The Life of Imam Al Hassan Al Askari

TheLifeofImamalHasanalAskari Author:BaqirShareefalQurashi Introduction Birthandupbringing Impressionsabouthim Impressionsabouthim Hisletters Wordsoflight WiththeHolyQuran Histraditionsandjurisprudence Hiscompanionsandthenarratorsofhistraditions Supplement Theageoftheimam OppressionAndTyrannyOfViziers Thekingsintheageoftheimam
ntheageoftheimam TheReignOfAlMuntasir Tothebetterworld Referencebooks
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Dedication Introduction InTheNameOfAllah,TheBeneficentTheMerciful ImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAlialAskari(a.s.)istheeleventhimamoftheinfallible imamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)whocarriedthebannerofIslam,undertookthegoalsofthetrue religion,sacrificedtheirlivesintoitsway,andaccustomedthemselvestofacedisasters, difficulties,andhardshiptospreadthehighvaluesandgoalsofthisreligionandhowmany favorstheyhaddonetoMuslims! Thisgreatimamhadintellectual,scientifictalentsandpowersthatmadehimoneofthe geniusmenofthehumanintellect,ashewasoneoftheheroesofhistorybyhisresistingthe differenteventsandhisstandingagainstthedeviate,oppressiveAbbasidrule.Herebelled againstthecorruptiveregimesandsparednoeffortinachievingtruthandjusticeamong people. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)waslikehisfathersinhistendenciesandaims.Theyallwerelike eachotherinreachingthehighestranksofvirtueandperfection. Inhiswideknowledge,hewasnonesuchathistime.Historianssaythathewasthemost knowledgeableoneinthereligiousverdictsandaffairsandthatallscholarsandulama ofhisagewereinneedofhimtoladlefromthefountofhisknowledgeandsciences. Hewasthemostdevoted,piousworshipperofallpeopleofhistime.Hepreferredthe obedienceofAllahtoeverything.Hewasthemostpatientandforbearingone.Hesuppressed hisangerandpardonedwhoeverdidhimwrong.Hewasthemostgenerous,thekindestto thepoor,andthemostcharitabletotheneedy.Heappointedagentsinmanycountriesofthe Islamicworldentrustingthemwiththedistributingofthelegaldues,whichcametohim, amongthepoorandtheweakofMuslimstogetthemoutoftheirpovertyanddeprivation, whereashehimselflivedlikethepoor.Hepaidnoattentiontothepleasuresanddesiresof thislifelikehisfatherswhoturnedtheirbackstothisworldandturnedcompletelytowards Allahandtheafterworld.
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HistoriansmentionthatallpeopleglorifiedandhonoredImamalAskari(a.s.)and acknowledgedhisvirtueandpreferencetoalloftheAlawidsandtheAbbasidsathistime. Whentheimam(a.s.)cametotheAbbasidroyalpalace,everyoneoftheattendantsstoodup andbowedglorifyinghim.Viziers,clerks,armyleaders,andallstatesmenregardedhimso highly.AlFat~hbinKhaqan,theprimeministerofalMutawakkil,preferredImamalHasanal Askari(a.s.)toalleminentscholarsandulamaandacknowledgedthatnoonehadthevirtues andqualitiesthattheimam(a.s.)hadatthattime. Itwasnaturalthatthenation,withallclasses,regardedandglorifiedImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)fortheysawhisguidance,piety,righteousness,asceticism,loyaltytothetruth,and devotednesstoAllah.TheywerecertainthathewasthecaliphofAllahintheearthandthe onlyrepresentativeofhis grandfatherthegreatProphet(a.s.).Inadditiontothat,ImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.) undertookthefatalissuesoftheIslamicnationanddefendedtherightsofMuslims.He criticizedtherulersofhistimeforwrongingpeopleanddisregardingtheirrights.Therefore, thenationglorifiedhimandacknowledgedhisnecessaryleadership. TheAbbasidkingsbecamedispleasedwhentheysawandheardthatthemassesglorified ImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.),andthatgreatnumbersofMuslimsbelievedinhisimamate andthoughtthathewasworthierofthecaliphatethantheAbbasidswhohadnoqualitythat mightmakethemfitfortheIslamiccaliphate.Spiteagainsttheimam(a.s.)filledtheheartsof theAbbasidrulerswhotooksevereproceduresagainsthim.Theyimposedeconomical blockadeagainsthim,andputhimunderhousearrestinSamarra.Theysurroundedhimwith policemenanddetectivestowatchevenhisbreaths.Theysubjectedeveryonewhocontacted withhimtoseverepunishments.ThiswasasIthinkthereasonthatmadejustfewnarrators narratetraditionsfromhim,andsonotmanymaxims,literatures,andreligiousrulingswere transmittedfromhim. TherewasanotherverysensitivereasonthatledtheAbbasidstowatchImamalHasanal Askari(a.s.)strictly.ItwasthatImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.)wasthefatherofImam MuhammadalMahdi(a.s.)theawaitedsaviorandreformerwhowouldfilltheworldwith justice,andwoulddestroyoppressorsandoppression.TheProphet(a.s)andhisguardians gavegoodtidings,andtoldthenationthatthissaviorwouldspreadpolitical,socialjusticein theearth,andallMuslimsofdifferenttrendsbelievedinthat.Therefore,theAbbasidswere afraidofthatandthoughtthathewouldremovetheirruleandauthority.Theyspreadspies onImam alHasanalAskari(a.s.)toknowhisson.Theysentfemalespiestoseewhichofhiswives wouldgivebirthtoamalebabytobetakenaway,butAllahtheAlmightymadethepregnancy

andthebirthofImamalMahdi(a.s.)unknownasHehadmadethebirthofProphetMoses (a.s.)unknowntothePharaoh. ThisbookstudiestheageofImamalAskari(a.s.)andallitsevents.Thestudyoftheageis necessarybecauseitshedslightsontheintellectual,social,economical,politicallifeofthat age,andnaturallyithasdirectinfluenceonthelifeofonewholivesinthatveryage,besides thatituncoversthedimensionsofhislifeandpersonalityandtheextentoftheinfluenceof theeventsofthatageonhim. Thebookshowstheeconomicallifeofthatagewhichwasneithersoundnorstablebut confusedandparalyzed.TheAbbasidgovernmentsattheageofImamalAskari(a.s.)didnot achieveeaseforpeopleorthenoblelifethatIslamwantedforthenation.Excessivewealth wasaccumulatedinthepossessionofthemembersoftheAbbasidfamily,statesmen,and theiragents.Theyspentlavishly.Theyappropriatedthetreasuresoftheearthwhilethe majorityoftheMuslimpeoplessufferedpovertyanddeprivationbesidesthepains,sufferings, andsubjugationtheyfacedfromthegovernmentofficialsincollectingthelandtaxandother taxes. WehavealsopresentedastudyonthekingsoftheageofImamalAskari(a.s.).Mostofthose kingswereinsignificantandineffective.Theysubmittedtotheirlustsanddesiresandwere fondofmaidsandsongstresses.Theirrednightswerefulloferring.Theywereindifferentto whatAllahhadorderedtheguardiansofMuslimstodoinordertobetterthe generallifeofthenation,toofferthenecessaryservicesforpeople,andtofindequivalent opportunitiesforallcitizens.However,mostAbbasidkingsdidnothingofthat.Ratherthey appropriatedthewealthofAllahforthemselvesandtookthepeopleofAllahasslaves.They ranthenationviolentlyandoppressively.TheyentrustedtheTurks,whowereharsh, ignorant,andunawareofadministrationandpolitics,withabsoluteauthorityoverthenation, andtheysankthenationintoseditionsanddisasters. Loyaltyimposesonaresearcherwhoresearchesinhistorytolookintothehistoricalfactswith accuracyandscrutiny.Manyhistoricalfactsandeventsweremixedtogether,distorted,or fabricatedbecausesomehistoriansintendedtooverlooktheerrorsofsomekingsandrulers. Theytriedtopraisethemwithnobleepithetsandgoodqualitiesthattheydidnothave, whereas,infact,thosekingsandrulersweretheworsttyrantswhothrewthenationintoan abyssofoppressionandcorruption,andexploitedtheeconomyofthestatefortheirown pleasuresandfancies,andafflictedthepublicwithpovertyandwretchedness.Itisneither fromfidelitynorfromtruthtoregardthosetyrantswiththeeyeofholinessandsacredness andtotrustinthemasidealpersonalities.ItistoonecessarytostudytheIslamichistory thoughtfully,impartially,andawayfromanyfanaticism.Authorsmustwritejustforthetruth

andthegoodofthenation. Also,inthisbook,wehavementionedagroupofjurisprudents,scholars,andnarratorswho narratedtraditionsfromImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)andtookfromhisknowledge andsciences.ThisisnecessaryasIthinkbecauseitcompletestheresearchonthenoble personalityoftheimam(a.s.)foritshowstheextentofhisassociationwiththemenof knowledgeandtheirassociationwithhimatthatcritical periodwheretheAbbasidgovernmentputtheimamunderseverewatch,andpunished whoeverassociatedwithhim.Thisconfinementaffectedtheimam(a.s.)andcausedhim muchpain,becausenothingwouldbemorepainfultothegeniusandtalentedpersonsmore thanpreventingthemfromshowingtheirknowledgeandsciencesandtransmittingtheir opinionsandideasafterthem. Andhere,IfinditfromgratefulnessandloyaltytothegreateffortsofthegrandAllamamy brotherSheikhHadiSharifalQurashiwhowentthroughsomereferencebooksconcerning thesubjectofthisbookbesideshisusefuldirectionsandvaluableinstructions.IprayAllahto rewardhimwiththebestofHisrewardthatHerewardsHisloyalpeoplewith. HolyNajafBaqirSharifalQurashi Birthandupbringing TheImamsNobleLineage ImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.)wasfromtheheartofthepropheticfamilyby whichAllahhadhonoredtheArabsandMuslims.Itwastheholiestfamilythathadundertakenthe issuesoftruthandjusticeamongallpeoplesoftheearth.Therewas,is,andwillbenolineagein thisworldlikethisnoblelineagewhichImamalAskari(a.s.)belongedto. HewasthesonofImamalHadibin[1]ImamMuhammadalJawadbinImamAliarRedhabin ImamMusaalKadhimbinImamJafarasSadiqbinImamMuhammadalBaqirbinImamAli ZaynolAabidin(asSajjad)binImamalHusaynbinImamAlibinAbuTalib(peacebeonthem). TheseweretheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)whomAllahhadkeptuncleannessaway fromandpurifiedathoroughpurifying,andwhomtheProphet(a.s)hadmadeastheboatof

rescueandsafetyforpeople. [1]Binmeanssonof. HisFather HisfatherwasImamAlialHadi(a.s.),thetenthimamoftheShia.Hewasfromthemastersofthe AhlulBayt(a.s)andthemostknowledgeable,pious,andvirtuousofallpeopleathistime. HisMother Hismotherwasthebestofwomenathertimeinherchastity,purity,andpiety.Historianssayshe wasfromthegoodknowingwomen.[1]ImamalHadi(a.s.)praisedherbysaying,Saleel(her name)waspurifiedfromerror,defect,andimpurity.[2] Shewasabondmaid[3]fromanNawbah.[4]Itdidnotharmherthatshewasabondmaid,forman intheviewofIslamisexaltedbyhisguidance,piety,andpropriety,andheisdegradedby deviationfromtherightpath. Historiansdisagreedonhername.SomeofthemsaidhernamewasSaleelwhichwasthemost correctaccordingtotheprevioustraditionofImamalHadi(a.s.).Somesaidshewascalled Sawsan.[5]OtherssaidhernamewasHadithah,[6]andotherssaidHareebah. [1]UyunalMujizat. [2]AyanashShia,vol.3p.289. [3]UsulalKafi. [4]SirrasSilsilahathThahabiyyah,p.39.AnNawbahisawideareainthesouthofEgypt.The Prophet(a.s)praisedthepeopleofanNawbahbysaying,Whoeverhasnobrother,lethimtakea brotherfromanNawbah. [5]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.37. [6]AlIrshad,p.315. TheGreatNewbornChild Thebirthofthenewbornboy,AbuMuhammad,thedescendantofprophethoodandthe remainderofimamate,madetheworldshineandmadeYathrib(Medina)andSamarrabloom. Thisgreatnewbornbabywasthecontinuityofthelifeofhisinfalliblefatherswholitthe intellectuallifeintheworldofIslam.DelightandjoyfilledtheheartsofthePropheticfamilyfor theyknewthathewouldbetheimamafterhisfatherasImamalHadi(a.s.)hadtoldthem.

SomehistorianssaidhewasborninMedina,[1]andsomeotherssaidinSamarra.[2]Historians alsogavedifferentdatesforhisbirth.ItwassaidthathewasborninRabeealAwwal[3] 230AH,[4]or231,[5]or232,[6]or233.[7] CeremoniesOfBirth Afterthebirthofthisblessedson,ImamalHadi(a.s.)recitedtheazaninhisrightear,andthe eqamainhisleftear.Thiswasthefirsthymnthatthisblessednewbornbabymetlifewith;Allah isgreat,thereisnogodbutAllah. Ontheseventhdayafterbirth,ImamalHadi(a.s.)cutthehairofhisnewbornchildandgave silverorgoldasmuchastheweightofhissonshairtothepoorascharity. [1]AkhbaradDuwal,p.117,BahralAnsab,p.2,TuhfatalImam,p.86,IlalashSharayi. [2]JawahiralAhkam. [3]ThethirdmonthintheIslamiccalendar. [4]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.35,TareekhAbulFida,vol.2p.48,IlalashSharayi. [5]AnNujoomazZahirah,vol.3p.32,SirrasSilsilahalAlawiyyah,p.39. [6]BahralAnsab,p.2,AkhbaradDuwal,p.117,alIttihafBihubilAshraf,p.86,alKamil,vol.5 p.373. [7]EncyclopediaofalBustani,vol.7p.45. HisNameAndSurname ImamalHadi(a.s.)namedhisblessednewbornchildasalHasanlikethenameofhisgreatuncle, themasteroftheyouthofParadise.HesurnamedhimasAbuMuhammad,[1]andMuhammad wasthenameoftheawaitedImamalMahdi(a.s.),thegreatreformerandsaviorofhumanityand thesoughthopeofthedeprivedandthedisabledintheearth. HisEpithets Hisepithetsexpressedhishighandnoblequalities.Hewascalled: 1.AlKhalis(thepure)[2] 2.AlHadi(theguide)[3] 3.AlAskari(military);[4]hewascalledsobecauseofthecountry(Samarra)helivedinwhichwas amilitarycamp. 4.AzZakiy(pure,chaste,righteous)[5] 5.AlKhass(peculiar),[6]thatAllahhaddistinguishedhimwithvirtuesandwiththerespondingto hissupplications

6.AsSamit(silent),[7]thathewassilentandhespokejustwisdom,knowledge,andthemention ofAllah 7.AsSiraj(lamp),[8]thathewasasalamplightingthewayandguidingthedeviantto righteousness 8.AtTaqiy(pious)[9] [1]AkhbaradDuwal,p.117,BahralAnsab,p.2,TuhfatalAnam,p.86,anNujoomazZahirah,vol.3 p.32. [2]AkhbaradDuwal,p.117,BahralAnsab,p.2. [3]BahralAnsab,p.2. [4]Ibid. [5]TuhfatalAnam,p.87,BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.236. [6]TuhfatalAnam,p.87. [7]Ibid. [8]JawharatalKalam,p.154. [9]SafinatalBihar,vol.1p.259. HisMien AhmadbinUbaydillahbinKhaqansaidaboutImamalAskari(a.s.),Hewasbrownwithbigeyes, finestature,beautifulface,andgoodbody.Hehadgravityandsolemnity.[1]Anditwassaidhe wasbetweenbrownandwhite.[2] HisUpbringing ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)grewupinthehouseofguidanceandthecenterofimamateand generalauthorityofMuslimsthatnoblehousewhichAllahhadkeptuncleannessawayfromits peopleandpurifiedthemthoroughly. AshShabrawisaysaboutthisexaltedhouse,Whatanhonorablehouseitisandwhataglorious lineageitis!Itisthehouseofprideandexaltation.Theyareallequalinthenobleroot,inthe goodinners,andingloryliketheteethofacomb.Howanexaltedhouseitis!Ithascompeted withtheheaveninitshighnessandnobility,andhasgonehigherthanthepolestarsinrankand position.Ithasallqualitiesofperfectionthatitisnotexceptedbyotherthanorexcept.These Imamshavebeenorderedingloryliketheorderofpearls,andharmonizedinhonorthatthefirst ofthemequalsthenext.ManywerethosewhostrovetodegradethishousebutAllahexaltedand stillexaltsit,andmanywerethosewhosparednoefforttoseparatetheunityofthishousebut Allahgatheredandgathersit.HowmanyrightsofthishousewerelostbutAllahdoesnotignore orlose[3]

Educationalstudiessaythathousehasgreatinfluenceontheformingofmansbehaviorsandthe buildingofhis [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.326. [2]Ibid.,p.238,AkhbaradDuwal,p.117. [3]AlIttihafBihubilAshraf,p.68. personality.Thegoodorbadscenesheseesinsidethehousearepressedinsidehimandshall adheretohimthroughouthislife.Inthelightofthisfact,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)gotthe highestscenesofthepuresteducation.HegrewupinahousethatAllahhadpurifiedand exaltedthathousethatraisedtheWordofAllahhighintheearthandoffereddearsacrificesfor thesakeofIslam. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)grewupinthehouseoftheQur'anandtheheartofIslam.Hisfather ImamalHadi(a.s.)fedhimwithguidanceandidealstobethecontinuityofthemissionofIslam. GodFearing ThedistinctaspectinthechildhoodofImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.)wasthe fearofAllah.HewasGodfearingsincehisearlyyears.Historiansmentionedthatonedaysome manpassedbyImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andsawhimcrywhilehewaswithhisfellow children.Themanthoughtthatthischildcriedforthetoysinthechildrenshandsandthathe couldnotparticipateintheirplaying.Themantoldthechildthathewouldbuyhimwhathemight playwith.Thechildsaid, No!Wehavenotbeencreatedforplay. Themanwasastonishedandsaid,Then,whatforwehavebeencreated? Thechildsaid,Forknowledgeandworship. Themanaskedthechild,Wherehaveyougotthisfrom? Thechildsaid,FromthissayingofAllah(What!DidyouthenthinkthatWehadcreatedyouin vain)[1]. [1]Qur'an,23:115. Themanwasastonishedandconfused.Hesaidtothechild,Whathashappenedtoyouwhileyou areguiltlesslittlechild? Thechildsaid,Beawayfromme!Ihaveseenmymothersetfiretobigpiecesoffirewoodbutfire isnotlitexceptwithsmallpieces,andIfearthatIshallbefromthesmallpiecesofthefirewoodof theHell.[1]

ThefaithinAllahwasapartandanelementofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hedidnotfearbut Allahandthisremainedinhimuntilthelastmomentofhislife. WithHisFather ImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)spentapartofhislifewithhisfatherImamalHadi(a.s.).He didnotpartwithhimeveninhistravels.Hesawinhisfatheratruepictureofthemoralsofhis grandfatherthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)whohadbeenpreferredtoallprophets,andsawinhim thespiritsofhisfatherstheinfallibleimams(a.s.).Ontheotherhand,ImamalHadi(a.s.)sawin hissonthenaturalcontinuityofthegreatimamateandgeneralauthorityoftheProphet(a.s)and thereforehecaredmuchforhim.Hepraisedhimsaying, MysonAbuMuhammadisthebestoftheprogenyofMuhammad(blessingbeonhimandonhis progeny)innature,andthemosttrustworthyinauthority.Heistheeldestofmychildren,andhe ismysuccessorandtohimimamateandourverdictsget.[2] Ofcourse,ImamalHadi(a.s.)wasfaraboveflatteringorsubmissiontoemotions.Hedidnot praisehissonandannouncehisvirtueunlesshesawinhimallnobleaspects [1]JawharatalKalam,p.155,theEncyclopediaofalBustani,vol.7p.45. [2]AyanashShia,vol.3p.295. andhighqualities.Anditwasso,becauseImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)hadallvirtues andnobilities. ImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.)kepttohisfatherImamalHadi(a.s.)andsawwhathesufferedfrom theAbbasidkingsespeciallyalMutawakkilwhosparednoeffortinoppressingImamalHadi(a.s.). ThistyrantwasexcessiveinharmingtheImam.HehousearrestedhiminSamarraand surroundedhishousewithpolicemenanddetectivestowatchhim,andtopreventtheulama, jurisprudents,andtherestoftheShiafromassociatingwithhim.AlMutawakkilalsooppressed ImamalHadi(a.s.)inhislivingaffairs,andorderedhismentosearchthehouseoftheimamfrom timetotimeandtakehimtoalMutawakkilinwhateverstatehewas.ItwasalMutawakkil himselfwhohadpreventedofficiallythevisitingtotheholyshrineofImamalHusayn(a.s.),and orderedtheshrinetobedestroyed.AllthoseterribleeventstookplacebeforetheeyesofImam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)whilehewasyetintheearlyyearsofhisyouth.Hisheartwasfilledwith painsandsorrowsduringtheperiodhelivedwithhisfather. TheDeathOfHisBrother MuhammadAbuJafar,thebrotherofImamalAskari(a.s.),wasawonderfulexampleofthe

infallibleimamsandatruepictureoftheirthoughtsandprinciples.Hewastoointelligent,with highmoralsandverywideknowledgeuntilmanyoftheShiathoughtthathewouldbetheimam afterhisfatherImamalHadi(a.s.). AlAarifalKilanisaidaboutAbuJafar,IaccompaniedAbuJafarMuhammadbinAlisincehewas young.Isawnoonepurer,graver,ormorehonorablethanhim.AbulHasanalAskari(Imamal Hadi)lefthiminHijazwhilehewasachildandthenhecametohimayoung.Hekepttohis brotherAbu Muhammad(a.s.)[1]whoeducatedhimandfedhimwithhisknowledge,wisdom,andmorals. AbuJafarbecameseriouslyillthatmightbebecauseofpoisoninsertedforhimbytheAbbasids. HeremainedsomedayssufferingintolerablepainswhilehisbrotherImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.), wholovedhimtoomuch,waswithhimallthetime.However,afternolong,AbuJafarlefttothe betterworld,butImamAbuMuhammadsheartwasbrokenandhewasverysorrowfuland distressedforthelossofhisdearbrother. WithHisBrotherAlHusayn AlHusaynbinAlialHadiwasapuremanofwideknowledgeandhighmorals.Hewasalwayswith hisbrotherImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.)andtheywerecalledasSibtayn[2] liketheirtwograndfathersImamHasanandImamHusayn(a.s.).Theywerefamousofthis surnameatthattime.AbuHashimsaid,Oneday,Irodeonmysumpterandsaid:(Glorybeto HimWhomadethissubservienttousandwewerenotabletodoit).[3]OneofasSibtaynheard mesaythatandsaidtome,Youhavenotbeenorderedofthis,butyouhavebeenorderedto remembertheblessingofyourLordonyouwhenyourideonit(onthesumpter).[4] [1]AlMujdifinNasab(manuscript). [2]Thetwograndsons. [3]Qur'an,43:13. [4]SafeenatalBihar,vol.1p.259. TheLossOfHisFather ImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.)sufferedthegreatlossofhisfatheranditwastheheaviestcalamity hehadeverfacedinhislife. TheAbbasidtyrantalMutamidassassinatedImamalHadi(a.s.)byinsertingpoisonintohis food,[1]whenhesawallpeopletalkhereandthereaboutthevirtuesandvastknowledgeandthe highpositionoftheimam.HewasveryangryandwasfilledwithenvyagainstImamalHadi(a.s.).

Then,hecommittedhisterriblecrimeagainsthim. Afterthepoison,ImamalHadi(a.s.)sufferedterriblepainsandretiredtobed.TheShiaandhigh statesmenvisitedhim.SomepoetsvisitedhimlikeAbuHashimalJafariwhocomposeda sorrowfulpoemonhim.AbuDuamahvisitedhimandwhenhewantedtoleave,theimamsaidto him,OAbuDuamah,youhavearightonme.DoItellyouatraditionthatshalldelightyou? AbuDuamahsaid,IaminutmostneedofthatOsonofthemessengerofAllah. ImamalHadi(a.s.)said,MyfatherMuhammadbinAlitoldmefromhisfatherAlibinMusabin JafarfromhisfatherJafarbinMuhammadfromhisfatherMuhammadbinAlifromhisfatherAli binalHusaynfromhisfatheralHusaynbinAlifromhisfatherAlibinAbuTalibthatthe messengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtohim,Writedown!Alisaid,WhatshallIwritedown?The messengerofAllah(a.s.)said,Writedown:InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful. Faithisthatwhichheartsacknowledgeanddeedsprove,andIslamisthatwhichtongueswitness andmarriagebecomeslawfulwith. [1]AlManaqib,vol.4p.401. AbuDuamahsaid,OsonofthemessengerofAllah,Idonotknowwhichofthemisbetter;the traditionorthenarrators! AlialHadi(a.s.)said,ItisabookwrittendownbythehandofAlibinAbuTalibandthedictation ofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)thatweinheritonefromtheother.[1] Beforehisdeath,ImamalHadi(a.s.)announcedthattheimamafterhimwouldbehissonAbu MuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.).HeappointedhimasthegeneralauthorityfortheShiaand entrustedhimtopreparehiscorpse(afterdeath),offertheprayeronhim,andburyhim.He entrustedhimwithotheraffairstoo. ToTheParadise ThepoisonreactedinsidethebodyofImamalHadi(a.s.)andhegrewweakerandweaker.Death approachedhimhastily,andwhenhefelthisend,heturnedtowardstheqiblahandbegan recitingsomesurasfromtheQur'an.Hispuresoulwenthightotheheavensurroundedbyangels whilehislipsandheartwerebusymentioningAllah.Theearthshookfortheterribledisaster.The leader,theinstructor,andthefatheroftheweakandthedepriveddied!Abondmaidwentoutof theImamshousecryingout,ItwasterriblethatwhichwehavemetonMondaybeforeand now![2]

Thewomenseyeswerefilledwithtearsafterthisalarmingcry,andtheirmemorieswentbackto thatMondaywherethemeetingofasSaqifah[3]washeldandsincethendisastersand misfortuneswerepouredovertheAhlulBayt(a.s). [1]MuroojathThahab,vol.4p.171. [2]MuroojathThahab,vol.4p.171. [3]Itwasthedayoftheprolongedandacerbicnegotiationswhichprecededthenominationof AbuBakrasthesuccessoroftheProphet(a.s)whodiedjustthenandwasnotburiedyetatthe timeofthatmeeting. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)washedthepurecorpseofhisfather,andenshroudedit.Thenhe offeredtheprayeronhisfatherwhilehisheartwasfullofsorrowandpainforthegreatloss. Samarrashookfortheterribleaffliction,andpeopleofallclasseshurriedtoescortthepure corpseoftheirimam.Stores,markets,andstateofficeswereclosed.Viziers,ulama,judges,high officials,andtherestmembersoftheAbbasidfamilywerebeforethebierwhilementioningthe virtuesandhighqualitiesoftheimamandtalkingaboutthegreatlossthatafflictedtheMuslim nation.HistorianssaidthatSamarrahadneverseensuchescortingthroughoutitshistory. Underahalooftakbirandbeforemassesofhumanbeingswhowerelikeseawaves,ImamalHadi (a.s.)wasputbyhissonImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari,whosetearswereflowingover hischeeks,intohislastabode. WhenImamalHadi(a.s.)died,ImamalAskari(a.s.)wastwenty[1]ortwentythreeyearsold.[2] HeassumedtheimamateandthegeneralreligiousauthorityoverMuslimswhilehewastoo youngyet. Allelementsofpietyandrighteousness,allvirtuesofthisworld,mannersofprophethood,and qualitiesofimamateweregatheredinImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.)whom therewasnoanyonebetterthanathistime.Herewetalkinbriefabouthisworship: [1]BahralAnsab,p.2. [2]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.236. HisWorship ImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)wasthebestworshipperamongallpeopleofhistime.He spentthenightwithpraying,prostrating,andrecitingtheBook.MuhammadashShakirisaid,The imamsatinthemihrabandprostrated.Isleptandawokewhilehewasstillinprostration.[1]

HisPrayer Inhisprayer,heturnedwithallhisheartandfeelingstowardsAllahtheCreatoroftheuniverse andtheGiveroflife.Hefeltorpaidattentiontonothingoftheaffairsofthislifewhilehewasin prayer.HissoulclungtoAllahdevotedlyandtotally. HisQunut Inhisprayer,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)recitedthisdua,OYou,Whoselightcoversdarkness, OYou,byWhoseholinessruggedmountainpassesarelit,OYou,toWhomalltheinhabitantsof theearthandtheheavenssubmit,OYou,toWhomeveryinsolenttyrantsurrenderwith obedience,OYoutheAwareofhiddenconsciences,YouareMercifultoeverythingandAwareof everything,forgivethosewhorepentandfollowYourpath,protectthemfromthetormentof Fire,givethemsoonYourvictorythatYouhavepromisedthemofandYoudonotfailthe promise!Devastatethepeopleofevilandtakethemtotheworstabodeintheworstpunishment andtheugliestretreat. OAllah,Youknowthesecretsofcreatures,andareawareoftheirconsciences.Youareinneedof nothingexceptthatYoucarryoutwhatYouhavepromisedof.Youdonotuncoverthe [1]DalailalImama,p.227. [2]Qunutisasupplicationrecitedintheprayer. hiddensecretsofYourpeople.OmyLord,YouknowwhatIconcealandwhatIshowofmy behaviors,movements,andallmyemotions.OmyLord,Youseethesufferingsofthepeopleof YourobedienceandwhattheymeetfromYourenemies,andYouaregenerousandnotstingyin Yourblessings,andthemoreeffortsrequiremorereward.YouhaveorderedYourpeopleof supplicationiftheyturntoYousincerelyandthisrequiresthemoreofYourfavors. TheseforelocksandnecksaresubmissivetoYousubservientlyacknowledgingYourdeity,invoking onYouwiththeirhearts,andlookingforwardtoYourpromptrewarding,andwhatYouwilled tookplaceandwhatYouwillshalltakeplace.Youarethecalledupon,thehopedfor,andthe askedthatnotakerwhatevergreatheisshalldecreaseYou(rfavors),andnoaskerwhateverhe insistsandinvokesshallwearyYou.Yourkingdomshallnotcometoanend,andYoureternal gloryshallremainforever,andnothingintheagesisoutofYourwillabit.YouareAllah,thereis nogodbutYoutheMerciful,theMighty.OAllah,assistusbyYourassistance,sufficeuswithYour protection,andgiveuswhatYougivethosewhoholdfastbyYourrope,whoshadethemselves underYourshade[1]

HisDuaInTheMorning OYou,thegreaterthaneverygreat,Whohavenopartnerandnovizier,OYou,theCreatorof thesunandthelightingmoon,thesheltertotheresortingfearful,theLiberatoroftiedcaptives, thenourisherofyoungbabies,thesetterofbrokenbones,theMercifultotheold,thelightof light,theManagerofaffairs,theResurrectorofthoseingraves,theHealerofchests,theMakerof shadowandhot,theAwareofallinchests,theRevealeroftheBook,light,thegreatQur'an,and [1]MuhajadDaawat,p.6263. theBookofPsalms,OYou,Whomangelsglorifyinthemorningandnight,OYou,thePermanent andEternal,theBringerforthofplantsintheearlymorningandafternoon,theEnlivenerofthe dead,theResurrectorofdecayedbones,theHearerofsounds,theEverlasting,theDresserof bonesthatdecayafterdeath!OYou,Whomnothingdistractsfromanyotherthing,Whodonot changefromastatetoanother,Whodonotneedtomoveoradvance,Whomnoaffairprevents fromanyotheraffair,Whocancelforcharityandsupplicationwhathasbeendeterminedand affirmedintheHeavenofbadjudgment,Whomnoplacecanincludeorencompass,Whoput remedyinwhatYoulikeofthings,Whokeepalivefromseriousdiseasewiththeleastof nourishment,Whoremovebytheleastofremedytheworstofdiseases,OYou,Whoifpromise, carryout,ifthreaten,pardon,OYou,Whopossesstheneedsofrequesters,Whoknowwhatis thereinsidetheconsciencesofthesilent,OYou,theMostMagnificent,theGenerousin pardoning,OYou,Whohaveafacethatdoesneverbecomeold,Whohaveinfinitesovereignty, Whohaveinextinguishablelight,Whosethroneisovereverything,Whoseauthorityisoverthe landandthesea,WhosewrathisintheHell,WhosemercyisintheParadise,Whosepromisesare true,Whosefavorsareuncountable,Whosemercyiswide,OYou,theHelperofthecallersfor help,theRespondertothecallofthecompelled,OYou,WhoareinthehighviewandYour creationisinthelowview,OYou,theLordofthemortalsouls,theLordofthewornbodies,the mostperceptiveofseers,themosthearingofhearers,thepromptestofaccounters,thewisestof judges,theMostMercifulofthemerciful,theGiverofgifts,theReleaserofcaptives,theLordof glory,theOneofpietyandforgiveness,OYou,Whoselimitcannotbeperceived,Whosenumber cannotbecounted,Whoseaiddoesnotcease,Ibearwitness,andthewitnesstomeishonorand supply,andfrommeobedienceandsubmission,andbywhichIhopedeliveranceonthedayof sighandregret, thatYouareAllah;thereisnogodbutYoualonewithnopartner,andthatMuhammadisYour slaveandmessenger,Yourblessingbeonhimandonhisprogeny,andthathehasinformedand carriedoutonbehalfofYouwhatwashisdutytoYou,andthatYoualwayscreate,providewith livelihood,give,deny,exalt,humble,enrich,impoverish,disappoint,help,pardon,showmercy, forgive,overlookwhatYouknow,donotwrong,straiten,enlarge,omit,fix,initiate,reproduce, enlivenandmakedie;havemercyonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadandguideme

fromYou,givemefromYourfavor,spreadonmefromYourmercy,andsenddowntomefrom Yourblessings,forYouoftenhaveaccustomedmetogoodandfavor,givenmetoomuch,and uncoveredmyuglydeeds. OAllah,haveblessingsonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadandhastenmy deliverance,forgivemyslips,pitymyloneliness,takemetothebestofYourworships,giftme withhealthinessfrommyillness,plentyofmysupplies,inclusivesoundnessinmybody,insightin myreligion,andhelpmetoaskyouforforgivenessbeforedeathcomesandhopingstops,and helpmebeardeathanditsdistress,graveanditsloneliness,thescalesandtheirlightness,the sirat[1]anditsslip,theDayofResurrectionanditsterror.IaskYoufortheacceptanceofdeeds beforedeath,andaskYouforstrengthinmyhearingandsightforthedoingofthebestofthat Youhavetaughtandmademeunderstand.YouaretheloftyLord,andIamthehumbleslave,and howgreatdifferencethereisbetweenus!OYou,Compassionate,Benefactor,ofGloryandHonor, haveblessingsonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadthegood,thepure![2] [1]SiratmeanswayorpathbutintheIslamicterminology,itmeansthebridgethat dominatestheHell. [2]MuhajadDaawat,p.277278. HisIdeals Hewasidealinfaith,morals,andpsychology.Heinheritedalltheperfectionsofhisfatherswho hadbeencreatedforvirtueandhonor.Wereferheretosomeofhisperfections: HisKnowledge HistoriansunanimouslymentionedthatImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)wasthemost knowledgeableandthebestofthepeopleofhisage,notonlyinthereligiousaffairsandlawsbut inallfieldsofknowledge.BakhtshoutheChristianphysiciansaidtohisdiscipleBatriqaboutthe imam,andheisthemostknowledgeableofallthoseundertheskyinourday.[1] IftheAbbasidtyrantshadgivenwaytotheimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)andnotsubjectedthem tostrictchaseandconfinement,theywouldhavefilledtheworldwiththeirknowledgeand sciences,andhumanitywouldhavegotkindsofknowledgeandintellectualdevelopmentthatit hadnevergotthroughoutallagesandtimes. TheAbbasidsperceivedthatiftheydidnotpreventthepeopleofknowledgeandintellectfrom associatingwiththeinfallibleimams,they(theimams)wouldspreadpowersofknowledgeand cultureandopennewhorizonsnotonlyinthefieldsofsciencesbutalsointhepoliticalandsocial fieldswhichwouldshowtopeopletheignoranceoftheAbbasidsandtheirbeingawayfromthe

Islamicvalues.Ofcourse,thiswouldshaketheirthrones,andthereforetheytriedtheirbestto separatebetweenthenationanditsrealleaders. [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.261. HisPatience ImamalAskari(a.s.)wasfromthemostpatientpeople.Healwayssuppressedhisangerand treatedwhoeverdidhimwrongwithkindnessandforgiveness. TheAbbasidgovernmentarrestedandputhimintoprisonwhilehewaspatientsayingnothing.He didnotcomplaintoanyoneaboutwhathesuffered,butheentrustedhiscasetoAllahthe Almighty.Thiswasfromthesignsofhispatience. HisStrongWill ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasdistinguishedbyhisstrongwill.TheAbbasidrulerstriedto involvehimintothegovernmentbodyandsparednoefforttosubjecthimtotheirdesires,but theyfailed.Theimam(a.s.)insistedonhisindependencyandkeepingawayfromthem.The Abbasidsconsideredhimastheonlyrepresentativeoftheoppositionagainsttheirpoliciesthat werebasedonsubjugationandoppression. HeresistedalltheseductionsthattheAbbasidgovernmentofferedtobringhimintoitsway.He preferredtheobedienceofAllahandthesatisfactionofhisconsciencetoeverythingelse. HisGenerosity Noonewasmoregenerousthanhimamongallpeopleofhistime.Heappointedagentsinmost oftheMuslimcountries,andentrustedthemtoreceivethelegalduesandspendthemonthe poorandthedeprived,toreconcilebetweenpeople,andinotherwaysofthegeneralwelfare. FromthatwhichhistoriansmentionedabouthisgenerositywasthatMuhammadbinAlibin IbrahimbinImamMusabinJafaralKadhimsaid,Wewereinutmostneed.Myfather said,Letusgotothisman(ImamAbuMuhammad).Itissaidheisgenerous. Isaid,Doyouknowhim? Hesaid,No,andIhaveneverseenhimatall.

Wewenttohim.Onourway,myfathersaid,Howmuchweneedthathemayordertogiveus fivehundreddirhams;twohundredforclothes,twohundredforflour,andonehundredfor spending! Isaidwithmyself,Wouldthatheordertogivemethreehundreddirhams;onehundredtobuya donkey,onehundredforspending,andonehundredforclothessothatIcangotothemountain! Whenwestoppedathis(ImamAbuMuhammads)door,hisservantcameoutandsaid,LetAli binIbrahimandhissonMuhammadcomein! Whenwecameinandgreetedhim,hesaidtomyfather,OAli,whatmadeyounotvisitusallthis time? Myfathersaid,Ifeltshytomeetyouinthiscase. They(Aliandhisson)stayedwiththeimamforsometimeandthencameout.Theservantofthe imamcame,gaveAlibinIbrahimapouchofmoneyandsaid,Thesearefivehundreddirhams; twohundredforclothes,twohundredforflour,andonehundredforspending.Hegave Muhammadapouchofthreehundreddirhamsandsaidtohim,Makeonehundredforbuyinga donkey,onehundredforclothes,andonehundredforspending,anddonotgotothemountain butgotoSawra!MuhammadwenttoSawraandbecameoneofthewealthyAlawids.[1] [1]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.200. AbuHashimalJafarisaid,Once,IcomplainedtoAbuMuhammadthedistressofimprisonment andthepainsofties.Hewrotetome,YoushalloffertheDhuhr(noon)Prayerinyourhouse today.Iwassetfree(fromprison)atnoonandIofferedtheprayerinmyhouseastheimamsaid. IwasinneedandIwantedtoaskhimforhelp(butIdidnot)intheletterIhadsenttohim.WhenI arrivedinmyhouse,hesentonehundreddinarstomeandwrotetome,Ifyouneedsomething, donotfeelshyorrefrainfromasking.Askandyoushallgetwhatyoulikeinshallah.[1] Historiansmentionmanystoriesonhisgenerosityshowinghisloveandkindnesstothepoorand thedeprived. HighMorals ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasnonesuchinhisveryhighmorals.Hemetfriendsandenemies withhisnoblecharacter.HeinheritedthisnaturefromhisgreatgrandfathertheProphet(a.s) whosehighmoralsincludedallpeople.

Hishighmoralsaffectedhisenemiesandopponents,andtheyturnedtobehisloyallovers. HistorianssaythathewasimprisonedduringthereignofalMutawakkilwhowasthebitterest enemytotheAhlulBayt(a.s)andtheprogenyofImamAli(a.s.).Thecaliphorderedtheimamto bepunishedtooseverely,butwhenhecommunicatedwiththeimamandsawhishighmorality andpiety,heturnedupsidedown.Afterthat,hedidnotraisehiseyesbeforetheimamasakind ofrespectandglorifying.Whentheimamlefthim,hepraisedtheimamwiththebestwords.[2] [1]KashfalGhummah,vol.3,202. [2]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.204. Impressionsabouthim Thescholarsandmenofintellect,whowerecontemporarywithImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.), glorifiedhim,andacknowledgedhisvirtueandpreferencetoallothersforhistalents,geniuses, vastknowledge,andpiety.Herewequotesomewordssaidbysomeofthosemenabouthim: 1.ImamAlHadi ImamalHadi(a.s.)praisedthehighpositionofhissonAbuMuhammad(a.s.)bysaying,Myson AbuMuhammadisthebestoftheprogenyofMuhammadinnature,andthemosttrustworthyin authority.Heistheeldestofmychildren,andheismysuccessorandtohimimamateandour verdictsget[1] 2.AbuHashimalJafari AbuHashimassociatedcloselywithImamalHadi(a.s.)andImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.).He lovedthemtoomuchandcomposedmanypoemsonpraisingthem.Hesaidinoneofhispoems: He(Allah)gavehimallsignsofimamate, likeMoses,andthecleavingofthesea,thehand,andthestaff.[2] [1]AyanashShia. [2]AlamalWara,p.372. 3.Bakhtshuthephysician

HewasthemostfamousphysicianattheageofImamalAskari(a.s.)andhewasthespecial physicianoftheroyalfamily.Oneday,theimamneededaphysiciantophlebotomizehim,andso heaskedBakhtshutosendhimoneofhisdisciples.BakhtshusentforhisdiscipleBatriqand orderedhimtogototreattheimam.Hesaidtohim,ThesonofarRedhaaskedmetosendhim someonetophlebotomizehim.Yougotohim.Heismoreknowledgeablethaneveryoneunder thesky.Bewarenottoobjecttohiminallwhatheordersyouof[1] 4.AhmadbinUbaydillahBinKhaqan HewasoneofthefamousstatesmenandpoliticiansatthetimeofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.). Hesaidabouttheimam, IhaveneitherseennorknowninSurraManRaaamanfromtheAlawidslikealHasanbinAlibin MuhammadbinarRedha,norhaveIheardoflikehisguidance,faith,chastity,nobility,and generositynearhisfamilyandneartherulersamongalltheHashimiteswhopreferredhimto theirimportantandoldmen,andalsoneartheleaders,viziers,clerks,andallclassesof people[2] 5.UbaydbinKhaqan Hewasoneoftheimportantpoliticiansatthattime.HesaidaboutImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.), IfthecaliphateisremovedfromtheAbbasids,noonefromtheHashimiteswilldeserveitexcept thisman(hemeantalHasanbinAlialAskari).Hedeservesitbyhisvirtue,chastity, [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.261. [2]Ibid.,p.325. guidance,gravity,asceticism,worshiping,goodmorals,andrighteousness[1] Ubayddidnotbelieveinimamate.Infact,hewascontrarytothat,butthebrightrealityofImam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)madehimdeclarethattheimamwastheworthiestofthecaliphateforthe highqualitieshehad. 6.SheikhalMufid SheikhalMufidsaid,TheimamafterAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(alHadi)washissonAbu MuhammadalHasanbinAliforhehadallhighqualitiesandvirtuesandhewaspreferredtoall peopleofhisage.Hedeservedimamateandleadershipforhisincomparableknowledge,

asceticism,perfectmind,infallibility,courage,generosity,andthemanygooddeedsthattookhim closetoAllah[2] 7.IbnasSabbagh AlibinMuhammadalMalikiknownasibnasSabbaghsaid,ThequalitiesofoursireAbu MuhammadalHasanalAskarishowthatheisamasterandasonofamasterthatnooneever doubtsorsuspecthisimamate.Knowthatifagoodqualitywassold,thesellerwasotherthanhim andhewasthebuyerHewastheuniqueofhistimewithnoequal,andhewassolewithnolike. Hewasthemasterofthepeopleofhistimeandtheimamofthepeopleofhisage.Hissayings weretrueandhisdeedswerepraiseworthy.Ifthegoodpeopleofhistimewereasapoem,he wouldbethemainverseofthatpoem,andiftheywereorganizedasanecklace,hewasthe unique,middlepearl.Hewastheknightofknowledgethatwasnotpossibletokeeppacewith him,andhewastheexplainerofmysteriesthatitwasnotpossibletoarguewithhim.Hewasthe uncovereroffactsbyhistruethinking,and [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.50,p.327. [2]AlIrshad. thediscloserofminutesbyhissharpreason.Hewastheinformedinsecrecyoftheunseen.He wasthehighborn,ofhighsoulandhighessence[1] 8.BinShaharshubasSarawi AbuJafarRasheedudeenMuhammadbinAlibinShahrashubasSarawisaidabouttheimam,He wasalHasanbinAlitheguide,thesubjugatorofdifficultiesHewaspure,freefromanyfault, trusteewiththeunseen.Hewastheessenceofgravitywithnoblemish,humblewithliberalhand, modest,truetohiswordoflittlefood,ofmuchsmiling,patient,thefatherofthe(awaited) successor[2] 9.IbnShadqam IbnShadqam,thegenealogist,said,AlHasanalAskariwasaguidingimam,exaltedmaster,anda pureguardian.[3] 10.IbnalJawzi IbnalJawzisaid,ThehighestfeatureandcharacteristicthatAllahhaddistinguishedhim(Imam alAskari)with,andmadeuniquetohim,andaseternalaspectthattimewouldnotwearoutand tongueswouldnotforgetrecitingandrepeatingwasthatMuhammadalMahdi(peacebeonhim)

washisoffspringthatwascreatedfromhim,andhissonthatwasascribedtohim[4] 11.RuknuddeenalHusayni RuknuddeenalHusaynialMusilisaid,ImamAbuMuhammadalAskarihisvirtues,qualities,and charismatawereuncountablethehighestqualitythatAllahhad [1]AlFusoolalMuhimmah,p.272. [2]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.4p.421. [3]ZahratalMaqul,p.63. [4]TathkiratalKhawas. distinguishedhimwithwasthatalMahdi(peacebeuponhim)washisson[1] 12.AlYafiiy AlYafiiysaid,SharifalAskariAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAlibinMuhammadbinAlibinMusa binJafarasSadiqwasoneofthetwelveimamsastheShiabelievedandhewasthefatherofthe awaitedimam(peacebeonhim)[2] 13.YousufanNabahani YousufbinIsmaeelanNabahanisaid,AlHasanalAskariwasoneoftheimamsofourmasters thegreatAhlulBayt(a.s)andoneoftheirnoblechiefs(mayAllahbepleasedwiththem).Ash ShabrawimentionedhiminhisbookalIttihafBihubilAshrafbutheabbreviatedhisbiography andmentionednocharismatohim.However,Imyselfsawacharismatohim.Intheyear1296AH ItraveledtoBaghdadfromKooySanjaq,oneoftheKurdvillages,whereIwasajudgetherebutI leftitbeforeIcompletedthespecifiedperiodbecauseofthehighcostsandrainlessnesswhich prevailedinIraqinthatyear.Itraveledbyakalakwhichwasameansofwatertransportation. WhenthekalakreachedSamarra,whichwasthecapitaloftheAbbasidcaliphs,welikedtovisit (theshrineof)ImamalHasanalAskari.WhenIcametohisholytomb,somethingspiritual happenedtomethatnothinglikeithadeverhappenedtomeitwasacharismatohim.ThenI recited,aspossibleasIcould,versesfromtheQur'an,supplicatedAllahwithsomeduas,and left.[3] [1]BahralAnsab,p.17. [2]MiratalJanan,vol.2p.172. [3]JamiKaramatalAwliya,vol.1p.389. 14.AlArbali

AllamaAlibinEesaalArbalisaidabouttheimam,Hewastheknightofknowledgethatwasnot possibletokeeppacewithhim,andhewastheexplainerofmysteriesthatitwasnotpossibleto arguewithhim.Hewastheuncovereroffactsbyhistrueviewing,thediscloserofminutesbyhis piercinginsight,theknowerbythewillofAllahofthesecretsofcreatures,theinformerbythe willofAllahabouttheunseen,thetoldbyAllahaboutwhathadhappenedandwhatwould happen,theinspiredwiththeunseenmatters,thenobleinoriginandsoulandessence,theman ofproofs,signs,andmiraclestheinterpreterofverses,theconfirmeroftraditions,theheirofthe goodmasters,thesonoftheimams,andthefatheroftheawaitedone.Solookatthebranchand theoriginandthinkagainandbesurethattheyweremorebrilliantthanthesun,andbrighter thanthemoon.Ifbranchesaregood,surelythefruitwillbegood.Their(theimams)featuresand traditionsaretheeyesofhistory,andtheheadlinesofconducts. ByAllah,IswearthatwhoeverdeemsMuhammadasgrandfather,Aliasfather,Fatimaasmother, theimamsasfathers,andalMahdiassonisworthierofreachingtheheavenwithhishighness andhonorHowcanIcounthisvirtuesandnewswhereasmytongueisshortandmyeloquenceis tired?Somytongueandeloquencecomebacktiredfromhishighrank,anddwindlebecauseof failureandinability[1] [1]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.223224. 15.AlBustani AlBustanisaid,AlHasanalKhalisbinAlialHaditheymentionedabouthimmanycharacteristics thatwerewellknowninthepeopleofthishouseoftheTalibites[1]perceivingandwisdom appearedinhimsincehisearlychildhood[2] 16.KhayruddeenazZarkali Hesaid,AlHasanbinAlialHadibinMuhammadalJawadalHashimi:AbuMuhammadthe eleventhimamtotheTwelverShiahewaspaidhomageastheimamafterthedeathofhis father.Hewaslikehisgoodancestorsinpiety,asceticism,worshipping[3] 17.AlAbbasbinNooruddeen AlAbbasbinNooruddeenalMekkisaid,ImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskarihislineageis morefamousthanthemooninthefourteenthnight.HeandhisfatherareknownasalAskari.As forhisvirtues,tonguescannotcount[4] [1]DerivedfromAbuTalibthefatherofImamAli.

[2]EncyclopediaofalBustani,vol.7p.45. [3]AlAlam,vol.2p.215. [4]NuzhatalJalees,vol.2p.184. Impressionsabouthim Thescholarsandmenofintellect,whowerecontemporarywithImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.), glorifiedhim,andacknowledgedhisvirtueandpreferencetoallothersforhistalents,geniuses, vastknowledge,andpiety.Herewequotesomewordssaidbysomeofthosemenabouthim: 1.ImamAlHadi ImamalHadi(a.s.)praisedthehighpositionofhissonAbuMuhammad(a.s.)bysaying,Myson AbuMuhammadisthebestoftheprogenyofMuhammadinnature,andthemosttrustworthyin authority.Heistheeldestofmychildren,andheismysuccessorandtohimimamateandour verdictsget[1] 2.AbuHashimalJafari AbuHashimassociatedcloselywithImamalHadi(a.s.)andImamalHasanalAskari(a.s.).He lovedthemtoomuchandcomposedmanypoemsonpraisingthem.Hesaidinoneofhispoems: He(Allah)gavehimallsignsofimamate, likeMoses,andthecleavingofthesea,thehand,andthestaff.[2] [1]AyanashShia. [2]AlamalWara,p.372. 3.Bakhtshuthephysician HewasthemostfamousphysicianattheageofImamalAskari(a.s.)andhewasthespecial physicianoftheroyalfamily.Oneday,theimamneededaphysiciantophlebotomizehim,andso heaskedBakhtshutosendhimoneofhisdisciples.BakhtshusentforhisdiscipleBatriqand orderedhimtogototreattheimam.Hesaidtohim,ThesonofarRedhaaskedmetosendhim someonetophlebotomizehim.Yougotohim.Heismoreknowledgeablethaneveryoneunder

thesky.Bewarenottoobjecttohiminallwhatheordersyouof[1] 4.AhmadbinUbaydillahBinKhaqan HewasoneofthefamousstatesmenandpoliticiansatthetimeofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.). Hesaidabouttheimam, IhaveneitherseennorknowninSurraManRaaamanfromtheAlawidslikealHasanbinAlibin MuhammadbinarRedha,norhaveIheardoflikehisguidance,faith,chastity,nobility,and generositynearhisfamilyandneartherulersamongalltheHashimiteswhopreferredhimto theirimportantandoldmen,andalsoneartheleaders,viziers,clerks,andallclassesof people[2] 5.UbaydbinKhaqan Hewasoneoftheimportantpoliticiansatthattime.HesaidaboutImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.), IfthecaliphateisremovedfromtheAbbasids,noonefromtheHashimiteswilldeserveitexcept thisman(hemeantalHasanbinAlialAskari).Hedeservesitbyhisvirtue,chastity, [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.50p.261. [2]Ibid.,p.325. guidance,gravity,asceticism,worshiping,goodmorals,andrighteousness[1] Ubayddidnotbelieveinimamate.Infact,hewascontrarytothat,butthebrightrealityofImam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)madehimdeclarethattheimamwastheworthiestofthecaliphateforthe highqualitieshehad. 6.SheikhalMufid SheikhalMufidsaid,TheimamafterAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(alHadi)washissonAbu MuhammadalHasanbinAliforhehadallhighqualitiesandvirtuesandhewaspreferredtoall peopleofhisage.Hedeservedimamateandleadershipforhisincomparableknowledge, asceticism,perfectmind,infallibility,courage,generosity,andthemanygooddeedsthattookhim closetoAllah[2] 7.IbnasSabbagh AlibinMuhammadalMalikiknownasibnasSabbaghsaid,ThequalitiesofoursireAbu

MuhammadalHasanalAskarishowthatheisamasterandasonofamasterthatnooneever doubtsorsuspecthisimamate.Knowthatifagoodqualitywassold,thesellerwasotherthanhim andhewasthebuyerHewastheuniqueofhistimewithnoequal,andhewassolewithnolike. Hewasthemasterofthepeopleofhistimeandtheimamofthepeopleofhisage.Hissayings weretrueandhisdeedswerepraiseworthy.Ifthegoodpeopleofhistimewereasapoem,he wouldbethemainverseofthatpoem,andiftheywereorganizedasanecklace,hewasthe unique,middlepearl.Hewastheknightofknowledgethatwasnotpossibletokeeppacewith him,andhewastheexplainerofmysteriesthatitwasnotpossibletoarguewithhim.Hewasthe uncovereroffactsbyhistruethinking,and [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.50,p.327. [2]AlIrshad. thediscloserofminutesbyhissharpreason.Hewastheinformedinsecrecyoftheunseen.He wasthehighborn,ofhighsoulandhighessence[1] 8.BinShaharshubasSarawi AbuJafarRasheedudeenMuhammadbinAlibinShahrashubasSarawisaidabouttheimam,He wasalHasanbinAlitheguide,thesubjugatorofdifficultiesHewaspure,freefromanyfault, trusteewiththeunseen.Hewastheessenceofgravitywithnoblemish,humblewithliberalhand, modest,truetohiswordoflittlefood,ofmuchsmiling,patient,thefatherofthe(awaited) successor[2] 9.IbnShadqam IbnShadqam,thegenealogist,said,AlHasanalAskariwasaguidingimam,exaltedmaster,anda pureguardian.[3] 10.IbnalJawzi IbnalJawzisaid,ThehighestfeatureandcharacteristicthatAllahhaddistinguishedhim(Imam alAskari)with,andmadeuniquetohim,andaseternalaspectthattimewouldnotwearoutand tongueswouldnotforgetrecitingandrepeatingwasthatMuhammadalMahdi(peacebeonhim) washisoffspringthatwascreatedfromhim,andhissonthatwasascribedtohim[4] 11.RuknuddeenalHusayni RuknuddeenalHusaynialMusilisaid,ImamAbuMuhammadalAskarihisvirtues,qualities,and charismatawereuncountablethehighestqualitythatAllahhad

[1]AlFusoolalMuhimmah,p.272. [2]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.4p.421. [3]ZahratalMaqul,p.63. [4]TathkiratalKhawas. distinguishedhimwithwasthatalMahdi(peacebeuponhim)washisson[1] 12.AlYafiiy AlYafiiysaid,SharifalAskariAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAlibinMuhammadbinAlibinMusa binJafarasSadiqwasoneofthetwelveimamsastheShiabelievedandhewasthefatherofthe awaitedimam(peacebeonhim)[2] 13.YousufanNabahani YousufbinIsmaeelanNabahanisaid,AlHasanalAskariwasoneoftheimamsofourmasters thegreatAhlulBayt(a.s)andoneoftheirnoblechiefs(mayAllahbepleasedwiththem).Ash ShabrawimentionedhiminhisbookalIttihafBihubilAshrafbutheabbreviatedhisbiography andmentionednocharismatohim.However,Imyselfsawacharismatohim.Intheyear1296AH ItraveledtoBaghdadfromKooySanjaq,oneoftheKurdvillages,whereIwasajudgetherebutI leftitbeforeIcompletedthespecifiedperiodbecauseofthehighcostsandrainlessnesswhich prevailedinIraqinthatyear.Itraveledbyakalakwhichwasameansofwatertransportation. WhenthekalakreachedSamarra,whichwasthecapitaloftheAbbasidcaliphs,welikedtovisit (theshrineof)ImamalHasanalAskari.WhenIcametohisholytomb,somethingspiritual happenedtomethatnothinglikeithadeverhappenedtomeitwasacharismatohim.ThenI recited,aspossibleasIcould,versesfromtheQur'an,supplicatedAllahwithsomeduas,and left.[3] [1]BahralAnsab,p.17. [2]MiratalJanan,vol.2p.172. [3]JamiKaramatalAwliya,vol.1p.389. 14.AlArbali AllamaAlibinEesaalArbalisaidabouttheimam,Hewastheknightofknowledgethatwasnot possibletokeeppacewithhim,andhewastheexplainerofmysteriesthatitwasnotpossibleto arguewithhim.Hewastheuncovereroffactsbyhistrueviewing,thediscloserofminutesbyhis piercinginsight,theknowerbythewillofAllahofthesecretsofcreatures,theinformerbythe willofAllahabouttheunseen,thetoldbyAllahaboutwhathadhappenedandwhatwould

happen,theinspiredwiththeunseenmatters,thenobleinoriginandsoulandessence,theman ofproofs,signs,andmiraclestheinterpreterofverses,theconfirmeroftraditions,theheirofthe goodmasters,thesonoftheimams,andthefatheroftheawaitedone.Solookatthebranchand theoriginandthinkagainandbesurethattheyweremorebrilliantthanthesun,andbrighter thanthemoon.Ifbranchesaregood,surelythefruitwillbegood.Their(theimams)featuresand traditionsaretheeyesofhistory,andtheheadlinesofconducts. ByAllah,IswearthatwhoeverdeemsMuhammadasgrandfather,Aliasfather,Fatimaasmother, theimamsasfathers,andalMahdiassonisworthierofreachingtheheavenwithhishighness andhonorHowcanIcounthisvirtuesandnewswhereasmytongueisshortandmyeloquenceis tired?Somytongueandeloquencecomebacktiredfromhishighrank,anddwindlebecauseof failureandinability[1] [1]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.223224. 15.AlBustani AlBustanisaid,AlHasanalKhalisbinAlialHaditheymentionedabouthimmanycharacteristics thatwerewellknowninthepeopleofthishouseoftheTalibites[1]perceivingandwisdom appearedinhimsincehisearlychildhood[2] 16.KhayruddeenazZarkali Hesaid,AlHasanbinAlialHadibinMuhammadalJawadalHashimi:AbuMuhammadthe eleventhimamtotheTwelverShiahewaspaidhomageastheimamafterthedeathofhis father.Hewaslikehisgoodancestorsinpiety,asceticism,worshipping[3] 17.AlAbbasbinNooruddeen AlAbbasbinNooruddeenalMekkisaid,ImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskarihislineageis morefamousthanthemooninthefourteenthnight.HeandhisfatherareknownasalAskari.As forhisvirtues,tonguescannotcount[4] [1]DerivedfromAbuTalibthefatherofImamAli. [2]EncyclopediaofalBustani,vol.7p.45. [3]AlAlam,vol.2p.215. [4]NuzhatalJalees,vol.2p.184.

Hisletters Somelettersoftheimamdiscloseanimportantsideofthereligiouslifewhichwasconfusedat thatage.Thefollowingaresomeofhisletterstohisadherents: 1.ToIsaaqanNaysaburi ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentalettertoIsaaqbinIsmailanNaysaburisayinginit, MayAllahprotectusbyHisprotection,andtakecareofyouinallyouraffairsbyHisfavor.I understoodyourletter,mayAllahhavemercyonyou.We,praisebetoAllahandbyHisblessing, arepeopleofahousewhopityourfollowersandfeeldelightedforthesuccessionofthefavorsof Allahonthem,andfeelhappyforeveryblessingthatAllahtheAlmightyendowsthemwith.O Isaaq,mayAllahendowyouwithallblessingsandendowswhoeverislikeyouwhomAllahhas hadmercyonandgiveninsightlikeyoursandmayHedeterminetheParadiseforyou AndIsay:praisebetoAllahasthebestpraiseHehaseverbeenpraisedwithandforeverforHis mercyonyou,Hissavingyoufromperishment,andsmoothingyourwayontheobstacle.ByAllah, itisinsurmountable,impassable,difficultobstaclewithgreatdistressesthathadbeenmentioned inthefirstBooks.Atthetimeofthedeceased(ImamalHadi),peacebeonhim,andatmytime youhaddonesomethingsthatneitherIwassatisfiedwithyounorwereyourightinthem. OIsaaq,knowwellthatwhoevercomesoutofthisworldblindwillbeblindintheafterworldand moreastray.OIsaaq,itisnottheeyesthatbecomeblindbuttheheartsthatareinthechests. Allahsaysabouttheunjust,(Heshallsay:MyLord!whyhastThouraisedmeblindandIwasa seeingoneindeed?Hewillsay:Evenso,Ourrevelationscametoyoubutyouneglectedthem;and thusyoushallbeforsakenthisday).[1]IsthereasigngreaterthantheexcuseofAllahonHis creation,HistrusteeinHisearth,andHiswitnessonHispeopleafterthosewhohadleftfromhis firstfatherstheprophetsandhislastfatherstheguardians(peaceandblessingsofAllahbeon themall).Sowheredoyougoastrayandwheredoyougolikebeasts?Youdeviatefromthetruth andbelieveinfalsehoodanddisbelieveintheblessingsofAllah.Areyoufromthosewhobelieve inapartoftheBookanddisbelieveintheother?Sowhatistherewardofhimwhodoesthat fromyouandfromotherthanyou?Itisbutmeannessinthislifeandeternaltormentinthe afterlife.ByAllah,itisthegreatdisgrace!WhenAllahimposedonyou,byHisfavorandmercy,the obligations,HedidnotimposethemonyoubecauseHewasinneedofyou,butoutofHismercy onYouthereisnogodbutHimtodistinguishthegoodfromthebad,andtotrywhattherewasin yourchests,andtestwhattherewasinyourheartssothatyouwouldcompeteforthemercyof

AllahandthatyourpositionsinHisparadisewouldbeonebetterthananother.Heimposedon youhajj,umrah(minorhajj),prayer,zakat,fasting,andthefollowingoftheAhlulBayt(a.s).He madetoyouadoorbywhichyouopenthedoorsoftheotherobligationsandasakeytoHisway. ExceptforMuhammad(blessingsofAllahbeonhim),andtheguardiansfromhisprogenyyou wouldbeconfusedlikebeastknowingnothingoftheobligations.Isatownenteredexceptfrom itsgate?WhenAllahfavoredyoubyappointingtheguardiansafteryourprophet,Hesaid,(This day [1]Qur'an,20:125126. haveIperfectedforyouyourreligionandcompletedMyfavoronyouandchosenforyouIslamas areligion).[1]HeimposedonyourightsforHisguardiansandorderedyoutocarrythemoutso thatyourwives,properties,foods,anddrinkswouldbelawfultoyou.Allahsaid,(Say:Idonotask ofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives),[2]andknowwellthat(whoeveris niggardly,isniggardlyagainsthisownself;andAllahisSelfsufficientandyouaretheneedy).[3] ThereisnogodbutAllah,andmyspeechbecametoolongonwhatwasforyouandwhatwas requiredfromyou. ExceptforthatAllahwantedtocompletehisfavoronyou,youwouldneitherseealinefromme norwouldyouhearawordaftertheleavingofthedeceased(ImamalHadi),peacebeuponhim, whileyouareininadvertencetoyourend,andaftermyappointingIbrahimbinAbdahtoyou,and aftermybookthatMuhammadbinMusaanNaysaburihadbroughttoyou,andAllahisHewhose helpissoughtinanycase.BewaretobeunmindfultowardsAllahsothatyoushallbefromthe losers!AwaywithhimhewhoturnshisbacktotheobedienceofAllahanddoesnotacceptthe adviceofHisguardians!AllahhasorderedyoutoobeyHim,toobeyHismessenger,andtoobey thoseinauthorityamongyou.MayAllahmercifyyourweaknessandinadvertence,andmakeyou patientwithyouraffair.WhathasbeguiledmanfromhisLord?!Ifmountainsunderstoodsomeof thatwhichwasinthisbook,theywouldcrackandsplitbecauseofthefearofAllah,andturnback totheobedienceofAllah.Dowhateveryoulike(soAllahwillseeyourworkand(sowill)His Messengerandthebelievers;andyoushallbebroughtbacktotheKnoweroftheunseenandthe seen,thenHewillinformyouofwhatyoudid).[4]PraisebetoAllah, [1]Qur'an,5:3. [2]Qur'an,42:23. [3]Qur'an,47:38. [4]Qur'an,9:105. theLordoftheworlds,andHisblessingsbeonMuhammadandallhisprogeny.[1] 2.HislettertothepeopleofQumandAabeh

ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentaletter,somepartsofwhichwerelost,tohisShiafromthe peopleofQumandAbeh(Aveh)sayingtothem,AllahtheAlmightywithHisgenerosityand kindnesshasfavoredHispeoplewithHisprophetMuhammad(a.s.)asabearerofgoodtidings andawarner,andhasmadeyousucceedinacceptingHisreligion,grantedyouwithHisguidance, andplantedintotheheartsofyourpastancestors(mayHehavemercyonthem)andyourliving offspring(mayHesufficeandmakethemlivelong)theloveofthepureprogeny(oftheProphet). They,whohadleft,leftonthewayofrighteousness,andthepathoftruthandsuccess,andthey wenttotheplaceofsuccessors,gotthefruitsofwhattheyhadsowed,andfoundtheresultof whattheyhaddonebefore Ourintentionisstillfirm,andourselvesaresatisfiedwithyourgoodthoughts.Thefixedrelation betweenusandyouarefirm.Itisawillthatourancestorsandyourancestorshadrecommended, andacovenantthathadbeenentrustedtoouryouthandyouroldmen.Theyarestillontheir faith,andAllahhasgatheredusinthecloserelation,andclosekinship.TheAlim(peaceofAllah beonhim)said,Afaithfulisabrotherofafaithfulfromhisfatherandmother[2] [1]TuhafalUqool,p.484486,BiharalAnwar,vol.78p.374377,RijalalKashshi,p.354357,. [2]BiharalAnwar. 3.HislettertoAlibinalHusayn ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentalettertothefamousjurisprudentAbulHasanAlibinalHusayn binMusabinBabwayhalQummi,thenotableoftheShiaandprominentpersonalityinHadith, jurisprudence,andtherestoftheIslamicsciences.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidinhis letter,PraisebetoAllahtheLordoftheworlds,andtheendisfortherighteous,theParadiseis forthemonotheists,theHellisfortheatheists,andthereshouldbenohostilityexceptagainst oppressors,andthereisnogodbutAllahthebestofcreators,andblessingbeonthebestofHis creationMuhammadandhispureprogeny. Omysheikh,trustee,jurisprudentAbulHasanAlibinalHusaynalQummimayAllahbesatisfied withyou,andmakefromyourprogenygoodchildrenIrecommendyoutofearAllah,offer prayers,andgivezakatbecausenoprayerisacceptedfromonewhodoesnotgivezakat.Ialso recommendyoutopardonothers,suppressanger,continuouslyassociatewithkin,comfort brothersandtrytocarryouttheirneedsatdifficultyandease,bepatient,learnreligion,be certainofthings,undertaketheQur'an,behavewithgoodmorals,enjointhegood,andtoforbid thewrong.Allahsays,(Thereisnogoodinmostoftheirsecretcounselsexcept(inhis)who enjoinscharityorgoodnessorreconciliationbetweenpeople).[1]Irecommendyoutoavoidall sinsandvices.YouaretokeeponofferingNightPrayer,fortheProphet(a.s)hadrecommended Alisayingtohim,OAli,youaretokeepontheNightPrayer.Herepeatedthatthreetimes.

WhoeverdisregardstheNightPrayerisnotfromus.Actaccordingtomyrecommendationand ordermyShiatoactduetothat.Waitfordeliverance,fortheProphet(a.s)said,Thebestdeedof mynationisthewaitingfor [1]Qur'an,4:114. deliverance.OurShiashallbestillinsorrowuntilmyson,whomtheProphet(a.s)broughtgood newsabout,shallappear.Hewillfilltheearthwithjusticeandfairnessafterithasbeenfilledwith injusticeandoppression.Omysheikh,bepatientandorderallmyShiatobepatient;(Surelythe earthisAllah's.HegivesitasinheritancetowhomHewillandtheendis(best)forthe righteous).[1]Peace,mercy,andblessingsofAllahbeonyouandonallourShia,andAllahis sufficientforus;thebestProtectorisHe,thebestPatron,andthebestHelper.[2] 4.Hislettertooneofhisfollowers OneoftheShiawrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)tellinghimaboutthedisagreement betweentheShia.Theimamrepliedtohiminthisletter, Allahhasaddressedreasonablepeoplepeopleconcerningmeareindifferentclasses;a discerningoneisonthewayofdeliverance,keepingtothetruth,clingingtothebranchofthe originwithoutbeingdoubtfulorsuspicious,andfindingnoresortotherthanme.Thereisanother classofpeoplewhodonottakethetruthfromitsowners;theyarelikeatravelerinthesea.They wavewhenevertheseawaves,andcalmwhenevertheseacalms.Anotherclassofpeopleare thosewhohavebeenovercomebySatan.Theyjustresistthepeopleoftruth,andfighttruthby falsehoodoutofenvy.Soletalonewhoevergoesrightorleft,becausewhenashepherdwantsto gatherhissheep,hegathersthemwiththeleasteffort.Bewareofshowoffandpantingafter authoritybecausetheyleadtoperishment[3] [1]Qur'an,7:128. [2]RawdhatalJannat,vol.4p.273274. [3]BiharalAnwar,vol.78p.370. 5.Hislettertoanotheroneofhisfollowers ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentalettertooneofhisfollowersexpressinghisgrieffromsome rabbleoftheShiawhohaddeviatedfromtherightpath.Hesaid, NooneofmyfathershadbeenafflictedlikewhatIhavebeenafflictedwiththesuspicionsofthis groupifthismatter(imamate)wasamatterthatyouhadbelievedinandkeptonituntila certaintimeandthenstopped,thensuspicionwouldhavecertaincase,butifit(imamate)is

continuousaslongastheaffairsofAllaharecontinuous,thenwhatisthemeaningofthis suspicion?...[1] 6.HislettertoAbdullahalBayhaqi ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sentthefollowinglettertoAbdullahbinHamdwayhalBayhaqi: IhavesentIbrahimbinAbdahsothatthe(other)districtsandthepeopleofyourdistrictpaymy duesonyoutohimandImadehimmytrustandagentbeforemyfollowersthere.Letthemfear Allahandpaytheduesandtheyhavenoexcuseinnotdoingthatordelayingit.MayAllahnot distressthemfordisobeyingHisguardiansandmayHehavemercyonthemandonyouthrough mymercifulnesstothem,andAllahisAmplegiving,Generous.[2] 7.HisletteraboutIbrahim ImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)hadappointedIbrahimbinAbdahashisagenttoreceive thelegalduesandtospendthemonreligionandontheneedy,andgivenhimalettermentioning inithisreliabilityandhighposition.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasaskedwhetherthisletter waswrittenbyhimornot,andhereplied, [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.78,p.372. [2]RijalalKashshi,p.358. MybookthatcametoIbrahimbinAbdahonappointinghimasmyagenttoreceivemyrights fromourfollowersthereyes,itwasmybookwrittenbymyhandtohim.Ihaveappointedhimto themintheircountry.Itistrueandnotfalse.LethimfearAllahasHeshouldbefeared,andlet themtakeoutmyrightsandgivethemtohim,forIhavepermittedhimtodowiththemas required.MayAllahgivehimsuccessandsavehimfromfailure.[1] 8.Hislettertohisfollowers Hesentthislettertosomeofhisfollowers: MayAllahgiftyouwithasceticisminthislifeandsuccessasHepleases,assistanceforHis obedience,protectionfromdisobedience,guidancefromdeviation,andmayHegatherforusand forourfollowersthegoodofthetwoabodes(thislifeandtheafterlife). Iwasinformedofthedisagreementofyourhearts,andtheseparationofyourdesires,andthe incitementofSatanuntilhecausedseparationamongyou,disbeliefinreligion,attemptingto destroywhatyourancestorshadbuiltinthereligionofAllahandprovedtherightsofHis

guardians.He(Satan)tookyoutothewayofdeviation,andawayfromthepathofthetruth,and somanyofyourecededasifyouhadnotreadtheBookofAllahandnotunderstoodanyofHis commandsandprohibitions.Iswearthatifyourfoolsrelyontheirdelusionsandfabricatefalse traditions,theyshalldeservetorment,andifyouaresatisfiedwiththatfromthemanddonot denyitbyyourhands,tongues,hearts,andintentions,youshallbeparticipantswiththeminwhat theyhavefabricatedagainstAllah,Hismessenger,andtheguardiansafterhim.Ifitwasnotso, thepeopleofazZabadwouldnotlieintheirclaim,noralMughirahintheir [1]RijalalKashshi,p.358. disagreement,noralKaysaniyyahontheirman,norotherliarsandthedeviantswhohaveturned awayfromus.Indeed,youareworsethanthemandmostofthemwereobligedtosubmittothe commandofAllah,exceptsomegroupthatifIwant,IshallmentionitbythenameSatanhas overcomethemandmadethemforgetthementionofAllah,andwhoeverforgetsthementionof AllahAllahwillthrowhimintoFire,anditshallbeanevilabode. Mythisbookisanauthorityonthem,andanauthorityforyourabsentsonyourpresents,except onewhoisinformedandcarriesouthisduty.IprayAllahtogatheryourheartsonguidance, protectyoubypiety,andmakeyoudowhatpleasesHim,andpeace,blessing,andmercyofAllah beonyou.[1] 9.Hislettertooneofhisadherents ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidinthislettertooneofhisfollowers: Everypredestinedthingwouldcometrue.RelyonAllahtheAlmightyandHewillsufficeyou,and trustinHimandHewillnotdisappointyou!Youhavecomplainedagainstyourbrother.Knowwell thatAllahdoesnothelpintheraptureofrelations,andAllahisoveranyoppressionofevery oppressor.WhoeverisoppressedsurelyAllahwillhelphim,andAllahisStrong,Mighty.Youhave askedmetoprayforyou.MayAllahtheAlmightykeepyousafe,andbeyourhelperand protector.IprayAllahtheGenerous,WhohasmadeyouknowHisrightandtherightofHis guardiansthatothersthanyouwereignorantof,nottoremovefromyouanyblessingHehas endowedyouwith,HeisPatronworthyofallpraise.[2] [1]AdDurranNadheem,p.224. [2]AdDurranNadheem. 10.HislettertooneofhisShiaadherents OneoftheShiawrotealettertotheimamcomplainingagainstanoppressorwhooppressedand

didhimwrong.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)repliedtohim: WesatisfyourselveswithAllahtheAlmightythisdayagainsteveryoppressor,wrongdoer,and envier.WoeuntowhoeversayssomethingthatAllahknowsitsopposite.Howterribleisthat whichheshallmeetfromtheMasteroftheDayofJudgment!SurelyAllahtheAlmightyisthe HelperandAssistanttotheoppressed.TrustandrelyonHimandHewillrelieveyourdistressand saveyoufromtheevilofeveryevildoer.MayAllahdothatforyouandfavoruswithyou,Heis powerfulovereverything.MayAllahovercomeeveryoppressorthismoment!Noone,who wrongsandoppresses,shallbesuccessful.Woeuntowhoeveristakenbythefingersofthe oppressed!DonotbedistressedbuttrustinAllahandrelyonHim,andHewillbringyour deliverancesoon.SurelyAllahiswiththosewhoarepatientandwhodogoodtoothers.[1] [1]AdDurranNadheem,p.225. Wordsoflight Agoodcollectionofmaximsandwonderfulwordsondifferentsocialandeducationalissueswere transmittedfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andconsideredfromthetreasuresoftheIslamic literature.Herewepresenttoreaderssomeoftheimamswonderfulsayings: ThePreferenceOfTheAhlulBayt(A.S) ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Wehaveascendedthetopsoffactsbythefeetofprophethood andguardianship,andlitthesevenwayswiththebannersofmagnanimity.Wearelionsof battles,sourcesofgenerosity.Swordandpenareamongusnow,andthebannerofpraiseand knowledgelateron.Ourgrandsonsarethesuccessorsofreligion,alliesofcertainty,lampsof nations,andthekeysofgenerosity.Agenerousonehasputonthegarmentofchoiceforloyalty thatwehaveknowninhim,andtheHolySpiritintheHeavens,andhetastedfromourgardens earlyfruits.OurShiaaretherescuedparty,andthepuregroup.Theyhavebeenasdressand protectionforus,andassistanceagainstoppressorsSpringsoflifewillgushoutforthemafter flamesofFireandallbadyears SheikhalMajlisicommentedonthiswordbysaying,Thisisabsolutewisdom,andanample blessingthatdeafearscan hearandhighmountainsshakefor.PeaceandblessingsofAllahbeonthem[1]

TheimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)hadaveryhighpositionnearAllahWhohadendowedthem withvirtuesandknowledgethatnooneofthehumanbeingsotherthanthemhadeverbeen endowedwith.AllahhadmadethemtheguidestoHiscontentment,andtheleaderstoHis obedience.Theyallwereandarelampstonationsandkeysofgenerosityinthislife,andinthe afterlifetheywillbetheintercessorsandbearersofthebannerofHamd(praise),andAllahhas giventhemtheHighestParadise. HisRecommendationToHisAdherents ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)preachedandadvisedhisShiabysaying, IrecommendyoutofearAllah,bepiousinyourreligion,striveforAllah,betruthfulinspeaking, givedepositbacktoitsownergoodorbadheis,increaseprostration,andtobegoodto neighbors.Bythese(principles)Muhammad(a.s.)camewithhismission.Associatewithyourkin, attendtheirfunerals,visittheirsick,andcarryouttheirrights,forifanyoneofyouispiousinhis religion,truthfulinhisspeech,hegivesdepositbacktoitsowner,andtreatspeoplekindly,itshall besaidabouthim:thisisaShia,andthisshallpleaseme. FearAllah,begoodanddonotbebad!Attracteverylovetous,andkeepanyobscenityaway fromus,becausewhatevergoodissaidaboutuswedeserveit,andwhateverbadissaidaboutus isnotinus.WehavearightintheBookofAllah,kinshiptothemessengerofAllah,and purificationfromAllahthatnooneotherthanusclaimsbutaliar.Mention [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.78p.338. Allahtoomuchandrememberdeath!RecitetheQur'anandsendpeaceandblessingsonthe Prophet(a.s),becausethesendingofblessingsontheProphet(a.s)hastengooddeeds.Keepin mindwhatIhaverecommendedyou!IprayAllahtoprotectyou(Ifarewellyou),andsendpeace onyou.[1] AValuableAdvice ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said, Avoidbeggingpeopleaslongasyoucantolerate,foreverydayhasanewgoodness.Insistingon askingothersdeprivesoneofhisgravityexceptwhenadoormaybeopenedtoyouforagood entrance.Andhownearslappingistoarashone!Jealousymightbeakindofthemannersof AllahtheAlmighty.Luckshavedegrees,sodonothastentowardsafruitthatitisnotripeyet becauseitisgotatitstime!He,Whomanagesyouraffairs,ismoreawareofthetimethatisgood foryou.TrustinHisexperienceinyouraffairsanddonothurryforyourneedsatthebeginningof

yourtimeandthenyourheartmaybedistressedanddespairmayovercomeyou!Knowthat coynesshasacertainextentandifitexceeds,itshallturntoweakness,generosityhasacertain extentandifitexceeds,itshallbewasting,economyhasacertainextentandifitexceeds,itshall bestinginess,andcouragehasacertainextentandifitexceeds,itshallberecklessness[2] Preaching ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)oftenandalwaysadvisedhiscompanions,remindedthemofthe afterlife,andwarnedthemagainsttheseditionanddeceptionoftheworldlylife.Once,hesaid, [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.78p.372. [2]NuzhatanNadhir,p.5051. Youareinshortlives,andfewdays,anddeathcomesunexpectedly.Whoeversowsgoodshall harvesthappiness,andwhoeversowsevilshallharvestregret.Everysowershallgetwhathehas sowed.Noslowoneisprecededbyhisluck,andnocarefulonegetswhathasnotbeen determinedforhim.Whoeverisgivengood,Allahhasgivenhimthat,andwhoeverissavedfrom anevilAllahhassavedhimfromit.[1] PonderingOnAllah ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said, Worshipisnottheabundantfastingandpraying,butworshipistheabundantpondering;itisthe continuousthinkingofAllah.[2] Inhistraditions,theimamestablishedthebasesofthefaithinAllah,andthemostimportantone ofwhichwasthethinkingofAllah,andponderingonHiswonderfulcreationbecausethatwould leadmantotheabsolutefaithinAllah,theGreatCreator. WisdomOfFasting ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Allahhasimposedfastingsothatthewealthymightsuffer hungerandbekindtothepoor.[3] DispraisingTheHypocrites ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Whatabadmanheiswhohastwofacesandtwotongues!He praiseshisbrotherwhenheispresentandeatshisflesh(backbiteshim)whenheis [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.78p.338.

[2]Ibid.,p.373. [3]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.193,ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.2p.43. absent.Heenvieshimifheisgiven(becomesingoodstate),andbetrayshimifheisafflicted.[1] PiousAndImpious ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Theloveofthepioustothepiousisavirtueforthepious,the hatredoftheimpioustowardsthepiousisameritforthepious,andthehatredofthepious towardstheimpiousisdisgracefortheimpious.[2] WonderfulShortMaxims ThefollowingaresomeofthewonderfulmaximstransmittedfromImamAbuMuhammadal Askari(a.s.).Hesaid, 1.Iffateisinevitable,thenwhatforisthesupplication(ofmantootherthanAllah)? 2.Abelieverisablessingforabelieverandanauthorityonanunbeliever. 3.Theheartofafoolisinhismouth,andthemouthofawisemanisinhisheart. 4.Angeristhekeyofeveryevil. 5.Aspitefuloneistheleastcomfortable. 6.Themostpiousofpeopleishewhorefrainsbeforesuspicion.Themostworshippingofpeople ishewhokeepsonobligations.Themostasceticoneishewhorefrainsfromunlawfulthings.The bestmujtahidishewhorefrainsfromsins. 7.Letnosecurelivelihoodmakeyoubusyawayfromanobligatorydeed! [1]BiharalAnwar,vol.78p.373. [2]AlMajalisasSaniyyah,vol.2p.663. 8.He,whoexceedsinsomething,islikeonewholacksthatthing. 9.Wheneveramightyonegivesupthetruth,hebecomeslow,andwheneveralowonekeepsto it,hebecomesmighty. 10.Thefriendofanignorantisalwaystired.

11.Therearetwoqualitiesthatnoqualityisoverthem;thefaithinAllahandtheservingof brothers. 12.Thedaringofachildinchildhoodbeforefathermakeshimundutifulinadulthood. 13.Itisnotfrompolitenesstoshowjoybeforeadistressedperson. 14.Betterthanlifeisthatwhichifyoulose,youshallhatelife,andworsethandeathisthat whichifcomestoyou,youshalllovedeath. 15.Taminganignorantandpreventingahabitualfromhishabitsareasamiracle. 16.Humblenessisablessingthatisnotenvied. 17.Donotbegeneroustosomeonewithwhatmaybeheavytohim![1] 18.He,whoadviseshisbrothersecretly,doeshimgood,andhe,whoadviseshimopenly,does himwrong. 19.Howbadfromafaithfulitiswhenhehasadesirethatdegradeshim. 20Itsufficesyoutobepolitethatyouavoidwhatyouhateinothers. 21.Bewareofeverysilent,intelligentone! [1]Becausethatsomeonefindsthathehastoanswerwiththesame. 22.Ifallpeopleofthisworldareintelligent,theworldwouldberuined. 23.Theweakestofenemiesincunning,ishewhoshowshisenmity. 24.Thebestofyourbrothersishewhoforgetsyourwrongagainsthim,andremembersyour kindnesstohim. 25.Goodfigureisapparentbeauty,andgoodmindishiddenbeauty. 26.He,whoisfriendlywithAllah,feelsaversiontowardspeople. 27.He,whodoesnotregardpeople,doesnotregardAllah.

28.Viceshavebeenputinahousewhosekeyislying. 29.Whenheartsareactive,putintothem,andwhentheydetest,farewellthem! 30.Followingafteronewhomyouhopeisbetterthanremainingwithonewhomyoudonotfeel safefromhisevil. 31.Ignoranceisanenemyanddiscernmentisauthority,andhe,whompatiencedoesnotmake sufferagoniesofanger,shallnotfeeltheeaseofheart. 32.Thegiftofagenerousonemakesyoubelovedtohim,andthegiftofameanonemakesyou lowtohim. 33.Whoeverpietyishishabitandvirtuesarehisgarmentsshallwinonhisenemiesbygood praise,andshallbefortifiedagainstdefectsbygoodmention. 34.He,whopraisesanundeservingone,becomesasaccused. 35.Nooneknows(therealityof)ablessingexceptthegrateful,andnooneisgratefultoa blessingexcepttheknowing. 36.Stayingupmakessleepmorepleasant,andhungermakesfoodmoredelicious. 37.GettingtoAllahtheAlmightyisatravelthatisnotachievedexceptbyridingthenight.[1] 38.He,whodoesnotknowhowtoprevent,doesnotknowhowtogive. 39.HesaidtoalMutawakkil,theAbbasidcaliph,Donotexpectgoodwillfromonewhomyou haveoffended,orloyaltyfromonewhomyouhavebetrayed,orsincerityfromonewhomyou havesuspected,becausetheheartsofotherstowardsyouarelikeyourhearttowardsthem. 40.Itisfromignorancetolaughwithnoreason. 41.ThespeechofAllahhaspreferencetoallspeechasHispreferencetoHiscreation,andour speechhaspreferencetothespeechofpeopleasourpreferencetothem. 42.Itisfromhumblenesstogreeteveryoneyoupassby,andtositinotherthanthedistinctive placeinameeting.

43.Theworthiestpeopleof(your)lovearethosewhocomfortyou. 44.Fromthedisastersthatbreakonesbackisaneighborwhoifseesagooddeed,heputsitout andifseesabaddeed,hespreadsit. 45.(InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful)isclosertothegreatestNameofAllah thantheirisoftheeyetoitswhite. 46.Donotdisputewithotherssothatyourgravitygoesaway,anddonotjokesothatitisdared againstyou. [1]Spendingthenightwithworshipping. 47.Whoeverissatisfiedtositinotherthanthedistinctiveplaceinameeting,AllahandHis angelssendblessingsonhimuntilheleavesthemeeting. 48.Polytheisminpeopleishiddenmorethanthecreepingofantsonablackclothinadark night. 49.Heartshaveideasfromfancy,whilemindsshakeandgetmoreknowledgeoutof experiments,andtakinglessonsleadstoreasonability. 50.Predominantfatesarenotresistedbystruggle,anddeterminedlivelihoodsarenotgainedby greedinessandrequestingsubmityourselftofatesandknowthatyoushallnotgetexceptwhat hasbeendeterminedforyou. WiththeHolyQuran TheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s)paidtoomuchattentiontotheinterpretation(tafsir)of theHolyQur'an.Eachoneofthemhadaschooloftafsir,anddefinitelytheywerethemostaware ofthecontentsoftheQur'anandallitssciences.ThemasterofthepureprogenyImamAli(a.s.) was,amongalltheProphetscompanions,themostawareofthefactsandminutedetailsofthe quran,itsmuhkam(clear)versesandmutashabih(ambiguous)verses,andheknewwhenand whereeachversewasrevealed. AsforImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.),hewasoneofthemastersofinterpreters. AspecialtafsirknownastafsirImamalAskariwastransmittedfromhim.Herewementionin

briefsomeholyversesthattheimamhadinterpreted: 1.AbuHashimalJafarisaid,Once,IwaswithAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andaskedhimaboutthis sayingofAllah:(ThenWegavetheBookforaninheritancetothosewhomWechosefromamong Ourservants;butofthemishewhowrongshimself,andofthemishewhotakesamiddlecourse, andofthemishewhoisforemostindeedsofgoodnessbyAllah'spermission).[1]Hesaid,Ithas beenrevealedabouttheprogenyofMuhammad(a.s.).One,whowrongshimself,istheonewho doesnotacknowledgetheimam,andonewhotakesamiddlecourseis [1]Qur'an,35:32. theonewhoacknowledgestheimam,andonewhoisforemostindeedsofgoodnessbyAllahs permissionistheimam. MyeyesshedtearsandIthoughtwithmyselfofwhatAllahhadgiventotheprogenyof Muhammad(a.s.).Theimamlookedatmeandsaid,Howgreatisthatwhichyourselftoldyou aboutthegreatimportanceoftheprogenyofMuhammad!ThankAllahforHehasmadeyoulove them!YoushallbecalledwiththemontheDayofResurrectionwheneveryhumanbeingshallbe calledwithhisimam.BedelightedAbuHashim!Youareingood.[1] 2.MuhammadbinSalihalArmaniaskedImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)aboutthisverse(Allah effacesandestablisheswhatHepleases,andwithHimisthebasisoftheBook)[2]andhereplied, DoesAllaheffacebutwhathasbeenestablished,anddoesHeestablishbutwhathasbeennot existent?...TheAlmightyisfaraboveallthings.HeisAwareofallthingsbeforetheirexistence,the Creatorwhentherewasnocreation,theReckoner.MuhammadbinSalihsaidtotheimam,I bearwitnessthatyouaretheauthorityofAllahandHisguardian,andyouareonthetruepathof ImamAmeerulMo'minin.[3] 3.MuhammadbinSalihalArmaniaskedImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)aboutthissayingofAllah (Allah'sisthecommandbeforeandafter)[4]andtheimamsaid,ThecommandisHisbeforeHe issuesit,andthecommandisHisafterHecommandsasHewills.Isaidtomyself,Thisisthe sayingofAllah(SurelyHisisthecreationandthecommand;blessedisAllah,theLordofthe worlds).[5]Theimamlookedatme,smiled,and [1]AthThaqibfilManaqibbyalJirjani,p.241242. [2]Qur'an,13:39. [3]AthThaqibfilManaqibbyalJirjani,p.242,KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.209. [4]Qur'an,30:4. [5]Qur'an,7:54.

thensaid,(Hisisthecreationandthecommand;blessedisAllah,theLordoftheworlds).[1] 4.AbuHashimsaid,IwaswithAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whenibnSalihalArmaniaskedhimabout thisverse,(AndwhenyourLordbroughtforthfromthechildrenofAdam,fromtheirbacks,their descendants,andmadethembearwitnessagainsttheirownsouls:AmInotyourLord?Theysaid: Yes,webearwitness).[2]AbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Theknowingwasprovedandtheyforgot thatsituation,buttheywillrememberit,andwithoutthatnoonewouldknowwhohiscreator andprovideris. IwasastonishedwithmyselfatthegreatfavorsAllahhadendowedHisguardian(ImamAbu Muhammad)withandthegreattaskHehadentrustedhimwith.AbuMuhammadturnedtome andsaid,OAbuHashim,thematterisgreaterandmoreastonishingthanwhatyouhavebeen astonishedat.Whatyouthinkaboutsomepeoplewhomwhoeveracknowledges,acknowledges Allah,andwhoeverdenies,deniesAllah?Thereisnobelieverthatdoesnotbelieveinthemandis notcertaininknowingthem.[3] 5.SufyanbinMuhammadasSayfisaid,IwrotetoAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askinghimaboutthe waleejah:friendorprotectormentionedinthissayingofAllah,(andtakenoneforfriendsand protectorsexceptAllah,HisMessenger,andthebelievers).[4]Isaidwithmyself:Whomdoeshe thinkthebelieversarehere? Hisreplycametomesaying,Thewaleejahisthatwhichissetfortheguardian.Yourself talkedtoyouthatwhowere [1]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.210. [2]Qur'an,7:172. [3]KashfalGhummah,vol.3p.210. [4]Qur'an,9:16. meantbythebelieversinthisverse.TheyaretheimamswhobelieveinAllah,andnamelywe arethosebelievers. TheTafsirAscribedToHim ThetafsircalledTafsiralAskariwasascribedtoImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.) butsuspicionswerearousedaboutit;someproveditwashisandsomeothersdeniedthat.Here weshouldhaveastoptoponderonit. ThoseWhoDependedOnThisTafsir

SomeofthegreatulamaoftheTwelverShiadependedonthistafsirandbelievedcertainlyitwas ImamAbuMuhammadstafsir.Thefollowingarethenamesofsomeofthoseulama: 1.ShaikhasSaduq[1] 2.ShaikhatTabarsi[2] 3.AlMuhaqqiqalKurki[3] 4.TheSecondMartyr[4] 5.MuhammadTaqiyalMajlisi[5] 6.IbnShahrashub[6] 7.AlMuhaqqiqAghaBuzurgh[7] ThesegreatmendidnotsuspecttheascribingofthistafsirtoImamalAskariandbelieveditwas reallyhis. [1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih. [2]AlIhtijaj. [3]HepermittedthistafsirforSafiyuddeen. [4]AlMunyah. [5]SharhalMashyakhah. [6]AlManaqib. [7]AthThareeah,vol.4p.285. TheSanad[1]OfThisTafsir Thesandofthistafsirwasmentionedinthebeginningofthebook(TafsiralAskari)asthe following: MuhammadbinAlibinMuhammadbinJafarbinDaqqaqsaid,ThetwojurisprudentsheikhsAbul HasanMuhammadbinAhmadbinAlibinalHasanbinShathanandAbuMuhammadJafarbin MuhammadbinAlialQummitoldmefromAbulHasanMuhammadbinalQassimalAstrabadi theinterpreterandpreacherthatAbuYaqubYousufbinMuhammadbinZiyadandAbulHasanAli binMuhammadbinSayyar,whowerefromtheTwelverShia,said,OurparentswereTwelver Shia.TheZayditeswereprevailinginAstrabad.WewereundertheruleofalHasanbinZaydal AlawicalledasadDaiyilalHaqq.[2]HewastheimamoftheZaydites.Heoftenlistenedtothem (theZaydites)andkilledpeopleaccordingtotheirslanders.Wefearedforourselves,andsowe resortedwithourfamiliestoImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAlibinMuhammadthefatherof alQaim(ImamalMahdi)(peacebeonhim).Weaskedpermissiontovisittheimam.Whenhe sawus,hesaid,Welcometothetwocomerstousandresorterstoourprotection.Allahhas acceptedyourefforts,calmedyourfear,andrelievedyoufromyourenemies.Go(back)andfeel safeaboutyourselvesandproperties!Wewereastonishedathissayingthoughwedidnotdoubt

thetruthfulnessofhisspeech.Wesaid,OImam,whatdoyouorderustodoonourwayuntilwe gettothecountrythatwehadgotoutof?Howshallweenterthatcountrywhichwehadfled from,andtherulersearchedforusandhisthreateningagainstuswassevere? [1]Sanadisthechainofauthoritiesornarratorsasanessentialpartofthetransmissionofa tradition. [2]IbnanNadeemsaidinalFihristp.274thatalHasanbinZaydruledinTabaristan250AHand died270AH. He(peacebeonhim)said,LeaveyourthesetwosonswithmeandIwillteachthemthe knowledgethatAllahwillhonorthemwith.Asforyou,donotpayattentiontotheslanderersnor tothethreatoftheruler,becauseAllahtheAlmightywillenditwithhappinessandbringthemto yourintercessionwithhimwhomyouhadrunawayfrom AbuYaqubandAbulHasansaid,They(theirfathers)obeyedwhattheywereorderedofandleft, buttheyleftusthere.Weoftenvisitedhim(theimam)andhemetuswiththekindnessoffathers andcloserelatives.Oneday,hesaidtous,Ifthenewsofthesatisfactionofyourfathersandthe disgraceoftheirenemiesbyAllahcomestoyouandmypromisetothemcomestrue,Ishallthank AllahbyteachingyoutheinterpretationoftheQur'anandsometraditionsofMuhammads progeny(a.s.)sothatAllahwillexaltyou. Webecamedelightedatthatandsaid,OsonofthemessengerofAllah,thenweshalllearnall sciencesandmeaningsoftheQur'an. Hesaid,No!(Imam)asSadiqtaughtsomeofhiscompanionswhatIwanttoteachyou. Theybecamedelightedandsaid,OsonofthemessengerofAllah,youhavehadallknowledgeof theQur'an. Hesaid,Ihavehadmuchgood,andbeengrantedgreatvirtue,butneverthelessitislessthanthe leastpartoftheQur'ansknowledge.AllahtheAlmightysays,(Say:Thoughtheseabecameinkfor theWordsofmyLord,verilytheseawouldbeusedupbeforethewordsofmyLordwere exhausted,eventhoughWebroughtthelikethereoftohelp),[1]and(Andifallthetreesinthe earthwerepens,andthesea,withsevenmoreseastohelpit,(wereink),thewordsofAllahcould notbeexhausted).[2]Thisistheknowledgeand [1]Qur'an,18:109. [2]Qur'an,31:27. meaningsoftheQur'anandthewondersithas.WhatamountdoyouthinkIhavetakenfromall

thisQur'an? Wesaid,Buteventhisamountthatyouhavetaken,Allahhaspreferredyoubyittoallthosewho donotknowlikeyourknowledgeanddonotunderstandlikeyourunderstanding. Wedidnotleavehimuntilamessengercametousfromourfatherswithalettersayingthatal HasanbinZaydalAlawikilledsomemanandconfiscatedhispropertiesaftertheslanderofthose Zaydites.ThenbookscametohimfromdifferentcountriesandvillageswrittenbytheZaydites scoldingandblaminghimandsayingthatthekilledmanwasthebestoneoftheZayditesinthe earthandthatthosesomeZayditesinformedagainsthimjustbecauseofhisvirtueandwealth.Al HasanbinZaydthankedthosepeopleandorderedtocutthenosesandearsofthoseZaydites, andsomeofthemweremutilatedandothersranaway.AlHasanbinZaydfeltverysorryandhe repented,andpaidgreatmoniesascharityafterhegavebackthepropertiesofthekilledmanto hisheirsandgavethemmuchmorethanthespecifiedbloodmoney.Heaskedthemtopardon himandtheysaidtohim,Asforthebloodmoney,weexemptyoufromit,butasfortheblood,it isnotoursbutitisthekilledmansbloodandAllahistheJudge.AlHasanbinZaydvowedforthe sakeofAllahthathewouldnotinterferewiththebeliefsofpeople. ItwasmentionedintheletterofourfathersthatalHasanbinZaydsenttousoneofhistrusted menwithhisbookthatwassealedwithhissealassuringthatwewouldbesafeandthatour propertieswouldbegivenbacktous,andthathewouldrecompensetheharmsandlosseswe hadmet.Weshallgobacktoourcountryaccordingtohispromise. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Allahspromiseistrue. Onthetenthday,alettercametousfromourfatherssayingthatalHasanbinZaydhadcarried outallhispromisesand permittedustokeeptothegreatblessedimamwhosepromisewastrue.Whentheimamknew that,hesaid,Thisisthetimetocarryoutmypromiseofteachingyoutheinterpretationofthe Qur'an.Ihavepreparedsomethingeverydayforyoutowritedown.Keeptomeandbecarefulto thegoodlucksofhappinessAllahhasgivenyou. ThefirstthinghedictatedtouswastraditionsaboutthepreferenceoftheQur'anandofits people,andthenhedictatedtousthetafsir.Wewrotedownthroughouttheperiodofour stayingwithhim.Itwassevenyears,andeverydaywewrotedownaspossibleaswecould Defects Thistafsirwascriticizedthatithadsomedefects:

First,itwasaccusedthatitwasweakinitssanad.Fromthechainofnarrators,therewas MuhammadbinalQassimalMufassiralAstrabadiwhowasweak.IbnalGhadhairisaid, MuhammadbinalQassimalMufassiralAstrabadiwasweakandaliar.AbuJafarbinBabwayh narratedfromhim.Atafsirwastransmittedfromhimthathehadnarratedfromtwounknown menonecalledYousufbinMuhammadbinZiyadandtheotherwasAlibinMuhammadbinYasar fromtheirfatherfromAbulHasantheThird(ImamalHadi)(a.s.),andthetafsirwaswrittendown bySahladDibajifromhisfather.[1] WhatwasmentionedbyalGhadhairicanberefutedinsomeways:first,hementionedthatthis tafsirwasnarratedbyYousufbinMuhammadbinZiyadandAlibinMuhammadbinYasarfrom theirfather.Thisisamistakebecausetheydidnotnarrateitfromtheirfather,buttheynarrated itwithoutanintermediaryfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Second,Ibn [1]MujamRijalalHadith,vol.17p.173. alGhadhairyascribedthistafsirtoAbulHasantheThird(a.s.)whereasitwasascribedtoImam AbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.).Third,HesaidthatthistafsirwasauthoredbySahladDibajifrom hisfather.ThisisveryoddbecauseSahlwasnotmentionedamongthechainofnarratorsofthis tafsir.Anyhow,whatalGhadhairymentionedinweakeningthismancannotbedependedon. SayyidalKhoeisaid,NooneofthepastscholarsmentionedthereliabilityofMuhammadbinal QassimevenSheikhasSaduqwhomentionedmanytraditionsfromhimwithoutanintermediary, andalsohedidnotmentionthathewasweakTherightthingisthatthismanwasunknown whoseneitherreliabilitynorweaknesswereproved,[1]andthereforeonecannotdependonhis narrations. Inaddition,alMufassiralAstrabadinarratedthistafsirfromYousufbinMuhammadbinZiyadand AlibinMuhammadbinYasarwhobothwereunknownandunreliableintheirnarrationsfrom ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)asSayyidalKhoeisays.[2] Second,thistafsirisweakandfullofdefectswhichmeansthatitisnottruetoascribeittoImam alAskari(a.s.),andwhoeverlooksintoitthinkswithnodoubtthatitwasfalselyascribedtothe imamasSayyidalKhoeisays. Third,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wassurroundedbyabignumberofintelligencers,security forces,andpolicemenoftheAbbasidgovernmentthatpreventedtheShiafromassociatingwith him,sohowcouldthesetwopersonsfrequentedtohimthroughoutsevenyearswithoutbeing preventedfromvisitinghim?

[1]MujamRijalalHadith,vol.17,p.174. [2]MujamRijalalHadith,vol.12p.159. Fourth,thecareoftheimamforthesetwomenandhisaskingtheirfatherstoleavethemwith himtoteachthemtheknowledgethatAllahwouldhonorthemwith,asmentionedinthe beginningofthebook,thoughtheywereunknown,wouldbedoubtedsomehow.Woulditnotbe betterfortheimamtofavorthegreatulamaandjurisprudentsofhisShiawiththishonor? Anyhow,itiscertainthatthistafsirwasnotImamAbuMuhammadsbutitwasfabricatedand ascribedtohim.Inadditiontothedefectsithas,itisnoteloquentinmanyofitschapters,andof course,thisdoesnotfittheimamwhohadbeenendowedwithwisdomandeloquence,andhe wasthemosteloquentmaninhistime.Sohowcouldthistafsir,whichhadnoanyfeatureof eloquence,ascribedtothisgreatimam?Besidesthat,ithassometraditionsthathave excessivenessasIthink,andthiswastoofarfromtheimam(a.s.). Histraditionsandjurisprudence HistoriansagreedunanimouslyonthatImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wastherichestscientific personalityinhistalentsandgeniusesathistime,andnoonewasevercomparabletohimin virtueandknowledge.Historianssaid,Hewasthehighestauthorityforjurisprudentsintakingthe rulingsoftheShariaandtheprinciplesofthereligion.TheyputforwardtohimbooksofHadith andjurisprudence,andifhepermittedthesebooks,theywouldactaccordingtothem.Once,a bookwrittenbyAhmadbinAbdullahbinKhanibahwasofferedtohim.Hereaditandthensaidto hiscompanions,Itistrue.Actaccordingtoit![1] TheInterestOfTheUlamaInHisTraditions Ulamaandnarratorspaidtoomuchattentiontohistraditionsfortheywerethetruestinhistime, andatthesametimetheywerefromthedefiniteSunnathatmustbefollowedaccordingtothe beliefoftheTwelverShia.ThefollowingaresomeofthetraditionstransmittedfromImamAbu MuhammadalAskari(a.s.): 1.AlHafidh(memorizer)alBalatharinarratedfromhiscompanionssaying,AlHasanbinAlibin MuhammadbinAlibinMuhammadbinAlibinMusa,theimamofhisagefortheShia,narrated fromhisfatherMuhammadbinAlialMahjub,

[1]FalahasSail. fromhisfatherAlibinMusaarRedha,fromhisfatherMusabinJafaralMurtadha,fromhis fatherJafarasSadiq,fromhisfatherMuhammadbinAlialBaqir,fromhisfatherAlibinalHusayn asSajjadZaynolAabidin(fromhisfatheralHusaynbinAli),fromhisfatherAlibinAbuTalibthe masterofguardians,fromMuhammadbinAbdullahthemasterofprophets,fromGabrielthe chiefoftheangelsthatAllahsaid,ItisMe,AllahthatthereisnogodbutMe.Whoever acknowledgesmonotheismtoMeshallenterintoMyfort,andwhoeverentersintoMyfortshall besafefromMytorment.[1] 2.IbnalJawzisaid,He(ImamalHasanalAskari)referredthistraditiontohisfatherfromhispure fathers.MygrandfathershowedhimatraditioninhisbookcalledTahrimalKhamr(prohibitionof wine).IquotedthistraditionandIswearbyAllahthatIheardhimsaying:IswearbyAllahthatI heardAbuAbdullahalHusaynbinAlisaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAbdullahbinAtaal Harawisaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAbdurrahmanbinUbaydalBayhaqisaying:Iswearby AllahthatIheardAbuAbdullahalHusaynbinMuhammadadDaynawarisaying:IswearbyAllah thatIheardAhmadbinAbdullahashShiiysaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAbuMuhammad binAlibinMuhammadsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardmyfatherAlibinMusaarRedha saying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardmyfatherJafarsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardmyfather Muhammadsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardmyfatheralHusaynbinAlisaying:Iswearby AllahthatIheardAlibinAbuTalibsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardMuhammad(a.s.)saying:(I swearbyAllahthatIheardGabrielsaying:)IswearbyAllahthatIheardMichaelsaying:Iswearby AllahthatIheardIsrafelsaying:IswearbyAllahthatIheardAllahsaying:Adrinkerofwineis likeaworshiperofidols. [1]AyanashShia,vol.4p.308309. AbuNuaymalFadhlbinDakeensaid,Thisisatruetraditionnarratedbythepureprogenyand narratedbysomemenfromthemessengerofAllah(a.s.).[1] TraditionsOnReligiousRulings NarratorsnarratedmanytraditionsonreligiousquestionsthatImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)was askedabout.Worthmentioningisthatthesetraditionscamethroughletterswhichshowedthe greatpressurethattheimamwassurroundedwithbytheAbbasidgovernmentwhereulama couldnotassociatewithhimexceptthroughcorrespondence.Thefollowingaresomeofthose questions: 1.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askinghimaboutthe specifiedquantity(ofwater)thatadeadoneshouldbewashedwith.Itwasnarratedthata

junub[2]shouldwashwithsixrotlsofwater,andamenstruatingwomanwithninerotls,sowhat wouldbethelimitofwaterforadeadpersontobewashedwith? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Adeadshouldbewasheduntilhewouldbepureinshallah. AbuJafarasSaduqsaid,Thisreplyiswithmeamongacollectionofrepliesbyhishandwriting (peacebeuponhim)inabook.[3] Thisreplyshowsthatthereisnolimitinthewaterthatadeadpersonshouldbewashedwith,but heshouldbewasheduntilhebecomespure. 2.IbrahimbinMahziyarwrotetoAbuMuhammadalHasan(a.s.)askinghimaboutofferingprayer in(clothesdyedwith) [1]MiratazZaman,vol.6p.192. [2]Arituallyimpureperson. [3]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.1p.86,alIstibsar,vol.1p.195,atTahthib,vol.1p.122. kermesandsayingthathiscompanionsrefrainedfromofferingtheprayerinit.ImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.)replied,Thereisnoprobleminitatall,andpraisebetoAllah.[1] 3.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwroteToImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli(a.s.)asking him,Somemandiedandhehadtendaysofqadha[2]fastingthathehadtoperformbeforehis death.Helefttwosuccessors(children).Isitpossibleforeachoneofhissuccessorstofastforfive days? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Hiseldersuccessoristofastfortendays,inshallah.[3] 4.IbrahimbinMahziyarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.):Omymaster,yourmawla[4]Ali binMahziyarhadrecommendedthehajjtobeperformedonbehalfofhimfrom(therevenueof) agardentwentydinarseveryyears,andsincethewayofBasrawasblocked,costsbecame doubledforpeoplethattwentydinarswerenotenough(forthehajj).Someothersofyour mawlasrecommendedoftwo(performancesof)hajj. Theimam(a.s.)replied,Youmake(thecostsof)threeseasonsofhajjintwo,inshallahthe Almighty.[5] 5.AlibinMuhammadalHudhayniwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saying,Mycousinhas recommendedahajjtobeperformedonbehalfofhimwithfifteendinarseveryyear,andthisis notenough.Whatdoyouordermetodo?

[1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.1p.171. [2]Qadhameanstheperformingofobligationsoutoftheirspecifiedtime,whereasadaisthe performingofobligationswithintheirtimes. [3]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.2p,98,atTahthib,vol.1p.402,alIstibsar,vol.2p.108. [4]Mawlaisanadherenttosomeperson,orafreedslavewhoisstilladherenttohismaster. Mawaliisthepluralform. [5]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.2p.272. Theimam(a.s.)repliedtohim,Youmake(thecostsof)two(seasonsof)hajjinone.Allahis Awareofthat.[1] 6.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli(a.s.),Is thewitnessoftheexecuterofadeadpersonacceptedwhenheclaimsthatthedeadpersonhasa debtonsomeoneifthereisanotherreliablewitness? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Ifanotherreliablemanwitnesseswithhim,thentheclaimer hastotakeanoath. Inreplyingtoanotherletterlikethis,theimam(a.s.)said,Yes,aftertakinganoath.[2] 7.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saying,Someman madeawilltohischildren,someofwhomareadultsandsomeareyoungchildren.Isitpossible fortheadultstoexecutetheirfatherswillandpayhisdebtsbeforetheyoungchildrencometo age? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Yes,theadultshavetopaytheirfathersdebtandnotto delayitforthat(untiltheotherscometoage).[3] 8.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar(mayAllahbepleasedwithhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammad alHasanbinAli(a.s.),Somemanguardscaravansinfrighteningplaceswithoutthepermissionof theruler.They(themenofthecaravans)agreewithhimtogivehimacertainamount.Isit permissibleforhimtotake(wage)fromthem? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Ifhehireshimselfforaspecifiedwage,hecantakehisright,inshallah.[4] [1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.2p.272. [2]Ibid.,vol.3p.44. [3]AlWassail,rulingsofwill. [4]AtTahthib,vol.2p.115,ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.106.

9.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammadal HasanbinAli(a.s.),Someoneboughtahouse,andtherewasanotherhouse(floor)onthishouse. Wouldtheupperhousebeincludedinthelowerhouse? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Hecouldnotpossessexceptwhathehadboughtwithits limitsandconditions,inshallah.[1] ThejurisprudentsoftheTwelverShiagaveafatwathatifsomeonesoldahouse,itsland,upper andlowerbuildingwouldbewithit,exceptiftheupperfloorwasindependentinitsentryand exit,becausethatmightbeareasontoexcludeitfromthesoldhouse.Theydependedinthis fatwaonthistradition. 10.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)wrotetotheimam,Some mansaidtotwomen:Bearwitnessthatmyhouseinthesoandsoplacewithallitslimitsandall thefurnitureinitis(sold)tosoandso.Itisnotknownwhatfurniturethereisinthehouse. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Itisalrightifthebuyinghasincludedallthat,inshallah.[2] 11.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)wrotetoImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.),Somemanhadsomepiecesoflandinavillage.Itwastimeforhimtogoto Mecca(toperformthehajj).Thevillagewassomehowfarfromhishouseandhehadnoenough timetodefinetheboundariesofhisland.Hedefinedthefourboundariesofthevillageandsaidto thewitness:BearwitnessthatIhavesoldtosoandsoallthevillagewhoseboundariesareso andso.Infact,hejusthadsomepiecesoflandinthevillage.Would [1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.153,atTahthib,vol.2p.158. [2]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.153,atTahthib,vol.2p.159. thatberightforthebuyerorhewouldpossessjustapartfromthevillagethoughthesellerhad acknowledgedtohimthewholevillage? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Itisnotpermissibleforonetosellwhathedoesnotown, andthebuyercanpossessonlywhatthesellerowns.[1] 12.MuhammadbinalHasanwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)aboutamanwhoaskedhim tobearwitnessthathehadboughtafarmtoanotherbuthedidnotknowthelimitsofthefarmat thetimewhenheaskedhimtowitness.Hesaidtohim,Whentheytellyouthelimits,you acknowledgethem.Wasitpermissibleforhimtobearwitness? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,Yes,itwas,andpraisebetoAllah.[2]

13.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),Someonetookan oaththathewouldbefreefromAllahtheAlmightyorfromthemessengerofAllah,butthenhe brokehisoath.Whatshouldhisrepentanceandpenancebe? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Heshouldfeedtenpoorpeoplewithamuddoffood(about750gr.)for each,andprayAllahtoforgivehim.[3] 15.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),Thereissome womanwhosehusbandhasdivorcedherandhedoesnotpayherthespecifiedexpenditure, thoughsheisinneed.Isitpermissibleforhertogooutandspendthenightoutofherhouseto workandsatisfyherneed?<br [1]AtTahthib,vol.2p.159,ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.153. [2]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.153. [3]AtTahthib,vol.2p.332,ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.237. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)replied,ThereisnoobjectiontothatifAllahknowsthatsheistrue (inhergoingouttoworkandsatisfyherneeds).[1] Awoman,whoisdivorcedinrevocabledivorce,remainsasoneswifeaslongassheisstillinthe iddah.[2]Thehusbandmustpayherexpenditureandshemustobeyhim.Itisnotpermissiblefor hertogetoutofhishousewithouthispermission.However,ifthehusbanddoesnotspendon her,itispermissibleforhertogooutforworkasImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)hassaid. 16.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),Somewoman undergoestheiddahafterthedeathofherhusband.Sheisinneedandhasnoonetospendon her.Sheworksforpeople.Isitpermissibleforher,duringheriddah,togetoutandspendthe nightawayfromherhouseforworkandnecessaryneeds? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Thereisnoobjectiontothat,inshallah.[3] 17.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar(mayAllahbepleasedwithhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammad alHasanbinAli(a.s.),Somemanmadehiswill(tobequeath)fortwopersons.Isitpermissiblefor oneofthemtodoalonewithahalfoftheinheritanceandtheotheronewiththeotherhalf? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Theyshouldnotcontradictthedeadoneswillandtheyshoulddoashe hasorderedthemtodo.[4] [1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.322. [2]Aprescribedperiodthatawomanhastopassafterdivorceorafterherhusbandsdeath

beforeherremarriage. [3]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.3p.328. [4]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.4p.151. Ifsomeonebequeathstotwopersons,anyofthemshouldnotdoalonewiththehalfofthe inheritance,buttheyshoulddiscussthemattertogether.Anyofthemhasnorighttodowiththe inheritanceaccordingtohisownopiniononlyandwithoutthepermissionoftheotherasthe traditionsays. 18.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli(a.s.), Somemanwilledtobequeaththethirdofhispropertiestohischildrenthattheshareafemale wouldbeliketheshareofamale.Wouldthemalehavethesharesoftwofemalesfromthewill? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Itispermissibleforthedeadoneashehaswilled.[1] ThistraditionshowsthataMuslimisfreetodowiththethirdofhispropertiesashelikes.Hecan giftitwithsamesharestohismaleandfemalechildren,andhecangiveonemorethantheother. Hecanorderthethirdofhispropertiestobespentoncharitableorganizationsaswell. 19.SahlbinZiyadalAadamiwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),Somemanhadmaleand femalechildren.Heacknowledgedthatafarmwouldbeforhischildrenbuthedidnotmention thatitwouldbedividedamongthemduetothesharesandcommandsofAllah.Maleandfemale childrenwerethesameinthiswill. Theimam(a.s.)replied,Theyshouldexecutetheirfatherswillashehadspecified.Ifhedidnot specifyanything,theywoulddividetheinheritanceaccordingtotheBookofAllahtheAlmighty, inshallah.[2] 20.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar(mayAllahbepleasedwithhim)wrotetoAbuMuhammad alHasanbinAli(a.s.), [1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.4,p.196. [2]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.4p.155. Somemanwastheexecutorofsomeonewhodied.Thisexecutorappointedanotheroneasthe executorinsteadofhim.Wouldthis(second)manbeobligedtoexecutethewillofthatman whoseexecutorwasthat(first)man? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Hewouldbeobligedtohisrightifhehadsomerightwithhim(withthe deadman),inshallah.[1]

Thistraditionshowsthatanexecutorisnotpermittedtoaskanotheronetoexecutewhathe himselfhasbeenorderedtoexecuteexceptwhenhehasarightwiththemanofthewill,and thenhehastherighttoappointanotheronetotakehisrightback.Jurisprudentssaythatan executorhastherighttoappointanotherexecutorafterhimifhehasbeenpermittedbytheman ofthewilltodothat. 21.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askinghimabout entailmentandwhathadbeentransmittedfromhisfathers(a.s.)aboutit.ImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)replied,Entailmentsshouldbedealtwithastheirownershaveentailedthemon, inshallah.[2] 22.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffarwrotetoImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli(a.s.), Somemandiedandleftagrandsonandafullbrother.Towhomwouldtheinheritancebe? Theimam(a.s.)replied,Theinheritancewouldbefortheclosestone,inshallah.[3] [1]AtTahthib,vol.2p.393,ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.4p.168. [2]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.4p.176,AtTahthib,vol.2p.371. [3]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.1p.169. Hiscompanionsandthenarratorsofhistraditions TheAbbasidgovernmentdidnotallowulamaandjurisprudenttocontactwithImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.)lesthisvirtuesandvastknowledgewouldbespreadamongpeopleeverywhere, andthenpeoplewouldbeaffectedbyhimandturntheirbackstotheAbbasids.Inspiteofallthe severeprocedurestheAbbasidstooktoseparatetheimamfrompeople,someulamaand narratorscontactedwithhimandnarratedhistraditions.Herewementionthecompanionsand narratorsinbriefbecausethiscompletestheresearchonthepersonalityofImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.). 1.IbrahimbinAbuHafsAbuIsaaqalKatib AnNajashisaidabouthimthathewasasheikhfromImamAbuMuhammadalAskaris companions.Hewasreliable,notableman.Hehadwrittenabookrefutingtheexcessiveand refutingAbulKhattab.[1]

2.IbrahimbinKhasibalAnbari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] [1]RijalanNajashi. [2]RijalatToosi. 3.IbrahimbinAbdah SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]We havementionedinapreviouschapterthelettersofImamalAskari(a.s.)tohimthatshowedhis reliabilityandhighposition. 4.IbrahimbinAli SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]Hewasunknown. 5.IbrahimbinMuhammadbinFarisanNaysaburi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions.[3] Once,alKashshiaskedAbuanNadhralAyyashiaboutsomemenamongwhomwasIbrahimbin MuhammadbinFaris,andhesaid,AsforIbrahimbinMuhammadbinFaris,heisnotbad.[4] 6.AbuIsaaqIbrahimbinMahziyaralAhwazi HehadwrittenabookcalledalBisharaat.[5]IsaaqbinMuhammadalBasrinarratedthat MuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyarsaidtohim,Whenmyfather(Ibrahim)wasabouttodie,he gavemesomemoneyandgavemeacertainsign.NooneknewaboutthissignexceptAllahthe Almighty.Hesaidtome,Whoevershowyouthissign,youhavetogivehimthismoney.Iwentto Baghdadandstoppedataninn.Onthefollowingday,someonecameandknockedthedoor.I askedtheservanttoseewhohewas.Theservantsaid,Anoldmanatthedoor.Isaid,Lethim comein.Theoldmancamein,tookaseatandsaid,IamalUmari.Givemethemoney [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Ibid. [4]RijalalKashshi. [5]RijalanNajashi.

thatiswithyouwhichissoandso.HeshowedmethesignandIgavehimthemoney.[1]Al UmariwastheagentofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.). IbrahimbinMahziyarnarratedfromImamAbulHasanalHadi(a.s.),ImamAbuMuhammadal Askari(a.s.),IbnAbuUmayr,andothers.AhmadbinMuhammad,SadbinAbdullah,Abdullahbin JafaralHimyari,andothersnarratedfromhim.[2] 7.IbrahimbinYazid SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.Healsomentionedhis brotherAhmadbinYazidasoneofImamalAskariscompanions.[3] 8.IbrahimbinIsmailbinDawudbinHamdunalKatibanNadim Hewasthemasteroflinguists.HenarratedfromImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)andfrom hisfather.[4]AnNajashisaid,HewastheclosecompanionofourmasterAbuMuhammadal Askari(a.s.)andofhisfatherAbulHasan(alHadi)(a.s.)before. HehadwrittensomebookslikeThenamesofmountains,watercourses,andvalleys,Bani[5] MurrahbinOwf,BanianNamrbinQasit,BaniAqil,BaniAbdullahbinGhatafan,AtTayy, ThepoetryofalHujayrasSaluli,ThepoetryofThabitbinQutnahandhiscraft,Bani [1]RijalalKashshi. [2]MujamRijalalHadith,vol.1p.169. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]Ibid. [5]Banimeansthefamilyorthetribeof. KulaybbinYarbu,ThepoetryofbinMurrahbinHammam,andNawadiralArab:raritiesof thenomads.[1] 9.AbuHamidAhmadbinIbrahimalMuraghi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.IbnDawudsaidabout him,Heispraiseworthyofaveryhighposition.[2]Ahmadnarrated,AbuJafarMuhammadbin AhmadbinJafaralQummialAttarwrotetotheimam(peacebeonhim)describingustohim. Theimam(a.s.)replied,IreadthatwhichyoudescribedAbuHamid(mayAllahhonorhimbyHis obedience)withandunderstoodhisstate.MayAllahtakehimtothebestendandnotceaseHis favorsonhim,andmayAllahbehisguardian.[3]

10.AhmadbinIdrisalQummialMuallim SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]AnNajashisaid,He wasareliablejurisprudentfromamongourcompanions.Hewastrustworthyinhismany narrations.Hehadwrittenabookonrarities.Hediedin306AHonthewayfromMeccato Kufa.[5] 11.AhmadbinIsaaqbinAbdullahbinSadbinMalikbinalAhwasalAsharialQummi HewasthedeputyofthepeopleofQum.HenarratedtraditionsfromAbuJafartheSecond (ImamalJawad)andfromAbulHasan(ImamalHadi)(peacebeonthem).Hewasfromtheclose companionsofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).HehadwrittensomebookssuchasIlalasSawm: causesoffastingandMasailarRijal:questionsofmenwhichhe [1]RijalanNajashi. [2]RijalibnDawud. [3]RijalalKashshi. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]RijalanNajashi. hadcollectedfromAbulHasantheThird(ImamarRedha)(a.s.).[1] SheikhatToosisaidhewasonefromthosewhohadmetImamalMehdi(a.s.).[2] MuhammadbinAhmedbinasSaltalQummiwrotealettertoadDar(totheimam)and mentionedinitthestoryofAhmedbinIsaaqalQummiandhiscompanionship.Hementioned thathewantedtoperformthehajjandneededonethousanddinars.Hesaidintheletter,Ifmy masterseesthatheorderstolendhimthisamountandgetitbackfromhiminhiscountrywhen hecomesback,Ishalldo(givehimthemoney).Theimam(a.s.)replied,Itisagiftfromustohim andwhenhecomesback,hewillgetanothergiftfromus.[3]Thisstoryshowedhisfaithandthe respectoftheimam(a.s.)towardshim. AbdullahbinJafaralHimyarisaid,Once,SheikhAbuAmr(mayAllahhavemercyonhim)andI metAhmadbinIsaaq,whomadeasigntometoaskAbuAmrabouttheSuccessor(Imamal Mehdi).Isaidtohim,OAbuAmr,IwanttoaskyouaboutsomethingthatIhavenodoubtabout. Hesaid,Askaboutwhatyouwant!Isaidtohim,DidyouseetheSuccessorafterAbu Muhammad(a.s.)?Hesaid,ByAllah,yes.[4] Anyhow,thismanwasreliableandhadahighpositionneartheAhlulBayt(a.s).

[1]RijalanNajashi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]RijalalKashshi. [4]UsoolalKafi,chap.ofalHujjah. 12.AhmadbinalHasanbinAlibinFadhdhal SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]It wassaidthathewasFatahite[2]andhewasreliableinnarration.Hehadwrittensomebookssuch asPrayer,andWudu.Hediedin260AH.[3] 13.AbuAliAhmadbinHammadalMahmudi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]Al KashshimentionedthatMuhammadbinMasoodsaid,AbuAliMuhammadbinAhmadbin HammadalMahmudialMarwazisaid,AbuJafar(a.s.)wrotetomyfather(asmentioned)ina chapterofhisbook,(andeverysoulshallbepaidinfullwhatithasearned,andtheyshallnotbe wronged).[5]Asforthislife,wearetriedinitwithmisfortunes,butwhoeverloveshisfriendand believesinhisbeliefsshallbewithhimevenifheisfarfromhim.Andasfortheafterlife,itisthe abodeofeternity. AlMahmudisaid,Theimam(a.s.)wrotetomeaftermyfathersdeath,Yourfatherhaspassed away,mayAllahbepleasedwithhimandwithyou.Heisstillpraiseworthytous.Andyoushallnot befarfromthisstate.[6] Thispraiseoftheimamtowardshimshowsthathewastrustworthy,goodman.AlKashshi mentionedothertraditionsnarratedbythisman. [1]RijalatToosi. [2]AsectbelievingthatAbdullahalAftahthesonofImamJafarasSadiq(s)wastheimamafter hisfather. [3]RijalanNajashi. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]Qur'an,3:25. [6]RijalalKashshi. 14.AhmadbinMuhammadbinYasar AlBarqimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]AlNajashisaidaboutthisman, HewasfromtheclerksofAbuTahiratthetimeofAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hewasknownasas Sayyari.HewasweakinnarrationsandofbadbeliefsasalHusaynbinAbdullahtoldus.His

narrationswerenotregarded.Henarratedmursal[2]traditions.HehadsomebookslikeThawab (rewardof)alQuran,Medicine,Recitations,Rarities,andalGharat(raids).[3] AlKashshimentionedthatIbrahimbinMuhammadbinHajibsaid,IreadinapaperwithalJawad (a.s.)thatheinformedsomeone,whoaskedaboutasSayyari,saying,Hewasnotasheclaimed forhimself.Donotgivehimanything(oftraditions).[4]Scholarsaccusedhiminhisbeliefs.He diedwhilestillonhisbadbeliefs. 15.AhmadbinAbdullahbinMarwanalAnbari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5] 16.AhmadbinMuhammadbinMusshir HenarratedfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),andAlibinAbuKhulaysnarratedfromhim.Sayyid alKhoeisaid,Nothingwasmentionedthatmightprovethereliabilityorthepraiseofthisman.As forthesayingofSheikhasSaduqabouthimthathewasthecompanionofAbuMuhammad (a.s.),it [1]RijalalBarqi. [2]Amursaltraditionisthetraditionthatisnarratedwhileoneortwoofthechainofnarrators aremissing. [3]RijalanNajashi. [4]RijalalKashshi. [5]RijalatToosi. doesnotmeanhewasreliableorgood.Howisthatwhereastherewerebadmenamongthe companionsoftheProphet(a.s)sowhataboutthosewhoaccompaniedtheimam?!...[1] 17.AhmadbinMuhammadalHudhayni SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] 18.AhmadbinHilalalAbrataiy SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3]Hewasofbadbeliefs andnooneregardedhisnarrations.[4]Theimam(a.s.)dispraisedhimanddeclaredthathewas freefromhim.HewrotetoalQassimbinalAla,Ourorderhascometoyouabouttheliaribn Hilal,mayAllahhavenomercyonhim.HemayAllahneitherforgivehissinsnormayHepardon hisslipsofteninterferedinouraffairswithnopermissionorsatisfactionfromus.Hewas

opinionatedandherefrainedfromourdues.Hedidnotcarryoutourordersexceptwhatheliked andwanted.MayAllahtakehimtothefireofHell.WewerepatientwithhimuntilAllahcutoffhis lifeafterourpray.Wehadinformedsomepeopleofourfollowersabouthimatthattimemay Allahhavenomercyonhim.Therearesomepeoplewhodonotquithim.MakealIssaqimay Allahkeephimandhisfamilysafeknowwhatwehaveinformedyouaboutthestatusofthis sinner,andmakewhoeveraskedabouthimfromthepeopleofhisvillageandothervillagesknow that,andtellwhoeverdeservestoknowthat.Heshallnotbeexcusedevenbyourfollowersin suspectingwhatourreliablecompanionshavenarratedfromus [1]MujamRijalalHadith,vol.2p.329. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Ibid. [4]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.4p.367. Thistraditionshowsthatthismanwasdeviant.Hediedin267AH.[1] 19.IsaaqbinIsmailanNaysaburi Hewasreliable.SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]The imam(a.s.)prayedAllahforhiminoneofhisletters.[3] 20.AbuYaqubIsaaqbinMuhammadalBasri SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]AlKashisaidhewas fromtheheadsoftheexcessive.[5] 21.IsmailbinMuhammadbinAlibinIsmailalHashimialAbbasi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[6] 22.JabirbinSuhaylasSayqal HewastheagentofImamAbulHasanalHadi(a.s.),ImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.),and ImamalMehdi(a.s.).[7] 23.AbulQassimJabirbinYazidalFarisi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[8] [1]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.2p.367. [2]RijalatToosi.

[3]Wehavementioneditinapreviouschapter. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]RijalalKashshi. [6]RijalatToosi. [7]Ibid. [8]Ibid. 24.JafarbinIbrahimbinNoah SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1] 25.AlHasanbinAhmadalMaliki HewasfromthecompanionsofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Henarratedfromhisfather,andAli binalHusaynbinBabwayhnarratedfromhim.[2] 26.AlHasanbinIshkeebalMarwazi HelivedinSamarqand.Hewasatheologian,scholar,andanauthor.SheikhatToosimentioned himasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3] 27.AlHasanbinJafar HewasknownasAbuTalibalFaghani.SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari's companions.[4] 28.AlHasanbinAlibinNumanalKufi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5]AlNajashisaid,Hewas themawlaofbaniHashim.HisfatherAlibinanNumanwastrustworthyoftruetraditions.Hehad averyusefulbookonrarities.[6] 29.AlHasanbinMuhammadbinBabaalQummi Hewasexcessive.SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionswithout addingalQummitohisname.alKashshisaid,AbulFadhlbinShathanmentioned [1]RijalatToosi. [2]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.4p.293. [3]RijalatToosi.

[4]Ibid. [5]Ibid. [6]RijalanNajashi. inoneofhisbooksthatibnBabaalQummiwasoneofthefamousliars. SadsaidthatalUbaydisaidtohim,Once,(Imam)alAskariwrotetomesaying:Iamfreebefore AllahfromalFihriandalHasanbinMuhammadbinBabaalQummi,andyoualsoshouldbefree fromthem.Iwarnyouandallmyfollowersfromthem.Icursethem.ThecurseofAllahbeon them.Theyextortthemoniesofpeopleinthenameofus.Theyaremischievousandharmful. MayAllahharmthemandplungethemintomischief.IbnBabapretendsthatIhavesenthimasa prophetandthatheisabab.[1]ThecurseofAllahbeonhim.Satanhasmockedathimand deceivedhim.Allahcurseswhoeveracceptsthatfromhim.OMuhammad,ifyouareabletosplit hisheadwitharock,youdo.Hehasharmedme.MayAllahharmhiminthislifeandinthe afterlife. Thislettershowsthattheimam(a.s.)wassoangryatthismanwhohaddeniedhisreligionand gonetoofarindeviation. 30.AlHasanbinMusaalKhashshab AnNajashisaidabouthim,Hewasfromournotablecompanions.Hewasfamousinknowledge andHadith,andhadwrittensomebookssuchasRefutingtheWaqifitesandtheRarities.It wassaidthatfromhisbookstherewerethebooksoftheHajj,andtheProphets.Sheikhat ToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] 31.AbuOwnalHasanbinanNadhralAbrash SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3] [1]InearlyShiismbabdenotestheseniorauthorizeddiscipleoftheimam. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Ibid. 32.AlHasanbinanNadhr ItwashewhowascarriedtotheSacredDistrictSurraManRaaafterthedeathofImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.).TheImam(a.s.)hadgivenhimtwogarments.HediedinRamadhanandwas enshroudedinthesetwogarments.HewasfromthepeopleofQum,andfromthosewhomet

ImamalMehdi(a.s.)andsawhismiraclesotherthanhis(ImamalMehdis)agents.[1]Sayyidal Khoeithoughthewasbuttheverymanmentionedaboveandnotanotherone.[2] 33.AlHusaynbinalHasanbinAbban SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaid,Hemetthe imam(a.s.)butwedonotknowwhetherhenarratedfromhimornot.IbnQoulwayhsaidhewas fromtherelativesofasSaffarandSadbinAbdullahbuthewasbeforethembecausehenarrated fromalHusaynbinSaeedbuttheybothdidnot.[3] 34.HafsbinAmralUmari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]Hewasoneofthebest companionsoftheimam(a.s.).IsaaqbinIsmailhadaletterfromImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) saying,DonotleavethecountryuntilyoumeetalUmari.MayAllahbepleasedwithhimformy pleasednesswithhim.Yougreethim,beacquaintedwithhimandmakehimbeacquaintedwith you,becauseheispure,loyal,chaste,andclosetous.Everythingthatiscarriedtousfrom countriescomestohimatlastsothathebringsittous.PraisebetoAllahtoomuch.[5] [1]IkmaladDeen. [2]Mu'jamRijalalHadith. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]Ibid. [5]RijalalKashshi. Thisshowsthathewasreliable,goodman,andclosetotheAhlulBayt(a.s). 35.AbuSaeedHamdanbinSulaymananNayshaburi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiscompanionsonetimeandanothertime asoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]HewasreliablefromthenotablesoftheShia. 36.HamzabinMuhammad SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]Henarratedthe traditionofthecauseofthelegislatingoffasting,andIsaaqbinMuhammadnarratedfrom him.[3] 37.DawudbinAbuZayd

Hewasreliable,truthful,religiousmanfromNayshabur.SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneof ImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions. 38.DawudbinAamiralAshari HewasfromQum.SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,[4]and sodidalBarqi.[5] 39.DawudbinalQassim HewasknownasAbuHashimalJafari.HewasoneoftheeminentMuslimsandoneofthe famousscholarsinreligion.Herewetalkinbriefaboutthisgreatpersonality. [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Mu'jamRijalalHadith. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]RijalalBarqi. Hislineage HislineagebelongedtotheeternalmartyrinIslamJafarbinAbuTalibatT,ayyar.Hewastheson ofalQassimbinIsaaqbinAbdullahbinJafar,[1]andtherewasnolineagemorethanthisnoble lineageatall. HisallegiancetotheAhlulBayt(a.s) AbuHashimwasveryloyaltotheinfallibleimams(a.s.).HemetImamarRedha,ImamalJawad, ImamalHadi,andImamAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(peacebeonthem).Hedevoted himselftothem.Hecomposedgoodpoetryonpraisingthem. Hispositionneartheimams AbuHashimhadahighpositionneartheimamswhomhewascontemporarywith.Once,Imamal Hadi(a.s.)saidtohim,OAbuHashim,whichblessingofAllahyouwanttobegratefulfor?Allah hasendowedyouwithfaiththatsavesyourbodyfromFire,endowedyouwithsoundnessthat helpsyouinobedience,andendowedyouwithsatisfactionthatkeepsyouawayfrom degradation.[2] Hissocialstatus

AllclassesofthesocietyhighlyregardedAbuHashim.Biographerssaidabouthim,Hewas preferredbyrulers.Hewaspious,devoted,ascetic,knowledgeable,andactive.Nooneofthe Talibites[3]athistimewaslikehiminhishighlineage.[4] [1]AlKunawelAlqab,vol.1p.174. [2]ThelifeofImamalHadibyBaqirSharifalQurashi. [3]TheprogenyofAbuTalib. [4]AlKunawelAlqab,vol.1p.176. Hiscourage AbuHashimwassocouragethathedidnotfearanyruler.Heannouncedthetrutheveninthe mostcriticalenvironments.HistorianssaidthatwhentheheadofYahya,thegreatrebel,was broughttoBaghdad,thepeopleofBaghdadwenttoMuhammadbinAbdullahbinTahir,who killedYahya,congratulatinghimonthevictory!!AbuHashimwasamongthosepeople.Hesaidto theemir,Oemir,IhavecometoyoucongratulatingonsomethingthatifthemessengerofAllah (a.s.)wasalive,hewouldbeconsoledon. Allpresentpeoplebecamesilentandnooneansweredhimwithanything.[1]Heleftangrilywhile recitingthefollowingversesofpoetry: OFamilyofTahir,eatitharmfully, forthefleshoftheProphetisnotedible. ArevengethatitsseekerisAllah, Definitelyitwillbetaken.[2] Hisdeath HediedinJumadialOola[3]in261AH,[4]ayearafterthedeathofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.). 40.SadbinAbdullahalQummi HewascontemporarywithImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).SheikhatToosisaidthathedidnot knowwhetherSadhadnarratedfromtheimam(a.s.)ornot.[5]AnNajashisaid,Hewasthe chief,jurisprudent,andnotableofthissect(theShia). [1]MaqatilatTalibiyeen,p.164. [2]TareekhatTabari,vol.11p.9. [3]ItisthefifthmonthintheIslamicyear.

[4]AlKunawelAlqab,vol.1p.176. [5]RijalatToosi. Heheardmanytraditionsfromthepublic.Hetraveledhereandthereseekingtraditions.Hemet alHasanbinArafa,MuhammadbinAbdulMelikadDaqiqi,AbuHatimarRazi,andAbbasat Tarqufi,andhemetourmasterAbuMuhammad(a.s.)HecompiledmanybookslikeMercy, Wudu,Prayer,Zakat,Hajj,besidesmanyotherbookswrittenbyhim.[1] Hediedin301or299AH.[2] 41.AsSindibinarRabee SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandaddedthathewas reliablefromKufa.[3] 42.AbuSaeedSahlbinZiyadalAadamiarRazi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]AnNajashisaid,He wasweakinnarrationandindependable.AhmadbinMuhammadbinEesaaccusedhimof excessivenessandlyingandheexiledhimfromQumtoarRiyywherehelivedbefore.Hewroteto AbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)throughMuhammadbinAbdulHameedalAttarHehadabook onrarities.[5] 43.ShahwayhbinAbdullahalJallab SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[6] [1]RijalanNajashi. [2]Mu'jamRijalalHadith. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]Ibid. [5]RijalanNajashi. [6]RijalatToosi. 44.SalihbinAbuHammad AnNajashisaid,SalihbinAbuHammadAbulKhayrarRazimetImamAbulHasan(alHadi)(a.s.). Hewasambiguousthatsomepeopleknewhimandothersdeniedhim.Hehadsomebookslike ThespeechesofAmeerulMo'mininandRarities.[1]SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneof ImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]

45.SalihbinAbdullahalJallab SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3] 46.AbdulAdheemalHasani ThisnoblemasterbelongedtothepureprogenyofImamalHasan(a.s.)thegrandsonofthe messengerofAllah(a.s.).HewasthesonofAbdullahbinAlibinalHasanbinZaydbinImamal Hasan(a.s.).SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]AnNajashi mentionedthatAhmadbinMuhammadbinKhalidalBarqisaid,AbdulAdheemcametoarRiyy escapingfromtheruler.HelivedinavaultinahouseofoneoftheShiainSikkatalMawali.He worshippedAllahinthatvault;fastingthedayandspendingthenightinprayingandsupplicating. Hewentoutindisguisetovisitthetombthatwasoppositetohistomb(lateron).Hesaidthatit wasatombofoneofthesonsofImamMusabinJafar(a.s.).Heremainedlivinginthatvaultand hisnewsmovedfromonetoanotheroftheShiauntilmostofthemknewhim.Once,amanfrom theShiasawinsleepthatthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtohim,Amanfrommyprogeny [1]RijalanNajashi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Ibid. [4]Ibid. shallbecarriedfromSikkatalMawaliandburiedneartheappletreeinthegardenofAbdul JabbarbinAbdulWahabandhepointedtotheplace.Themanwenttobuythetreeanditsplace fromitsowner.Theowneraskedhim,Whatfordoyouwanttobuythetreeanditsplace?The mantoldhimabouthisdream,andthentheownerofthetreerememberedthathealsohadseen suchadreamandentailedtheplaceofthetreeandallthegardenontheSharifandtheShiatobe buriedin.AbdulAdheembecameillandthendied(mayAllahhavemercyonhim).Whenhewas tobewashed,apieceofpaperwasfoundinhispocketwritteninithisnoblelineage.[1] Thisnoblemanwasaknowledgeablejurisprudent.AbuHammadarRazisaid,Once,IwenttoAli binMuhammad(alHadi)(a.s.)inSurraManRaa.Iaskedhimaboutsomequestionsofhalaland haramandheansweredme.WhenIwantedtoleavehim,hesaidtome,OHammad,ifsome thingofyourreligionisdubioustoyou,askAbdulAdheembinAbdullahalHasaniaboutitand givehimmybestregards![2] 47.AbdullahbinJafaralHimyarialQummi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,[3]andsodidalBarqi.[4] AnNajashisaid,AbulAbbasAbdullahbinJafarbinalHasanbinMalikbinJamialHimyarial

QummiwasthechiefandnotableofthepeopleofQumm.HewenttoKufaafter290Ah.The peopleofKufaheardfromhimmanytraditions.HecompiledmanybookssuchasalAmanah: depositorfidelity,adDalail:proofs,alAdhamahwetTawhid:greatnessandmonotheism, alGhaybahwelHeerah:occultationandconfusion,Fadhlal [1]RijalanNajashi. [2]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.10p.53. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]RijalalBarqi. Arab:preferenceoftheArabs,atTawhidwelBadawelIradahwelIstitaahwelMarifah: monotheism,bada[1],will,capability,andknowledge,QurbalIsnadila(closeattributionto) AbuJafarbinarRedha,MaBayna(between)HishambinalHakamandHishamandalAbbas, alArwahwelJannahwelNar:souls,Paradise,andFire,alHadithaynalMukhtalifayn:thetwo differenttraditions,MassailadDajjal:thequestionsoftheimposter,MukatabatAbulHasan athThalith:correspondencesofAbulHasantheThird,Massailli(questionsof)AbuMuhammad alHasanbinAlialayad(through)MuhammadbinUthamanalUmari,QurbalIsnadilaSahibal Amr(themanofthematter),MassailAbuMuhammadwaTawqiatuh(handwritings),andthe bookatTibb:medicine.Thesedifferentbooksshowhisvastknowledgeandhisspecializationin differentsciences. 48.AbdullahbinHamdwayhalBayhaqi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]Hewasfromthebest Shia.Once,theimam(a.s.)wrotealetterinwhichheprayedAllahtohavemercyonhim.Wehave mentionedthisletterinapreviouschapter. 49.AbdullahbinMuhammadbinKhalidatTayalisialKufi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3]AnNajashisaid,He wastrustworthy,benevolentmanfromour(Shia)companions,andsowashisbrotherAbu MuhammadalHasan.Hehadabookofrarities.[4]MuhammadbinMassoodsaidabouthim,As forAbdullah [1]ThealterationofAllahspurpose,theemergenceofnewcircumstances,whichcauseachange inanearlierruling. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Ibid. [4]RijalanNajashi.

binMuhammadbinKhalidatTayalisi,Ihavenotknownabouthimexceptthathewasgoodand trustworthy.[1] 50.AbuMuhammadAbdullahbinMuhammadashShamiadDamashqi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,andaddedthathe narratedfromAhmadbinMuhammadbinEessaandothers.[2] 51.AbuAmrUthmanbinSaeedalUmariazZayyat HewasalsocalledasasSamman.Hewasoneofthegreatfaithful,piousMuslims.Asifreligion wasapartofhim.Weshalltalkinbriefabouthim. Theimamspraisinghim TheImams,whomalUmariwascontemporarywith,praisedandhighlyregardedhim.Ahmadbin IsaaqbinSadalQummisaid,Oneday,IwenttoAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(ImamalHadi) (blessingsbeonhim)andsaidtohim:Omymaster,sometimesIamhereandsometimesIam not.Icannotcometoyouateverytime.Whosesayingsdoweacceptandwhoseordersdowe follow? Hesaid,ThisisAbuAmrthetrustworthy,thefaithful.Whateverhesaystoyouisfrommeand whateverheinformsyouofisinbehalfofme. WhenAbulHasan(a.s.)died,IreferredtohissonAbuMuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.)and askedhimonedayasIhadaskedhisfatherbefore.Hesaidtome,ThisisAbuAmrthe trustworthy,thefaithful.Heisthetrustoftheformersandmytrustinlifeanddeath.Whatever hesaystoyouisfrommeandwhateverheinformsyouofisinbehalfofme.[3] [1]RijalalKashshi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]AlGhaybahbySheikhatToosi. AhmadbinIsaaqalsosaid,IaskedAbulHasan(a.s.):withwhomshallIdealandfromwhomshallI take(religiousrulings),andwhosesayingshallIaccept?Hesaidtome,AlUmarymytrust; whateverheinformsyouofisonbehalfofmeandwhateverhesaystoyouisonbehalfofme. Listenandobeyhim,forheistrustworthyandreliable.[1] Thisisaclearproofonhisfaith,piety,andreligiousness.

HisagencytoImamalMehdi(a.s.) HeassumedtheagencyintheHolyDistrict(SurraManRaa)forfiftyyears.[2]TheShiaoffered theirquestionstohimandheofferedthemtotheimam(a.s.). Hisdeath Historianssaidthathehaddugagraveforhimself.Everyday,hewentdownintothegraveand recitedapartfromtheHolyQur'anandthenhecameup.HediedinJumadialOolain304or305 AH.Hehadpredictedthedayofhisdeath.HistombisinBaghdadandheisknownbythe BaghdadisasashSheikhalKhilafi.[3] 52.UrwahalWakilalQummi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4] 53.AlAkmaribinAlibinMuhammadalBawfakianNayshaburi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,andaddedthathebought someTurksinSamarqandfor(Imam) [1]UsoolalKafi. [2]AlKunawelAlqab,vol.3p.267. [3]Ibid.,p.268. [4]RijalatToosi. alAskari.[1] 54.AlibinBilal SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]An Najashisaid,HewasaBaghdadiandthenhemovedtoWasit.HenarratedfromAbulHasanthe Third(a.s.).Hehadabook.[3]InaletterfromImamalAskari(a.s.)toIsaaqitwasmentioned,O Isaaq,readourbooktoalBilali,mayAllahhavemercyonhim,becauseheistrustworthyand reliable,andheknowswhathehastodo. AlKashshisaid,IfoundabookwrittenbyJabrailbinAhmadthatMuhammadbinEesaalYaqtini saidtohim,ImamalHadi(a.s.)wrotealettertoAlibinBilalin232AHsayinginit,IpraiseAllah andthankHimforHismightandmercy,andprayHimtohaveblessingandmercyonMuhammad theProphetandonhisprogeny.IhaveappointedAbuAliinplaceofalHusaynbinAbdRabbih andentrustedhimwiththatpositionfortheknowledgehehasthatnooneispreferredtohim.I

knowyouarethechiefofyourdistrictandsoIwantedtohonoryoubywritingthisbookonthat toyou.Youhavetoobeyhimanddelivertohimalltheduesthatarewithyou.Youhavetoinform myfollowersandrecommendthemofthat,forthiswillsupportandsufficehim,andsaveus effortsandpleaseus.Doingthis,youwillhavetherewardofAllah,andAllahgiveswhomeverHe likes.HeistheGiver,WhorewardswithHismercyandyouareinthetrustofAllah.Ihavewritten thisletterwithmyhandwritingandIpraiseAllahtoomuch.[4] Thislettershowsthathewastrustworthyandreliedonbytheimam(a.s.). [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]RijalanNajashi. [4]RijalatToosi. 55.AlibinJafarbinalAbbasalKhuzaiy SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1] Supplement 56.AlibinJafaralHumanialBarmaki AlBarqimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]Sheikhat Toosisaid,Hewasagood,benevolentmanfromtheagentsofAbulHasanandAbuMuhammad (peacebeonthem).[3] AbuJafaralUmarisaid,Once,AbuTahirbinBilalwenttoperformthehajjandhesawAlibin Jafarspendtoomuchmoney.Whenhewentback,hewrotetoAbuMuhammad(ImamalAskari) (a.s.)aboutthatandAbuMuhammad(a.s.)repliedtohim:Wehaveorderedtogivehimone hundredthousanddinarsandthenanotheronehundredthousanddinarsbutherefusedtotake themsothatwewouldkeepthemforpeopleHewenttoAbulHasan(a.s.)andheorderedto givehimthirtythousanddinars.[4] AlKashshimentionedthatYousufbinasSakhtsaid,AlibinJafarwasoneofthedeputiesof ImamalHadi(a.s.).Oneday,hewasbetrayednearalMutawakkilwhothrewhiminprison.He remainedinprisonforalongtimeandhecouldnotbearlonger.Therefore,heaskedanagentof

theAbbasidgovernmenttointercedeforhimtobesetfreeandhewouldgivehimthreethousand dinarsforthat.TheagentwenttoUbaydillah,whohadagoodpositionnearalMutawakkil,and askedhimtointercedewithalMutawakkilforAlibinJafar.Ubaydillahrespondedtohimand intercededwithalMutawakkiltosetAlibinJafarfree,butalMutawakkil [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalalBarqi. [3]AlGhaybah. [4]Ibid. refusedandsaidtohim,IfIdoubtedyou,IwouldsayyouareaRafidhi(Shia).Thisisadeputyof AbulHasanalHadiandIhavedeterminedtokillhim. Ubaydillahregrettedhisintercessionandtoldhisfriend(theagent)thatalMutawakkilhad determinedtokillAlibinJafarandtherewasnochanceforsettinghimfree.AlibinJafarbecame sodistressedandwrotealettertoImamalHadi(a.s.)sayingtohim,Omymaster,pleasedo somethingforme!IfearImaylosemyfaith.ImamalHadi(a.s.)repliedtohim,Sincethematter hasreachedthispointwithyou,IwillprayAllahforyou. AlMutawakkilbecameseriouslyillandhisfeverincreased.Therefore,heorderedhismentoset freeallprisonersandgaveaspecialordertosetAlibinJafarfree.AlMutawakkilordered UbaydillahtosetAlifreeandtobeghimtoforgivehim(alMutawakkil)whathehaddonetohim. AliwassetfreeandwenttoliveinMeccaasImamalHadi(a.s.)hadorderedhim.[1] AlKashshimentionedinthebiographyofFarisbinHatimalQazwinithattherewasadispute betweenAlibinJafarandFaris,andthatIbrahimbinMuhammadwrotetoImamalHadi(a.s.) tellinghimaboutthatandaskinghimtoshowhimwhichofthemheshouldfollow.ImamalHadi (a.s.)repliedtohimsaying,Itshouldnotbeaskedaboutonelikethismanandheshouldnever bedoubted.ThepositionofAlibinJafarissogreattous.MayAllahpleaseuswithhim.Heisfar abovetobecomparedwithothers.GotoAlibinJafartosatisfyyourneeds,andfearFarisanddo notlethiminterfereinyouraffairs.Letyouandthosewhofollowyoufromthepeopleofyour countrydothat.Ihavebeeninformedofwhat [1]RijalalKashshi. he(Faris)misrepresentedtopeople.Donotpayattentiontohiminshallah![1] Thislettershowsthatthismanwassofaithfulthattheimam(a.s.)hadappointedhimasan authorityfortheShia. 57.AlibinalHasanbinFadhdhalalKufi

SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]AnNajashisaid,He wasthebestjurisprudentofourcompanionsinKufaandoneofthenotablesthere.Hewas trustworthyandthemostawareofHadithamongthem.Ourcompanionslistenedtoandobeyed him.Manytraditionswereheardfromhim.Nofaultwasfoundinhimandhewasaccusedof nothing.Heseldomnarratedfromaweaknarrator.HewasFatahite[3]anddidnotnarratefrom hisfatheranytradition.WhenIwaseighteenyears,Idiscussedwithhimonhisbooks,butatthat timeIdidnotunderstandtraditionsanddidnotpermitmyselftonarratethembeforehim.He narratedfromhistwobrotherswhonarratedfromtheirfather. HehadwrittenmanybookssuchasthebookofWudu,HaydhandNafas;menstruationand puerperium,Salat;prayer,ZakatandKhums,Fasting,Manasik(ritualsof)alHajj, Divorce,Nikah;marriage,alMarifah:knowledge,atTanzilminalQuranwetTahrif:the revelationanddistortion,azZuhd:asceticism,andmanyothers.[4] Hewasattheheadofthescholarsofhistime,andhismanybooksprovedhisvastknowledge. [1]RijalalKashshi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]AsectbelievingthatAbdullahalAftahthesonofImamJafarasSadiq(s)wastheimamafter hisfather. [4]RijalanNajashi. 58.AlibinSulaymanbinDawudarRiqqi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1] 59.AlibinarRayyanbinasSaltalAsharialQummi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] 60.AlibinRamees SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalHadiandImamalAskari'scompanions,andsaid thathewasfromBaghdadandwasweak.[3] 61.AlibinZaydbinAlialAlawi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]

62.AlibinShujaanNaysaburi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5] 63.AlibinMuhammadasSaymari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[6] 64.AlibinMuhammadbinIlyas SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari's [1]RijalatToosi. [2]Ibid. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]Ibid. [5]Ibid. [6]Ibid. companions.[1] 65.UmarbinAbuMuslim SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] 66.AmrbinSuwaydalMadaini SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3] 67.AlFadhlbinalHarith SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4]AlKashshimentioned thatalFadhlsaid,IwasinSurraManRaaatthetimeofthedepartureofmymasterAbulHasan (alHadi)(a.s.).WesawAbuMuhammadwalkingaftertearinghisclothesoutofsorrowforhis father.Iwasastonishedathisgravityandathiscolorandexpressions.Ifeltpityforhistiredness. Whenthenightcame,Isawhiminmysleepandhesaidtome,Thecolorthatyouwere astonishedatwasthetryingofAllahonHiscreatures.HetrieswithitasHewills.Itisalessonfor thosewhohavesight.Thereisnoblameinitonthetriedone,andwearenotlikeotherpeopleto betiredastheyare.WeaskAllahtofixusonfaithandtomakeusponderonHiscreationknow thateachofusinsleepislikeeachofusinwakefulness.[5] 68.AlFadhlbinShathan SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[6]Hewasattheheadof theeminentscholarsofhistime.Hewrotebooksondifferentsciencesandarts.He

[1]RijalatToosi. [2]Ibid. [3]Ibid. [4]Ibid. [5]RijalalKashshi. [6]RijalatToosi. hadwrittenonehundredandeightybooks.[1]SomeofhisbookswereadmiredbyImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.).Hesaidaboutoneofthem,Thisistrueandmustbeactedaccordingtoit.[2] Onceagain,hereadoneofthebooksandsaid,IenvythepeopleofKhurasanthepositionofal FadhlbinShathanandhisbeingamongthem.[3] ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)glorifiedandhighlyregardedalFadhl.HeprayedAllahtohavemercy onhimthreetimes.[4]AlKashshimentionedsometraditionsondispraisinghim,butthose traditionswerefabricatedagainsthimbytheopponentswhohadspiteagainsthim. 69.QassimbinHishamalLuluiy SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,andsaidthathenarrated fromAbuAyyub.[5]AnNajashisaidthathadabookofrarities.[6] 70.MuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyar SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[7] MuhammadbinYaqubnarratedthatMuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyarsaid,Afterthedeath ofAbuMuhammad(a.s.)Iwasindoubt.Muchmoneywasaccumulatedwithmyfather.He carriedthemoneyandrodeontheship.Iescortedhim.Hefeltseverepainandsaidtome,Take meback!Itisdeath.Andthenhesaidtome,FearAllahinthismoney!Hemade [1]RijalanNajashi. [2]RijalalKashshi. [3]Ibid. [4]Ibid. [5]RijalatToosi. [6]RijalanNajashi. [7]RijalatToosi. hiswillanddied.Isaidtomyself,Myfatherwouldnotrecommendofanythingthatisnotright.

LetmetakethismoneyandgotoIraq.IshallrentahouseatthebankoftheriverandIshallnot tellanyoneaboutanything.Ifsomethingbecomescleartomeasitwasclearduringthetimeof AbuMuhammad,Ishallspendthemoney,andotherwiseIshallenjoymyselfwithit.Aftersome days,amessengercametomewithabookwritteninit:OMuhammad,thereissoandsowith youinsoandsoHementionedtomeallthatwhichwaswithmeeventhatwhichIdidnot know.Igaveittothemessengerandremainedsomedaysbeingashamed.Iwasverysad,but thenabookcamefromtheimam(a.s.)saying,Wehaveappointedyouinplaceofyourfather,so thankAllah![1]ThismeansthatIbrahimhadarespectablepositionandahighstanding. 71.MuhammadbinAbulSahban SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,[2]andsodidalBarqi.[3] 72.MuhammadbinAhmadbinJafaralQummialAttar SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaidhewashisagent. HehadmetImamAbulHasanalHadi(a.s.).[4] 73.MuhammadbinAhmadbinMutahhar SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5] [1]UsoolalKafi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]RijalalBarqi. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]Ibid. 74.AbuAbdullahMuhammadbinAhmadbinNaeembinShathananNaysaburi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]AsSaduqmentioned thatMuhammadbinAhmadbinShathansaid,SomemoneycametomeforalQaim(Imamal Mehdi),peacebeuponhim.Itwasfivehundredlackingtwentydirhams.Ihatedtosendthe moneysolacking.IaddedtwentydirhamsfrommymoneyandsenttheamounttoMuhammad binJafarwithoutmentioningmymoney.ThereceiptcametoMuhammadbinJafar(fromthe imam)saying:Fivehundreddirhamswerereceived.Twentydirhamsfromthemareyours. ImamalQaim(a.s.)saidabouthim,AsforMuhammadbinShathanbinNaeem,heisaman fromourShia,wetheAhlulBayt(a.s).[2] 75.MuhammadbinAhmadalJafarialQummi

SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaidhewashisagent andthathehadmetImamAbulHasan(a.s.).[3] 76.MuhammadbinBilal SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaidhewas trustworthy.[4] [1]RijalatToosi. [2]Mu'jamRijalalHadith. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]Ibid. 77.MuhammadbinalHasanbinShammun SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaidhewasexcessive manfromBasra.[1]AnNajashisaid,HewasaWaqifite[2]andthenheturnedexcessive.Hewas tooweak(intraditions)andofbadbeliefs.SometraditionsonWaqifismwereascribedtohim.It wasmentionedthathehadsaid,IheardImamMusabinJafar(s)saying,Whoevertellsyouthat hehasnursedme,washedme(afterdeath),enshroudedme,putmeinacoffin,buriedmeand shookdustoffhishand,donotbelievehim.Whoeverasksaboutme,tellhimthatIamalive,and praisebetoAllah.[3] AlKashshimentionedfromhimhissaying,IwrotetoAbuMuhammad(ImamalAskari) complainingofpovertyandthenIsaidtomyself:hasAbuAbdullah(ImamasSadiq)(a.s.)notsaid, Povertywithus(theAhlulBayt)isbetterthanwealthwithourenemy,andbeingkilledwithusis betterthanlivingwithourenemy.Thereplytomylettercamesaying,AllahtheAlmightytries ourfollowers,whentheirsinsincrease,bypoverty,andHemayforgivemany(ofsins),anditisas yourselfsaidtoyou:povertywithusisbetterthanwealthwithourenemy.Weareashelterfor whoeverresortstousandalightforwhoeverseekslight,andpreservationforwhoeverresortsto us.Whoeverlovesuswillbewithusinthehighestposition,andwhoeverdeviatesfromuswillbe inFire.[4] [1]RijalatToosi. [2]Thewaqifiteswereagroupofpeoplebelievingintheimamateofthefirstsevenimamsfrom ImamAli(a.s.)toImamMusabinJafaralKadhim(a.s.)anddidnotbelieveintherestfiveimams. [3]RijalanNajashi. [4]RijalalKashshi.

78.MuhammadbinalHasanasSaffar SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaidhehadsome questionswithhim.[1]AnNajashisaid,HewaseminentnotableamongourcompanionsofQum. Hewastrustworthy,highlyrespectable,preferred,andoflittlemistakinginnarration.Hehad somebookslikePrayer,Wudu,Funerals,Hajj,Marriage,Divorce,theFreeingof Slaves,Correspondence,Management,Trades,Gains,HuntingandSlaughtering, Penalties,Bloodmoney,Obligations,Inheritance,Dua:supplication,theShrine, Refutingtheexcessive,Drinks,Magnanimity,Asceticism,Khums,Zakat,Witnesses, Battles,PrecautionaryDissimulation,theBeliever,OathsandVows,Defects,Insightsof Degrees,whathasbeennarratedaboutthechildrenoftheimams,whathasbeennarratedin Shaban,Jihad,andtheValueoftheQur'an.[2]Thisnoblesheikhdiedin290AH. 79.MuhammadbinalHusaynbinAbulKhattab SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3]AnNajashisaid,He wasaneminentnotablefromourShiacompanions.Hewastrustworthy.Henarratedmany traditionsandhisnarrationswerereliedon.HehadcompiledgoodbookssuchasMonotheism, KnowledgeandBada,RefutingtheFatalists,Imamate,ThePearle,therecommendations oftheimams,andRarities.[4]IbnShahrashubconsideredhimasoneoftheclosecompanions ofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hediedin262AH. [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalanNajashi. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]RijalanNajashi. 80.MuhammadbinJafaralUmari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]AlKashisaidthathis fatherHafswasanagentofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.). 81.MuhammadbinarRabeebinasSuwaydasSaiy SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] 82.MuhammadbinZiyad SheikhatToosimentionedhimwiththisnameasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsadding nothingelse.[3]

83.MuhammadbinSalihalArmani SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4] 84.MuhammadbinSalihbinMuhammadalHamadani SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5]SheikhasSaduqsaid, HewasoneofthosewhosawthemiraclesoftheAwaitedImam(a.s.).[6] 85.MuhammadbinSalihalKhashami SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[7] [1]RijalatToosi. [2]Ibid. [3]Ibid. [4]Ibid. [5]Ibid. [6]Ikmaluddeen. [7]RijalatToosi. 86.MuhammadbinAbdulHameedbinSalimalAttaralKufi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1]AnNajashisaid,Hewas trustworthyfromourKufiShiacompanions.Hehadabookofrarities.[2] 87.AbuJafarMuhammadbinUthmanalUmari Hewastrustworthyandloyal.HeandhisfatherwereagentsofImamalMehdi(a.s.).Many traditionswerementionedabouthisloftinessandhighposition.Once,AhmadbinIsaaqasked ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),WithwhomshallIideal,fromwhomshallItake(religiousrulings), andwhosesayingshallIaccept? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,AlUmari(hemeantUthman)andhisson(Muhammad)!They aretrustworthy.Whatevertheytellyoutheytellonbehalfofme.[3] AlettercamefromImamalMehdi(a.s.)toMuhammadbinUthmanalUmaricomfortinghimon thedeathofhisfatherUthmaninwhichhesaid,MayAllahrewardandcomfortyouwiththe best.Youareafflictedandweareafflicted.Hisdeparturedistressedyouanddistressedus.May Allahpleasehiminhisfinalabode.ItwasfromhisperfecthappinessthatAllahhadgivenhima sonlikeyoutosucceedhimafterhisdeath,replacehim,andinvokethemercyofAllahonhim.I

say:praisebetoAllahforsoulsarepleasedwithyouandwithwhatHehasputinyouandgiven you.MayHeassist,strengthen,andmakeyousuccessful,andbeyourGuardian,Keeper,and Sufficer.[4] [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalanNajashi. [3]UsoolalKafi,vol.1chap.alHujja. [4]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.16p.310. SheikhasSaduqmentionedthatAbdullahbinJafaralHimyarisaid,Once,IaskedMuhammad binUthmanalUmariwhetherhehadseentheManoftheMatter(ImamalMehdi),peacebeon him,andhesaid,Yes,thelasttimeIhadseenhimwasintheInviolableHouseofAllah(the Kaaba)whilehewassaying:OAllah,carryouttomewhatYouhavepromisedme!Muhammad binUthmanalsosaid,IsawhimclingingtothecurtainsoftheKaabainalMustajar(resort)while saying:OAllah,avengeonYourenemies![1] MuhammadbinUthmandiedin305AH.[2] 88.MuhammadbinAlibinBilal SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3]Hewastrustworthy, butlateronherobbedthemoniesoftheimam(a.s.)thatwerewithhimandherefusedtodeliver themtotheImamsagentMuhammadbinUthmanclaimingthathehimselfwastheagent.After this,theShiadeniedhimandannouncedtheywerefreefromhim.[4] 98.MuhammadbinAliatTasturi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,[5]andsodidalBarqi. 90.MuhammadbinAliazZari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions. [1]ManLaYahdhuruhualFaqih,vol.2chap.ofraritiesofthehajj. [2]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.16p.310. [3]RijalatToosi. [4]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.16p.350. [5]RijalatToosi. 91.MuhammadbinAlialQasri

SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1] 92.MuhammadbinAlialKatib SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2] 93.MuhammadbinEessabinUbaydalYaqtini SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[3]AnNajashisaid,He waslofty,trustworthynotablefromtheShia.Hehadnarratedmanytraditionsandcompiledsome goodbooks.HenarratedtraditionsfromAbuJafartheSecond(ImamalJawad)throughletters andorally. MuhammadbinJafararRazzazsaidthatMuhammadbinEessalivedinSuqalAttashandhad writtenandcompiledagoodcollectionofbooks.[4] 94.MuhammadbinMusaasSareeiy SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanionsandsaidhewas excessive.[5]AlKashshisaid,HeandMuhammadbinMusaashShurayqiwerefromthedisciples ofAlibinHasaka.Theyarecursed,mayAllahcursethem.[6]SomenarratorsnarratedfromAbu MuhammadatTallakabrithatAbuAliMuhammadbinHumamsaid,AsSareeiywassurnamedas AbuMuhammadhewasfromthecompanionsofAbulHasanAlibinMuhammad(alHadi)and [1]RijalatToosi. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Ibid. [4]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.17p.126. [5]RijalatToosi. [6]RijalalKashshi. alHasanalAskari(peacebeonthem).HewasthefirstonewhoclaimedapositionthatAllahhad notmadeforhimandhedidnotdeserveit.HefabricatedliesagainstAllahandagainstHis authorities(peacebeonthem).Heascribedtothemwhatdidnotfitthem;therefore,theShia cursedanddisavowedhim.Thenabookcamefromtheimam(a.s.)cursinganddisavowing himandthendisbeliefandatheismappearedinhissayings.[1] 95.MuhammadbinMusaanNaysaburi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]Once,theimam(a.s.) sentaletterwithhimtoIbrahimbinAbdah.[3]

96.MuhammadbinMusabinFurat SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4] 97.MuhammadbinYahyabinZiyad SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5] 98.MuhammadbinYahyaalMuathi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[6] [1]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.17p.323. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Mu'jamRijalalHadith. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]Ibid. [6]Ibid. 99.MuhammadbinYazdad SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[1] 100.HarunbinMuslimbinSadan HewasfromKufa,andthenhemovedtoBasra,andthentoBaghdad.SheikhatToosimentioned himasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]AnNajashisaid,Hewasatrustworthynotable.He hadaschoolincompulsionandTashbih:comparingAllahtothecreated.HemetAbu MuhammadandAbulHasan(peacebeonthem).HehadsomebookslikeatTawhid: monotheism,alFadhail:virtues,alKhutab:sermons,alMaghazi:battles,andadDua. HehadquestionswithAbulHasantheThird(alHadi)(a.s.).[3] 101.YahyaalBasri SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[4] 102.YaqubbinIsaaqalBarqi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5]

103.YaqubbinManqush SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[6]SheikhasSaduq mentionedthatYaqubbinManqushsaid,Oneday,IwenttoAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli (a.s.)andaskedhim,Omymaster,whowillbethe [1]RijalatToosi. [2]Ibid. [3]RijalanNajashi. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]Ibid. [6]Ibid. manofthismatter(imamate)?HeaskedmetoliftascreenthereandIdid.Ayoungboyofeight ortenyearscameouttoushesatonthethighofAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Then,ImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.)saidtome,Thisisyourman.TheboyjumpedandAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said tohim,Omyson,goinuntiltheprescribedtime!TheboywentinwhileIwaslookingathim. AbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtome,OYaqub,gointoseewhothereisinthehouse!Iwentin,but foundnoone.[1] 104.YousufbinasSakht SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[2]IbnalGhadhayirisaid, Hewasweakofnoreliablespeech.ThepeopleofQumexcludedhimfromtheraritiesof wisdom.[3] 105.AbuKhalafalIjli SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,andsaidthatAlibinal HusaynbinBabwayhnarratedfromhimfromImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli(a.s.).[4] 106.AbuMuhammadAlibinBilalalIskafi SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions.[5] [1]Ikmaluddeen. [2]RijalatToosi. [3]Mu'jamRijalalHadith,vol.20p.200. [4]RijalatToosi. [5]Ibid.

107.AbulBakhtari SheikhatToosimentionedhimasoneofImamalAskari'scompanions,andsaidhewasthe teacherofalHajjajschildren.[1] [1]RijalatToosi. Theageoftheimam ThestudyoftheagethatImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)livedinisnolongerakindofluxuryor decorationtothebook,butitisanecessitythatthemodernscientificresearchrequires.Studying anagehasbecomefromthemethodicalstudiesthataresearchercannotleaveaside,becauseit revealstherealityofthegenerallifewhichthatcertainpersonlives,andalsoitshedslightsonthe eventsthattakesplaceduringthatagewhichnaturallyhaveagreatinfluenceonthebehaviorof thatperson.Sociologistssaythatthesociallifeaffectsandisaffected. Anyhow,weobjectivelyshallofferseveralsidesofthegenerallifeoftheagethatImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.)livedin. TheEconomicalLife BeforeweshedlightsontheeconomicallifeoftheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),wewould liketoshowthatIslamhaspaidextremeattentiontothedevelopingoftheeconomyofthe nation,thegrowingoftheindividualincome,andtheprosperityofthegenerallife.Islamhas consideredpovertyasadestroyingdisasterwhichmustberemovedbyallmeans.Islamhas comparedbetweendisbeliefandpoverty,andasdisbeliefmustberemovedduetotheIslamic Sharia,povertymustberemovedfromsocietyaswell.IslamhasorderedMuslimrulersand leaderstosparenoeffortinordertosaveMuslimsfromthedangersofpovertyandwretchedness whicharethereasonsbehindtheintellectualandmoraldeviationamongpeople. FromthecreativemethodsthattheIslamiceconomyisbasedonisthattheShariahaslimitedthe authoritiesofrulersandofficials.Theyarenotpermittedinanycasetoplaywiththetreasuryof thestate,becauseitisforallMuslimsandnotforoneperson.ThewealthofMuslimsmustbe spentonMuslims,andneithertherulernoanyofhisgovernmenthastherighttoextortfromthe treasurytospendonhimselforhiskin,forthisistreasonagainstAllahandagainstMuslims.

TheAbbasidrule,duringallitsages,followedaspecialeconomicalpolicythatwasoddtothetrue Islamicsystem,anditwastoofarfromthelawsIslamhaslegislatedtocontrolthewealthofthe Islamicstate.WeshalldiscusshereinbriefthegeneraleconomicalsystemintheAbbasidage. IncomesOfTheState Themostincomeofthestatewascollectedfromlandtaxesandzakatwhichwasaboutmillionsof dinars.Historianssaiditwasaboutthreehundredandsixtymilliondirhamsayear,[1]anditwas aboutfivehundredmilliondirhamsinsomeyears.[2]Inthatageadirhamhadagoodvalue.It equaledthepriceofasheep,ajarofhoney,orajarofoil,whereasadinarequaledthepriceofa camel.[3] Unfortunately,theseabundantmonieswerenotspenttodevelopthescientific,medical,and economicallifeasIslamwanted,buttheywenttothepocketsofrulerswhospentthemon buildinghighpalacesasalMutawakkildid,andonsingers,dancers,drinkingcompanions,and otherfieldsofdebaucheryandpleasures. ViolenceInCollectingTheLandTax Violence,oppression,andpunishmentswerecommonmethodsincollectingthelandtaxesduring mostoftheAbbasidages.Peoplesufferedexhaustingkindsofoppressionfromthepublicanswho hadnobitofmercyandkindnessintheirhearts.Theyimposedtaxesaccordingtotheirdesires andgreed,andwhoeverrefusedordelaytopaytheimposedtaxeshisfatewouldbeeitherto graveortoprison. AlJahshiyarisaid,Thepeopleofkharaj(whodidnotorcouldnotpaythelandtax)werepunished severelywithdifferentkindsoftormentlikebeingthrowntobeastsofpreyandbees. [1]TareekhatTamaddunalIslami(thehistoryoftheIslamiccivilization),vol.5p.79. [2]AlWuzarawelKuttab(viziersandclerks),p.288. [3]ThelifeofImamMusabinJafar. MuhammadbinMuslimwasaclosecompaniontoalMehdi(theAbbasidcaliph).WhenalMehdi becamethecaliphandfoundthatthepeopleofkharajweretorturedseverely,heconsultedwith MuhammadbinMuslimwhosaidtohim,OAmeerulMo'minin,thisisasituationthatcanbe changed.TheyaredebtorsofMuslimsandmustbetreatedasdebtors.Thenthecaliphordered tostoppunishingthem.[1] DuringthereignofarRashid,peoplecriticizedalFadhlbinYahyaalBarmakiwhowasthewaliof

Khurasan.TheycomplainedathimtoomuchuntilarRashiddeposedhimandappointedinplace ofhimAlibinEessawhokilledmanynotablesfromthepeopleofKhurasanandfarmedgreat monies.Once,hesenttoarRashidtenmilliondirhamsinasackmadeofsilk.[2] ThepeopleofMosulalsosufferedterribleoppressionbecauseofthefarmingofthekharaj(land tax).Thewali,appointedbyarRashid,onthemwasYahyabinSaeed.Heorderedthemtopay himthekharajofpastyears,andhewhippedmostofthem.[3] Islamhasboundwalistobekindtotheirsubjectsandtoimprovetheireconomicalconditions. Peoplemustnotmeetanypressurefromrulersinfarmingthekharajandzakat,butmostAbbasid kingspaidnoattentiontothat,andrather,theysubjectedthenationbyviolenceandoppression incollectingthekharaj. [1]AlWuzarawelKuttab,p.142. [2]Ibid.,p.268. [3]AlKamilfitTareekh,vol.6p.268. IncreasingTheKharaj TheofficialsoftheAbbasidgovernmentsoftenaskedpeopletopaymorethanthespecifiedtaxes andtheytookthefurtheramountsforthemselves.WhenAbuUbaydillahbinYasarbecamethe vizierofalMehdi,hemadethekharajondatepalmsandtrees,anditcontinuedsoafterhim.[1] Egyptsuffereddifferentmisfortunesanddistressesbecauseofthekharaj.ItswaliMusabin Musabdoubledthekharajoneveryacre,andheimposedtaxesonthepeopleofmarketsandon cattle.Hetookbribesinjudgment. Peoplerevoltedagainsthimbecauseofhisoppression.[2]IbnTaghrisaid,Hepressedonpeople infarmingthekharaj.Hedoubledthetaxoneveryacreunlikewhathadbeenbeforehim.People metdistressesfromhim.Hewasbadtopeople.Hetookbribesonjudgmentssoldiershatedhim. Theycausedhimtroublesandoftenopposedhimbecausehewasanoppressivetyrant.[3] ThesedoingsweretoofarfromtheessenceandrealityofIslam.Thosemenwerebutagangof thievesandhighwaymenwhowentfarintocrimesandsins.UmarbinUbaydsaidtoalMansurad Dawaniqi,theAbbasidcaliph,Behindyourdoortherearefiresflamingbecauseofoppression. BehindyourdooritisactedduetoneithertheBookofAllahnortheSunnaofHismessenger.[4] [1]AlFakhri,p.164. [2]AlWulatwelQudhat(walisandjudges),p.125126. [3]AnNujoomazZahirah,vol.2p.54,alKhutatbyalMaqrizi,vol.2p.94.

[4]AlAkhbaratTuwal,p.384. AppropriatingTheWealthOfTheState TheAbbasidsappropriatedthewealthofthenationandtookforthemselvesandfortheirkin,as theyliked.TheincomeofMuhammadbinSulaymanalAbbasiadaywasaboutonehundred thousanddirhams.[1]Whenhedied,heleftagreatinheritancewhicharRashidtooksixty thousanddirhamsfrom.Historianssay,GreatmoniescametoalKhayzuran(themotherofHarun arRashid)untilherwealthbecameaboutonehundredmillionandsixtythousanddirhams.Some writersaysthatthisamountequaledthehalfoftherevenueofthestateatthattimeandtwo thirdsoftherevenueofRockefellerinthiscentury. ItwasfoundwiththewifeofalMutawakkil(anAbbasidking)onemillionandeighthundred thousanddinars.ThemotherofalMuqtadir(anAbbasidking)wastoowealthy.[2]IbnalJawzi saidabouther,Shehadagreatwealththatwasbeyondcounting.Shegotfromherlandsone milliondinarseveryyear.[3] TheAbbasidkingsgiftedtheirrelativeswithgreatmonies.ArRashiddistributedamonghisuncles andrelativesmoniesthatnocaliphbeforehimhadeverdistributed.[4]AlMansuradDawaniqi assignedonemilliondirhamstoeachoneofhisuncles.[5]TheAbbasidfamilygrewuntilthey were,atthereignofalMamun,aboutthirtythreethousandpersons.[6]Thisfamilythathadno anypreferencetotherestofMuslimsappropriatedthewealthofthenationandenjoyedthe great [1]AlWuzarawelKuttab,p.250. [2]NashwaralMuhadharah,vol.1p.293. [3]AlMuntadham,vol.6p.253. [4]AnNujoomazZahira,vol.2p.65. [5]AlKamilfitTareekh,vol.6p.319. [6]Ibid. monies,whiletherestofMuslimpeoplesweresunkintopoverty,deprivation,andwretchedness. GreatGiftsToBondmaids TheAbbasidkingswereexcessiveingiftingthebondmaidsandsongstresses.Once,arRashidgave hisbondmaidDananir,atthenightofaneid,anecklaceofthirtythousanddinars.[1]AlMuqtadir gavetooneofhisconcubinesthethreeweightsOrphanPearl.[2]AbulFarajalIsfahanisaidthat Hamwayhhiredforhisbondmaidsomejewelsfromsomejewelerfortwelvemilliondinars.When arRashidsawthejewels,headmiredthem.Heboughtthemandofferedthemasapresenttothe

bondmaid.[3]AlMuqtadirplayedwithmoney.Heeffacedcoinsandthengavethemtowomen andbondmaids.[4]AlMutawakkilhadabondmaidcalledFadhl.Shesatonachairandargued withpoetsinhispresence.Heaskedherwhenheboughther,Areyouapoet? Shesaid,Soclaimshewhoboughtandsoldme. AlMutawakkillaughedandaskedhertorecitehimsomeversesofherpoetry.Shedid,andhe admiredherpoetryandorderedtogiveherfiftythousanddirhams.[5] AlMuqtadirhadavillagelikestatuemadeofsilver.Itwasveryexpensive.Hedonatedittooneof hisservantsjustbecauseoneofhisbondmaidsaskedhimtodothat. ThesearejustfewexamplesonthewastingoftheAbbasidcaliphswhospentthewealthofthe nationontheirpleasures [1]AlMustadhrafminAkhbaralJawaribySalahuddeen,p.28. [2]TareekhalKhulafabyasSayouti,p.384. [3]AlAghani,vol.16p.226. [4]SamtanNujoomalAwali,vol.3p.354. [5]NisaalKhulafa(thecaliphswomen)byibnasSaiy,p.86. payingnoattentiontothewelfareofthesocietyortothedevelopmentofthegenerallife. AbundantGiftsToPoets Poetsweretheonlymediaatthatage.TheysupportedtheAbbasidruleandspreadfabricated virtuesascribedtotheAbbasidkings.TheypreferredthosekingstotheAlawidswhowerethe propagandistsofsocialjusticeinIslam.TheAbbasidsendowedpoetswithabundantmoniesand madethemextremelywealthy. Once,AbulShiblalBarjamialKufipraisedalMutawakkilwithathirtyversepoemandal Mutawakkilgavehimthirtythousanddirhamsforthat.[1] WhenalMutawakkilheldageneralmeetingforpeopletopayhomagetohisthreesonsal Muntasir,alMutazz,andalMuayyadastheheirapparentsafterhim,asSawlirecitedapoemon theoccasionandalMutawakkilgavehimonehundreddirhams,andsodideachoneofhis sons.[2] Once,IbrahimbinalMudbirrecitedapoempraisingalMutawakkilwhowaspleasedwiththe poemandgavethepoetfiftythousanddirhamsandaskedhisvizierUbaydillahbinYahyatofind

himagoodjob. MarwanbinAbulJanubwasoneofthepoetswhogotabundantmoniesfromalMutawakkil.He wasveryinterestedinpraisingalMutawakkil.Once,hegotfromhimfiftythousanddirhamsafter apoem.Ontheoccasionofthehomagetohisthreesons,alMutawakkilgavethepoetone hundredandtwentythousanddirhams,fiftygarments,amule, [1]AlAghani,vol.14p.193. [2]AlAghani,vol.14p.193. ahorse,andadonkey.[1]Foranotherpoem,alMutawakkilgavehimonehundredgolddinars. AlBuhturi,whowastheemirofpoetsatthattime,preparedallhistalentstopraiseal Mutawakkilwhogavetohimhightitlesandgoodepithetsbesidesthegreatwealth. AlMutawakkilgaveabundantwealthtoAlibinalJahmandapproachedhimtohismeetingsafter praisinghimanddeclaredhisenmitytowardstheAhlulBayt(a.s).HedispraisedtheAhlulBayt (a.s)bitterlyandpreferredtothemtheAbbasidswhohadnovirtuesavetheseizingoftherule andleadingthenationtowardsdarkabyssesofoppression. Thiswastefulspendingonpoetsscatteredanimportantpartfromthewealthofthenationthat hadtobespentonthepublicandtosatisfyallneedsofthenation. Palaces TheAbbasidswereextensivelyexcessiveinbuildingpalaces.Theyspentincredibleamountson buildingtheirpalacesanddecoratingthemwithwonderfuldecorationsthatnoonehadeverseen likethroughouthistory.AlMutawakkilbuiltapalacecalledalBurj.Itwasthemostbeautiful buildingofalMutawakkil.Hemadeinitbigstatutesofgoldandsilverandawidepoolwithplates ofgoldandsilver.Besidethepooltherewasatreeofgoldwithbirdsthatwhistled.Itwasadorned withjewels.Abigthroneofgold,withtwobiglionsandadrawerhavingstatuesofbeastsand eagles,wasmadeforhimtherewithotherthingsasthethroneofProphetSolomon(a.s.)had beendescribed.Thewallswerecoveredfrominsideandoutsidewithmosaicandgildedmarble. Hespentonthebuildinganddecoratingofthispalaceaboutonemillionandsevenhundred thousanddinars.Heorderedthat [1]Alaghani. nooneshouldenterthispalaceexceptinclothesofembroideredsilk.Hebroughtdancers, singers,musicians,anddrinkingcompanionsintothepalace.Whenhesatinthisparadise,his vizierYahyabinKhaqansaidtohim,OAmeerulMo'minin,IhopethatAllahwillthankyoufor

buildingthispalaceandrewardyouwiththeParadise.AlMutawakkilasked,Whatfor?Yahya said,YouhavefilledpeoplewithdesiretotheParadisebythispalace,forthiswillleadthemtodo gooddeedsinordertobeinParadise.AlMutawakkilbecamedelightedathearingthat.[1] FromtheotherpalacesthatalMutawakkilhadbuiltwasalJafari.Thecostofbuildingand decoratingthispalacewasmorethantwomilliondinars.Whenthepalacewascompleted,he broughtsingers,dancers,andclownsandgaveeachofthemtwothousanddirhams.[2] Anyhow,wehavementionedthegreatexpensesthatalMutawakkilhadspentonallhispalacesin ourbooktheLifeofImamalHadiwhichshowedtheeconomicalimbalanceinthattimewhere theAbbasidfamilyappropriatedtherevenueofthestateandspentitontheirpleasuresandlusts. TheLuxuryOfTheAbbasidWomen ThegreaterpartofthestaterevenuewasspentontheladiesoftheAbbasidpalace.Theylivedin absoluteluxuryandbliss.LadyZubayda(HarunarRashidswife)wasinterestedinexpensive embroideredclothesthatonedressofherscostfiftythousanddinars.[3]Thisluxurywasnot limitedtotheAbbasidladiesonly,butitalsoincludedtheladiesofviziers.Utabah,themotherof JafaralBarmakihadonehundredbondmaids [1]UyoonatTawareekh,vol.6p.170. [2]MiratazZaman,vol.6p.158. [3]MuroojathThahab,vol.2p.366. andeachoneofthemputonjewelryandornamentsdifferentfromtheother.[1] TheWretchednessOfThePublic ItwasnaturallythatthemajorityoftheMuslimpeoplessufferedpovertyandwretchednessafter theyhadbeendeprivedfromthestatetreasurythatwasspentonthepleasuresofthekings, viziers,andthemedia,whereaspovertyspreadamongmostofpeople. Once,alAsmaiysawapoetclingtothecurtainsoftheKaabawhilereciting, OmyLord,IamaskingasYousee, wearingtwo(ragged)clocksasYousee, andmyoldwifeissittingthereasYousee, andmystomachishungryasYousee, sowhatdoYouseeaboutwhatYousee?[2] Manyotherpoetsdescribedintheirpoetrythemiserablelifeofsufferingstheylived.Itwasvery

difficultforthem(andformostofpeople)tofindabitoffoodandapieceofclothfortheirhungry, nakedchildren. Themiserablelifethatsomepoets,whohadnorelationwiththeAbbasidpalace,lived,ledthem tobegthroughtheirpoetryviziers,judgesandotherofficials,andmadetheirpoetryasameans forgaining.AbuFirownasSasiwasinutmostneed,andwhenhewasunabletobearanymore, hewenttoalHasanbinSahlthevizierofalMamunandpraisedhiminapoem.Inthesame poemheexpressedhisbadconditionandthewretchednessofhischildren. [1]AlWuzarawelKuttab,p.192. [2]AlMahasinwelMasawi,p.585. PovertystungAbuFirownseverelyandthistimehewenttooneofthejudgesofBasrabegging hishelp.Itwasshametothosekingswhohadthetreasuresoftheworldintheirhandsbutleft theirpeoplessufferingneedinessanddeprivation. Fromthepoets,whosufferedpoverty,wasAbushShamaqmaqwhowenttothekingbegginghim afterhesawhischildrenwrithewithhungerandpain. Thesepoetsrepresentedthelivesoftheirpeoplesandtheirsufferingsofhunger,pain,andloss. Theeconomicallifewasnotsoundandright,butitwasconfusedandparalyzed.TheAbbasid governmentsdidnotachieveeaseforpeopleanddidnotprovideagoodlifeforthem.The revenueofthestatewasspentontheAbbasidfamily,theviziers,andtheprominentstatesmen, whereasthemajorityofpeoplelivedinpovertyandwretchednessandcouldnotobtaineventhe leastnecessitiesofliving. TheImamsSituation ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)representedthefrontofoppositiontotheAbbasidrule.Heoften criticizedtherulersforappropriatingthewealthofthenationandextortingthelivelihoodof people. FromthenotableformsoftheoppositionthatImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)followedwasthathe prohibitedhimselffromcommunicatingorcooperatingwiththosekingswhotookthewealthof AllahastheirsandthepeopleofAllahastheirslaves.Theysparednoefforttojointheimam(a.s.) totheirretinuesbuttheycouldnot,andthentheytreatedhimwithabsoluteseverity.They foughthiminthemeansofhislivingandcausedhimtobeinpressingneediness.Theyprevented moniestocometohimfromhisShiafollowers,butoneoftheShiasentjarsofoiltotheimam (a.s.)andheput moneyinsidethem[1]whichdecreasedthepressureofthatblockade.

Anyhow,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sidedwiththepoorandthedeprivedwhowerethevictims ofthosekingswhorobbedthewealthofthenationandleftthestateineconomicalimbalance. [1]SafeenatalBihar,vol.2p.158. ThePoliticalLife ThepoliticallifeintheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasverybadandunstable.Oppression, injustice,andseditionsprevailedeverywhere,andmanyrevoltsbrokeout.That,asIthink,was becauseofthedominationoftheTurksoverthereinsofgovernmentandtheirabsolutecontrol overallaffairsofthestatethoughtheywereexpertneitherinpoliticsnorinadministration.They oppressedpeople,transgressedintherule,andspreadterrorism.Theotherreasonbehindthat wastheignoranceoftheAbbasidkings,theirindulginginpleasuresandlusts,andtheir inadvertencetotheinterestsofpeoplewhichcausedmanypoliticalcrisesatthattime. OppressingTheAlawids TheAlawidswereterriblytriedandextremelyburdenedduringmostperiodsoftheAbbasidrule. TheAbbasidkingsofficiallyoppressedtheAlawids,chased,andpunishedthemseverely.They imposedonthemeconomicalblockadeuntiltheywereinutmostneediness. HistorianssaythatduringthereignofalMutawakkil,theAlawidssufferedneedinessand deprivationsobitterandhorriblethatcouldnotbedescribed.Theyhadnobutonecloak,and wheneveranAlawidmanoranAlawidwomanwantedtogoout,heorsheputiton.People refrainedfromassociatingwiththemforfearofthetyrannicalgovernment.Oneday,Muhammad binSalih(bin)alHusaynaskedIbrahimbinalMudbir(tobeasamediator)toaskEessabinMusa alJarmisdaughtershand.Thefatherofthegirlrefusedandsaidtothemediator,Ijusttellyou thetruth.ByAllah,Idonotknowonenoblerormorehonorablethanhim,butI refusedhimjustbecauseIfearfromalMutawakkilandhissonsafterhimformylifeand wealth.[1] MuslimsrefrainedfromcontactingwiththeAlawidsandevenfromgreetingthem,becausethe Abbasidgovernmentspunishedseverelywhoevershowedanykindofrespectandregardtowards theAlawids. TheworstperiodtheAlawidsunderwentwasthereignofalMutawakkilwhopouredallhisrage andspiteonthem.Theyranawaytoalltownsandvillages[2]forfearthatthegovernmentmight arrestandleadthemeithertograveyardsorprisons.

TheImamsAmulet ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)suffereddifferentkindsofoppressionandcrueltyduringthereignof alMutawakkilandotherAbbasidkingswhomtheimamwascontemporarywith.Therefore,he resortedtoAllahtoprotecthimfromtheirplotsandsavehimfromtheirevils.Hearmedhimself withthisdua: IhavecharmedmyselfwiththecharmofAllah;thelightbywhichHehashiddenfromeyes,and takenprecautionformyself,family,children,properties,andallthatundermychargebythe nameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful,andsoughtrefugeformyselfandallthatfromwhatI fearandbewareofwithAllahWho(thereisnogodbutHim,theEverliving,theEternal.Slumber doesnotovertakeHimnorsleep;whateverisintheheavensandwhateverisintheearthisHis, whoishethatcanintercedewithHimbutbyHispermission?Heknowswhatisbeforethemand whatisbehindthem,andtheycannotcomprehendanythingoutofHisknowledgeexceptwhatHe pleases,Hisknowledgeextends [1]MaqatilatTalibiyeen,p.604. [2]Ibid.,p.615. overtheheavensandtheearth,andthepreservationofthembothtiresHimnot,andHeisthe MostHigh,theGreat),[1](Andwhoismoreunjustthanhewhoisremindedofthesignsofhis Lord,thenheturnsawayfromthemandforgetswhathistwohandshavesentbefore?SurelyWe haveplacedveilsovertheirheartslesttheyshouldunderstanditandaheavinessintheirears; andifyoucallthemtotheguidance,theywillnoteverfollowtherightcourseinthatcase),[2] (Haveyouseenhimwhomakeshisdesirehisgod,andAllahsendshimastraypurposely,andseals uphishearingandhisheart,andsetsonhissightacovering?ThenwhowillleadhimafterAllah (hascondemnedhim)?Willyenotthenheed?),[3](Thesearetheyonwhoseheartsandtheir hearingandtheireyesAllahhassetaseal,andthesearetheheedlessones),[4](Andwhenyou recitetheQuran,Weplacebetweenyouandthosewhodonotbelieveinthehereafterahidden barrier.AndWehaveplacedcoveringsontheirheartsandaheavinessintheirearslestthey understandit,andwhenyoumentionyourLordaloneintheQurantheyturntheirbacksin aversion),[5]andmayAllahhaveblessingsonMuhammadandonhispureprogeny[6] Thisduashowstheextentofthefearstheimam(a.s.)feltfromtheAbbasids,andtherefore,he resortedtoAllahtosavehimandhisfamilyfromtheir(theAbbasids)oppressionandplotting. HealsocharmedhimselffromtheAbbasidsbythisdua: OYou,mymeansatmydistress,OYou,mysuccoratmygrief,OYou,myreliefatmyloneliness, guardmebyYoureye

[1]Qur'an,2:255. [2]Qur'an,18:57. [3]Qur'an,54:23. [4]Qur'an,16:108. [5]Qur'an,17:4546. [6]MuhajadDaawat,p.4445. thatdoesnotsleep,andshieldmebyYourshelterthatisunreachable.[1] PersecutingThePeopleOfQum TheAbbasidspersecutedthepeopleofQumandtreatedthemwithoppressionandterror.They appointedMusabinYahya,whowaswickedandunjust,aswalioverthem.Hewasimpolite, immoral,andinhumanthatpeopledesistedfromhim.Hetreatedpeopleinaverybadwayand exaggeratedinoppressingthemuntilthenotablesofQumresortedtoImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)complainingtohimatwhatthattyrantdidtothem. TheimamprayedAllahtheAlmightytosavethemfromtheevilofthatmean,oppressivewali,and taughtthemthisduaandaskedthemtoreciteitinthequnutoftheirprayerssothatAllahmight relievethemfromthiscalamity: PraisebetoAllahasgratefulnesstohisblessings,callingforHismore,imploringHislivelihood, beingloyaltoHimandnottootherthanHim,andrefrainingfromdisbelievinginHimanddenying Hismightandexaltedness,apraiseofonewhoknowsthatalltheblessingshehasarefromhis Lord,andthepunishmentsthatafflicthimareforthewrongshishandshavecommitted,andthe blessingsofAllahbeonMuhammadHisslaveandmessenger,andthebestofHiscreation,and themeansofbelieverstowardsHismercy,and(blessingsbe)onhispureprogenywhoarehis guardians. OAllah,Youhavecalled(Yourpeople)forYourfavor,andordered(them)tosupplicateYou,and YouhaveinsuredresponsetoYourpeople.YouhavenotdisappointedwhoeverresortedtoYou withawishandturnedtoYouwithaneed.Youhavenotletanyaskinghandcomebackempty fromYour [1]MuhajadDaawat,p.45. giftordesperateofYourdonation.WasthereanytravelerwhotraveledtoYouanddidnotfind Younear,oracomerwhocametoYouandYouputobstaclesbetweenYouandhim?!Wasthere anyinsisteronaskingYouthattheflowofYourfavordidnotincludehim?

OAllah,IcometoYouwithmywish,thehandofmyrequestknocksatthedoorofYourfavor,my heartinvokesYouwiththereverenceofsubmission,andIfoundYouthebestintercessorforme withYou.Youknowmyrequestbeforeitcomestomymindorgetsinmyimagination.OAllah,so completemyduabyYourresponsetomeandmeetmyrequestbythesatisfyingofmywish! OAllah,theaberrationofseditionshasincludedus,thehazeofconfusionhasovercomeus, meannessandlownesshavefoughtwithus,theuntrustworthyonYourreligionhaveruledover us,thewicked,whohaveannulledYourrule,haveextortedouraffairsandtriedtodamageYour peopleandcorruptYourland. OAllah,ourwealthisappropriatedafteritwasdistributed(amongall),andourrulehasbecome dominationafteritwasshura(consultation)andmonarchyafteritwasthenationsoption; amusementsandmusicalshavebeenboughtbythesharesoforphansandwidows,nonMuslims ruleoverthebelievers,andsinnershavebeenentrustedwiththeir(peoples)affairs,andno protectorprotectedthemfromadanger,andnoguardianlookedatthemwiththeeyeof mercifulness,andnokindonesatisfiedthethirstyheartsfromafamine,andsotheyareweakand hungryinahomeofloss,captivesofwretchedness,inheritorsofmelancholy,meanness OAllah,theplantoffalsenesshascometoharvest,reacheditsfull,itsstickhasbecomefirmits brancheshavegonehighandfixed. OAllah,bring,fromthetruth,itsreapertoreapit,breakitsstock,smashitsbranches,cutoffits hump,andamputateitsextents,sothatfalseness,withitsuglypicture,disappears,andtruth, withitsbeautifuldress,appears. OAllah,letnopillarofoppression,butYoutearitdown,noshield,butYouexposeit,nounity,but Youseparateit,noheavyforce,butYouslightit,nohighrank,butYoumakeitlow,nopostofa banner,butYouturnitover,andnolivelything,butYouperishit. OAllah,coverhis[1]sun,putouthislight,effacehismention,hit,bythetruth,hishead,scatter hisarmies,andfrightentheheartsofhispeople! OAllah,donotletaremainderofhim,unlessitisannihilated,norastructureunlessitistorn down,noraunityunlessitisbroken,noranarmunlessitisdisabled,noraboundaryunlessitis violated,noraflagpoleunlessitisoverthrown! OAllah,showushissupportersscatteredafteraffinity,separateafterunity,anddisgracedafter theirdominationoverthenation! OAllah,bringusthedayofjustice,andshowittouseternalwithnodarknessinit,andpurelight

withnomixwithit,andmakeitsgoodnessfalldownonus,anditsblessingcomedownonus,and avengeonhis[2]opponent,andsupporthimoverhisenemy! OAllah,showthetruth,[3]andmakeitshineintheduskofdarkness,andambiguityofconfusion! [1]Theunjustruler. [2]Theawaitedsavior. [3]Hemeantbythetruththesaviorwhowouldrulewithjustice,andremoveallkindsof oppression. OAllah,enlivenbyitthedeadhearts,unitebyittheseparatedesiresanddifferentopinions, establishbyittheannulledpenaltiesandneglectedrulings,satiatebyitthehungrystomachs, relievebyittheweakandtiredbodies,asYoumadeusmentionit,andputintoourmindYour supplicating,madeussuccessfulincallingforit,andkeepingthepeopleofignoranceawayfrom it,houseinourheartsitslove,andeagernesstoit,andexpectingittoestablishitsceremonies! OAllah,giveusbestcertaintyonit,OYou,theAchieverofgoodwills,theAttainerofdelayed hopes.OAllah,refutethefabricatorswhofabricateagainstYouinit,andconfutethesuspicionsof thedesperateofYourmercyanddesperateofit! OAllah,makeusameansofitsmeans,afigureofitsfigures,afortofitsforts,andbrightenour faceswithitsbright,honorusbyitssupport,andmakeourintentiongood OAllah,Youhavemadeusknowourselves,andseeourdefectsthatwefearnottobeableto respondtoYou,whileYoufavorthosewhodonotdeserve,andbestowonrequestersbeforethey request,sogiveusduetoYourgenerosityandfavor,forYoudowhatYoulike,anddetermineas Youwant,andwehaveresortedtoYou,andrepentedofoursins. OAllah,andthecallerforYou,thedoerofjusticefromYourpeople,thepoortoYourmercy,and theneedytoYourhelponYourobedienceYouhavegivenhimyourblessing,dressedhimwith thedressesofYourhonor,thrownonhimtheloveofYourobedience,fixedhisloveinthehearts, madehimsuccessfultodoYourcommandthatthepeopleofhistimeareindifferentof,madehim aresorttothewrongedofYourpeople,andasupporttothosewhodonotfindasupportersave You,andarestorerofwhathasbeenannulledoftheverdictsofYourBook,andabuilderofwhat hasbeenruinedofthelawsofYourreligion,andtherulingsofYourProphet,Yourblessing,peace, andmercybeonhimandonhisprogeny.OAllah,makehimsafefromtheplottingof enemiesandtakehimtothebestthatYouhavetakenthedoersofYourjusticefromamongthe successorsofprophets.OAllah,degradebyhimwhoeverdoesnotturnbacktoYourlove,and whoeverbearsenmityagainsthim,andshootbyYourdeadlystonewhoeverincitesagainstYour religionbydegradinghimandscatteringhispower

OAllah,ashehasmadehimselfasatargettothefarforthesakeofYou,andsacrificedhissoulto defendthebelievers,andresisttheevilofsuspiciousapostatesuntilheshallremovespread disobediences,andshowwhatulamahaveleftbehindtheirbackswhereastheyhavecovenanted todeclareitforpeopleandnottoconcealit,andheshallcallfortheobedienceofYoualone, withoutmakingapartnertoYoufromYourcreationthathiscommandmaybeoverYoursO Allah,assisthimbyYourvictory,enablehiminwhatheisunablein,increasehispowerfromYour assistance OAllah,honorhimwiththedoingofYourcommandtoseethestandingofReckoningasitis, delightYourProphet(Yourblessingsbeonhim)byseeinghimandwhoeverfollowshiminhis mission,rewardhimwiththebestfordoingYourcommand,takehimclosertoYouinhislife,and pityourwretchednessOAllah,makehimsafefromwhatisfearedforhim,driveawayfromhim thearrowsofplottingthatthepeopleofgrudgethrowathimandattheparticipantinhismatter andhisassistantsontheobedienceofAllahWhomYouhavemadeashisfort,resort,andcomfort andwholeavetheirfamiliesandchildrenandcountry,giveupcomfortablebedsandease,stop theirtrades,harmtheirlivingsandrejectedthetransientpleasuresofthisworld.OAllah,keep theminYoursafetyandprotection,defendthemagainstwhoeverhasenmityagainstthemfrom Yourpeople,sufficethemandprovidethemwithYourhelp,assistance,andvictory,defeat,by theirright,thefalsenessofwhoeverwantstoputoutYourlight.OAllah,fillbythemevery horizonandeverycountry withjustice,fairness,mercifulness,andvirtue,andthankthemduetoYourgenerosityandbounty withwhatYouhavebestowedonthedoersofjusticefromYourpeople,andsavedforthemfrom Yourrewardthatmightraiseindegrees,YoudowhateverYoulike,anddeterminewhateverYou want[1] OppressionAndTyrannyOfViziers MostviziersoftheAbbasidrulersweretyrannicalandoppressive.Theydisdainedpeopleand wereexcessiveinsubjugatingandharmingthem.OnedayduringthereignofalMuntasir,his vizierAhmadbinalKhasibwentoutridingonahorse.Somemanapproachedhimcomplaining, andhe(thevizier)tookhislegoutifthestirrupandkickedthemaninhischestandkilledhim.[2] MuhammadbinAbdulMelik,thevizierofalWathiq,madeanovenandputnailsintoittotorture peopleinit.[3]

Inadditiontothat,theviziersembezzledthewealthofthestate.UthamanbinImarah,whowas thewaliofSajistanduringthereignofHarunarRashid,wasputintoprisonforfivethousand dirhams. ThoseviziersjustimitatedtheirmasterstheAbbasidkingswhoextortedthewealthofMuslims andlefttheminterriblepoverty.Historianssay,AlMansurtookfrompeopleuntilheleftnothing withthem.Whathehadtakenfromthemwasabouteighthundredmilliondirhams.[4] [1]MuhajadDaawat,p.6367. [2]LecturesontheHistoryoftheIslamicnations,p.270. [3]AlMahasinwelMasawi,p.531,alFakhri,p.214. [4]TareekhalYaqubi,vol.3p.125. InternalRevolts ItwasnaturalfortheMuslimpeoplestostruggleandrebelagainsttheAbbasidgovernmentsthat ruledunjustlyandappropriatedthewealthandtheeconomicalpowersofthosepeoples.Many localrevoltstookplaceaimingatgettingridofenslavement,oppression,andpersecution.Here wementionsomeofthoserevoltstoproveoursayingthatthepoliticallifeatthatagewas unstable,confused,andlackingsecurity. TheRevoltOfYahya GreatmartyrYahyabinUmaratTalibirebelledagainsttheAbbasidrulecallingforthe achievementofsocialjusticeandthedistributionofMuslimswealthamongthepoorandthe needy.Thedeprivedandallclassesofpeoplejoinedhimbecauseofhisrealandtrueaimsof improvingthegenerallifeofthenation.HeoccupiedKufaandsetfreeallthewrongedand oppressedpeoplefromitsprisons.However,lateron,theAbbasidgovernmentcouldovercome andkillhim.HisheadwastakentoMuhammadbinAbdullahbinTahironeofthetyrantsofthat agewhotooktheheadtothetyrantcaliphalMustaeen.TheheadwashunginSamarratobeas alessonforwhoevermightthinktorebel.OpportunistswenttoMuhammadbinAbdullahbin Tahircongratulatinghimonthatvictory!!!AbuHashimalJafariaswellwenttothisemirbutsaid tohim,Oemir,youarebeingcongratulatedonthekillingofamanthatifthemessengerofAllah (a.s.)wasalive,hewouldbeconsoledon. Allpresentpeoplebecamesilentandnooneansweredhimwithanything.[1]Heleftangrilywhile recitingthefollowing: OFamilyofTahir,eatitharmfully,forthefleshoftheProphetisnotedible.

[1]MaqatilatTalibiyeen,p.164. revengethatitsseekerisAllah,Definitelywillbetaken. ThekillingofYahyawasoneofthedisastersthatafflictedMuslimsatthatageandcausedagreat loss.Poetscomposedmanypoemselegizingthisgreatrevolutionaryleader. TheRevoltOfTheNegroes FromtherevoltsthatdazedtheAbbasidsinthatagewastherevoltoftheNegroesledbyAlibin AbdurrahimfrombaniAbdulQayswhoclaimedthathewasAlawid.Heclaimedthathislineage belongedtotheeternalmartyrZaydbinAlibinalHusayn,sothatthepublicmightjoinhimand supporthisrevolt. Anyhow,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)deniedtheclaimsofAlibinMuhammadtheleaderofthis revoltandsaid,Theman(leader)oftheNegroesisnotfromustheAhlulBayt(a.s).[1]Thedetails ofthisrevolthavementionedinallbooksofhistory.TheRevoltOfSham[2] AlMutawakkilappointedawolffromhisagentsandmercenarieswhoturnedthelifeofpeople thereintohell,butthenthefreerebelledagainsthimanddrovehimaway.WhenalMutawakkil knewaboutthat,hesentanarmyofseventhousandhorsemenandthreethousandinfantry,and authorizedthegeneralleadertoviolateDamascusforthreedaysasYazeedbinMoawiyahad donetothetownoftheProphet(a.s)Medinabefore.[3] [1]Hamish(footnoteormargin)alKunawelAlqab,vol.2p.402. [2]NowadaysDamascus,butthen,ShamencompassedthepresentSyria,Jordan,Lebanonand Palestine. [3]MiratazZaman,vol.6p.169. TheDominationOfTheTurksOnTheRule Fromtheprominentfactorsofthepoliticalandadministrationalcorruptioninthebodyofthe AbbasidgovernmentattheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasthedominationoftheTurks overthegovernmentandtheirplayingwiththedestiniesofthestate.TheAbbasidthronewas undertheirwillanddesire.Theyappointedanddeposedwhomevertheyliked.Allconstitutional authoritieswereintheirhands,andthekingwasbutinnameforhewasdeprivedofallhis administrationalauthoritiesandallthingselseexceptamusementandlusts.

AlMutamidwasdisabledbytheTurkstoadegreethathewaspreventedfromspendingany moneywhereasalltheworldwasunderhisthrone.TheTurkshadcontrolovereverything. SomepoetsaidaboutalMustaeentheAbbasidcaliph, Acaliphinacage, betweenWaseefandBugha. Hesayswhatevertheysaytohim, Asaparrotdoes.[1] WhenalMutazzassumedthecaliphate,someofhiscompanionssentforadivinerandaskedhim howlongthecaliphwouldsitonthethroneandhowlonghewouldlive.Ahumorousmanfrom amongtheattendantssaid,Iknowthat.Theyaskedhimtotellthemandhesaid,Thematteris inthehandsoftheTurks.Theydecidehowlongherulesandhowlonghelives.Theallburstinto laughter.[2] [1]MuroojathThahab,vol.4p.61. [2]AlFakhri,p.181. TheReligiousLife ThereligiouslifeatthetimeofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasnotsoundorstraight.Itwas confusedandroiledbysomedeviantswhoraisedspuriousargumentsaboutthepureIslamic beliefs.SomenonMuslimjugglerstriedtomisguideMuslimsandcorrupttheirbeliefs.ImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.)resistedallthoseattemptsandherefutedallthosespuriositiesandillusions, andhebroughtoutthepurefaceofIslam. TherewasanotherphenomenonthatappearedintheageofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Some quackfabricatedliesagainstImamAbuMuhammadandhisfather(a.s.)beforehimtocorruptthe beliefsofthefollowersoftheAhlulBayt(a.s),buttheimamcursedhimandorderedhisfollowers tocurseanddisavowhim. RefutingAlKindi IsaaqalKindiwasthephilosopherofIraq.Histhoughtstemptedhimofsomesuspicionaboutthe HolyQur'an,andhespreadamongscholarsthathehadwrittenabookcalledTheContradiction oftheQur'an.Hebusiedhimselfwiththismatter.ThenewscametoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) whometoneofalKindisdisciplesandsaidtohim,Istherenowisemanamongyoutoprevent yourteacheralKindifromthatwhichhehasbusiedhimselfwithintheQur'an? Thedisciplesaid,Wearehisdisciples.Howisitpossibleforustoobjecttohimwhetherinthis

matterorelse? ImamAbuMuhammadsaidtohim,DoyoutellhimwhatIshallsaytoyou? Hesaid,Yes. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtohim,Gotohim,becourteouswithhim,andshowhimthat youwillhelphiminwhatheisin.whenhefeelscomfortablewithyou,yousaytohim,If someonerecitestheQur'an,isitpossiblethathemeansothermeaningsthanwhatyouthinkyou understand?Heshallsaythatitispossiblebecauseheisamanwhounderstandswhenhelistens. Ifhesaysthat,yousaytohim,Howdoyouknow?Hemightmeanotherthanthemeaningsthat youthink,andsohefabricatesotherthanits(theQur'an)meanings ThedisciplewenttohisteacheralKindianddidastheimamtoldhim.AlKindisaidtohisdisciple, IadjureyoubyAllahtotellwhereyouhavegotthisfrom! Thedisciplesaid,ItwassomethingthatcametomymindandImentionedittoyou. AlKindisaid,No,noonelikeyoucangettothis.Wouldyoutellmewhereyouhavegotthis from? Hesaid,ImamAbuMuhammadaskedmetosaythat AlKindisaid,Nowyousaythetruth.Likethiswouldnotcomeoutexceptfromthathouse(the AhlulBayt) Afterthat,alKindiburnthisbook.[1] RefutingAMonk Once,peoplesufferedrainlessness.AlMutamid,theAbbasidcaliph,orderedpeopletogooutin theopenairforthreedaysinordertooffertheprayerforrain.Theydid,butnorainfelldown. Christiansaswellwentoutwithwhomtherewasamonkwhowheneverstretchedhishand towardstheskyitrained.Hedidthatmanytimesandsomeignorant(Muslims)doubtedtheir religionandsomeothersapostatized.Thiswas [1]AlManaqib,vol.4p.424. hardforalMutamid.HewenttoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whowasinprisonthenandsaidto him,Attaintothenationofyourgrandfatherbeforetheywillperish!

ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)saidtohim,LetpeoplegoouttomorrowandIshallremovetheir doubtsinshallah. AlMutamidsettheimamfreefromprison,buttheimamaskedhimtosetfreeallhiscompanions fromprisontoo,andalMutamidrespondedtohim.Onthefollowingday,peoplewentoutto offertheprayerforrain.Themonkraisedhishandtowardstheskyanditcloudedandrained. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)askedhismentocatchthemonkshandandtakewhattherewasin it.Therewasaboneofahumanbeing.Theimamtookthebonefromthemonkandaskedhimto prayforrainagain.Themonkraisedhishandstowardsthesky,butcloudsdisappearedandthe sunshone.Peoplewereastonished. AlMutamidaskedImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)whatthatwasandtheimamsaid,Thisisabone ofoneoftheprophetsthatthismonkhasgotinawayoranotherfromsomegrave.Whenevera prophetsboneisexposedunderthesky,itwillrain AlMutamidcheckedthatanditwasastheimamsaid.Thensuspicionsanddoubtswere refuted.[1] LiarsAndFabricators Liarsandfabricatorswerenotfewatthattime,andthiswasanotherplagueofthatage.Itwasa resultofweakfaith.FromthemostfamousfabricatorswasUrwahbinYahyaadDihqanal BaghdadiwhofabricatedliesagainstImamAbulHasanAlibinMuhammadalHadi(a.s.)andImam AbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli(a.s.)afterhim.Heembezzledthemoniesthat [1]JawharatalKalam,p.154,AkhbaradDuwal,p.117. cametoImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)fromhisfollowers.Theimamcursedhimandorderedhis followerstocurseanddisavowhimlesthewoulddestroytheirbeliefs.[1] AmusementAndDiversion Amusement,singing,dancing,andallkindsofdiversionwerewidespreadintheageofImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.).BaghdadandSamarrawerefullofdebaucheryandvices.ItwastheAbbasid kingswholedthesocietytothiscorruption.Theysubmittedtotheirlustsanddesires,andtheir rednightswerefullofallkindsofvicesandsins. AlMahdi,theAbbasidking,wasthefirstwhoopenedthedoorofmusic,singing,dancing,and drinkingfortheotherAbbasidkings.HewasfondofasongstresscalledJawhar.[2]

AsforHarunarRashid,hewasfamousforhisindulginginamusementandsinging.Hisnights werefullofallkindsofmusic,singing,dancing,anddrinking.Hewasfondofabondmaidcalled ThatulKhal.Once,hesworeforherthathewouldcarryouteverythingsheaskedhimfor.She askedhimtoappointsomemaninchargeofwarandkharajinPersiaforsevenyears.Hedidthat andwroteacovenantandmadeaconditionfortheheirapparenttocarryoutthatafterhimifit couldnotbedoneinhislife.[3] AlMamun,whowassaidtobemoderateinconduct,spentmanyofhisnightsinsingingand playing.HewasfondofabondmaidcalledUrayb,andheoftencomposedpoetryonher. AlMutawakkil,whowascontemporarywithImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),wasboyishfollowing afterhislustsanddesires.HewasthemostdissolutekingamongtheAbbasids.Weshalltalk aboutthisandotherthingswhenweshalltalkabouthislifeinacomingchapter. [1]RijalalKashshi,p.353. [2]AlBayanwetTebyeen,vol.3p.370371. [3]AlAghani,vol.19p.116. Thekingsintheageoftheimam WeshouldhaveashortstoptotalkinbriefaboutthekingswhomImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) wascontemporarywith,andgiveapictureabouttheirconductsandthemisfortunesand distressestheimamsufferedundertheirreigns. AlMutawakkil AlMutawakkilsonalMutasimassumedtherulein232AH.[1]InthesameyearImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.)wasborn.[2]WhenalMutawakkilassumedtherule,peoplewereafflictedwith anaturaldisasterthattheyhadneverseenbefore.AsimoomblewinIraq,anddestroyedthe plantsofBasra,Kufa,andBaghdadandkilledmanytravelers.Itlastedforfiftydaysandreached Hamadan,Mosul,andSanjar.Itdestroyedplantsandcattle,preventedpeoplefromdealingin marketsandwalkinginstreets,andkilledabignumberofpeople.[3]Itmightbeanalarmfrom theHeavensontheevilomenofthereignofthisking. WhenalMutawakkilwaspaidhomageasking,UbaydillahbinTahirgavehimasapresentfour hundredbondmaidsattheheadofwhomwasMahbubahwhomalMutawakkil

[1]TareekhalKhulafabyasSayouti,p.346. [2]AkhbaradDuwal,p.117. [3]TareekhalKhulafa,346. becameveryfondof.[1] HisCharacteristics AlMutawakkillivedalifeofplaywithnotendencytoseriousness.Hislifewasfullofamusement andjoking.Historianssay,Noplay,joking,orclowningappearedinthemeetingsoftheAbbasid caliphsbeforealMutawakkil.WhenalMutawakkilassumedtherule,hebroughtallthattohis meetingandthenmostoftheupperclassimitatedhiminthat.[2]Hebroughtimitators,who imitatedthegesturesandvoicesofsomepeopleanddidcomicacts,inhismeeting.[3] Hewasveryinterestedinpleasuresanddrinking.[4]BananandZanamweretwoboyservantsof his.Theywereskilledinplayingandsinging.Oneplayedtheluteandtheotherblewthepipe.He didnotdrinkexceptwiththeirplaying.[5] Hisretinuecurriedfavorwithhimbygivinghimasapresentbeautifulbondmaidsandmatured winesbecausehewastoomuchfondofboth.Once,alFat~hbinKhaqangavehim,afterhe recoveredfromillness,averybeautifulbondmaid,agoldcup,acrystalvatfullofwine,anda pieceofpaperwritteninitsomeversesofpoetry. AlMutawakkiladmiredthat.YouhannahbinMaswayh,hisspecialphysician,saidtohim,O AmeerulMo'minin,byAllah,alFat~hismorecurativethanme.Donotopposewhatheadvised youof![6] [1]NisaalKhulafa(thecaliphswomen),p.92. [2]LecturesontheHistoryoftheIslamicnations,p.265266. [3]AdDiyarat,p.26. [4]BaynalKhulafawelKhulaa(betweenthecaliphsandthedissolute),p.115. [5]ThimaralQuloob(fruitsofhearts),p.122. [6]EncyclopediaoftheTwentiethCentury,vol.10p.964. Hewaspreoccupiedwithsexuallife.Historianssaythathehadfivethousandconcubinesandthat hehadsleptwithallofthem.Abdsaid,ByAllah,ifalMutawakkilwasnotkilled,hewouldnotlive morebecauseoftheplentyofhissexualintercourses.[1] Hewasveryfondofbeautifulbondmaidsandoftalkingwiththem.Helovedabondmaidcalled

Qabihah.HesaidtoAlibinalJahm,Oneday,IwenttoQabihaandsawthatshehadwrittenmy namewiththeghaliyah(akindofperfume)onhercheek.ByAllah,Ihavenotseenathingmore beautifulthantheblackofthatghaliyahonthewhiteofthatcheek.Wouldyoupleasecompose someversesonthat? Once,hebecameangryathisbondmaidMahbubahandleftheraloneforsometime.Hesawin sleepthatshemadepeacewithhim.Hesentoneofhisservantstoseewhatthematterwithher was.Theservantcamebacktellinghimthatshewassittingsinging.Heandhisservantwentto listentohersinging.Shewassingingsomeversesofpoetrywhichpleasedhim.Whenshefelthim, shecameandtoldhimthatshesawinsleepthathecameandmadepeacewithherandsoshe recitedthispoetry.AlMutawakkilandhisbondmaidwenttogethertodrink.Hegavehis companionsgoodpresentsontheoccasion.[2] AlMutawakkilcommittedvicesopenlyandhedidnotfeelshybeforepeople.Once,heplayed backgammonwithhisvizieralFat~hbinKhaqan.JudgeAhmadbinDawudaskedpermissionto comeintoalMutawakkil.AlFat~hwantedtohidethebackgammonbutalMutawakkilprevented himand [1]MiratazZaman,vol.6p.69. [2]NisaalKhulafa,p.9596. said,DoIdosomethingbeforeAllahandconcealitfromHispeople?[1] HewasrecklessanddidnotfearAllah.Hiscompanionsplayedchessbeforehim,[2]andifthey knewthatitdispleasedhim,theywouldnotdaretodothat. Hisrecklessnessandcommittingviceswereknowntoallpeople.HeaskedhiswifeReetahbintal Anbastounveilherselfandtobraidherhairlikeboysdid,andwhensherefused,hedivorced her.[3]Allpeopletalkedaboutthat,buthewasindifferenttoanycriticism. Fromhisothercharacteristicswerehaughtinessandprideespeciallyonhislastdayswhenhisrule becameconstantandfirm.Hewasdespotic,proud,andhaughtytowardspeople.[4]Hedespised alBuhturi,theemirofpoetsatthattime,whopraisedhiminhispoems.AlMutawakkilincited AbulAnbastoharmanddisgracealBuhturiwhoranawaysaying,Knowledgehasbeenlostand literaturehasperished.[5] HisEnmityTowardsTheAlawids AlMutawakkilsheartwasfullofenmityandspiteagainsttheProphetsprogeny.Hetriedhisbest toexhaustthem.Theymetmanymisfortunesanddistressesduringhisreignthattheydidnotmet

fromtheunjustrulersbeforehim.Heimposedonthemeconomicalblockadeandofficially prohibitedanyhelptothem.Wheneverhewasinformedthatsomeonehelpedthem,heseverely punishedhimandimposed [1]ZahralAdaab,vol.4p.31. [2]BaynalKhulafawelKhulaa,p.108. [3]MiratazZaman,vol.6p.169. [4]UyoonatTawareekh,vol.6p.170. [5]AkhbaralBuhturibyasSawli,p.89. aheavyfineonhim.[1]PeoplerefrainedfromhelpingorassociatingwiththeAlawidsforfearof theseverepunishmentofthistyrant. TheeconomicalblockadeharmedtheAlawidsandexhaustedthemtoadegreethatonedresswas usedbysomewomenofthem.Oneofthemworeitandofferedtheprayerandthenanotherone andsoon.Theyalwayspatchedit.Theysatattheirspindleseminakedwithunveiledheads,[2] whereasthetyrantalMutawakkilspentonhisrednightsmillionsofdinars,anddonated,without measure,thousandstosingers,drinkingcompanions,andeffeminates,butpreventedtheprogeny ofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)fromreceivingtheirrightsandlegalduesuntilhemadethempoor andwretched. Besides,hemadeallthemediainhisgovernmentdefameanddegradetheAlawids.Mercenary poets,likeMarwanbinAbulJanub,dispraisedtheAlawidsandpreferredtheoppressiveand tyrantstothem.AlMutawakkilgiftedthosepoetswithgoldandsilvertogofurtherindefaming theAlawidsthinkingthattheseprocedureswouldtakeMuslimsawayfromtheprogenyoftheir prophet(a.s.).Hewastoomistakeninthat,forthatmadepeoplebelievemorethattheAhlulBayt (a.s)weretherealleadersofthenation.Allclassesofpeopleglorifiedandhighlyregardedthem. Theypreferredthemtoallotherpeople. AlMutawakkilborehatredandspiteagainstImamAli(a.s.).Hedeniedhimanddeclaredhis hatredanddespisetowardshimopenly.Hemadeoneofhiseffeminateservantsdanceand comparehimselftoImamAli(a.s.).ThisuglydoingprovokedalMuntasir,alMutawakkilsson, andmadehimkillhisfather. [1]MaqatilatTalibiyeen,p.597. [2]Ibid.,p.599. AlMutawakkilwasfullofragewheneverheheardorsawcrowdsofpeoplevisittheshrineof ImamalHusayn(a.s.)themasteroftheyouthofParadise,whereasthegravesofhis(al Mutawakkils)fathersandtheircousinstheUmayyadsturnedintodunghillsindark,drearyplaces

whichbecameasresortsforbeasts.Thosegraves,withtheirmiseryandgloominess,toldthe oppressionandviolenceoftheirinhabitantsagainstMuslims. Historianssaythatthereason,whichmadealMutawakkildestroytheholyshrine,wasthatsome songstresssenthimhermaidsbeforeheassumedtheruletosingforhimwhenhedrank,and whenhebecamethecaliph,hesentforhertosendhimasongstressbutshewasnotthere.Itwas saidtohimthatshehadgonetovisittheholytombofImamalHusayn(a.s.).Shewasinformedof thatwhileshewasinKerbala.ShehurriedbacktoBaghdadandsentalMutawakkiloneofher maids.Heaskedthemaidwheretheywereandshesaid,Myladywenttoperformthehajj (pilgrimage)andtookuswithher.ItwasthemonthofShaban.AlMutawakkilwasastonished andsaidtoher,WheredidyouperformthehajjinShaban?Shesaid,TothetombofalHusayn. Thetyrantwasalarmedandangrywhenheheardthatthepilgrimagewastotheholytombof ImamalHusayn(a.s.).Hearrestedtheladyofthemaidandconfiscatedallherwealth,and orderedhisofficialstodestroythetomb.Theyrefusedinsistentlytodestroythetombofthe grandsonoftheirProphet.Then,alMutawakkilaskedsomeJews,headedbyadDayzaj,todestroy thetomb.Theyrespondedtohimanddestroyedtheholytombin237AH,[1]anddestroyedall buildingsaroundthetomb.Theyplowedthelandaroundthetombandmadewaterflowoverthe land,[2]butwaterturned [1]AkhbaradDuwal,p.359. [2]MaqatilatTalibiyin,p.598. aroundthetombwithoutreachingtoit;therefore,itwascalledalHair.Apleasantsmellwas emittedfromthetombthatpeoplehadneversmeltlikeit.[1] AnomadfrombaniAsadgotthehonorofvisitingtheholytombafterithadbeendestroyed.He begansmellingtheearthsothatitmightguidehimtotheholytomb.Whenhetookahandfulof earth,smeltit,andfounditemittingaverypleasantsmell.HecriedandaddressedImamal Husayn(a.s.)saying,Maymyfatherandmotherdieforyou!Howfineyouare!Howfineyour tombis,andhowfineyourearthis!Thenherecitedthefollowingverse, Theywantedtohidehistombfromhiscompanion, butthefinesmellofthetombsearthguidedtothetomb. MuslimscomplainedofalMutawakkilandabusedhimintheirsocietiesandmeetings,andprayed Allahagainsthimintheirprayers.Theywrotethecursingagainsthimonmosquesandwalls.The followingverses,whichwerecomposedbyapoetwhoconcealedhisnameforfearofthe government,thoughitwasascribedtoibnasSikkitoralBastami,[2]werememorizedbypeople andspreadamongallclassesofsociety:

ByAllah,iftheUmayyadshadkilledtheson[3]oftheProphetunjustly, hiscousins[4]didthesame;hereishistombdestroyed! Theyfeltsorrythattheydidnotparticipateinkillinghim, Sotheychasedhiminthegrave.[5] [1]MaqatilatTalibiyin,p.598. [2]FawatalWafiyyat,vol.1p.203. [3]ImamHusayn(a.s). [4]TheAbbasidswhowerethecousinsoftheProphet(a.s)andofImamHusayn(a.s). [5]AkhbaradDuwal,p.159,TareekhalKhulafa,p.347. Kingdomscomeandgo,butalHusayn(a.s.)withhismentionandshrineremainsasashiningstar intheskyoftheArabsandMuslimsforhehasoccupiedtheheartsofMuslimsandhisloveflowed intheirveins,whereasalMutawakkilandhislikesarechasedbythecurse,wrath,and punishmentofAllah. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasintheprimeofyouthandheheardabouttheunjustdecision thatalMutawakkilhadtakenagainsttheshrineofhisgrandfather,andaboutthesevere punishmentsthevisitorsoftheshrinefacedfromalMutawakkil.Surelytheseprocedurescaused himpainsanddistresses. WithImamAlHadi ImamalHadi(a.s.)wasthemasteroftheAhlulBayt(a.s)atthatage.Allthenationregarded, glorified,andpreferredhim,duetohisknowledge,piety,andvirtues,toallothers,besidesthata partofthenationbelievedinhisimamate.AlMutawakkilcouldnotbeartoseeagreat personalityfromhisenemies,theAlawids,intheMuslimnationthatallpeopletalkedaboutand allmeetingsmentionedhistalentsandgeniuses.Mercenaries,opportunists,andthegovernment agentsbeganinformingagainsttheimamsayingthatgreatmoniesweresenttohim,andthathe haddeterminedtorevoltagainsttheAbbasidrule.AlMutawakkilbecamesoupsetandangry.He orderedhismentobringImamalHadi(a.s.)toSamarrathecapitaloftheAbbasidstateatthat time.ImamalHadi(a.s.)andhisfamilywerebroughtfromMedinatoSamarra.AlMutawakkil imposedhousearrestontheimamanddidnotlethimleaveSamrraaftersurroundinghishouse withdetectivesandpolicementowatchallhisactivities,andtopreventtheShiafromcontacting withhim. Aftersometime,alMutawakkilimposedaneconomicalblockadeontheimamandhisfamilythat nomoneycametohimfromhisfollowersexceptafterhardefforts.TheShia

followedallwaysandmeanstotakemoneytotheimam.Oneofthosemeanswasthatthey pretendedtoselloil,andinsidethebottlesofoiltheysoldtotheImamtheyputmoney. SomevillainwenttoalMutawakkilandinformedhimagainstImamalHadi(a.s.)claimingthathe hadbooks,arms,andmoniesandthathemightrevoltagainstthegovernmentofalMutawakkil, whobecameworriedandterrifiedwhenhearingthat.AlMutawakkilorderedsomeofhisTurk policementoattackthehouseofImamalHadi(a.s.)inthenightandarresthim.Theyattacked ImamalHadi(a.s.)unexpectedlyandfoundhiminasimplehousewearingagarmentofwooland therewasnothingbetweenhimandthegroundsaveacarpetofsandandpebbleswhilefacing theqiblaandrecitingthissayingofAllah,(Nay!dothosewhohavewroughtevildeedsthinkthat Wewillmakethemlikethosewhobelieveanddogoodthattheirlifeandtheirdeathshallbe equal?Baditisthattheyjudge).[1]TheytookhimtoalMutawakkilwhilehewasinthatstate[2] thatrepresentedtheasceticismofprophetsandspiritualityofapostles.AlMutawakkilwasdrunk atthetableofwine.WhenhesawImamalHadi(a.s.),heofferedhimaglassofwine,butImam alHadi(a.s.)shoutedathim,ByAllah,ithasnevermixedwithmybloodandfleshatall. AlMutawakkilaskedtheimam,Recitemesomepoetry! ImamalHadi(a.s.)said,Iseldomrecitepoetry. AlMutawakkilinsistedonhimsaying,Youmustrecitemesomepoetry! ImamalHadi(a.s.)foundhimselfobligedtorecitesomepoetry,andsoherecitedthefollowing versesthatchangedtheecstasyofalMutawakkilintosorrowandweeping, [1]Qur'an,45:21. [2]RawdhatalAyan,manuscript. Theywereonthetopsofmountains, guardedbystrong,bravemen,butthosetopssufficedthemnot. Afterglory,theyweretakendownfromtheirpositions, andputintoholes.Howbadabodetheydweltin! Acriercalledthemafterbeenburied: Wherearethethrones,crowns,andtreasures? Wherearethefacesthatwereateaseandluxury, thatcurtainsandscreenswereputbeforethem? Thegraveshowedthosefaceswherewormswerefightingonthem. Howlongtheyateanddrank! Butafterthatlongeating,theywereeaten! AlMutawakkilwasshakenandintoxicationflewfromhishead.Hebeganterriblycrying.The attendantsinthemeetingfearedforImamalHadi(a.s.)thatalMutawakkilmightassaulthimand

theythoughtthatalMutawakkilwouldrevengeonhim. AlMutawakkilorderedhismentotaketheglassesofwineawayfromthemeeting.Heturnedto thepureImam(a.s.)andsaidtohimreverently,OAbulHasan,areyouindebt? ImamalHadi(a.s.)said,Yes,fourthousanddinars. AlMutawakkilorderedfourthousanddinarstobegiventoImamalHadi(a.s.).Hereturnedhim backtohishousewithrespectandhonor.[1] ThiseventshowedthejihadofImamalHadi(a.s.)andhisfixedsituationtowardsthattyrant.He didnotcareforhisruleandpower.HepreachedandwarnedhimfromthepunishmentofAllah andsaidtohim(throughpoetry)thathewoulddieandneitherhisarmiesnorhisauthoritywould savehimfromdeath,andthathisdelicatebodywouldbefoodforwormsinthegrave.Certainly, alMutawakkilhadneverheardsuch [1]MuroojathThahab,vol.4p.4445. preachesbefore.Instead,hefilledhisearswiththevoicesofsongstersandsongstresses.Finally, deathcametohimwhilehewasbetweenmusiciansandcupsofwine. Anyhow,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)sawwhathappenedtohisfatherfromalMutawakkil. TheDeathOfAlMutawakkil AlMutawakkilandhisvizieralFat~hbinKhaqanwerekilledafteraplotconcludedbyal MutawakkilssonalMuntasir,Waseef,andBughatheTurks.Theyattackedhiminthenightand cuthimandhisvizierbytheirswordsintopiecesthathisfleshcouldnotbedistinguishedfromhis viziers. AlMutawakkilwaskilledandablackpageofdebauchery,diversion,corruption,andoppression wasfolded,andpeoplecouldbreathefreelyforashorttime. TheReignOfAlMuntasir AlMuntasirassumedtheruleafterthecoupheledagainsthisfather.TheShiafeltdelightandjoy afterthenightmareofoppressiondisappeared.

AlMuntasirfollowedarightly,fairpolicytowardstheAlawidsandtheShia.Fromthegood achievementshedidtotheAlawidswerethathereturnedFadak[1]totheAlawids,cancelledthe interdictontheentailsoftheAlawidsandgavethembacktothem,deposedthewaliofYathrib SalihbinAli,whotreatedtheAlawidsbadly,andappointedAlibinalHasaninsteadofhim.He orderedhimtotreattheAlawidskindlyanddothemgood.Hegavehimsomemoneytodistribute itamongtheAlawidsandamonghisfamilyaccordingtotheirranks.AlMuntasirpermitted MuslimstovisitthetombofImamalHusayn(a.s.)afteralMutawakkilhadforbiddenthatand decreedseverepenaltiesagainstwhoevervisitedthatholytomb. PoetspraisedalMuntasirintheirpoemsandpeopleappreciatedhisfavorsandgoodsituations towardstheAlawids. Thisnobleman,whorefreshedtheheartsoftheAlawids,didnotlivelong.Deathcameoverhim inthebeginningofhisrule.Mostofhistorianssaidhedidnotdieanaturaldeathbuthewas poisoned.TheTurksassassinatedhimfearingthathemightkillthemanddoawaywiththeir influenceanddominationovertheIslamicnation. TheTurksbribedhisphysicianibnTayfurbygivinghimthirtythousanddinarstoassassinatehim. AlMuntasirwasill [1]Fadakwasaveryvast,fertilevillagethattheProphet(s)haddonatedtohisdaughterFatima (s).Itwasrichofdatepalmsandotherfruitfultrees. andthephysicianadvisedtobleedhim.Hebledhimwithapoisonedbladeandhediedsoon.[1] HediedonSaturday,thefourthofRabeeathThani,[2]248AHandwasburiedinalJawsaq.[3]By hisdeath,peoplelostmuch.Itwashewhodestroyedhisfathersthrone,whichwasbasedon oppressionandtyranny,andenmitytowardstheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s). ThebooksofhistoryathanddidnotmentionanymeetingoreventthattookplacebetweenImam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)andalMuntasir.ThecertainthingisthattheImam(a.s.)wasdelightedfor alMuntasirsprocedurestowardstheAlawidsthatreturnedtothemsafetyandsettlementwhich theymissedduringthereignofalMutawakkil.People,especiallytheShia,refreshedduringhis reignthoughitwasveryshort. [1]TareekhalKhulafabyasSayooti,p.357. [2]ItisthefourthmonthintheIslamiclunarcalendar. [3]AlAnbafeeTareekhalKhulafa. TheReignofAlMustaeen AfterthedeathofalMuntasir,alMustaeenassumedtheruleonSunday,thefifthofRabeeath

Thaniintheyear248AH.HewasasatoolrunbytheTurks.Hehadnopoliticalinfluenceoverthe bodyofhisgovernment.Oneofthepoetssaidonthat, AcaliphinacagebetweenWaseefandBugha, hesayswhattheybothsaytohimasaparrotdoes.[1] AlMustaeenbeforetheTurkswasasadeadinawashershands.Hehadnopowerorauthority. ThestatewasrunbytheTurkswhilehewasbusywithlusts,pleasures,drinking,andlisteningto singing. HisSpiteTowardsTheImam AlMustaeenbitterlyhatedImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Thefollowingaresomeofthereasons thatwerebehindhisgrudgetowardstheimam: First,people,intheirmeetings,alwaystalkedabouttheimamshighposition,talents,and geniuses,besidesthatagoodpartofthenationbelievedinhisimamateandfollowedhim, whereasalMustaeen,thoughhewasthecaliph,hadnorespectorvaluenearMuslims. Second,mercenariesandagentsofthegovernmentoftenflatteredtherulersbyinformingagainst theimamclaimingthatgreatmoniescametohimfromtheShiaandthathemightriseinaviolent revoltagainsttheAbbasidrule.ThismadealMustaeenfeartheimam. [1]TareekhalKhulafa,p.357. Third,fromthereasonsthatmadealMutaeenbearagrudgeagainstImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) washisfearfromhissontheawaitedimam(a.s.)whomtheProphet(a.s)hadbroughtgoodnews about.Manytruetraditionssaidthatitwashewhowouldrepairreligion,doawaywithinjustice andoppression,andrelievetheoppressedandthewronged.TheheartsoftheAbbasidswerefull offearfromhimthinkingthathewoulddoawaywiththeirrule,andthereforetheyboreagrudge againstImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Theyputhimunderstrictobservationandsentwomento spyonthebirthoftheawaitedimaminordertoarresthim.ArrestingTheImam AlMustaeengavehisordertohispolicementoarrestImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).Hewas arrestedandputintotheprisonofAlibinAwtamishwhowasfromthebitterestenemiesofthe progenyofAbuTalib.Theauthorityinsistedonthisjailertoharmandpresstheimam,buthewas affectedbytheimam.Hechangedandhisgrudgetowardstheimamwasremovedfromhisheart. Heputhischeekonthegroundoutofhumblenesstotheimam,anddidnotraisehiseyesbefore theimamoutofglorificationandrespect.Heturnedtobeoneofthebestpeopleinthoughtand faithtowardstheimam.[1]

EessabinalFat~hwasinprisonwithImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.).ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) saidtohim,OEessa,youaresixtyfiveyearsandamonthandtwodaysold. Eessawasastonished.Hereviewedhisbirthdateinabookwithhimandfounditwasastheimam told. ThentheimamaskedEessaifhehadasonandhesaidhehadnot. [1]UsoolalKafi,vol.1p.508. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)prayedAllahforhimsaying,OAllah,givehimasontobeasupport forhim.Thebestofsupportasonis Eessasaid,Omymaster,andyou?Doyouhaveason? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,ByAllah,Ishallhaveasonwhowillfilltheearthwithjustice andfairness,butnotnow.[1] FrightOfTheShia ThefrighteningnewsoftheimprisonmentofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)reachedallmilieusof MuslimsthatmadeareactionofsorrowandrevengeagainsttheAbbasids.TheTwelverShia,who believedintheimamateofAbuMuhammad(a.s.),wereshockedaftertheywereinformedthatal MustaeenhaddeterminedtokilltheirimambyorderinghischamberlainSaeedtotaketheimam toKufaandassassinatehimintheway. MuhammadbinAbdullahandalHaythambinSubabahwrotealettertoImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)saying,Maywedieforyou!Wehaveheardanewsthatworriedanddistressedus ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)calmedthemdownandtoldthemthatnofearshouldbeonhimand thathisoppressiveenemy(alMustaeen)wouldbedeposedafterthreedays.Itwasashesaid.[2] AmrbinMuhammadbinRayyansaid,Once,IwenttoAbuAhmadbinAbdullahbinTahirand foundinhishandtheletterofAbuMuhammad(a.s.)writteninit:IprayedAllahagainstthis tyrant(alMustaeen)totakehimafterthree(days).Onthethirdday,theTurksdeposedhim.[3] [1]JawharatalKalam,p.155. [2]MuhajadDaawat,p.273. [3]AlGhaybahbySheikhatToosi,p.132.

TheDepositionOfAlMustaeen TheTurkssnubbedalMustaeenandfearedhim.Oneday,hesetouttowardsBaghdad.TheTurks sentforhimaskinghimtoreturntoSamarra.HerefusedandwentontoBaghdad.Theydeposed himandtookalMutazzoutofprisonandpaidhimhomageasthecaliph.Theypreparedagreat armytooccupyBaghdad.Thetwoarmiesmetandbothsidessufferedgreatlossesbutthewar continued.Atlast,theyagreedonthatalMustaeenshouldannouncehisresigningandgivethe caliphatetoalMutazzonsomeconditionsthattheyagreedon. AlMustaeenhandedthecaliphateovertoalMutazzwhodidnotobservetheconditions requiredfromhimandheputalMustaeenintheprisonofWasit.Heremainedforninemonths inthatprison.TheTurksfeltfearofalMustaeenalthoughhewasinprison.Theytookhimoutof prisonandbroughthimtoSamarra.AlMutazzaskedhischamberlainSaeedtokillhimandhe did.[1]TheauthorofalFakhrisaidhewasweakinmind,reason,andadministration,andthat manyseditionshappenedduringhisreignandhisstatewasfulloftroublesandconfusion.[2] [1]TareekhalKhulafa,p.358359. [2]AlFakhri,p.132. TheReignofAlMutazz HewasazZubayrsonofJafaralMutakkil.Heassumedtherulewhilehewasintheprimeof youth.Hewasexperiencedneitherinpoliticsnorinadministration.TheTurksappointedhimas kingtobeasbridgeforthemtopassacrossitinordertoachievetheiraimsandwishes.Hehadno willoroption. HeinheritedfromhisfathersthatenmitytowardstheAhlulBayt(a.s).HehatedImamAbu Muhammad(a.s.).Once,hetriedtokillhimbuthefailed.HeaskedSaeedthechamberlainto taketheimamtothepalaceofibnHubayrahandassassinatehimthere,butAllahsavedthe imam[1]aftersomeeventstookplacethatmadethembusyawayfromtheimam. AlMutazzorderedhismentoarresttheimamandputhimintoprison,forhecouldnotbearto hearallpeopletalkabouthisvirtues,vastknowledge,andpiety,besidesthattheimamwasthe fatheroftheawaitedimamwhowouldremoveoppressionandinjusticeanddoawaywiththe governmentsoftheoppressive. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)becameunabletobeartheoppressionofalMutazzanymore,and soheprayedAllahtosavehimfromtheevilsofthistyrant,andAllahrespondedtohimafterno long.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)hadtoldhisfollowersaboutthedepositionofalMutazzbefore ittookplace.HerepliedtoAbulHaythambinSubabahsaying,Afterthree(days)deliveranceshall cometoyou.Onthethirdday,alMutazzwasdeposed.[2]

[1]DalailalImamah,p.225,MuhajadDaawat. [2]DalailalImamah,p.225.AkhbaradDuwal,p.117. TheDepositionOfAlMutazz AftertheprayerofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.),AllahrevengedonalMutazz.SomeTurkleaders askedalMutazztogivethemtheirsalaries,buttherewasnothinginthetreasury.AlMutazz wenttohismother,whowassowealthyofmillionsofdinars,butsherefusedtogivehimany. WhentheTurksbecamedesperateofgettingtheirsalaries,theyattackedalMutazz.Theydrew himbyhisleg,stunghimwithpins,andstoodhimunderthesunonaveryhotsummerdaysaying tohim,Deposeyourself!Then,theybroughtthejudgeofBaghdadandsomeprominentmenand announcedhisdeposition.Fivenightsafterhisdeposition,theTurkstookhimtothebathroom. Afterwashing,hefeltthirsty.Theydidnotgivehimwaterforaperiod,andthentheygavehimicy waterandhedied.[1] ThemenofSalihbinWaseeffollowedafterQabihah,motherofalMutazz,andtookhermoney thatwasaboutfivehundredthousanddinars.Theyfoundwardrobesofherundertheground havingbigamounts.Theyfoundonemillionandthreehundredthousanddinarsinan undergroundroom.Theyfoundaquantityofemeraldinabasket,bigpearlsinanother,andruby inathirdone.AllthiswealthwastakentoSalihbinWaseef.Heabusedherandsaid,Sheexposed hersontokillingforfiftythousanddinarswhileshehadallthiswealth![2] [1]TareekhalKhulafa,p.360. [2]TareekhibnalAtheer,vol.5p.344. TheReignofAlMuhtadi AfterthedepositionofalMutazzbytheTurks,alMuhtadi,whowasthirtysevenyears,assumed therule.[1]He,likehisfathers,boreagrudgetowardsImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andafflicted himwithdistressesandpains. Heorderedhismentoarresttheimamandputhimintoprison.Hedeterminedtokillhimashe determinedtoannihilatealltheShia.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)remainedforsomedaysin prisonwhereAbuHashimwaswithhim.HesaidtoAbuHashim,OAbuHashim,thistyrant wantedtokillmethisnight,butAllahhascuthisold.IhavenosonbutAllahwillgivemeason.[2] Someoftheimamsfollowerswrotetohim,Wehavebeeninformedthathe(alMuhtadi) threatensyourShiaandsays,ByAllah,Iwillremovethemfromthefaceoftheearth. ImamAbuMuhammadreplied,Thatisbeyondhislife.Count,fromthisday,fivedaysandheshall

bekilledinthesixthdayafterdisgrace,meanness,andlownessbefallhim.Itwasastheimam said.[3] TheTurksbecamedispleasedwithalMuhtadi.Theyattackedhimwithdaggersandkilledhim.[4] [1]MuroojathThahab,vol.4p.124. [2]MuhajadDaawat,p.274. [3]Ibid. [4]MuroojathThahab,vol.4p.127. TheReignofAlMutamid ThecaliphatecametoalMutamidwhilehewastwentyfiveyearsold.[1]Historianssay,Hewas dissolute,andinterestedinlustsandamusements.Hewasbusywithmusicandsingingpayingno attentiontohissubjects.Hecommittedsinsthatmadepeoplehatehim.[2] Inhisreign,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)diedaftermeetingdistressesandmisfortunesfromhim. HeorderedhismentoarrestImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)andhisbrotherJafarandputthem intoprison.HeinstructedthejailerAlibinJurayntoinformhimofhisnewsandhistalksatall time.ThejailertoldthecaliphthattheimamdidnotdoanythingthatmightopposetheAbbasid policy,andthatheturnedhisbacktothisworldandturnedtoAllahtheAlmighty.Hefastedthe dayandspentthenightinworships.Anothertime,thecaliphaskedthejailertoinformhimabout everythingtheimamdidorsaid,andheansweredwiththesame.Heorderedhimtosettheimam free,sendhimhisgreeting,andapologizetohim.Thejailerhurriedtotheimamandfoundhim readytogetout.Hehadputonhisclothesandshoes.Thejailerwonderedatthat.Heinformed theimamofthedecisionofalMutamid.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)rodeonhishorsebutdid notmove.Thejaileraskedhimwhyandhesaid,UntilJafarcomes. Thejailersaid,Butheorderedmetosetyoufreealonewithouthim. Theimamsaid,GoandtellhimthatIandheweretakentogetherfromthehouse.IfIgoback alone,therewillbesomethingthatyouknow! [1]MuroojathThahab,vol.4,p.138. [2]TareekhalKhulafa,p.363. ThejailerwentandtoldalMutamidwhattheimamsaid.HeorderedhimtosetJafarfreetoo. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)lefttheprisonwhilereciting,(Theyintendtoputoutthelightof AllahwiththeirmouthsbutAllahwillperfectHislight,thoughtheunbelieversmaybe

averse)[1].[2] ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)suffereddifferentkindsofharmsanddistressesfromalMutamid. Hesurroundedtheimamwithdetectivesandpolicementowatchhimandtochaseanyoneof jurisprudents,ulama,ortheShiawhotriedtomeethim.Heremainedunderwatchuntilhewas assassinatedwithpoisonbytheorderofalMutamid. ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)wascontemporarywiththeseAbbasidkings,whooppressedhim, threwhimintoprison,andtriedtodoawaywithhim,butAllahprotectedhimfromthatby afflictingthosekingswithimportanteventslikerebellionsorthedominationoftheTurksover them. [1]Qur'an,61:8. [2]MuhajadDaawat,p.274. Tothebetterworld ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)spenthisshortlifeinsufferingsanddistresses.TheAbbasidkings sparednoeffortinoppressinghim.Theymovedhimfromaprisontoanother.Theysubjectedhim toconfinementandimposedonhimeconomicalblockade.Theypreventedhimfrommeeting withhisfollowersastheypreventedulamaandscholarsfromcontactingwithhimtotakefrom thefountainsofhissciences.Andthis,asIthink,wastheworstdistresstheimamsuffered.They triedmorethanonetimetoassassinatehimbutAllahprotectedhimfromtheirplots. ThereweresomereasonsthatmadetheAbbasidsbearagrudgeagainstImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.).Herearesomeofthem: First,theAbbasidsfearedfromtheAwaitedImamwhomtheProphet(a.s)hadbroughtgoodnews aboutandtoldthathewouldbethegreatestreformerthatmankindhadneverseenlikehim throughoutallstagesofhistory.TheProphet(a.s)toldthattheAwaitedImam(a.s.)wouldspread political,socialjusticeallovertheworld,woulddoawaywithallkindsofinjusticeandoppression, anddefeatalltyrantsandoppressivepowersintheworld.Hewoulddoawaywithpolytheismand atheism,andraisethebanneroffaithandtruth.HewouldrevivetheannulledlawsofAllah. Therefore,theAbbasidstriedtokillImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)tobesurehewouldnotleave offspring.ImamAbuMuhammadsaid

aboutthat,Theyclaimedthattheywantedtokillmeinordertocutoffmyoffspring,butAllah falsifiedtheirsaying,andpraisebetoAllah.[1] Second,theAbbasidsboreenvytowardsImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)forhispopularityandthe greatrespectthatallclassesofsocietyshowedhim,whereastheauthoritywasinthehandofthe Abbasidswhoreceivednothingofrespectorhonoringfrompeople.therefore,theyplottedday andnighttodoawaywithhim. Third,theAlawidsroseinmanyrevoltsagainsttheAbbasidrulesinceitsbeginningaimingat achievingthepoliticaljusticeofIslamandapplyingitseconomicalandsocialprogramsinlife. ThoserevoltsweresupportedbygreatmassesofpeopleinthedifferentMuslimcommunitiesthat harmedthedignityoftheruleandshookitsthroneandwereabouttooverthrowit. ThoserevoltsfilledtheheartsoftheAbbasidswithhatredandgrudgeagainsttheAlawids,andso theyorderedtheirpolicementochaseeveryAlawid.ItwasnaturallythatImamAbuMuhammad (a.s.)sufferedthebitterestdistressesfromtheAbbasidsbecausehewasthemasterandchiefof theAlawidsandtheimamofMuslimatthattime. Now,letuscomebacktothelastdaysofImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.). [1]KifayatalAthar. AppointingIMAMAlMehdiAsTheNextImam ImamalMehdi(a.s.)isthehopenotonlyforMuslimsbutforalloppressedhumanbeingswho sufferslavery,oppression,andsubjection.HeistheSaviorwhowillfreethewillofmanandsave peoplesandnationsfromtheoppressionofthecorruptiveregimeswhohaveturnedthisworld intounbearablehell. ImamalMehdi(a.s.)wasandisagreatmiracleinIslam.Allahconcealedhisbirth,ashehad concealedthebirthofProphetMoses(a.s.),becausetheAbbasidgovernmentlookedfor himandinhisremainingalive(inoccultation)throughoutthelongstagesoflifeisalsoamiracle forIslam,andinhisreappearanceandannouncingthepureprinciplesofIslamisanothermiracle too. ThefollowingaresomeofthetraditionstransmittedfromImamAbuMuhammadalHasanal Askari(a.s.)concerningtheImamateofhissonalMehdi(a.s.). 1.AhmadbinIsaaqbinSaeedalAsharisaid,Once,IwenttoAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli (a.s.)intendingtoaskhimaboutthesuccessorafterhim.HesaidtomebeforeIaskedhim,O AhmadbinIsaaq,AllahtheAlmightydidnotdeprivetheearthsinceHecreatedAdamandHedoes

notdepriveituntiltheDayofResurrectionofanauthorityoverHispeople.Byhim(theauthority) distressesarepushedawayfromthepeopleoftheearth,byhimrainfallsdown,andbyhimthe blessingsoftheearthareemitted. Isaidtohim,OsonofthemessengerofAllah,whoistheimamandsuccessorafteryou?Hegot uphastilyandwentinthehouse.Then,hecameoutholdingathreeyearoldboy,whosefacewas likeafullmoon,onhisshoulderandsaid,O Ahmad,wereitnotforyourhonornearAllahtheAlmightyandnearHisauthorities,Iwouldnot showyoumythisson.HewasnamedandsurnamedlikethemessengerofAllah(a.s.).Hewillfill theearthwithjusticeandfairnessafterithasbeenfilledwithinjusticeandoppression.OAhmad, he,inthisnation,islikealKhidhr(Elijah)andThulQarnayn.ByAllah,hewillhideinan occultation,duringwhichnooneshallbesavedexceptonewhomAllahfixesonthebelievingin hisimamateandsupplicatingAllahtohastenhisdeliverance.Isaid,IsthereanysignsothatI maybesure?Theyoungboysaid,IamtherepresentativeofAllahinHisearthandtheavenger onHisenemies.Donotlookforasignafteraproof! Ileftdelightedly.Onthefollowingday,Icamebacktohimandsaid,Osonofthemessengerof Allah,mydelightwassogreatforwhatyoufavoredmewith.Wouldyoupleasetellmewhatnorm withalKhidrandThulQarnaynwas? Hesaid,Longoccultation. Isaid,OsonofthemessengerofAllah,shallhis(ImamalMehdis)occultationlastlong? ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,Yes,bymyLord,untilmanyofthose,whobelieveinthismatter (occultationandreappearance),shallapostatize,andnooneshallremain(believing)exceptthose whomAllahhastakenfromthemacovenantonourguardianship,fixedfaithintheirhearts,and supportedthemwithamercyfromHim.OAhmad,thisisacommandfromAllah,asecretfrom thesecretsofAllah,andanunseenmatterfromtheunseenofAllah.TakewhatItoldyou,andbe fromthegrateful,youshallbewithusinIlliyin.[1][2] [1]IlliyinisthehighestpositionintheParadise. [2]IkmaluddeenbySheikhasSaduq,p.216217. 2.MuhammadbinUthmanalUmarinarratedthathisfathersaid,Once,IwaswithAbu MuhammadalHasanbinAli(alAskari)whenhewasaskedaboutthetraditiontransmittedfrom hisfatherthattheearthwouldnotbeemptyfromanauthorityfromAllahoverHispeopleuntil theDayofResurrection,andthatwhoeverdiedwithoutknowingtheimamofhisagewoulddieas anunbeliever.Hesaid,Thisistrueasdayistrue.

Someoneaskedhim,OsonofthemessengerofAllah,then,whoshallbetheauthorityandimam afteryou? Hesaid,MysonMuhammadistheimamandtheauthorityafterme.Whoeverdieswithout knowing(acknowledging)himshalldiesasanunbeliever.Hewillbeinanoccultationwherethe ignorantwillbeconfused,denierswillperish,anddaters[1]willtelllies.Then,hewillreappear, andasifIseewhiteflagsflutteringoverhisheadatthehillofKufa.[2] 3.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)said,PraisebetoAllahWhodidnottakemeoutofthislifeuntil Hemademeseethesuccessorafterme.Heisthemostsimilarinshapeandmoralstothe messengerofAllah(a.s.).Allahwillprotecthiminhisoccultationandmakehimreappeartofill theearthwithjusticeandfairnessafteritwillbefilledwithinjusticeandoppression.[3] 4.MusabinJafaralBaghdadinarratedthathehadheardImamAbuMuhammadalHasanbinAli alAskari(a.s.)saying,AsifIseethatyouwilldisagreeaftermeonmysuccessor.Surely,he,who believesintheimamsafterthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)butdeniesmyson,islikeone,who [1]Thosewhodefinescertaindatesforthereappearanceoftheawaitedimam(a.s.). [2]KifayatalAthar. [3]KifayatalAthar,Ikmaluddeen,p.228. believesinallprophetsandmessengersofAllahbutdeniestheprophethoodofthemessengerof Allah(Muhammad)(a.s.),becausetheobedienceofthelastofusisliketheobedienceofthefirst ofus,andone,whodeniesthelastofus,islikeonewhodeniesthefirstofus.Mysonwillhavean occultationwherepeoplewillbeindoubtaboutitexceptthosewhomAllahpreserves.[1] TheImamComfortsHimself ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)perceivedfrombehindtheunseenthathewouldleavethislifeand gonearhisLord.Hesaidtohismother,IntheyeartwohundredandsixtyIshallsufferbadfever fromwhichIshallbeafflicted Shewasdistressed,andsorrowovercameher.Shebegancrying.ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.) calmedherdownsaying,ThefateofAllahmusttakeplace.Donotworry! Intheyeartwohundredandsixty,hediedashehadpredicted.[2] AssassinatingTheImam AlMutamid,theAbbasidtyrant,couldnotbearImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)anylonger,forhe sawandheardpeopleeverywhenandeverywhereglorifytheimamandpreferhimtoallthe

AlawidsandtheAbbasids.Finally,hemadehismindtodoawaywiththeimam.Heassassinated himbyinsertingfatalpoisontohim.[3]Poisonreactedonhisbody,andhebegansufferingbitter andseverepains,whilebeingpatient,resortingtoAllah. [1]KifayatalAthar. [2]MuhajadDaawat,p.274. [3]AlIrshad,p.383. TheGovernmentConfusion TheAbbasidgovernmentwastooconfusedwhenImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.)becameseriously ill.AlMutamidorderedfiveofhistrustedstatesmen,amongwhomNahrirwas,toremaininthe imamshouseandreporttohimabouteverynewhappening.Healsoorderedacommitteeof physicianstotesttheimamshealthdayandnight.Aftertwodays,heorderedthephysiciansnot toleavetheimamalonebecausehisstatewastoobad.[1] ToTheBestOfAbodes Theimamshealthgotworse,andthephysiciansweredesperateofhisrecovery.Deathbegan approachinghimquickly.Atthoselastmomentsofhislife,ImamAbuMuhammad(a.s.), mentionedAllah,glorifiedHim,andprayedHimtotakehimnearertoHim.Hislipswerebusy recitingversesfromtheHolyQur'an.HeturnedtowardstheQiblah,andafternolong,hispure soulflewtowardstheHeavensurroundedbytheangelsoftheBeneficentLord. ItwasthegreatestlossMuslimssufferedinthatage.Theylosttheirleader,reformer,and instructorwholovedandhelpedtheirweak,poor,andorphans. Theimamsbodywas(ritually)washed,enshrouded,putinthecoffin,andcarriedtobeprayedon byMuslims.EesasonofalMutawakkilledtheprayerbyalMutamidsorder.Aftertheprayer,he uncoveredtheimamsfacebeforetheHashemites,theAbbasids,armyleaders,government clerks,stateofficials,judges,andphysiciansandsaidtothem,ThisisalHasanbinAlibin MuhammadbinarRedha(peacebeonthem).Hediedanaturaldeathinhisbed.Soands0of AmeerulMo'minins(alMutamid)servantsandtrustedmen, [1]AlIrshad,p.383. Soandsoofjudges,andSoands0ofphysicianswerepresentwithhim.Thenhecoveredhisholy face.[1] ThepainfulnewsspreadeverywhereinSamarra.ItwasagreatshockforMuslimswhohurriedup totheimamshousewhilecryingandweaning.Governmentofficesandallmarketswereclosed.It

wasliketheDayofResurrectioninSamarra.[2] Samarradidnotwitnessedbeforeadayofescortinglikethat.Wavesofhumanbeingsand flowingmassesofpeoplefromallclassesandtrendscametoescorttheholycorpseofthispure imam(a.s.)whilementioninghisvirtuesandfavorsandtalkingwithgreatsorrowandregretabout thegreatlosstheywereafflictedwith. InHisLastAbode Thepurecorpsewasbroughtunderahalooftakbirandtahlil[3]towardsthelastabode.Imam AbuMuhammad(a.s.)wasburiedinhishousebesidethetombofhisfatherImamalHadi(a.s.). SamarrahadtwoimamsfromthetwelveimamsandleadersofMuslims,anditbecameatthe headoftheholyplacesintheMuslimworld.Itreceivedandstillreceivesthousandsofvisitors fromeverywhereintheworldwhocametovisitthetwoholyshrinesofImamalHadiandImam alAskari(peacebeonthem). Once,anNasirLideenillah,theAbbasidcaliph,visitedtheholyshrinesofthesetwoinfallible imamstobeblessedandclosetoAllah.Hisviziersuggestedtohimthathemightvisit [1]AlIrshad,p.383. [2]AlIrshad,p.383,EncyclopediaofalBustani,vol.7p.45. [3]TakbiristhesayingAllahuAkbarAllahisgreatandtahlilisthesayinglaillahaillallahthere isnogodbutAllah. thetombsofhisfathersoftheAbbasidkingsandheresponded.Whenhereachedthere,hefound thegravesdarkandmiserablewheresweepingswereaccumulatedandcrowsgathered.Thevizier askedthekingtotakecareandpaymoneytorebuildthesegraves,buttheAbbasidkingsaid, Howfar!Thatisofnouse. Thevizierasked,why,OAmeerulMo'minin? Hesaid,Didyouseetheflourishofthetombsofthepureimams? Theviziersaid,Yes. Thekingasked,Doyouknowthesecretbehindthat? Thevizieranswered,No. AnNasirLideenillahsaid,MyfathersassociatedwithSatan,andthesemasterassociatedwith Allah,andallthatwhichisforAllahremains,andallthatwhichisforSatanperishesand disappears.[1]

TheAlawids,theAbbasids,andJafar,ImamAbuMuhammadsbrothersstoodatthetomband themassesofpeoplebeganconsolingthemforthispainfulaffliction. TheDateOfHisDeath ImamAbuMuhammadalAskari(a.s.)lefttothebetterworldontheeighthofRabeeulAwwal[2] intheyeartwohundredandsixtyofhijra,[3]whilehewastwentyeightyearsoldandstillinthe primeofyouth.[4] [1]KashfalGhummah. [2]TareekhBaghdad,vol.7p.366. [3]MiratalJinan,vol.2p.462,TareekhalKhamees,vol.2p.343,TareekhibnalWardi,vol.1 p.325. [4]JamialAkhbar,p.42,AkhbaradDuwal,p.117,alIrshad,p.389. Referencebooks 1.UsoolalKafibyalKulayni 2.AlamalWarabyatTabarsi 3.AkhbaradDuwalbyalQirmani 4.AlIrshadbySheikhalMufid 5.AkhbaralalBuhturibyasSawli 6.AlAlhanbyAbdurrahmanSidqi 7.AlAkhbaratTuwalbyadDaynawarii 8.AbuJafarMuhammadbinAlialHadibyalGharawi 9.AyanashShiabySayyidMuhsinalAminalAamili 10.AlIstibsarbyatToosi 11.AlIttihafBihubilAshrafbyashShabrawi 12.AlBayanwetTabyeenbyalJahidh 13.BaynalKhulafawelKhulaafilAsralAbbasibySalahuddeen 14.BahralAnsab,photocopiedinAmeerulMo'mininLibrary 15.BiharalAnwarbyalMajlisi 16.TareekhBaghdadbyalKhateebalBaghdadi 17.TareekhalKhamees 18.TareekhibnalWardibyibnalWardi 19.TareekhibnalFidabyibnalFida

20.TuhfatalAnambyalQafoori 21.TareekhatTamaddunalIslamibyJurjiZaydan 22.TareekhalYaqubibyalYaqubi 23.TathkiratalKhawassbyibnalJawzi 24.AtTahthibbyatToosi 25.ThimaralQuloob 26.AthThaqibfilManaqibbyalJirjani,manuscriptinAmeerulMo'mininLibrary 27.JawharatalKalamfeeMadhasSadahalAlambyalQaraghulli 28.JamialAkhbar 29.JamiKaramatalAwliya 30.JawamialKalim 31.ThelifeofImamMusabinJafarbyBaqirShareefalQurashi 32.ThelifeofImamAlialHadibyBaqirShareefalQurashi 33.HayatalHaywanbyalJahidh 34.KhutatalMaqrizibyalMaqrizi 35.DalailalImamahbyatTabari 36.Diwan(divan)alBuhturibyalBuhturi 37.TheEncyclopediabyalBustani 38.TheEncyclopediaoftheTwentiethCenturybyFaridWajdi 39.AdDiyaratbyashShabashti 40.AthThareeahbyAghaBuzurgatTehrani 41.RijalalBarqibyalBarqi 42.RijalibnDawudbyibnDawud 43.RijalatToosibyatToosi 44.FeeManaqibalAimmahbyYousufbinHatimashShami 45.RawdhaatalJannaatbyMuhammadBaqiralKhawansari 46.ZahralAdaabbyalHusari 47.ZahratulMaqul 48.SirrasSilsilahalAlawiyyahbyibnNasralBukhari 49.SafeenatulBiharbySheikhAbbasalQummi 50.SamtanNujoombyalAwali 51.SahihatTarmithibyatTarmithi 52.AsSihahbyalJawhari 53.TabaqaatibnalMutazzbyibnalMutazz 54.TabaqaatalAtibbabyibnAbiUsaybiah 55.UyoonalMujizat 56.AlUrwatulWuthqabySayyidKadhimalYazdi 57.UyoonatTawareekhbyibnShakiralKutubi 58.AlIqdalFaridbyibnAbdRabbih

59.IlalashSharayibySheikhasSaduq 60.AlGhaybahbyatToosi 61.AlAghanibyAbulFarajalIsfahani 62.FalahasSailbyibnTawuss 63.FawatalWafiyyat 64.AlFihristbyibnanNadim 65.AlFihristbyatToosi 66.AlFakhri 67.AlFusoolalMuhimmahbyibnasSabbagh 68.KifayatalAtharbyalKhazza 69.AlKamilfitTareekhbyibnalAtheer 70.KashfalGhummahbyalArbali 71.AlKunawelAlqabbySheikhAbbasalQummi 72.NooralAbsarbyashShabalanji 73.NuzhatanNadhirfeeTanbeehalKhawatir 74.AnNujoomazZahirah 75.RijalanNajashibyanNajashi 76.NisaalKhulafabyibnasSibaiy 77.MuroojathThahabbyalMasoodi 78.ManlaYahdhuruhualFaqeehbySheikhasSaduq 79.MuqtadhabalAthar 80.AlManaqibbyibnShahrashub 81.AlMujdi(finNasab),manuscriptinAmeerulMo'mininLibraryno.2879 82.Mu'jamRijalalHadithbyImamalKhoei 83.MajmaalBahraynbyatTurayhi 84.MabaniTakmilatalMinhajbyImamalKhoei 85.MiratazZamanbyibnalJawzi(manuscriptinAmeerulMo'mininLibrary) 86.MaqatilatTalibiyeenbyAbulFarajalIsfahani 87.AlMajalisasSaniyyahbyalAamili 88.MajmaazZawaid 89.MujamalBuldanbyYaqutalHamawi 90.MustadrakalHakimbyalHakim 91.AlMuntadhimbyibnalJawzi 92.AlMahasinwelMasawibyalBayhaqi 93.AlMustadhrafminAkhbaralHawaribySalahuddeen 94.LecturesontheHistoryoftheIslamicNationsbyalKhudhari 95.AlImtawelMuanasahbyAbuHayyanatTawhidi 96.MuhajadDaawatbyibnTawuss

97.MuhadharatulAbrar 98.AlHashimiyyaatbyalKumayt 99.AlWuzarawelKuttabbyalJashbari 100.AlWulatwelQudhatbyalKindi Dedication Tothepioneerofthehumanintellect, Totheestablisherofhumancivilization, Tohimwhohasfilledtheworldwithvirtuesandknowledge, TotheimamandteacherJafarasSadiq, IofferhumblyandreverentlytohishighnessthiseffortabouthisgrandsonImamAbu MuhammadalHasanalAskari(a.s.)whohadraisedthebanneroftruthandjusticeintheworldof Islam,andIhopeitwillbeaccepted. THEAUTHOR

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