فَإِنَّ النَّاسَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّهُ كَانَ صَبِيّاً حِينَ دَعَا وَلَمْ يَكُنْ جَازَ عَلَيْهِ الْحُكْمُ وَلا بَلَغَ مَبْلَغَ الرِّجَالِ فَقَالَ مِنْ قِبَلِ أَنَّهُ لا يَعْرَى فِي ذَلِكَ الْوَقْتِ مِنْ أَنْ يَكُونَ مِمَّنْ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ لِيَدْعُوَهُ فَإِنْ كَانَ كَذَلِكَ فَهُوَ مُحْتَمِلٌ لِلتَّكْلِيفِ قَوِيٌّ عَلَى أَدَاءِ الْفَرَائِضِ وَإِنْ كَانَ مِمَّنْ لَمْ يُرْسَلْ إِلَيْهِ فَقَدْ لَزِمَ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَوْلُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَلَوْ تَقَوَّلَ عَلَيْنا بَعْضَ الأَقاوِيلِ لاخَذْنا مِنْهُ بِالَْيمِينِ ثُمَّ لَقَطَعْنا مِنْهُ الْوَتِينَ وَكَانَ مَعَ ذَلِكَ قَدْ كَلَّفَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ عِبَادَ اللَّهِ مَا لا يُطِيقُونَ عَنِ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى وَهَذَا مِنَ الُْمحَالِ الَّذِي يَمْتَنِعُ كَوْنُهُ وَلا يَأْمُرُ بِهِ حَكِيمٌ وَلا يَدُلُّ عَلَيْهِ الرَّسُولُ تَعَالَى اللَّهُ عَنْ أَنْ يَأْمُرَ بِالُْمحَالِ وَجَلَّ الرَّسُولُ عَنْ أَنْ يَأْمُرَ بِخِلافِ مَا يُمْكِنُ كَوْنُهُ فِي حِكْمَةِ الْحَكِيمِ فَسَكَتَ الْقَوْمُ عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ جَمِيعاً فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ قَدْ سَأَلُْتمُونِي وَنَقَضْتُمْ عَلَيَّ أَفَأَسْأَلُكُمْ قَالُوا نَعَمْ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ رَوَتِ الأُمَّةُ بِإِجْمَاعٍ مِنْهَا أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ مَنْ كَذَبَ عَلَيَّ مُتَعَمِّداً فَلْيَتَبَوَّأْ مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ قَالُوا بَلَى قَالَ وَرَوَوْا عَنْهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ أَنَّهُ قَالَ مَنْ عَصَى اللَّهَ بِمَعْصِيَةٍ صَغُرَتْ أَوْ كَبُرَتْ ثُمَّ اتَّخَذَهَا دِيناً وَمَضَى مُصِرّاً عَلَيْهَا فَهُوَ مُخَلَّدٌ بَيْنَ أَطْبَاقِ الْجَحِيمِ قَالُوا بَلَى قَالَ فَخَبِّرُونِي عَنْ رَجُلٍ يَخْتَارُهُ الْعَامَّةُ فَتَنْصِبُهُ خَلِيفَةً هَلْ يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُقَالَ لَهُ خَلِيفَةُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْـهِ وَآلِـهِ وَمِـنْقِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَلَمْ يَسْتَخْلِفْهُ الرَّسُولُ فَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ نَعَمْ كَابَرْتُمْ وَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ لا وَجَبَ أَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ لَمْ يَكُنْ خَلِيفَةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَلا مِنْ قِبَلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَأَنَّكُمْ تُكَذِّبُونَ عَلَى نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَأَنَّكُمْ مُتَعَرِّضُونَ لانْ تَكُونُوا مِمَّنْ وَسَمَهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِدُخُولِ النَّارِ وَخَبِّرُونِي فِي أَيِّ قَوْلَيْكُمْ صَدَقْتُمْ أَفِي قَوْلِكُمْ مَضَى‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَلَمْ يَسْتَخْلِفْ أَوْ فِي قَوْلِكُمْ لابِي بَكْرٍ يَا خَلِيفَةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَدَقْتُمْ فِي الْقَوْلَيْنِ فَهَذَا مَا لا يُمْكِنُ كَوْنُهُ إِذْ كَانَ مُتَنَاقِضاً وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَدَقْتُمْ فِي أَحَدِهِمَا بَطَلَ الآْخَرُ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَانْظُرُوا لانْفُسِكُمْ وَدَعُوا التَّقْلِيدَ وَتَجَنَّبُوا الشُّبُهَاتِ فَوَاللَّهِ مَا يَقْبَلُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِلا مِنْ عَبْدٍ لا يَأْتِي إِلا بِمَا يَعْقِلُ وَلا يَدْخُلُ إِلا فِيَما يَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ حَقٌّ وَالرَّيْبُ شَكٌّ وَإِدْمَانُ الشَّكِّ كُفْرٌ بِاللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَصَاحِبُهُ فِي النَّارِ وَخَبِّرُونِي هَلْ يَجُوزُ ابْتِيَاعُ أَحَدِكُمْ عَبْداً فَإِذَا ابْتَاعَهُ صَارَ مَوْلاهُ وَصَارَ الْمُشْتَرِي عَبْدَهُ قَالُوا لا قَالَ كَيْفَ جَازَ أَنْ يَكُونَ مَنِ اجْتَمَعْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ لِهَوَاكُمْ وَاسْتَخْلَفْتُمُوهُ صَارَ خَلِيفَةً عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ وَلَّيْتُمُوهُ أَلا كُنْتُمْ أَنْتُمُ الْخُلَفَاءَ عَلَيْهِ بَلْ تُوَلُّونَ خَلِيفَةً وَتَقُولُونَ إِنَّهُ خَلِيفَةُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ ثُمَّ إِذَا سَخِطْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ قَتَلْتُمُوهُ كَمَا فُعِلَ بِعُثَْمانَ بْنِ عَفَّانَ قَالَ قَائِلٌ مِنْهُمْ لانَّ الإِمَامَ وَكِيلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ إِذَا رَضُوا عَنْهُ وَلَّوْهُ وَإِذَا سَخِطُوا عَلَيْهِ عَزَلُوهُ قَالَ فَلِمَـنِ الْمُسْلِمُــونَ وَالْعِبَــادُوَالْبِلادُ قَالُوا اللَّهِ [لِلَّهِ] عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَالَ فَاللَّهُ أَوْلَى أَنْ يُوَكِّلَ عَلَى عِبَادِهِ وَبِلادِهِ مِنْ غَيْرِهِ لانَّ مِنْ إِجْمَاعِ الأُمَّةِ أَنَّهُ مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي مُلْكِ غَيْرِهِ حَدَثاً فَهُوَ ضَامِنٌ وَلَيْسَ لَهُ أَنْ يُحْدِثَ فَإِنْ فَعَلَ فَ‏آثِمٌ غَارِمٌ ثُمَّ قَالَ: خَبِّرُونِي عَنِ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ هَلِ اسْتَخْلَفَ حِينَ مَضَى أَمْ لا فَقَالُوا لَمْ يَسْتَخْلِفْ قَالَ فَتَرْكُهُ ذَلِكَ هُدًى أَمْ ضَلالٌ قَالُوا هُدًى قَالَ فَعَلَى النَّاسِ أَنْ يَتَّبِعُوا الْهُدَى وَيَتَنَكَّبُوا الضَّلالَةَ قَالُوا قَدْ فَعَلُوا ذَلِكَ قَالَ فَلِمَ اسْتَخْلَفَ النَّاسُ بَعْدَهُ وَقَدْ تَرَكَهُ هُوَ فَتَرْكُ فِعْلِهِ ضَلالٌ وَمُحَالٌ أَنْ يَكُونَ خِلافُ الْهُدَى هُدًى وَإِذَا كَانَ تَرْكُ الاسْتِخْلافِ هُدًى فَلِمَ اسْتَخْلَفَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَلَمْ يَفْعَلْهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَلِمَ جَعَلَ عُمَرُ الأَمْرَ بَعْدَهُ شُورَى بَيْنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ خِلافاً عَلَى صَاحِبِهِ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّ النَّبِيَ‏لَمْ يَسْتَخْلِفْ وَأَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ اسْتَخْلَفَ وَعُمَرَ لَمْ يَتْرُكِ الاسْتِخْلافَ كَمَا تَرَكَهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِزَعْمِكُمْ وَلَمْ يَسْتَخْلِفْ كَمَا فَعَلَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَجَاءَ بِمَعْنًى ثَالِثٍ فَخَبِّرُونِي أَيُّ ذَلِكَ تَرَوْنَهُ صَوَاباً فَإِنْ رَأَيْتُمْ فِعْلَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ صَوَاباً فَقَدْ خَطَّأْتُمْ أَبَا بَكْرٍ وَكَذَلِكَ الْقَوْلُ فِي بَقِيَّةِ الأَقَاوِيل‏وَخَبِّرُونِي أَيُّهُمَا أَفْضَلُ مَا فَعَلَهُ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِزَعْمِكُمْ مِنْ تَرْكِ الاسْتِخْلافِ أَوْ مَا صَنَعَتْ طَائِفَةٌ مِنَ الاسْتِخْلافِ وَخَبِّرُونِي هَلْ يَجُوزُ أَنْ يَكُونَ تَرْكُهُ مِنَ الرَّسُولِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ هُدًى وَفِعْلُهُ مِنْ غَيْرِهِ هُدًى فَيَكُونَ هُدًى ضِدَّ هُدًى فَأَيْنَ الضَّلالُ حِينَئِذٍ وَخَبِّرُونِي هَلْ وُلِّيَ أَحَدٌ بَعْدَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ بِاخْتِيَارِ الصَّحَابَةِ مُنْذُ قُبِضَ النَّبِيُ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ إِلَى الْيَوْمِ فَإِنْ قُلْتُمْ لا فَقَدْ أَوْجَبْتُمْ أَنَّ النَّاسَ كُلَّهُمْ عَمِلُوا ضَلالَةً بَعْـدَ النَّبِيِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْـهِ وَآلِهِ وَإِنْ قُـلْتُمْ نَعَمْ كَذَّبْتُمُ الأُمَّةَ وَأَبْطَلَ قَوْلَكُـمْالْوُجُودُ الَّذِي لا يُدْفَعُ وَخَبِّرُونِي عَنْ قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قُلْ لِمَنْ ما فِي السَّماواتِ وَالأَرْضِ قُلْ لِلَّهِ أَصِدْقٌ هَذَا أَمْ كِذْبٌ قَالُوا صِدْقٌ قَالَ أَفَلَيْسَ مَا سِوَى اللَّهِ لِلَّهِ إِذْ كَانَ مُحْدِثَهُ وَمَالِكَهُ قَالُوا نَعَمْ قَالَ فَفِي هَذَا بُطْلانُ مَا أَوْجَبْتُمْ مِنِ اخْتِيَارِكُمْ خَلِيفَةً تَفْتَرِضُونَ طَاعَتَهُ إِذَا اخْتَرْتُمُوهُ وَتُسَمُّونَهُ خَلِيفَةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَأَنْتُمُ اسْتَخْلَفْتُمُوهُ وَهُوَ مَعْزُولٌ عَنْكُمْ إِذَا غَضِبْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَعَمِلَ بِخِلافِ مَحَبَّتِكُمْ وَهُوَ مَقْتُولٌ إِذَا أَبَى الاعْتِزَالَ وَيْلَكُمْ لا تَفْتِرُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِباً فَتَلْقَوْا وَبَالَ ذَلِكَ غَداً إِذَا قُمْتُمْ بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَإِذَا وَرَدْتُمْ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَقَدْ كَذَّبْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ مُتَعَمِّدِينَ وَقَدْ قَالَ مَنْ كَذَبَ عَلَيَّ مُتَعَمِّداً فَلْيَتَبَوَّأْ مَقْعَدَهُ مِنَ النَّارِ ثُمَّ اسْتَقْبَلَ الْقِبْلَةَ وَرَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ وَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي قَدْ نَصَحْتُ لَهُمْ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي قَدْ أَرْشَدْتُهُمْ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي قَدْ أَخْرَجْتُ مَا وَجَبَ عَلَيَّ إِخْرَاجُهُ مِنْ عُنُقِي اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَمْ أَدَعْهُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ وَلا فِي شَكٍّ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَدِينُ بِالتَّقَرُّبِ إِلَيْكَ بِتَقْدِيمِ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ بَعْدَ نَبِيِّكَ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ كَمَا أَمَرَنَا بِهِ رَسُولُكَ صَلَوَاتُكَ وَسَلامُكَ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ قَالَ ثُمَّ افْتَرَقْنَا فَلَنْ نَجْتَمِعَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ حَتَّى قُبِضَ الْمَأْمُونُ قَالَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ عِمْرَانَ الأَشْعَرِيُّ وَفِي حَدِيثٍ آخَرَ قَالَ فَسَكَتَ الْقَوْمُ فَقَالَ لَهُمْ لِمَ سَكَتُّمْ قَالُوا لا نَدْرِي مَا نَقُولُ قَالَ يَكْفِينِي هَذِهِ الْحُجَّةُ عَلَيْكُمْ ثُمَّ أَمَرَ بِإِخْرَاجِهِمْ قَالَ فَخَرَجْنَا مُتَحَيِّرِينَ خَجِلِينَ ثُمَّ نَظَرَ الْمَأْمُونُ إِلَى الْفَضْلِ بْنِ سَهْلٍ فَقَالَ هَذَا أَقْصَى مَا عِنْدَ الْقَوْمِ فَلا يَظُنَّ ظَانٌّ أَنَّ جَلالَتِي مَنَعَتْهُمْ مِنَ النَّقْضِ عَلَيَّ والله ولى التوفيق.

45-2 My father and Muhammad ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Waleed - may God be pleased with them - narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Attar and Ahmad ibn Idris quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash’ari, on the authority of Abul Khayr Salih ibn Abi Hammad Ar-Razi, on the authority of Ishaq ibn Hammad ibn Zayd, “Yahya ibn Aktham al-Qadhi brought us all into one room and told us, ‘Al-Ma’mun has ordered me to bring together a group of experts on traditions, and some of the rhetoricians and theoreticians. I have brought together forty men from these two classes. I took them with me and told them to wait at the door to inform Al-Ma’mun’s gate-keeper about their arrival. They stayed there until Al-Ma’mun was informed about their arrival. Al-Ma’mun granted them permission to come in and they went in and greeted him. Al-Ma’mun spent an hour talking with and welcoming them. Then he said, “I want to take you as witnesses for me in the presence of the Blessed the Sublime God. Whoever needs to go to the toilet should do so. Then take off your shoes and coats and sit down and relax.” They did as he ordered. Then he faced the people and said, “O people! I have called you in to serve as witnesses in the presence of the Sublime God. Fear God. Look at yourselves and your leaders. My position and majesty should not prevent you from accepting what is right no matter who says it, or rejecting what is wrong no matter who says it. Be afraid of the Fire for yourselves and seek nearness to the Sublime God by pleasing and obeying Him. Know that those who get close to creatures by disobeying the Creator will be subdued to those creatures by God. Therefore, use your full power of reasoning in arguing with me. I am a man who thinks that Ali (a.s.) is the best man after the Prophet of God (a.s.). Therefore acknowledge me, if you consider what I say to be right and if I am correct. And argue with me and reject my claim using reasoning if I am wrong. Either I will question you, or you will question me as you please.” Once Al-Ma’mun said this, the experts on traditions said, “Fine. We will ask you.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Ask, but appoint one of you tospeak. Once he speaks if others have something to add, they can do so. Or if he makes a mistake, others can correct him.” Then one of them said, “We believe that the best of the people after the Prophet of God (a.s.) was Abu Bakr. This is because there is a unanimously accepted tradition in which we read that God’s Prophet (S) said, ‘Follow those who will be after me - Abu Bakr and Umar.’ We know that he is the best of the people after the Prophet (S), since the Prophet of Mercy issued this decree and ordered that we follow them since we know that only the best of the people will be appointed as leader.”Then Al-Ma’mun said, “There are many traditions. Either they are all correct or all incorrect. Or some are correct and some are incorrect. If we say that they are all correct, then they are all incorrect since some of them violate others. If we say they are all wrong; then the religion is wrong and the holy jurisprudence will be invalidated. Then we must accept the third option: that is some of the traditions are correct and some are incorrect. Now it is so that we must have some reason for their being correct to believe them and reject what is opposite to them. If the reason behind the tradition is right, we must believe it, accept it and put it into action. However, the tradition which you cited includes the proof which invalidates it within itself, since the Prophet of God (a.s.) is the most knowledgeable and wise. He is the most honest of the people. He is the person most improbable to misguide the people towards the impossible or towards believing what is wrong. Therefore, he should not have issued a decree to have these two people become his successors and Divine Leaders. This is because either both of them follow the same manners or followed opposite manners. If they were the same in all aspects, then they must be one in number, form and body. It has not been so and will never be so that two people be one and the same. But if they were different from each other, how is it permissible to follow both of them? This is impossible to do, since as you know obeying one would imply disobeying the other one, and vice versa. The reasons supporting that they were different in manners is that Aba Bakr used to capture the Ahl ar-Riddeh and Umar set them free. Umar asked Abu Bakr to put Khalid (ibn Valid) out of office and execute him for killing Malik ibn Nowayrah. Abu Bakr did not accept this and did not execute him. Umar forbade two Mutt’as ( that of women and Hajj), but Abu Bakr did not. Umar set up the payroll for the armed forces, while Abu Bakr did not doso. Abu Bakr appointed a successor for himself but Umar did not do so. There are many other examples.”The author of the book - may God be pleased with him - said, “There exists another point here which Al-Ma’mun did not mention to the enemy. That is the tradition which has not been narrated as the Prophet (S) said, ‘Follow those who will be after me - Abi Bakr and Umar.’ It has been narrated it as ‘Follow those who will be after me - Abu Bakr and Umar.’ Also some have narrated it as ‘Follow those who will be after me - Abu Bakr and Umar.’ If so, it would have the following meaning considering what was said afterwards: ‘Follow those who will be after me - O people, and Abu Bakr and Umar - follow what (exists) after me - God’s Book and my Household.” Now let us return to the rest of what Al-Ma’mun said.Another one of the experts on traditions said, “God’s Prophet (S) said, ‘If I were to choose a friend, I would choose Aba Bakr as my friend.” Al-Ma’mun said, “This is impossible, since according to your traditions the Prophet (S) established the bonds of brotherhood between his companions, but did not do so for Ali (a.s.). Ali (a.s.) asked the reason for that. The Prophet (S) told him, “I have kept you to be my own brother.” Whichever of these we accept, the other one is rejected.Someone else said, “Ali (a.s.) himself said the following on the pulpit, ‘The best of the people in this nation after the Prophet (S) are Abu Bakr and Umar.’”Al-Ma’mun said, “This is impossible too. If the Prophet (S) knew that those two were the noblest of all, he (a.s.) would not have appointed Amr ibn al-Aas and Osama ibn Zayd to be their governors. Also Ali’s words after the demise of the Prophet (S) also reject this. Ali (a.s.) said, ‘I was closer to him to be his successor than I am to my own shirt. However, I feared that there may be discord (in the nation), and the new Muslim converts might return to their state of unbelief.” Ali (a.s.) also asked, “How could those two (Abu Bakr and Umar) be better than I am, while I worshipped God out of my own free will before they did, and will continue to worship Him after them?”Someone else said, “Abu Bakr closed the door of his house and asked, ‘Is there anyone to cancel his pledge of allegiance to me?’ Ali (a.s.) said, ‘God’s Prophet (S) put you ahead. Who then can push you back?’”Al-Ma’mun said, “This is not right, since Ali (a.s.) himself refused to pledge allegiance to Abi Bakr. You have narrated yourselves that Ali did not pledge allegiance for as long as (the Blessed Lady) Fatima (a.s.) was alive. Fatima (a.s.) willed that they bury her at night so that those two (Abu Bakr and Umar) could not be present at her funeral. And as another reason for the Prophet (S) not having established him (Abu Bakr) as his successor is that the Prophet (S) said, “Cancel the pledge of allegiance for me.” And also the Prophet (S) told the Helpers, “Vote for either Abu Obaydah or Umar.”Someone else said, “Amr ibn al-Aas said, ‘O Prophet of God! Which of your wives do you love the most?’ The Prophet (S) said, ‘Aa’isha.’ He asked, ‘Which of the men do you like the most?’ The Prophet (S) said, ‘Her father (Abu Bakr).’”Al-Ma’mun said, “This is not right either. You yourselves have narrated that when they brought some fried chicken for the Prophet (S), he (a.s.) said, ‘O my God! Please make the most beloved of your creatures be present here.’ And that was Ali (a.s.). Then which of the two of your traditions can we believe?’” Someone else said, “In fact, Ali himself said, ‘I will carry out the punishment for accusation upon whoever considers me to be nobler than Abi Bakr and Umar.’” Al-Ma’mun asked, “How could Ali have said that he will punish one for whom punishment is ِnot decreed? If so, he would have transgressed the limits of the Honorable the Exalted God, and have acted against His orders. Considering him (Ali (a.s.)) to be nobler than those two is not an accusation, either. You yourselves have narrated that your leader (Abu Bakr) said, ‘I have become your master, but I am not any better than you are.’ Then tell me which of these two men do you consider to be more honest? Which one do you consider to be correct: what Abu Bakr said about himself or what Ali said about Abi Bakr? And yet there is a contradiction in this tradition. We have to say that either Abi Bakr is honest in what he says, or he is not. If he is honest, we must ask from where he got to know that. Was it through revelation or did he just think it up himself? If you say that it was due to revelation, we know that the revelations stopped (after the Prophet (S)). And if you say that it was what he himself thought, it cannot be so since we know that there is no way one could think of such things. If you say that he was dishonest, then it is impossible for such a dishonest person to be in charge of the affairs of the Muslims, to uphold the decrees and exercise Divinely-Ordained Punishments.”Someone else said, “It has been narrated that the Prophet (S) said, ‘Abu Bakr and Umar are the Masters of the Elders in Paradise.’”Al-Ma’mun said, “This is impossible, since once an old lady called Ashja’iyya was with the Prophet (S) and the Prophet (S) said, ‘An old lady does not enter Paradise.’ She cried. Then the Prophet (S) said, ‘In fact, the Sublime God says, ‘We have created (their Companions) of special Creation. And made them virgin - pure (and undefiled), beloved (by nature), equal in age.’’ Thus you think that Abu Bakr is the only one who will become young when he enters Paradise, while you yourselves have narrated that God’s Prophet (S) told Al-Hassan (a.s.) and Al-Husayn (a.s.) that amongst all the people they are the Masters of Youth in Paradise; and that their father is even better than they are.’”Someone else said, “It has been narrated that the Prophet (S) said, ‘If I were not appointed from amongst you, then Umar would have been appointed.’” Al-Ma’mun said, “This is impossible since the Sublime God says, ‘We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him…’ Moreover, the Sublime God says, ‘And remember We took from the Prophets their covenant: As (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant.’ How could it then be possible for someone for whom there has been (taken) a covenant (from) not to become a Prophet, and someone else without a covenant become a Prophet?’”Someone else said, “The Prophet (S) looked at Umar on the Day of Arafat, smiled and said, ‘The Blessed the Sublime God is proud of His servants in general, and is especially proud of Umar.’ Al-Ma’mun said, “This is impossible since the Blessed the Sublime God would not be especially proud of Umar and leave out His Prophet (S) as if Umar is someone especial, and the Prophet is like the rest of the people. This is not stranger than another one of your traditions in which you claim that God’s Prophet (S) said, ‘I entered Paradise and heard the sound of some sandals. When I looked around, I saw Bilal - the servant of Abi Bakr who had come to Paradise before me.’ Yes, the Shiites say that Ali is betterthan Abi Bakr, but you claim that the servant of Abi Bakr is nobler than the Prophet (S) since whoever comes first is better. You have also narrated that Satan runs away even from the shadow of Umar and also claim that Satan induced the Prophet (S) to say, ‘These idols are the Majestic Peacocks.’ You think that Satan fled even from Umar’s shadow, but induced expressions of atheism in the words of the Prophet (S).”Someone else said, “The Prophet (S) has said, ‘Should the penalty descend no one but Umar ibn al-Khattab will be saved.’”Al-Ma’mun said, “This is in complete contradiction with the text of the Book. In fact, the Sublime God told His Prophet (S), ‘But Allah was not going to send them a penalty whilst thou wast amongst them…’ You are setting up Umar to be like the Prophet (S).”Someone else said, “The Prophet (S) has testified that Umar is one of the ten companions who will be in Paradise.”Al-Ma’mun said, “Were it as you claim, Umar would have never asked Huthayfa, ‘I swear to you by God to tell me if I am one of the hypocrites?’ Had the Prophet (S) told him that he was going to Paradise, would he have denied what God’s Prophet (S) had said and ask that from Huthayfa? Then it could be seen that he acknowledged Huthayfa and not the Prophet (S) which is in opposition to being a Muslim. And if he had acknowledged the Prophet (S), why then did he ask that from Huthayfa? Thus these two traditions contradict each other.”Someone else said, “In fact, the Prophet (S) said, ‘They weighed me against my nation, and I weighed more. Then they put Abu Bakr in my place and he weighed more than me. Then they put Umar in my place and he weighed more than Abu Bakr. Then they took away the scale.’”Al-Ma’mun said, “This is also impossible. Either they measured their weight or they measured their deeds. If they measured their weights, it is not acceptable that they weighed more than the whole nation. And if they weighed their deeds, the deeds of all the nation were available to weigh at that time. Still those Muslims were not created to have done any deeds. Tell me, how did they outweigh the nation?” Some said, “According to their good deeds.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Tell me, would someone who had more noble deeds after the demise of the Prophet (S)attain the same position as those who lived at the time of the Prophet (S), but had done less noble deeds? If you answer in the affirmative, I know of some people today whose good deeds - participation in a holy war, visiting the Kaaba (i.e. House of God), fasting, praying and giving charity - are much more than those who lived at the time of the Prophet (S).” They said, “You are right. The noble ones of our times are as noble as the noble ones at the time of the Prophet (S).” Al-Ma’mun replied, “Then consider what your religious leaders from whom you have learned your religion - have told you about the nobilities of Ali (a.s.); and what they have said about the ten companions whom they have promised to be sure to go to Paradise and compare them. If you see that their deeds are slightly nobler, then what you say is right. However, if you see that what they have narrated about Ali’s nobilities is more, then accept what your religious leaders have said about Ali and do not deviate from that.”The narrator added, “All of them lowered their heads.” Then Al-Ma’mun asked, “Why have you become silent?” They said, “We are finished asking questions.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Then let me ask. What was the most rewarding deed on the day in which God appointed His Prophet (S)?” They said, “Rushing ahead of others in accepting Islam since the Sublime God says, ‘And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter). These will be those Nearest to Allah.’”Al-Ma’mun asked, “Do you know of anyone who accepted Islam before Ali did?”The man said, “That is right, but he was still too young to accept Islam. Abu Bakr was older and the decree was designated for him (to be the Caliph). There is some difference between these two conditions.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Tell me whether Ali’s acceptance of Islam was due to Divine Inspirations from the Sublime God, or was it just due to the invitation of the Prophet (S)? If you say that it was due to receiving inspirations, you have placed him above the Prophet (S) since the Prophet (S) did not receive any inspirations. It was Gabriel who descended (from Heaven) and delivered the messages of the Sublime God to him (a.s.). However, if you say that it was due to the Prophet’s invitation, tell me whether the Prophet (S) invited Ali (a.s.) out of his own will or was his invitation according to God’s order. If you say that it was due to the invitation of the Prophet (S) himself, this would contradict how theSublime God describes His Prophet (S) when He says, ‘…nor am I a pretender’ or when He says, ‘Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him.’ If you say that it was due to God’s order, then God has ordered him to choose Ali (a.s.) from amongst all the children of the people to invite (to Islam). Therefore, the Prophet (S) has invited Ali (a.s.) to Islam due to trusting him and his being approved of by the Sublime God.On the other hand, tell me whether the Wise God would oblige His creatures to do what would be beyond their own power to do? If you answer in the affirmative, then you are an atheist. If, however, you answer in the negative, how would God order His Prophet (S) to invite someone (to Islam) who cannot accept the decree due to his being too young and not able to accept )the invitation)? Moreover, have you ever seen the Prophet (S) invite (to Islam) any other children from his family or outside his family to be designated as a model for Ali (a.s.)? If you think that the Prophet (S) has not invited any other child but Ali (a.s.) to Islam, then this itself would designate that Ali (a.s.) is nobler than all other children.” Al-Ma’mun then added, “Tell me, what would be the noblest deed after having faith.” They said, “Fighting in the way of God.” He said, “Do you know of a record of fighting in the way of God for any of those ten (companions) similar to that of Ali’s record in fighting with atheists and enemies in all the battles which the Prophet (S) conducted in history? Consider the Battle of Badr in which a total of a few more than sixty people were killed. Ali (a.s.) killed more than twenty of them himself, while all the other people killed nearly forty of them.” One of those present in the meeting said, “Abu Bakr was in his own tent along with the Prophet (S) and was directing the battle.” Al-Ma’mun said, “What a strange thing you are saying! Did Abu Bakr plan the battles by himself and without the Prophet (S), or did he participate in the planning along with the Prophet (S), or was it the case that the Prophet (S) needed Abu Bakr’s opinion and leadership? Which of the three cases do you prefer to choose?” The man said, “I take refuge in God from thinking that he participated along with the Prophet (S) in planning the battles, or that he himself decided what to do without the Prophet (S), or that the Prophet (S) needed his opinion.” Then Al-Ma’mun asked, “Then what is the nobility of sitting in a tent and watching the fighters? If the nobility of Abu Bakr was due to his abandoning holy war and not going to thebattlefield, then we must say that all of those who disobey (God) and do not go to the battlefield are nobler than those who fight. The Honorable the Exalted God says, ‘Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of God with their goods and their persons. God hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) Hath God promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward.’”Ishaq ibn Hammad ibn Zayd said, “Al-Ma’mun then told me to recite the Qur’anic Chapter Insan. I recited it, ‘Has there not been over Man a long period of Time, when he was nothing…’ until I reached the following verse, ‘And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive.’ And I continued reciting the Chapter up to (a.s.aying), “Verily this is a Reward for you, and your Endeavor is accepted and recognized.” Then Al-Ma’mun asked, “About whom were these verses recited?” I said, “About Ali.” He asked, “Do you know of any traditions in which it is narrated that while Ali (a.s.) fed the poor and assisted the orphans and the captives, he said, ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks’ as it appears in the Qur’an?” I said, “No.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Then the Honorable the Exalted God was aware of what went on within Ali’s (a.s.) heart and expressed it in His Book to make it known to His creatures.” Al-Ma’mun asked, “Do you understand what the Sublime God describes when He describes Paradise in this verse saying, ‘Crystal-clear, made of silver: they will determine the measure thereof (according to their wishes).’” I said, “No.” He said, “This is another nobility. How could there be any crystal-clear silver?” Ishaq said, “I do not know.” Al-Ma’mun replied, “He wants us to imagine silver so clear that one can see its inside from the outside. O Ishaq! This is similar to what the Prophet of God (a.s.) said, ‘O slower! Be more patient with these crystal-clear ones’ referring to ladies due to their being so delicate. It is also similar to what the Prophet of God (a.s.) said, ‘I rode Abu Talha’s horse and found it like a sea’ implying that it galloped very fast just as the sea waves do. And as the Sublime God says, ‘…death will come to him from every quarter, yet will he not die: and in front of him will be a chastisement unrelenting’ even though he will die even if death comes to him from just one side.”Then Al-Ma’mun asked, “O Ishaq! Are you not one of those who testify that those ten (companions) are in Paradise?” I said, “yes.” He said, “If you saw that someone did not know whether this tradition was correct or not, would you consider him to be an atheist?” I said, “No.” Al-Ma’mun asked, “What if he asks whether this Chapter is from the Qur’an or not, will you then consider him to be an atheist?” I said, “Yes.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Then I consider the nobility of this man (Ali (a.s.)) to be more. O Ishaq! Tell me if you consider the tradition about the fried chicken (which was brought for the Prophet (S)) to be correct or not?” I said, “Yes.” Al-Ma’mun said, “By God, your animosity can be seen from this. There are only three possibilities. It is either that he was accepted due to the supplications of the Prophet (S), or he was rejected, or that God could not recognize between the noble one and the others. Tell me, which one do you like the most?” Ishaq said, “I kept my head down for some time and then I said, ‘O Commander of the Faithful! The Sublime God said the following regarding Abi Bakr: He had no more than one companion; the two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, ‘Have no fear, for Allah is with us’: then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in Might, Wise.’”Al-Ma’mun said, “Glory be to God! How little is your knowledge of the Book? Can an atheist be a companion of a believer? What kind of nobility is this? Didn’t you hear the Words of the Sublime God, ‘His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: Dost thou deny Him Who created thee out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned thee into a man?’ Thus you see that God made an atheist a believer’s companion. Or according to the following poems from al-Hothali:The morning came and the horse which I rode was wildIt saw the East from beneath its cover.Or as Al-Azdi said,I was frightened about being alone there with my only companion,being a gentle, tall, four-legged animal with thin forelegs.Here the poet has likened his horse to his companion. And when the Sublime God says, ‘…for God is with us…’ means that the Blessed the Sublime God is with every good-doer and every evil-doer. Have you not heard the Words of the Sublime God, ‘Seest thou not that Allah doth know (all) that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not a secret consultation between three, but He makes the fourth among them, nor between five but He makes the sixth, nor between fewer nor more, but He is in their midst, wheresoever they be: In the end will He tell them the truth of their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For Allah has full knowledge of all things.’ And regarding His words, ‘Have no fear…’ Tell me about the fears of Abi Bakr. Were they said in obedience, or disobedience? If you consider them to be said in obedience, you have said that the Prophet (S) admonished him against obedience. However, this contradicts what a wise person would do. And if you think that he has disobeyed, then what is the nobility of one who is disobedient? Tell me, upon whom did God send down peace in the following Words of the Sublime God, ‘…then Allah sent down His peace upon him…’”Ishaq replied, “To Abi Bakr since the Prophet (S) did not need any peace. The Prophet (S) was not afraid.”He said, “Let me know about the Words of the Honorable the Exalted, ‘Assuredly Allah did help you in many battlefields and on the day of Hunain: Behold! your great numbers elated you, but they availed you naught: the land, for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and ye turned back in retreat. But Allah did pour His calm on the Messenger and on the Believers…’”Al-Ma’mun asked, “Do you know who is meant by the believers to whom the Sublime God refers in this verse?” I said, “I do not know.” Al-Ma’mun said, “On the day of the Battle of Hunain the people fled from the battlefield. Only seven people from the Hashemites stayed with the Prophet of God (a.s.). They consisted of Ali (a.s.) who fought with his sword, Abbas who held the horse-strap for the Prophet of God (a.s.), and five others who surrounded the Prophet (S) fearing that the pagans might strike him (a.s.) with their weapons, until the Blessed the Sublime God granted victory to His Messenger (a.s.). Therefore, the reference to the believers in this verse is to Ali (a.s.) and those of the Hashemites who stayed there. Then who is nobler? The one (Ali (a.s.)) who was with theProphet (S) and peace descended upon him and the Prophet (S), or the one (Abu Bakr) who was with the Prophet (S) in the cave, but was not deserving enough for peace to be descended upon? O Ishaq! Which one is nobler? The one (Abu Bakr) who was in the cave with the Prophet (S) or the one (Ali (a.s.)) who slept in the Prophet’s (a.s.) bed sacrificing himself to allow the Prophet (S) to complete his Emigration. In fact, the Blessed the Sublime God ordered His Prophet (S) to order Ali (a.s.) to sleep in the Prophet’s (a.s.) bed, so that the Prophet’s (a.s.) life would be saved. Ali (a.s.) asked, “O the Prophet of GOD! Will you be saved this way?” The Prophet (S) said, “Yes.” Then Ali (a.s.) said, “I hear and obey.” Then he slept in the Prophet’s (a.s.) bed and wrapped a sheet around himself. The pagans surrounded the house and went in. They had no doubt that the Prophet (S) was there. One man from each tribe had come there to each deliver a blow to the Prophet (S), so that the Hashemites could not demand retribution. Ali (a.s.) heard their plans and knew that his life was in danger. However, nothing could scare him as Abu Bakr was scared in the cave. Yet, Abu Bakr was with the Prophet (S) while Ali was there alone. Ali (a.s.) was patient and steadfast. The Sublime God sent down angels to guard him from the evils of the Quraysh (tribe) enemies. When dawn came, they saw him, looked at him and asked, “Where is Muhammad?” Ali (a.s.) replied, “I do not know.” They said, “You have tricked us.” Ali (a.s.) joined the Prophet (S) later. Thus it was Ali (a.s.) who was nobler and good deeds were done by him day after day, until the Sublime God took his life and he was well forgiven by Him.”Al-Ma’mun asked, “O Ishaq! Have you not been the one who narrated the tradition on Mastery?” Ishaq said, “Yes.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Please narrate it for me.” Ishaq narrated it for him. Al-Ma’mun said, “Don’t you see that this tradition established a right for Ali (a.s.) incumbent upon Abi Bakr and Umar, but has not established any rights for those two incumbent upon Ali (a.s.)?” Ishaq said, “The people say that God’s Prophet (S) has said this the following regarding Zayd ibn Haritha.” He asked, “Where and when did the Prophet (S) say this?” I said, “In the Ghadir Khom fter returning from the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Kaaba.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Where was Zayd ibn Haritha killed?” I said, “In Mo’ta.” He said, “Was Zayd ibn Haritha not killed before the Qadir Khom instance?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Tell me, what if your fifteen year old son says, ‘O people! Accept that my servant belongs to my cousin.’ Willyou be hurt from this?” I said, “Yes. I will not like that and tell him.” He said, “You tell your son not to say what you believe that the Prophet of God did. Woe be to you who have taken your jurisprudents as your Masters! In fact, the Sublime God says, ‘They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah…’ Yet I swear by God that they neither fasted for them nor did they pray to them. They only obeyed whatever they said. Then Al-Ma’mun added, “Have you narrated the tradition in which God’s Prophet (S) told Ali (a.s.), “Your position relative to me is as same as Aaron’s position relative to Moses.” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Don’t you know that Aaron was Moses’ brother from the side of both his father and mother?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Was Ali the same?” I said, “No.” He said, “Aaron was a Prophet but Ali (a.s.) was not. Then what was the third rank which he (a.s.) had other than that of being the successor? This was said because the hypocrites said, ‘It was hard for the Prophet (S) to take Ali with him and left him (a.s.) behind while the Prophet (S) wanted him to remain there with peace of mind and that is why he (a.s.) said that. This is similar to what Moses (a.s.) told Aaron as said by the Sublime God, ‘Act for me amongst my people: Do right, and follow not the way of those who do mischief.’ I told him, “But Moses (a.s.) left Aaron to be his successor for all his people while Moses (a.s.) was alive and just went to meet his Lord - the Sublime. But the Prophet (S) left Ali (a.s.) as his successor only when he (a.s.) went to the battles.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Tell me. Were there some of his companions along with him when Moses (a.s.) left Aaron as his successor to go to meet his Lord - the Honorable the Exalted?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Did he not establish him as his successor for all of them?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “The Prophet (S) also established Ali (a.s.) as his successor for the weak ones, the women and the children when he (a.s.) went to the battlefield while most of his people were along with him. However, the Prophet (S) appointed Ali (a.s.) to be the successor over all of them. Moreover, the proof that he (a.s.) appointed Ali (a.s.) to be his (a.s.) successor over them during his lifetime when he was not there, and after his demise is that the Prophet (S) said, ‘The position of Ali relative to me is like that of Aaron’s position relative to Moses with the only difference that there will be no more Prophets after me.’ Therefore, according to this expression, Ali (a.s.) is like the prime minister for the Prophet (S), since Moses (a.s.) prayed to the Sublime God and in his prayers and said, ‘And give me a Minister from my family - Aaron, my brother, add to mystrength through him.’ So Ali (a.s.) was to the Prophet (S) like Aaron was to Moses (a.s.). Aaron was the Moses’ Minister, and Ali (a.s.) was the Successor of the Prophet (S) as Aaron was the Successor of Moses (a.s.).” Then Al-Ma’mun looked at the theoreticians and the rhetoricians and asked, “Should I ask you questions or will you ask me?” They said, “We will ask.” He said, “Go ahead and ask.” One of them asked, “Is it not that the Divine Leadership of Ali (a.s.) as expressed by the Prophet of God (a.s.) similar to his expression of the other obligatory deeds such as ‘There are four units for the noon prayer’ or ‘The alms tax for two hundred Dirhams is five Dirhams’ or ‘Go on the pilgrimage to Mecca?’” Al-Ma’mun said, “Yes.” He asked, “Why then are there no differences of opinion about the obligatory deeds, but there are differences concerning the Successorship of Ali?” Al-Ma’mun said, “That is because the obligatory deeds are not such that the people would all compete with each other over them, but there is competition over becoming the successor.”Another one asked, “Why do you deny that the Prophet (S) ordered that the people be allowed to choose someone from amongst themselves to be his successor due to the compassion and kindness which the Prophet (S) had for his nation, and did not appoint a Successor for himself whom the people would disobey as a result of which punishment would descend upon them?” Al-Ma’mun said, “The reason I deny this is because the Sublime God is kinder to His creatures than the Prophet (S). God appointed a Prophet (S) for the people, but did not let them choose him themselves - even though He knew that there were some people among them who would disobey him and there were others who would obey him. This did not prevent the Sublime God from sending the Prophet (S). Another reason is that there would be two possibilities if God had let the people themselves choose a man (to be their Prophet). Either God orders all of them to choose someone or God orders only some of them to choose someone (to be the Prophet). If God orders all of them to choose someone, then no one could be considered to have free will and be free to choose (a.s.ince they are all ordered to vote for someone else). And if God has ordered only some of them to choose someone to be their Prophet, then the ones who are ordered to choose the Prophet must have some significant traits. If you say that they are the jurisprudents, then the significant signs of jurisprudents should be clarified.” Another one said, “It has been narrated that the Prophet (S) said, ‘In the presence of theSublime God, whatever the Muslims consider to be good is good. In the presence of the Sublime God, whatever the Muslims consider to be evil is evil.’” Al-Ma’mun said, “Here we must see whether the Prophet (S) meant all the believers or only some of them. If we say that the Prophet (S) meant all the believers, then this is an impossible thing. And if we think that the Prophet (S) meant only some of them, then as we know each group says something is good. This is like the traditions which the Shiites have narrated about Ali (a.s.), and the non-Shiites have narrated about the others. Then how could that Divine Leadership which is in your mind be proven?”Another one asked, “Is it then permissible to think that the companions of Muhammad (a.s.) made mistakes?” Al-Ma’mun said, “How could we think that they all made a mistake and they were all at a loss, while as you think they considered Divine Leadership neither to be necessary nor a tradition. You think that Divine Leadership is not a necessity in the opinion of the Sublime God, and it is not one of the traditions of His Prophet (S). Then how could what is neither obligatory nor a tradition be a mistake?”Another one said, “Present your reasons if you claim that Ali (a.s.) and no one else deserves the position of Divine Leadership.” Al-Ma’mun said, “I do not claim this, but I confess to it. There are no reasons for what one confesses to. The claimant is him who thinks that he is in charge of all appointments and dismissals, and that he is in charge of everyone. As for reasons, they may be either cited by those of his (Ali’s) peers like Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman and their followers who are all his (Ali’s) enemies, or others whose reasoning has no effect and does not exist at all. Then how could any reasons be presented in such a case?”Another one asked, “What was incumbent upon Ali (a.s.) to do after the demise of the Prophet of God (a.s.)?” Al-Ma’mun said, “That which he (a.s.) did.” The man asked, “Was it not incumbent upon him to declare to the people that he (Ali) is the Divine Leader?” Al-Ma’mun said, “In fact, Divine Leadership is neither in his (Ali’s) hands, nor is it in the hands of the people so that they may choose him or prefer him over others. Rather, it is in the hands of the Sublime God as God told Abraham (a.s.), ‘…I will make thee an Imam to the Nations…’ and as the Sublime God told David (a.s.), ‘O David! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent onearth…’ And in the case of Adam the Honorable, the Exalted God told His angels, ‘…I will create a vicegerent on earth…’ Therefore, a Divine Leader is appointed by the Sublime God and because of His choice. A Divine Leader is perfect in Creation, from a good family, pure in nature, and innocent throughout life. If it was in one’s own hands, then anyone who was like this was a Divine Leader or deserved to be one; and once he acted against these characteristics he would be dismissed from the position of Divine Leadership automatically. In that case, the appointment and dismissal of the Divine Leader was subject to one’s deeds.”Another one asked, “Then why did you consider Divine Leadership to be a must for Ali (a.s.) after the demise of the Prophet (S)?” Al-Ma’mun said, “Since Ali (a.s.) came into existence with faith from the time of his birth, just like the Prophet (S) had faith from his childhood. Also Ali (a.s.) was free from the deviations of his people (of Quraysh) who had no real reasons for their idol-worshipping, just as the Prophet (S) was free from deviations and idol-worshipping. Idol-worshipping is, in fact, a form of oppression. Any oppressor cannot be a Divine Leader. One who worships idols could not become a leader by the acceptance of all the Muslims. In fact, whoever worships idols has adopted the enemy of God as a god. His decrees would be the decrees of a pagan by the unanimous consensus of all of the nation who bear witness to his atheism, unless they again bear witness that he is no longer an atheist. Whoever once professes to be an atheist should never become a ruler since in that case there would be no differences between one who has professed atheism and a ruler.”Another one asked, “Why did Ali (a.s.) not fight with Abu Bakr and Umar as he (a.s.) did with Mo’awiya?” Al-Ma’mun said, “This is impossible to ask. They should ask about positive actions, not negative ones. That is they would ask for the reasons if Ali (a.s.) had risen to fight them. They cannot ask the reasons for his not rising. We must see whether the issue of the Mastery of Ali (a.s.) was decreed by God, or by others. If it is the case that it was decreed by the Sublime God, then any doubt in His Plan constitutes atheism as the Sublime God said, ‘But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.’ Therefore, one’s deeds are due to one’s origin. If the appointment of Ali (a.s.) wasdecreed by the Sublime God, then Ali’s deeds come from Him and the people must be content with (the appointment) and submit to Ali’s orders. Even the Messenger of God (a.s.) quit fighting on the day of Al-Hodaybiyeh, when the pagans prevented him from performing the ‘Umra (recommendable pilgrimage) ceremonies to the House (of God). And once the Prophet (S) brought together his troops, he fought with them as the Sublime God says, ‘…So overlook (any human faults) with gracious forgiveness.’ Then the Honorable the Exalted said, ‘…then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)…’”Another one asked, “If it is the case as you think that the appointment of Ali (a.s.) to the Divine Leadership was decreed by God and it is obligatory to obey him, why is it then not permissible for the Prophets to abandon the (God’s) invitation and the call, but it was permissible for Ali (a.s.) to abandon what he was ordered to do in calling the people to obey him?” Al-Ma’mun said, “We do not claim that Ali (a.s.) had the mission to invite the people as the Messengers (a.s.) did. We consider him to be a sign or link between the Sublime God and His creatures. Whoever obeys Ali (a.s.) is obedient to God, and whoever opposes Ali (a.s.) is disobeying God. Ali (a.s.) would have strived to call the people to obey him if he had found any helpers. Ali is not to blame for not having found any helpers. Those who did not help him are to be blamed, since they were supposed to obey him anyways. However, he was not ordered to fight without having any helpers. He is like the House of God towards which the people go to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. If they do so they have performed what is incumbent upon them to do. If, however, they do not go, it is they who are to blame, not the House of God.”Another one asked, “If it has been made incumbent upon the people that they must have a Divine Leader whom they must obey, why should it be Ali (a.s.) and no one else?” Al-Ma’mun replied, “That is because the Sublime God would not make some vague thing incumbent upon the people, since that is impossible to do. Thus His Messenger (a.s.) must introduce Ali (a.s.) and this obligation to the people, so that there are no more excuses left for the people in the presence of the Honorable the Exalted God. Don’t you see that if the Sublime God had made it incumbent upon the people to fast for one month, but had not specified which month to fast in and had not given any signs to identify it; and ifthe people were left free to use their own intellect to recognize the month in which the Sublime God wanted them to fast, then the people no longer needed any Prophets or Divine Leaders to inform them about what the Prophet said.”Another one asked, “How can you prove that Ali (a.s.) was mature when the Prophet (S) invited him (to accept Islam)? The people think that when he was invited (to accept Islam) he was a child and ordering him to do so was not permitted. The people think that Ali (a.s.) had not reached the age of maturity for men at that time.”Al-Ma’mun replied, “At that time, Ali (a.s.) was either mature enough that God sent His Prophet (S) to him and invited him (to accept Islam) in which case it would be permitted to order him to abide by Divine decrees and perform the obligatory deeds, or Ali (a.s.) was not mature enough for God to sent His Prophet (S) to him - which is not possible for the Prophet (S) to do as the Honorable the Exalted God says, ‘And if the apostle were to invent any sayings in Our name, We should certainly seize him by his right hand and We should certainly then cut off the artery of his heart.’ Given this, would the Prophet (S) oblige God’s servants (people) to perform what the Blessed the Sublime God has not granted them the power to carry out? This is an impossibility which cannot be. No wise person would order to do so, neither would the Prophet (S). God is so Sublime that He would not order to do what is impossible to do. His Messenger’s (a.s.) rank is also much higher than to order to do what is impossible to do according to the Wisdom of the Wise One (God).”At this point all the people became quiet. Then Al-Ma’mun said, “You asked me questions and argued with me. Can I ask you some questions now?” They replied, “Yes.”Al-Ma’mun said, “Is it not unanimously accepted by the nation that the Prophet (S) said, ‘Whoever purposefully ascribes lies to me has prepared his seating place in the Fire (in the Hereafter)’?” They replied, “Yes.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Have they not also narrated on the authority of the Prophet (S) that he (a.s.) said, ‘Whoever disobeys God - be it a minor sin or a major sin - and sets that to be his way and insists on it would reside in Fire (in the Hereafter)’?” They replied, “Yes.”Al-Ma’mun said, “Tell me if it is permissible to consider someone that the people have chosen as their leader to be called the successor of God’sProphet (S) or not. Is it permissible to consider him to be appointed by the Honorable the Exalted God even though the Prophet (S) has not established him to be his successor? If you say ‘yes it is permitted’ you are undoubtedly deceitful. If you say ‘no’ then it is a necessary conclusion that Abu Bakr be not considered to be the successor to God’s Prophet (S) nor was he appointed to the position of Caliphate by the Honorable the Exalted God. Thus you have ascribed lies to God’s Prophet (S) and are possibly of those that the Prophet (S) said would enter the Fire. Then tell me which of the following that you say is true: ‘The Prophet passed away without establishing a successor for himself’, or that you call Abu Bakr ‘O successor of God’s Prophet (S)!’ If you claim that both of these statements are true, such a claim is not possible to make since these are contradictory statements both of which cannot be true at the same time. And if you consider one to be true, then you have disproved the other one. Therefore, fear God and consider your own conditions. Do not imitate others. Avoid what is doubtful. I swear by God that the Sublime God would not accept any opinions expressed by His servants, unless they are the result of contemplation and the intellect approves of its being right. Having opposing ideas (about something) is being doubtful. It is not considered to be certitude. Having continual doubt is denying the Sublime God, and would result in dwelling in the Fire.”Al-Ma’mun added, “Tell me if it is permissible for a slave which one buys to become his master, and the buyer becomes a slave.” They said, “No.” He added, “How is it then possible for someone around whom you have gathered, supported him and put him in charge of the Caliphate be your master while you are the ones who have granted him the mastery over you? Will it not be the case that you are his masters? You have made someone to be the Caliph and have then said that he is the successor to the Prophet of God (a.s.). Moreover, once you get discontented with him you would kill him, as you did with Uthman ibn Affan.”Someone said, “That is because the Imam is an agent for the Muslims as long as they are pleased with him. They can dismiss him whenever they are displeased with him.”Al-Ma’mun asked, “To whom do the Muslims, the servants (people) and the towns belong?” They replied, “To the Sublime God.” Al-Ma’munsaid, “Then God is more deserving to appoint an agent over His servants (people) and towns than anyone else, since one of the unanimously accepted principles among the nation is that whoever causes any harm to someone else’s property is held responsible for that, and no one is allowed to usurp the rights over anyone else’s property and he will be sinful and held responsible if he does so.”Then Al-Ma’mun added, “Tell me if the Prophet (S) left anyone as his successor when he died.” They answered, “No, he did not appoint any successor.” Al-Ma’mun asked, “Was not doing so guidance or deviation?” They said, “It was guidance.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Then it is incumbent upon the people to follow guidance, and not become deviated.” They said, “They did so.” Al-Ma’mun asked, “Why then did they appoint a successor after the Prophet (S), even though the Prophet (S) had not done so? Abandoning his way is in itself a form of deviation. It is impossible for what is against guidance to be guidance. If not appointing a successor is considered to be a form of guidance, then why did Abu Bakr appoint a successor for himself when the Prophet (S) had not done so? Umar also referred this issue to the council among the Muslims which was against what his friend (Abu Bakr) had done. You think that the Prophet (S) did not appoint a successor for himself, but Abu Bakr appointed a successor for himself, and Umar did not abandon appointing a successor as the Prophet (S) had done. And as you think Umar did not appoint himself a successor as Abu Bakr had done and used a third approach. Tell me, which of these do you consider to be correct. If you consider what the Prophet (S) did to be correct, then you have considered Abu Bakr to have done wrong. The same holds true for the other options. Tell me, which of these ways is correct. Is what the Prophet (S) did in not appointing a successor correct, or is what the others did who somehow appointed a successor for themselves correct? Tell me, whether not appointing a successor by the Prophet (S) is guidance, and appointing a successor by the other ones is also guidance. Thus guidance is the opposite of guidance. Then what does deviation mean? Where is it? Tell me whether there have been any successors from amongst the Prophet’s (a.s.) companions who have been appointed as the successor with a unanimous consensus after the Prophet’s demise.” Al-Ma’mun added, “If you say no, then you have surely decided that all the people have gone the wrong way after the demise of God’s Prophet (S).And if you say yes, then you have refuted the opinion of the whole nation and what you say will void undeniable things. Tell me whether what the Honorable the Exalted God says, ‘Say: ‘To whom belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth?…’ is true or false?” They said, “It is true.” Al-Ma’mun said, “Is it not true that whatever is not with God belongs to God, since He is its creator and owner?” They replied, “Yes.” He said, “This disproves what you have made incumbent yourselves being to appoint a successor for God’s Prophet (S), so that the successor’s decrees are in effect regarding you and that you consider him to be a Caliph. You put him out of office whenever you get mad at him. You kill him if he refuses to give up his power. Woe be to you! Do not ascribe lies to God, since you will face its punishment when you stand in the presence of the Sublime God, and go to see God’s Prophet (S) having purposefully ascribed lies to him. The Prophet (S) has said, “Whoever purposefully ascribes lies to me will encounter his place prepared in the Fire.”Then Al-Ma’mun faced the prayer direction (the Qibla), raised his hands and said, “O God! I advised them and did not hesitate to tell them what I had to say. O God! I did not leave them in doubt. O God! In the interests of my religion I sought to get close to you by preferring Ali over others after your Prophet Muhammad (S), just as your Messenger had ordered us to do.” The narrator said, “Then we all dispersed and there was never again such a congregation for as long as Al-Ma’mun lived.”Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Yahya ibn Imran al-Ash’ari said, “In another tradition we read that all the people became quiet. Then Al-Ma’mun asked, ‘Why have you become quiet?’ They said, ‘We do not know what to say.’ Then Al-Ma’mun said, ‘Therefore, this much debate suffices and you were convinced.’ Then he ordered that everyone be directed out. We were all directed out in a state of being confused and ashamed. Then Al-Ma’mun looked at Al-Fadhl ibn Sahl and said, ‘This is all that they had to say. No one should think that my majesty prevented them from rejecting what I said. God is the One who grants success.’”

١- حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّد بن عَلِيٍّ ماجَيلَويه ومُحَمَّد بن مُوسَىالمُتِوَكِّل وأَحمَد بنِ زِيادِ بن جَعفَر الهَمداني وأَحمَد بن إِبراهِيم بن هاشِمٍ والحُسَين بن إِبراهِيم بن تاتانة والحُسَين بن إِبراهِيم بن أَحمَد بن هِشام المُوَدَّب وعَلِيٍّ بن عَبدُ اللَّه الوَرَّاقِ - رضي الله عنهم قالوا حَدَّثَنا عَلِيٍّ بن إِبراهِيم بن هاشِمٍ عَن أبِيهِ عَن أبي الصلت الهروي قالَ: بَيْنَا أَنَا وَاقِفٌ بَيْنَ يَدَيْ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِذْ قَالَ لِي يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ ادْخُلْ هَذِهِ الْقُبَّةَ الَّتِي فِيهَا قَبْرُ هَارُونَ وَائْتِنِي بِتُرَابٍ مِنْ أَرْبَعَةِ جَوَانِبِهَا قَالَ فَمَضَيْتُ فَأَتَيْتُ بِهِ فَلَمَّا مَثَلْتُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ قَالَ لِي نَاوِلْنِي هَذَا التُّرَابَ وَهُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ الْبَابِ فَنَاوَلْتُهُ فَأَخَذَهُ وَشَمَّهُ ثُمَّ رَمَى بِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ سَيُحْفَرُ لِي هَاهُنَا فَتَظْهَرُ صَخْرَةٌ لَوْ جُمِعَ عَلِيٍ‏هَا كُلُّ مِعْوَلٍ بِخُرَاسَانَ لَمْ يَتَهَيَّأْ قَلْعُهَا ثُمَّ قَالَ فِي الَّذِي عِنْدَ الرِّجْلِ وَالَّذِي عِنْدَ الرَّأْسِ مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ ثُمَّ قَالَ نَاوِلْنِي هَذَا التُّرَابَ فَهُوَ مِنْ تُرْبَتِي ثُمَّ قَالَ سَيُحْفَرُ لِي فِي هَذَا الْمَوْضِعِ فَتَأْمُرُهُمْ أَنْ يَحْفِرُوا إِلَى سَبْعِ مَرَاقِيَ إِلَى أَسْفَلَ وَأَنْ تَشُقَّ لِي ضَرِيحَهُ فَإِنْ أَبَوْا إِلا أَنْ يَلْحَدُوا فَتَأْمُرُهُمْ أَنْ يَجْعَلُوا اللَّحْدَ ذِرَاعَيْنِ وَشِبْراً فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى سَيُوَسِّعُهُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا ذَلِكَ فَإِنَّكَ تَرَى عِنْدَ رَأْسِي نَدَاوَةً فَتَكَلَّمْ بِالْكَلامِ الَّذِي أُعَلِّمُكَ فَإِنَّهُ يَنْبُعُ الْمَاءُ حَتَّى يَمْتَلِئَ اللَّحْدُ وَتَرَى فِيهِ حِيتَاناً صِغَاراً فَفَتِّتْ لَهَا الْخُبْزَ الَّذِي أُعْطِيكَ فَإِنَّهَا تَلْتَقِطُهُ فَإِذَا لَمْ يَبْقَ مِنْهُ شَيْ‏ءٌ خَرَجَتْ مِنْهُ حُوتَةٌ كَبِيرَةٌ فَالْتَقَطَتِ الْحِيتَانَ الصِّغَارَ حَتَّى لا يَبْقَى مِنْهَا شَيْ‏ءٌ ثُمَّ تَغِيبُ فَإِذَا غَابَتْ فَضَعْ يَدَكَ عَلِيٍّ الْمَاءِ ثُمَّ تَكَلَّمْ بِالْكَلامِ الَّذِي أُعَلِّمُكَ فَإِنَّهُ يَنْضُبُ الْمَاءُ وَلا يَبْقَى مِنْهُ شَيْ‏ءٌ وَلا تَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ إِلا بِحَضْرَةِ الْمَأْمُون.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ غَداً أَدْخُلُ عَلِيٍّ هَذَا الْفَاجِرِ فَإِنْ أَنَا خَرَجْتُ مَكْشُوفَ الرَّأْسِ فَتَكَلَّمْ أُكَلِّمْكَ وَإِنْ خَرَجْتُ وَأَنَا مُغَطَّى الرَّأْسِ فَلا تُكَلِّمْنِي.قَالَ أَبُو الصَّلْتِ فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحْنَا مِنَ الْغَدِ لَبِسَ ثِيَابَهُ وَجَلَسَ فَجَعَلَ فِي مِحْرَابِهِ يَنْتَظِرُ فَبَيْنَا هُوَ كَذَلِكَ إِذْ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ غُلامُ الْمَأْمُونِ فَقَالَ لَهُ أَجِبْ أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَلَبِسَ نَعْلَهُ وَرِدَاءَهُ وَقَامَ وَمَشَى وَأَنَا أَتَّبِعُهُ حَتَّى دَخَلَ عَلَى الْمَأْمُونِ وَبَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ طَبَقٌ عَلَيْهِ عِنَبٌ وَأَطْبَاقُ فَاكِهَةٍ وَبِيَدِهِ عُنْقُودُ عِنَبٍ قَدْ أَكَلَ بَعْضَهُ وَبَقِيَ بَعْضُهُ فَلَمَّا أَبْصَرَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَثَبَ إِلَيْهِ فَعَانَقَهُ وَقَبَّلَ مَا بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ وَأَجْلَسَهُ مَعَهُ ثُمَّ نَاوَلَهُ الْعُنْقُودَ وَقَالَ يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ مَا رَأَيْتُ عِنَباً أَحْسَنَ مِنْ هَذَا فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ رُبَّمَا كَانَ عِنَباً حَسَناً يَكُونُ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ فَقَالَ لَهُ كُلْ مِنْهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ تُعْفِينِي عَنْهُ فَقَالَ لا بُدَّ مِنْ ذَلِكَ وَمَا يَمْنَعُكَ مِنْهُ لَعَلَّكَ تَتَّهِمُنَا بِشَيْ‏ءٍ فَتَنَاوَلَ الْعُنْقُودَ فَأَكَلَ مِنْهُ ثُمَّ نَاوَلَهُ فَأَكَلَ مِنْهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ثَلاثَ حَبَّاتٍ ثُمَّ رَمَى بِهِ وَقَامَ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ إِلَى أَيْنَ فَقَالَ إِلَى حَيْثُ وَجَّهْتَنِي وَخَرَجَ مُغَطَّى الرَّأْسِ فَلَمْ أُكَلِّمْهُ حَتَّى دَخَلَ الدَّارَ فَأَمَرَ أَنْ يُغْلَقَ الْبَابُ فَغُلِقَ ثُمَّ نَامَ عَلَى فِرَاشِهِ وَمَكَثْتُ وَاقِفاً فِي صَحْنِ الدَّارِ مَهْمُوماً مَحْزُوناً فَبَيْنَا أَنَا كَذَلِكَ إِذْ دَخَلَ عَلَيَّ شَابٌّ حَسَنُ الْوَجْهِ قَطَطُ الشَّعْرِ أَشْبَهُ النَّاسِ بِالرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَبَادَرْتُ إِلَيْهِ وَقُلْتُ لَهُ مِنْ أَيْنَ دَخَلْتَ وَالْبَابُ مُغْلَقٌ فَقَالَ الَّذِي جَاءَ بِي مِنَ الْمَدِينَةِ فِي هَذَا الْوَقْتِ هُوَ الَّذِي أَدْخَلَنِي الدَّارَ وَالْبَابُ مُغْلَقٌ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ وَمَنْ أَنْتَ فَقَالَ لِي أَنَا حُجَّةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ أَنَا مُحَمَّد بْنُ عَلِيٍّ ثُمَّ مَضَى نَحْوَأَبِيهِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَدَخَلَ وَأَمَرَنِي بِالدُّخُولِ مَعَهُ فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلَيْهِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَثَبَ إِلَيْهِ فَعَانَقَهُ وَضَمَّهُ إِلَى صَدْرِهِ وَقَبَّلَ مَا بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ ثُمَّ سَحَبَهُ سَحْباً فِي فِرَاشِهِ وَأَكَبَّ عَلَيْهِ مُحَمَّد بْنُ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يُقَبِّلُهُ وَيُسَارُّهُ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ لَمْ أَفْهَمْهُ وَرَأَيْتُ فِي شَفَتَيِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ زُبْداً أَشَدَّ بَيَاضاً مِنَ الثَّلْجِ وَرَأَيْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَلْحَسُهُ بِلِسَانِهِ.ثُمَّ أَدْخَلَ يَدَهُ بَيْنَ ثَوْبَيْهِ وَصَدْرِهِ فَاسْتَخْرَجَ مِنْهُ شَيْئاً شَبِيهاً بِالْعُصْفُورِ فَابْتَلَعَهُ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ وَمَضَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ قُمِ ائْتِنِي بِالْمُغْتَسَلِ وَالْمَاءِ مِنَ الْخِزَانَةِ فَقُلْتُ مَا فِي الْخِزَانَةِ مُغْتَسَلٌ وَلا مَاءٌ فَقَالَ لِي انْتَهِ إِلَى مَا آمُرُكَ بِهِ فَدَخَلْتُ الْخِزَانَةَ فَإِذَا فِيهَا مُغْتَسَلٌ وَمَاءٌ فَأَخْرَجْتُهُ وَشَمَّرْتُ ثِيَابِي لاغَسِّلَهُ مَعَهُ فَقَالَ لِي تَنَحَّ يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ فَإِنَّ لِي مَنْ يُعِينُنِي غَيْرَكَ فَغَسَّلَهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِيَ ادْخُلِ الْخِزَانَةَ فَأَخْرِجْ لِيَ السَّفَطَ الَّذِي فِيهِ كَفَنُهُ وَحَنُوطُهُ فَدَخَلْتُ فَإِذَا أَنَا بِسَفَطٍ لَمْ أَرَهُ فِي تِلْكَ الْخِزَانَةِ قَطُّ فَحَمَلْتُهُ إِلَيْهِ فَكَفَّنَهُ وَصَلَّى عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِيَ ائْتِنِي بِالتَّابُوتِ فَقُلْتُ أَمْضِي إِلَى النَّجَّارِ حَتَّى يُصْلِحَ التَّابُوتَ قَالَ قُمْ فَإِنَّ فِي الْخِزَانَةِ تَابُوتاً فَدَخَلْتُ الْخِزَانَةَ فَوَجَدْتُ تَابُوتاً لَمْ أَرَهُ قَطُّ فَأَتَيْتُهُ بِهِ فَأَخَذَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بَعْدَ مَا صَلَّى عَلَيْهِ فَوَضَعَهُ فِي التَّابُوتِ وَصَفَّ قَدَمَيْهِ وَصَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لَمْ يَفْرُغْ مِنْهُمَا حَتَّى عَلا التَّابُوتُ فَانْشَقَّ السَّقْفُ فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا التَّابُوتُ وَمَضَى فَقُلْتُ يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ السَّاعَةَ يَجِيئُنَا الْمَأْمُونُ وَيُطَالِبُنَا بِالرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَمَا نَصْنَعُ فَقَالَ لِيَ اسْكُتْ فَإِنَّهُ سَيَعُودُ يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ مَا مِنْ نَبِيٍّ يَمُوتُ بِالْمَشْرِقِ وَيَمُوتُ وَصِيُّهُ بِالْمَغْرِبِ إِلا جَمَعَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى بَيْنَ أَرْوَاحِهِمَا وَأَجْسَادِهِمَا فَمَا أَتَمَّ الْحَدِيثَ حَتَّى انْشَقَّ السَّقْفُ وَنَزَلَ التَّابُوتُ فَقَامَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَاسْتَخْرَجَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مِنَ التَّابُوتِ وَوَضَعَهُ عَلَى فِرَاشِهِ كَأَنَّهُ لَمْ يُغَسَّلْ وَلَمْ يُكَفَّنْ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ قُمْ فَافْتَحِ الْبَابَ لِلْمَأْمُونِ فَفَتَحْتُ الْبَابَ فَإِذَا الْمَأْمُونُ وَالْغِلْمَانُ بِالْبَابِ فَدَخَلَ بَاكِياً حَزِيناً قَدْ شَقَّ جَيْبَهُ وَلَطَمَ رَأْسَهُ.وَهُوَ يَقُولُ يَا سَيِّدَاهْ فُجِعْتُ بِكَ يَا سَيِّدِي ثُمَّ دَخَلَ وَجَلَسَ عِنْدَ رَأْسِهِ وَقَالَ خُذُوا فِي تَجْهِيزِهِ فَأَمَرَ بِحَفْرِ الْقَبْرِ فَحُفِرَتِ الْمَوْضِعُ فَظَهَرَ كُلُّ شَيْ‏ءٍ عَلَى مَا وَصَفَهُ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ لَهُ بَعْضُ جُلَسَائِهِ أَلَسْتَ تَزْعُمُ أَنَّهُ إِمَامٌ قَالَ بَلَى قَالَ لا يَكُونُ إِلا مُقَدَّمَ النَّاسِ فَأَمَرَ أَنْ يُحْفَرَ لَهُ فِي الْقِبْلَةِ فَقُلْتُ أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أَحْفِرَ لَهُ سَبْعَ مَرَاقِيَ وَأَنْ أَشُقَّ لَهُ ضَرِيحَهُ فَقَالَ انْتَهُوا إِلَى مَا يَأْمُرُ بِهِ أَبُو الصَّلْتِ سِوَى الضَّرِيحِ وَلَكِنْ يُحْفَرُ لَهُ وَيُلْحَدُ فَلَمَّا رَأَى مَا ظَهَرَ مِنَ النَّدَاوَةِ وَالْحِيتَانِ وَغَيْرِ ذَلِكَ قَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ لَمْ يَزَلِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يُرِينَا عَجَائِبَهُ فِي حَيَاتِهِ حَتَّى أَرَانَاهَا بَعْدَ وَفَاتِهِ أَيْضاً فَقَالَ لَهُ وَزِيرٌ كَانَ مَعَهُ أَتَدْرِي مَا أَخْبَرَكَ بِهِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ قَالَ لا قَالَ إِنَّهُ أَخْبَرَكَ أَنَّ مُلْكَكُمْ يَا بَنِي الْعَبَّاسِ مَعَ كَثْرَتِكُمْ وَطُولِ مُدَّتِكُمْ مِثْلُ هَذِهِ الْحِيتَانِ حَتَّى إِذَا فَنِيَتْ آجَالُكُمْ وَانْقَطَعَتْ آثَارُكُمْ وَذَهَبَتْ دَوْلَتُكُمْ سَلَّطَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْكُمْ رَجُلاً مِنَّا فَأَفْنَاكُمْ عَنْ آخِرِكُمْ قَالَ لَهُ صَدَقْتَ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ عَلِّمْنِي الْكَلامَ الَّذِي تَكَلَّمْتَ بِهِ قُلْتُ وَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ نَسِيتُ الْكَلامَ مِنْ سَاعَتِي وَقَدْ كُنْتُ صَدَقْتُ فَأَمَرَ بِحَبْسِي وَدَفْنِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَحُبِسْتُ سَنَةً فَضَاقَ عَلَيَّ الْحَبْسُ وَسَهِرْتُ اللَّيْلَةَ وَدَعَوْتُ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى بِدُعَاءٍ ذَكَرْتُ فِيهِ مُحَمَّداً وَآلَهُ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَسَأَلْتُ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى بِحَقِّهِمْ أَنْ يُفَرِّجَ عَنِّي فَلَمْ أَسْتَتِمَّ الدُّعَاءَ حَتَّى دَخَلَ عَلَيَّ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ مُحَمَّد بْنُ عَلِيٍ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ يَا أَبَا الصَّلْتِ ضَاقَ صَدْرُكَ فَقُلْتُ إِي وَاللَّهِ قَالَ قُمْ فَأَخْرَجَنِي. ثُمَّ ضَرَبَ يَدَهُ إِلَى الْقُيُودِ الَّتِي كَانَتْ فَفَكَّهَا وَأَخَذَ بِيَدِي وَأَخْرَجَنِي مِنَ الدَّارِ وَالْحَرَسَةُ وَالْغِلْمَةُ يَرَوْنَنِي فَلَمْ يَسْتَطِيعُوا أَنْ يُكَلِّمُونِي وَخَرَجْتُ مِنْ بَابِ الدَّارِ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِيَ امْضِ فِي وَدَائِعِ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّكَ لَنْ تَصِلَ إِلَيْهِ وَلا يَصِلُ إِلَيْكَ أَبَداً فَقَالَ أَبُو الصَّلْتِ فَلَمْ أَلْتَقِ مَعَ الْمَأْمُونِ إِلَى هَذَا الْوَقْتِ‏

63-1 Muhammad ibn Ali al-Majilawayh, Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Mutawakkil, Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja’far al-Hamadani, Ahmad ibn Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem, Al-Husayn ibn Ibrahim ibn Tatana, Al-Husayn ibn Ibrahim ibn Ahmad ibn Hisham al-Mo’addib, and Ali ibn Abdullah al-Warraq - may God be pleased with them - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father that Abi Salt al-Harawi said, “I was standing in front of Abil Hassan Ali ibn Musa Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) when he told me, ‘O Aba Salt! Go into this mausoleum where Harun’s grave is located. Pick a handful of dirt from each corner and bring them to me.’ I went and did what Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) had asked me to do. Then when I stood up in front of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) again, he (a.s.) was standing near the door. I handed him the dirt one handful at a time. He smelled each one and threw it away. Then he said, ‘Here they will dig up a grave for me. A rock will appear which they cannot remove, even if they bring all the mattocks in Khorasan.’Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said the same things about the dirt at the positions of the head and the feet of Harun. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, ‘Give me that other handful of dirt.’ I handed him the dirt from the front of Harun’s grave. Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) took it and said, ‘This is the dirt that will be the dirt of my grave.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, ‘They will dig a grave for me in this place. You must order them to dig it seven steps deep. Then you must ask them to extend the grave in one direction and construct a grave. If they refuse to do so and insist that it must be a usual type of grave, you will tell them that the grave must be as wide as the size of two arms long plus the span of one wide open hand. Indeed God will extend it as much as He wills. Once they do so, you will notice water there. Recite what I teach you and then the grave will be filled with water. You will see many small fish in it.Then you must feed them with pieces of the bread which I’ll give you now. Once they eat it all up, a large fish will appear and eat up all the small fish until they all disappear. Then the large fish will disappear too. Then you must put your hand in the water and recite what I’ll teach you now. Then the water will drain away and nothing will be left. Do not do this except in the presence of Al-Ma’mun.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) added, ‘O Aba Salt! Tomorrow I shall go to see this adulterer (referring to Al-Ma’mun)! If I leave there with a bare head, talk to me and I will respond. However, if when I return my head is covered, then do not talk to me.’”Aba Salt continued, “When the morning came, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) put on his clothes and sat down, waiting in his prayer niche. Al-Ma’mun’s servant entered after a while and said, ‘The Commander of the Faithful (Al-Ma’mun) has called you in.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) put on his shoes and cloak. He stood up and went. I followed Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) until he went to Al-Ma’mun. There was a dish of grapes in front of Al-Ma’mun and several dishes of fruit, too. There was a bunch of partially eaten grapes in his hand. There were still some grapes left on it. Once Al-Ma’mun saw Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), he leaped towards him and hugged him. He kissed his forehead and had him sit down next to himself. Then he offered Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) the bunch of grapes that he was holding in his hands and said, ‘O son of God’s Prophet! Have you ever seen any better grapes?’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘It often happens that they are good grapes as if they are from Heaven.’ Then Al-Ma’mun said, ‘Have some.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) told him, ‘Excuse me from eating them.’ Then he said, ‘You must eat. Why don’t you eat? Perhaps you are suspicious of me.’ Then Al-Ma’mun picked up the bunch of grapes, had a few grapes and then offered the bunch to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) ate three grapes, put down the bunch and stood up. Al-Ma’mun asked him, ‘Where are you going?’ He (a.s.) said, ‘I am going to where you sent me.’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) pulled his cloak over his head and left.”Aba Salt added, “I did not talk to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) until he entered the house and said, ‘Shut the doors.’ They shut the doors. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) laid in bed. I stayed in the yard for a while in a sad and depressed state. Then I saw a handsome young man, who was the closest-looking person to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) I have ever seen, enter the house. I rushed ahead and asked him, ‘Sir! The doors are closed. How did you get in?’ He (a.s.) answered, ‘He (God) who passed me through closed doors brought me here from Medina.’ I asked, ‘Who are you?’ He (a.s.) replied, ‘I am the Proof of God for you. O Aba Salt! I am Muhammad ibn Ali (Imam ar-Ridha’’s son)’ Then he (a.s.) went to his father (a.s.). He (a.s.) entered the room and asked me to go in with him. When Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) saw him, he leaped towards him. Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) hugged him and put his hands over his shoulders. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) kissed him on the forehead and went back to his couch with him. Muhammad ibn Ali (a.s.) went over to him, kissed him and quietly told him things which I could not hear. However, I could see some foam on Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) lips that was even whiter than snow. Aba Ja’far (a.s.) wiped it off with his tongue.Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) placed his hand within his attire over his heart and brought out something like a sparrow. Then Aba Ja’far (a.s.) swallowed it. Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) passed away. Then Abu Ja’far said, ‘O Aba Salt! Stand up. Go and bring me water and the wash basin from the cabinet.’ I answered, ‘There is no wash basin in the cabinet and there is no water there either.” However, Aba Ja’far (a.s.) said, ‘Go and do what I ordered you to do.’ I went to the cabinet, and saw that both water and the wash basin were available there. I brought them out. Then I tied up my robe to my waist and took off my footwear to get ready to wash Imam Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). But Aba Ja’far (a.s.) told me, O Aba Salt! Move aside. There is someone else here who will assist me.’’ Then Aba Ja’far (a.s.) performed the ceremonial burial ablutions for Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and told me, Go to the cabinet and bring me the basket in which there is a shroud and embalmment.’ I went to the cabinet. There I saw a basket which I had never seen before. I picked it up and brought it to him. Aba Ja’far (a.s.) shrouded the Imam (a.s.) and prayed for him. Then he (a.s.) told me, ‘Bring me that coffin.’ Then I asked, ‘Should I go to a carpenter and have him make a coffin?’ Aba Ja’far (a.s.) said, ‘No. Go to the cabinet. There is a coffin there.’ I went to the cabinet and found that there was a coffin there which I had never seen before. I picked it up and brought it to him.Aba Ja’far (a.s.) lifted Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) after praying for him and placed him in the coffin. He put Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) feet side by side and said two units of prayers. Then before finishing his prayers the ceiling of the room was rent asunder and the coffin was flown out of the room from the ceiling. Then I said, ‘O son of the Prophet of God (Aba Ja’far)! Now Al-Ma’mun will come here and demand Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) from us. What should we do?’ Aba Ja’far (a.s.) said, ‘O Aba Salt! Be quiet! The body will return. God will unite the body and the spirit together of any Prophet who dies in the East and any of his Trustees who die in the West.’ Aba Ja’far (a.s.) had not finished talking when the ceiling was again rent asunder, and the coffin and the body descended. Then Aba Ja’far Muhammad ibn Ali (a.s.) stood up, brought the corpse out of the coffin and placed it in bed as if it had neither been washed nor shrouded.Then Aba Ja’far (a.s.) said to me, ‘O Aba Salt! Stand up and open the door for Al-Ma’mun.’’ Then I opened the door. Al-Ma’mun and his servants were standing at the door. He entered while he was in a sad state and crying. He tore his shirt and hit himself on the head.He said, ‘O descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (S)! O my Master! Your death is a great calamity for me.’ Then Al-Ma’mun entered and sat next to Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) head and said, ‘Start to prepare him.’ Then Al-Ma’mun ordered that a grave be dug. I (i.e. Aba Salt) dug at the location that Imam Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) had ordered me before to do so. Exactly whatever Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) had said would appear appeared. One of Al-Ma’mun‘s asked him, ‘Don’t you say and don’t you believe that he was a Divine Leader?’ Al-Ma’mun replied, ‘Yes. He would not be a Divine Leader unless he is superior to all the people.’ Then Al-Ma’mun ordered that a grave be dug for Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) facing the direction of the Qibla.”Aba Salt added, “Then I said, ‘Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) has ordered me to dig down about seven steps. Then I must extend the grave for his tomb in one direction.’ Al-Ma’mun ordered the workers, ‘Do as Aba Salt says except for the tomb. Dig a usual type of grave.’ However, once Al-Ma’mun saw that the water appeared, the fish showed up, and the other things happened, Al-Ma’mun said, ‘Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) continuously showed us miracles during his lifetime. We even see miracles after his death.’ One of the ministers who was there asked, ‘Do you know what Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) is informing you about?’ Al-Ma’mun replied, ‘No.’ The minister said, ‘Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) is trying to make you understand that the rule of you - the Abbasids - and your population and the extent of your rule is like these fish, until your time is over and your death arrives. Then you will lose your reign. Then God the Highest will designate a man from the Members of the Holy Household of the Prophet (S) as the ruler over you who will destroy all of you - from the first to the last one of you.’ Al-Ma’mun replied, ‘You are right.’Then Al-Ma’mun turned towards Aba Salt and said, ‘O Aba Salt! Tell me the words you recited which caused the big fish to swallow the little fish. Teach them to me.’ I replied, ‘By God, I have forgotten them now.’ I had said the truth but he ordered that I be thrown into jail. They buried Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and I stayed in jail for one year. I had a very hard time in jail. One night I could not go to sleep. I stayed up and prayed to God the Blessed the Highest. I kept mentioning Muhammad (a.s.) and his Household (a.s.). I kept asking God for a happy ending. Before finishing my prayers Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Ali (a.s.) entered and said, ‘O Aba Salt! Is your breast straitened?’ Then I said, ‘By God! Yes.’ Then Aba Ja’far (a.s.) said, ‘Stand up and leave here along with me.’Then Aba Ja’far (a.s.) placed his hands to the chains on me and they all opened up. He (a.s.) took my hands and brought me out of jail, while the prison guards were watching us but did not have the power to say a word. Then Aba Ja’far (a.s.) told me, ‘Go. I entrust you to God! Know that you will never again encounter Al-Ma’mun. Neither will Al-Ma’mun ever find you.’”Aba Salt added, “Al-Ma’mun has not found me up until now.”