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    Imam abul-hassan II, Ali ibn Mousa al-rida, is the eighth in the series of the Imams from the Household of the Prophet. His life was characterized by a somber tragic stamp from its grievous beginning till its painful end. Bitterness seldom parted from his soul during the periods he lived, i.e. The reign of Harun al-rashid and the beginning of the regime of al-mamoon, the latter

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    Imam abul-hassan II, Ali ibn Mousa al-rida, is the eighth in the series of the Imams from the Household of the Prophet. His life was characterized by a somber tragic stamp from its grievous beginning till its painful end. Bitterness seldom parted from his soul during the periods he lived, i.e. The reign of Harun al-rashid and the beginning of the regime of al-mamoon, the latter

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    31 views190 pages

    Imam - Al Rida - A Historical - and Biographical Research

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    بندہء خدا
    Imam abul-hassan II, Ali ibn Mousa al-rida, is the eighth in the series of the Imams from the Household of the Prophet. His life was characterized by a somber tragic stamp from its grievous beginning till its painful end. Bitterness seldom parted from his soul during the periods he lived, i.e. The reign of Harun al-rashid and the beginning of the regime of al-mamoon, the latter

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    of 190

    ImamalRidaAHistoricalandBiographicalResearch Author:MuhammadJawadFadlallah Introduction PrefaceOurBeliefinAhlalBayt[as] Preface2OurBeliefinAhlalBayt[as] HisDistinctionsandCharacteristics ClemencyandTolerance ImamandtheWaqfis Imamandthe'Caliphs' TheRegency RegencyCelebrated Imam'sRoleinEliminatingalFadlibnSahl TheTragicEnding ImamandAlawideRevolts HisWorks

    evolts HisWorks Altercations BasicBeliefs Exegesis Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Shari'a(IslamicLegislativeSystem) SelectHadithoftheImam HisMoralsandCounsels RegencyDocument Introduction ImamAbulHassanII,AliibnMousaalRida,istheeighthintheseriesoftheImamsfromthe HouseholdoftheProphetinwhosepersonalitiesallthestandardsofgreatnesshavebeen personified;so,theybecameitsmostmagnificentexampleandmostgenuinefountainhead. Hislifewascharacterizedbyasombertragicstampfromitsgrievousbeginningtillitspainful end.Bitternessseldompartedfromhissoulduringtheperiodshelived,i.e.thereignofHarun alRashidandthebeginningoftheregimeofalMamoon,thelatter'sson. Attheoutsetofhislife,hewitnessedthenormsoftrialsandtribulationswhichfilledthelife ofhisfatherImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)[1],thepatientImamwhosemereexistencewasthe causeofworryfortherulinggovernmentandthesourceofitssuspiciousdoubtsdespitehis peacefulstance,distancinghimselffromanycausesforadirectconfrontationtherewith. TheAbbasidecaliphalMehdiIIIorderedtheImam(A.S.)togotoBaghdadsothatthecaliph wouldsecurefromhimpromisesandpledgesthathewouldnotopposehisauthorityor mobilizearevolutionagainsthimtoputanendtohisregime,andtheImam(A.S.)didnotgo backhometillalMehdijoinedhisLordandhisshouldersbentbytheloadoftheregime'ssins andimmoralactionstobesucceededbyalHadi.Thelattertriedtoputanendtothelifeof theImam,buthedidnotlivelongenough,soalRashidaccededtothethrone,thusthe parchingflamesofthetragedystartedincineratingtheexistenceoftheAlawisheadedby ImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),andthedungeonsofBaghdad,Basrah,Wasitandothercities couldnotlimittheregime'spassionforseekingrevengeagainstitsopponents.Itsantagonistic attitudescausedittoinventnormsofrevengeworsethanwhatthosedungeonscould provide,suchthathumanityshuddersfrom.Instructionsissuedbythegovernmentrequired thebuilderstofillthehollowbuildingcylindersandcolumnswiththestillalivebodiesofthe eliteamongAlawiyouthsandnonAlawisympathizersandtocausethemtodiethusoutof

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    suffocation.Thisuglymethodofeliminatingthegovernment'sopponentswasnotsomething inventedbyalRashid,butitwasacontinuationofacustomstartedbyalMansourtoseek revengeagainstsomeAlawiyouthsashistorytellsus.[2] ImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)receivedthelion'sshareoftheatrocitiessufferedbytheAlawis duringthatperiodoftime.AlRashidimprisonedhimduetohisbeingthetopAlawileader, subjectinghimtoextremepressuresathishorribledungeonsforfourteenyearsaccordingto someaccountstillhebecametiredofthinkingofmethodsandmeansofinflictingpainon him;therefore,heorderedalSindiibnShahik,throughhisministerYahyaibnKhalid,whowas inchargeofthelastprisoninwhichtheImamwasimprisoned,topoisonhimandridhimof thepresenceofonewhorobbedhimofhistranquilityandpeaceofmind.Meanwhile,the Imam(A.S.)waspainfullyandbitterlywatchingcloselythebloodyeventswhichconsumed manyofhisownfamilyandkin. Hewasdestinedtorelivethetragedythroughwhichhisfatherhadlivedfromitsbeginningto theendwithoutbeingabletodecreaseitsintensity,forhewaspowerlesstodoso.Maybehe evenawaitedthesamefateatthehandsoftherulinggang,forthedisputewasoneofa conflictofprinciplesbetweentherulersononehandandtheAlawisontheother;itwasnota personalityconflict. AfterthemartyrdomofhisfatherandtheperishingofalRashid,thentheendingofthedays ofalAmininthewaytheyended,andalMamoonreceivingthereinsofgovernment,the windsofyetanothertragedyofadifferenttypestartedblowingattheImam(A.S.).Itwasa tragedytheImam(A.S.)livedwithextremebitterness. AlMamoon,duetocertainpoliticalreasonswhichwewilldiscussseparatelyinthisresearch, decidedtousetheImam(A.S.)asabargainingchipbetweenhimandtheAbbasidesin Baghdadononehand,andbetweenhimandtheAlawisontheother,andalsobetweenhim andtheShi'asofKhurasanaswell.Theployofrelinquishingthethronewasfoiledwhenthe Imam(A.S.)refusedtoaccedetoit.Thenhewasforcedtoplayaroleinthemasqueradeof thesuccessiontothethrone.Wearehereconcernedaboutdispellingsomeoftheambiguity whichshroudedit,theambiguitywhichdraggedmanyresearchersintoahelterskelter situationtheresultsofwhichbecameobscuredfromtheirsuperficialsightthescopeofwhich didnotexceedtheskimmingofthesurface,nordidtheytakethetroubletodelvedeeplyinto thedepthsoftheirresearch. ItisworthmentioningherethatwhentheImam(A.S.)refusedtoacceptthecaliphatefrom theabdicatingcaliph,alMamoon,ortotakechargeofthepostofheirtothethrone,hehad noreasonexcepthisownawarenessoftherealdepthofthegoalalMamoonanticipatedto achievebyhisplan,andthatthedesiretoabdicatewasnotgenuineenoughtobetaken Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    seriously;rather,itwasapoliticalmaneuverwherebyalMamoondesiredtoperfecthisgame duringaparticularperiodoftime,agamewhichwasdictatedbypoliticalcircumstances posingseriousthreatstohisseatofgovernment.Itwasasituationonwhichtheverydestiny ofalMamoondepended. TheexpectedfinalewasthereafterenactedwhenalMamooncompletedhisactingpart, whichhehadrehearsedbeforehand,perfectingtheplayingofhisintricateroleinsuch dexterityandskillwhichsecuredaperiodoftranquilityforhisregime,somethingwhichhe couldnothaveotherwiseachievedhadhenotdoneso,aswewilldiscusslaterinthis research. Inadditiontotheabove,weshallattempttodealwiththecomprehensiveaspectsofthelife oftheImam(A.S.)sothatthepicturebecomescleartouswhenwewishtoreviewthelifeofa greatImamsuchasImamalRida(A.S.). MuhammadJawadFadlallah [1]AcronymsofAlaihisSalam(peacebeuponhim). [2]IbnalAthir,Vol.4,p.375.Hesaid:'AlMansourMuhammadibnIbrahimibnalHassanwas broughtin,andhewasthemosthandsomemanpeopleeversaw.Heaskedhim,`Areyouthe onenicknamedtheyellowsilk?'Heanswered,`Yes.'Hesaid,`Ishallcertainlykillyouina mannerwhichIhavenotemployedtoanyoneelse,'thenheorderedhimtobeplacedina cylinderanditwasbuiltuponhimwhilehewasstillalive;thus,hediedinsideit."Maqatilal Talibiyyin,p.136,indicateslikewise. PrefaceOurBeliefinAhlalBayt[as] ImamalRidaisoneofthebedrocksofIslamicthoughtandoneofitsmainrichsourcesof knowledge.AfterthedemiseofhisfatherImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),thesecretsoftheDivine Messageandthekeystoitstreasuresbecameattainabletohim,sohequenchedhisthirst therefromandderivedthesourceofhisintellectualcontributionfromthesame. HeisoneoftheTwelveImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)whoenrichedtheIslamicthoughtwith Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    varioustypesofknowledgeduetotheknowledgetheyinstructedtheirstudentstowritedown,or inprovidingtheiranswerstothequestionsputforthtothembyothers,ortowhathistoryhas narratedtousoftheirscientificandtheologicaldiscourseswithfollowersofotherMuslimsects. ThedistinctionwhichcharacterizedtheImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)andwhichattractsour attentionwhenwestudytheirbiographiesisthefactthattheywereobligatedtoothersto providethemwithknowledgewhilenobodywasobligatedtoacceptitfromthem.Thisisadivine blisswithwhichGodendowedtheminordertoachievethroughthemtheestablishmentofHis ProofagainstHiscreation,somethingwithwhichtheywerecreditedevenbytherulersamong theircontemporaryopponentsandbythemostprominentthinkersamongtheircontemporaries. Supportingthisphenomenonisthefactthatsomesciencesandtheirdetailswerenotdistinctly clearduringtheirtime,norweretheireffectsobvious,buttheybecameclearandtheir ambiguitiesweredispelledbytheteachingoftheImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)suchasthe scienceofchemistryofwhichImamJa'feralSadiq(A.S.)isconsideredastheveryfirstpioneerand founderofitsprinciplesandrules,andthescienceofmedicineaboutwhichImamalRidaprovides us,inhislettertoalMamoon,withaglorioussystemandaninnovativeapproachinthewayhe explaineditsparticularitiesandregulations,inadditiontovariousothersciencesofwhichtheir legacyisfullandtowhichtheircontributionsurpassedthatofanyoneelseinsettingtheircorner stonesandinpointingouttheirvariousrequirements. NoneamongthecontemporaryscientistswascreditedforbeingtheinstructorofImamalSadiq (A.S.)inchemistry,orofImamalRida(A.S.)inmedicine.Rather,itwasthefountainhead establishedforthembytheirgrandfather,BeareroftheMessage(S.A.W.)3,whiletheyinheritedit sonfromfather.WemaynoticethattheImams(A.S.),uponbeingaskedaboutthesourceoftheir knowledgeoftheanswerstothequestionsputforthtothem,referittotheirownparticular comprehensionoftheBook(Qur'an),ortowhattheyderivedfromthebookoftheirmother Fatima(A.S.),ortowhattheylearnedfromtheirforefatherswhointurnlearneditfromthe MessengerofGod(S.A.W.).TheydidnotreferittothenarrationofasahabioftheProphetora tabi'iortoanyotherlearnedscholarormanofknowledge. Theirfamiliaritywithvariousbranchesofknowledgeandwithallnormsoflearningingeneralwas acauseforthenation'sadmirationofandreverenceforthem.Theyweregrantedthefinalsayin theirdisputes,insolvingaproblemwhichmayhavethenrisenamongtheircontemporary scholarsormenoflearning.Everytimetheywereaskedaboutsomething,theywouldproducean answerforitinsuchamostastonishingeasilyconvincingmannerwhichuntiestheknotofwhatis complex,turningitintoacommonsenseknowledge,orinturningthetheoreticalintoapractical necessity,withoutanyambiguityorconfusion. Suchauniquedistinctionwasnotsharedbesidesthembyanyonefromamongthescholarsofthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    nationoritswisemendespitetheirvariousranksinknowledgeanddegreesofwisdomandpower ofreasoning. Sufficesusforaproofamagnificentdialoguewhichisrecordedinthebooksofhistoryand biographybetweenImamalJawad(A.S.),whowasthenachild,andYahyaibnAktham,the supremejudge(orjudgeofjudges)ofthethenAbbasideregimeinthemeetingpreparedbyal MamoontounderscoredistinctionandsuperiorityoftheImamoverallotherswhenalMamoon facedoppositiontohisdecisiontomarrytheImamtohisdaughterUmmulFadlduetohisyoung age.Hewaspresumedtobeinneedofsomeonetoeducatehimandteachhimtheology.The conclusionofthedialoguewasavictoryfortheveryyoungImaminhisstanceandtheshrinkingof thejudgeandthecrowdoflearnedscholarsandpillarsofFiqhandSunnahandtheiradmissionof hisdistinctionandthegreatnessofhisstatus. NobodyeverreportedthatanyImamwasslowinprovidingtheanswertoanyquestionputforth tohim,aquestionwhichdealtwithvariousbranchesofknowledgeandwithdifferentissues, despitethefactthatsomeofthemwereactuallynotoldenoughtoprovidesuchanswers. TheAmaliofSayyidalMurtadanarratesthefollowing: AbuHanifasaid:"IsawonceMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)asayoungboyinthecorridorofhisfather's houseandIaskedhim:`Wheredoesastrangeramongyourespondtothecallofnatureifhehas to?'Helookedupatmeandsaid:`Hegoesbehindawall,hidesfromtheviewoftheneighbour, keepsadistancefromrunningrivers,residentialsewers,highways,mosques,withoutfacingthe Qiblaorleavingitbehindhim;thenheturns,raises,anddepositsashepleases.'"AbuHanifa continuestosay:"Havingheardthisanswers,IsawhimtobeamorenoblepersonthanIfirst thought,andhisstatusgrewgreater.ThenIaskedhim:`Maymylifebesacrificedforyours;what isthesourceofrenunciation?'Helookedupatmeandsaid:`SitdownandItellyouaboutit.'SoI satdown,andhesaidthistome:`Renunciationcomeseitherfromtheservant,orhisLord,or fromboth.IfitwerefromtheAlmightyGod,Heismorejustandfairthanrenouncingorwronging Hisservantorpunishinghimforwhathedidnotdo.Andifitweretocomefrombothofthem,He wouldbehisaccomplice,andthestrongOneismoreapttodojusticetoHisweakservant.Ifit comesfromtheservantalone,heistobearitsburden,andheshouldbetheonetoforbid,and forhimistherewardandpunishment,andforhimwerebothParadiseandHellprepared.'Isaid (citingtheHolyQur'an:`...aprogeny,onefromanother...'"4 ButsomeImams,suchasImamalJawad,ImamalHadi,andImamalAskeri(A.S.),werenotold enoughtobeacquaintedwithvariousbranchesofknowledgeandfieldsofarts,hadweclaimed thattheirknowledgewastheproductofthetutoringoftutorsortheteachingofteachers,but theywereaprogeny,onefromanother,asAbuHanifasaid,thatderivedknowledgefromthe substanceoftheMessageandtheFountainheadofProphethood.Thatwasadistinctionforwhich Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theAlmightychosethemfromamongHiscreationinordertomakethemlightpolesofthepath ofguidance,andtomakethewordoffaithandrighteousnessthroughthemtheuppermost throughouttheworld. AlTabrani,inhisAlTarikhalKabir,andalRafi'iinhisMusnad,dependingontheauthorityofIbn Abbas,quotetheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)saying: "WhoeverispleasedtolivethewayIhavelivedandtodiethewayIshalldie,toliveintheGarden ofEdenwhichmyLordplanted,lethimemulatemyProgenyaftermeandfollowtheexampleof myAhlalBayt(A.S.)aftermydemise,fortheyaremydescendants;theywerecreatedoutofmy ownmouldandwereblessedwithmyownpowerofcomprehensionandknowledge;woeunto thosewhodenytheirdistinctioninmynation,thosewhoseveretheirtieswithmyloins!Maythe Almightydeprivethemofmyintercession."5 ImamAli(A.S.)says:"Iandtheeliteamongmydescendants,andthevirtuousamongmyprogeny, arethemostclementwhenyoung,themostlearnedwhenold."6 Somehistoriansandresearchers,havingexhaustedthemselvesintheattempttoexplainthis phenomenoninawaywhichseemsreasonabletothem,maytrytosupposethatsomeImamshad mentorsandinstructorstoeducatethem.TheyclaimedthatImamZainulAbidin,ImamalBaqir, andImamalSadiq,peacebeuponthem,weretutoredbysomeSahabaandTabi'in,without relyingonanyhistoricaldocumentexceptmereconjecture,goingtoextremitiesintheir guessworkandpresumption. WhatprovesthefallacyofsuchpresumptionsandallegationsisthatwhenevertheImamswere questionedaboutsomething,theywouldnotbasetheiranswersonwhatanyoftheSahabaor Tabi'inhadsaid,butononeoftheirownancestorsuptotheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),ortothe booksofknowledgewithwhichtheyweredistinguishedandwhichtheyinheritedfromtheir grandfathertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),somethingwhichanyonewhoresearchestheirlegacy andisacquaintedwiththeirstatementscomestoknow.Anditmayquitebethecasethatsomeof themwouldstatesoveryclearlywhichsupportsourownconclusion. YetifwesupposethatsomeImamsdidindeedattendthesessionsofsomeofthoseSahabaor Tabi'in,theirattendancedoesnotbyanymeansindicatethattheybecametheirstudents,orthat theytookthemastheirownmentors,foroneoftheoutcomesoftutorshipatthattimewasthe narrationofhadith,whereasitwasneverreportedthatanyImamnarratedhadithfromany sourceotherthanhisownforefathers.Iftheydidinfactnarrateincidentsthroughotheravenues, suchastheavenuesoftheSahabaorTabi'in,suchnarrationwasnotrelatedinanywaytothe sciencesoftheIslamiclegislativesystem(Shari'a),ortoanyotherart;rather,itdealtwithmatters relatedtothebiographyoftheProphet(S.A.W.),orintheirownprocesstoproveapointagainst Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thosewhodidnotfollowthembycitingwhattheancestorsofsuchnonfollowershadthemselves narrated. Fromsuchastandpoint,wecanreferthereasonforsomeSunnitraditionistswhoconsideredthe hadithofImamalSadiq(A.S.)as"weak,"thusneglectingtorecordit,tothesameargument,and wecanalsoconcludeafterreadingtheirstatementsthatImamalSadiq(A.S.)wasnottutoredby anymentormentionedwithreverencebythem. Forexample,inhisTabaqat,IbnSa'd,whilediscussingImamalSadiq(A.S.),said,"Henarrateda greatdealofhadith;heisnotconsideredasanauthorityonhadithandthehadithhenarratedis consideredweak.Thereasonforthisisthathewasonceaskedwhetherhehadlearnedthe ahadithhenarratedfromhisfather,andheansweredintheaffirmative;onanotheroccasion,he waslikewiseasked,andhisanswerwasthathehadreadtheminhis(father's)books." AbuBakribnAyyashwasaskedonce,"WhydidyounotlearnhadithfromJa'ferandyouwerehis contemporary?"Heanswered,"Iaskedhimoncewhetherhehadhimselfheardtheahadithwhich henarrated,andhedeniedthatsayingthatitwasanarrationheardbyhisforefathers."7 Whatwas"wrong"withthehadithnarratedbyImamalSadiq(A.S.)accordingtoIbnSa'disthat someofwhattheImamnarratedhadbeenwhathehadreadinthebooksofhisfather,rather thanlearningitfromothers,andsinceitwasnotknownwhichhadithhehadlearnedwas narratedfromhisforefathersandwhichwaslearnedfromothers,hedecidedtorejectallofthem onthataccount. Butthiscannotbeanacceptableexcuseforhim,especiallysinceagreatdealofwhattheImam narrateddidindeedgivecredittoothers,andsincehisfatherwasquotingthehadithhisown forefathershadheardfromtheProphet(S.W.A.);so,whydidIbnSa'drejectevensuchahadith? AsregardinghisexcusefornotacceptingtheImam'shadithduetoitsabundance,wecannot understandsuchanexcuseatall;hadthisbeenthecase,hewouldnothavenarratedthe abundanthadithofAbuHurairaandhislikeswhoattributedmorehadithtotheMessengerof God(S.A.W.)thanwasactuallyreportedbythosewhokeptcompanywiththeMessengerfora muchlongerperiodoftime,andwhoweremuchclosertohim,thantheythemselvesdid.Butthe presenceoftheelementofbiasandprejudicedoesindeedinterferewhensomeonemakesan assessment,causingthepersoncalculatingtomiscalculate. ImamalSadiq(A.S.)isnotharmedbyIbnSa'dconsideringhishadithas"weak"justasdoAbu BakribnAyyashandYahyaibnSa'id.Thelattergoesfurtherthanthatbysaying:"...andI personallyhaveagreatdealofdoubtabouthim,"whilediscussingtheImam'shadith... Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    HadImamalSadiq(A.S.)narratedhadithfromAbuHuraira,Mu'awiyaibnAbuSufyan,orMarwan ibnalHakam,hewouldhavebeenaffordedthehighestpinnacleofreverencebythesepersons, butthe"fault"ofhisnarrationsisthattheywerenarratedbyhisforefathersandwerederived fromtheirbookstheknowledgeofwhichwasderiveddirectlyfromtheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.). Thestatementsoftheseindividuals,anyway,leadustotheconclusionthathisnarrativeswere heardfromhisownforefathers,ratherthanbeingquotationsfromothers;otherwise,theywould haveindicatedwhothose"others"were.Allinall,itsupportsourviewthatheandtherestofthe Imamsdidnothavementorsbesidestheirownfathers. OurbeliefintheImamsisnot,assomewouldliketostate,duetotheirknowledgeofthe unknown,ortotheirindependentrighttolegislate,butduetotheirbeingconveyersonbehalfof theBeareroftheMessageofwhatisobscuretothenationofthesecretsandimplicationsofthe Message,thecustodiansoftheparticularitiesofthelegislativesystem,theoneswhoaremost familiarwiththerulesandtheirimplementation. Wemaygraspallofthisfromthesacredhadithwhichwasproducedandverifiedbythemasters ofhadithandSunnahfrombothsects.He(S.A.W.),inthewordingofAhmed,hassaid: "Iamabouttobecalleduponandrespond,andIamleavingwithyoutheTwoWeightyThings: theBookofGod,andmyProgeny.TheBookofGodislikearopeextendedfromheavenstoearth, andmyProgenyaremyAhlalBayt(A.S.),andtheMostKnowinghastoldmethattheybothshall neverpartfromeachothertilltheymeetmebythePool;so,seehowyoushallfarewiththem afterme."8 AccordingtoalTirmithiandalNisai,hehasalsosaid,"Opeople!Ihaveleftwithyouthatwhich, aslongasyouupholdto,willneversufferyoutostray,andthatis,theBookofGodandmy Progeny,membersofmyAhlalBayt(A.S.)."Tabraniaddsthefollowingtotheabove:"So,donot goaheadofthemelseyoushouldperish,norshouldyouteachthem,fortheyaremore knowledgeablethanyouare." IbnHajarhassaid:"Thisprovesthatanyoneamongthemwhoisqualifiedforloftypositionsand theologicalofficesshouldbepreferredoverallothers."9 Theclarityofthishadithdoesnotneedanydetailedexplanation,nordoesitrequireprecise interpretationandinstruction,fortheBookisthefirstsourceofguidance,andtheProgeny,the AhlalBayt(A.S.)(membersoftheProphet'shousehold)areitssecondsource,andthenationis requiredtoupholdtotheirpathinordertosecureforitselftostayawayfromthepathsof misguidance. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Putinaclearerway,wesaythatthishadithimpliesinitscontextthatAhlalBayt(A.S.)enjoya uniquedistinction,thattheybythemselvesareindependentoftheachievementsofothers,for theProphet(S.A.W.)madethempeersonlyoftheHolyQur'aninexplainingthecontentsofthe Messageandthefactsrelatedthereto.Thiscannotbelogicalifwepresumetheirrelianceon others,forthose"others"wouldthenbemoreeligibletobeequaltotheBookofGodthanthem. Haditbeenotherwise,whydidnottheProphet(S.A.W.)choosetheSahabaandtheirfollowersto bepeersoftheBookotherthantheProgenyorinadditiontothem? OthernarratorshavereportedthishadithinadifferentwayofwordingasinMalik'sMawtiwhere anarratorstatessaying:"MaliktoldmethatitcametohisknowledgethattheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)said,`IhaveleftforyoutwoThings;aslongasyouupholdtothem,youshallneverstray, andtheseare:theBookofGod,andtheSunnahofHisProphet." InhisAlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,IbnHajarnarratesit,takingitsnarrationforgranted10.AlTabrani, too,quoteditinhisalAwsat,andsodidIbnHishaminhisSeeratwithoutmentioninghis references.AlloftheseauthorsmayhaveallreliedwhilequotingitontheMawtiwhich mentioneditwithoutitsisnad. WhatisquiteunusualisthatProfessorMuhammadAbuZuhra,inhisworkAlImamalSadiq(A.S.), statesthattheSunnireferenceswhichnarratedthehadithwiththewordingof"mySunnah"are morereliablethanthosewhichnarrateditwith"myItrat(Progeny),"despitethefactthatonlyIbn Malik'sMawtinarratesthehadithwiththeword"Sunnati(i.e.mySunnah)."Theotherthree bookswhichquoteditwiththesamewordingof"Sunnati"alsonarrateditwiththewording "Itrati"aswell. Asregardingthebookswhichnarrateditinthewording"Itrati,"thesecomprisemostbooksof hadith,exegesis(tafsir),andtraditionsuchasMuslim'sSahih,alDarmi'sSunan,AbuDawud's Sunan,IbnMaja'sSunan,alNisai'sKhasais,Ahmed'sMusnad,alHakim'sMustadrak,alTabari's DhakhairandalsoHilyatalAwlia,Kanzul'Ummal,inadditiontothetafsirbooksofalRazi,al Tha'alibi,alNishapuri,alKhazin,IbnKathir,andmanyothers. ItwasnarratedthroughSunniauthoritiesinthirtytwoahadithbymorethantwentycompanions oftheProphet(S.A.W.)asIbnHajarstates.ThroughShi'aavenues,itwasnarratedineightytwo ahadith.Despiteallthis,ProfessorAbuZuhradoesnotfindinthesebooksandavenues,someof whichareheldtobethemostauthentic,anddespitethisconsecutivenarrationwhichnottoo manyotherahadithenjoy...,whatbringshimcomfortwithandconfidenceinthishadith!Yet,a narrationtakenforgrantedorsupportedbyonedocumentation,onewhichisnotreported exceptbyonesinglesource,isconsideredbytheprofessortobe"mostauthentic,"bypassingall theconsecutivenarrationsupportingitsrivalnarrativesandanalmosttotalconsensusagreement Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    regardingtheirauthenticity... Despiteallofthis,ProfessorAbuZuhraconsidershimselftobe"subjective,"andwhathewritesis inspiredonlybyinnocentknowledgeratherthandictatedbypersonalbias;therefore,he presumeshimselftorecordonlywhatisdictatedbythebalancesofjusticeandequity,andwe shallhavealengthydiscussionofhiminourforthcomingbookAlImamalSadiq(A.S.)inwhichwe shallexamineadegreeofhisowntrespassingbeyondtheseverylimitsandwillshedalightonthe biasandfanaticismhisviewsarechargedwith. ThereisapointIwouldliketotackleinthisdiscourse:itisthedeliberateviciouspolicyofignoring theImamsoftheProphet'sHouseholdfollowedbytheadherentsofothersectswhilediscussing viewsanddebatingtheirproofs.Whileyoufindthemgivingampleattentiontothenarrations reportedthroughthecompanionsoftheProphetandthosewhofollowedsuitintheirfootsteps, andtotheirown,relyingonthemasproofsandbasesofargument,evengoingtoasfaras presumingthattheirownadditionalcontributionisaSunnahtobeemulated,thesesame individuals,whenitcomestotheImamsfromtheProphet'sownfamily,stopshortofdiscussing theirviewsandthenarrationswhichtheyhadnarratedorwerenarratedaboutthem.Thisisso despitethefactthatthefoundersofthesesects,suchasAbuHanifa,Malik,SufyanalThawri,Abu AyyubalSajistaniandothers,whoareconsideredasthecreativepioneerswhoinspiredthe outsetofthesesects,wereactuallygraduatesoftheschoolofImamalSadiq(A.S.)whowasone oftheImamsoftheProphet'sfamily.EvenAbuHanifausedtobeoftheviewthatthereasonwhy hewasinthevanguardofhispeerswasduetohisbeingastudentofImamalSadiq(A.S.),and historyhasrecordedhisfamousstatement:"Withoutthosetwoyears,alNu'man(AbuHanifa) wouldhavebeenannihilated,"11meaningtherebytheperiodhelivedasastudentintheImam's school,andalsohisotherstatementwhenhewasaskedaboutthebestFaqihheeversaw;he said:"Ja'feribnMuhammad(alSadiq,A.S.)." HistoryhaspreservedagreatdealofthestatementsofSunniimamsandrenownpersonalities givingcredittoImamalSadiq(A.S.)andotherImamsfromtheProphet'sfamilywhich,allinall, leadonetorealizetheirsuperiorityoverothersandtheneedofthose"others"fortheir knowledge.Yet,despiteallthis,wefindalBukhariinhisSahihabstainingfromconsideringa narrationasauthenticfornoreasonotherthanthefactthatitschainofnarratorsendsupwith ImamalSadiq(A.S.)aboutwhomhehassome"doubts." InTahtheebalTahtheeb,IbnHajarsaysthatthedifficultyindistinguishingwhatisauthenticand whatisnotforcedalBukharinottoreportanyofhis(alSadiq's)hadith12.YetIbnHajardidnot tellushowalBukhariwasabletodistinguishbetweenwhatwasauthenticandwhatwasnotof thehadithAbuHurairahandotherfabricatorsandinventorsofhadithhadreported.Hemayfind forhimselftheexcusethatthecompanionswereallequitablewhichisajustificationworsethan theerrorbeingjustifiedduetothefactthatthisissimplyafalsepretextsincethebehaviourof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    someofthosecompanionsandtheirexchangingofchargesofdeviationandcountercharges underminedsuchclaimof"equitability."Wecannotunderstandanexplanationforthisodd phenomenonexceptprejudiceandtheinfluenceofthestandingsectarianenvironmentwhichwas chargedwiththevenomofgrudgeandbitteranimositytowardstheHouseholdoftheProphet (S.W.A.),theenvironmentwhichisbutanextensionofdesperateeffortsofMu'awiyaandhis agents,thecaliphsofiniquity,whosucceededhiminwideningthegaptheycreatedbetweenthe massesoftheMuslimnationandthemembersofthefamilyofthePropheticmissionandtheir practicalisolationfromgeneralpopulacewhoseconductcannotremainontheStraightPath withoutthatfamily,accordingtothedeclarationoftheirgreatgrandfathertheGreatestProphet (S.A.W.)asstatedinthepreviouslyquotedhadithandinotherahadithwhichfillthebooksof hadithandSunnahofbothparties. Otherthanthis,howelsecanyouexplainalBukhari'soddrefusaltoquoteImamalSadiq(A.S.) whilehe,atthesametime,doesnothesitatetoquoteindividualssuchasMu'awiyaibnAbu Sufyan,MarwanibnalHakam,ImranibnHattanwhohailedIbnMuljimformurderingthe CommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.),UmeribnSa'dwhoinstigatedthemurderofImamalHusayn (A.S.)andotherswhowerethesocialoutcastsofthenationandthemostimmoralamongthem? HowelsecanyouexplainwhatalSayyutimeantwhenhesaidthattherewasnothingwrongwith thehadithnarratedbyImamalHasanal'Askari(A.S.)exceptthathisnarrationofavirtueof FatimaalZahra(A.S.)didnotagreewithhisown"scholarly"taste,andthatforthisreasonthe narrationwasconsideredafabrication?!13 ItwasdestinedthattheplottoisolatetheImamsfromamongtheProphet'sfamilyfrompublic affairsshouldenjoyatotalsuccessduringtheepochsoftheUmayyadandAbbasideruling dynastiesbarringbriefperiodsduetocertainpoliticalfactors.Duringthosebriefperiods,some suchImams(A.S.)wereabletoquenchthescholarlyandintellectualthirstoftheirstudents. Despitethescarcityofsuchperiodsandtheirshortspanoftime,thoseImamswereableto benefitthenationintheareasofthesecretsofbranchesofknowledgeandintricaciesofartswith whichtheyfillednumerousbooksandchronicles.Thestrongerfactorwhichpromptedtheregime totakeanegativestancetowardstheImamsoftheProphet'sfamilyisthattheseImamsandtheir followerswereneverconvincedthatsucharegimewaslegitimateorthatthosewhowereholding itsreinswerequalifiedforleadingthenation.Accordingtothem,theconductofthese"leaders" didnotrepresenttheadequateconductofmessagebearerswhorulewithacommitmenttocarry outtheresponsibilitiesofsuchamessagesothatthenationwouldfollowintheirfootstepsand correctitspathshoulditatalldeviatefromthestraightpath.Thislackofconvictioncausedthem agreatdealoftroubleduringtheirlifetimedespitetheiroutwardtolerationofthegovernment, andthosetroubleswerenotconfinedtothemalonebutwereextendedtotheirShi'asand followerswhosesharewasthelion's. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Itisimportanttopointoutheretheextentoftheimpactofthisnegativestanceofthe governmenttowardstheseImamsandtheirdisciplesonthewritingsofthenarratorsand recordersofhadith,forthepensofthelatterwerepoisonedbythemotivesandillintentionsof therulers;therefore,wefindthemexcludingthenarrationsandahadithifoneoftheirnarrators happenstobeaShi'areporterortraditionistevenifheenjoyedthehighestdegreeofreliability andauthenticity.TheironlyexcuseisthathewassimplyaShi'a;therefore,theymakethefalse claimthatthenarrationwasnotauthenticbecauseoneofitsnarratorswassoandso,i.e.aShi'a, oronewhopracticedShi'aismsecretly,orafoul"Rafidi,"orapplytohimsomeotherbadname, thusrevealingtheirsectarianprejudicewhichoverturnsthebalancesofaconscientious investigationandinsightupsidedown. Contrariwise,Shi'aswhofollowedthoseImamsappliedadifferentcriterionwhereinthe judgementregardingtheauthenticityofanarrationorthelackthereofaccordingtothemwasto ascertainthetruthfulnessoruntruthfulnessofthenarratorregardlessofhissectorschoolof thought.Uponsuchapremise,theauthenticityorthelackthereofwasbased.Therewere numerousnarrationsamongwhosechainofnarratorswerenonShi'as,yettheywereaccepted andappliedbytheShi'aswhoevenbasedtheirownjurisdicjudgementuponthem.Thereisno roomheretoelaborateonthistopic;thosewhowishtoinvestigatetheextentofaccuracyofthis factarereferredtothebooksoftheirfamousdignitariestoseeforthemselves. ThisprovesthefactthattheattitudeofSunnistowardstheirShi'abrethrenregardingscholarly borrowingandloaningwasnotsubject,duringthetimeoftheImams(A.S.),tosectarianor politicalmotivesforthesetookplaceduringlaterperiodswhenargumentsaboutsectsappeared, andthescienceofkalamwasdiscussedindetail,andpartisansdemonstratedtheirbiastowhat theythoughttohaveprovedtheaccuracyoftheirownsect.Allthisledtothewideningofthegap ofdissensionwhichevencausedviolencetoeruptamongthefollowersofvarioussects.Iteven ledonepartytocalltheother"Kafir"(infidel)andcorrupt,justifyingthespillingofthebloodofits adherents.Thesadtalesofsuchbloodshedarebitterlynarratedbyhistory.Addtothisthe deliberateattemptbytherulerstoinstigatesuchuglyprejudicesandpavethepathforthose whoseobjectivesweremalicioustospewtheirvenomandnurturetherebytheelementsof dissensioninordertokeepthenationfromquestioningthelegalityofthecorruptgovernmentor questioningitsiniquitiesandinjustices,andinordertoprolongitsownenjoymentandpleasure withoutanyonequestioningwhatitwasactuallydoing. Yetafterallthis,whydotheShi'asadheretothesectofthisparticularHouseholdratherthanany otherIslamicsect? Theanswertothisquestion,inourview,isquiteclear.Itdoesnotrequireanefforttofinditout andsimplifyitsarguments. Man,bynature,isbentuponselectingthebestpathwhenapproachingcrossroadsinorderto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    securesalvationforhimselfandattainthegoalheaspirestoachieve.Hehastothinklongenough beforemakingamoveinordertoknowexactlywhichpathhehastotakesothathewillnotbe confusedwhileseekingthetruth.Itisonlynaturalthatman,inordertodefinehissafestpath, shouldrefertoonewhoisfamiliarwithhisapproachesandavenueswhen,athisoutset,he standsconfusedastowheretostartfrom. Wemaynotdifferwhiledefiningthe"expert"whoshouldbefollowedwhenhedefinesthepath forusinthisregard,forsuchan"expert"isnoneotherthantheBeareroftheMessageandits Promoter(S.A.W.),andwehavetofollowhisdirectivesandinstructionsinthisregard.Whenwe failinourattempttoknowwhatweneedtoknow,wehavetorefertothecompletedefinitions followedinthisregardwhichwouldtakeustothedesiredresult. ThetextsnarratedabouttheCustodianoftheShari'amaysufficeforuswhenweseeksucha definitionsincehehimselfhadoutlinedforusthebestpathwehavetochoose.Inadditiontohis traditionoftheTwoWeightyThingsinwhichhedescribedtheBookandtheProgenyasthe dividinglinebetweenguidanceandmisguidance,thereisanotherexplanatorytraditionwitha moreexplicittextinwhichhe(S.A.W.)isquotedassaying: "ThesimilitudeofmyAhlalBayt(A.S.)amongyouisliketheArkofNoah:whoeverboardsitis saved,andwhoeverlagsbehinditisdrowned."14 AlTabraniaddsanother:"ThesimilitudeofmyHouseholdamongyouisliketheGateofHittafor theChildrenofIsrael:whoeverentersisforgiven."15Theclarityofthistraditionindefiningthe safestpathneedsnoexplanationsincehemadesalvationdependantuponfollowingthem, makingthesinkingintothecalamitiesofmisguidanceanindicationoflaggingbehindthem. Anothertraditionstates:"Starsareprotectorsoftheinhabitantsofearthagainstdrowning,and myProgeny(AhlalBayt,(A.S.)aretheprotectorsofmynationagainstdissensioninthecreed; therefore,ifatribeamongtheArabsdiffersfromthem(inreligiousmatters),itwouldthen becomethepartyofthedevil."16 Havingquotedthesetraditions,IbnHajarcommentsthus: "Thereasonforcomparingthemwiththearkisthatwhoeverlovesthemandholdstheminhigh esteemasmeanstothankingGodWhograntedthemsuchhonours,followingtheguidanceofthe learnedmenamongthem,issavedfromdissension,andwhoeverabstainsfromdoingsois drownedintotheseasofingratitudeandannihilatedatthecrossroadsoftyranny."17 Besides,theyweretheoverflowingfountainheadwhichproducedtheleadingscholarsand foundersofschoolsofthought;so,whatstopsusfromemulatingthesemenbystayingawayfrom Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whattheythemselveshadstayedawayfrom?Addtothistheconsensusviewregardingthese men'sintegrityandimmaculateconduct,theirsuperiorityoverothersinknowledge,theirbeing thefinalarbitratorsregardinganydifficultproblemfacedinthelegislativesystemoranyother systemaccordingtothetestimonyoftheleadingscholarsandphilosophers,nay,ofevenmenof thegovernment,andtheendorsementofeveryoneoftheirviewsandthesubmission wholeheartedlythereto. Forthesereasonsandforothers,wehaveupheldtheAhlalBayt(A.S.)oftheProphet(S.A.W.) andpreferredthemoverallothers,followingthepaththeyoutlinedforuswithoutpaying attentiontoothersespeciallysincetheyenricheduswithwhatevervaluableinformationand intellectualrichesanyMuslimneedsinhisdailylifeandforwhichtheMessagewasrevealedunto theirgrandfathertheGreatestProphet(S.A.W.). Thereupon,itisworthwhiletoresearchthebiographiesofthesegreatImamsandexaminetheir detailsandcharacteristicsandhighlighttheaspectsofgreatnessoftheiruniquepersonalitiesin ordertocorrectlyemulatethem.Wehavealsotocomparetheirconductwiththatofothersso thattheirdistinctionsbecomemanifesttous,thedistinctionswhichraisedtheirstatustothevery summitofhumanperfection. Inthisstudy,weshalltryourbesttoexaminethebiographyofoneofthoseImamswhoisthe eighthintheseriesoftheTwelveImams.HeisImamAlisonofMousaalRidawhose contemporaryepochwasfullofhistoricaleventsinwhoseshapingheplayedasignificantrolethe effectsofwhichwerereflecteduponthethencontemporaryIslamichistory.Thereasonwhich invitedustoprefertostudythebiographyofImamalRidaoverthoseofotherImams(A.S.)isthat he,despitethemanycharacteristicsofhiscontemporarytime,anddespitethemagnitudeofthe eventsandoccurrenceswhichfilledhisdays,hasnotbeenindependentlyresearchedasfaraswe know.WhatIsincerelydesireistobehonestinmyexpositionandanalysis,freefromthe psychologicalcomplexesofprejudiceandsectarianfanaticism,andIalsowishthereaderwillbe likewisesothathemaybemycompanionwhileconductingthisresearch,andGodistheMaster ofsuccessanduprightness. 3AcronymsofSalallahoAlaihiWasallam(PeaceandGreetingsofGodbeuponhim). 4AamaliofSayyidalMurtada,Vol.1,p.151. 5Kanzal'Ummal,Vol.6,p.217.Alsohadithnumber3819recordeddownbyalHafizAbuNa'eem inHilyatalAwliyaa,andheisquotedbyIbnAbulHadeedinhiscommentary,quotingsimilar ahadithrecordedinAhmedibnHanbal'sMusnad. 6Kanzal'Ummal,Vol.6,p.396.ItisalsonarratedfromalMamoonandrecordedinVol.1,p.204, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ofAkhbaralRidawiththeadditionof"Sodonotteachthem,fortheyaremorelearnedthanyou, andtheydonottakeyououtofguidance,nordotheyletyouenterintomisguidance,"andal MamoonattributedthisstatementtotheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.). 7TahtheebalTahtheeb,Vol.2,p.103. 8Thishadithofthetwoweightythingsisrecordedbyalargenumberofpioneersofhadith:Itis recordedbybothalTirmithiandalNisaifromJabir,byalTirmithifromZaydibnalArqam,byal TabranifromZaydibnThabit,andtheyareallquotedbyalMuttaqialHindiinVol.1,p.44,ofhis Kanzul'Ummal.ItisalsorecordedbyImamAhmed[ibnHanbal]fromthehadithnarratedbyZayd ibnThabitthroughtwoauthenticavenuesinVol.5,pp.182189ofhisMusnad.Itisalsonarrated bySa'eedalKhudrifromtwoavenuesandrecordedinVol.3,pp.1726.AlHakim,inVol.3,p. 873,ofhisMustadrak,says,"Thisisanauthentichadiththroughconsecutivenarrationaccording tobothShaikhs[BukhariandMuslim]whodidnotrecorditdown,whilealThahbiadmittedinhis TalkheesalMustadrakitsauthenticityaccordingtotheirownstandardsofauthenticity."IbnAbu Shayba,AbuYa'li,IbnSa'd,allrecorditfromAbuSa'eedasisrecordedinVol.1,p.47,tradition number945,ofKanzul'Ummal.IbnHajarquotesitonp.75ofhisAlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,andso dootherswholearnedhadithbyheartandbytraditionistswithaninsignificantvariationintheir texts.HavingquotedthishadithinhisAlSawa'iq,IbnHajarsays,"Beinformedthatthehadith enjoiningustoupholdtothembothisplentifulandisnarratedinnumerouswaysbymorethan twentycompanionsoftheProphet(S.A.W.)."Thishadithenjoysamanytestimonieswhichagree witheachother,andDaralTaqreebBaynalMathahibalIslamiyyainCairopublishedagraduate thesisdealingwithitsSunnisourcesandauthoredbysomevirtuouscontemporaries. 9AlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,p.135,byIbnHajar,chaptertitled"RecommendationoftheProphet (SAW)inTheirRegard." 10AlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,p.148.ThesamemaybereadinHadithalThaqalaynwhichwas publishedbyDaralTaqreebBaynalMathahibalIslamiyyaofCairo. 11MukhtasaralTuhfaalIthnai'AshariyyabyalAloosi,p.8. 12TahtheebalTahtheeb,Vol.2,p.103. 13AlLaalialMasnoo'afilAhadithalMawdooabyalSayyuti,Vol.1,p.396. 14AlTabranihasrecordeditrelyingontheauthorityofAbuDharralGhifarionp.151ofVol.3of hisAlSahihalMustadrak. 15AlTabranihasrecordeditinhisAlAwsatfromAbuSa'eed.Itishadithnumber18ofthefifth Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    sectionofthefortytraditionsrecordedonp.216ofalNabahani'sbookAlArba'eenHadith. 16AlHakimrecordsitinVol.3,p.149,ofhisMustadrak,quotingIbnAbbas,thenadding,"This hadithisauthenticinitsconsecutiveness,andthey[BukhariandMuslim]didnotrecordit." 17AlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,p.91. Preface2OurBeliefinAhlalBayt[as] ImamalRidaisoneofthebedrocksofIslamicthoughtandoneofitsmainrichsourcesof knowledge.AfterthedemiseofhisfatherImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),thesecretsoftheDivine Messageandthekeystoitstreasuresbecameattainabletohim,sohequenchedhisthirst therefromandderivedthesourceofhisintellectualcontributionfromthesame. HeisoneoftheTwelveImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)whoenrichedtheIslamicthoughtwith varioustypesofknowledgeduetotheknowledgetheyinstructedtheirstudentstowritedown,or inprovidingtheiranswerstothequestionsputforthtothembyothers,ortowhathistoryhas narratedtousoftheirscientificandtheologicaldiscourseswithfollowersofotherMuslimsects. ThedistinctionwhichcharacterizedtheImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)andwhichattractsour attentionwhenwestudytheirbiographiesisthefactthattheywereobligatedtoothersto providethemwithknowledgewhilenobodywasobligatedtoacceptitfromthem.Thisisadivine blisswithwhichGodendowedtheminordertoachievethroughthemtheestablishmentofHis ProofagainstHiscreation,somethingwithwhichtheywerecreditedevenbytherulersamong theircontemporaryopponentsandbythemostprominentthinkersamongtheircontemporaries. Supportingthisphenomenonisthefactthatsomesciencesandtheirdetailswerenotdistinctly clearduringtheirtime,norweretheireffectsobvious,buttheybecameclearandtheir ambiguitiesweredispelledbytheteachingoftheImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)suchasthe scienceofchemistryofwhichImamJa'feralSadiq(A.S.)isconsideredastheveryfirstpioneerand founderofitsprinciplesandrules,andthescienceofmedicineaboutwhichImamalRidaprovides us,inhislettertoalMamoon,withaglorioussystemandaninnovativeapproachinthewayhe explaineditsparticularitiesandregulations,inadditiontovariousothersciencesofwhichtheir legacyisfullandtowhichtheircontributionsurpassedthatofanyoneelseinsettingtheircorner stonesandinpointingouttheirvariousrequirements. NoneamongthecontemporaryscientistswascreditedforbeingtheinstructorofImamalSadiq Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    (A.S.)inchemistry,orofImamalRida(A.S.)inmedicine.Rather,itwasthefountainhead establishedforthembytheirgrandfather,BeareroftheMessage(S.A.W.)3,whiletheyinheritedit sonfromfather.WemaynoticethattheImams(A.S.),uponbeingaskedaboutthesourceoftheir knowledgeoftheanswerstothequestionsputforthtothem,referittotheirownparticular comprehensionoftheBook(Qur'an),ortowhattheyderivedfromthebookoftheirmother Fatima(A.S.),ortowhattheylearnedfromtheirforefatherswhointurnlearneditfromthe MessengerofGod(S.A.W.).TheydidnotreferittothenarrationofasahabioftheProphetora tabi'iortoanyotherlearnedscholarormanofknowledge. Theirfamiliaritywithvariousbranchesofknowledgeandwithallnormsoflearningingeneralwas acauseforthenation'sadmirationofandreverenceforthem.Theyweregrantedthefinalsayin theirdisputes,insolvingaproblemwhichmayhavethenrisenamongtheircontemporary scholarsormenoflearning.Everytimetheywereaskedaboutsomething,theywouldproducean answerforitinsuchamostastonishingeasilyconvincingmannerwhichuntiestheknotofwhatis complex,turningitintoacommonsenseknowledge,orinturningthetheoreticalintoapractical necessity,withoutanyambiguityorconfusion. Suchauniquedistinctionwasnotsharedbesidesthembyanyonefromamongthescholarsofthe nationoritswisemendespitetheirvariousranksinknowledgeanddegreesofwisdomandpower ofreasoning. Sufficesusforaproofamagnificentdialoguewhichisrecordedinthebooksofhistoryand biographybetweenImamalJawad(A.S.),whowasthenachild,andYahyaibnAktham,the supremejudge(orjudgeofjudges)ofthethenAbbasideregimeinthemeetingpreparedbyal MamoontounderscoredistinctionandsuperiorityoftheImamoverallotherswhenalMamoon facedoppositiontohisdecisiontomarrytheImamtohisdaughterUmmulFadlduetohisyoung age.Hewaspresumedtobeinneedofsomeonetoeducatehimandteachhimtheology.The conclusionofthedialoguewasavictoryfortheveryyoungImaminhisstanceandtheshrinkingof thejudgeandthecrowdoflearnedscholarsandpillarsofFiqhandSunnahandtheiradmissionof hisdistinctionandthegreatnessofhisstatus. NobodyeverreportedthatanyImamwasslowinprovidingtheanswertoanyquestionputforth tohim,aquestionwhichdealtwithvariousbranchesofknowledgeandwithdifferentissues, despitethefactthatsomeofthemwereactuallynotoldenoughtoprovidesuchanswers. TheAmaliofSayyidalMurtadanarratesthefollowing: AbuHanifasaid:"IsawonceMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)asayoungboyinthecorridorofhisfather's houseandIaskedhim:`Wheredoesastrangeramongyourespondtothecallofnatureifhehas to?'Helookedupatmeandsaid:`Hegoesbehindawall,hidesfromtheviewoftheneighbour, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    keepsadistancefromrunningrivers,residentialsewers,highways,mosques,withoutfacingthe Qiblaorleavingitbehindhim;thenheturns,raises,anddepositsashepleases.'"AbuHanifa continuestosay:"Havingheardthisanswers,IsawhimtobeamorenoblepersonthanIfirst thought,andhisstatusgrewgreater.ThenIaskedhim:`Maymylifebesacrificedforyours;what isthesourceofrenunciation?'Helookedupatmeandsaid:`SitdownandItellyouaboutit.'SoI satdown,andhesaidthistome:`Renunciationcomeseitherfromtheservant,orhisLord,or fromboth.IfitwerefromtheAlmightyGod,Heismorejustandfairthanrenouncingorwronging Hisservantorpunishinghimforwhathedidnotdo.Andifitweretocomefrombothofthem,He wouldbehisaccomplice,andthestrongOneismoreapttodojusticetoHisweakservant.Ifit comesfromtheservantalone,heistobearitsburden,andheshouldbetheonetoforbid,and forhimistherewardandpunishment,andforhimwerebothParadiseandHellprepared.'Isaid (citingtheHolyQur'an:`...aprogeny,onefromanother...'"4 ButsomeImams,suchasImamalJawad,ImamalHadi,andImamalAskeri(A.S.),werenotold enoughtobeacquaintedwithvariousbranchesofknowledgeandfieldsofarts,hadweclaimed thattheirknowledgewastheproductofthetutoringoftutorsortheteachingofteachers,but theywereaprogeny,onefromanother,asAbuHanifasaid,thatderivedknowledgefromthe substanceoftheMessageandtheFountainheadofProphethood.Thatwasadistinctionforwhich theAlmightychosethemfromamongHiscreationinordertomakethemlightpolesofthepath ofguidance,andtomakethewordoffaithandrighteousnessthroughthemtheuppermost throughouttheworld. AlTabrani,inhisAlTarikhalKabir,andalRafi'iinhisMusnad,dependingontheauthorityofIbn Abbas,quotetheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)saying: "WhoeverispleasedtolivethewayIhavelivedandtodiethewayIshalldie,toliveintheGarden ofEdenwhichmyLordplanted,lethimemulatemyProgenyaftermeandfollowtheexampleof myAhlalBayt(A.S.)aftermydemise,fortheyaremydescendants;theywerecreatedoutofmy ownmouldandwereblessedwithmyownpowerofcomprehensionandknowledge;woeunto thosewhodenytheirdistinctioninmynation,thosewhoseveretheirtieswithmyloins!Maythe Almightydeprivethemofmyintercession."5 ImamAli(A.S.)says:"Iandtheeliteamongmydescendants,andthevirtuousamongmyprogeny, arethemostclementwhenyoung,themostlearnedwhenold."6 Somehistoriansandresearchers,havingexhaustedthemselvesintheattempttoexplainthis phenomenoninawaywhichseemsreasonabletothem,maytrytosupposethatsomeImamshad mentorsandinstructorstoeducatethem.TheyclaimedthatImamZainulAbidin,ImamalBaqir, andImamalSadiq,peacebeuponthem,weretutoredbysomeSahabaandTabi'in,without relyingonanyhistoricaldocumentexceptmereconjecture,goingtoextremitiesintheir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    guessworkandpresumption. WhatprovesthefallacyofsuchpresumptionsandallegationsisthatwhenevertheImamswere questionedaboutsomething,theywouldnotbasetheiranswersonwhatanyoftheSahabaor Tabi'inhadsaid,butononeoftheirownancestorsuptotheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),ortothe booksofknowledgewithwhichtheyweredistinguishedandwhichtheyinheritedfromtheir grandfathertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),somethingwhichanyonewhoresearchestheirlegacy andisacquaintedwiththeirstatementscomestoknow.Anditmayquitebethecasethatsomeof themwouldstatesoveryclearlywhichsupportsourownconclusion. YetifwesupposethatsomeImamsdidindeedattendthesessionsofsomeofthoseSahabaor Tabi'in,theirattendancedoesnotbyanymeansindicatethattheybecametheirstudents,orthat theytookthemastheirownmentors,foroneoftheoutcomesoftutorshipatthattimewasthe narrationofhadith,whereasitwasneverreportedthatanyImamnarratedhadithfromany sourceotherthanhisownforefathers.Iftheydidinfactnarrateincidentsthroughotheravenues, suchastheavenuesoftheSahabaorTabi'in,suchnarrationwasnotrelatedinanywaytothe sciencesoftheIslamiclegislativesystem(Shari'a),ortoanyotherart;rather,itdealtwithmatters relatedtothebiographyoftheProphet(S.A.W.),orintheirownprocesstoproveapointagainst thosewhodidnotfollowthembycitingwhattheancestorsofsuchnonfollowershadthemselves narrated. Fromsuchastandpoint,wecanreferthereasonforsomeSunnitraditionistswhoconsideredthe hadithofImamalSadiq(A.S.)as"weak,"thusneglectingtorecordit,tothesameargument,and wecanalsoconcludeafterreadingtheirstatementsthatImamalSadiq(A.S.)wasnottutoredby anymentormentionedwithreverencebythem. Forexample,inhisTabaqat,IbnSa'd,whilediscussingImamalSadiq(A.S.),said,"Henarrateda greatdealofhadith;heisnotconsideredasanauthorityonhadithandthehadithhenarratedis consideredweak.Thereasonforthisisthathewasonceaskedwhetherhehadlearnedthe ahadithhenarratedfromhisfather,andheansweredintheaffirmative;onanotheroccasion,he waslikewiseasked,andhisanswerwasthathehadreadtheminhis(father's)books." AbuBakribnAyyashwasaskedonce,"WhydidyounotlearnhadithfromJa'ferandyouwerehis contemporary?"Heanswered,"Iaskedhimoncewhetherhehadhimselfheardtheahadithwhich henarrated,andhedeniedthatsayingthatitwasanarrationheardbyhisforefathers."7 Whatwas"wrong"withthehadithnarratedbyImamalSadiq(A.S.)accordingtoIbnSa'disthat someofwhattheImamnarratedhadbeenwhathehadreadinthebooksofhisfather,rather thanlearningitfromothers,andsinceitwasnotknownwhichhadithhehadlearnedwas narratedfromhisforefathersandwhichwaslearnedfromothers,hedecidedtorejectallofthem Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    onthataccount. Butthiscannotbeanacceptableexcuseforhim,especiallysinceagreatdealofwhattheImam narrateddidindeedgivecredittoothers,andsincehisfatherwasquotingthehadithhisown forefathershadheardfromtheProphet(S.W.A.);so,whydidIbnSa'drejectevensuchahadith? AsregardinghisexcusefornotacceptingtheImam'shadithduetoitsabundance,wecannot understandsuchanexcuseatall;hadthisbeenthecase,hewouldnothavenarratedthe abundanthadithofAbuHurairaandhislikeswhoattributedmorehadithtotheMessengerof God(S.A.W.)thanwasactuallyreportedbythosewhokeptcompanywiththeMessengerfora muchlongerperiodoftime,andwhoweremuchclosertohim,thantheythemselvesdid.Butthe presenceoftheelementofbiasandprejudicedoesindeedinterferewhensomeonemakesan assessment,causingthepersoncalculatingtomiscalculate. ImamalSadiq(A.S.)isnotharmedbyIbnSa'dconsideringhishadithas"weak"justasdoAbu BakribnAyyashandYahyaibnSa'id.Thelattergoesfurtherthanthatbysaying:"...andI personallyhaveagreatdealofdoubtabouthim,"whilediscussingtheImam'shadith... HadImamalSadiq(A.S.)narratedhadithfromAbuHuraira,Mu'awiyaibnAbuSufyan,orMarwan ibnalHakam,hewouldhavebeenaffordedthehighestpinnacleofreverencebythesepersons, butthe"fault"ofhisnarrationsisthattheywerenarratedbyhisforefathersandwerederived fromtheirbookstheknowledgeofwhichwasderiveddirectlyfromtheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.). Thestatementsoftheseindividuals,anyway,leadustotheconclusionthathisnarrativeswere heardfromhisownforefathers,ratherthanbeingquotationsfromothers;otherwise,theywould haveindicatedwhothose"others"were.Allinall,itsupportsourviewthatheandtherestofthe Imamsdidnothavementorsbesidestheirownfathers. OurbeliefintheImamsisnot,assomewouldliketostate,duetotheirknowledgeofthe unknown,ortotheirindependentrighttolegislate,butduetotheirbeingconveyersonbehalfof theBeareroftheMessageofwhatisobscuretothenationofthesecretsandimplicationsofthe Message,thecustodiansoftheparticularitiesofthelegislativesystem,theoneswhoaremost familiarwiththerulesandtheirimplementation. Wemaygraspallofthisfromthesacredhadithwhichwasproducedandverifiedbythemasters ofhadithandSunnahfrombothsects.He(S.A.W.),inthewordingofAhmed,hassaid: "Iamabouttobecalleduponandrespond,andIamleavingwithyoutheTwoWeightyThings: theBookofGod,andmyProgeny.TheBookofGodislikearopeextendedfromheavenstoearth, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andmyProgenyaremyAhlalBayt(A.S.),andtheMostKnowinghastoldmethattheybothshall neverpartfromeachothertilltheymeetmebythePool;so,seehowyoushallfarewiththem afterme."8 AccordingtoalTirmithiandalNisai,hehasalsosaid,"Opeople!Ihaveleftwithyouthatwhich, aslongasyouupholdto,willneversufferyoutostray,andthatis,theBookofGodandmy Progeny,membersofmyAhlalBayt(A.S.)."Tabraniaddsthefollowingtotheabove:"So,donot goaheadofthemelseyoushouldperish,norshouldyouteachthem,fortheyaremore knowledgeablethanyouare." IbnHajarhassaid:"Thisprovesthatanyoneamongthemwhoisqualifiedforloftypositionsand theologicalofficesshouldbepreferredoverallothers."9 Theclarityofthishadithdoesnotneedanydetailedexplanation,nordoesitrequireprecise interpretationandinstruction,fortheBookisthefirstsourceofguidance,andtheProgeny,the AhlalBayt(A.S.)(membersoftheProphet'shousehold)areitssecondsource,andthenationis requiredtoupholdtotheirpathinordertosecureforitselftostayawayfromthepathsof misguidance. Putinaclearerway,wesaythatthishadithimpliesinitscontextthatAhlalBayt(A.S.)enjoya uniquedistinction,thattheybythemselvesareindependentoftheachievementsofothers,for theProphet(S.A.W.)madethempeersonlyoftheHolyQur'aninexplainingthecontentsofthe Messageandthefactsrelatedthereto.Thiscannotbelogicalifwepresumetheirrelianceon others,forthose"others"wouldthenbemoreeligibletobeequaltotheBookofGodthanthem. Haditbeenotherwise,whydidnottheProphet(S.A.W.)choosetheSahabaandtheirfollowersto bepeersoftheBookotherthantheProgenyorinadditiontothem? OthernarratorshavereportedthishadithinadifferentwayofwordingasinMalik'sMawtiwhere anarratorstatessaying:"MaliktoldmethatitcametohisknowledgethattheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)said,`IhaveleftforyoutwoThings;aslongasyouupholdtothem,youshallneverstray, andtheseare:theBookofGod,andtheSunnahofHisProphet." InhisAlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,IbnHajarnarratesit,takingitsnarrationforgranted10.AlTabrani, too,quoteditinhisalAwsat,andsodidIbnHishaminhisSeeratwithoutmentioninghis references.AlloftheseauthorsmayhaveallreliedwhilequotingitontheMawtiwhich mentioneditwithoutitsisnad. WhatisquiteunusualisthatProfessorMuhammadAbuZuhra,inhisworkAlImamalSadiq(A.S.), statesthattheSunnireferenceswhichnarratedthehadithwiththewordingof"mySunnah"are morereliablethanthosewhichnarrateditwith"myItrat(Progeny),"despitethefactthatonlyIbn Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Malik'sMawtinarratesthehadithwiththeword"Sunnati(i.e.mySunnah)."Theotherthree bookswhichquoteditwiththesamewordingof"Sunnati"alsonarrateditwiththewording "Itrati"aswell. Asregardingthebookswhichnarrateditinthewording"Itrati,"thesecomprisemostbooksof hadith,exegesis(tafsir),andtraditionsuchasMuslim'sSahih,alDarmi'sSunan,AbuDawud's Sunan,IbnMaja'sSunan,alNisai'sKhasais,Ahmed'sMusnad,alHakim'sMustadrak,alTabari's DhakhairandalsoHilyatalAwlia,Kanzul'Ummal,inadditiontothetafsirbooksofalRazi,al Tha'alibi,alNishapuri,alKhazin,IbnKathir,andmanyothers. ItwasnarratedthroughSunniauthoritiesinthirtytwoahadithbymorethantwentycompanions oftheProphet(S.A.W.)asIbnHajarstates.ThroughShi'aavenues,itwasnarratedineightytwo ahadith.Despiteallthis,ProfessorAbuZuhradoesnotfindinthesebooksandavenues,someof whichareheldtobethemostauthentic,anddespitethisconsecutivenarrationwhichnottoo manyotherahadithenjoy...,whatbringshimcomfortwithandconfidenceinthishadith!Yet,a narrationtakenforgrantedorsupportedbyonedocumentation,onewhichisnotreported exceptbyonesinglesource,isconsideredbytheprofessortobe"mostauthentic,"bypassingall theconsecutivenarrationsupportingitsrivalnarrativesandanalmosttotalconsensusagreement regardingtheirauthenticity... Despiteallofthis,ProfessorAbuZuhraconsidershimselftobe"subjective,"andwhathewritesis inspiredonlybyinnocentknowledgeratherthandictatedbypersonalbias;therefore,he presumeshimselftorecordonlywhatisdictatedbythebalancesofjusticeandequity,andwe shallhavealengthydiscussionofhiminourforthcomingbookAlImamalSadiq(A.S.)inwhichwe shallexamineadegreeofhisowntrespassingbeyondtheseverylimitsandwillshedalightonthe biasandfanaticismhisviewsarechargedwith. ThereisapointIwouldliketotackleinthisdiscourse:itisthedeliberateviciouspolicyofignoring theImamsoftheProphet'sHouseholdfollowedbytheadherentsofothersectswhilediscussing viewsanddebatingtheirproofs.Whileyoufindthemgivingampleattentiontothenarrations reportedthroughthecompanionsoftheProphetandthosewhofollowedsuitintheirfootsteps, andtotheirown,relyingonthemasproofsandbasesofargument,evengoingtoasfaras presumingthattheirownadditionalcontributionisaSunnahtobeemulated,thesesame individuals,whenitcomestotheImamsfromtheProphet'sownfamily,stopshortofdiscussing theirviewsandthenarrationswhichtheyhadnarratedorwerenarratedaboutthem.Thisisso despitethefactthatthefoundersofthesesects,suchasAbuHanifa,Malik,SufyanalThawri,Abu AyyubalSajistaniandothers,whoareconsideredasthecreativepioneerswhoinspiredthe outsetofthesesects,wereactuallygraduatesoftheschoolofImamalSadiq(A.S.)whowasone oftheImamsoftheProphet'sfamily.EvenAbuHanifausedtobeoftheviewthatthereasonwhy hewasinthevanguardofhispeerswasduetohisbeingastudentofImamalSadiq(A.S.),and historyhasrecordedhisfamousstatement:"Withoutthosetwoyears,alNu'man(AbuHanifa) Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wouldhavebeenannihilated,"11meaningtherebytheperiodhelivedasastudentintheImam's school,andalsohisotherstatementwhenhewasaskedaboutthebestFaqihheeversaw;he said:"Ja'feribnMuhammad(alSadiq,A.S.)." HistoryhaspreservedagreatdealofthestatementsofSunniimamsandrenownpersonalities givingcredittoImamalSadiq(A.S.)andotherImamsfromtheProphet'sfamilywhich,allinall, leadonetorealizetheirsuperiorityoverothersandtheneedofthose"others"fortheir knowledge.Yet,despiteallthis,wefindalBukhariinhisSahihabstainingfromconsideringa narrationasauthenticfornoreasonotherthanthefactthatitschainofnarratorsendsupwith ImamalSadiq(A.S.)aboutwhomhehassome"doubts." InTahtheebalTahtheeb,IbnHajarsaysthatthedifficultyindistinguishingwhatisauthenticand whatisnotforcedalBukharinottoreportanyofhis(alSadiq's)hadith12.YetIbnHajardidnot tellushowalBukhariwasabletodistinguishbetweenwhatwasauthenticandwhatwasnotof thehadithAbuHurairahandotherfabricatorsandinventorsofhadithhadreported.Hemayfind forhimselftheexcusethatthecompanionswereallequitablewhichisajustificationworsethan theerrorbeingjustifiedduetothefactthatthisissimplyafalsepretextsincethebehaviourof someofthosecompanionsandtheirexchangingofchargesofdeviationandcountercharges underminedsuchclaimof"equitability."Wecannotunderstandanexplanationforthisodd phenomenonexceptprejudiceandtheinfluenceofthestandingsectarianenvironmentwhichwas chargedwiththevenomofgrudgeandbitteranimositytowardstheHouseholdoftheProphet (S.W.A.),theenvironmentwhichisbutanextensionofdesperateeffortsofMu'awiyaandhis agents,thecaliphsofiniquity,whosucceededhiminwideningthegaptheycreatedbetweenthe massesoftheMuslimnationandthemembersofthefamilyofthePropheticmissionandtheir practicalisolationfromgeneralpopulacewhoseconductcannotremainontheStraightPath withoutthatfamily,accordingtothedeclarationoftheirgreatgrandfathertheGreatestProphet (S.A.W.)asstatedinthepreviouslyquotedhadithandinotherahadithwhichfillthebooksof hadithandSunnahofbothparties. Otherthanthis,howelsecanyouexplainalBukhari'soddrefusaltoquoteImamalSadiq(A.S.) whilehe,atthesametime,doesnothesitatetoquoteindividualssuchasMu'awiyaibnAbu Sufyan,MarwanibnalHakam,ImranibnHattanwhohailedIbnMuljimformurderingthe CommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.),UmeribnSa'dwhoinstigatedthemurderofImamalHusayn (A.S.)andotherswhowerethesocialoutcastsofthenationandthemostimmoralamongthem? HowelsecanyouexplainwhatalSayyutimeantwhenhesaidthattherewasnothingwrongwith thehadithnarratedbyImamalHasanal'Askari(A.S.)exceptthathisnarrationofavirtueof FatimaalZahra(A.S.)didnotagreewithhisown"scholarly"taste,andthatforthisreasonthe narrationwasconsideredafabrication?!13 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ItwasdestinedthattheplottoisolatetheImamsfromamongtheProphet'sfamilyfrompublic affairsshouldenjoyatotalsuccessduringtheepochsoftheUmayyadandAbbasideruling dynastiesbarringbriefperiodsduetocertainpoliticalfactors.Duringthosebriefperiods,some suchImams(A.S.)wereabletoquenchthescholarlyandintellectualthirstoftheirstudents. Despitethescarcityofsuchperiodsandtheirshortspanoftime,thoseImamswereableto benefitthenationintheareasofthesecretsofbranchesofknowledgeandintricaciesofartswith whichtheyfillednumerousbooksandchronicles.Thestrongerfactorwhichpromptedtheregime totakeanegativestancetowardstheImamsoftheProphet'sfamilyisthattheseImamsandtheir followerswereneverconvincedthatsucharegimewaslegitimateorthatthosewhowereholding itsreinswerequalifiedforleadingthenation.Accordingtothem,theconductofthese"leaders" didnotrepresenttheadequateconductofmessagebearerswhorulewithacommitmenttocarry outtheresponsibilitiesofsuchamessagesothatthenationwouldfollowintheirfootstepsand correctitspathshoulditatalldeviatefromthestraightpath.Thislackofconvictioncausedthem agreatdealoftroubleduringtheirlifetimedespitetheiroutwardtolerationofthegovernment, andthosetroubleswerenotconfinedtothemalonebutwereextendedtotheirShi'asand followerswhosesharewasthelion's. Itisimportanttopointoutheretheextentoftheimpactofthisnegativestanceofthe governmenttowardstheseImamsandtheirdisciplesonthewritingsofthenarratorsand recordersofhadith,forthepensofthelatterwerepoisonedbythemotivesandillintentionsof therulers;therefore,wefindthemexcludingthenarrationsandahadithifoneoftheirnarrators happenstobeaShi'areporterortraditionistevenifheenjoyedthehighestdegreeofreliability andauthenticity.TheironlyexcuseisthathewassimplyaShi'a;therefore,theymakethefalse claimthatthenarrationwasnotauthenticbecauseoneofitsnarratorswassoandso,i.e.aShi'a, oronewhopracticedShi'aismsecretly,orafoul"Rafidi,"orapplytohimsomeotherbadname, thusrevealingtheirsectarianprejudicewhichoverturnsthebalancesofaconscientious investigationandinsightupsidedown. Contrariwise,Shi'aswhofollowedthoseImamsappliedadifferentcriterionwhereinthe judgementregardingtheauthenticityofanarrationorthelackthereofaccordingtothemwasto ascertainthetruthfulnessoruntruthfulnessofthenarratorregardlessofhissectorschoolof thought.Uponsuchapremise,theauthenticityorthelackthereofwasbased.Therewere numerousnarrationsamongwhosechainofnarratorswerenonShi'as,yettheywereaccepted andappliedbytheShi'aswhoevenbasedtheirownjurisdicjudgementuponthem.Thereisno roomheretoelaborateonthistopic;thosewhowishtoinvestigatetheextentofaccuracyofthis factarereferredtothebooksoftheirfamousdignitariestoseeforthemselves. ThisprovesthefactthattheattitudeofSunnistowardstheirShi'abrethrenregardingscholarly borrowingandloaningwasnotsubject,duringthetimeoftheImams(A.S.),tosectarianor politicalmotivesforthesetookplaceduringlaterperiodswhenargumentsaboutsectsappeared, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andthescienceofkalamwasdiscussedindetail,andpartisansdemonstratedtheirbiastowhat theythoughttohaveprovedtheaccuracyoftheirownsect.Allthisledtothewideningofthegap ofdissensionwhichevencausedviolencetoeruptamongthefollowersofvarioussects.Iteven ledonepartytocalltheother"Kafir"(infidel)andcorrupt,justifyingthespillingofthebloodofits adherents.Thesadtalesofsuchbloodshedarebitterlynarratedbyhistory.Addtothisthe deliberateattemptbytherulerstoinstigatesuchuglyprejudicesandpavethepathforthose whoseobjectivesweremalicioustospewtheirvenomandnurturetherebytheelementsof dissensioninordertokeepthenationfromquestioningthelegalityofthecorruptgovernmentor questioningitsiniquitiesandinjustices,andinordertoprolongitsownenjoymentandpleasure withoutanyonequestioningwhatitwasactuallydoing. Yetafterallthis,whydotheShi'asadheretothesectofthisparticularHouseholdratherthanany otherIslamicsect? Theanswertothisquestion,inourview,isquiteclear.Itdoesnotrequireanefforttofinditout andsimplifyitsarguments. Man,bynature,isbentuponselectingthebestpathwhenapproachingcrossroadsinorderto securesalvationforhimselfandattainthegoalheaspirestoachieve.Hehastothinklongenough beforemakingamoveinordertoknowexactlywhichpathhehastotakesothathewillnotbe confusedwhileseekingthetruth.Itisonlynaturalthatman,inordertodefinehissafestpath, shouldrefertoonewhoisfamiliarwithhisapproachesandavenueswhen,athisoutset,he standsconfusedastowheretostartfrom. Wemaynotdifferwhiledefiningthe"expert"whoshouldbefollowedwhenhedefinesthepath forusinthisregard,forsuchan"expert"isnoneotherthantheBeareroftheMessageandits Promoter(S.A.W.),andwehavetofollowhisdirectivesandinstructionsinthisregard.Whenwe failinourattempttoknowwhatweneedtoknow,wehavetorefertothecompletedefinitions followedinthisregardwhichwouldtakeustothedesiredresult. ThetextsnarratedabouttheCustodianoftheShari'amaysufficeforuswhenweseeksucha definitionsincehehimselfhadoutlinedforusthebestpathwehavetochoose.Inadditiontohis traditionoftheTwoWeightyThingsinwhichhedescribedtheBookandtheProgenyasthe dividinglinebetweenguidanceandmisguidance,thereisanotherexplanatorytraditionwitha moreexplicittextinwhichhe(S.A.W.)isquotedassaying: "ThesimilitudeofmyAhlalBayt(A.S.)amongyouisliketheArkofNoah:whoeverboardsitis saved,andwhoeverlagsbehinditisdrowned."14 AlTabraniaddsanother:"ThesimilitudeofmyHouseholdamongyouisliketheGateofHittafor Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theChildrenofIsrael:whoeverentersisforgiven."15Theclarityofthistraditionindefiningthe safestpathneedsnoexplanationsincehemadesalvationdependantuponfollowingthem, makingthesinkingintothecalamitiesofmisguidanceanindicationoflaggingbehindthem. Anothertraditionstates:"Starsareprotectorsoftheinhabitantsofearthagainstdrowning,and myProgeny(AhlalBayt,(A.S.)aretheprotectorsofmynationagainstdissensioninthecreed; therefore,ifatribeamongtheArabsdiffersfromthem(inreligiousmatters),itwouldthen becomethepartyofthedevil."16 Havingquotedthesetraditions,IbnHajarcommentsthus: "Thereasonforcomparingthemwiththearkisthatwhoeverlovesthemandholdstheminhigh esteemasmeanstothankingGodWhograntedthemsuchhonours,followingtheguidanceofthe learnedmenamongthem,issavedfromdissension,andwhoeverabstainsfromdoingsois drownedintotheseasofingratitudeandannihilatedatthecrossroadsoftyranny."17 Besides,theyweretheoverflowingfountainheadwhichproducedtheleadingscholarsand foundersofschoolsofthought;so,whatstopsusfromemulatingthesemenbystayingawayfrom whattheythemselveshadstayedawayfrom?Addtothistheconsensusviewregardingthese men'sintegrityandimmaculateconduct,theirsuperiorityoverothersinknowledge,theirbeing thefinalarbitratorsregardinganydifficultproblemfacedinthelegislativesystemoranyother systemaccordingtothetestimonyoftheleadingscholarsandphilosophers,nay,ofevenmenof thegovernment,andtheendorsementofeveryoneoftheirviewsandthesubmission wholeheartedlythereto. Forthesereasonsandforothers,wehaveupheldtheAhlalBayt(A.S.)oftheProphet(S.A.W.) andpreferredthemoverallothers,followingthepaththeyoutlinedforuswithoutpaying attentiontoothersespeciallysincetheyenricheduswithwhatevervaluableinformationand intellectualrichesanyMuslimneedsinhisdailylifeandforwhichtheMessagewasrevealedunto theirgrandfathertheGreatestProphet(S.A.W.). Thereupon,itisworthwhiletoresearchthebiographiesofthesegreatImamsandexaminetheir detailsandcharacteristicsandhighlighttheaspectsofgreatnessoftheiruniquepersonalitiesin ordertocorrectlyemulatethem.Wehavealsotocomparetheirconductwiththatofothersso thattheirdistinctionsbecomemanifesttous,thedistinctionswhichraisedtheirstatustothevery summitofhumanperfection. Inthisstudy,weshalltryourbesttoexaminethebiographyofoneofthoseImamswhoisthe eighthintheseriesoftheTwelveImams.HeisImamAlisonofMousaalRidawhose contemporaryepochwasfullofhistoricaleventsinwhoseshapingheplayedasignificantrolethe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    effectsofwhichwerereflecteduponthethencontemporaryIslamichistory.Thereasonwhich invitedustoprefertostudythebiographyofImamalRidaoverthoseofotherImams(A.S.)isthat he,despitethemanycharacteristicsofhiscontemporarytime,anddespitethemagnitudeofthe eventsandoccurrenceswhichfilledhisdays,hasnotbeenindependentlyresearchedasfaraswe know.WhatIsincerelydesireistobehonestinmyexpositionandanalysis,freefromthe psychologicalcomplexesofprejudiceandsectarianfanaticism,andIalsowishthereaderwillbe likewisesothathemaybemycompanionwhileconductingthisresearch,andGodistheMaster ofsuccessanduprightness. 3AcronymsofSalallahoAlaihiWasallam(PeaceandGreetingsofGodbeuponhim). 4AamaliofSayyidalMurtada,Vol.1,p.151. 5Kanzal'Ummal,Vol.6,p.217.Alsohadithnumber3819recordeddownbyalHafizAbuNa'eem inHilyatalAwliyaa,andheisquotedbyIbnAbulHadeedinhiscommentary,quotingsimilar ahadithrecordedinAhmedibnHanbal'sMusnad. 6Kanzal'Ummal,Vol.6,p.396.ItisalsonarratedfromalMamoonandrecordedinVol.1,p.204, ofAkhbaralRidawiththeadditionof"Sodonotteachthem,fortheyaremorelearnedthanyou, andtheydonottakeyououtofguidance,nordotheyletyouenterintomisguidance,"andal MamoonattributedthisstatementtotheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.). 7TahtheebalTahtheeb,Vol.2,p.103. 8Thishadithofthetwoweightythingsisrecordedbyalargenumberofpioneersofhadith:Itis recordedbybothalTirmithiandalNisaifromJabir,byalTirmithifromZaydibnalArqam,byal TabranifromZaydibnThabit,andtheyareallquotedbyalMuttaqialHindiinVol.1,p.44,ofhis Kanzul'Ummal.ItisalsorecordedbyImamAhmed[ibnHanbal]fromthehadithnarratedbyZayd ibnThabitthroughtwoauthenticavenuesinVol.5,pp.182189ofhisMusnad.Itisalsonarrated bySa'eedalKhudrifromtwoavenuesandrecordedinVol.3,pp.1726.AlHakim,inVol.3,p. 873,ofhisMustadrak,says,"Thisisanauthentichadiththroughconsecutivenarrationaccording tobothShaikhs[BukhariandMuslim]whodidnotrecorditdown,whilealThahbiadmittedinhis TalkheesalMustadrakitsauthenticityaccordingtotheirownstandardsofauthenticity."IbnAbu Shayba,AbuYa'li,IbnSa'd,allrecorditfromAbuSa'eedasisrecordedinVol.1,p.47,tradition number945,ofKanzul'Ummal.IbnHajarquotesitonp.75ofhisAlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,andso dootherswholearnedhadithbyheartandbytraditionistswithaninsignificantvariationintheir texts.HavingquotedthishadithinhisAlSawa'iq,IbnHajarsays,"Beinformedthatthehadith enjoiningustoupholdtothembothisplentifulandisnarratedinnumerouswaysbymorethan twentycompanionsoftheProphet(S.A.W.)."Thishadithenjoysamanytestimonieswhichagree witheachother,andDaralTaqreebBaynalMathahibalIslamiyyainCairopublishedagraduate Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thesisdealingwithitsSunnisourcesandauthoredbysomevirtuouscontemporaries. 9AlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,p.135,byIbnHajar,chaptertitled"RecommendationoftheProphet (SAW)inTheirRegard." 10AlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,p.148.ThesamemaybereadinHadithalThaqalaynwhichwas publishedbyDaralTaqreebBaynalMathahibalIslamiyyaofCairo. 11MukhtasaralTuhfaalIthnai'AshariyyabyalAloosi,p.8. 12TahtheebalTahtheeb,Vol.2,p.103. 13AlLaalialMasnoo'afilAhadithalMawdooabyalSayyuti,Vol.1,p.396. 14AlTabranihasrecordeditrelyingontheauthorityofAbuDharralGhifarionp.151ofVol.3of hisAlSahihalMustadrak. 15AlTabranihasrecordeditinhisAlAwsatfromAbuSa'eed.Itishadithnumber18ofthefifth sectionofthefortytraditionsrecordedonp.216ofalNabahani'sbookAlArba'eenHadith. 16AlHakimrecordsitinVol.3,p.149,ofhisMustadrak,quotingIbnAbbas,thenadding,"This hadithisauthenticinitsconsecutiveness,andthey[BukhariandMuslim]didnotrecordit." 17AlSawa'iqalMuhriqa,p.91. HisDistinctionsandCharacteristics Lineage HeisAlisonofMousasonofJa'fersonofMuhammadsonofAlisonofalHusaynsonofAlisonof AbuTalib(A.S.),eighthintheseriesoftheImamsbelongingtotheAhlalBayt(A.S.).Hisbirthplace isMedina,andhisrestingplaceisToos(Iran). BirthandDemise Historiansdisagreeagreatdealabouttheyearofhisbirthandevenindeterminingthemonthas well,andtheyalsodisagreeaboutdeterminingtheyearandthemonthofhisdeath.Their disagreementsarenotconfinedtothelimitofashortspanoftimebuttheymaybefiveyears apart,andthedisagreementissoconfusingthatitisverydifficulttodetermineclearlysuch matters;however,weshallpointoutthestatementsrecordedinthisregardwithoutfavouring anyofthemduetothelackofpurposeofsuchfavouringwhichnaturallyrequiresresearchand investigationandaproofforselectingwhatseemstobethemostaccurate. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    HewasborninMedinaonFriday,orThursday,DhulHijja11,orDhulQi'da,orRabi'ulAwwal,of theHijriyear148ortheyear153.HediedonFriday,orMonday,neartheendofthemonthof Safar,orthe17thofSafar,orRamadan21,orJumadaI18,orDhulQi'da23,ortheendofDhul Qi'da,oftheyear202or203or206.Inhis'UyoonAkhbaralRida,alSaduqstates:"Whatis accurateisthathediedonthe13thofRamadan,onaFriday,intheyear203." Whatismostlikelyisthathisdeathtookplaceintheyear203asstatedbyalSaduq.Itisthesame yearinwhichalMamoonmarchedtowardsIraq.Tosaythathediedin206isnottoagreewith thetruthbecausealMamoonmarchedtowardsBaghdadintheyear204,andtheImamdied whilehewasheadinginthesamedirection. HisMother Thereisagreatdealofdisputeregardingthenameofhismother.Somesayshewascalledal Khayzaran;otherssayshewasArwiandthathernicknamewas"theblondeofNubia,"while otherssayshewasNajmaandhernicknamewas"UmmulBaneen."Otherssayshewascalled SekantheNubian;stillotherssayshewascalledTakattamasmaybeprovenfromthepoetryin hispraisewhichsaid: Thebestinselfandparenthood, Inoffspringandinancestry, IsAlialMuaddam, Eighthinseriesoftheknowledgeable andtheclement, AnImamdescendingfromtheProofofGod, thatisTakattam. Offspring Disputesexistalsoregardingthenumberofhisoffspringandtheirnames.Agroupofscholarssay thattheywerefivesonsandonedaughter,andthattheywere:MuhammadalQani',alHassan, Ja'fer,Ibrahim,alHusayn,and'Ayesha. SabtibnalJawzi,inhisworkTadhkiratulKhawass,saysthatthesonswereonlyfour,droppingthe nameofHusaynfromthelist.AlMufidinclinestobelievethattheImamdidnothaveanyson otherthanImamMuhammadalJawad(A.S.),andIbnShahrAshoobemphaticallystatesso,andso doesalTibrisiinhisA'lamalWara.Al'UdadalQawiyyastatesthathehadtwosons,Muhammad andMousa,andthathedidnothaveanyotheroffspring.Inhisclaim,heissupportedbyQurbal AsnadinwhichtheauthorsaysthatalBazantiaskedalRida,"ForyearsIhavebeenaskingyou Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whoyoursuccessorisandyoukeeptellingmethatitisyoursonevenwhenyouhadnosonatall, butsinceGodhasnowblessedyouwithtwosons,whichoneofthemishe?"'UyoonAkhbaral RidaindicatesthathehadadaughternamedFatima. Wearenotintheprocessofinvestigating,researchingandpinpointingwithaccuracythenumber ofhisoffspringandtheirnames,butwhatseemstobemorereasonableiswhatalMufidstates. WhatisestablishedasafactwithusisthatImamMuhammadalJawad(A.S.)washisson;as regardinghisothersons,nobodyseemstobeabletoproveanyfactsregardingthem,andGod knowsbest. PersonalityandCharacteristics Generallyspeaking,anImamenjoysauniquepersonalityanddistinctivecharacteristics,inasfar asShi'afollowersoftheImamsareconcerned;therefore,heisnotpermittedtodowhatothers are,suchasfallingintoerror,orgettingconfusedaboutamatter.Rather,infallibilityisessentialin himsinceheconveysonbehalfoftheProphet(S.A.W.)whatseemstootherstobeobscureofthe Messageanditsintricacies.JustasweprovedtheinfallibilityoftheProphet(S.A.W.),we,bythe sametoken,proveinfallibilityfortheImamaswellwithoneexception:theImamconveyson behalfoftheProphet(S.A.W.),whereastheProphetconveysonbehalfoftheAlmightyGod.The wisdominthisargumentisthatshouldfallingintoerrorbeacceptedandexpectedfromthe Prophet(S.A.W.)ortheImam,thendoubtwillresultregardingthereliabilityofwhattheyconvey topeopleofjurisdicrulesandregulationsandothersuchmatterssincetheyareliabletoerrin theirjudgementorgetconfusedaboutaparticularissue.Althoughthebelieversarenotheld accountablefordoingwhattheyarenotsupposedtobedoingduetosucherrorofjudgement, theassumptionoftheerrorofjudgementitselfcollideswiththeverywisdombehindthereason whyprophetsweresenttopeopleatallwhichistoclarifytopeople,accordingtothewayGod Almightyintendedthemto,withoutanyerrororconfusion,whatHisWillis. Thetopicofinfallibilityisavastonethediscussionofwhichhasnoroomhereandwhichrequires adedicatedresearchImaybeableonedaytotackle.WhatIhavetoclarifyhereisthatImamate ischaracterizedbycertaindistinctiveaspectssuchasinfallibilitywhichwecannotdiscussbyitself withothersexceptafterbothpartiesagreeonthebasisfromwhichitemerged;otherwise,our casewouldbelikeonewhodiscussesthenecessityofperformingtheritualprayers(salat)with someonewhodoesnotbelieveinthemessageoftheProphet(S.A.W.). Thebasicpointuponwhichwehavefirstandforemosttoagreeisthedefinitionofgeneral Imamate,thenthedistinctionsitrequiresand,finally,theproofswhichtestifytothese distinctions.Itisonlythenthatdisagreeingpartiescanconductareasonablediscussion.Having beenconvincedbyunequivocalproofsofsuchinfallibility,andhavingseentheTwelveImams (A.S.)tobefullyqualifiedtobetheonlyonesinwhomsuchinfallibilitycouldbeobserved,we Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    becamefullyconvincedoftheirunshakablesuperiorityoverallothers,andthattheywerethe onesadornedwithabsolutehumanperfection. AnImam,accordingtothisviewpoint,hasgottobethemostlearnedamongpeopleandthemost awareofthegeneralneedsofpeoplesuchasknowledgeorothernecessitiesoflife,andthathe hastobethemostpious,themostascetic,themostperfectinpersonalconductandnormsof behaviour.Inotherwords,inordertobequalifiedforImamate,onehastobesuperiorto everyoneelseinallaspectsofperfectionanditsrequirementswhichallraisehimtohisposition ofleadership.Onthisbasis,thecharacterofImamalRida(A.S.),whoisoneoftheseTwelve Imams,becomesclearlydistinctiveduetoitsmerits.Butthisisnotthelimitofthescopeofthis research;rather,weshallattempttoresearchhispersonalityandthequalitieswhich distinguishedhimfromallothersbyoursiftingintothelegacyhistoryhaspreservedforusofhis conductwhilestillalive,andfromthestancestakenbythemenofknowledgeandby contemporarycaliphstowardshim. Government'sAttitudeTowardstheImam TheattitudeofthethenrulerstowardsImamalRida(A.S.)andtheotherImamsmayprovideus withaclearviewofthedistinctionswhichraisedtheirpersonalitiestothezenith.Anditis essentialtoexplainthephenomenonofthegovernment'sattitudetowardsthemwhich manifesteditselfinthesurveillanceimposeduponthemratherthanuponotherdistinguished dignitariesorchiefsoftheAlawides,monitoringtheirmovementsandcountingtheirstepsinall theirsocialandpersonalencounters.Whatwecanmentionheretoexplainthisphenomenonare thefollowingreasons: 1)ThebeliefofalargenumberofMuslimsintheirImamateandintheirbeingthemostworthyof thecaliphate,andtheirconvictionthatallothercaliphsareconsideredusurpersofauthority, trespassersupontherightsordainedbyGodtoothers.Thisiswhythepoliticiansofthetime consideredthemtheircompetitorswhosemerepresenceincreasedthedangerssurrounding themandjeopardizedthesecurityoftheveryexistenceoftheirgovernmentstructure. 2)Theirbeingthemagnetwhichattractedleadingscholarsandthinkerswhoshrankintheir presencedespitetheirintellectualadvancementanddistinctioninthefieldsoftheartsand knowledgeanddespitetheirgeniusandintellectualprowess.Thiscausedthecaliphstofeela strongeranimositytowardsthemandbemoregrudgefultowardsthemduetothepublic fascinationbythemandtotheirattemptstobeclosetothemandtobeingemotionallydistant fromthecenterofthegovernment. 3)Theirbeingthebetteralternativefromthepublic'spoliticalstandpointtotakechargeofthe responsibilitiesofgovernment,bearitsburdens,carryoutitsobligationsanddoingallofthat Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    mostefficiently.Thisfrightenedtherulersandmadetheobscurefutureseemtotheireyeseven moreso. 4)Theviciousincitementsaboutthembytheiropponentswhoboreanimositytowardsthemand whowishedtherebytheirelimination,andthetelltalesofevensomeoftheirownkinwhose judgementwasblindedbyjealousy,sotheykeptfabricatingstoriesandattributingthemtothose Imamsandtellingthemtotherulerswhowerepleasedtohearthemsincetheybecameoutletsto thegrudgetheyfelttowardsthoseImamsand,atthesametime,foundinthemthepretextsfor annihilatingandharassingthemandintheendajustificationtoputanendtotheirlivesandrid themselvesofthecomplextheyweresufferingfromduetotheirexistence. Bytheseandbyotherscanweexplainthephenomenonoftherulerspursuingthemand desperatelytryingtoalienatethemfromthestageofeventsaffectingthenationinorderto secureadistancefromtheghostofcompetitionwhichcouldhauntthemhadtheypermittedthe Imamstodoastheypleased.Thuscanweunderstandthegeneralcharacteristicsofthesignificant distinctionsthepersonalitiesofthoseImamsenjoyedinallsectorsofthesocietyinitsvarious centersofactivityandinitsvariousaspirations;otherwise,howdoyouexplainthisphenomenon, andwhyshouldthoserulerspaytheImamssomuchattention? HisKnowledge HeinheritedtheknowledgeofhisgrandfathertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),thusbecomingits pioneeringfountainheadthatquenchedthethirstofthosewhowerethirstyforknowledge. Historynarratesagreatdealofhisscholarlystancesandintellectualdiscoursesinwhichhe achievedvictoryoverthosewhoopposedtheDivineMessage,excellinginvariousbranchesof scholarshipwithwhichheprovidedtheseekersofknowledgeandthethinkersofthetime. ImamMousaaKazim(A.S.)isreportedtohaveoftensaidtohissons:"AliibnMousa,your brother,isthelearnedscholaroftheDescendantsofMuhammad(S.A.W.);therefore,youmayask himaboutyourreligion,andmemorizewhathetellsyouforIhaveheardmyfatherJa'feribn Muhammadmorethanoncesaying,`ThelearnedscholarofthefamilyofMuhammadisinyour loins.HowIwishIhadmethim,forheisnamedaftertheCommanderoftheFaithfulAli(A.S.).'" IbrahimibnalAbbasalSuliisreportedtohavesaid:"IneversawalRida(A.S.)unabletoprovide theanswertoanyquestionhereceived,norhaveIeverseenanycontemporaryofhismore learnedthanhewas.AlMamoonusedtoputhimtotestbyaskinghimaboutalmosteverything, andhealwaysprovidedhimwiththeanswer,andhisanswerandexamplewasalwaysderived fromtheHolyQur'an." RajaaibnAbulDahhak,whowascommissionedbyalMamoontoescortalRida(A.S.)tohiscourt, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    said:"ByGod!IneversawanyonemorepiousthanhimnormoreoftenrememberingGodatall timesnormorefearfulofGod,theExalted.Peopleapproachedhimwhenevertheyknewhewas presentintheirarea,askinghimquestionsregardingtheirfaithanditsaspects,andhewould answerthemandnarrateagreatdealofhadithfromhisfatherwhoquotedhisforefatherstillAli (A.S.)whoquotedtheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.).WhenIarrivedatalMamoon'scourt,thelatter askedmeabouthisbehaviourduringthetripandItoldhimwhatIobservedabouthimduringthe nightandduringtheday,whileridingandwhilehalting;so,hesaid:`Yes,OsonofalDahhak!This isthebestmanonthefaceofearth,themostlearned,andthemostpious.'"18 AlHakimisquotedinTarikhNishapurassayingthattheImam(A.S.)usedtoissuereligious verdictswhenhewasalittlemorethentwentyyearsold.InIbnMaja'sSunan,inthechapteron "SummaryOfCultivatingPerfection,"heisdescribedas"themasterofBanuHashim,andal Mamoonusedtoholdhiminhighesteemandsurroundhimwithutmostrespect,andheeven madehimhissuccessorandsecuredtheoathofallegianceforhim." AlMamoonsaidthisonceinresponsetoBanuHashim:"Asregardingyourreactiontothe selectionbyalMamoonofAbulHassanalRida(A.S.)ashissuccessor,beremindedthatal Mamoondidnotmakesuchaselectionexceptuponbeingfullyawareofitsimplications,knowing thatthereisnooneonthefaceofearthwhoismoredistinguished,morevirtuous,morepious, moreascetic,moreacceptabletotheeliteaswellastothecommoners,ormoreGodfearing, thanhe(alRida,A.S.)is."19 AbulSaltalHarawiisquotedsaying:"IneversawanyonemoreknowledgeablethanAliibnMousa alRida(A.S.).Everyscholarwhomethimadmittedthesame.AlMamoongatheredoncealarge numberoftheologians,juristsandoratorsandhe(alRida,A.S.)surpassedeachandeveryoneof theminhisownrespectivebranchofknowledge,somuchsothattheloseradmittedhislossand thesuperiorityofthewinneroverhim."20 Heisalsoquotedsaying:"IhaveheardAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)saying,`Iusedtotakemyplace atthetheologicalcenterandthenumberofthelearnedscholarsatMedinawasquitelarge,yet whenaquestionovertaxedthemindofoneofthosescholars,heandtherestwouldpointatme, andtheywouldsendmetheirqueries,andIwouldanswerthemall."21 Inhisdiscourseregardingtheissueofsuccession,alMamoonsaid:"Idonotknowanymanonthe faceofearthwhoismoresuited(tobeheirtothethrone)thanthisman."22 AlManaqibrecordsthefollowing:"WhenpeopledisputedregardingAbulHassanalRida(A.S.), Muhammadibn'IsaalYaqtinisaid,`Ihavecollectedasmanyaseighteenthousandofhisanswers toquestionsputforthtohim.'Agroupofcritics,includingAbuBakrtheoratorinhisTarikhandal Tha'labiinhistafsirandalSam'aniinhisdissertationandinalMu'tazzinhiswork,inadditionto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    others,haveallquotedhadithfromhim."23 AfteranintellectualdiscoursewithalMamoon,AliibnalJahmsaid:"AlMamoonstoodupto performtheprayersritualandtookMuhammadibnJa'fer,whowaspresentthere,bythehand, andIfollowedbothofthem.Heaskedhim:`Whatdoyouthinkofyournephew?'Heanswered,`A learnedscholaralthoughweneversawhimbeingtutoredbyanylearnedman.'AlMamoonsaid: `ThisnephewofyoursisamemberofthefamilyoftheProphet(S.A.W.)aboutwhomtheProphet (S.A.W.)said:`Thevirtuousamongmydescendantsandtheeliteamongmyprogenyarethemost thoughtfulwhenyoung,themostlearnedwhenadult;therefore,donotteachthemfortheyare morelearnedthanyouare,norwilltheyevertakeyououtofguidance,norleadyouinto misguidance.'"24 IbnalAthirwrites:"He(alMamoon)discernedthedescendantsofBanualAbbasandBanuAli anddidnotfindanyonemorethanhim(alRida,A.S.)inaccomplishments,pietyand knowledge."25 WedonotneedthetestimonyofanyonetoconvinceusofthedistinctionenjoyedbyImamal Rida(A.S.)duetohisknowledgeoverallothers.Sufficesustoreviewthebooksofhadithwhich arefilledwithhisstatementsanddictationinvariousartswhicheveryindividual,regardlessofthe loftinessofhisdegreeofknowledge,becamedwarfeduponmeetinghim,feelinghisinferiority andthesuperiorityofImamalRida(A.S.). EthicalandHumaneConduct Goodmannersconstituteasignificantpartofone'spersonality.Theyunveiltheinnermostnature oftheindividual,highlightingtheextentofitspurityoforiginwhenittranslatesbeliefintoaction. TheImamwascharacterizedbyamostnoblepersonalitywhichwonhimtheloveofthe commonersaswellastheelite,byextraordinaryhumanityderivedfromthespiritoftheMessage itselfoneofwhosecustodianshehimselfwas,apersonwhosafeguardeditandinheritedits innermostsecrets. IbrahimibnalAbbasalSuliisquotedsaying:"IneversawAbulHassanalRida(A.S.)angering anyonebysomethinghesaid,nordidIeverseehiminterruptinganyone,norrefusingtodo someoneafavourhewasabletodo,nordidheeverstretchhislegsbeforeanaudience,nor leaneduponsomethingwhilehiscompaniondidnot,nordidheevercallanyofhisservantsor attendantsabadname,nordidIeverseehimspitorburstintolaughter;rather,hislaughterwas justasmile.Whenhewasreadytoeatandhesattobeserved,heseatedwithhimallhis attendants,includingthedoormanandthegroom."Headds,"Donot,therefore,believeanyone whoclaimsthathesawsomeoneelseenjoyingsuchaccomplishments."26 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Aguestoncekeptentertaininghimpartofthenightwhenthelampstartedfadingandtheguest stretchedhishandtofixit,butAbulHassan(A.S.)swiftlycheckedhimandfixedithimself,saying, "Wearefolkswhodonotlettheirguesttendonthem."27 AlManaqibstatesthatalRida(A.S.)oncewenttothepublicbathhouseandsomeoneaskedhim togivehimamassage,sohekeptgivingthemanamassagetillsomeonerecognizedhimandtold thatpersonwhothatdignitarywas.Themanfeltextremelyembarrassed;heapologizedtothe Imam(A.S.)andgavehimamassage.28 MuhammadibnalFadlnarratesthefollowinganecdoteregardingtheImam'ssimplepersonality. Hesays: "AlRida(A.S.),ontheoccasionofEidulFitr,saidtooneofhisattendants,`MayGodacceptyour gooddeedsandours,'thenhestoodupandleft.OntheoccasionofEidulAdha,hesaidtothe sameman,`MayGodacceptourgooddeedsandyours.'Iaskedhim,`OsonoftheMessengerof God!YousaidsomethingtothismanontheoccasionofEidulFitrandsomethingelseonthe occasionofEidulAdha;why?'Heanswered:`IpleadedGodtoaccepthisgooddeedsandours becausehisactionwassimilartomineandIcombineditwithmineinmyplea,whereasIpleaded Godtoacceptourgooddeedsandhisbecausewearecapableofofferingtheceremonialsacrifice whileheisnot;so,ouractionisdifferentfromhis.'"29 ThusdoesImamalRida(A.S.)becomeintotalharmonywithhismessageintheareaofethics, personifyingthelatterintoactionderivedfromthespiritofthemessagewherebyheascendsto thesummitofhumanperfection,risingtherebytotheshoresoftheindividual'sownreal greatness.Itisthroughthisandsimilarmeansthatthesincerityoffaithandloftinessanddignity oftheselfarerecognized. ImamalRida(A.S.)definesforustheIslamictheoryastheruleswhichgoverntheactualdealings ofmanwithhisbrothermanfromwhichwecanachievetheinspirationthatIslamabolishesthe thenclassdistinctionsamongindividualsandgroupsintheareasofpublicrightsandthe safeguardingofman'sdignity,andthatthedifferencewhichwemustrecognizeregardingthese areasisthedifferencebetweenonewhoobeysGodandonewhodoesnot. AmanoncesaidtotheImam:"ByGod!Thereisnobodyonthefaceofearthwhoismore honourablethanyourforefathers."TheImamrespondedbysaying:"Theirpietysecuredtheir honour,andtheirobedienceofGodmadethemfortunate."30 Anothermansaidtohim:"ByGod!Youarethebestofallpeople!"Hesaidtohim:"Donotswear so.BetterthanmeisonewhoismoreobedienttoGodandmorepious.ByGod!Thefollowing versewasneverabrogated:`AndWehavemadeyounationsandtribessothatyoumayknow Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    eachother;verilythebestofyouinGod'ssightisthemostpious.'"31 AbulSaltonceaskedhim:"OsonoftheMessengerofGod!Whatdoyousayaboutsomething peoplehavebeencriticizingyoufor?"Heasked:"Whatisit?"Hesaid:"Theyclaimthatyoucall peopleyourslaves."Hesaid:"God!Creatoroftheheavensandtheearth,Knowerofthehidden andthemanifest!IinvokeTheetotestifythatIhaveneversaidso,nordidIeverhearthatanyof myforefathershadsaidso!God!YouaretheKnowerofthemanyinjusticesthisnationhas committedagainstus,andthisisjustoneofthem..."ThenhecametoAbulSaltandsaid:"O AbdulSalam!Ifallpeople,assomeclaim,areourslaves,whodidwebuythemfrom?"AbulSalt answered:"Youareright,OsonoftheMessengerofGod..."ThentheImamsaid:"OAbdulSalam! DoyoudenytherightwhichGodhasallottedforustobechargedwiththeauthorityasothers deny?"Hesaid:"Godforbid!Idoacknowledgesuchright."32 TheImamheredeniessuchanallegationabouthimandhisforefathersandrejectsthevicious accusationwhichtheirenemiesuseagainsthimtotarnishhisimage,consideringitoneofthe manyinjusticescommittedagainsttheAhlalBayt(A.S.).Rather,heandtheHouseholdofthe Prophet(S.A.W.)considerpeopletobeequalintheirgeneralobligationsexceptintherightof governmentwhichGodordainedtobetheirssolely,forothershavenorighttoclaimitfor themselves.WiththeexceptionoftherighttoobeyGodinitsmostpristineimplicationswhich raisedtheirstatusinthesightofGodandman,allaretheslavesofGod.Theysharethesame parentsandworshipthesameGod. AbdullahibnalSaltquotesamanfromBalkhsaying:"IaccompaniedalRida(A.S.)duringhistrip toKhurasan.Onedayheorderedpreparationsforhismealtowhichheinvitedallhisattendants, blacksandnonblacks,soIsaid:`Maymylifebesacrificedforyours!Maybetheseshouldhavea separateeatingarrangement.'Hesaid:`GodAlmightyisOne;thefather(Adam)andthemother (Eve)arethesame,andpeoplearerewardedaccordingtotheirdeeds.'"33 TheImamdoesnotseeanydifferencebetweenhimandhisservantsandattendantsexceptinthe degreeofgooddeeds;otherthanthat,alldistinctionsarevoidwhenthematterisrelatedto commonobligationsinwhichallindividualsareequal,foreachoneofthemiscreatedbythe sameGod,andeachhasthesamefather,Adam,whowascreatedofdust. WhenweseetheImamsittingatthetablesurroundedbyhisservants,hisdoorman,andhis groom,heisthusteachingthenationalessoninvirtuoushumanitywhichbelievesinthedignity ofmaninordertodemonstratethetheoryofIslaminpracticeshowingthenatureofbehaviour manshouldundertakeinhisconducttowardshisbrotherman.Theloftinessofstatusandthe elevationofcareermustnotnecessitatethatamanofalessstatusoronewhosecareerisless covetedshouldbedespisedormadetofeelinferiortohisbrothermanevenifheisaservant.This issoinordertoeliminatethecomplexclassdistinctionswhichwidenthegapbetweenthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    membersofthesocietywhoseenergieswouldthenbesplitintoopposingpartiestornbygrudge andconsumedbyhatred. Islamenactedthelawofequalityamongthemembersofthesocietyintheareasofgeneral obligationsinordertoemancipateman'sdignityfromclassobligationswhichdominatedtheway oflifeduringthepreIslamiceraandwereadoptedbynationsofold.GodAlmightyhassaid:"The bestofyouintheeyesofGodistheonewhoismostpious."34TheProphet(S.A.W.)said:"Allof youdescendedfromAdam,andAdamwascreatedofdust."Healsosaid:"NoArabcanbeheld superiortoanonArabexceptthroughsuperiorityofhisdegreeofpiety." IbrahimibnalAbbasalSuliisquotedsaying:"IheardAliibnMousaalRidasaying,`Iswearby emancipationandwheneverIsworebyit,IwouldemancipateoneofmyslavestillIemancipated eachandeveryoneofthemthatIdonotseemyselfasbetterthanthat(andhepointedtoa blackslaveofhiswhoremainedinhisservice)onaccountofmykinshiptotheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)exceptifIdoagooddeedwhichwouldrendermebetter.'"35 ThusdoestheImamdefineforusthegoodIslamicconductofsafeguardingthedignityofmanand theeliminationofallclassdistinctionsexceptthedistinctionofgooddeeds.He,peacebeupon him,doesnotviewhiskinshiptotheProphet(S.A.W.)asprovidinghimwithadistinctionovera blackslaveexceptifsuchkinshipiscombinedwithgooddeedswhichrenderthedoerdistinction andsuperiority.Yasir,oneofhisservants,saidonce:"AbulHasansaidtousonce:`IfIleavethe tablebeforeyoudo,whileyouarestilleating,donotleaveonmyaccounttillyouarethrough.'It mayhappenthathecallsuponsomeofustohisserviceandheistoldthattheyareeating, whereuponhesays:`Leavethemtofinishtheirmealfirst.'"Nadir,anotherservant,says:"Abul Hassandidnotrequireustodoanythingforhimexceptifwehadfinishedeatingourmeal."36 Thesearesamplesofhisactualconductandhumanitywhichheinheritedasafragrantlegacythe perfumeofwhichisgoodnessandmercyfromhisgrandfatherthegreatestProphet(S.A.W.)who crownedhismessagewiththebannerofgoodconductwhenhesaid:"Ihavebeensenttoperfect thecodeofgoodconduct."Suchwasthatgenuinehumanelegacyfromwhosespiritnations derivetheirstrengthanduponwhichtheybuildthepillarsoftheirgloryandthroughwhichthey securethecontinuationoftheirveryexistence. HisConductRegardingHisAppearance Thereisnodoubtthat,generallyspeaking,theImams(A.S.)weremoredistantthananyoneelse fromthealluringwaresofthisvanishingworld,andmostdistantfromitsornamentationsand allurements.Buttheconceptofasceticismaccordingtothemwasnotlimitedtowearingmodest coarseclothesoreatingverysimplefood.Rather,itslimitsextendedbeyondthat,fortheascetic personistheonewhodoesnotallowthepleasuresofthisworldtotakecontroloverhimwithout Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    beingabletotakecontrolofthem,onewhodoesnotseethisworldastheultimategoalheseeks; rather,whenitcomestowardshim,thebelieverisentitledtoenjoyitsgoodthings,andwhenit forsakeshim,hecontendshimselfthatGod'srewardsaremorelasting. AlAabiisquotedinNathralDurarassaying: "AgroupofsufisvisitedalRida(A.S.)whenhewasinKhurasan,andtheysaidtohim,`The commanderofthefaithfullookedintotheauthorityGodAlmightyentrustedtohim,andhefound you,membersoftheProphet'sAhlalBayt(A.S.),tobethemostdeservingofallpeopletobethe leaders.Thenhediscernedyou,membersoftheProphet'sAhlalBayt(A.S.),andhefound yourselfthemostworthyofleadingthepeople,sohedecidedtoentrustsuchleadershiptoyou. Thenationisinneedofonewhowearscoarseclothes,eatsthemostsimplefood,ridesthe donkeyandvisitsthesick.'AlRida(A.S.)wasfirstleaning,thenheadjustedthewayhewassitting andsaid:`Joseph(Yousuf)wasaProphetwhousedtowearsilkmantlesbrocadedwithgold.He satonthethronesofthePharaohsandruled.AnImamisrequiredtobejustandfair;whenhe sayssomething,hesaysthetruth,andwhenhepassesajudgement,hejudgesequitably,and whenhepromisessomething,hefulfillshispromise.Goddidnotforbid(anImam)fromwearinga particulartypeofclothesoreatingaparticulartypeoffood.'ThenherecitedtheQur'anicverse: `Say:Whohasforbiddenthebeautiful(gifts)ofGodwhichHehasproducedforHisservants,and thegoodthings,cleanandpure(whichHehasprovided)forsustenance?'"37 ImamalJawad(A.S.)wasaskedonceabouthisviewregardingmusk.Heanswered:"Myfather orderedmusktobemadeforhiminabentreeintheamountofsevenhundreddirhams.AlFadl ibnSahlwrotehimsayingthatpeoplecriticizedhimforthat.Hewroteback:`OFadl!Haveyounot cometoknowthatJoseph(Yousuf),whowasaProphet,usedtowearsilkclothesbrocadedwith gold,andthatheusedtositongildedthrones,andthatallofthatdidnotdecreaseanyofhis wisdom?'Thenheorderedagaliamoschata(perfumeofmuskandambergris)tobemadeforhim intheamountoffourthousanddirhams.'"38 ThusdoestheImamprovethattheoutwardappearanceofasceticismhasnothingtodowithtrue asceticism;rather,itmayevenbeafakewherebysomeonetriestoattracttheattentionofothers. ThisiswhyImamalRida(A.S.)andotherImamsdidnotseeanythingwrongwithmeetingthe publicwithanappearanceofluxuryinwhattheyputonorateaslongasitdidnotcollidewiththe realityofasceticismwhichisthebuildingoftheselffromwithintorenouncetheworldandits allurementandregarditasavanishingdisplaywithashortspanoflife.Thisdoesnotforbidthe believerfromenjoyingitspleasuresinthewaywhichGodmadepermissible.Goddidnotcreate thegoodthingsinthisworldforthedisbelievertoenjoywhiledeprivingthebelieverstherefrom. Rather,Godconsidersthebelievertobemoreworthyofsuchenjoymentwhenhesubmits himselftoGodandexpendsitinHisPath. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    IbnAbbadtellsusthefollowingaboutImamalRida'sasceticconduct:"AlRidausedtositona leafmatduringthesummerandonastrawsackduringthewinter;heusedtoputoncoarse clothes,butwhenhewentouttomeetthepublic,heputonhisverybest."39So,whenheisby himself,awayfrompubliclife,hissoulfindsharmonywithdenyingwhatisfake,thatis,the decorationsandallurementsofthislife.Butwhenhegoesouttomeetpeople,heputsonhisbest forthemfollowingtheirownnatureofholdingtheappearancesofthisworldassignificant, enjoyingitsgoodthings.ThisrealisticallyasceticconductoftheImamprovidesuswithaglorious exampleofthetruthregardingtheAhlalBayt(A.S.)andtheirpureviewoflifewhichisfreefrom anydisturbingfakeorpretense. ClemencyandTolerance ImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)hadrecommendedhissonalRida(A.S.)tobetheImamafterhim, makinghimhisowndeputyinfaringwithhiswealth,women,sonsandthemothersofhissons, withoutpermittinganyofhisothersonstofarewithanythingafterhim,andhewrotehiswill indicatingsoandsealeditwithhisownseal,invokingtheWrathofGoduponanyonewhowould unlawfullybreakthesealafterhavingsecuredthetestimonyofanumberofhisownhousehold andfollowers.ButthebrothersofImamalRida(A.S.)disputedwiththeirbrotherregardingtheir father'swillandwhathehadleftforthem.AccordingtoalKafi,YazidibnSalitisquotedsaying: "AbuUmranalTalhiwasthejudgeatMedinawhenhis(alRida's)brotherspresentedhimastheir opponentintheirdispute.AlAbbasibnMousasaid:`MayGodbringthroughyoureconciliation andhappiness.Atthebottomofthiswrittenstatementthereisatreasureandajewelandhe(al Rida)wishestokeepitawayfromusandtakeitalltohimself,andourfatherentrustedeverything tohim,leavingushelpless.HadInotcheckedmyself,Iwouldhavetoldyousobeforeacrowdof people.'IbrahimibnMuhammad,whowasoneofthewitnessesofthewill,jumpedathimand said:`ThenyoubyGodwouldbetellingsomethingwedonotaccepttobecomingevenfromyou, andwewillholdyouasaliar,andyouwillbeamongusblamedanddespised,nicknamedbythe youngandtheoldasaliar.Yourfatherknewyoubestiftherewasanygoodinyouandyour fatherknewyouinsideandout,andhecouldnottrustyoutoguardtwopiecesofdates.'Thenhis uncleIshaqibnJa'ferjumpedathimandpulledhimbytherobesaying,`Youareasilly,weakling, andafool;addthesetoyourpreviousfaults,'andhewassupportedinhisviewbyallothers.Abu Umran,thejudge,saidtoAli,`Standup,OfatherofalHassan!Sufficesmetodaythecurseyour fatherhadinvoked,andyourfatherwasquitegenerouswithyou.No!ByGod!Nobodyknowsa sonbetterthanhisfather.No!ByGod!Yourfatherwasneitherweakinhisintellectnorshallowin hisview.'AlAbbassaidtothejudge,`MayGodbringconciliationthroughyou!Pleaseremovethe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    sealandreadthecontents.'AbuUmransaid,`No,Ishallnotremoveit;sufficesmetodaythe curseyourfatherinvoked.'AlAbbassaid,`Ishallremoveit.'Hesaid,`Thatisuptoyou.'Soal AbbasremovedthesealandthecontentsspelledouttheirexclusionandtheinclusiononlyofAli, andanorderthattheyall,whethertheylikeditornot,weretolistentoandobeyImamAlialRida (A.S.).Inshort,theremovalofthesealspelledtheirdestruction,scandalandhumiliation,whereas Aliremainedthewinner. "AlithenturnedtoalAbbasandsaid:`Brother!Iknowthatwhatmadeyoudowhatyoudidisthe factthatyouhavefinesanddebtstopay.Sa'id!Goaheadandtakeanaccountoftheirdebts,then paytheirduesontheirownbehalf.Afterthattakeouttheirzakatandcleartheirname.ByGod!I shallneverabandonyourassistanceandIshallnevercutmytiesfromyouaslongasIwalkonthis earth;so,youmaysaywhateveryouplease.' "AlAbbassaid:`Donotgiveusanythingotherthanwhatrightfullybelongstous,andwhatyou holdofourownisevenmore.'Hesaid:`Youmaysayanythingyouwanttosay,fortheofferis yours;ifyoudogooddeeds,youshallberewardedbyGod,andifyoucommitabaddeed,Godis MostForgiving,Merciful.ByGod!YouknowverywellthattodayIhavenosonnorheirexcept you;so,ifIkeepanythingwhichbelongstoyoufromyouorsavewhatyouthinktobelongtoyou, itshallalwaysremainyoursandwillalwaysbereturnedtoyou.ByGod!Ihaveneverowned anythingsinceyourfather,mayGodbepleasedwithhim,passedawayexceptthatIrelinquished ittoyouasyouhaveseen.' "AlAbbasleapedandsaid:`ByGoditisnotso!NorGodhasgivenyouauthorityoverus...,but..., butitisourfather'sjealousyandhewilledawillwhichGoddoesnotacceptfromhimnorfrom you,andyouknowverywellthatIknowSafwanibnYahya,theSabiriselleratKufa.IfIeverget there,Ishallstranglehimandyouwithhim.' "Alisaid:`ThereisnopowerorwillexceptbytheWillofGod,theSublime,theGreat...Brothers! GodknowsthatIdesirenothingotherthanyourhappinessandwellbeing.God!IfyouknowthatI lovetheirwellbeing,andthatIwantnothingbutgoodforthem,thatIdonotseveremytieswith them,thatIamkindtothem,concernedabouttheiraffairsdayandnight...,thengrantmegood rewardsforit.ButifIamcontrariwise,thenIinvokeYou,Knoweroftheunknown,tograntme therewardsofmyintentions:goodforgoodandevilforevil.Lord!Bringthemtothepathof righteousness,andmakelifegoodforthem,andkeepthesnaresofthedevilawayfromusand fromthem,andassistthemtobeabletoworshipThee,andhelpthemseeThyguidance.Asfor me,brother,Idesirenothingotherthanyourhappiness,workinghardforyourownwellbeing, andGodismyWitness.' "Tothis,alAbbassaid:`HowwellIknowyourmasteryoverwords!Andthereisnomudwithme foryourspade!'"40 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    WiththeserudewordsalAbbasendedhisargumentwithhisbrother,ImamalRida(A.S.),despite thefactthattheImamwasverykindandclementinhisargumentwithhim,withoutarticulating anyunkindword,thatitwasalreadyestablishedthatrightwasonthesideoftheImam,andthat theirowntransgressiondraggedhimintosuchasituationwhichdidnotbefithisloftystatus.This, indeed,isindicativeofagreatdealofclemencyandtolerancetowardsanunlimitedaggression. AlthoughalAbbasdiscardedthenormsofgoodmannersinhisconfrontationwithhisbrotherby articulatingdisrespectfulwordsandbycommittingasinagainsthisownfatherImamMousaibn Ja'fer(A.S.)byaccusinghimofbeingjealousandbiased,whichcausestheotherpartytobeonthe offensive,oratleastwouldpushhimawayfromabalancedtemper,thisisnotanartificialshowof clemencyandtolerancefromtheImam(A.S.);rather,itisderivedfromthespiritofgenuine goodnessandlovewherebyheandtheotherImamswerecharacterizedwhenotherschallenged them. Ontheotherhand,theImam(A.S.)triestocauseotherstoadornthemselveswiththesametrait ofclemencyandtoleranceuponbeingwrongedasanelementofgoodrelationshipamongthem, justifyingthisbysayingthatitincreasesthedignityofman,forclemencyandtolerance,whenthe abilitytodealequalblowsandeffectequalretributionexpressthepowerofangerinmanandhis controloverhisrashtemperuponbeingchallenged,thiscausesotherstorespectandvenerate suchapersonespeciallywhenthatpersonshoulderstheresponsibilitiesofauthority.AlAabisays: "AmansentencedtobebeheadedwasbroughttoalMamoonwhilealRida(A.S.)wasamonghis train.AlMamoonaskedhim:`FatherofalHassan!Whatisyourview?'Hesaid:`AllIcansayis thatGodonlyincreasesthedignityofthosewhosegoodwillcausesthemtoforgive.'He, therefore,forgavetheman."41 SwiftnessofResponse ImamalRida(A.S.)wasendowedwithareadinesstorespondcoupledwiththestrengthof argumentandoratorytowhichextraordinaryexpressionsfreelysubmittedwithoutmakingthe overallmeaningtoodifficulttocomprehend.Hisargumentswiththeheadsofotherreligions, withforemostwriters,andwithatheistsinwhichheoutwittedthemwithhisclearargumentand decisivearguments,allprovideuswithagloriousindicationthatheusedtoenjoytheabilityto provideareadyanswerandaspeedinintellectualreasoning. Thisiswhylearnedscholarsheldhiminhighesteemandhesitatedtochallengehimtodebatein anyfieldofknowledgeasactuallyhappenedafterhisargumentswiththehighestauthoritiesof otherreligionsatameetingalMamoonarrangedathiscourtandtheaudienceweretonguetied whenhechallengedthemtoputfordiscussionwhatevercametotheirminds. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    HisPatienceandPerseverance ThepatienceandperseveranceoftheImammanifestthemselvesclearlywhenhehadtoface psychologicalandemotionalcrises.WhenhewenttosayhisfarewellattheKa'ba,Mecca,upon beingorderedbyalMamoontobepresentathiscourtinKhurasan,hewasfacedwithan emotionalsituationinvolvinghisonlysonAbuJa'ferMuhammadibnAlialJawad,buthe maintainedwithanironwillhisselfcontrol,solacinghimselfwithapatientheart,submittingto God'sWillandDecree. UmayyaibnAlistates:"IwassittingwithAbulHassan(A.S.)atMeccaduringtheyearinwhichhe performedthehajjpriortohistriptoKhurasan,andAbuJa'ferwaswithhimwhenhewasbidding theHouse(Ka'ba)goodbye.Havingfinishedhistawaf,hewenttothemaqamandsaidhisprayers there.AbuJa'fer,accompaniedbyMuaffaq,wasmakinghistawaf,tillhereachedtheStone.There hesatandheprolongedhissittingthere.Muaffaqsaidtohim:`Maymylifebesacrificedfor yours!Itistimeyoustoodup.'Heanswered:`Idonotwishtoleavethisplaceatallexceptbythe WillofGod,'andgriefcouldeasilybeseencloudingoverhisface.MuaffaqapproachedAbul Hassanandsaidtohim:`Maymylifebesacrificedforyours!AbuJa'ferissittingbytheStone unwillingtoleave,'soAbulHassanstoodup,cametoAbuJa'ferandsaid:`Standup,myloved one.'Buthissonsaid:`Idonotwishtoleavethisplace...'Hesaid:`Dostandup,Omylovedone.' Afterawhile,hesaidtohisfather:`HowcanIstandupseeingthatyouhavealreadysaidyour farewellattheHousenevertoreturnagain?'Hesaid:`Dostandup,mylovedone.'Hestoodup andleftwithhisfather." TheImam(A.S.)patientlyputupwithnumerousnormsofpersecutionandinjusticeinflictedupon himduringthereignof(Harun)alRashidstartingwiththetragedyofhisfather,passingbythe tragediestowhichtheAlawidesweresubjected,andendingwiththeunfairinstigationstoal RashidbytheImam'sopponentstokillhimandeliminatehim.Thestrengthofthepatienceand perseveranceoftheImambecomemanifestwhenweexaminethethinlyveiledpolitical persecutionfromwhichhesufferedduringalMamoon'sreignespeciallyafterthelatter appointedhimashisheirtothethrone,fullyknowingthatalMamoonwasnotsincereinhis intentionbutratherenactedapoliticalactinwhichalMamoonplayedthemajorrolesolelyto providesecuritytotheshakyfoundationsofhisregimeduetothestormingeventstheoutcome ofwhichwasreflectedupontheissueofwhowouldsucceedhimonthethrone. TheextentofthesufferingoftheImam,thedegreeofhisbitternessandagony,andtheamount ofgriefandsorrowwhichfilledhisheartduetothetreatmentmetedtohimbythegovernment, canbeassessed;yetheburiedallofthatinthedepthofhismindwithmutepatienceand perseverance.Yasir,hisservant,saidonce:"WheneveralRida(A.S.)returnedhomeonFriday fromthemosque,withhisfacesweatingandstainedbyblowingdust,hewouldraisehishands Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andinvokeGodsaying,`God!IftheonlywayIamrelievedfrommydistressisbydeath,thenI invokeTheetohastenitshour.'" Sufficestoassesstheextentofhispatienceandperseverancetosimplybeawareofthefactthat althoughhewasGod'sArgumentoverHiscreation,hewaspowerlesstodoanythingwhileseeing rightbeingabandonedandwrongupheld. Generosity InadialoguewithalBazanti,theImamsaid:"Anyonewhoreceivesaboonisindanger:Hehasto carryoutGod'scommandmentsinitsregard.ByGod!WheneverGodblessesmewithsomething, Icontinuetobeinextremeapprehensiontill(andherehemadeamotionwithhishand)Itakeout someofitandspenditinthewayGodhasordainedinitsregard."AlBazantiaskedhim:"Maymy lifebesacrificedforyours!You,inyourstatusofhighesteem,fearthatmuch?"Heanswered: "Yes,indeed!AndIpraisemyCreatorfortheblessingsHebestoweduponme."42 TheImam'sgenerosityandthoughtfulnessemanateoutofthisgoodaspectofhisconviction whichdependsontheprincipleoflettingothersshareinthewealthwithwhichGodblesseshim, andinwhatblessingsandfavoursHebestowsuponhim.God'srightsinthiscontextarethe sharesoftheneedyandthepoorinthisworldwhoseabilitytoearnadecentlivingwashampered byeithersevereemploymentconditions,ordisabilitytoworkduetooldage,orbecauseofbeing leftstrandedawayfromtheiroriginalhome,inadditiontootherswhowereforcedbythe necessitiesoflifetostretchtheirhandstoothersforhelp.Toaskothersishumiliating,forit shattersthedignityofthepersonwhoisstretchinghishandaskingandbyhispsychological appealtothebreathofhumanityinthepersonheisasking.Inthisstory,theImamguidesusto realizeamagnificentfactaboutthehumanpsychology,thatis,togiveisnotafavoursomeone doestosomeoneelsebegginghimforhelp;rather,itishiswayofthankingGodfortheblessings withwhichHeblessedhim.Thepersonwhoisblessedisindangeruntilhetakesoutofitthe rightsinitwhichareGod's. TheImam'smethodingivingisderivedfromsuchanangleofthehumannature.Eleishaibn Hamzasays:"IwasoncetalkingtoalRida(A.S.)whenalargecrowdofpeopleassembledtoask himaboutwhatispermissibleinIslamandwhatisnot.AmanastallasAdamcametohimand said:`AssalamoAlaikom,OSonoftheMessengerofGod!Iamamanwholovesyou,yourfathers andgrandfathers,andIhavejustbeenonmywaytoperformthepilgrimagewhenIdiscovered thatIhadlosteverythingwithmeandnowIdonothaveanythingenoughevenforalegofthe trip.Ifyouwill,pleasehelpmewiththeexpenseofgoingbackhome,andIamarecipientofGod's blessing(i.e.welltodo).AssoonasIreachthere,Iwillgivetothepoorasmuchasyouwillgive me,forIdonotqualifytobearecipientofalms.'Hesaidtohim:`Sit,mayGodbemercifultoyou,' thenhekepttalkingtopeopletilltheydispersedexceptthatman,SulaimanalJa'feri,Khuthai'ama Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andmyself.Thenhe(alRida)said:`Doyoupermitmetoenter(theroom)?'Sulaimansaidtohim: `MayGodadvanceyourendeavour.'43Soheenteredtheroomandstayedforaboutanhourafter whichhecameoutandclosedthedoorbehindhim,stretchedhishandabovethedoorandsaid: `WhereisthemanfromKhurasan?'Themananswered:`HereIam!'Hesaid:`Takethesetwo hundreddinars,usethemforyourpreparationsforthetrip;mayGodbringyoublessingsthereby, anddonotspendanequalamounttoitonmybehalf,andleavetheroominawaythatIdonot seeyouandyoudonotseeme,'thenheleft.Sulaimanthensaid:`Maymylifebesacrificedfor yours!Youhavemadequiteagenerousoffer,butwhydidyouhideyourface?'Heanswered:`I didsoforfearofseeingthehumiliationonthefaceofthemanduetomyassistanceforhim.Have younotheardthehadithoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)inwhichhesaid:`Theonewhohidesa gooddeedsreceivesrewardsequaltoperformingthepilgrimageseventytimes;onewho announceshissinishumiliated,whileonewhohidesitisforgiven'?Haveyouheardthesayingof theexampleofthefirstcase: WheneverIapproachhim,oneday,withaplea,Ireturnhomeandmydignityisstillwithme. forhehideshimselffromthepersonwhoappealstohimwhenhegiveshimsomethingsothathe doesnotseethehumiliationonhisface,andsothatthepleadingpersonretainshisdignitywhen hedoesnotseethefaceofthebenevolentonewhoisgivinghim?" Heaskshimtoleavewithoutseeinghiminordertosafeguardhimselfagainstfeelingashaving theupperhandoverthepleadingperson,andinordertorelievethepleadingpersonfromhaving toshowhisgratitudetohim. WhileinKhurasan,heoncedistributedhisentirewealthtothepooronthedayofArafat,soal FadlibnSahlsaidtohim:"Nowyouarebankrupt!"hesaid:"Onthecontrary!Iamnowwealthier thanever.DonotconsidertradingmywealthforGod'srewardsandpleasureasbankruptcy."44 Hedoesnotgiveothersinordertobuytheiraffectionorfriendship;rather,heconsidersgiving withgenerosityasagoodtraitwherebymangetsnearertohisMakerbyincludingHisservantsin thewealthwithwhichHeblessedhim.Thisisthedifferencebetweenhismethodofgivingandthe methodofothers.Ya'qubibnIshaqalNawbakhtiisquotedsaying: "AmanpassedbyAbulHassanandbeggedhimtogivehimaccordingtotheextentofhis kindness.Hesaid:`Icannotaffordthat.'Sohesaid:`Thengivemeaccordingtomine,'whereupon heorderedhisservanttogivethemantwohundreddinars."45 ThereasonwhytheImamabstainedfromgivingthemanaccordingtotheextentofhisown kindness,asthemanaskedhimthefirsttime,isprobablyduetothefactthathesimplydidnot haveasmuchmoneyashelikedtogive.Asregardinghisownaffectiontowardsthepoorandthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    indigent,andhiswayoflookingafterthem,Mu'ammaribnKhalladnarratesthisanecdote: "WheneverAbulHassanalRida(A.S.)wasabouttoeathismeal,hewouldbringalargeplatter andselectthechoicestfoodonthetableandputonit,thenhewouldorderittobegivenawayto thepoor.Afterthathewouldrecitethefollowingverse:`Buthehathmadenohasteonthepath thatissteep.'46Afterthathewouldsay:`God,theExaltedandtheSublime,knowsthatnot everyonehastheabilitytofreeaslave,neverthelessHefoundmeansforthemtoachieve Paradise(byfeedingothers).'"47 ThusdoestheImamsensetheweightofdeprivationunderwhichthepoormoanandsuffer; therefore,heshareshisbestfoodwiththeminresponsetothecallofhumanityandkindnessand inharmonywiththespiritofthemessagewithwhichGodentrustedhim. AlBazantitellsthestoryofaletterImamalRida(A.S.)wrotetohissonImamAbuJa'fer(A.S.) whichpersonifiesthegenerosityandspiritofgivingdeeplyrootedintheheartsoftheProphet's AhlalBayt(A.S.);hesays:"IreadtheletterofAbulHassanImamalRida(A.S.)toAbuJa'ferwhich said:`OAbuJa'fer!Ihaveheardthatwhenyouride,theservantstakeyououtofthecitythrough itssmallgate.Thisisduetotheirbeingmisersothatnobodyasksyouforsomething.Ipleadyou bytherightIhaveuponyouthateverytimeyouenterintoorgetoutofthecity,youshoulddoso throughitslargegate,andwhenyouride,takegoldandsilverwithyou,andeverytimeyouare asked,youshouldgive.Ifanyofyourunclesasksyouforsomething,youshouldgivehimnoless thanfiftydinars,andyouyourselfmaydeterminethemaximumamountyouwouldliketogive; andifanyofyourauntsasksyouforsomething,donotgiveherlessthantwentyfivedinars,and itisuptoyoutodeterminethemaximumamount.IonlydesirethatGodraisesyourstatus; therefore,keepgivingawayanddonotfearthattheLordoftheThronewilleverthrowyouinto poverty.'"48 Equity TheImam(A.S.)didnothavethechancetoruleforanyperiodoftimesothatwemaydiscusshis practicalstyleofgovernment,butwecanstillbeacquaintedwiththatthroughreviewinghis statementstosomeofhisfollowerswhoverymuchdesiredthattheImamshouldshoulderthe responsibilitiesofcaliphate.MuhammadibnAbu'Abadaaskedhimonce:"Whydidyoudelay executingtheorderofthecommanderofthefaithfulandwhydidyourefusetooblige?"Hesaid: "Becareful,OfatherofHassan!Thematterisnotso."HeaddedsayingthattheImamnoticedthat hewascrossed,sohesaid:"What'sinitforyouanyway?ShouldI,asyoupresume,becomewhat youwishmetobecome,andyouareasclosetomethenasyouarerightnow,youwould certainlyberesponsibleforpayingyourduesand,inmyeyes,therewouldbenodifference betweenyouandanyoneelse." Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    He,peacebeuponhim,clarifiesthematter,andthatthereisnousetoacceptthecaliph'soffer sincegovernmentwillneveractuallybeunderhiscontrol.Andwhenhenoticesthebitternesson thefaceofthepersonwhoaskedhimwhyhehesitatedtoacceptthecaliph'soffer,hereminds himofhismethodofgovernmentshoulditatallbeinhishands,summarizingitthus:Nobody shallhaveanydistinctionoverothercitizensaccordingtothedictatesoftheequitable governmentsetupbyIslamicShari'aregardlessofclassoranyotherdistinctionssuchas favouritism,friendshiporsupport;rather,allsubjectsareequalintherightstheyenjoywithout anybiastooneinpreferenceoveranother,oranybiasagainstoneinordertopleaseanother. TheImam'swayofexplaininghismethodofgovernmentisactuallyanoutspokenwayof criticizingtherulingmethodsfollowedthenthefoundationsofwhichwerenotbasedonjustice andequitybutonspecialinterestswhichguaranteefortherulerandhisfollowersthecontinuity ofhisgovernmentandauthority.Thewealth,lives,possessionsandeverythingelseunderthe government'scontrolwasallsubjecttothewhimsanddesiresoftheoppressiverulerandhis train,distantfromtheprinciplesofjusticeandthenormsofequalitysecuredbytheIslamic messageasembeddedwithinitshumanitarianmethodoflegislation. MethodofEducatingthePublic TheImams(A.S.)playedasignificantroleintheareaofeducatingthepublic,settingexamplesin educatingthroughtheexampleofone'sownconduct;therefore,theirmethodsofeducationwere notconfinedmerelytospreadingawarenessthroughthespokenwordbutwentbeyondthatto enforcingastrictpracticalcensorshipoveractionstoobservethedefectsandshortcomingsof conductinthelifeofothers.HerewepresentthreeexamplesofthenormsofconductofImamal Rida(A.S.)eachdealingwithoneaspectofman'spracticallife: Yasir,oneofhisservants,narratesthattheImam'sattendantswereeatingsomefruitonedayand theywerethrowingawayagoodportionofituneaten.AbulHassan(A.S.)saidtothem:"Praisebe toGod!Ifyouhaveeatentoyourfill,therearemanywhohavenot;so,youshouldfeedthemofit instead."49 Inthisincident,theImampointsouttotherealityofwantonlivingwhichweobserveinourlife. Whenwefeelthatwehaveachievedfullsatisfactionofsomething,beitfoodoranythingelse,we donottrytosatisfytheneedofothersforit,butwemayeventrytospoilitinonewayoranother withoutrealizingthecrimetowardshumanityimpliedinanactionlikethat. SulaimanibnJa'feralJu'fiisquotedsaying:"IwasinthecompanyofalRida(A.S.)tryingtotake careofsomepersonalbusinessofmyownandIwantedtogohome.Hesaidtome,`Comewith meandspendthenightovermyhouse.'SoIwentwithhimandheenteredhishouseshortly beforesunset.Henoticedthathisattendantswereworkingwithclay,probablymendingstables, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andtherewasablackmanamongthem.Heaskedthem,`Whatisthismandoingwithyou?'They said:`Heishelpingus,andwewillpayhimsomething.'Heasked,`Didyoucometoanagreement withhimregardinghiswages?'Theysaid,`No.Hewillacceptwhateverwepayhim.'He, thereupon,startedwhippingthemandshowingsignsofextremeanger.Isaidtohim,`Maymylife besacrificedforyours!Whyareyousoangry?'Hesaid:`Ihaveforbiddenthemsomanytimes fromdoingsomethinglikethatandorderedthemnottoemployanyonebeforecomingtoan agreementwithhimregardinghiswages.Youknowthatnobodywouldworkforyouwithoutan agreeduponwage.Ifyoudonot,andthenyoupayhimthreetimesasmuchasyoufirstintended topayhim,hewouldstillthinkthatyouunderpaidhim.Butifyouagreeonthewage,hewill praiseyouforfulfillingyourpromiseandpayinghimaccordingtoyouragreement,andthenifyou givehimalittlebitmore,hewouldrecognizethatandnoticethatyouincreasedhispay."50 HeretheImamtriestopointoutasignificantpointrelatedtothesystemoflabourwherebyeach oftheemployerandtheemployeesafeguardshisrights.Often,disputeseruptaboutdetermining thewagetheemployeedeservesintheabsenceofaprioragreementbetweentheemployerand theemployeeregardingasetwage.Bydeterminingandagreeinguponasetwage,eachparty safeguardsitsownrightwithoutfindingareasontodispute.Anincrease,thoughsmall,inthe wagewillsurelycausetheemployeetofeelgratefulandthankfultohisemployer. AlBazantiisquotedsaying: "AlRida(A.S.)hadoneofhisdonkeyssenttoconveymetohisresidence,soIcametothetown andstayedwithadignitaryforapartofthenight,andwebothhadoursuppertogether,thenhe orderedmybedtobeprepared.ATiberianpillow,aCaesariansheet,andaMarwblanketwere broughttome.Havingeatenmysupper,heaskedme,`Wouldyouliketoretire?'Isaid,`Yes,may mylifebesacrificedforyours.'Soheputthesheetandtheblanketovermeandsaid,`MayGod makeyousleepingoodhealth,'andwewereontherooftop.Whenhewentdown,Itoldmyself thatIhadachievedastatuswiththatmannobodyelsehadattainedbefore.ItwasthenwhenI heardsomeonecallingmyname,butIdidnotrecognizethevoicetilloneofhis(alRida's) servantscametome.Hesaid:`Comemeetmymaster;'soIwentdownandhecametowardsme, askedmeformyhandtoshakeandheshookitwithasqueeze,saying,`TheCommanderofthe Faithful,God'speacebeuponhim,cameoncetovisitSa'sa'aibnSawhan,andwhenitwastimeto leave,headvisedSa'sa'anottoboastabouthisvisittohimbuttolookafterhimselfinsteadforhe seemedtobeabouttodepartfromthisworldandthatworldlyhopesdonotdoadyingmanany good,andhegreetedhimagreatdealashebidhimgoodbye.'"51 Intheaboveanecdote,theImam(A.S.)pointsoutthesignificanceofrealisticspiritualupbringing whichisnotinfluencedbyexternalappearancesnorisdeceivedbyartificialpsychological fantasies,forthereasonwhyotherspayattentionandshowconcernmaybesolelyduetoseeking theirselfinterest,ormaybeduetoasincereaffection,ortoanyotherreason,withoutanyof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thesereasonsbeinglinkedtotherealityoftheselfanditssignificance.TheImamtriestopushus toavoidbeingdeceivedbyanythingwhichwouldpushusawayfromcontemplatinguponourreal worldtowhichourdestinyistied,andwehavetobesubjectiveinouroutlooks,assessingour realitieswithoutbeinginfluencedbycasualexternalfactors. ReluctancetoCooperateWiththeRulers TheImams(A.S.)didnotforevenonedayadmitanylegitimacytotheircontemporary governments,beitUmayyadorAbbaside,duetothefactthatthosegovernmentswerefaraway fromthepristineIslamicsystemofgovernmentandtotheirdeviation,inspiritandinconduct, fromthemostsimpleprinciplesandrulesofhumanjustice.Executions,deportations, confiscationsofproperties,transgressions,accordingtothem,alldidnotholdthemlegally accountable,nordidtheyconstituteadeparturefromtheprinciplesofcreedandequityaslongas theyintheendservedtostrengthenandsecurethefoundationsoftheirgovernments. Anyonewhoappreciateshisdivineresponsibilitywouldtryashardaspossibletostayawayfrom participatinginshoulderingtheresponsibilitiesofsuchgovernmentsormakingthelatter'sjob easier,forthiswouldmeanhisownrecognitionoftheirlegitimacyandhisownadmissionoftheir righttoexist. Yes;iftheobjectiveofhisparticipationistoalleviate,asmuchashecan,theirinjusticeand transgressiontowhichinnocentbelieversmaybesubjected,andtominimizethedangeroftheir ethicalandsocialiniquitieswhichdistancethenationfromtheachievementofanexemplary realizationofitsmissionifthisistheobjective,thensuchparticipationmaybenecessitatedby one'sownpersistentfaith,anduponthispremisedidtheImamsrefrainfromencouraginganyof theirfollowersfromworkingforsuchgovernmentsforthatwouldmeanassistingtheaggressor andstrengtheninghisstance.Theonlyexceptionwasthecasewhenthereligion'sinterest dictatedit.Inthelattercase,theyusedtoencouragesomeoftheirinfluentialfollowerstotake partinthegovernmentandbeemployedbyitaswasthecaseofAliibnYaqteenwhotriedseveral timestoresignfromhispostatthecourtofHarunalRashid,butImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.) usedtoencouragehimtostayduetothefactthathisstaymeantremovinginjusticesfrommany believersandthefendingofsomeofthecorruptioncommittedbyothers. WecanclearlybeacquaintedwiththisnegativestanceofAhlalBayt(A.S.)towardstheirrulersby examiningwhatalHassanibnalHusaynalAnbaritellsusaboutImamAbulHassanalRida(A.S.). Hesays:"IcontinuedwritinghimforfourteenyearsaskinghispermissionthatIacceptajobinthe serviceofthesultan.AttheconclusionofthelastletterIwrotehimIstatedthefactthatIwas fearingformylifebecausethesultanwasaccusingmeofbeingaRafidiandthathedidnotdoubt thatthereasonwhyIdeclinedfromworkingforhimwasduetomybeingaRafidi.SoAbulHassan wrotemesaying,`Ihavecomprehendedthecontentsofyourlettersandwhatyoustated Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    regardingyourapprehensionaboutyourlife'ssafety.Ifyouknowthatshouldyouacceptthejob, youwouldbehaveaccordingtothecommandsoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)andyour assistantsandclerkswouldbefollowersofyourfaith,andifyouusethegainyoureceivetohelp needybelieverstillyoubecometheirequal,thenonedeedwilloffsetanother;otherwise,do not.'"52 TheImam(A.S.)preconditionsforhispermissiontoworkforthegovernmentthatthereshouldbe areligiousinterestwhichdecreasesthedamagedonebythenatureofthejob;otherwise,it wouldmeanapsychologicalandfactualseparationfromthepristineprinciplesofIslamandits preceptsandanattachmenttothecorruptworldinwhichthoserulerswereliving. HowcouldtheImameverapprovetheprincipleofcooperatingwiththosewhoplayedMuslim caliphsanddeliberatelywatereddownthedivinecontentoftheIslamicmessagebytheirand behaviouraltransgressionswhichdemolishedthepsychologicalandspiritualbordersseparating thenationfromtherealizationofthesinsandpitfallsofsuchtransgressions?Theirswere gatheringsinwhichwinewasserved,entertainersentertained,singerssang,dancersdanced, fillingthepalacesofUmayyadandAbbasidecaliphswithimmorality.Oneofthemwasinsolent enoughtoinviteoneofthoseImams(A.S.)toparticipateinhisdrinkingorgyaswasthecaseofal MutawakkilwithImamAlialHadi(A.S.)whichunveilstoustheextentofcorruptionandthe extremityofmoraldecayoftheAbbasidecaliphate. ItisquitepossiblethatthoserulerswereawareofthenegativeattitudeoftheImamstowards themandtheircorruptgovernmentsystems.Wefindthem,astheanecdoteaboveproves, doubtingtheloyaltyoftheindividualswhorefusedtocooperatewiththem,chargingthemwith RafidismduetothenegativestanceadoptedbytheirImamstowardstheconductofthoserulers. IslamiccaliphatesufferedthetragedyofahumiliatingdeviationfromIslamandamoraldecay duringtheUmayyadandAbbasidedynastieswhichhelpedthewidedisseminationofcorruption andmoraldecayamongvarioussectorsoftheummah.WhatsortofMuslimcaliphswerethose whoseeyescouldnotsleepexceptafterlisteningtothemusicplayedbytheirmaleandfemale singers,whosenightlymeetingswerenotcompletewithoutthepresenceofwineandimmorality? WhattypeofIslamicrealityisthisinwhichagrouplikethathasthefullsay?Howcananyone expecttheImams(A.S.),whowerethecarefulcustodiansofrightsandwhoseresponsibilitywas tosafeguardsuchrights,topermitthemselvesandtheirfollowerstobearanyresponsibilityina governmentledbyindividualswhosehandswerepollutedwithsinsandaccustomedtosinning? ThenegativestanceoftheImamswasanobviouscallforthenationtobeawareofitsIslamic missionandprinciples,aloudcrytowakeitupfromitsslumbertowitnessthecorruptreality livedbysuchIslamic"caliphs"duetotherecklessandcorruptbehaviourofthoserulersandtheir followerswhowereatthehelmofleadingthenation. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Thesearesomeofthecharacteristicsandqualitieswhichprovideuswithsomeoftheoutlinesof theportraitofImamalRida(A.S.),andthepicturepresentedhereisnotcompleteinitspristine componentswhichrepresenttheactualcontextforit,forsuchataskrequirestheresearcherto risetograsptheImam'sloftinesswhichisimpossibletoattainbyanywriter,andnobodycanever describeitnomatterhowhardhetries. 18'UyoonAkhbaralRata,Vol.2,pp.180183.19BiharalAnwar,Vol.49,p.211,asquotedbyIbn Maskawayhi'sbookNadeemalTareef. 20BiharalAnwar,Vol.49,p.100.ItisnarratedfromalHakimbyAbuAbdullah,thehafizof Naishapur. 21Ibid. 22AlIrshadbyalMufid,p.291. 23ManaqibAaliAbiTalib,Vol.4,p.300. 24'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.203. 25IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.183. 26'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.184. 27AlKafi,Vol.6,p.203. 28AlManaqib,Vol.4,p.362. 29AlKafi,Vol.4,p.81. 30'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.226. 31AlHujurat:13. 32Ibid.,Vol.2,p.174. 33AlKafi,Vol.4,p.23. 34AlHujurat:13. 35'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.237. 36AlKafi,Vol.6,p.298. 37KashfalGhumma,Vol.3,p.147;SuratAlA'raaf:32. 38AlKafi,Vol.6,p.516. 39'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.178. 40AlKafi,Vol.1,pp.316319. 41KashfalGhumma,Vol.3,p.143. 42AlKafi,Vol.3,p.502. 43AlKafi,Vol.4,p.24. 44AlManaqib,Vol.4,p.361. 45Ibid.,Vol.2,p.360. 46AlBalad:11. 47'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.264. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    48'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.8. 49AlKafi,Vol.6,p.297. 50AlKafi,Vol.5,p.288. 51QurbalIsnad,p.222,andAlKharaijwalJaraih,p.237,withaslighttextualvariation. 52AlKafi,Vol.5,p.111. ImamandtheWaqfis Immediatelyafterthedemiseofhisfather,ImamalRida(A.S.)wastriedbyanacutecalamity whichdeepenedthetragedyoflosinghisfather.Ononehand,hewassufferingfromtheattempts oftherulersandtheirsupportersathislifeand,ontheotherhand,hewaspainfullyandbitterly witnessingthehorribledivisionwhichcauseddissensionamonghisfather'sfollowers.Itwas causedbythepromotionofaninventedideawhichcalledfortheImamatetobeterminatedwith ImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),claimingthathedidnotactuallydiebutwasstillalive,thathewas theQa'im(Mehdi)oftheProgenyofMuhammad(S.A.W.),thathisabsencewassimilartothe absenceofMousaibn'Imran(MosessonofAmram),andthat,accordingly,theImamateshould nottransfertohissonImamalRida(A.S.). PioneersofWaqfism Thefirsttopromotethisideawerefewmenwhowereamongthemostdistinguishedfollowersof ImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)suchasAliibnAbuHamzaalBataini,ZiyadibnMarwanalQandi,and UthmanibnIsaalRuwasi.Thesethreepersonsareconsideredthefirsttoinventthis"sect," openlyclaimedtobeitsadherents,andinvitedotherstopromoteit. ObjectivesoftheWaqfis Thisnew"sectarian"trenddidnotresultfromapurebeliefandamereconviction;rather,itwas promptedbymaterialisticandworldlydesireswhichaffectedthethinkingofitsinventorsand causedthemtodeviatefromtheRightPath.Thoseindividualstriedtofindexcusesfortheirfalling intosuch"sect"bynarratingnarrativestheyhadheardfromImamalSadiq(A.S.)withoutbeing actuallyfamiliarwiththeirimplications,nordidtheyaccuratelycomprehendtheircontextseither. ThismaybedeliberateespeciallysinceImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),whilestillalive,had explainedtothemtheiractualimplications. Forexample,AlGhaibaquotesalHassanibnalHassansaying:"IsaidtoAbulHassanMousa Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    (A.S.):`CanIaskyouaquestion?'Heanswered,`YoumustratheraskyourownImam.'Iinquired, `Whatdoyoumean?IdonotknowofanyImamotherthanyourownself.'Hesaid:`Heismyson AlitowhomIgavemytitle(ofImam).'Isaid:`Master!PleasehelpmesavemyselffromHellfire! AbuAbdullah(A.S.)hadsaidthatyouyourselfaretheQaim,thecaretakerofthisissue.'Hesaid: `WasInot?'Thenheadded,`OHassan!NoImampreachestoanationexceptwhenheistheir Qaim;so,whenheleavesthem(dies),hissuccessorwillbetheQaimandtheHujja(Proof)tillhe tooleaves.We(theImams)areallQaims;therefore,fromnowon,redirectallyourdealingstomy sonAli,forbyGodIsweartwicethatIdidnotdothatbutGoddidoutofHisloveforhim.'"53 Thisnarrativerevealstoustherealitybehindtheconfusioninwhichthosewhodeviatedby Waqfismwereswept.ItalsoprovesthatthetheoryofWaqfismwasnotbornafterthedemiseof ImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)butwasaliveevenduringthetimeofImamalSadiq(A.S.)according tothenarrationofeventswhichcouldnotbeexplainedevenbytheirnarrators.Inthisnarrative, theImamtriestoexplaintotheseindividualstheirmisunderstandingofthoseimplicationsand theirerroneousinterpretationthereofinawayuponwhosepremisetheWaqfisestablishtheir claim. ImamDenouncesWaqfism TheImamdidhisbesttoemphasizetheerrorofthatconceptanditscollisionwithrealityby continuouslystatingthattheImamateafterhisdemisewouldbetheresponsibilityofhissonAli, andheevenmadeanumberofhisfollowersandfamilytestifytothat.Forexample,Haideribn Ayyubsays:"WewereinMedinaatQabawhereweusedtomeetMuhammadibnZaidibnAli.He cametousonedaymuchlaterthananticipated,soweaskedhimwhatcausedhimtobesolate. Hesaid,`AbuIbrahiminvitedseventeenmenofus,alldescendantsofAliandFatima,God's blessingsbeuponbothofthem,andherequiredustobearwitnesstohiswillandtestimonythat hissonAliwouldbehissuccessorandrepresentativeduringtheremainderofhisownlifeand afterhisdemise,andthattheissuewasineffectsincethen.'ThenMuhammadibnZaidsaid,`By God,OHaider!HehastodaytiedtheknotofImamateforhim,andtheShi'aswillaccepthimas theImamafterhisfather'sdemise.'"54 AbdullahibnalHarithsaid:"AbuIbrahimcalledustohispresenceandweresponded.Hesaid,`Do youknowwhyIhavegatheredyouallhere?'Weansweredinthenegative.Hesaid,`Bearwitness thatthisAli,myson,ismyregent,executorofmywill,andmysuccessorafterme;whoever entrustedmewithsomething,lethimtakeitbackfromhim,andwhoeverinsistedonseeking audiencewithme,lethimobtainhiswrittenapprovalforthat.'"55 AbdulRahmanibnalHajjajisquotedsayingthatAbulHassanMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)had nominatedhissonAlifortheImamateandwroteastatementtothiseffectinthepresenceof sixtywitnessesfromamongthemostdistinguisheddignitariesofMedina.56 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Inthesecleartexts,andinothers,heisseenemphasizinghisnominationofhissonastheImam and,atthesametime,heisdeclaringthathisdeathwasimminent,thusinadvancefalsifyingthe claimoftheWaqfis. AdvocatesofWaqfismRevealTheirOwnNature TherearemanynarrativesnarratedbysomeadvocatesandinventorsofWaqfismwhichclearly provetoustheirfalseclaims.Forexample,ZiyadibnMarwanalQandinarratesthefollowing: "OnceIvisitedAbuIbrahimandhissonAliwaswithhim.Hesaidtome,`OZiyad!His(son's) statementsareasgoodasmine,hisspeechislikemyspeech,andhisinstructionsareasbinding asmine.'"57 AhmedibnMuhammadalMaithami,aWaqfi,says:"MuhammadibnIsma'ilibnalFadlalHashimi toldmethefollowing:`IvisitedAbulHassanMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)andhewassufferingfroman acuteillness.Iaskedhim:`IfthematterregardingwhichIprayGodthatitwouldnothappen (Imam'sdeath)comestopass,whoshallwefollow?'Hesaid:`MysonAli;hiswritingisasthoughI wroteit,andheismyregentandsuccessorafterme.'"58 GhannamibnalQasimisquotedsaying:"MansouribnYounusBarzajtoldmethathehadvisited AbulHassan,thatis,MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),andhesaidtohim,`Haveyoucometoknowwhat newundertakingIhaveundertakentoday?'Heansweredinthenegative,sotheImamsaid,`I haveappointedmysonAliasmyregentandsuccessorafterme;so,enterhisroomand congratulatehimandtellhimthatIorderedyoutodoso.'Soheenteredhisroomand congratulatedhimandinformedhimthathisfatherhadorderedhimtodoso,yetMansour renegedafterthat,andheevenconfiscatedthefunds(ofMuslims)entrustedtohim."59 WhatismostsignificantinthisnarrativeistheImam'sinitiationofthedialoguewithMansourto tellhimabouthissuccessor,thenhisorderinghimtoenterhisson'sroomtocongratulatehim andtotellhimthathewasdoingsobecausehisfatherorderedhimto.WhattheImamwantedto accomplishbydoingallofthatwastomakeapracticalpointfortherecordagainstMansourby makinghimrecognizetheImamateofhissonafterhiminawaywhichdoesnotpermithimatall topreachWaqfismexceptifherenegedasactuallyhappenedafterthat. ImamMousaIbnJa'fer(A.S.)WarnstheWaqfis ThereisanotherstancefortheImamwhichisnotwithoutanexcitingmomentinvolvingoneof themainadvocatesofWaqfism.Hisstancewaslikeaclearwarningtothosewhocreatedthe controversyofthis"sect"andpromotedit;alBatainistates: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    "IsaidtoAbulHassan,`Yourfatherhadinformedusofhissuccessor,andwewishyoucould informusofyours.'Sohetookmyhandandshookit,thenherecitedtheverse:`Godwillnot misleadpeopleafterHehadguidedthem,inorderthatHemaymakecleartothemwhattofear (andavoid)'."60 Therecitationofthatversecamealmostlikeaprophecyaboutthefutureofwhatthatpersonand hisfriendswoulddoandhowtheywouldfallintotheslipperypathsofmisguidance;therefore,he shakeshishandandrecitesaversewhichpredictedthatthosefolks'deviationwouldtakeplace afterproofhadbeenmademanifestagainstthem.TheImam,asamatteroffact,refersclearlyto theWaqfimovementafterhimandevenreadstheepitaphofthefaithofthosewhoadvocate WaqfisminanarrativenarratedbyMuhammadibnSananwhosays: "IvisitedAbulHassanoneyearbeforehewasconveyedtoIraq,andhissonwaswithhim.He calleduponmetobeattentive,andIresponded.Thenhesaid,`Therewillbeamovementthis year...,butdonotletitbotheryou.'Thenheloweredhisheadcontemplating,pickingtheground, thenheraisedhisheadandrecitedtheverse,`GodleadstheoppressorsastrayanddoeswhatHe pleases.'61Isaid,`Andwhatisthat,maymylifebesacrificedforyours?'Hesaid,`Anyonewho deniestherightofthissonofmineandrefusestorecognizehisImamateaftermewillbeequalto onewhodeniedtherightofAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)anddidnotrecognizehisImamateafter Muhammad(S.A.W.).'SoIunderstoodthathewasimplyingthathisdeathwasnear,andthathe wasappointinghissonashissuccessor."62 MaterialisticObjectivesofWaqfis Historytellsusthatthosewhoinventedthedissensionofthis"sect"werechiefofficersofImam MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)andkeepersofthefundscollectedforhimfromhisShi'afollowers.When hedied,AliibnAbuHamzaalBatainihadwithhimasmuchasthirtythousanddinars;Ziyadibn MarwanalQandihadseventythousanddinars,andUthmanibnIsaalRuwasihadthirtythousand dinarsandsixconcubines.Theydidnotrelishtheideaofdeliveringthesefundstohissonand executorofhiswillafterhim;therefore,theyinventedthetrickofdenyingthedeathofImam MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),claimingthathewasstillalive,andthattheywouldnothandthosefunds excepttohimuponhisreturn.AhmedibnHammadsaid:"Oneoftheofficers,UthmanibnIsa,was stayinginEgypt,andhehadwithhimagreatdealofwealthandsixconcubines.SoAbulHassan alRida(A.S.)wrotehimdemandingthedeliveryoftheconcubinesandthemoney,buthewrote himbacksayingthathisfatherdidnotdie.He(alRida)wroteagainsaying,"Hedied,andwehave distributedhislegacy;thenewsabouthisdeathiscorrect,andthereareeyewitnessestothat.' Yethe(Uthman)wrotebacksaying,`Ifyourfatherisnotdead,thenyouhavenorighttoclaim whatishis,andifhediddie,asyousay,thenheneverorderedmetogiveanythingtoyou,andI haveemancipatedtheconcubinesandmarriedthem.'" Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AccordingtotheversionofhisletterasrecordedinAlGhayba,hewrote,"Yourfatherdidnotdie; rather,heisstillaliveandincharge,andanyonewhosaysthathediedisonthewrongtrack."63 BothAliibnAbuHamzaalBatainiandZiyadalQanditriedtoresisttheImam'sattempttopursue themandrejecthisdemandthattheyshoulddeliverthefundsbydenyingthattheyhadhadany moneythatbelongedtohisfatherwiththem,butYounusibnAbdulRahman,whomtheyboth triedtoallurewithmoneytojointheircallforWaqfism,revealedtoustheircrimeoftheftand confiscationofhisImam'sfunds;hesaid: "AbuIbrahimdiedandeachofhischiefexecutiveofficershadagreatdealofmoneywithhim, andthisisthereasonwhytheyclaimedWaqfism,thatis,theirowndesiretokeepthemoneyfor themselves.ZiyadalQandihadseventythousanddinarsandAliibnAbuHamzaalBatainihad thirtythousanddinars.Havingseenallofthatandcometorealizethetruthbehinditandtoknow whatIknewofthedilemmaofAbulHassanalRida(A.S.),Iencouragedpeopletosupporthim,so bothmenaskedmetomeetthemandaskedme:`Whyareyoudoingthat?Ifyouwantwealth, wecanmakeyouwealthy,'andtheyofferedtenthousanddinarsformeifIaccepted,andthey toldmetochangemymind,butIrefusedandIsaidtothem,`Weallhavebeennarratingone particularhadithfromtheTruthfulImamsthat,`Wheninnovationsinreligionarepromoted,let thelearnedpersonpromotehisknowledgedisprovingthem,andifhedoesnot,thelightofIman willbetakenawayfromhim;'so,IwouldnotabandontheJihadintheWayofGodatanyrate.' Forthisreason,theyopposedmeandconcealedenmitytowardsme."64 ImamRevealstheRealMotivesoftheWaqfis InoneofhisletterstoalBazanti,theImam(A.S.)revealsthetruthbehindtheseindividuals'call forWaqfism;hesays: "AsregardingIbnalSarraj,thereasonwhyhecalleduponpeopletodisobeyusandnottobe loyaltousisthatheconfiscatedfundswhichmyfatheralHassanhadentrustedtohimbeforehe died,andhearguedaboutitwithmeandrefusedtogiveitbackevenwhenallothersdidsoand deliveredtomeallitemsentrustedtothem.ButwhenmyfatheralHassanpassedaway,hetook theopportunityofthedisobedienceofAliibnAbuHamzaandhisfriendstomeandclaimedhe feltsick.Bymylife,hewasnotsickatall,buthewantedanexcuseforconfiscatingthemoneyand runningawaywithit.AsregardingIbnAbuHamza,heisamanwhoadoptedaninterpretationof onehadithwhichhehimselfinvented,andhedidnotdoagoodjobathisinterpretationforhedid nothaveenoughknowledgetodigesthisowninvention,buthepasseditontopeopleanyway andhefellintothetrapwhichhedidnotknowhehadsetforhimself;so,hehatedtoprove himselfaliarwhiletryingtodisprovewhathehimselfhadclaimedthroughahadithwhichhe interpretedwithoutknowledgethereof,andherealizedthatifhedidnotmakesuretorepresent Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    myforefathersastruthful,hewouldnotbecertainwhetherwhathehadheardaboutalSufiani andotherswastrueornot.He,therefore,toldpeoplethatwhatmyforefathershadsaiddidnot disproveanyofhisclaims,buthisknowledgewasshortofcomprehendingtheimplicationsofthe ahadithmyforefathershadnarratedandthetruthrelatedtothem;so,hecauseddissensionorat leastputsomedoubtinpeople'smindsaboutwhathewasnarrating,andintheendhefellintoa pitfallhethoughthewastryingtoavoid..."65 ThefactthattheImam(A.S.)didnotmentionthemoneyincentiveasbeingthemajorfactor whichcausedalBatainiandhisfriendstoprofessWaqfismdoesnotproveitsabsence,forthe Imam(A.S.)wasdealingwithrefutingtheseindividuals'claimsandprovingtheirarguments wrong.AsregardingIbnalSarraj,sincethemandidnotclaimanexcuseofhisown,hisown confiscationofthefundsduringthelifetimeoftheImam'sfatherwasthesubjectoftheImam's criticism. ALeadingWaqfiConfesses WhatleadsustobelievethattheWaqfisdidnotestablishtheirclaimofWaqfismonaconcrete reality,andthatWaqfismwasinventedmerelytosatisfythedesireforamaterialisticgain,isthe storyoftheconfessionofoneoftheleadersofWaqfisatthetimeofhisdeath.Headmittedthe horrorofhissinofconfiscatingthemoneyandnotdeliveringittoImamalRida(A.S.).AlToosi's workAlGhaybaquotesalHusaynibnFadalsaying,"IusedtoseeanoldmanfromBaghdadatthe houseofmyuncleAliibnalHusaynibnFadal,andheusedtoteasehimquiteoften.Hesaidto himoneday,`Thereisnobodyworsethanyou,Shi'afolks(oryouRafidis,accordingtoanother versionofthestory).'Myunclesaidtohim,`Whyso,mayGodcurseyou?!'Hesaid:`Iammarried tothedaughterofAhmedibnAbuBishralSarrajwho,beforebreathinghislast,toldmethathe hadwithhimtenthousanddinarswhichactuallybelongedto(Imam)MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),and thathedidnotdeliverittohissonafterhimandtestifiedthatthemanhadnotdiedyet.Thenhe pleadedussaying,`ForthesakeofGod,savemyskinfromtheFireanddeliverittoalRida!Please dosoforthesakeofGod!'ByGod,wedidnotdeliverabitofittohim,andweleftthemanbeing burntinHellfire!'"66 WaqfismSpreadsandGainsMomentum TheseindividualsfooledaselectgroupfromamongthefollowersoftheImam(A.S.)and convincedthemtobelieve,throughcastingdoubtsandsuspicions,inWaqfism,sotheyfinallyfell toitandembracedtheinnovation.AmongthemwereAbdulRahmanibnalHajjaj,Rifa'aibn Mousa,YounusibnYa'qoob,JameelibnDarraj,HammadibnIsa,AhmedibnMuhammadibnAbu Naseer,alHassanibnAlialWashsha,andotherdignitarieswhousedtobecompanionsofthe Prophet'sProgeny.Buttheycamebacktotheirsenses,recognizedtheImamateofalRida(A.S.), andabandonedWaqfism.OtherswhoseadherencetoWaqfismwasboughtwithalotofmoney Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    didnotlistentoanyargumentandpreferredtoupholdtheirbeliefsanddiedwrongingtheirown soulssuchasHamzaibnBazee'whowasdescribedbyImamalRida(A.S.)asthe"wretch." IbrahimibnYahyaibnAbulBalladisquotedsaying:"AlRidaonceinquired,`Whatdidthiswretch HamzaibnBazee'do?'Isaidthathebecameanoldman.Hesaid,`Heclaimsthatmyfatherisstill alive!Today,theyalldoubttheirownclaim,buttomorrowtheywilldieatheists.'Safwansaidthat hetoldhimselfheunderstoodwhattheImam(A.S.)meantbysayingthattheyweredoubtful,but hedidnotunderstandhisreferencetoatheism.Afterashortwhile,Safwancontinues,oneof theirmenwasreportedtohavesaidatthetimeofhisdeaththathedisbelievedintheGodofhis Imam(meaningImamMousaibnJa'fer,A.S.).Safwansaid,`Thisistheinterpretationofthe (Imam's)hadith.'"67ImamalRida(A.S.),indeed,sufferedagreatdealwhilefightingthemand refutingtheirfalsebeliefs,unveilingtheirrealintentionsanddisclosingtheirrealitybeforethe publicsothatnoweaklingswouldbedupedbythem. ConfusionofSomeWaqfis WhatisinterestingisthatafterthedemiseofImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.),someofthosefolks calledfortheImamateofhissonAhmed;so,whenthelatteraccompaniedAbulSarayaduringIbn Tabataba'suprisingagainsttheAbbasideregime,theydisprovedofhisactionandrevertedto believeinWaqfismratherthansubmittingtothebeliefintheImamateofhissonalRida(A.S.)as thesuccessorofhisfather.MuhammadibnAhmedibnAseedsaid: "AfterthedemiseofAbulHassan,IbrahimandIsma'ilsonsofAbulAsmalsuggestedtogoand visithissonAhmed,whichtheydid,spendingquitesometimewithhim.WhenAbulSarayawent out(tofighttheAbbasides),AhmedibnAbulHassanjoinedhim;so,weapproachedIbrahimand Isma'ilandsaidtothem,`ThismanhasjustjoinedAbulSaraya;so,whatisyourviewinthe matter?'Hesaidthatbothmenfoundhisbehaviourunacceptable,andtheydiscontinued supportinghimandsaid,`AbulHassanisalive!WeremainfollowingthebeliefofWaqfism,'andI thinkthatthisman(meaningIsma'il)dieddoubtful."68 Thisdissensioncontinuedforalongtimeduringwhichthedisputesanddisagreementsbetween themandtheonesontheRightPathwereattheirpeaktillGodcausedthefalsebeliefsto disintegrateandbecomeextinctduetothefactthattheywerenotbasedonfirmdurable foundations. 53AlGhaybabyShaikhalToosi,p.29. 54'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.28. 55Ibid.,p.27. 56Ibid.,p.28. 57AlKafi,Vol.1,p.381;alsoalMufid'sIrthaa,p.286. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    58'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.20. 59AlKashi'sRijal,p.398. 60Al'Ayyashi'sTafsir,Vol.2,p.115ofSuratalTawba,verse115. 61Ibrahim:27. 62'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.32. 63'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.113andalsoShaikhalToosi'sAlGhayba,p.47. 64'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.112. 65QurbalIrshad,p.206. 66ShaikhalToosi'sAlGhayba,p.48. 67ShaikhalToosi'sAlGhayba,p.50. 68AlKashi'sRijal,p.400. Imamandthe'Caliphs' TheImam(A.S.)wascontemporarytoashortperiodofalRashid'sregimeduringwhichhe sufferedthetragedyoftheassassinationofhisfatherImamMousaalKazim(A.S.)andother Alawides.Afterthemurderofhisfather,hewasnotsafefromthemovesofsomeofthosewho flatteredtherulersandfollowedtheircourseandpretendedtoshowtheirloyaltybyinstigating enmityagainsttheregime'sopponents,encouragingtheirelimination,thinkingthatthatwould increasetherulers'likingforthemandnearnesstothem,thatitwouldstrengthentheirposition andgrantthemuniquedistinctionsandraisethemtothehighestpinnacles. AttemptstoEliminatetheImam Ja'feribnYahyasays:"IheardIsaibnJa'fersaytoHaroun(alRashid)uponleavingalRiqqafor Mecca,`RememberyouroathbythedignityofthedescendantsofAbuTalibthatshouldanyone afterMousa(alKazim,A.S.)claimImamate,youwouldstrikehisheadwiththesword.ThisAli,his son,claimsso,andpeopleareaddressinghiminthesamewaytheyusedtoaddresshisfather.'He lookedathimangrilyandsaid,`Why?Doyouexpectmetoeliminateeachandeveryoneof them?'"MousaibnMahransaysthatwhenheheardJa'feribnYahyasayso,hewenttohim(i.e. toImamalRida)andtoldhimwhathehadheard.AlRida(A.S.)respondedbysaying,"WhatdoI havetodowiththem?ByGod,theycannothurtmeintheleast." Suchincitementswerenotconfinedwithinareasonablelimitbutwentbeyondittodangerous oneswhereinstigationmightcausealRashidtopayseriousattention,fortheBarmakisweremost antagonistictowardstheDescendantsoftheProphet(S.A.W.)andthemostcruelamongthemin Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theirgrudge,somuchsothatitisreportedthatYahyaibnKhalidalBarmakiwastheonewho orderedthemurderofImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)69whentheAbbasidecaliphatewasunder theirmercy.70ImamalRida(A.S.)renderedGod'sretributionagainsttheBarmakistotheir persecutionandoppressiontheworstofwhichwassufferedbyImamalKazim(A.S.).71Suffices forproofisthefactthatYahyaibnKhalidwastheonewhoplottedtheuglyplotagainstImamal Kazim(A.S.)aftercausingHarounalRashidtobeangrywithhim,instigatingalRashidagainstthe Imam(A.S.)andusingsomenaiveweaklingsamongtheAlawidestoachievehisgoal.72 Itwas,indeed,anattemptwhichspelledtheextentofgrudgefeltbyYahyaibnKhalidwhose purposewastopressurealRashidintomurderingImamalRida(A.S.)andmakehimjoinhis father.Hesaidtohimoneday:"ThisAli,hisson,hasseatedhimselfinplaceandclaimedthe matter(Imamate)forhimself."He(alRashid)said:"Isitnotenoughforuswhatwehavedoneto hisfather?Doyouwishthatweshouldkillthemall?"73AlRashid'sanswerpointsouttothe extentofanguishhewassufferingdeepinside,anditrevealsthebitterstruggleexplodingdeep insidehim.SufficeshimtolivecarryingtheguiltofmurderingthepuresouloftheImam'sfather whomhesubjectedtonumeroustypesoftrialsandtribulationstillhejoinedhisLordwellpleased andsatisfiedafterhavingfaithfullyexecutedtheresponsibilitiesofImamatewhichwere entrustedtohimhonestlyandfaithfully,whilethetyrant'ssoulwasnolongerabletobearany biggersinanymore. AlRashidMovestoEliminatetheImam Finally,alRashidissurroundedbyalargenumberofcourtiersinstigatinghimtokillImamalRida (A.S.),andtheyfinallysucceededinstirringhisfeelingofangeragainsttheImam(A.S.), stimulatinghisbeastlyinstincttoeagerlykill.AbulSaltalHarawinarratessayingthatonedayhe wassittingwiththeImam(A.S.)athishousewhenamessengerfromHarounalRashidcamein andorderedtheImam(A.S.)topresenthimselfbeforethecaliph.TheImam(A.S.)said:"OAbul Salt!Hedoesnotcalluponmeatsuchatimeofthenightexceptfortrouble.ByGod!Hecannot doanythingwhichIhatetomebecauseofwhatIhadcometoknowofcertainstatementssaidby mygrandfathertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)."AbulSaltcontinueshisnarrativetosaythathe accompaniedtheImam(A.S.)whenheenteredthecourtofHarounalRashid.Whenthelatter lookedathim,alRida(A.S.)readthosewordsoftheProphet(S.A.W.),andwhenhestoodbefore alRashid,thelatterlookedcarefullyathimandthensaid,"OAbulHassan!Wehaveordereda hundredthousanddirhamsforyou,andwritedowntheneedsofallyourfamily."WhentheImam (A.S.)leftthecourt,thecaliphkeptlookingathimashewasleavingandsaidbehindhisback:"I wished,andGodwishedotherwise,andwhatGodwishedwasgood."ThusdidGodsavethelifeof theImam(A.S.)whosoughtrefugewithHim,seekingHisassistancethroughthesincerewordshe hadcometoknowthathisgrandfathertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)hadarticulated.AlRashid, ontheotherhand,wentbacktohimselfsatisfiedafterdestinyhadopposedhisviciousintention justtorealizethatwhatGodhaddonewasindeedbetterthanwhathehimselfhadintendedto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    do. SincereAttempts Contrariwise,thereweresincereattemptstodistanceImamalRida(A.S.)fromdangerwhich wereundertakenbysomeofhisfollowerswhohadtastedthebitternessofpainduringthe adversitysufferedbyhisfatherImamalKazim(A.S.)whosufferedagreatdealofoppressionand persecutionatthehandsofthestubborntyrantHarounalRashid.Thoseattemptsrequiredthe Imam(A.S.)toceasepubliclypromotinghismissionandtodistancehimselffromthesituations whichwouldclearlyattracttheattentionofthegovernmenttohimandbecomeacauseforits revengeanddesiretoeliminatehim.ButtheImam(A.S.)whowasconfidentofhisstancedidnot payattentiontothoseattempts,andhewasoftheviewthattheyweresimplyunnecessarydue tosomeknowledgehehadlearnedfromhisforefatherswhichassuredhimthatalRashidwould notbeabletoharmhiminanyway. Forexample,SafwanibnYahyaisquotedsaying:"WhenAbulHassanMousa(A.S.)passedaway andalRida(A.S.)startedpreachinghismission,wewereworriedabouthislifeandwesaidto him,`Youhavedeclaredsomethingofgreatmagnanimity,andweworryaboutyoursafety becauseofthistyrant.'Hesaid,`Lethimtryhisbest,forheshallnothavethemeanstohurt me.'"74 MuhammadibnSinansaid:"DuringthereignofHaroun,IsaidtoAbulHassanalRida(A.S.),`You havemadeyourselfwellknownbecauseofthismatterandfollowedinthefootstepsofyour fatherwhileHaroun'sswordisdrippingwithblood.'Hesaid,`Whatmademeboldinthisregardis thattheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)hadsaid:`IfAbuJahlharmsevenonehaironmyhead,then bearwitnessthatIamnotaProphet,'andItellyouthatifHarountookonehairawayfrommy head,thenbearwitnessthatIamnotanImam.'"75 ViciousIntentions SomeWaqfistriedtowarnhimagainstdeclaringhimselfastheImam(A.S.)andopenlyactingas such,andheansweredthemsayingthatsuchamatterdidnotrequireawarning,andthatthe fearthatHarounmighthurthimwasgroundless.Thoseindividualshadonlyoneobjectivein mind:todiscouragethealRida(A.S.)frommakinghimselfknownastheImamandmakinghis Imamatepublicsothattheymightbeabletopromotetheir"sect"whichclaimedthattheQa'im wasImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)andthathewasstillaliveaswementionedabove.Letusreview thedialoguebetweentheImam(A.S.)andsomeofthoseWaqfis.AbuMasrooqhasstated: "AgroupofWaqfisenteredthehouseoftheImam(A.S.)onceandamongthemweremenlike AbuHamzaalBataini,MuhammadibnIshaqibnAmmar,alHusaynibnUmran,andalHusaynibn Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AbuSa'idalMakari.AliibnAbuHamzasaidtohim,`Maymylifebesacrificedforyou!Tellushow yourfatherisdoing.'Hesaid,`He,peacebeuponhim,passedaway.'Hesaid,`Whodidhe recommendtosucceedhim?'Heanswered,`Myself.'Hesaid,`Youareclaimingsomethingwhich noneamongyourforefathersclaimed,startingfromAliibnAbuTalibdownwards.'Hesaid,`Itwas saidbythebestofmyforefathersandthemostdistinguishedamongthem:theMessengerofGod (S.A.W.).'Heasked,`Donotyoufearthemforyoursafety?'Hesaid,`HadIworriedaboutmy safety,Iwouldhavebeeninapositiontodosomethingtoprotectmyself.TheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)wasapproachedoncebyAbuLahabwhothreatenedhim;theMessengerofGod(S.A.W.) saidtohim:`IfIamscratchedbyyouevenslightly,thenIamindeedaliar.'Thatwasthefirsttime theMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)incitedsomeone,andthisisthefirsttimeIdolikewiseandtellyou thatifIamscratchedbyHarounevenslightly,thenIamindeedaliar.'AlHusaynibnMahransaid tohim,`Ifthiscomestopass,thenwewillhaveachievedourobjective.'Hesaid,`Whatdoyou exactlywant?ShouldIgotoHarounandtellhimthatIamtheImam(A.S.)andthatheisnobody? ThisisnothowtheMessengerofGodbehavedattheoutsetofhismission;rather,hesaidsoto hisfamilyandfollowersandthosewhomhetrustedfromamongthepublic.Youbelievethat Imamatebelongstomyfather,claimingthatwhatstopsmefromadmittingthatmyfatherisalive ismyownfear.IdonotfearyouwhenIsaytoyouthatIamtheImam;so,howcanIfearyouif myfatherisindeedalive?'"76 TheImam'sexpectationprovedtobetrue;alRashidbreathedhislastwithouthurtingtheImam (A.S.)abit. FromtheSeriesofTragedies OneincidentwhichtookplaceduringthereignofalRashidremindsusofthechainoftragic eventsfromwhichtheAlawidessufferedduringthereignofalMansour.InMedina,Muhammad ibnJa'ferdeclaredrebellionagainstthegovernment;therefore,alRashidsentanarmyunderthe commandofalJallooditocrushhisrebellion,orderingalJallooditobeheadthemanifhecould layhishandonhim.AlRashid,furthermore,wasnotsatisfiedwithjustthat.Heinstructedhis commandertoassaultthehousesofthedescendantsofAbuTalibandlooteverythingtheir womenhadwithoutleavingevenonepieceofclothingonthem.AlJallooditriedtoexecuteal Rashid'sorderinperson;therefore,heattackedthehouseofImamalRida(A.S.)usinghis cavaliers.Havingseenhim,theImam(A.S.)putallthewomeninonehouse,andhestoodatits door.AlJalloodisaidtoAbulHassan:"Ihavegottoenterthehouseandstripthewomenof everythingjustasthecommanderofthefaithfulorderedme."AlRida(A.S.)said:"Icandothat foryou,andIwillnotleaveanythingforthem."TheImam(A.S.)keptrequestinghimtoaccept, swearingthathewoulddojustthattillthemancalmeddownandconsented.AbulHasantook theirwares,includingtheirearrings,anklets,shirts,andeveryvaluableiteminthehouse,smallor big. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Thisincident,iftrue,doesnotdepictanunusualbehaviourbyalRashidtowardstheAlawides sincehewasfullofgrudgeandanimositytowardsthem.Whatencouragesustobelieveinitis whatIbnalAthirnarratesaboutalRashidatthetimeofhisdeath,shortlybeforemeetinghis Maker.Hewasmoaningandgroaningwhilesaying,"Howhorriblemyevildeedsaretowardsthe MessengerofGod!HowHorrible!"77Thisisaclearexpressionoftheadmissionofthecalamities heinflicteduponthefamilyoftheProphet(S.W.A.),ofhishorriblesins,ofabitterregretwhich wasconsuminghissoulatthetimeofitsdeparture. ImamDuringalAmin'sReign AsregardinghislifeduringthereignofalAmin,wecannotreviewanyincidentregardingthe government'sstancetowardsImamalRida(A.S.),andthismaybeattributedtotheconfusing environmentinwhichtheAbbasidecaliphatefounditselfduetointernaldissentswhichledinthe endtoaserioussplitamongthemembersoftherulingdynasty,thesplitwhichwascausedbyal AmindeposinghisbrotheralMamoonfromthepostofheirtothethroneandthenominationof hissonMousainhisplaceafterlisteningtotheadviceofalFadlibnalRabee'whohadapersonal vendettaagainstalMamoonandwhofearedhimforhispostshouldhebecomethecaliph instead,sincehehadalreadyopposedhimopenly.78 SuchashakysituationiscreditedforthefactthatalAminandhisrulingapparatusdivertedtheir attentionfromImamalRida(A.S.)andfrompursuinghim,andwecanregardthatperiodofthe Imam'slifeasapeacefulrespitewithwhichcircumstancesblessedhiminordertobeableto dedicatehistimetocarryouttheresponsibilitiesofhismissionanddisseminateitspristine principlesamongthenation. ImamDuringalMamoon'sRegime AsregardingtheperiodoftheImam'slifeduringwhichhewascontemporarytoalMamoon's regime,thismaybetherichestandmosteventfulofallhislife,forhispersonalityenjoyeda significantroleintheturningofeventsandtheirreflectionthereupon.Butfirstwehaveto provideageneralexposeoftheintricateeventswhichcausedImamalRida(A.S.)toenjoya significantroleintheshapingoftheeventsofthatperiod.Afterthat,wehavetoconducta generalstudyofthepersonalityofalMamoonandofitsdistinctions,sincehewasthenumber onemanaroundwhomthecontemporarypoliticaleventsrevolved.Suchastudymayevenlead ustoresearchsomeotherleadingpersonalitiesofthetimethatplayedandassumedalargerole inthepoliticalwheelofthetime. AlMamoon'sPersonality AsregardingalMamoon,thereisnodoubtatallthathewasoneofthestrongestpersonalitiesof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theAbbasidecaliphateduringitsfirstepoch,andoneofthemostmoderate,highlyintellectual andhighlylearnedofitsscholars.Heencouragedscholarshipduringhisregimeandpromotedfree discussionsoutofhispassionforincreasinghisownknowledgeandexpandingitsspheres.Hewas alsoknowntodemonstrateaninclinationtowardsShi'aism,preferringImamAliibnAbuTalib (A.S.)toandrecognizinghissuperiorityoverallothersahaba.Narratorsofhadithhaverecorded lengthydialogueswithanumberofnarratorsofhadithandscholarsoftheSunnahandwith oratorswhichrevealagloriousintellectualdepthandanabsorptionofhisviewwhichhestrongly andenthusiasticallyadvocated. AlMamoon'sInclinationTowardsShi'aism Thereisadisagreementregardinghisschoolofthought.SomethinkthathewasShi'a,while othersthinkthatheonlypretendedtobesooutofhisregardforthefeelingsofImamalRida (A.S.)andotherAlawideswhileinrealityhewasotherwise.Buthisdiscourses,debates,andhis seriousmethodinchallengingwhatwasregardedasacceptedfactsbythosewhoopposedhis views,alldispelanydoubtsregardinghisacceptanceofShi'aism.Moreover,therearecertain noteworthymeasuresheundertookwhichsupportthisviewsuchashisbeliefthattheHoly Qur'anwastheWordofGodcreatedbyHim,andhisinsistencethatscholarsandfaqihsshould indicateandpromotethisview,somuchsothathecausedquiteareactionamongcontemporary IslamiccirclestotheextentthatitwasreferredtoastheordealoftheHolyQur'an.Hisfather,al Rashid,differedfromhiminthisregard.WhenheheardthatBishralMarisiendorsedtheconcept thattheHolyQur'anwascreatedbyGod,hesaid:"IfIeverlaymyhandonhim,Ishallstrikehis neckwiththesword."79Also,hebelievedinthetemporarymarriageofmut'a,andherefutedthe viewsofthesecondcaliphinthisregardwithargumentswhichhavealreadybeenrecordedby foremosthistorians. AddtoalltheabovehispreferenceofAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)overallothercompanionsofthe Prophet(S.A.W.)andhisviewthatAliwasmoreworthyofsucceedingtheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)asthecaliph.Yetanothersupportingargumentishisseriousattempttomakethecursing ofMu'awiyaatraditionandenforceitonhissubjects;heannouncedtopeopleoncethe following: "ThereshallbenopardonforanyoneguiltyofpraisingMu'awiya,andthebestofcreationafter theProphet(S.A.W.)isAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)."80 ThatwasinresponsetoMu'awiyawhomadethecursingofAliatraditionwhichcontinuedduring thereignofallUmayyadgovernmentstillthedaysofthecaliphUmeribnAbdalAzizwhoputan endtoitinordertosafeguardthegovernmentoftheUmayyadsagainstthedisgustpeoplefelt towardssuchignominoustradition,sympathizedwiththeAlawides,andreturnedFedaktothem whentheyrequestedhimtodoso. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AlMamoon,infact,sincerelyfeltguiltyaboutthecrimeshispredecessorshadcommittedagainst theAlawidesasaletterhewrotetosomeHashemitestestifiedandinwhichhesaid:"The Umayyadskilledanyone(amongtheAlawides)whounsheathedasword,whilewe,theAbbasides, havebeenkillingthemenmasse;so,askthegreatsoulsoftheHashemiteswhatsinthey committed,andaskthesoulsofthosewhowereburiedinBaghdadandKufaalive..."81 AlMamoon'sinclinationtowardsShi'aismistheresultofmanyfactorsofapermanentimpact uponhiswayofthinking,startingwithhischildhoodwhenaShi'aeducatorplanteddeeplyinhis soultheallegiancetoAliandthefamilyofAli(A.S.),andendingwithhisresidenceinpartsof KhurasanwheremostlyShi'aslived.AlMamoonhimselfnarratesananecdotewithamoralwhich taughthimtosympathizewithShi'as.ItinvolvedanencounterwithhisfatheralRashidwhowas verywellknownforhiscruelty,tyranny,arroganceandhatredoftheAlawides,especiallyImam MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)whoselifeheendedwithpoison.AlMamoonstatesthatwhenImam MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)metalRashidatMedina,alRashidshowedagreatdealofhumbleness beforetheImam(A.S.)andagreatdealofrespectforhimtoadegreewhichattractedhisown attention;so,hecontinuestosay,"Whentherewasnobodyelsepresent,Isaid,`Ocommanderof thefaithful!Whoisthismanwhomyouhaveheldwithsuchahighesteem,respectedagreat deal,stooduptoreceive,andevenseatedinthemostprominentplacewhileseatingyourselfin frontofhim,andyouevenorderedustoholdthereinofhishorse?!'Hesaid,`ThisistheImamof thepeople,theProofofGod'sMercytoHiscreation(Hujjatullah)andHiscaliphamongHis servants.'Iasked,`Ocommanderofthefaithful!Arenotalltheseattributesyoursandfulfilledin yourperson?'Hereplied,`IamtheImamofthemassesbyforceandthroughoppression,while MousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)istheImamintruth.ByGod,son,heismoreworthyofbeingthesuccessor oftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)asthecaliphthanIamandanyoneelseamongthepeople!By God!Ifyouyourselfattempttotakesuchcaliphatefromme,Ishalltakeitawayfromyouevenif thatmeanspullingyoureyesout,forpowerisblind!'"82 FromalltheseargumentswecanconcludethatalMamoonwasindeedabelieverinShi'aism, convincedoftheprinciplesofthisschoolofthoughtwhicharebasedonthepreferenceofAli (A.S.)forcaliphateoverallothersuponwhichprinciplealMamooninsistedwhiledebatingothers. AsregardinghisconductwithImamalRida(A.S.),hisforcinghimtobehisregent,andhispossible assassination,allthesefallunderthesamepreceptadoptedbyhisfatheralRashidthat"poweris blind." DifferencesofPersonalitiesofalAminandalMamoon TherewasacleardifferenceinmentalityandwayofthinkingbetweenalAminandhisbrotheral Mamoon.AlMamoonwasbroaderinmentalityandmoreopenmindedthanhisbrother,andhe wasmorereceptivetonewideas,moredeepinhispoliticalandtheologicalphilosophy.Al Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Mamoon,moreover,wasmoreseriousthanhisbrotherintheadministrativemanagementofthe government. AlAmindidnotenjoythesemerits,andthereasonmaybethefactthathewaspamperedand spoiledbyhisparents,thathewasbroughtuptofeeldistinctlysuperiortohisbrotheral Mamoon.Addtothishistemperofhereditarystubbornnesswhichheinheritedfromhismother whowasdaughterofJa'fersonof(caliph)alMansoor;asregardingalMamoon'smother,shewas awomenwhogavebirthtoseveralchildren,andhernamewasMarajil.AlAmin'smotherraised hersontobeawareoftheclassdistinctionsbynarratingtohimsomeinterestinganecdotes involvingherselfandalRashidwheneverthelatterfeltapsychologicalandemotionalinclination towardshissonalMamoon. AlRashidEvaluateshisSons AlRashidwasawareoftheintellectualdifferencesamonghissons,buthecouldnotclearly expressitoutofhisrespectforthefeelingsofhisfavouritewifeandtosafeguardthestatusofher son.Heisquotedashavingsaid:"IamawareofthefactthatAbdullahisgiftedwithdetermination likethatofalMansour,withasceticismlikethatofalMehdi,andwithdignitylikethatofalHadi. HadIwishedtolinkhimtothefourth(meaninghimself),Iwouldhavedonesoandpreferred Muhammadoverhim.Iamawareofthefactthathefollowshisowninclination,wasteswhatisin hispossession,andsharesslaveandfreewomeninhisviews.Haditnotbeenforthemotherof Ja'fer,andtheinclinationtowardstheBanuHashim,IwouldhavepreferredAbdullahoverhim." DifferencesofConductofBothBrothers Thevastdifferencewhichseparatesthebrothersunveilswhenwereviewthebiographyofeach oneofthemandstudyitsdistinctionsandattributes.AlMamoonwasapracticalman,strongin hisadministrativemanagementskills,serious,wiseregardinghisconduct,farsightedinhis politicaloracademicambitions,lovesknowledgeandscholars,somuchsothathewasnicknamed "scholaroftheBanualAbbas(theAbbasides)." AlAminwastheoppositeofallofthisinhisgeneralconduct.Heinclinedmoretowardsmerry makingandentertainmentwhichisthenaturaloutcomeofhisspoiledchildhoodand adolescence.Toprovethispoint,wehavetoreadthisinterestingincidentwhichspellsoutthe typeofgeneralconductofalAminduringthemomentswhichprecededhisassassination.Ibnal AthirstatesthefollowinginhisTarikh(chronicle): "IbrahimibnalMehdinarratedsayingthathewaswithalAminwhenhefellunderthepolitical pressureofTahir.HesaysthatalAmincameoutduringonenighttocheerhimselfupandforget abouthisdepression,sohewenttoahousehehadhadintheKhuldsuburb,thenhesentfor Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ibrahim.WhenIbrahimwasbroughttohim,hesaid,`Doyouseehownicethiseveningis,how beautifulthemoonappearsintheskyandhowitslightisreflectedonthewateroftheTigris? Wouldyouliketohaveadrink?'Heansweredthatthatwasuptohim,sohedrankarotlofwine, andIbrahimentertainedhimwiththesongsheknewhelikedbest."83 Itisbeyondimaginationtoconceivehowamonarchundergoingahorriblepoliticalcrisiswhich wasabouttouproothisthronecouldresorttosuchanextravagantbehavioursofarfrom permittinghimtocontemplateuponthefatethreateninghimandjeopardizinghisveryexistence. SomeothersuchextravagantnormsofbehaviournarratedaboutalAminthecaliphsincehe accededthethroneandtillhislastmomentsclearlyindicatethathewasnotamanofgovernment inthewidesenseoftheword,norwashealeader. DissensionBegins IndicationsofdissensionbetweenbothbrothersstartedappearingbeforealRashid'sdeath,and historiansrenderthattothefactthatalRashidhadhandedthereinsofgovernmentovertohis sonalMamooninKhurasanandsecuredtheoathofallegiancetohimfromthearmy commandersandciviliandignitariesthere,grantinghimallwhathehadofmoneyandotheritems ofvalue.84WhenthenewsreachedhiminBaghdad,hedidnotrelishitatallbutconsidereditas aprematureactionundertakenbyhisdepartingfatherandsomethinghehimselfwasentitledto doinhiscapacityasthefirstregentwhohadtheauthoritytodeterminesuchmatters. ConfusedBehaviourofalRashidTowardsHisSons AlRashidseemedtosensedeepinsidehissoulthepsychologicalgapwhichseparatedhissonal AminfromhimwhenhedetainedthemessengerhissonhaddispatchedtoKhurasaninthe pretextofbringinghimbacknewsabouthisfather'shealthconditionswhereasinrealityhewas carryingsecretletterstoarmyleadersandciviliannotablestobedeliveredtothemimmediately afterthedeathofhisfatheralRashid.Theletterscontainedorderstocarryoutthedutiesthe recipientswereexpectedtoperform.TheobjectivewastodeposehisbrotheralMamoonfrom actualauthorityvesteduponhimbyhisfather.AlRashidtriedtoextractanadmissionfromthe messengerthathewascarryingsecretlettersfromalAmintoarmyleadersandciviliannotables, buthedidnotsucceedevenwhenhispatiencereacheditslimitandhethreatenedthemessenger tohavehimkilled,andhealmostdidsobeforedeathovertookhimwhereuponthemessenger wassubsequentlyreleasedandthelettersweredeliveredasplanned.Theresultwasthearmy leadersandtheirtroopsrenegingonthepromisestheysworetoalRashid,causingagreatdealof politicalchaos.85 WecaneasilydiscerntheconfusingordealwhichdominatedtheconductofalRashidregarding hisarrangementoftheissueofhisownsuccessionbyhissons.Hewasnotsatisfiedwithjust Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    securingassurancesandtakingthemostseriousofoathsfromhissonsalAminandalMamoon, sohewentduringthehajjseasontoMeccatorequirehissonstowritedowntheirpledges,then hehungwhattheywrotedownonthewallsofthesacredKa'bainthepresenceofamultitudeof peoplesothatthosewhodidnotwitnesstheeventwouldbetoldbythosewhodidsoonthat day. AlRashidDividestheState Yethewasstillnotquitesatisfied,sohewentastepfurthertodividethedomainsofthestateto threesections,grantingalAminauthorityoverIraqandSyriauptotheendofhiswestern possessions;toalMamoonhegavetheterritoriesfromHamadanuptotheeasternbordersofhis domains;toalQasimhegavethepeninsula,theseaports,andthemetropolisesafterhaving securedtheoathofallegianceforhimafterhisbrotheralMamoonandgivinghimtheoptionto keepordeposealMamoon.86Thus,alRashidthought,theghostofdissensionwouldbeaverted, andthegovernmentafterhisdeathwouldbesecuredforallhissonssincehegaveeachoneof themaportionthereofwherebyhewouldmaintainaforcestrongenoughtodeterthe transgressionofanyotherbrother.Despiteallofthat,however,alRashidcouldnotputanendto thecausesofhisdilemmadeeplyrootedwithinhimselfastheincidentofthemessengerwhowas sentbyhissonalAminsuggested. ApprehensionofthePublicRegardingtheDivision PeoplepredictedominousconsequencestotakeplacebecauseofwhatalRashidhaddone.Some ofthemsaidthathesowedtheseedsofevilandwaramongthem,andtheyfearedthe consequences,andindeedwhattheyfearedcametopass.87Somewisemensaidthathecaused themtofallintoaninnerconflicttheperilsofwhichvictimizedthesubjects.88 AmbitionofSomeFollowersDeepensDivision Theconflictamongthetwobrotherswasworsenedbytheincitementofsometoprankpoliticians ineachparty,andthereweremanyreasonsforincitementandentrapment.Ononehand,wefind alFadlibnalRabee',whocausedthearmytorenegeonitsswornpromiseofsupportforal MamooninKhurasanassoonasalRashiddiedandmarchedwithittoBaghdadinorderto strengthenalAmin'sposition,tryingtoaggravatethetensionbetweenalAminandhisbrotheral Mamoon,instigatingthefirsttonullifytheallegiancetoalMamoonandchangeittohisson Mousa,dependinginsodoingonvariousmeansofincitementwhichintheendpushedalAminto assaulthisbrother.AlFadl,bydoingso,wastryingtogetridofalMamoonastheregentforfear thatshouldhecometorule,hewouldcertainlyseekrevengeagainsthimduetohisgoingbackon hispromisetosupportalMamoonwhomheslightedandtheallegiancetowhomhebrokeafter thedeathofalRashid.89 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ontheotherhand,wefindalFadlibnSahl,theKhurasanileader,whowasappointedinhispost byalMamoon,tryingtosecurethegovernmentforalMamoonbyhisbrilliantmethodsafter pledgingtohelphimreachthethroneanddethronehisbrotheralAminatanypriceandstandin thefaceofalAmin'sattemptstodeprivehimofhisregency.AlFadlandhisbrotheralHassanibn Sahl,inadditiontotherestofKhurasanileadersandchiefs,wereawareoftheprecarious situationinwhichtheywouldfindthemselvesshoulddestinydecidethatalAminmusthave victoryoverhisbrotheralMamoonespeciallysincetheyhadalreadydeclaredtheirallegianceto alMamoonandrenegedintheirpromisetoalAmin. WarisWagedandalMamoonWins Thegapbetweenthebrothersbecamewider,andthepresentimentsofthetragedytobefallthe twobrotherswereinsightwhenalAminannouncedinBaghdadhisdecisiontodropthenameof hisbrotheralMamoonfromFridaysermonsandsubstituteitwiththatofhisownsonMousa whomhenamedhissuccessor,andhesentletterstoplacesfarandwideinthismeaning.Al MamoonrosetodefendhisrightandstartedplanningtooverrunBaghdad,thecapitalofthe government,whilealAminwasgatheringtroopstotakeoverhisbrother'sdomains.Botharmies finallyclashedandfiercebattlesensuedinmorethanonelocation,andintheendalMamoon cameoutvictorious,tookcontrolofBaghdadandkilledalAmin.Allofthatbecamepossibledue totheplanningofalFadlibnSahl,whowasnicknamed"DhulRiyasatain,"i.e.,themanwhohada sayintwostates,andhisbrotheralHassan,assistedbyanelitegroupofmilitaryexpertsandtop politicaladvisors. Havingwonvictoryoverhisbrother,alMamoontriedtomakeMarwthebaseofpowerforthe AbbasidedynastyinsteadofBaghdadduetotheadviceofhisarmyleadersandtoppoliticalaides whowerecreditedwithregaininghisrighttothecaliphateafteralAminhaddeposedhim,and becauseofhisownfeelingofgratitudetowardsthecitythatassistedhimandbroughthimvictory duringthedarkestperiodsofhispoliticalcrisis. 69'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.226. 70'UmdatalTalib,p.185,1stedition(Najaf,Iraq). 71BiharalAnwar,Vol.48,p.249,quotingAlKafi. 72ShaikhalToosi'sAlGhayba,p.22. 73'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.226. 74AlKafi,Vol.1,p.487.ItisalsomentionedinAl'Uyoon,AlManaqibandAlIrshad. 75RawdatalKafi,p.257. 76A'yanalShi'a,Vol.4,PartI,p.138. 77IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.130. 78IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.138. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    79TarikhalKhulafabyalSayyuti,p.284. 80Ibid.,p.308. 81BiharalAnwar,Vol.49,p.210asquotedinIbnMaskawayhi'sbookNadeemalFarid. 82'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.88. 83IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.162. 84IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.134. 85IbnalAthir,Vol.5,pp.134135. 86Ibid.,p.112. 87IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.113. 88TarikhalKhulafaabyalSayyuti,p.290. 89IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.138. TheRegency Immediatelyaftersettingthefirmfoundationsofgovernmentandhisbecomingthesolecaliph, alMamoon,accordingtothetraditionstartedbyMu'awiyawhosecuredtheoathofallegiancefor hissonYazidtosucceedhimonthethrone,hadtonamehissuccessor,andhehadtobe extremelycarefulaboutthisweightymatterduetotheprecariouscircumstancesheunderwent duringhiscollisionwithhisbrotherandthereafter.Itwasnoteasyforhimtoselectjustanyone fromhisimmediatefamilyorfromothers;rather,hehadtosubjecteachstepheundertookinthis regardtoprecisecalculationslinkingpastoutcomestofutureexpectationsandtakinginto considerationthesentimentsofShi'aAlawideswhodominatedKhurasanandtheterritoriesunder itscontrol.Amongthelatterpartymaybeincludedmensuchas"DhulRiyasatayn"andhis brotheralHassanibnSahlwhowereamongthemostpowerfulelementsthatpavedthewayfor himtosurvivethedangerousstageduringhisconfrontationwithhisbrotheralAmin,althoughwe doubtsuchaninclusionwhichwewilldiscusslater. AlMamoon,however,didnotfindtheideaoftakingcaliphateoutofBanualAbbasandgivingit toothers,AlawidesornonAlawides,easyforhe,despitehisideologicalinclinationtowards Shi'aismwhichlackedapracticalimplementation,wouldsparenoefforttosafeguardthelegacy whichheinheritedfromhisforefathersinitsframeworkandcontext.Wecanbeacquaintedwith theaccuracyofthistheoryifweresearchtheplausiblereasonswhichledhimtoforceImamal Rida(A.S.)toacceptregency. RegencyBetweentheImamandalMamoon Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    WhileresearchingthemotiveswhichpromptedalMamoontoforceImamalRida(A.S.)tobehis heirtothethrone,wewillfindoutthattheywerefarsightedpoliticalmotivesalMamoonhoped therebytoachieveselfishgainsforbothhimselfandtheAbbasidecaliphate,foralMamoonwas quiteanintelligentmaninselectingImamalRida(A.S.)forthispostsinceherepresentedthe oppositiongroup.ButImamalRida(A.S.),uponrejectinghisselectionforthispost,provedtobe moreawareofalMamoonandhisaimsthanalMamoonhadthought.AlHarawiquotesthe Imamsaying:"ByGod!AlRidadidnotacceptthismatterwillingly,andhewastransportedtoKufa againsthiswish,thenhewastakenfromthere,passingbyBasrahandPersia,toMarw."90 WhytheImamRejectedtheRegency ThereasonweunderstandastowhyherejecteditisthattheImamrealizedthatalMamoon,by selectinghim,aimedatusinghimasabargainingticketbetweenhimandtheAbbasidesonone hand,betweenhimandtheAlawidesonanother,andbetweenhimandtheShi'asofKhurasan andotherareasonyetanotherhand;otherwise,whatisthewisdomintheinsistenceofal MamoonthatalRida(A.S.)shouldaccede,andwhydidheeventhreatenhimifheinsistedonhis rejection? AlIrshadnarratesthatalMamoondiscussedthesubjectofregencywithalRida(A.S.),saying,"I havedecidedthatyoushouldbemysuccessor."TheImamsaid:"Exemptmefromthat,O commanderofthefaithful,forIhaveneithertheabilitynorthestrengthforthat."Hesaid:"Ihave decidedthatyoushouldbemysuccessor."TheImamsaid:"Exemptmefromthat,Ocommander ofthefaithful."AlMamoonrespondedwithastatementwhichwasmoreofathreatthan anythingelse;hesaidtohim:"UmeribnalKhattabentrustedsixpersonstoconsultregarding caliphate,oneofthemwasyourgrandfatherAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.),andhepreconditionedthat anyonewhowentagainsttheirdecisionshouldbeexecuted;therefore,youwillhavetoaccept whatIhavedecreedforyou,forIseenowaythatIcaneverchangemymind."91 TheImam,therefore,hadtoagree.92Itisalsonarratedthatalengthydiscussionwenton betweenbothmeninwhichalMamoonofferedtheImamtobethecaliphandtheImamrefused toaccept,thenheofferedhimtheregencyandherefusedtoo,soalMamoonsaidtohim,"You alwayssaywhatIhatetohear,andyouthinkthatyouaresafefrommymight;therefore,Iswear byGodthatyoushouldeitheraccepttheregencywillinglyorIshallforceyoutodoso;therefore, acceptoutofyourownwill;otherwise,Ishallcertainlystrikeyourneckwiththesword."93 AlMamoonRevealsHisIntentions AlMamoonhimselfrevealedtousthefarsightedimplicationofhischoiceforregentinaletterto BanuHashimansweringtheirobjectionsregardingthepromiseofregencytotheImaminwhich hesaid:"AsregardingmyintentionbehindchoosingAliibnMousa(A.S.)astheregent,although Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    heisqualifiedforit,outofmyownselectionofhim,thereasonforthatismydesiretosafeguard yourlivesandprotectyourpropertiesbyestablishingpermanentfriendlytiesbetweenusand them,anditisamethodIemployedtohonourthedescendantsofAbuTalibandtoheeltheir woundswithverylittleofwhattheyareentitledto.YouclaimthatIdesiredthattheywouldbe therecipientsofbenefitsthereofandtobeincharge,whileIhaveinmindtheinterestofyour posterityandchildrenafteryouevenwhileyouareunaware,blindlystumbling,notknowingwhat plansothershaveinstoreforyou."94 HedoesnotwishtotransferthegovernmentfromBanualAbbastothedescendantsofAbuTalib, astheAbbasidesimagined;rather,heaimedbysuchanactiontocontaintheconsequenceswhich mightcauseagreatdealoftroubleforthegovernment.Inotherwords,heaimedbytakingsucha politicalaction,toretainapositionofstrengthfortheAbbasides. AlMamoonandtheAstronomerNawbakhti WhatprovesthefactthatalMamoonwasnotseriousinhisoffertotheImamtobetheregentis anarrationstatingthatalFadlalNawbakhti,whowasanastronomerthoughttobeShi'a,wanted totestalMamoon'sintentions,sohewrotehimsaying:"Theorderofthestarsindicatesthat namingalRida(A.S.)astheregentatthistimecannotbedone;otherwise,thepersonnamedwill sufferacatastrophe.Therefore,ifalMamoon'sintentionsagreewithwhatheproclaimsinpublic, heoughttopostponethismattertillamoreconducivetime."Tothis,alMamoonansweredhim warninghimagainstdiscouragingDhulRiyasataynfromcontractingthatagreementatthattime, andthatifhedidnot,hewouldknowthatthepostponementwasinstigatedbyalNawbakhti.He alsoorderedhimtoreturnhisownletterbacktohimsothatnobodyelsewouldcometofindout aboutit.HethencametoknowthatalFadlwasawareofthefactthattimewasnotripefor contractingtheregencybecausehehimselfhadknowledgeofthescienceofthestars;therefore, alNawbakhtifearedthatthechangeofmindofalFadlibnSahlwasbecauseofhimpersonally, andhewouldthusbekilledbyalMamoon,soherodetohimandconvincedhimthroughhisown knowledgeofastronomythattimewasindeedripeforit,contrarytothereality,becausehewas moreknowledgeablethanhimaboutastrology,andhekeptconfusinghimtillhefinallyconvinced him.95 ThisleadsustoconcludethattheofferofregencytotheImamwasnothingmorethanatrapal Mamoonhadsetforhimtoachievesomepoliticalgainsthatwouldsavehisgovernmentagreat dealoftrouble,andhecertainlywasnotsincereinhisconducttowardstheImam;rather,that wasonlyatransientstagehehadtogothroughwithprecisioninordertoachievehisanticipated objectives. AlMamoon'sObjeciveBehindRegency Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AsregardinghisrequestthattheImamshouldaccepttobethecaliphafterhehimselfabdicates, hisobjectivewasmorethanjustprovingtothepublicthattheImamsfromtheAhlalBayt(A.S.) werecertainlyafterthegloryofthislife,covetingit,andthattheirasceticismanddistancing themselvestherefromwasonlybecausetheywereunabletoreachtheirworldlygoalsassome storiesclaim96andonwhichyetotherconclusionsarebased. TheImam,infact,didnotunderestimatethepowertorulenordidhewillinglystayalooffromits responsibilities;howcouldhedosowhileviewinghimselfasmoreworthyofthepostofthe supremerulerandmorecapablethanhiminmanagingitsaffairswithequity?Thefactisthathe wasconfidentthatsuchthingwouldnothappenforhim,andthatthewholematterwasaclever politicaltrickperformedbyalMamoonwhichhewantedtocarryoutbyusingImamalRida(A.S.) asaploy.WhenalMamoonofferedtoabdicatethethronefortheImam,hewascalculatingthe mattertoendupwithoneoftwocases:eithertheImamwouldagree,orthathewouldrefuse, andineithercase,hewouldgainforhimselfandfortheAbbasidegovernmentavictory,forthe Imam'sagreementwouldbepreconditioneduponacceptingthathe,alMamoon,wouldbe namedtheregent,thussecuringthelegitimacyofhisowncaliphateaftertheImambeforeall parties;otherwise,alMamoonwasnotsonaiveorshortsightedtotheextentthathewouldoffer hisownpostonasilverplattertotheAlawidesandbecomeasubjectdealtwithassuch.Ifal Mamooncametobearegent,itwouldbeeasyforhimtoputanendtothelifeoftheImamin ordertosucceedhimwithoutanyonefindingout,thussatisfyingtheambitionsoftheAlawidesfor thegovernmentwhileconvincingtheirShi'asofhisownlegitimatecaliphate.AlMamoonhadhis ownparticularmethodsineliminatinghispoliticalfoes,andwewillmentionthemysterious methodheemployedtoputanendtothelifeofDhulRiyasataynalFadlibnSahlandhismurder ofthosewhokilledhimdespitetheiradmissionthathewastheonewhoincitedthemto assassinatealFadl. AsregardingthecaseoftheImamrefusingtoacceptthecaliphate,this,alMamooncalculated, wouldcausehimtobeverywidelycriticizedbyhisownShi'afollowersandcompanionsdueto theirownbeliefthatcaliphatewasrightfullyhisandhehadtoacceptit,buttheImam's companionswereendowedwithagreatdealofpoliticalawarenesstotheextentthattheywould notbetrickedbyatricklikethatcarriedoutbyalMamoon.Also,hewouldbeexcusedbyvarious Shi'afactionsfornotacceptingitforhimselfandhisfamily,andthathetriedsobutcouldnot succeedandthuswouldsilencethosewhomightdisputewithhiminthisregardfromShi'a oppositiongroups. ForcingtheImamtoAccepttheRegency HavingfailedtoconvincetheImamthathe,alMamoon,wouldabdicatethethroneforhim,al Mamoonrequestedhimtoaccepttobetheregentandtonamehimthesucceedingcaliphafter him,buttheImamagaininsistedonrefusing,somuchsothatalMamoonhadtoseekthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    assistanceofsomeofhisbestaidesdespitethefactthattheythemselveswerenotconvincedthat itwassuchagoodidea,thinkingthatalMamoonwasserious.AlIrshadstates: "Agroupofhistoriansandcourtbiographerswhowerecontemporarytothecaliphssaythat whenalMamoonwantedtonameAliibnMousa(A.S.)ashissuccessor,andhavingthought seriouslyaboutthematter,heorderedalFadlibnSahl97tocometohimandheinformedhimof hisintention,orderinghimtoseektheassistanceofhisbrotheralHassanibnSahlinthisregard, andhedidjustthat.Sotheymetwithhim,andalHassankeptpointingoutthemagnanimityof theconsequencesofhisidea,acquaintinghimwiththeoutcomesresultingoutoftakinghisfamily outofitandaffectinghisownlife.AlMamoon,thereupon,saidtohim:`IpledgedtoGodthatifI laymyhandonthepersonwhodeposedme,Iwouldhandthecaliphateovertothebestperson amongtheprogenyofAbuTalib,andIdonotknowanyonebetterthanthismanonthefaceof earth.'So,whenbothalFadlandalHassansawhisdeterminationtocarryoutthismatter,they stoppedopposinghimandhesentthemtoalRida(A.S.).Theyofferedhimcaliphate,buthe refused,andtheycontinuedpressinghimtillhefinallyagreed,sotheywentbacktoalMamoon andtoldhimabouthisapprovalwhereuponhewasverypleased."98 AbulFarajalAsbahanistatedsomethingsimilartotheabovewiththisvariation:"Hedispatched themtoAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)andtheyofferedittohim,andtheycontinuedpressinghim whilehewasrefusingtilloneofthemsaidtohim,`Ifyouagree,letitbeso,butifyoudonot,we shallsurelyharmyou,'andhethreatenedtokillhim.Thenoneofthemsaid,`ByGodheordered metostrikeyourneckwithmyswordifyougoagainsthiswish.'"99 Imam'sAwarenessofalMamoon'sSchemes ImamalRida(A.S.)knewbeforehandaboutalMamoon'sintentionsthroughhisknowledgeable foresightofthecircumstanceswhichledalMamoontovesttheregencyuponhim,andhewas contentedthathewouldnotactuallyaccedetothethroneinthefuture.AlMadainiquotesoneof hissourcessaying:"WhenalRida(A.S.)wasseatedduringtheregencycelebration,withthe oratorsandpoetssurroundinghimandtheflagsfanninghim,oneindividualwhowaspresent thereandthensaid,`Iwasclosetohimthatday,andhelookedatmewithanoptimisticsmileon hisfaceregardingtheevent,andhebeckonedformetocomeclose.WhenIdid,hetoldmewhile nobodyexceptmecouldhearhim:`Donotletthisexciteyou,anddonotbeoverlyoptimistic,for itwouldnevermaterialize.'"100 WithAhmedAmin BeforeIpresenttheactualreasonsforthestoryofregency,accordingtothehistorical understandingofitscircumstances,Iwouldliketopointoutthesuperficialityofcomprehension, orsectarianprejudice,whichismorelikely,ofsomeresearchersthatledthemtorenderthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    reasonwhyalMamoonpressuredImamalRida(A.S.)toaccepthisnominationastheregentto thefollowing: "AlawideImamsclaimthatiftheygettorule,theywouldrulewithabsolutejustice,butthereis alwaysadifferencebetweenclaimandreality.AlMamooncomplainedaboutthisandobserved howtheImamsdisappearfrompubliceyestocommitsinswithoutbeingseenandrecognizedby thepublicforwhattheyreallyare;therefore,hesaid,`Itisforthegoodofthepeoplethatthese Imamsshouldcomeoutandpeopleshouldknowtheirliabilitytofallingintosinssothatthey wouldnotrespectthemanymore,norwouldtheyholdthemasholy,forwhentheyappearon life'sstage,andpeopleclearlyseehowtheyruleandhowtheycommitwhatGodhasordainedas prohibitive,theywouldnolongerberespectedbythepublic.Butiftheycontinuetobe persecuted,hidingfrompositionsofprominence,satisfiedwithpreaching,peoplewillmaintain theirsympathyforthem,'he,therefore,decidedtoappointAlialRida(A.S.)ashis successor..."101 TheaboveiswhatprofessorAhmedAminstates.Thisstatementisnotunusualcomingfroma manlikehimwhoisverywellknownforhisprejudiceandfanaticismandoppositiontothe conceptofShi'aismandallegiancetotheAhlalBayt(A.S.). Comments 1.TheexperienceoftheAlawidegovernmentwhichwaslivedbytheMuslimummaduringthe caliphateofImamAli(A.S.)provesthatAhlalBayt(A.S.)aremoreworthyofrulingthesubjects thanothersbecausetheirgoalbehindrulingistoestablishajustandequitablesociety,andtorule thenationwiththepolicyofabsolutejusticeasbroughtforthbythemessageofProphet Muhammad(S.A.W.). 2.WhenShi'assaythatthehouseholdoftheProphet(S.A.W.)aremoreworthyofbeingthe caliphs,theymeanonlytheTwelveImamsandnobodyelse. Wehavetherighttoaskhere:WhatsinorprohibitiveactdidanyoftheImamsofAhlalBayt (A.S.)commitawayfrompubliceyes?Wherearethehistoricalfactswhichsupportsuchaclaim? DoesAhmedAminconsiderthestanceofAhlalBayt(A.S.)towardstheUmayyadandAbbaside dynastiesandtheiroppositionthereofasinandaprohibitiveact? 3.AlMamoonappointedAlialRida(A.S.)astheheirapparenttothethrone;whatsinsdidthis Imamcommit,andwhatprohibitiveactswasheguiltyofandwhichcausedhimtolosepublic respect? AndwhatdidAhmedAminandhispredecessorsdiscoverofthedeedsdonebytheImamafter becomingtheregentwhichAhmedAmintriestoprojectinanegativewayoutofhishatredfor Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    theAhlalBayt(A.S.)andinsupportfortheUmayyads? 4.Asregardingtheexamplehetriestouseanduponwhichhetriestobuildhisconclusion regardingtheconductoftheFatimidegovernmentinEgypt,orregardingotherintermittent AlawidegovernmentsduringthevariousAbbasideperiods,andthefactthattheywerenotany betterthanothergovernments,UmayyadorAbbaside,inlineorinscope,suchanexampleisnot realisticsimplybecauseShi'asdonotconsidersuchgovernmentstobelegitimate,andtheydonot haveanyallegiancetothemaslongastheyweredistantfromthepristinelineoftheProphetic messagecalledforbytheProphet(S.A.W.)andhisAhlalBayt(A.S.)afterhim. Whateverthecasemaybe,statementslikethesemadebyAhmedAminarenotconsideredoutof theordinary,forhisdegradingfanaticismandhisdeviationfromthelineofAhlalBayt(A.S.)give himplentyofexcusesforsayingwhathesays... Imam'sContemptfortheRegency TheImam(A.S.)expressedhiscontemptfortheregencythroughstatementshemadewhich expresshisinnerbitternessandpainandduringtimeswhenhewassufferingfromemotional irritation.Hewasunabletodoanythinginthefaceofthestubborninsistenceofthegovernment toacceptitsdesignswithoutenjoyingthefreedomofchoice,ofexpression,andofmovement. Moreover,theImam(A.S.)knewbeforehandthattheregencywasonlyatransientstep undertakenbytheAbbasidegovernmentanddictatedtoitbycircumstancesofthatperiod. Andwhenthegovernmentachievesitsendobjective,thebeginningstarts,andtheImam(A.S.) feelspsychologicallyirritatedforsuchdisguiseduseofhisownperson,andsuchirritationis spelledoutduringtimesofextremebitterness.Yasirtheservantsaid:"WheneveralRida(A.S.) returnedhomefromthemosqueonFriday,hisfacewashedwithhissweat,stainedwithdust,he wouldraisehishandsandsupplicatessaying,`God!Ifmydeliverancefrommysufferingisby death,thenIpleadYoutopleasehastenthathour,'andheremaineddistressedtillhebreathed hislast,blessingsofGodbeuponhim."102 ThecompanionsoftheImam(A.S.)couldnoteasilyunderstandwhyheacceptedthepostof regent,althoughinwardlytheyweresatisfiedwiththesoundnessoftheImam'sstanceandatthe sametimefullyawareofthepsychologicalagonytheImam(A.S.)wassufferingfrom.TheImam's answerstotheirrepeatedquestionswereexcitingintheirwayofexpressingthepoliticalnecessity whichcausedthegovernmenttoforcehimtobetheregent.MuhammadibnArafanarrated sayingthatheonceaskedtheImam(A.S.):"OSonoftheMessengerofGod!Whatcausedyouto beinvolvedintheregencyissue?"TheImam(A.S.)answered:"Itisthesamethatcausedmy grandfathertheCommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.)tobeinvolvedintheshura."103 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Aman,whoseemedasifhewasfindingfaultwiththeImam'saction,onceaskedhim,"MayGod makeyougodlier,whatforcedyouintothisarrangementwithalMamoon?"AbulHassan(A.S.)in turnaskedhim,"Whoisbetter,man,theProphetorthewasi?"Themananswered,'Well,of course,itistheProphet."TheImam(A.S.)askedagain,"Whoisbetter,abelieverora disbeliever?"Themananswered,"Abeliever,ofcourse."TheImam(A.S.)thensaid:"AlAziz, Egypt'svizier,wasadisbeliever,whereasYousuf(Joseph)wasaprophet;alMamoonisaMuslim whereasIamawasi,andYousufaskedalAziztoappointhimasagovernor,saying,`Andappoint metotakechargeofthewealthoftheland,forIamprotector,knowledgeable,'whereasIwas forcedtoacceptit."104 Yasir,hisservant,isquotedsaying,"WhenalRida(A.S.)becameheirtothethrone,Iheardhim sayingafterhavingraisedhishandstotheskyinsupplication,`Lord!YouknowthatIamforcedto accept;so,pleasedonotholdmeresponsiblejustasYoudidnotholdyourServantandProphet YousufwhenhetookchargeinthegovernmentofEgypt.'"105 ThesenarrativessufficeustohighlighttheImam'sviewpointregardingtheissueofregency,forhe attimesdepictshisordealtousbyinvokingtheAlmightytoremovehisdistressandanguishfrom himevenbydeath,andatanothertimehecompareshissituationwiththatofProphetYousuf (A.S.)whoacceptedapostunderthegovernmentofEgypt'sPharaohwhile,atthesametime,he revealstousthedifferencebetweenthetwosituation:WhileYousufgladlyacceptedhispostand clearlyrequestedit,he,ontheotherhand,wasforcedtoaccept. Afterallthis,nodoubtremainsinourmindabouttheImam'sconvictionthatthewholematter wasafarce,andthathedidnotagreetoitinprinciple. PoliticalMotivesBehindtheRegency WecansummarizethecauseswhichforcedalMamoontodecidetheissueofregencyinthe following: 1.InordertopleasetheShi'apublicopinioninKhurasananditsterritorieswhichwerecredited withpavingtheroadforalMamoon'saccessiontothethroneandforavictoryoverhisbrotheral Amin,thushewouldsecurealegitimatestampforhisgovernmentwhentheImam(A.S.)agreed tobehissuccessor,sincetheImam'sagreementmeantarecognitionofthelegitimacyofal Mamoon'scaliphate.Suchrecognitionwouldguaranteeforhimtheloyaltyofhissubjectsinthose regions,andIpersonallythinkthatthisisthemostsignificantreasonwhichcausedalMamoonto dosobecauseitwouldputanendtotheargumentoftraditionalopponentstotheAbbaside governmentwhousedtoalwayscriticizesuchgovernmentandconsideritillegitimateand baseless.Forthisreason,wecanfindnopublicdiscontentwiththeregency;onthecontrary,it wasacauseforelationandjoyfulendorsementinvariouscircles. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ItisnotunlikelythatalMamoonmayhavefeltthatsomeundergroundmovementwaspreparing toassaulthisthrone,snatchthegovernmentfromhimandhanditovertotheAlawides; therefore,hetriedtoencirclethatmovementbymakingtheImam(A.S.)apartnerwithhiminthe forefrontofthegovernmentbynaminghimhisregent.Suchanactionmaywinhimthesympathy oftheKhurasanisespeciallyafterallthesufferingtheyhadtoputupwithandthepersecutionof theAbbasidecaliphatewhichmurderedthemandpursuedthemthroughoutthecountryas fugitivesinamannerwhichcausedbitternessandagony.Whatsupportsthiscausearesome paragraphsofaletteralMamoonwrotetoBanuHashiminwhichhesaid:"YouclaimthatI desiredthattheywouldbetherecipientsofbenefitsthereofandtobeincharge,whileIhavein mindtheinterestofyourposterityandchildrenafteryouevenwhileyouareunaware,blindly stumbling,notknowingwhatplansothershaveinstoreforyou." Whattheseambiguousstatementsimply,especiallyafterthewriteradmittedthatthenomination ofImamalRida(A.S.)wassomethingthemanrightfullydeservedduetohisqualifications,isthat alMamoonsensedthedangeroftheprecariouspoliticalsituationaroundhim,andhefeared losinghisgriponthereinsofgovernmentsincethepopularbasewasfaithfultotheAlawides.Add tothisthefactthatmanyleadingelementsinthepoliticalandmilitaryestablishmentswere strongsupportersoftheAlawides.Wecanappreciatethisfactbyevaluatingtheextentofthe publicacceptanceofthenominationoftheImam(A.S.)fortheregency,andiftherewasany opposition,itsvoicewassoweakitvanishedamidstthetumultuousvoiceofoverwhelming support. AlMamoondidnotwishtheAlawidestotakecharge;rather,heonlywishedtopreemptively encirclethecriseswhichmightuproottheAbbasidegovernmentifheleteventsshapethemselves ontheirown. 2.ToavoidaclashwiththeAlawideswhoalwaysthreatenedtheAbbasidegovernmentbytheir rebellionsanduprisingsduringvariousepochs,presumingthattheAbbasideshadusurpedthe governmentfromthem,havingstatedthattheircalltouproottheUmayyadswasonbehalfofal Rida(A.S.),descendantoftheProgenyofMuhammad(S.A.W.),especiallysincealMamoon wantedhisgovernmenttobestableandtoavoiddisturbancesandcriseswhichmightweakenhis positionasthesupremerulersincehewasstillengagedinapoliticalstruggleofsurvivalwith Baghdad,thecapitalofthecaliphate,anditwasnotacoincidentthattheissueofregencytook placeattheoutsetofthatstruggle. ButtheAlawideshadalreadysucceededinwinningthesympathyandpublicsupportofthe Islamicworldandwereabletomaintainthattotheircredit.Anexcellentproofforthatwasthe wideresponsetheirrevolutionswonamongvariousIslamiccircles.Allofthatwasduetothe violentpersecutionandmercilesspursuits,tothemurderingandbanishment,andtothenormsof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    tortureandretributionfromwhichtheysufferedatthehandsoftherulingapparatus,somuchso thatevenalMamoontestifiedtothatinhislettertoBanuHashimquotedabove. ButalMamooninhisaforementionedlettertoBanuHashimsupportsourargumentinmaking thisoneofthecausesofhisdecisionregardingnamingtheImam(A.S.)ashissuccessor;hesays, aswequotedabove,"...Thereasonforthatismydesiretosafeguardyourlivesandprotectyour propertiesbyestablishingfriendlytiesbetweenusandthemwhichisamethodIemployinbeing clementtothedescendantsofAbuTalibandtoheeltheirwoundswithverylittleofwhattheyare entitledto." WhenhetiestheknotofregencyfortheImam(A.S.),hewishestoputoutthefireofrebellionin thesoulsoftheAlawidesandtheirfollowersandtokeeptheghostofdangerawayshouldthey opposetheAbbasidesandtrytocompetewiththemintheirbidforthegovernment,andhedid, indeed,achievewhathewanted. 3.TowarntheAbbasidesaboutwhattheyhadalreadydonetohimandhowtheyrenegedon theiroathofallegiancetohim,bytheirrebellionagainsthimandremovalfromregency,thatallof theiractionswouldnotdisablehimfromovercomingthemandsubjectingthemtohisauthority and,moreover,takethecaliphateoutoftheirdynastyandhanditovertotheirAlawide adversaries. ItispossiblethatthetensepsychologicalatmospherebetweenalMamoonandtheAbbasidesin Baghdadposedarealchallenge,andalMamoonfoundnowaytoforcethemandstirtheirdeeply rootedsensitivitiesbetterthansendingthemathreateningsignalthathewasgoingtotakethe caliphateoutoftheircourtandthrowitintothatoftheirAlawideadversarieswhoconstituteda pointofweaknessintheAbbasidepsyche.AlMamoonfoundnobetterweapontothreatenthem withstrongerthanthatinthefaceoftheirchallengeswhichalmostuprootedhispositionwhen theyallagreedtodeposehiminresponsetothecallofhisbrotheralAmin. AbbasidesDefyalMamoon TheeffectofthatviolentchallengestampedthebehaviouroftheAbbasidessincethen,forthey deliberatelyandforthesecondtimedecidedtodethronehiminacounterchallenge,warninghim thatitwouldnotbeeasyforhimtogetthecaliphateoutoftheirhandsandhanditovertotheir adversaries,andthattheycouldseatonthethroneanyonetheywantedfromamongthemselves evenifhehadbeentheleastqualified.Infact,theywentaheadanddidjustthat;theyappointed IbrahimibnalMahdiwhowasnicknamed"IbnShakla,"andwhowasoneofthemostfamous singersduringtheentireAbbasidedynastyrule.Theysworetheoathofallegiancetohimand othersfollowedsuit. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    TheAbbasidesTreatCaliphateLightly ItisveryregrettablewhattheAbbasidesdid.Itisanactofthemosthorriblenaturetotakeso lightlythesacredinstitutionofIslamiccaliphate,andaflagrantsincommittedagainstthemost sacreddivinepostafterProphethood.Itonlyshowstheterribleextentofapathyreachedbythe Muslimmasseswhentheyacceptedthenominationofsuchapromiscuouspersonasthecaliphto whomtheywouldpayhomageandwhomtheywouldobey. AlMamoonBacksOffandApologizes SuchareactionstirredthereservationsofalMamoonasseeninaletterhewroteafterthedeath ofImamalRida(A.S.)andduringhismarchtoIraq.IbnalAthirwrites: "Whenhe(alRida(A.S.))died,alMamoonwrotealHassanibnSahlinforminghimofAli'sdeath andhiscalamityoflosinghim,andhewrotetotheresidentsofBaghdad,totheAbbasidesand theirsubjectsinformingthemofhisdeathandinvitingthemtoenterintohisloyalty,andthey wrotehimbackinthemostrudemanner."106 SuchaviolentchallengeinwhichtheAbbasidesreactedtoalMamoonandthelatter'sfearsthat theymightpersistintheirrebellionleadthehistoriantoconcludethatalMamoonusedoneofhis trickstoeliminateImamalRida(A.S.)inordertoputanendtotheangeroftheAbbasidesand otherresidentsofBaghdadwhowereoutragedbecauseofthenominationofalRida(A.S.)which wasthereasonwhytheyterminatedtheirloyaltytohim. DoubtinalMamoon'sSincerity HadalMamoonbeensincereinhisintentiontobringjusticetotheoppressed,andhadhebeen seriousinhishandlingoftheissueofsuccessiontothethrone,whydidhenotnameMuhammad alJawad(A.S.),sonofImamalRida(A.S.),afterthedeathofhisfatherandwhowasregardedas hisfather'ssuccessorandwhowaspraisedbyalMamoonforhisknowledgeandpietyand superioritytoallotherHashemites?OrdidalMamoondesirenottoenterintoasimilar experiencewhichmightunderminehispositionanddraghimintohisdownfallandcollapse?Or didalMamoonthenfulfillthepurposefromwhichhenamedtheImam(A.S.)ashissuccessorand therewasnoneedanymoretoenterintoanothersuchscheme? 4.ByrestrictingthemovementofImamalRida(A.S.)andforbiddinghim,afterforcinghimto acceptregency,fromdemandingcaliphateforhimself,thusalMamoonsecuresthestrangulation oftheelementofcompetitionfromwhosenightmareshisprecedingcaliphsusedtosufferand whichexplainedtheircruelandoppressiveconducttowardstheImams. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AlMamoonPlacestheImamUnderSurveillance AlMamoonwasnotsatisfiedwithallofthat;hewentaheadandsubjectedtheImam(A.S.)toa strictsurveillancewherebyhewascloselywatchingallhisinternalandexternalmovements,and heindirectlydefinedtheextentofhiscontactswithothers;alRayyanibnalSaltnarratesthe following: "HishamibnIbrahimalRashidiwastheclosestpersontoalRida(A.S.)beforehewastakentothe caliph'spalace,andhewasacourteousandbrilliantscholar.AlRida(A.S.)'scontactsusedtobe transactedthroughhimandunderhissupervision,andheusedtocollectallmoniesonhisbehalf beforehe,AbulHassan,wastakenaway.Whenhewastakenawaytothepalace,Hishamibn IbrahimcontactedDhulRiyasataynandhetriedhisbesttowinhisfavourandstartedinforming himandalMamoonaboutalRida(A.S.)'smovements,thushewontheirconfidenceanddidnot concealanythingregardingtheImam(A.S.)fromthem.AlMamoon,therefore,appointedhimas theImam'schamberlain,andnobodycouldhaveaudiencewiththeImam(A.S.)exceptwhoever heliked,andheenforcedatightsurveillanceovertheImam(A.S.),somuchsothatnoneofhis supporterscouldreachhimwithoutHisham'sapproval,andheusedtoinformalMamoonand DhulRiyasataynofanythingandeverythingalRida(A.S.)saidathome."107 AlMamoon'sMotivesBehindEnforcingSurveillance WhatpromptedalMamoontotakesuchaharshmeasurewashisgreatapprehensionthatthe AlawideswhopredominatedKhurasan,encouragedanddirectedbytheImam(A.S.),mightmove totopplehisgovernment,whichissomethingwedonotthinkitwaslogicallyimprobable. StrictnessofFollowersoftheImams AlMamoonwasprobablyawareofhowfollowersoftheImamsmeasuredtheirownmovements andtransactionsaccordingtothepriorinstructionsoftheirImamssothattheiractionswouldbe legitimate.Forthisreason,alMamoondidnotneedtoenforcesurveillanceoverthemovements oftheAlawidepopularbasewhichpaidhomageandallegiancetotheImam(A.S.),asmuchashe neededtoenforceastrictsurveillanceovertheImam'sactionsandcontacts.Inordertoverifythis conductwhichShi'ashavealwaysundertakenintheirpracticaldealingswiththeirImams,we oughttoquotewhatalRayyanibnalSaltstated. HementionedthatoneAbbaside,IbrahimibnHisham,usedtodefameanddegradetheImam (A.S.),soalRayyantoldalRida(A.S.)aboutthatandsoughthispermissiontosilencethatmanfor good,whereupontheImam(A.S.)stronglyforbadehimfromdoingso.Thenhesaidtohim,"This FadlibnSahlisdispatchingmetoIraqtocarryouterrandsforhimandthisAbbasidemanis leavingthreedaysafterthatforIraq.WhatdoyousayifIshouldinstructyourfollowersinQumto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    dispatchtwentyorthirtymenanddisguiseasthievesorhighwayrobbersandwhenhepassesby themtheywouldattackandkillhim,andpeoplewouldsaythathewaskilledbyhighway robbers?'TheImam(A.S.)keptsilence;heneithersaid`Yes'nor`No;'therefore,hewenttothe innkeeperandhiredahorsemantogotoZakariyyaibnAdamwithaletterinforminghimthat thereweremattershecouldnotpossiblyincludeintheletterandthathewoulddisclosethemto himifhemethimatsuchandsuchaplaceonaparticularday.Hesaid,"Leavemeandtheman alone,"sohebadehimfarewellandleft.ThemanwentbacktoQumwhereMu'ammarhadjust arrived,soheconsultedthematterwithhim,whereuponMu'ammarsaid,"Wedonotknowfor surewhetherhissilencemeantheisorderingustodoitornot.Hedidnotexplicitlyorderyouto doanything;therefore,itisnotwisetoharmtheman,"sohechangedhismind,andZakariyya abstainedfromgoingtomeethim.HepassedbytheAbbasidemanwithoutharminghiminthe least.91 DespitethefactthattheImam(A.S.)thesecondtimedidnotexplicitlytellalRayyanwhattodo andremainedsilent,havingfirststronglyforbiddenhimfromdoingit,whichgavehimthe impressionthatheapprovedoftheplanalRayyanhadsuggestedtoeliminatetheAbbasideman becauseofhissilence,ZakariyyaibnAdamdidnotdoanythingexceptafterconsultingMu'ammar inthismatterwhotoldhimnottodoanythingsincetheImam'ssilencecouldnotbeinterpreted forsureasanorderornot.Thisshowsusthedegreeofprecisioninfollowingtheordersand instructionsoftheImams. Thesearetherealisticreasons,withinthehistoricalunderstandingoftheperiodthroughwhich thegovernmentwaspassing,whichcanbeused,inpartorasawhole,torealizeexactlywhyal MamoonnamedtheImam(A.S.)ashisregent. NaiveAnalysesoftheRegencyIssues ItisnaivetosaythattheincentivefortheregencywasalMamoon'sdesiretofulfillhispledgeto GodtohandthecaliphateovertothebestpersonamongthedescendantsofAbuTalibifhewas abletoregainhispost,asalSaduq(R.A.)concluded,forsuchastatement,ifitwasindeedsaidby alMamooninhisanswertoalFadlandhisbrotheralHassanibnSahl,wassaidonlytoconfuse themattertoothers.Equallynaiveisthatwhichallegedthatthereasonforitwastoexposethe realityoftheImamsandtheirpretenseofasceticismandthattheirpretensewasonlyduetotheir inabilitytoattainit.ButalMamoonwasmorekeenandmoreknowledgeablethanothersofthe realityoftheImams.Heknewthatsuchpostswouldnotintheleastaffecttheirstanceandthe public'sregardtowardsthem.Yetaccedingtothepostofcaliphwouldnotbeintheeyesofthe nationinconflictwiththeprincipleofasceticismiftheobjectiveistoestablishanequitable societyandtorulethenationbytheprincipleofabsolutejustice. TheImamsandtheirfollowers,however,regardgovernmentasoneoftheirrightswhichwas Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    usurpedfromthembyothers;otherwise,howcanyouprovethatthereisaconflictbetween one'sasceticismandhisacceptanceofagovernmentpost?Diditunderminetheasceticismof ImamAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)andthatofotherswhobecamecaliphsandwhowereknownfor theirasceticism? These,finally,arethereasonswhichwecanmentiontoclearlyshowustheotherfaceofal Mamoonrevealingtherealbackgroundofhispoliticswhichwereambiguousindimension regardinghisregencyarrangement. Queries IfalMamoonhadreallybeenseriousinhisofferforImamalRida(A.S.)thatheshouldacceptthe postofcaliphwhilehehimselfwouldabdicate,oreveninhisofferofregency,wesillhaveto answersomequerieswithouttheanswerstowhichwecannottakealMamoon'sofferthat seriously;theyarethefollowing: 1.WhydidalMamoonsendamessengertoMedinatobringtheImam(A.S.)tohimescortedbya policeforce? 2.WhydidhespecifythattherouteheshouldtakewouldpassbyBasrah,alAhwaz,Persia,then Marw? 3.IfalMamoonwastrulyconvincedthattheImam(A.S.)wasmostqualifiedforcaliphate,why didhenotaddressthepubliconhisbehalfwithoutforcinghimtotakesuchahardjourneyto Marwundersuchspecificroutearrangement? 4.WhydidheforbidhimfromleadingtheEidprayersafterinsistingrepeatedlythatheshoulddo so? Thesequestionsmayseemtosomeasnaiveandsuperficial,buttheyaredeepenoughtobe consideredinthecalculationofthehistorianwhoaimsatevaluatingtheeventanditsintricacies. AlMamoonWastheOneWhoSuggestedIt Whatappearstousafterobservingthegeneralpoliticalcircumstancesandfromdiscerningal Mamoon'spoliticalawarenesswhichwasadulteratedwithbothcautionandprecision,thatal Mamoonwastheonewhocameoutwiththeideaoftheregencyastheabovequotednarratives indicate.AlFadlibnSahltriedtodissuadehimfromdoingsowhenhewasmagnifyingforhim theirconsequences,buthefinallyhadtoyielduponfacingalMamoon'sinsistence. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AlFadlCouldNotHaveSuggestedIt ItisfarfetchedtosuggestthatalFadlibnSahlwastheonewhocamewiththeideaespecially sincehewasalackeyandarecipientofthecashoftheBarmakisandoftheirfollowers'whowere allverywellknownfortheiropendeviationfromthelineoftheAlawides;so,howcoulditbe possiblethathewouldrecommendtoalMamoontochoosealRida(A.S.)ashissuccessorexcept ifthegeneralpoliticalatmosphereofthecaliphatenecessitatedthatitshouldbypassthe sectarianissues? IbnalAthirgoesbeyondthisinhisTarikhtosuggestthatalFadlwasactuallyShi'aandthathe wasdefinitelytheonewhosuggestedtoalMamoontochooseAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)ashis successor.109Hemayevenhavenarratedthisinsomeofhisnarratives;forexample,AbuAlial HassanibnAhmedalSalamiwritesinhisbookTarikhKhurasan(historyofKhurasan)saying:"Al FadlibnSahlsuggestedtoalMamoontonameAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)ashisregent110,and thisviewisadoptedbyagroupofhistorians."AlSalamialsonarratessayingthatalFadlibnSahl, whenonedayalMamoonwasdiscussinghowhesuccessfullytransferredthecaliphatewithsome ofhisveryclosefriends(amongwhomalFadlwaspresent),hewondered,"Howwouldyou comparemyactioninthisregardtothatofAbuMuslim[alKhurasani]?"Oneofthemanswered, "AbuMuslimtransferredcaliphatefromonetribetoanother,whereasyouhavetransferredit fromonebrother(alAmin)toanother,andthereisadifferencebetweenthetwocasesofwhich youareaware."AlFadlsaid,"Ifitwereuptome,Iwouldrathertransferitfromonetribeto another,"andhesuggestedtohimtonameAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)ashisregent,sohe securedtheoathofallegianceforhimandthusdroppedthatofalMutaminBillah.111 AbdullahibnTahirisquotedsaying:"AlFadlibnSahlsuggestedtoalMamoontoseeknearnessto theAlmightyGodandtothekinofHisMessenger(S.A.W.)bynamingAliibnMousa(assuccessor) inordertowipeouttheharmtheyhadreceivedatthehandsofalRashid,andhecouldnoteasily rejectasuggestionhemade;therefore,hedispatchedfromKhurasanRajaaibnAbulDhahhakand YasirtheservantandorderedthemtoseekthecompanyofMuhammadibnJa'ferandAliibn MousaibnJa'fer(andgotoalRida,A.S.),andthatwasintheyear200A.H."112 AlMamoonAssertstheIdeaWasHis Incontrastwiththeabove,alRayyanibnalSaltsays:"Therewasahugemultitudeofarmy leadersandciviliandignitariesaswellashugecrowdsofcommonersassembledtowitnessthe nominationofalRida(A.S.),andtheyweresayingthatthatwasduetothearrangementofalFadl DhulRiyasatayn,andalMamooncametoknowaboutit,sohesentformeinthemidstofthe night,andIstoodbeforehim.Hesaid,`ORayyan!Ithascometoourknowledgethatpeoplesay thatthenominationofalRida(A.S.)wasthearrangementofalFadlibnSahlDhulRiyasatayn.'I said,`Ocommanderofthefaithful!Theyindeedsayso.'Hesaid,`Fieuponyou,ORayyan!How Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    dareanyonecometothecaliph,afterhissubjectsarecompletelyloyaltohimandsoarehis leadersandheiswellseatedinhispost,andtellshimtohandoverthecaliphatetosomeone else?Isthisconceivable?'Isaid,`ByGod,no,Ocommanderofthefaithful!Nobodydarestodo that.'Hesaid,`No,byGod!Whattheysayisnottrue,butIshalltellyouofthereasonforthat.' ThenhementionedthereasontobehispledgetoGodthatifheregainedhispostandbecamein charge,hewouldconductregencythewayGodwantedittobe."113 HistoricalAnalysisofItsAttributiontoalFadl IfweobservetheImam'sconducttowardsalFadl,hisviewabouttheImam(A.S.),andhiswarning toalMamoonagainstgivinghimthereinsofleadershipofhisgovernment,wecannothelp endorsingtheviewwhichsaysthatthechoiceofregentwassomethingalMamoonthoughtabout andpoliticallycalculated.AlFadlwasnotignorantofthestatusoftheImam(A.S.)andthepower ofhisinfluenceshouldhesidewithalMamoon,andhewasnotnaivetotheextentthathewould jeopardizehispowerfulinfluencebygettinginvolvedinalMamoon'sapparatusinaconfrontation withamorepowerfulinfluence. AsregardingwhatothershavestatedthatitwashewhosuggestedtoalMamoontodoso,this maybeattributedtothefactthatifanyeventhappenedtotherulingapparatus,itscreditwas oftengiventothepersonwiththestrongestinfluenceinthatapparatus,theonewhowasstrong enoughtofacethepublicopinionbearingfullresponsibilityforanyactiontakenbythe government.AbulFadl,accordingtopublicopinionofthetime,enjoyedthewidestinfluenceand thestrongestwordwiththecaliphalMamoon,andwhenalMamoonwasabouttomakea decisionregardingtheappointmentoftheImam(A.S.)ashissuccessor,peoplewouldthinkthat alFadlmusthavebeeninspiredtheidea.Itwasheldthathemusthavebeentheonewho subjectedalMamoontohisviewsinallhispoliticalmeasures,enforcingacompletecontrolover them.Forthisreason,weseethatwhentheletterofalHassanibnSahlreachedIsaibn MuhammadibnKhalid,inwhichhewasinforminghimthatalMamoonwasgettingreadyto nominatealRida(A.S.)ashissuccessorandthathehadalreadyorderedhimtoremovethe officialblackgovernmentuniformsandsubstitutethemwithgreenonesandorderedthearmy anditscommandersaswellasBanuHashimtosweartheoathofallegiancetohimassuchandto requirealltheresidentsofBaghdadtodolikewise,somepeoplesaidtheywouldswearallegiance butwouldnotweargreenwhileotherssaidthattheywoulddoneitherandthattheywouldnot letthedescendantsoftheAbbasideslosetheirgripoverthegovernment,addingthatitwasa "conspiracy"inspiredbyalFadlibnSahl.114 TheaccusationofthepeopleofBaghdadofalFadlwasinspiredonlybecauseofhishavingthe strongestinfluenceoverthegovernment,andwethinkitisnottoofartobelievethatthe publicityoftherumourthattheideawassuggestedtoalMamoonbyalFadlwasactuallythe doingofalFadlhimselfinordertosafeguardhisownstatusinpublicopinionsincehedid,indeed, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    havethestrongestinfluenceoverthecaliph'sactions.WhenalMamoonasksoneofhisclose friendsabouthisownopinionregardingthecomparisonbetweenwhathedidandwhatAbu Muslimhaddone,hebragsabouttransferringthecaliphatefromonetribetoanotherjustasAbu Muslimhaddoneinordertoboasttohislistenersofhavingtheabilitytodowiththecaliphate whateverhepleased,andthatthearrangementoftheregencyissuewasdoneaccordingtohis owninstructionsratherthanthoseofanyoneelse. AlFadlSowsMischiefBetweentheImamandalMamoon AlFadlactuallydidtrytotransferthecaliphatefromonetribetoanotherinordertosatisfybyso doinghisownpersonalconceitandinpursuitofhisownpersonalambitiontobeasecondAbu Muslim,soheenterstheresidenceofalRida(A.S.)accompaniedbyHishamibnAmrtosay:"O sonoftheMessengerofGod!Ihavecometoyoutospeakinprivate;so,pleasecleartheplace," thenalFadlbringsoutofhispocketanoathswornbythesanctityofemancipation,divorce,and whateverhasnokaffara,andbothmensaytohim,"Wehavecometoyoutosayawordoftruth andhonesty,andweknowthatyourwordismosteffective,andtherightbelongstoyou.Osonof theMessengerofGod!Whatwesaywithourtonguesisattestedtobyourownconscience; otherwise,wewouldemancipateallthatwehave,andallourwomenarehenceforthdivorced, andIshallberequiredtoperformthepilgrimagethirtytimesonfoot...thatweshallkillal Mamoonandputyouinchargesothatrightgoesbacktoyou,"buthedidnotlistentothembut cursedthemandsaid,"YoubothhaveprovenungratefultotheblessingsGodhasblessedyou with;therefore,youwillnotbesafefromwhatyouhavesaid,andIshallnotgetwhatyou promiseevenifIweretoagreetowhatyousay."WhenalFadlandHishamheardtheImam(A.S.) sayso,theyrealizedthattheyweremistakenintheircalculations;therefore,theywentbacktoal MamoonaftertellingalRida(A.S.)thattheywereonlytestinghim.Beforeleaving,theyweretold bytheImam(A.S.),"Youhavelied,foryourheartscertainlyrelishwhatyouhavejustsaidtome, butyoufoundmenotexactlyasyouhadhoped."WhentheyenteredalMamoon'scourt,they said:"Ocommanderofthefaithful!WehavejustvisitedalRida(A.S.)andwetestedhimand wantedtosifthismindaboutyou,sowesaidwhatwesaidandhesaidtoo,"whereuponal Mamoonsaid,"Youhavedonewell."Sowhentheycameout,alRida(A.S.)wenttoseehimand theyremainedbythemselvesandalRida(A.S.)informedhimofwhattheybothhadsaidand enjoinedhimtoprotecthimselffromtheirmischief.WhenalMamoonheardthatfromalRida (A.S.),heknewthattheImam(A.S.),notthosetwomen,wasthetruthful. SubjectiveAnalysisoftheDialogue Shouldthisstorybetrue,itwouldbeaproofshowingustheprecisepoliticaldimensionofa dangerousmovewherebyalFadltriedtoscoreavictoryforhimselfandstrengthenhisown positionwhichwasbeingweakenedbyhisbeingdistancedfromthepowernucleusafterthe nominationofImamalRida(A.S.)asthesuccessor.AlFadl,bysodoing,waseitherseriousinhis offerorapretender. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Ifwesupposethathewasserious,whatwouldthenhisobjectivebe?Whatwecanunderstandas aninterpretationofthesituationisthatalFadlwastryingbysodoingtoinvolvetheImam(A.S.) intheplottingofaconspiracytoassassinatealMamoon,andwhencaliphatewastobe transferredtotheImam(A.S.),sincehewastheheirtothethrone,alFadlwouldbeinaposition toholdthereinsofgovernmentandenforcehiscontroloveritsauthority,makingtheImam's participationintheplotasablackmailagainsttheImam(A.S.)wherebyhecouldthreatenhim shouldhetryinanywaytorestricthisinfluence.Or,aftereliminatingalMamoon,itwouldbe easyforhimtoeliminateImamalRida(A.S.)aswellthroughalittlehelpfromgroupsopposing theImam'scaliphate. HadalFadlbeentrulyhonestinhisoffertotransferthecaliphatetotheAlawidedynastyandto eliminatealMamoon,andhadhebeenconfidentofthepracticalityoftheidea,whatmadeit necessaryforhimtoconsulttheImam(A.S.)regardingallofthatsincecaliphatewouldbe transferredtotheImam(A.S.)automaticallyandwithoutanyobstacleaftertheeliminationofal Mamoonsincehewastheappointedsuccessor? Ifwesupposethathewasapretenderinhisoffer,asalFadltriedtoassertaftertheImam's rejectionofhisplot,thenthegoalhewastryingtoachievebecomesquiteclear,forhewould thendesiretodisturbthestandingrelationshipbetweentheImam(A.S.)andalMamoonand,at thesametime,provetoalMamoonhisloyaltytohisgovernmentandconcernaboutitssecurity. ImamFoilsalFadl'sAttempt TheImam(A.S.)foiledhisattempttoachievehisgoalineitherpossibility,andImamalRida's assertiontoalMamoonthatalFadlwasquiteseriousabouthisofferisastrongreasonaddedto theotherreasonswhichcausedalMamoontoeliminatealFadlatalatertime.Havingabsorbed alltheabove,wecanbeeasilysatisfiedthattheregencyconceptwasduetoalMamoon's convictionofthepersistingneedforitinordertoachievesomepoliticalgainsthegovernment wasconcernedaboutachieving. WecanalsobesatisfiedthatthepublicityalFadlibnSahlawardedthatarrangementcannotbe provenevenwhenmanyhistoriansinsistitcould,forattributingShi'aismtohimwasduetothe rumourswhichsaidthatalFadlwastheonewhoofferedalMamoonthemostencouragementto namealRida(A.S.)ashissuccessor,butweoptfortheoppositeduetothelackofevidenceafter havinganalyzedallsituationsasstatedabove. AlMamoonCallsImamtoHim Havingevaluatedthegeneralstatusofthepoliticalpoliciesofhisgovernment,whichwere Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    surroundedwithtumultuouseventsstartingwithBaghdadgoingbackagainstitspromiseof supporttohimandpassingbytheShi'aAlawidethrongssurroundinghisbaseofgovernmentin KhurasanandendingwiththeAlawiderebellionsinIraq,HijazandYemen,alMamoonthoughtof curingthisweakpointbyabrilliantacceptablepoliticalmovewhichwouldbesomethingtodivert theattentionoftheAlawidesandtheShi'aresidentsofKhurasanand,atthesametime,aterrible threattotheAbbasidethrongsinBaghdadthatwouldguaranteeinfluenceforhispositionand controloverallparties,andthiscouldnotbeachievedwithoutnamingImamAliibnMousaal Rida(A.S.)asthesuccessortothethrone.Andsoithappened;hesentletterstotheImam(A.S.) orderinghimtogotoMarw.TheImam(A.S.)refused,andagreatdealofcorrespondenceensured betweenbothmentillalMamoonconvincedhimfinallyandthroughhisownspecialwaystogo there,sendinghimaspecialforcetoescorthimonhiswaywhichincludedalDhahhak,or, accordingtoalMufidandAbulFarajalAsbahani,alJalloudi.Historybooksdonotsaymuchabout thattripexceptsmallbitsandpieceswhichdonotprovideuswithaclearvisionofitsnatureand mission. AlMamoonDeterminesImam'sRoute AlMamoonhadalreadyorderedhismessengertotakeagroupofdignitarieswhowere descendantsofAbuTalibtotheBasrahhighway,thentoalAhwazandPersia,keepinginmind thatthealternateroute,whichwasKufaalJabalKermanShahQum,wasmostlyinhabitedby Shi'asandithastheirstrongholds,andtheymightbecarriedawaybytheirenthusiasmupon findingoutthattheImam(A.S.)wasamongthemandmightdecidetokeephimthereandthus involvethegovernmentindangerousconsequenceswhichmightcauseitsweakeningand collapse. ImaminNishapur WhenheenteredNishapur,hestayedataneighbourhoodcalledalQazwiniwheretherewere crowdsofpigeons,thepigeonswhichtheycalltodayalRida(A.S.)pigeons,andtherewasaspring therethewaterofwhichhadreceded,sohehiredworkerswhorepairedittillitswaterbecame plentiful.Hehadapoolbuiltonitsoutsidewherestairswerealsobuiltaccordingtohis instructionsleadingtothelowlevelofthespringwater,sotheImam(A.S.)wentdown,madehis ablution,cameoutandsaidhisprayersontheoutside. StoryoftheGoldChain AccordingtoTarikhNishapur,asquotedinAlFusoolalMuhimmabyIbnalSabbaghtheMalekite, whentheImam(A.S.)enteredNishapuronhiswaytoMarw,hewasinsideadomewithcurtains conveyedonagraymule,andhewentthroughNishapurwherethetwoImamswhomemorized theahadithoftheProphet(S.A.W.)andthestudentsoftheSunnahoftheProphet(S.A.W.), Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    namelyAbuZar'aalRaziandMuhammadibnAslamalToosi,withcountlessscholarsandseekers ofknowledge,traditionistsandcritics,andtheybothapproachedtheImam(A.S.)saying,"Omost honourabledignitaryandthesonofthemasterImams!Bytherightsofyourpurifiedforefathers (A.S.)andyourgloriousancestors,couldyoupleaseletusseeyourblessedface,andcouldyou narrateforushadithfromyourforefathersquotingyourgrandfatherMuhammad(S.A.W.) wherebywecanrememberyou?"Soheorderedtohavethemulehalted,andhecooledtheeyes ofthethrongswithhisblessedsight.Hehadtwolocksofhaironhisshoulders,andpeoplefrom allclasseswerestandingandlookingathim,someloudlycryingandrollinginthedustbeforehim whileotherswerekissingthehoovesofhismule.Thenoisebecamemuchlouder,andtheleading scholarsloudlycalleduponpeople,"Ofolks!Listenandlearn!Listentowhatbenefitsyouanddo notharmusbyyourloudscreamsandcries!"Thepersonwhorequestedpermissiontowrite downthenwasAbuZar'aMuhammadibnAslamalToosi.AliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)said:"My fatherMousaalKazim(A.S.)narratedtomefromhisfatherJa'feralSadiq(A.S.)fromhisfather MuhammadalBaqir(A.S.)fromhisfatherAliZaynulAbidin(A.S.)fromhisfather,theMartyrof Kerbala(A.S.),fromhisfatherAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)saying:`Mylovedone,andthepleasureof myeyes,theMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),narratedtomeoncethatJibrail(Gabriel)toldhimthat hehadheardtheLordoftheThrone,GlorifiedandPraisedbeHisName,saying,`ThekalimaofLA ILAHAILLAALLAHisMycitadel;whoeversaiditwouldenterMycitadel,andwhoeverenteredMy citadelwassafefromMyretribution.'"Thenheletthecurtainslooseonthedomeandwentaway whilethescribesoutnumberedtwentythousand. AbuNa'imsaidinHilyatalAwliya,afterquotingthenarrativeabove,"Thisisafirmhadithfamous inthiswayofnarrationthroughthelineofnarratorsfromamongthePurifiedOnes(A.S.)who quotetheirforefathers,andsomeofourpredecessorswhoweretraditionistsusedtosay wheneverthistraditionwasnarratedthatifthisnarrativewasnarratedtoamadman,hewould comebacktohissenses." ImamContinuesHisTriptoMarw TheImam(A.S.)afterthatcontinuedhistriptillhefinallyreachedMarwwherealMamoonhad preparedacomfortableplaceforhimandsurroundedhimwithexcellentmanifestationsof respectandvenerationandallmeansofhonouringandglorification.ItwasthenthatalMamoon startedtoexecutetheplanhehadplannedfortheregency. ImamPreconditions FinallytheImam(A.S.)bowedhisheadwiththeagreementtobethecaliph'ssuccessor,butitwas notbeforehehadtakenfromthegovernmentanexcitinglynegativestance;hepreconditioned thathewouldnotberequiredtobearanyresponsibility,generalorspecific,relatedtothe governmentanditsrulingsystems,andalMamoonacceptedtheconditionquitereluctantly,but Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    hedidtryattimestoinvolvetheImam(A.S.)insuchresponsibilities,andtheImam(A.S.)kept refusing,remindinghimtohonourhiscondition. Havingbeenconvincedtoaccept,theImam(A.S.)saidtoalMamoon:"Ialsoagreenottoname anyoneinapostnorremoveanyonefromapost,thatIdonotcancelanydecreeortradition,and tostayasanadvisor,"andheagreedtoallofthat.115 Inanotherencounter,alMamoontriedtopressuretheImam(A.S.)intoparticipatinginthestate affairs;Mu'ammaribnKhalladsaidthatAbulHassanalRida(A.S.)hadsaidtohim,"AlMamoon saidtome,`OfatherofalHassan!Youmayconsidersomeofthoseindividualswhomyoutrustto begovernorsoftheareaswherecorruptionismanifest,'andIsaidtohim,`Ifyouhonouryour partoftheagreement,Ishallcertainlyhonourmine.IagreedtowhatIagreedonthecondition thatIdonotissueordersoroverruleothers,nordeposeanyoneorappointanyone,nordoIgo anywhereexceptwhereverGodsendsme.ByGod!CaliphatewassomethingIneverdesired,andI usedtoliveinMedinawhereIgothroughitsalleysonthebackofmyanimal,andwhenits residentsorothersaskmetodothemafavour,Idothemafavour,andthustheybecomelikemy ownuncles.Mylettersstillcarryweightinvariouslands,andyouhavenotincreasedmein whateverblessingGodhasbestoweduponme.'Sohesaid,`Ishallhonourit.'"116 AnalyzingImam'sNegativeStanceTowardsSuchResponsibility Wehavenochoicehereexcepttoclearsomeoftheambiguitywhichencompassesthisnegative stanceoftheImam(A.S.)towardsthegovernment,forwhyshouldherefusetocooperatewithal Mamoonincarryingoutthestateaffairs? Beforedoinganything,wehavetoevaluatetheImam'sviewpointtowardsthegovernmentandits "legitimacy"undertheleadershipofalMamoonandthecounselsofalFadlibnSahlandhisviews regardingitsleadersandheads. Ofcourse,hisviewpointwasnotpositiveduetohisbeliefthatagovernmentwasnotlegitimate aslongasitremaineddistantfromhisownleadershipinhisstatusasthepristineImam(A.S.) namedsobytheMessenger(S.A.W.)himselfaccordingtoaseriesofinstructionsconveyedbyone Imam(A.S.)tothenext.Forthisreason,weseehowhiscompanionsunanimouslydisagreedthat heshouldacceptthepostofregentwhichcarriedanimpliedrecognitionofthethencaliphate. WecanseetheonlyjustificationtheyacceptedwasthattheImam(A.S.)wasforcedtoacceptit, andthatthatpostwhichwasforcedonhimwouldnotchangehisstancetowardsthegovernment oneiota,forhedidnotenterintoitexceptlikethatwhoenteredtoexit117andthatwhatcaused himtoagreewasthesamethatcausedhisgrandfathertheCommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.)to agreetobepartoftheshuracommittee.118 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    HadImamalRida(A.S.)wishedtosharetheburdensofgovernmentwithalMamoon,itwould havebeenregardedashisrecognitionofthelegitimacyofthemakeupofthatgovernment,and anendorsementofallitsactionsundertakenbyitshigherauthorities,buthepreferredtoassume theroleofanadvisorwhokepthisstancesinordertosafeguardtheinterestsofIslamthe safeguardingofwhichwashisownverymissioninlife.ButtheImam(A.S.)didnotwanttogrant alMamoonthestatusofacustodianoverhisbehaviourandactions,norwouldhebethe executorofhiswillandthepersontofulfillhiseveryambition,forhedidnothavetheambitionto achieveastrongerrulingstatus,ortheonewhocontrolsthegovernmentapparatus,sothathe wouldprovidealMamoonsimilarlytowhatalFadlibnSahlandothersprovided.Those individualsusedtopresstowinhisfavour,flatterhim,andcarryouthisdesireswhateverthey mightbesothattheywouldbethefirsttowinastrongerpositioninthegovernmentvehicle. LetussupposethattheImam(A.S.)hadacceptedtheprincipleoftakingpartinmanagingthe stateaffairs.Thatwouldmeanhisexposuretoanoverwhelmingandfierceoppositionbyothers whoconsiderImamalRida(A.S.)asanelementdifferingfromtheirsystemsinconduct,program, frameworkandcontext,andhemightpushthemawayfromthecycleofgovernmentespecially sincehecouldnotacceptalltheiractionsmostofwhichmaygobeyondthelimitslegislatedfor them.OrsuchaconfrontationmayexposetheImam'sstancetodangerousrepercussionswhich mayhistoricallyaffecthisbeingandpersonalityevenifthroughcheapmeansandmethodsthey plotbehindthescenestoaccusehiminordertoincitethewrathofthegovernmentagainsthim andalsodistortthesacredhalowithwhichotherssurroundhim. DothesepersonslackspecialmeanstocastashadowofdoubtonthemovementsoftheImam (A.S.)andmisinterprethisbehaviourtothecaliphalMamoon?Takethecaseofthatpersonwho raisedalMamoontothethroneafterturningthetablesupsidedownonthegovernmentin Baghdad,removedalAminfromhisthronethroughwhateverpoliticalandmilitarymeanshehad, washethennotcapableofplottingtoeliminatetheImam(A.S.),orhurthisreputation,inorder tosecureforhimselftoremaininthecenterofpower?!Infact,despitethegenerousamountof intelligencealMamoonenjoyedbyforcingtheImam(A.S.)toacceptregency,theImam(A.S.)was likewiseawareofhissituation,keentotheconsequenceswhenhepracticallydistancedhimself fromtheareasofresponsibility. RegencyCelebrated WhentheImam(A.S.)acceptedregency,alMamoonwantedtocelebratetheeventinagrand style,soheconductedameetingwithhisclosestaidesonaThursday,thenalFadlibnSahlwent Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    outandinformedthepublicofthedecisionalMamoonhadmaderegardingAliibnMousaalRida (A.S.)andthathechosehimtobehissuccessorandnamedhim"alRida"andorderedthemto weargreenandcomeonThursdaytosweartheoathofallegiancetohimassuchandtakeayear's allowancefromthestatetreasury. Onthatday,peopleintheirvarioussocialclasses,leaders,chamberlains,judgesandothers,all drapedingreenoutfits,rodetothedesignatedplacewherealMamoonhadseatedhimself, puttingforalRida(A.S.)twohugepillows.HeevenspreadthecarpetinpersonforalRida(A.S.) andseatedhimonitnearhimwhilewearingaturbanandcarryingasword.Thenheorderedhis sonalAbbasibnalMamoontobethefirsttoswearallegiance.AlRida(A.S.)raisedhishand,with itsbackfacinghisfaceanditspalmfacingthem.AlMamoonsaidtohim:"Stretchyourhandso thatpeopleswearallegiancetoyou."AlRida(A.S.)said:"TheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)usedto puthishandlikethatbeforeacceptingpeople'sallegiance."Peoplesworetheoathofallegiance tohimwhilehispalmwasthusfacingthem.Tensofthousandsofdirhamswerebroughtin; oratorsdeliveredspeechesandpoetssaidtheirpoemsexaltingthemeritsofalRida(A.S.)andthe statustowhichalMamoonhadchosenhimfor.ThenAbuAbbadcalleduponalAbbassonofal Mamoon.Hestoodandcameclosetohisfatherandkissedhishand.Hisfatherorderedhimtosit, thenAliMuhammadibnJa'feribnMuhammadwascalledupon,andalFadlibnSahlsaidtohim, "Comeup,"andhedidtillhewasclosetoalMamoon.Hestoodtherebuthedidnotkisshishand. Hewastoldtogoandtakehismoney.AlMamoonthencalledhimandtoldhimtogobacktohis place,whichhedid.AbuAbbadkeptinvitingoneAlawideandoneAbbasidetotaketheirmoney tillallcashwasdepleted.ThenalMamoonaskedalRida(A.S.)todeliverasermon. TheImam(A.S.)praisedGodandglorifiedHim,thenhesaid:"Wehaveoveryouaright designatedbytheMessengerofGod,andyouhavearightoverusaswell;so,ifyouperformyour obligationtowardsus,wewillbeboundtoperformyours." Historiansdonotrecordanyothersermonhedeliveredbesidesthisoneonthatoccasion.Al MamoonorderedanewdirhamcurrencytobemintedwithalRida'snameonit.IshaqibnMousa ibnJa'fermarriedthedaughterofhisuncleIshaqibnJa'feribnMuhammadandorderedhimto accompanypeopletothepilgrimage,andsermonsweredeliveredatalRida'shometown mentioninghisnameinthemasthedesignatedsuccessorofthecaliph.119AlMamoonordered thatallcountriesmustmentionalRida(A.S.)duringtheirsermonsandprayforhiminhiscapacity asthesuccessorofthecaliphoftheMuslims. PoemsinhisPraise Poetspraisedhiminamostexcellentway.AmongsuchpoemswereversescomposedbyAbu Nuwaswhichareconsideredthebest,forpeopleblamedthepoetfornotpraisingalRida(A.S.), whereuponhesaid: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Itwassaidtomethatminewasthebestrhyme, Articulateinartsofbrilliantspeechandchime, ThatIhavepearlsofbeautifulspeech Bearingfruitsinthehandsthatcanreach; "Sowhydidyouleavethepraiseoftheson OfMousa,andequaltohismeritsisnone?" IsaidhowcouldIpossiblypraiseandbefair ToonewhosefatherJibreeldidserveandcare? AlMamoonsaid:"Verywellsaid,"andhepaidhimasmuchashepaidallthepoetscombinedand consideredhimasaclosefriend.TheschoolofthoughtofAbuNuwaswasShi'a,andmythsof promiscuitywerenarratedaboutandattributedtohimregardingwhichwehaveourownview whichdissociatesthepoetfromwhatwasattributedtohim. AbuNuwaswentoutofhishouseonceandnoticedthattherewasahorsemanwhowasriding besidehim.Heaskedwhothemanwaswithoutseeinghisface,andhewastoldthathewasAli ibnMousaalRida(A.S.),whereuponheinstantlycomposedtheseverses: Hadtheeyessoughtyouforagoal, Andtheminddoubtedyouandthesoul, Theheartwouldsurelyyourecognize Evenwhennotseenbytheeyes. Ifpeoplewishtoseeyoubutdonotknow, Yourfragrancewilltellthemwheretogo. OncehesawtheImam(A.S.)leavingthecourtofalMamoonandridinghismule,hecameclose tohim,greetedhimandsaid,"OsonofthemessengerofGod!Ihavecomposedafewverses aboutyouandwouldlikeyoutohearthem."Hesaid,"Letushearthem,"sohesaid: CleansedandPurifiedtheyare, Whenmentioned,theyaresanctified, Wherevertheymaybe,nearorfar; Whenrootsandlinesareidentified, IfnotAlawides,theyindeedare Withnothingtoboastorpride Intheirlineage,intheirdeed; ForwhenGodcreatedmanandeyed YouHeselectedandfavouredindeed Andraisedabovetherestandall Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    WiththeknowledgeofHisQur'an Andofitsversesyoustandtall. AlRida(A.S.)said,"Youhavecomposedversesnobodyelsebeatyoutothembefore,"thenhe askedhisservanthowmuchspendingmoneyhehadwithhim,andtheservanttoldhimitwas threehundreddinars.TheImam(A.S.)said,"Giveittohimall,"thenheorderedhimtohandhim hismuleaswell.120 AsregardingDa'bal,thepoetoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.),Ididnotcomeacrosshispoetryinpraiseof alRida(A.S.)ontheoccasion,butIhavecomeacrosshispoetryasrecordedinbooksofhistory whichhavebroughtushisfamouspoemrhymingwiththe`t'inwhichhedepictedforusthe horribletragediesfromwhichtheAhlalBayt(A.S.)sufferedthebitternessofinjusticeand oppressionatthehandsoftheircontemporarycaliphsandtheiroppressiverulers.Da'balseemsin hispoemtoaimatstirringthesympathyofthenationinordertowakeupthesenseofloyaltyto theAhlalBayt(A.S.)andtosupportthemagainsttheirenemieswhousurpedtheirrightsbyhis magnificentnarrativestyleofthebloodytragedieswherebytheywereterrorizedduringvarious epochsoftheUmayyadandAbbasidedynasties.Thepoembeginswith: Theyansweredeachotherwithanechoandsighed, MournersinnonArabtonguedwailedandcried... ThenheexplainsthefactstheAhlalBayt(A.S.)wentthroughsincethedemiseoftheProphet (S.A.W.),passingbytheincidentofthesaqifaandthenation'sstancetowardsthecaliphatethen, andendingwiththecalamitythatbefellImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.).Afterthathededicatesthe restofthepoemtopraisingtheAhlalBayt(A.S.),highlightingtheirparticularmeritsandqualities. ImamalRida(A.S.)wasmovedparticularlybytwoversesofthepoem,andthatwasreflected clearlyonhisface,whenDa'balsaid, Ifindotherssharetheirshare, Theirhandsofwhatistheirsarebare...; theImam(A.S.)criedandsaid,"Youhavesaidthetruth,ODa'bal..."AndDa'balhadindeedstruck ontheImam'ssensitivechordofthedilemmafromwhichtheAhlalBayt(A.S.)weresuffering whenhesaid: Whentheywerepulledtaut,theydidstretch Tensehandsthatcouldn'ttheirmusclestouch, theImam(A.S.)keptmakingamotionwithhishandsandrepeating,"tense,indeed;theyare tense..."ThepoemisconsideredoneofthebestinArabicpoetryinitseaseofexpression,the Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    realityofexposition,thecraftsmanshipofitsorganization,andtheexcellenceofitsperformance. WhenDa'balfinished,alRida(A.S.),accordingtotheauthorofAlAghani,rewardedhimwithten thousanddirhamsoftheonesmintedwithhisnameonthem,andgavehimoneofhisownshirts whichsomeresidentsofQumofferedtobuyfromthepoetforthirtythousanddirhamsbuthe refused;therefore,theywaitedtilltheyhadachancetotakeitawayfromhimbyforce.Hethen saidtothem,"ItismeanttobeforseekingnearnesstoGod,theExalted,anditisprohibitedfrom you,"andhesworethathewouldneversellsucharelicexceptiftheyagreedtogivehima portionofittoputinhiscoffin,sotheygavehimonesleevewhichwaslaterputinsidehiscoffin. HewrotehispoemtitledMadarisuAyatin,asissaid,aboutagarment(fromtheImam)whichhe woreastheihramrobe,andheorderedittobeputinhiscoffinuponhisdeath.Da'balwasfeared forhistongue,andcaliphsusedtodreadhiscriticism.IbnalMudabbirsaid,"ImetDa'balonce andsaidtohim,`Youhavemoregutsthananyoneelsewhenyoucomposedtheseversesabout alMamoon: Ibelongtothepeoplewhosepowerandmight Killedyourbrotherandhonouredyouwithyourright; Fromitslongapathytheymadeyourstatusbright, Andliftedyoufromthedeepestpitandplight. Sohesaidtome,`OAbuIshaq!Ihavebeencarryingmycrossboardwithmeduringthepastforty yearswithoutfindinganyonetocrucifymeonit!'"121 AnInterestingAnecdote OneoftheinterestingandoftennarratedanecdotessaysthatDa'balleftMarwafterDa'balhad alreadysaidhisfamouspoemrhyminginthe`t'andpassedbythewateringplacebelongingto Fawhanwhenhighwayrobbersinterceptedhiscaravanandtookitallasabootyaftertyingits menincludingDa'bal.Therobberstookpossessionofallthewaresofthecaravanandkept dividingitamongthemselveswhenoneman,quotingDa'bal,said: Ifindotherssharetheirshare, Theirhandsofwhatistheirsarebare..., Da'balheardhimandaskedhim,"Whosaidthatline?"Themananswered,"Amanfromthetribe ofKhuza'acalledDa'balibnAli."Da'balsaid,"IamDa'balwhocomposedthatpoem,andthis verseisoneofitsverses,"whereuponthemanleapedandrushedtotheirchiefwhowassaying hisprayersontopofahill,andhewasaShi'a.Hetoldhimwhathehadheard.Thechiefcameand askedDa'balifhewasthemanandDa'balansweredintheaffirmative,sothemanchallengedhim Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    torecitetheentirepoem.Whenhedid,heuntiedhimanduntiedalltheothermeninthecaravan andreturnedalltheirbelongingsbacktothemjusttopleaseDa'bal.122 Thisstory,althoughwearenotsureifitistrue,expressesanywaytheimplicationthisverse carries. OpponentsoftheRegencyArrangement Theregencyarrangementwasthesourceofhorrormixedwithoutrageandangerofthe Abbasidesandtheirfollowers,andthisbecamemanifestbytheirremovalofallpoliticalinfluence ofalMamoonfromBaghdadandbyrenegingontheirpledgeofallegiancetohimwhichcaused himagreatdealofpoliticaldisasters. Therewasalsoagroupofmenamonghisclosestcourtiersandleaderswhorefusedtoendorsehis decisionandspokeoftheirdisagreementwithhimandinsistedontheirdisagreementtillhe foundhimselfforcedintheend,accordingtosomereports,toarrestthemforfearoffoilinghis plan.Amongthosearrestedwerethreemen,namelyalJalloudi,AliibnAbuImran,andIbnMunis. AlSaduqnarratessayingthattheywerekilledafterbeingarrested123,althoughsomehistorical factsconcludethatthiswasnotso,forbothTabariandIbnAthir,discussingtheeventsoftheyear 205A.H.,saythatalMamoonappointedYazidibnIsaalJallouditofightalZattinYemen124,and sodoesalYaqubi. ResearchingHistory WefindithardtobelievethatthealJalloudiwhomalMamoonkilledwasnotthesamealJalloudi whofoughtalZatt,anditispossiblethathewasnotkilledbecauseoftheintercessiononhis behalfbyalRida(A.S.). ItisstrangethatthoseleadersshouldrevoltagainstthewishofalMamoonandinsistontheir rebellionanddissensiontotheextentthattheywereexecuted,andherewehavenochoice excepttoendorsetheauthenticityofthisstoryaccordingtothecommonbooksofcriteriain understandinghistory.AlSaduqnarratedthestoryoftheirexecutioninawaywhichwascloserto astageplay,inwhichheusedprecisiontodistributetherolesamongitcast,thananythingelse.It islikelythatAliibnAbuImranwhomalSaduqnamedamongthosethreemenwasactuallyAbdul AzizibnImranwhowillbediscussedlaterandwhowaskilledwithothersbyalMamoonafter havingbeenaccusedoftakingpartinthemurderofalFadlibnSahl. SilentOpposition TherewereotherelementsofdissentwhodidnotrelishthenominationoftheImam(A.S.)asthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    successorandtothepossibilityoftakingcaliphateoutoftheAbbasides,buttheysubmittedto realitywhilehidingillintentionsjusttoavoidaclashwiththegovernmentinwhichtheyarenot strongenoughtoopposeitswill.Buttheycouldnotkeepittothemselvesfortoolong;instead, theyexpressedthebitternesstheyfelttowardssuchan"irresponsible"act,accordingtotheirway ofthinking,ofthecaliph. IshaqibnMousaibnIsaibnMousaaccompaniedagroupofpeopleforthehajjwhereheprayed foralMamoonandforhissuccessorAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.),whereuponhewaschallenged byHamdawayhiibnAliibnIsaibnMousaibnIsaibnMahanwholeapedathimandcalledfora black(Abbasidecolour)robetowear,andwhenhecouldnotfindone,hetookablackflagand wrappedhimselfinitsaying:"Opeople!IhavenowconveyedtoyouwhatIwasorderedto convey,andIdonotrecognizeanyoneotherthanthecommanderofthefaithfulandalFadlibn Sahl,"thenhedescended.125Thisincidentleadsustobelievethattherewasasilent undergroundoppositionwhichdidnotwishtoenterintoastruggletodefineitsposition regardingthegovernment,inadditiontotheoppositionwhichhadalreadyandpubliclytakena stancecontrarytothewillofthegovernmentashadhappenedinBaghdadandelsewhere. Atanyrate,thosewhorejectedtheregencyarrangementdidnotrealizewhatpromptedal MamoontobringitaboutduringthoseshakypoliticalcircumstanceswhichtheAbbaside governmentlived,andalMamoonwasnotnaiveenoughtorevealtothesepartiesthesecret whichhehadverywellkepttohimselftillhereachedthefinaldestinationpointoftheplanhe hadplanned. EidPrayers Oneofthemanifestationswhichwasnotdestinedtofinalizeoftheregencycelebrationwasthe EidprayerswhichalMamooninsistedthattheImam(A.S.)shouldconductinpersonbecausehe himselfhadcaughtaverybadcold,orhemayhavehadanotherexcuse.AlIrshadquotesAliibn IbrahimwhointurnquotesYasirtheservantandalRayyanibnalSaltsayingthatwhentheEid approached,andalRida(A.S.)hadalreadybeennamedasthecaliph'ssuccessor,alMamoon invitedhimtoridetotheplacewheretheoccasionwastobecelebratedandtosaytheprayers anddeliverthesermon,andalRida(A.S.)senthimawordsaying,"Youknowwhattermsexist betweenbothofus;so,pleaseexemptmefromconductingtheprayerstopeople."AlMamoon answeredsaying,"Myintentionisthatpeople'sheartsmustrestatpeaceregardingyouandthey shouldcometoknowyourexcellences."Messengerskeptgoingbetweenbothmencarrying messagesandwhenalMamooninsistedonhissuggestion,hesenthimamessagesaying,"Ifyou exemptme,Iwouldappreciateit,andifyoudonot,IshallcomeoutjustastheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)andtheCommanderoftheFaithfulAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)did,"whereuponalMamoon said,"Comeouthoweveryouplease,"andheorderedtheleadersandchamberlainsandthe publictogoearlytoalRida'shouse.PeoplewaitedtoseeAbulHassanalRida(A.S.)inthealleys Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    andonrooftops,andwomenandchildrentoogatheredwaitingforhimtocomeout.Thearmy commandersandtheirtroopsstoodguardathisdoormountedontheirhorsestillthesunstarted rising.AbulHassanwashed,putonhisoutsideclothesandworeaturbanmadeofcotton,leaving aportionofitdrapedownonhischestandasmallportionofitbetweenhisshoulders.Herubbed hishandswithsomeperfumeandtookinhishandacaneandtoldhisservantstodolikewise.So theyallcameout,andhewasbarefoot,andheraisedhistrousersuptohalfthelegandhis clotheswerehanginglooselyonhim.Hewalkedforashortwhile,raisedhisheadaboveandmade thetakbirandhisservantsdidlikewise.Thenhewalkedtillhereachedhisdoorstep.Whenthe leadersandtroopssawhimlookinglikethat,theyallalightedinthespeedoflightning,somuchso thatluckywastheoneamongthemwhohappenedtohaveaknifetocuttheleatherstirrupsso thathecouldjumpfasterthanothers,takehissandalsoffandremainbarefootjustastheImam (A.S.)haddone.AlRida(A.S.)madetakbiragain,andeveryoneelsedidlikewise,somuchsothat itseemedtoeveryoneasiftheskyandthewallsechoedwithhim,andMarwwasshakenwiththe noiseofweepingandhasslewhenitsresidentssawAbulHassanandheardhimsayAllahuAkbar! AllahuAkbar!... SendingImamBack AlMamooncametoknowaboutallofthat.AlFadlibnSahlDhulRiyasataynsaidtohim,"O Commanderofthefaithful!IfalRida(A.S.)reachesthemosqueinsuchacondition,peoplewillbe fascinatedbyhimandweallwillhavetofearforourlives;so,sendhimamessengerandtellhim togoback."AlMamoonsenthimamessagesaying,"Wehaveoverburdenedyouandworeyou out,andwedonotwishthatyoushouldsufferanyhardshiponouraccount;so,gobackhome, andletpeoplesaytheirprayersbehindwhoevertheyhavebeenpraying."AbulHassan,therefore, askedforhissandalsback,putthemonandwentback.Peopleonthatdaydifferedregarding theirprayers,andhedidnotparticipateintheirprayers. AnalyzingImam'sHandlingofEidPrayers ThusdidtheImam(A.S.)desiretogivetheEidprayerstheirgreatspiritualmeaningandseparate themfromthefakeappearanceswhichwereattachedtothembyrulingcaliphswhowereusing themtomakeadisplayofthepowertheycommandedandtosecurethesenseofaweand greatnessinthemindsofthepublic.SuchasplendidshowwherebytheImam(A.S.)triedtobring thelegislativesystembacktoitspristinegenuinenesswassomethingwithwhichthepublicwere notfamiliaratall,anditwasamagnificentsurprisethattheemotionsofthemasseswere amalgamatedwiththeImam'spositionwhichwasrebelliousinnatureagainstthetraditions followedbythecaliphsonsuchoccasions. Peoplelivedduringthosemomentsasupremespiritualoutburstwhichdeepenedwithintheir soulsthesenseofbeliefanddistancedthemfromartificialandfakeappearances.Suchan Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    objectivestancetheImam(A.S.)tookwasanopeninvitationtothenationtoreevaluatetheruling apparatusthatplayedhavocwiththeirlivesandproperties,andinspiretothemtoseehowfake thegovernmentapparatuswasandhowdistantfromtherealityoftheIslamicmessage.Thisis whyalFadlwasswifttowarnalMamoonabouttheembarrassmentofthesituationandalerthim againstpeoplefallinginlovewiththeImam(A.S.)andturninginhatredagainstthegovernmentif hedidnotsendtheImam(A.S.)back.AlMamoonwasmovedbyalFadl'swarning;therefore,he hadtosendsomeonetoasktheImam(A.S.)togobackhome. SomeoftheImam'sDawahMethods TheImam(A.S.)hadhisownparticularmethodinpromotingthedawah,forhetookadvantageof someexcitingsituationsinordertoopenpeople'seyestoseehowcorruptthegovernmentandits rulingsystemwas,havingnofreedomofmovementduetotherestrictionsalMamoonandhis ministeralFadlibnSahlhadenforcedonhimofstrictsurveillanceoverallhisactionsand speeches.Amongsuchsituationswhichweredictatedbythenatureofhismissionwashis conditionalacceptanceoftheregencythathewouldnothavetoissueordersnorcancelthe ordersofothers,thathewouldnotdeposeornominateanyone,norhaveanythingtodowiththe stateaffairs.Allinall,thisindicatesthathedidnotfeelthatthegovernmentwaslegitimate enoughforhimtocooperatewithandwhichwouldraisesomequestionsbypeoplearoundhim. Afinalnote.Thisisthestoryoftheregencyissue.Ihavetriedwhilewritingittobefaithfulto historyindiscussingitscomplexitiesanddevelopmentswithouthavinganygoalexcepttoclear theImam(A.S.)oftheaccusationsagainsthimwhichmaystillberaisedbysomepeoplewhohave aparticularwayofunderstandinghistorywithintheframeworksoftextswithoutexaminingthe mainsubjectmatterswhilestudyinghistory.Theseinclude:theevaluationofthegeneral circumstances,thepoliticalimpactswhichstampthenatureofagovernment,thesocialpressure whichmayhavesomethingtodowithdefiningsomesituationsandtakingafewstepsdictatedby thenecessityofcopingwithagovernment.Howniceitwouldbeifthelongstoryofhistorywere researchedonthebasisofanalyzingthesituationsandevaluatingthecircumstances!Itisonly thenthatthecloudwouldberemovedfromagreatdealofscenesandpictures,andwecanbe morerealisticinourjudgementofevents. 90UyoonalAkhbar,chapteronalRida,Vol.2,p.141 91AlIrshad,p.290.AlsoMaqatilalTalibiyyinbyAbulFarajalAsbahani,p.375 92AlMaqatil,p.375 93IlalalSharai',p.266 94AlBihar,Vol.49,p.208quotingIbnMaskawayh'sbookNadeemalFareed 95UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,P.148 96IlalalSharai',Vol.1,p.226 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    97ItappearsthatalHassanibnSahlwasalMamoon'sruleroverIraqatthattime,andwecannot explainwhythenameofalHassanismentionedinthisstoryexceptinthecasealMamoonhad calledhimtomeetwithhimtoconsulthimregardingtheissueofselectingImamalRida(A.S.)as theregentaspresumesSayyidalAmininhisworkA'yaanalShi'a,ButalFadl'slettertohis brotheralHassanregardingregency,asIbnalAthirandTabariandotherhistoriansindicate, negatesallthat,andtheadditionmayhavebeentheactionofthenarratorwhowasignorantof allofthatwhichconstitutesamajorprobleminflictingnarratives. 98AlIrshad,p.291 99MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.375 100AlIrshad,p.291 101AlMahdiandtheMahdis,"Iqra"series,pp.61&62,byAhmedAmin 102UyoonalAkhbar,Vol.3,p.141 103UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.167 104AlAyyashi'sTafsir,Vol.2,p.180ofSuratYousuf,verse55 105AlSadooq'sAmaali,p.72 106IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.193 107UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.153 108QurbalIsnad,p.200 109Ibid. 110AsquotedinUyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.165 111Ibid.,p.147 112Ibid.,p.147 113UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.151 114Tabari,Vol.8,p.555,undertheheading"EventsoftheYear201." 115'IlalalSharai',Vol.1,p.226 116UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.167 117UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.139 118Ibid.,Vol.2,p.140 119AlIrshad,p.291,andMaqatilalTalibiyyin,pp.375376 120UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.143.Somemaydoubtthattheseverseswereactually composedbyAbuNuwassincehediedatleastthreeyearsbeforeImamalRida(A.S.)wasnamed astheregent,foritissaidthathediedin195,orin198,whereasothersputtheyearofhisdeath quitedifferentlyfromeither.Theregencyeventissupposedtohavetakenplaceintheyear201.If thisisaccepted,thenhecouldnothavebeenpresenttherenorcouldhehavecomposedverses ontheoccasion.Therearetwopossibilitieshere: 1.ThefirstisthatthepoetwasindeedAbuNuwas,therenownpoet,buthecomposedthemata differenttime,whichisquitepossiblesinceheisknowntohavecomposedversesinpraiseofthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Imam; 2.ThesecondisthatitwassaidbyanotherAbuNuwaswhowasknownasAbuNuwasalHaqq whowasafollowerofImamalHadi(A.S.),andhisnamewasAbualSariSahlibnYa'qub,andhe usedtobehaveinamorallyloosemannerandflatterpeopleandevenpretendthathewasaShi'a inordertosavehisskin.WhenImamalHadi(A.S.)heardthatabouthim,hecalledhimthetrue (alHaqq)AbuNuwas,accordingtoAlKunawalAlqab(nicknamesandtitles)byalQummi,Vol.1, p.170. Whatoughttobeverifiedistheclaimthatthe"true"AbuNuwaslivedlongenoughtobe contemporarytoImamalRida(A.S.),andwehavenoevidencethatthatwasthecase.Itis possiblethathewascountedamongthefollowersofImamalHadi(A.S.)bysomeonewhodidnot actuallyliveduringthetimeoftheImam(A.S.)whichprovesthecontrary;therefore,thefirst possibilityseemstobemorelikely,andGodknowsbest. 121AlAghani,Vol.2,pp.6981 122UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.264 123UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol2,pp.159164 124IbnalAthir,Vol.5,p.197 125UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.44 Imam'sRoleinEliminatingalFadlibnSahl AlMamoongrantedalFadlthenucleusofpowerandhiscompletepersonalconfidencewhenhe permittedhimtofarewithallgovernmentissues,vestinguponhimtheresponsibilityofallstate affairswithoutdoubtingevenalittlebithisloyaltyandreadinesstoconsumehimselfwhile safeguardinghimandhisthrone. AlFadl,ontheotherhand,madeverygooduseofthatconfidenceandgenerousawardforthe enhancementofhisownstatus.Hetookholdofthereinsofgovernmentandsurroundedal Mamoonwithacurtainofdeception,completelyisolatinghimfromtherealityofthegeneral politicalsituation,actingonhisownaccordingtothedictatesofhisowninterestasanabsolute rulersinglehandedlyissuingdecisionssuitabletostrengthenhisownposition. AlFadlControlstheGovernment Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Withthetalentofcunningandconniving,alFadlwasabletocontrolthesentimentsoftheleaders andheadswhomadeupthegoverningapparatus,forcinguponthemhisownpowerandawe withoutanyonebeingabletogobeyondthelimitsalFadlhaddefinedforhim,forthepricewould thenbethelossofhisjobandmaybehislifeaswell. TheonlypersonwhomhecouldnotcontrolnorinfluencewasImamalRida(A.S.)whowasclosely watchingthesuspiciousmovementsofalFadl,tryingfromadistancetowarnalMamoonagainst thesuredangerawaitinghimduetotheactionsofalFadlandhissupporters,butalMamoondid notwanttoshowanysignofmistrustofthemanwhosavedhispowerandreturnedhisusurped thronetohimafterthewindsofdissensionemanatingfromBaghdadalmosteliminatedhimand hisgovernment. AlFadlTestsalMamoon'sAttitudeTowardsHim AlFadlwasnotcompletelyunawareofthesecretwarningstoalMamoonregardinghissuspicious movementsandwhatpoliticalgainsheaspiredtoachieveinordertosatisfyhisaspirationsand ambitionsforwhichhehadpreparedplanswithsureresults. AlFadlmayhavebeencontentedwiththestrengthofhisownpositionandtheinvulnerabilityof theplanshehadpreparedtosecurethesafetyofhisstatus,withoutimaginingthatalMamoon mightonedayconsidereliminatinghim.InKhurasan,hecontrolledallthecentersofpowerby winningthesupportoftheleadersandchiefsthere.InIraq,hewasablethroughhiscunningto deposeTahiribnalHusaynfromthepostofleadershipafterhehadsubduedBaghdadtohis controlwhenalMamooninstructedalFadltodeposeTahirandbanishhimtoRiqqaandinstall hisownbrotheralHassanibnSahlinhisplace,andalMamoonimmediatelyresponded favourablytothat. SuchaswiftpositiveresponsefromalMamoonwasaclearsignaltoalFadlthathewastheonly manwhomonopolizedcontroloverthecenterofpowerandwhocouldcontrolalMamoon's mindregardinghowtorunthegovernment,andthatthewhisperingswhichstartedbeing circulatedinsideclosedhallssuggestingachangeinalMamoon'shearttowardsalFadlwere completelyfarawayfromthetruth. AmbiguityofalMamoon'sHandlingofalFadl WecannotunderstandthesecretinthecontinuationofsuchaloosestanceofalMamoon towardsalFadlandwhetheritwasduetoasecretplanalMamoonhadpreparedtotrapalFadl andgetridofhimaftergoingbeyondreasonablelimitsinhiscontrolovertherunningofthe generaladministrationofthegovernment.Wasthattheoutcomeoftheelementoftrustinal Fadl'sactionsandthecompleteconfidenceinhisloyaltyafterallthesacrificeshehadofferedin Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ordertobringauthoritybacktohim? Infact,alMamoons'spoliticalinsightandgenius,andhisalertawarenessofevents,makeus doubtthesecondportionofthisrhetoricalquestion,foralMamoonwasnotanaivepersonwho triedhardtofreezehimselfandpracticallyisolatehimselffromgovernment,whilehisminister hadafreehandtodowhateverhewishedandwhateverhisownambitionsdictatedtohim. EliminationofHarthama Nomatterwhatthereasonwas,therearehistoricalevidencesassertingtousthefactthatal MamoonwasnotreservedinadoptingsomesuggestionsinspiredbyalFadl.Forexample, Harthamawasoneoftheleaderswhodidaverygoodjobincreatingamilitaryatmosphere conducivetoalMamoon'sgovernmentandinsecuringitsfoundations.Atthesametime,hewas oneofthosewhowerecriticalofthepoliciesofalFadlandhisbrotheralHassanibnSahl.Like otherleaders,hedidnotappreciatesuchanextravagantnormofconductadoptedbyalHassan ibnSahlinhisdealingwithotherleadersandchiefsand,inhisview,thatwasaccordingto instructionsfromhisbrotheralFadlandtoaplanagreeduponbybothofthem.Forthisreason, hedecidedtospeakhismindtoalMamoonandtoacquainthimwiththedisturbingsituation cloudingthegovernmentandwiththefailureoftheextravagantpolicyadoptedbyalFadlandhis brother. AlFadlIncitesAboutHarthama AlFadl,possiblybecauseofhisintelligenceandcunning,sensedtheintriguingintentionsof Harthamaandthathewasdeterminedtoincitethecaliphagainsthimandhisbrother,ormaybe hecametoknowaboutthatfromhisownwatchdogsandinformantswhomhechosetomonitor themovementsoftheleadersandchiefsandtoinformhimoftheirnews;afterall,itwasonly naturalthatalFadlshouldhaveanintelligencesystemtoguaranteeinternalsecurity.Theresultis thatinordertofoiltheman'sattempt,alFadlaskedalMamoontoorderHarthamatogotoSyria andHijaz,butHarthamawasmorestubbornthanalFadlhadexpected.IbnKhaldunnarratesthe followinginhisTarikh: "HavingfinishedwithAbulSaraya,Harthamareturned,andalHassanibnSahlwasinMadainand hedidnotgotovisithimthere.Hewentfrom'AqrQoobtoNahrawanheadingtowardsKhurasan justtobefacedwithabarrageoflettersfromalMamoonorderinghimtogotoSyriaandHijaz, butheinsistedinsteadonmeetinghim,rememberinghowheusedtoprovidehimandhisfather withcounsel,withtheobjectivetoacquainthimwiththeschemesofalFadlibnSahlwhowas deliberatelyhidingnewsfromhim,abouttheworryofthepublicbecauseofthat,andbecauseof hisextravagance,andalsoabouthisstayinKhurasan.AlFadlcametoknowaboutthat,andhe incitedalMamoonabouthim,claimingthatthemanhadgivenaposttoAbulSarayabecausehe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wasamonghissoldiers,andthathehaddeliberatelygoneagainsthisinstructionsexpressedinthe lettershehadsenthim.Toforgivehim,alFadlwenton,wouldbetoencourageotherstodo likewise.AlMamoonbecameangryandwaitedtoseehim.WhenhereachedMarw,heordered thedrumstobebeatensothatnobodycouldhidethenewsofhisarrivalfromalMamoon.When alMamooninquiredaboutthebeatingofthosedrums,hewastoldthatHarthamahadarrived roaringandsnarling,soheorderedhimtoseehimathiscourt.AlMamoonsaidtohim, `Harthama...!YouhaveantagonizedtheAlawides!BythelifeofAbulSaraya,haditbeenuptoyou toannihilateallofthem,youwouldhavedonejustthat.'Whenhestartedtoapologize,hewas notgivenamomenttosayanything;instead,alMamoonorderedhimtobekickedinthe stomach,tohavehisnosecut,andtobedraggedtoprisonwherehesentsomeonetokill him."126 AnalysisofHarthama'sStance WedonotclaimthatHarthamawasaloyalist,andthathewasindeedtryingtosavethe governmentfromcollapsingbyincitingagainstalFadlandhisbrother.Hismotive,rather,may havebeenthewaveofterroramongtheleadersandchiefsregardingthehorriblefatewhich threatenedtheirpositionsandinfluenceasaresultofdeposingTahiribnalHusaynandexcluding himfromprominentgovernmentpositionsandtheappointmentofalHassanibnSahlonthe affairsofIraq,accordingtothesuggestionofalFadltoalMamoon.Thatprovideduswithan accuratespecimenoftheselfishnatureofalFadl'spolicywhichheusedtoapplytowardsthose whoshowedstrengthintheirmilitaryorpoliticalstancessothatbothheandhisbrotherwould remainthestrongerpoleroundwhichthegovernmentrevolved. Harthamaaimedbyhisincitementtoprotecthispositionwhichherightfullydeservedduetohis sincereservicestothegovernment,butalFadlwassuccessfulininstigatingalMamoonagainst himbeforehearrivedthere,andtherestiswhatyouhavejustheard. LeadersMovetoEliminatealFadl Harthama'sdefeatbeforealFadlwasastrongfactorbehindaswiftmoveundertakenbythe leaderswhowereexpectingforthemselvesafatesimilartothatofHarthamaandTahiribnal Husayn,butnoneofthemalonepossessedenoughcouragetodisclosethisdangeroussituation thestatewasgoingthroughtoalMamoonduetoalFadl'sbehaviour. ImamasSaviour TheonlyhopethoseleadershadhadtosavethedeterioratingsituationwastorequestImamal Rida(A.S.)todisclosetherealityofthesituationtoalMamoonsincehewastheonlyonewho couldnotbeharmedbyalFadlnorcouldanyoneincitealMamoonagainsthim.IbnKhaldun Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    writes: "WhenthesediscordstookplaceinIraqbecauseofalHassanibnSahl,andduetopeople's resentmentofhisandhisbrother'sexcessiveinfluenceoveralMamoon,thenthenominationof AliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)andthetransferofthecaliphatefromtheAbbasides,alFadlibnSahl wasconcealingallofthatfromalMamoon,andhewasgoingtoextremesinsuchconcealment, forfearalMamoonmightchangehisheartabouthimandhisbrother.WhenHarthamacame,he knewthathewasgoingtotellalMamoonaboutallofthat,andthatalMamoontrustedthe adviceofHarthama;so,heperfectedhisincitementagainsthimwithalMamoontillhemadehim changehismindaboutthemanandkillhim,andhedidnotevenlistentowhathewantedtosay; therefore,thedispleasureoftheShi'asthereaswellasoftheresidentsofBaghdadincreased againsthim,anddissensionsbecamewidespread.ThecommandersofalMamoon'sarmystarted talkingaboutit,buttheycouldnotinformhimofit,sotheyapproachedAlialRida(A.S.)and askedhimtoconveythemattertoalMamoon.Andsoitwas.Heinformedhimoftheriotingand killinginIraqandthatpeoplecriticizedhimforthefavouritestatusofalFadlandalHassan,and forhis(alRida's)nomination.AlMamoonasked,`Whoelsebesidesyouknowsallofthat?'He said,`YahyaibnMa'ad,AbdulAzizibnImranandotherprominentarmyleaders.'Sohecalled themtohim,andtheydidnotrevealanythingexceptafterhehadpledgedforthemtheirown security,andtheytoldhimexactlywhatalRida(A.S.)hadalreadytoldhim."127 TabariprovidesuswithaclearandmoreprecisepictureofImamalRida'ssituation;hesays: "ItwasrumouredthatAliibnMousaibnJa'feribnMuhammadtheAlawidetoldalMamoonabout thedissensionandinterkillingamongpeople,thatsincetheassassinationofhisbrother,alFadl wasconcealingthenewsfromhim,thathisownfamilyandthepubliccriticizedhimforcertain reasonsandsaidhewasabewilderedmadman,andthatsincetheysawthathewasdoingallof that,theysworetheoathofallegiancetohisuncleIbrahimibnalMahdiasthecaliph.AlMamoon said,`Theydidnotsweartheoathofallegiancetohim;rather,theyacceptedhimasagovernor rulingtheminthewayalFadlhadinstructedhim.'HeinformedhimthatalFadlhadindeedliedto himandthathecheatedhimaswell,adding,`ThewarbetweenIbrahimandalHassanibnSahlis raging;peoplecriticizehimforthestatusyougavehim(alFadl)andhisbrother,andtheycriticize yournominationofmyselfasyoursuccessor.'Heasked,`Whoelseinmyarmyisawareofthat?' Hesaid,`YahyaibnMa'ad,AbdulAzizibnImran,andanumberofprominentmilitary commanders.'Sohecalledthemtohiscourt,andtheywereYahyaibnMa'ad,AbdulAzizibn ImranandMousaandAliibnAbuSa'idwhowassonofalFadl'ssister,andKhalaftheEgyptian, andheaskedthemaboutwhathehadheard,buttheyrefusedtotellhimanythingunlesshe guaranteedtheirsafetyagainstthethreatrevengeofalFadlibnSahl.Heguaranteedthatfor them,andhewroteeachoneofthemastatementinhisownhandwritingtothateffect.Then theytoldhimaboutthediscordsamonghissubjects,aboutthedeliberatemisinformationhe heardfromalFadlregardingHarthama,andthatTahiribnalHusaynhaddoneanexcellentjob Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    servinghimandopenedmanylandstohisgovernmentandstrengthenedhiscaliphate,andwhen heaccomplishedallofthat,hewasrewardedbybanishmenttoRiqqawherehewasnot permittedtoreceivefundsfromanyone,tillhisauthoritywasweakenedandhistroopsmutinied, thathadhiscaliphatebeeninBaghdad,hewouldhavehadabettercontrolandnobodywould havedaredtomisleadhimasalHassanibnSahlhad,thatthelandfromoneendtotheotherwas shakingunderhisfeet,thatTahiribnalHusaynhadbeenforgottenthatyearsincethemurderof MuhammadinRiqqawithoutbeingutilizedinthesewarswhilesomeonewhowasalotless qualifiedwasincharge..."128 AlMamoonisConvincedoftheGravityoftheSituation ThepicturenowwasturnedupsidedownintheeyesofalMamoon,buthedidnottrytochange hisconductwithalFadlbecausethelatterwasinchargeofthegovernmentbaseinboth KhurasanandBaghdad.InKhurasan,thepsychologicalwarwhichhewagedbydeposingTahiribn alHusaynandbyhavingHarthamamurderedquenchedthedesireamongtheleadersandchiefs formutiny,pushingthemtoyieldtohiswishesandexpectationsafterhavingfeltthatalMamoon representednomorethanamagicwandinthehandsofalFadl.AsregardingBaghdad,itwasin thegripofhisbrotheralHassanibnSahlwhowasconsideredtherighthandofalFadlandthebig stickwherebyhethreatenedalMamoon. AlFadlSeeksRevengeAgainstInstigators AsregardingthosemenwhoexposedtoalMamoontherealityofalFadl'sconductandthe dangersitimplied,theywereterrifiedwhenalFadltoredowntheassurancesofandwerewritten byalMamoonguaranteeingtheirsafetyagainsthiswrathandrevengeuponcomingtoknow abouttheirincitementandtheirsupportofwhatImamalRida(A.S.)hadsaidabouthim.Tabari says: "WhenthatbecamecertaintoalMamoon,heorderedpreparationstogotoBaghdad,andwhen alFadlibnSahlcametoknowaboutthosepreparations,hecametoknowonlyaboutsomeof them,soheinterrogatedthemandevenwhippedandjailedsomeofthemandpulledthehairout ofthebeardsofothers,soAliibnMousacametohiscourtandtoldhimwhathadhappenedto thosemenandremindedhimofhisassurancestothem,andheansweredhimbysayingthathe wasonlytolerating."129 ThishistoricaltextclearlytellsusabouttheextenttowhichalMamoonwentinavoidinga headlongcollisionwithalFadlorlettinghimknowthatanyonehadincitedhimagainstalFadl, especiallysincehecametoknowthathewasharmingtheleaderswhowerepressuredbyhimto speakthetruthaboutalFadl,givingthemwrittenassurancesthatalFadlwouldnotharmthem. ThistextalsotellsusthatalMamoonwastheonewhoplannedtheassassinationofalFadlwhich Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    tookplacelaterassomeassassinsadmittedtoalMamoonfacetoface. AlMamoonPretendstobeaStarGazer ItisinterestingthatchanceshouldplayamajorroleintheexecutionofalMamoon'splanto eliminatealFadl,anditmayevenhavebeenadeliberate"chance"arrangedbyalMamoon himself,andwedonotthinkthatisunlikely. WhileonhiswaytoBaghdad,alFadl,whowasinthecompanyofalMamoon,receivedaletter fromhisbrotheralHassanibnSahlinwhichhesaid,"Ihavelookedinthechangingofthisyear accordingtothecalculationofthestarsandIfoundoutthatyouwillinsuchandsuchmonth,ona Wednesday,tastethepainofredhotironandoftheburningfire,andIamoftheviewthatyou shouldtodaygointhecompanyofalRida(A.S.)andthecommanderofthefaithfultothebath housetotakeabathandthenpourbloodoveryourbodysothattheillluckofthisomenleaves you."AlFadl,therefore,sentalettertoalMamoonaskinghimtogowithhimtothebathhouse, andtorequestAbulHassan(A.S.)tojointhemtoo. ImamRefusestoGototheBathHouseandGivesaWarning AlMamoonwrotealetterinthatmeaningtoalRida(A.S.),andAbulHassanwrotehimback sayingthathewouldnotenterthebathhousethenextday,norwouldherecommendthatthe commanderofthefaithfulshouldenteriteither,norevenalFadl.ButalMamoonrepeatedhis requesttwice,andAbulHassanwrotehimagainsaying,"Ishallnotenterthebathhouse tomorrowforIsawinavisiontheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)lastnighttellingmenottoenterthe bathhousetomorrow;therefore,IdonotadvisethecommanderofthefaithfulnoralFadlto enterthebathhousetomorrow,"whereuponalMamoonwrotehimsaying,"Youhave,master, saidthetruth,andsohastheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.);Ishallnotenterthebathhouse tomorrow,andalFadlknowsbestwhathedoes..."130 AlFadlisMurdered Finally,alFadlenteredthebathhousejusttobereceivedbytheswordsoftheassassinsasthe letterhehadreceivedfromhisbrotheralHassanibnSahlhadpredicted. WedonotthinkitisunlikelythatthatletterwaspreparedbyalMamoonimitatingthestyleof theman'sbrother,alHassan,inordertoavoidbeingaccusedofmurderingalFadl.Itisalso possiblethatalMamoonwishedtogetridofbothalFadlandImamalRida(A.S.)bythatmethod ofmysteriousassassination,buttheImam(A.S.)wasalertinthefaceofalMamoon'scunningand schemingandheresistedtheinsistenceofalMamooninenteringthebathhousewithhimand withalFadlbytactandcaution.Thelastparagraphoftheanecdotetellsusclearlythattheletter Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wasaplotbyalMamoontokillbothalFadlandtheImam(A.S.);otherwise,whydidalMamoon abstainfromwarningalFadlagainstenteringthebathhousealthoughtheImam(A.S.)hadasked himtodojustthat? AssasinsareCloseFriendsofalMamoon WhatprovidesevidenceisthefactthatthosewhokilledalFadlwereamongtheclosestcourtiers andtrainofalMamoonand,accordingtoonestory,theylateronfacedalMamoonwiththeir accusationthathewastheonewhoaskedthemtodoit.AlTabarisays: "WhenhereachedSarkhas,agroupofmenassaultedalFadlibnSahlatthebathhouseand struckhimwiththeirswordstillhewasdead,andthatwasonaFridaytwonightsbeforetheend ofSha'banintheyear202A.H.Theywerearrestedanditbecameclearthatthosewho assassinatedalFadlwereamongalMamoon'sclosestcourtiersandtheywerefourinnumber: GhalibalMas'ooditheblackman,Qistantine(Constantine)theRoman,FarajalDaylami,and MuaffaqofSicily;theykilledhimandhewassixtyyearsoldandtheyranaway.AlMamoon postedarewardoftenthousanddinarsforanyonewhowouldbringthemtohim,andtheywere broughttohimbyalAbbasibnHaithamibnBazarJamharalDaynuri,andtheysaidtoal Mamoon,`Butyouorderedustokillhim!'Heorderedthemtobekilled.Itisalsosaidthatwhen thosewhokilledalFadlwerearrested,alMamooninterrogatedthem,andsomeofthemsaid thatAliibnAbuSa'idthesonofalFadl'ssisterhaddispatchedthem,whileothersamongthem deniedthat,andheorderedtheirexecution.AfterthatheorderedAbdulAizibnImran,Ali, Mousa,andKhalaf,tobebroughttohim,andheinterrogatedthem.Theydeniedhavingany knowledgeofthematter,buthedidnotbelievethemandorderedtheirexecutiontoo,sending theirheadstoalHassanibnSahlinWasitasatrophyandinforminghimabouthisownpain becauseofthetragedyofthemurderofalFadlandthatheappointedhiminhisplace."131 ThusdidalMamoongetridofthestrongestpowerbasewithinhisgovernmentwhichthreatened hisauthorityandhisfate,leavingonlyoneobstacleinhiswaytoguaranteetouprootthe rebellioninBaghdadbydealingwithitsrootcauseswhichincludedthepresenceofImamalRida (A.S.)who,accordingtotheAbbasides,wasadifficultknottheycouldnotbeloyaltoalMamoon exceptifheuntiedit,foritspresencemeanttheendoftheAbbasideruleandthebeginningof theAlawiderule. Imam'sMotivesforCausingtheEliminationofalFadl ThereasonwhichcausedtheImam(A.S.)toinvolvehimselfinthehorriblyviolentstrugglewhich wasragingbetweenalFadlandthearmycommanderswasthedesiretosafeguardthestrength ofthethenIslamicentityandtodistanceitfromtheelementsofdisintegrationandcollapse whichmightcauseitsoutsideenemytoconsiderassaultingitandmightpushhimtoconducthot Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    adventureswhosedearpricewouldbepaidbytheMuslims. Throughhisfarsight,theImam(A.S.)sawthatalFadl'sunloyalpolicywouldcertainlycause somethinglikethatinadditiontowhatwasbeingcommittedofiniquities,oppressionand transgressionfromwhoseperilstheMuslimsweresuffering,whiletheImam(A.S.)viewedhimself asbeingresponsibletodosomethinginthefaceofsuchanirresponsiblebehaviour.Therewasno methodwherebytheImam(A.S.)couldhavelimitedsuchconductexceptbyacquaintingal MamoonwiththesituationasitactuallywasandtouncoverforhimalFadl'scheatingcard. TheImam(A.S.)hadmadethatclearforusinadiscussionhemadewithalMamooninwhichhe said,"Ocommanderofthefaithful!FearGodinyourtreatmentofMuhammad'snation.Goddid notgrantyousuchgovernmentandpreferredyouoverothersforitsothatyoumightignorethe rightsoftheMuslimsandhandsucharesponsibilityovertosomeoneelsewhowouldrulethem contrarytowhatGodhasordained..."132 TheImam(A.S.)wasnotconcernedaboutastatusorapostasmuchashewasconcernedabout maintainingtheunityoftheMuslims,abouttheirstrengthandtheircollectivepowerbeforethe enemywhichwatchedthemwithinorwithouttheirranks,asmuchashewasconcernedabout promotingsocialjusticeamongthecirclesoftheMuslimsandliftingthenightmareofoppression fromthem.Forthesereasons,wefindhimsuggestingtoalMamoonthatitwasnecessaryto containandputanendtodissensions,andthatthatwouldbepossibleonlybydealingwiththeir causesamongwhichhisownregencywhichwasnotinthebestinterestofthegovernment,or thatthecauseswhichhadnecessitatedthemmayhaveservedtheirpurposealready,forthepost didnotmeananythingtotheImam(A.S.)aslongasitcollidedwiththesupremeIslamicinterest. Fromhere,wecanseetheImam(A.S.)refusingtheprincipleofsharingtheresponsibilitiesofthe governmentuponbecomingtheregent,buthedidnotrefusetobeanadvisorcounsellingfroma distance.Thatwasonlybecausehedidnotwanttohaveashareinbearingtheburdensofthe oppressionandthesinswhichhewasnotgoingtoaccepttobecommittedinhisnameasa memberoftherulingsystem.Buthewasnotunableofcarryingtheresponsibilityofoffering adviceandcounselwhendoingsowouldresultinremovingoppressionandeliminatingthe dangerofweakeningtheMuslimsordisunitingthem. AllofthisdidnotcontradicttheImam'sattituderegardingtheillegitimacyofthegovernment becauseofitsbeingbasedontheusurpationofauthorityfromitsrightfulowners,fortheissuein theeyesoftheImam(A.S.)wasnotanissueofgovernmentbutoftheinterestofIslamandthe safeguardingoftheunityoftheMuslimsinthefaceoftheevilsofadventurersandgrudging people.ThisiswhatdistinguishestheImam(A.S.)fromothers.Hecouldnotpossiblysacrificethe interestofIslaminordertomaintainapostofinfluence.Duringvariousepochs,theImams(A.S.) putupwiththeircontemporarygovernmentsdespitetheirbeliefintheirillegitimacyonlyforthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    sakeoflookingafterandmaintainingtheinterestsoftheMuslims. 126IbnKhaldun,Vol.3,p.245 127IbnKhaldun,Vol.3,p.249 128Tabari,Vol.8,p.564 129Tabari,Vol.8,p.565 130AlKafi,Vol.1,p.491,andAlIrshad,p.294 131Tabari,Vol.8,p.565.IbnKhaldunmentionsasimilarstoryinVol.3,p.250,ofhiswork 132'UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.6,p.159 TheTragicEnding ItwasnotpoliticallyfeasibleforalMamoontoreachBaghdadaccompaniedbyImamalRida (A.S.),forthatwouldstirthewindsofdissensionagainsthimandhemightnotbestrongenough towithstandthem.Fromthisstandpoint,ourbeliefthatalMamoonwastheonewhoplottedto endthelifeoftheImam(A.S.)bygivinghimpoisonedgrapesisstrengthened,andthehistorical environmentatthetimehelpsusconfirmthisbeliefevenwhenIbnalAthir,inhisTarikh,thinks thatthatwasnotpossible.ProminentscholarsandhistorianssuchasShaikhalMufidandothers havealsodoubtedit,whileotherssuchasSayyidibnTawoos,SibtibnalJawzi,andalArbiliin KashfalGhumma,havealldismisseditoutright.Thelatterstronglydefendedhisview,butitwas neverthelessnomorethanasimplisticandsuperficialdefense.AlMamoon'slettertothe AbbasidesandtheresidentsofBaghdad,whichhewroteafterthedemiseofImamalRida(A.S.), givessuchanimpression."HewrotetheAbbasidesandtheirsupportersandtothepeopleof BaghdadinformingthemofthedeathofAliibnMousaandthattheyhadresentedhisnomination ofhimashissuccessor,askingthemnowtogobacktotheirloyaltytohim."133 ThismaybeunderstoodasaclearadmissionthatthedeathoftheImam(A.S.)wasnotnatural duringthosecircumstances,andthetextIbnKhaldunprovidesinexpressingthecontentsofthis letterprovidesevenclearercluestoaccusingalMamoonofmurderinghim;hesaysinhisTarikh: "...AndalMamoonsentmessagestoalHassanibnSahl,tothepeopleofBaghdad,andtohis supportersapologizingfornaminghimhisregentandinvitingthemtogobacktohisloyalty."134 WhatcanbeunderstoodregardingalMamoon'sregretandrealizationofhismistakeregarding theregencyarrangementisthatsuchregretismeaninglessifithadhappenedaftertheImam's death;rather,itmusthaveoccurredpriortothat,sohepavedthewaytocorrectitby Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    assassinatingtheImam(A.S.)inordertopleasetheAbbasides,theirsupporters,andthepeopleof Baghdad.IfwearetostayalonewithjustthepoliticalcircumstancesthroughwhichalMamoon waslivingduringthatshakyperiodofhisreign,overlookingthehistoricaltextswhosecontexts leadustosuchaconclusion,wewouldstillbeabletopointthefingertoalMamoonregardingthe crimeofassassinatingImamalRida(A.S.)withoutbeingbiasedtoanygrouporprejudicedagainst theaccused. AlSaduqnarratessaying,"WhilealRida(A.S.)wasbreathinghislast,alMamoonsaidtohim,`By God!Idonotknowwhichofthetwocalamitiesisgreater:losingyouandpartingfromyou,or people'saccusationthatIassassinatedyou...'"135InanothernarrativebyAbulFarajalAsbahani, alMamoonsaidtohim,"Itisveryhardformetolivetoseeyoudie,andtherewassomehope hinginguponyourstay,yetevenharderformethanthatisthatpeoplesayIhavemadeyoudrink poison,andGodknowsthatIaminnocentofthat."136 ThisexcitingsituationofalMamoondisclosesthefactthattheaccusationofhisownmurderof theImam(A.S.)wasthesubjectofargument,maybeevenofconviction,eventhen,foral Mamoonassertspeople'saccusationofhimandhetriestoextractanadmissionfromtheImam (A.S.)clearinghimofit,asAbulFarajmentions. SimplisticJustificationofalMamoon'sSituation ItisinterestinghowsomepeoplefindithardtobelievethatalMamoonwouldassassinatethe Imam(A.S.)simplybecauseofallthegrief,crying,abstentionfromeatinganddrinking,whichhe feignedtoshowhisdistressattheImam'sdeath,asiftheyexpectedalMamoontoshowhis happinessandexcitementathisdeathinordertogivecredibilitytotheaccusationothers concealed.Buttheexcuseofthesefolksistheirsuperficialityinunderstandinghistory,andtheir shortsightedness. HowtheImamWasMurdered StoriesregardingthemethodalMamoonemployedtokillImamalRida(A.S.)areabundant.Abul FarajandalMufidsaythathekilledhimbypoisonedpomegranatejuiceandpoisonedgrape juice.InhisAlIrshad,alMufidquotesAbdullahibnBashirsaying:"AlMamoonorderedmetolet mynailsgrowaslongastheycouldwithoutlettinganyonenoticethat;soIdid,thenheordered toseemeandhegavemesomethingwhichlookedliketamarindandsaid,`Squeezethiswith bothyourhands,'andIdid.Thenhestoodup,leftmeandwenttoseealRida(A.S.)andsaidto him,`Howareyou?'Heanswered,`IhopeIamalright.'Hesaid,`I,too,bytheGraceofGod,am alright;didanywellwishervisityoutoday?'Heansweredinthenegative,soalMamoonbecame angryandcalleduponhisservantstocome,thenheorderedoneofthemtoimmediatelytakethe pomegranatejuicetohim,adding,`...forhecannotdowithoutit.'Thenhecalledmetohimand Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    said:`Squeezeitwithyourownhands,'andsoIdid.ThenalMamoonhandedthejuicetoalRida (A.S.)inperson,andthatwasthereasonforhisdeathforhestayedonlytwodaysbeforehe(A.S.) died.'" AbulSaltalHarawiisquotedsaying,"IenteredthehouseofalRida(A.S.)afteralMamoonhad alreadyleftandhesaidtome,`OAbulSalt!Theyhavedoneit...!'andhekeptunifyingand praisingGod."MuhammadibnalJahmisquotedsaying,"AlRida(A.S.)usedtolovegrapes.Some grapesweresaidtobepreparedforhim;needleswerepiercedinsidethemattheirverytipsand werekeptlikethatforseveraldays.Thentheneedlesweretakenout,andtheywerebroughtto himandheatesomeofthemandfellintothesicknesswehavementionedabouthim.Thegrapes killedhim,anditwassaidthatthatwasoneofthemosteffectivemethodsofpoisoning."137 Regardlessofthemethodofassassination,whatseemstobeacceptable,havingexaminedall textsandthehistoricalbackgroundofthepoliticalcircumstancesatthattime,alMamoonwas indeedtheonewhokilledImamalRida(A.S.),andwedonothavetheslightestdoubtor hesitationaboutthat. "HisdeathoccurredatToosinavillagecalledSanabad,oftheNooqanarea,andhewasburiedat thehouseofHameedibnTahtabaunderthedomewhereHarounalRashidhadbeenburied,and hewasburiedbesidehimfacingtheqibla."138 "WhenalRida(A.S.)died,alMamoondidnotdiscloseitwhenithappened,leavinghimdeadfor onedayandonenight,thenhecalledforMuhammadibnJa'feribnMuhammadandagroupof descendantsofAbuTalib.Whentheywerepresent,heshowedhimtothem;hiscorpselooked alright;thenhestartedweepingandaddressedthecorpsesaying,`OBrother!Itisindeedvery hardformetoseeyouinsuchacondition,andIwashopingtogobeforeyou,butGodinsistedon carryingoutHisdecree,'andheshowedagreatdealofagonyandgriefandwentoutcarryingthe coffinwithotherstillhereachedtheplacewhereitisnowburied..."139 "...SoalMamoonwaspresenttherebeforethegravewasdug,andheorderedhisgravetobe dugbesidethatofhisfather,thenheapproachedusandsaid,`Thepersoninsidethiscoffintold methatwhenhisgraveisdug,waterandfishwillappearunderneath;so,dig...'Theydug.When theyfinisheddigging,aspringofwaterappeared,andfishappearedinit,thenthewater dissipated,andalRida(A.S.),peacebeuponhim,wasthenburied."140 ImamisEulogized WhenalRida(A.S.)died,poetscomposedeulogiesandmournedinhimthehopethatentertained theconscienceofthenationthatonedayhewouldbethecaliphsothatequitymightrestoreits shininglightafterbeingputoutbythecaliphswhoemployedcheatinganddeceptionastheir Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    methodstomisleadandconfusethenation.Whentheysetthelimitsofconductforothers,they themselvesatthesametimetrampleduponthembycommittingeveryactprohibitedbyGodin HisBookandbyHisProphet(S.A.W.),farfromtheeyesofthepeople,andmaybeeveninpublic. AmongthosewhoeulogizedhimwasDa'balibnAlialKhuza'i,therenownpoetoftheAhlalBayt (A.S.)andtheiradvocate.HecomposedmanyeulogiesaboutImamalRida(A.S.).Amongthemis whatAbulFarajquotes: "AliibnSulaymanalAkhfashrecitedversesformebyDa'balibnAlialKhuza'iinwhichhe mentionedalRida(A.S.)andthepoisonhewasgivenandmourningoneofhissonsandchastising theAbbasidecaliphs: UnwillinglydidyoupartwithAhmed,andtheearth Engulfedabuilding,sublimeanddignified, Youhousedhiminaplacemeaninwares AndIagainstmywishcompromised, Afugitivejustforlovinghim... HadInotbeenconsoledbytheProphet Andbyhisnearinkin,Iwouldhave Pouredmytearsforhimabundantly; Ilovedmyself,butIlovedevenmore ThefamilyofMuhammadwhoseloveresides Inmyheart,livingwithme,beinginme. TheProphet'slegacyavailedthemnaught, ForDeathinitwiththemhasashare, Andashareforthehopefordeath... Huntedandpursuedformanyayear ByfoxesfromUmayya,timeandagain. BanuAbbasplayedhavocwiththecreed, Reapingoppression,miserlinessandgreed. Named`Rashid'whowasnevertowisdomkeen, Namedthis`Mamoon'andnamedthat`Amin'! NeverdidIacceptthemtobefor Wisdomaname,butforguidanceashame. Nortotheirtrustsweretheyevertrue, Their`Rashid'ismisguidedandhissons Onewithsinsmorethantheother'simpudence. OgraveintheforeignlandofToos! Mournedareyoubycaravansshunningdaylight... Iamindoubt...ShouldIofferadrink Ofwatertoone,soIrememberyouandcry? Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    OrisinthecupmyremedysoIdie? EitherImeant,whenIsayadrink, Ifitisdeath,thenletitbeswift. HowmarvelloustheycallyouPleased! Fortheynevermadeyourlifeeased. Isitoddwhenroguesdistortthelight OfGod'sCreed,thoughitisbright? Yourfavoursmiraclesmadeforthemandme, Butwhoisamongthemthatcaneversee?" ThusdoesDa'balexposeintheseversesthememoriesofhorribletragediestowhichAhlalBayt (A.S.)wereexposed,andthewoestheysufferedfromatthehandsofthegovernmentsofboth UmayyadsandAbbasides,chastisingalRashidandbothhissons,thengoingafterthattoeulogize ImamalRida(A.S.)inastylewhichshowsgenuinedistressandagony,includingthesame accusationthatalMamoonhadmurderedhim. AmongotherswhoeulogizedhimwasAmralSalamiwhosaysinhiseulogy: Oyou,caravansinger,singingatthereins! Listen,andletotherstomorrowlistentothee... ReciteSalamonagraveatToosanddonot ReciteSalamorwishwellthepeopleofToos, TerrordidtheheartsofMuslimsfill, AndfearofIblisnowhashatchedatwill, Forsilencenowisthebestmanthatlived So,whataloss,andwhataloser! ShouldDeathcometorulethethrone, Hewillfacemenwithfacesofstone. AwaywithToosforneverwereitshomes Tellingofmiserytocomeandtobe Aweddingforthedead,notalifeforthedoer. Howlongtheflute,howmerrythewedding! Fatesreachedhimwiththeclaws, Whiletroopsthrongandhardtocount Deathfoundthemostgentlecubinhisden, Anddeathmeetsthefatherofcubsintheden. Stillderivinglightfromhisfather, ReachingtheProphet,lightwithoutfire. Insoiltheirbranchesstoodtallandhigh Ofloftytrunk,intheKing'slandthrives. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Branchesstandwhenrootsarefirm Andtheworldbysurefaithlives. Nodayismorefitforgrief Forbeating,fortearingthesleeve Forwoundingcheeks,forcuttingthenose MorethanthedayofToos Whenmournersmourned,scribescried, `IsitreallytruealRidadied?' Deathtakesonlytheenviedaway. Thatwholivedfortwominutesoraday Islyinglikeonewhowilljoinandstay Maybeintwodays...,whocansay? Whenthesunshone,hisowndidset, Thedayhadcomewhenhewastorest. Why?Givethegarbofdeathpleasetome, Whytakehimintoagrave,woeuntome? Victimofadaythatcouldn'tdaretobe Victimized.Wrappedhiminthegarbofdeath, Letmebethewearer,please,nothe, Ofagarbneversewnorwornbefore. GreetsyoutheOneyoudidworshipandadore, Ondaysofheat,nightsofchill,intheplains, Hadthingsinlifenotstoodincontrast Invirtues,nonewouldhaveeverpassed Ajudgementinitthatcouldendure. TheAlmightyhaswelcomedtheetoaplace Thatiseverlastingwithblissandgrace ToHisMessengeryouarenownear, Aplacesolovely,aplacesodear. InhisMaqatil,AbulFarajindicatedthatwhenthispoemwonpublicityandbecamewellknown, Ashja'altereditandmadeitinpraiseofalRashid!141 Da'balalKhuza'isaid:"WhenthenewsofthedeathofalRida(A.S.)reachedme,IwasatQum andIrecitedonemypoems;someofitsverseswere: IseetheUmayyadsexcusediftheyweretokill, ButIseenoreasonwhytheAbbasidesshouldatwill; SonsofHarb,Marwanandtheirbreed BanuMa'eet,grudgeandhateistheircreed. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Peoplewhomyouhadtofightinearlydays OfIslamtobringthemtoHisways. Whentheybecameinchargeanddidrule, TheyrevertedtoKufrandlefttheusool. HeadtowardsToos,tothegravesite Ofthepureone,ofthefaiththatisright, IfyoueverwishtorememberIslamlikeme, Pristine,IslamofMuhammadandAli. TwogravesinToos:oneforthebestofall, Andtheworstmanpeoplewilleverrecall. Nogoodwillreachthevillainwhoislyingnigh Ingravetoonewhosevirtuesreachthesky, Norwillthepuresufferanyharm Whennearthesoulthatwillnevercalm. Noindeed!Everysoulshallreapwhatitdidearn Sotakewhatyouwill,orleaveittoburn!" Da'balcomposedmanyeulogiesaboutImamalRida(A.S.),usinghispoetryasavehicleto disseminatethemissioninwhoseprincipleshestronglybelievedwhichwere:toattractthe nation'sattentiontotheinjusticedonetotheAhlalBayt(A.S.)andtothetransgressionupon theirrights,tothecorruptionofselfimposedgovernmentsystemswhichwentbeyondall reasonablelimitsintheiriniquityanddespotism.Da'balisconsideredthegreatestpoetofthat timeandthemostarticulateindefendinghisbeliefsandtheprinciplesinwhichhebelieved.Inhis poetry,heprovidesuswithanhonestpictureoftherealityoftheoppressivegovernmentsystem whichwasfollowedbytheAbbasidedynastythen,andofthetragediestheAhlalBayt(A.S.) underwentbecauseoftheiroppression. AmongotherswhoeulogizedtheImam(A.S.)wasAliibnAbuAbdullahalKhawwafiwhosaid: MayGod'sGracewaterthee,OlandofToos! Whattreasureshasyourlanddowndeep?! Intheworldyourlandsarecalledgood MadegoodbyoneinSanabadasleep, AmanwhosemurderwashardonIslam AmanwrappedanddrenchedinGod'smercy. Othegraveofhis!Intheeareclemency, Knowledge,purity,andgloryabound. Oenviedgrave!Angelsdotheeguard! AbuFirasalHamadanisaid: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    SinnedandkilledalRida(A.S.)andwerenotkind, Menwhosehatredofhimmadethemblind. Firstpleasedthendistressedforeternity Abandthatperishedafteritssafety. Noallegiance,kinship,ormercydidindeed Stoptheroguesfromcommittingthefouldeed. Whatthepoetmentionshereisnothingbutthebittertruthaboutthetragedywhichwas representedintheregencyandthestancetakenbythesameoneswhoarrangedit,fortheywere happywithitwhentheyfirstnominatedhimasthesuccessortothecaliph,thelaststeptowards caliphatewhich,accordingtotheDivineWill,wasthenaturalrightofAhlalBayt(A.S.),butthey becamedistressedwhentheroguesdeliberatelyassassinatedtheImam(A.S.)despitetheiroath ofallegiancetohimanddespitetheassurances,thepromises,andthesacredoathstheyhad sworn... TherearemanyeulogiesinwhichthepoetsmentionedthetragedytheImam(A.S.)liveddueto theoppressionofthecaliphsofhistimesufficesuswhatwehavequotedofthembecauseto elaboratemeanstounnecessarilyprolongthediscussion. 133Tabari,Vol.8,p.558,"EventsoftheYear203A.H." 134IbnKhaldun,Vol.3,p.250 135UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.242 136MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.380 137AlIrshad,p.297.AsimilarnarrativeismentionedinMaqatilalTalibiyyin,pp.377378 138UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.1,p.18 139MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.378 140Ibid.,p.380 141MaqatilalTalibiyyin,pp.378380 ImamandAlawideRevolts WehavealreadyindicatedthatoneofthereasonswhichpromptedalMamoontobringImamal Rida(A.S.)toKhurasanandnominatehimashissuccessorwastoavoidadirectcollisionwiththe AlawideswhowereoftheviewthattheAbbasideshadmonopolizedauthorityandrobbedthem oftheirrighttoruletheMuslims.AlMamoontriedtodealwiththisproblemwhichalwaysused Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    topushtheAlawidestoassaultthegovernmentfromtimetotime.Rebelswerealwaysinvitingall fellowAlawidestojointhemintheirrebellions,aswasthecaseregardingtheAbbasideswhen theymovedagainsttheUmayyadrule.AlMamoonsufferedtheagoniesofthemostserious Alawiderebellionagainsthisgovernment,namelytherebellionofMuhammadibnIbrahimal Hassani.HewaswellknownasIbnTabatabatheAlawide;hischiefexecutivewasAbulSarayaal SariibnMansour,andhiscallwasinthenameofalRida(A.S.)fromtheProgenyofMuhammad (S.A.W.).SeveralAlawideuprisingsbranchedoutofthatrevolution.AftertherebellionofAbul Saraya,hisAlawidegovernorsdeclaredautonomyintheareasundertheircontrol. AlawideUprisings InYemen,IbrahimibnMousaibnJa'ferroseandtookcontrolofthegovernmentafterbanishing alMamoon'sgovernor.InMecca,alHusaynibnalHassanalAftasrose,andMuhammadibnJa'fer wasnamedcaliph.InBasrah,ZaydibnMousaibnJa'ferroseinrebellion.Hewasnicknamed"Zayd ofthefire"duetothenumberofthehomesoftheAbbasidesandtheirfollowerswhichhehad burnt.Wheneverhecameacrossamandrapedinblack,hewouldburnhim,andheconfiscateda greatdealofmoneyfromthemerchantsexceptAbbasidemoney.AliibnSa'idmarchedtowards him.Zaydrequestedhimtogivehimanassurancetosafeguardhislifeshouldhegiveup,andAli didso.Butheneverthelessarrestedhim142andsenthimtoalHassanibnSahlwhoorderedto havehimexecutedwhilealHajjajibnKhaythamawaspresent,sohesaid,"Prince!Donotrush, forIhaveapieceofadviceforyou." Hestoppedtheexecutionerandcameclosetohim.Hesaid,"Prince!Didyoureceiveinstructions fromthecommanderofthefaithfultodowhatyouareaboutto?"Heansweredinthenegative, soheaskedagain,"Thenwhyareyouexecutingthecousinofthecommanderofthefaithful withouthisknowledgeorconsultation?"ThenhenarratedforhimthestoryofAbuAbdullahal AftaswhomalRashidputinjailunderthewatchfuleyesofJa'feribnYahya.Ja'ferkilledhim withouthisknowledgeandsenthisheadonaplattertohimtogetherwithotherNawrooz presents.WhenalRashidorderedMasrourtokillJa'fer,hesaidtohim,"IfJa'feraskedyouabout hiscrimeforwhichyouarekillinghim,tellhimthatyouarekillinghimforhisownkillingofmy cousinIbnalAftaswhomhekilledwithoutmyknowledge."ThenalHajjajibnKhaythamasaidto alHassanibnSahl,"OPrince!Doyoufeelsecureshouldanythinghappenbetweenyouandthe commanderofthefaithfulifyoukillthismananduseitasanexcusejustasalRashidusedagainst Ja'feribnYahya?"AlHassansaidtoalHajjaj,"MayGodrewardyou!"ThenheorderedZaydtobe returnedtohisprisonwherehewaskepttillhewastransportedtoalMamoon.Whenhewas there,hesenthimtohisbrotheralRida(A.S.)whosethimfree.143 ZaydandalMamoon Oneoftheinterestinganecdotesnarratedabouthimisthefollowing:Whenhewasbroughttoal Mamoon,thelattersaidtohim,"OZayd!YouledtheuprisinginBasrah,andinsteadofstarting Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    withthehomesofourcommonenemiestheUmayyads,BanuThaqeef,Uday,BahilaandAal Ziyad,youtargetedthehomesofyourowncousins."Zayd,whohadahumoroustemper,said,"I indeederredfromeachdirection,Ocommanderofthefaithful!IfIgoback,Iwillstartwithour enemies!"AlMamoonlaughedandsenthimtohisbrotheralRida(A.S.),saying,"Ihavepardoned himtopleaseyou."WhenhewasbroughttotheImam(A.S.),herebukedhimandreleased him.144 ImamRebukesHisBrotherZayd YasirtheservantnarratesthatwhenZaydenteredtheImam'shouse,AbulHassan(A.S.)said,"O Zayd!WereyoudupedbythespeechofsomelowlypeopleinKufawhosaidthatFatima safeguardedhermodesty,thereforeGodshunnedHellfirefromherprogeny?Thosewereonlyal HassanandalHusayninparticular.IfyouthinkthatyoucouldgoagainstGod'sWillandstillenter Paradise,whileMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)obeyedGodandenteredParadise,doyouthinkyouare moreworthyintheeyesofGodAlmightythanMousaibnJa'fer?ByGod!Nobodyachievesthe rewardswithGodexceptafterobeyingHim,whileyouclaimthatyouwillachieveitbyyour disobedience..."Zaydsaidtohim,"ButIamyourbrotherandthesonofyourfather!"AbulHassan (A.S.)saidtohim,"YouaremybrotheraslongasyouobeytheDearandGlorifiedGod.Noahhad said,`Lord!Mysonisofmyfamily,andyourpromiseistrue,andyouarethebestofjudges,'and GodAlmightysaidtohim,`ONoah!Heisnotofyourfamily!Itisindeedawrongfuldeed,'thus Godexcludedhimfromhisfamilyduetohisdisobedience..."145 Imam'sViewoftheAlawideRevolutionaryMethod WhatwetrytogetacquaintedwithbyexaminingtheImam'sstancetowardshisbrotherZaydof thefirewastherealityregardingtheImam'sviewpointoftherevolutionarymethodemployedby theAlawidesintheirrevolutionsagainsttheAbbasides.WefindtheImam(A.S.)takingastrictly negativestancetowardshisbrotherZayd.Yethedidnotrebukehimandblamehimsimply becausehehadrevoltedagainstthegovernment,butratherbecausehehadcommittedseveral unlawfulactsaccordingtoIslamicShari'asuchaslooting,confiscating,burning,inwhichactshe didnotdistinguishbetweentheinnocentandtheguilty.Otherthanthat,thesincereAlawide revolutionswhichaimedatstandinginthefaceofinjusticeandoppressionusedtoenjoythe supportoftheImamswhoconsideredthemtheonlywaywhichcoulddisclosetothenationhow corruptthegovernmentwasandmakethembecomeawareofitsmistakesandtransgressions. FromherewefindImamalRida(A.S.)inhisstancewithhisbrothernotexpressinghisdispleasure againsthisbrotherfortheprincipleoftherevolutionandthemovementagainstthegovernment, buthisrebukingwasduetocommittingsomeIslamicallyunlawfultransgressionswhichdidnot pleaseGod.AlMamoon'stolerancetowardsthosewhorebelledagainsthimwasnotin contradictionwithhisgeneralconduct.Ononehand,hewantedtocompetewiththeAlawidesin winningthepublicopiniontohisside.Ontheotherhand,hewastryingtostayawayfromgetting Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    involvedinsheddingtheirbloodandseekingrevengeagainstthemwhichdidnotagreewithhis theoreticalinclinationtowardstheAlawides. Imam'sStanceTowardsAbulSaraya'sRevolution ThereisapreviousstanceinwhichtheImam(A.S.)hadsidedwiththeAlawiderevolutionofIbn TabatabaunderthecommandofAbulSaraya.MuhammadibnalAthram,chiefofthepoliceforce ofMuhammadibnSulaymanalAlawiatMedinaduringthedaysofAbulSaraya,isquotedsaying, "HisnearinkinandsomepeoplefromQuraishgatheredaroundhimandsworeallegiancetohim saying,`IfyousendwordtoAbulHassan(A.S.),hewouldsurelysupportusandwewillbeunited.' Sulaymansaidtome,`Gotohimandconveymygreetingstohimandtellhimthathiskinfolkhave gatheredanddesiredthatheshouldjointhem;so,ifyouwish,pleasedoso.'SoImethimatal HamraandIconveyedthemessagetohim.Hesaid,`ConveymygreetingtohimandtellhimIwill joinhimaftertwentydays.'SoIconveyedtohimthemessagewithwhichIwassent,andwe stayedforafewdays.Onthe18thday,Warqa,alJalloudi'scommander,marchedtowardsus, whereuponIraninthedirectionofthetwoSoors.WhenIheardsomeonecallingme,`OAbu Athram!'Iturnedback,anditwasAbulHassan(A.S.)askingme,`Didthetwentydayspass already?!"146 WhyDidtheImamRefusetoParticipateintheRevolution? TheImam(A.S.)wasnotobjectingtotherevolutionbuthesimplywantedtoassurethosepersons thattherevolutionwhosesuccesshecouldnotsecurewasonehewouldnotjoin.Accordingtohis seriousforesightintoevents,itseemedtohimthattherevolutionwhosemovementwasarbitrary wouldendupwitheliminationandfailure.Forthisreason,hewashinginghisparticipationinthe revolutiononthepassageoftwentydays,forhecalculatedthattheoppositemovefromthe Abbasideswouldshowduringsuchaperiodoftimeandwouldgaugetheextentofsuccess achievedsofarbytherevolution.ThiscautiousstanceoftheImam(A.S.)wasnotduetoevading hisparticipationintherevolutionarymovementbutwastheresultofarealisticcalculationofthe developmentofeventsinthesphereofthemovementofrevolutionsalongtheAbbasideruleand beforethemtheUmayyad.Forthisreason,wecannotconcludethattheImam'slackof participationinarebellionmeantthathewasnotconvincedoftheprincipleofitsnecessity. WhyDidtheImamDeclineFromDemandingCaliphate? Itisworthourresearchtimetodispeltheambiguitywhichcloudsthemotiveswhichprompted theImams(A.S.)nottoclaimauthoritybyforceandthusupsettheoppressivegovernmentswhich werecontrollingthesustenanceoftheMuslimnationanditsgeneralconditions.Theseareas follows: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    LackofaPopularFrontofConfrontation Tomovewithintheframeworkoftherevolutionneedstheexistenceofanalertpublicbaseof confrontationwhichrespondsimmediatelytotheplansputbyitsleadernomatterwhatthe outcomemightbe.TheImamsalwayscomplainedthatitsimplywasnotthere.Asregardingthe fragilepublicsupportbase,whichisnotunitedbyaunifyingbeliefinthemeansandobjectives, thiscannotbemadethebasefromwhicharevolutioncanstartbecauseitisdoomedwithfailure inadvance.Sufficesusforproofonthattheshakycircumstancewhichsurroundedthecaliphate oftheCommanderoftheFaithfulImamAli(A.S.)whosegovernmenttookfullcontroloverall IslamiclandswiththeexceptionofSyriawhichwasunderthecontrolofMu'awiyaibnAbuSufyan. ThereasonwhyMu'awiyawasabletostandfirmandscoreavictoryinsomeofhisbattlesagainst theImam(A.S.)wasduetothefactthathehadthatpublicbasewhichwasunitedinconceptand inobjective.AsregardingtheImam(A.S.),hispublicbasewasfragmentedanditlackedharmony initselementswhoseideasandgoalsdiffered,andprobablywhathappenedtotheImam'sarmy duringthemasqueradeofarbitrationissufficientproofforthat.Sufficesusalsotherevolutionary movementledbyImamalHassan(A.S.)toconfrontMu'awiyaafterhisfatherhaddied,leadingin theendtoapeacetreatywithMu'awiya.Thereasonforthefailurewasnoneotherthanthelack ofthatbasewhichwouldenablehimthroughitscementationtosteerthesituationtohisown advantage,andwehavealreadyexplainedthatclearlyinourbookSulhalImamalHassan. Imam'sMainResponsibilitywasDisseminatingAwareness Withasituationlikethat,wecannotblametheImamsforkeepingsilentaboutrevolutions,orfor theirreluctancetoprepareforthem,orpermitourselvestopassajudgementabouttheirown lackofnecessaryqualificationstoassumegovernmentresponsibilities,oreventellthemthatthe rolewhichwasassignedtothemwasonlytobeleadersofthespiritualauthorityalone,andthat theysimplydonothavethequalitiesrequiredfortemporalauthority.Rather,theirresponsibility isconfinedtocreateapublicbasethatisalertandwiththesenseofdirection,andthiscannotbe achievedexceptwhentheyarefreetodirectothersanddisseminateawarenessamongthe varioussegmentsofthenation. Governments'PersecutionofImams Theircontemporarycaliphs,UmayyadorAbbaside,madesuretorobthemofthatfreedomand besiegethemwithasiegeofstrictsurveillancewhichcountedtheirmovementsandmonitored theirbreath,somuchsothattobelongtotheirschoolofthoughtwasconsideredacrime punishablebytherulingauthoritywithexecutionorbanishment.Thematterbecamesodifficult andsostraitenedthattheirsincerefollowerstriedtohidetheircreedfearingfortheirlivesshould theyotherwisediscloseitandevendemandingthattheirImams,too,shouldhideitifanyamong themwasdestinedtodeclarehisImamate.Allofthatwasoutoftheirconcernaboutthelivesof thoseImamslesttheyshouldbeendangeredasactuallyhappenedtoImamalRida(A.S.)whenhe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    declaredthathewas,indeed,theImam(A.S.)succeedinghisfather.Moreover,theImamswere contemporarytotherevolutionaryexperiencesoftheAlawideswhorebelledagainstboth UmayyadandAbbasidedynastiesandwhichendedintheirutterdefeatdespitethefactthat somerebelssuchasMuhammadandIbrahimsonsofAbdullahibnalHusaynwereabletosubject largetractsofIslamicterritoriestotheircontrol. Imams'SupportofAlawideRevolutions TheImamsdid,indeedprivatelysupportthosesuccessiverevolutionswithoutpubliclyannouncing theirsupport.Theyviewedthemasmeansofpublicawarenessagainstoppressivegovernment systems.Forexample,ImamalKazim(A.S.)isquotedsayingtohiscousinalHusayn,whowas murderedinanambush,uponsayingfarewelltohim,"Ocousin!Youarecertainlygoingtobe killed;so,fightverywell,forthesefolksarecorrupt.Theyfeignbeliefandhideatheism...Weare God'sanduntoHimisourreturn...IpleadtheAlmightyonyourbehalftograntyouthestrength ofunity."147Havingsaidallofthis,weseenoreasontoopposeandcriticizethenegativestance oftheImamstowardstherebellionswhichtookplaceagainsttheircontemporarygovernments, fortheyevaluatedtheirpoliticalcircumstancesandtheyknewthattheendresultofeach revolutionagainstthegovernmentwouldbedefeat...,andnothingbutdefeat. 142IbnalAthir,Vol.5,pp.175177 143UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.233 144UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.233 145Ibid.,Vol.2,p.234 146UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.208 147MaqatilalTalibiyyin,p.443 HisWorks IdonotthinkthatIwillbeableinthisresearchtodojusticeinrecordingalltherichaspectsofthe intellectuallifeofImamalRida(A.S.),butIwilltrymybesttoprovideaquickandclearideaabout theintellectualoutputpresentedbytheImamformankindinvariousfieldsofknowledge.Thus, wewouldbeablefromadistancetoconductacompletedefinitionoftheaspectsoftheportrait inwhichwecanviewthelifestyleofImamalRida(A.S.),havingfinishedresearchingitshistorical side. IbnKhaldunDoubtsImams'Knowledge Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    SomehistoriansdoubtedthescholarshipoftheImams,letalonetheirscholarlysuperiority,basing theirdoubtsontheclaimthathadtheybeentrulyscholars,theirbookswouldhavebeenmade availabletothepublicasisthecasewithallotherscholars. AnyonewhoconsiderstherevolutionofImamHusain(A.S.)againstYazidasamistakecommitted bytheImam(A.S.)andagrossmiscalculationcannotbeexpectedtorefrainfrommakingsucha statementwhichwecannotattributetoignoranceorlackoftheabilitytoknow,butitisnothing otherthanthecloudofsectarianprejudicewhichstoodasacurtainbetweenhimandseeingthe events,issues,andtheirreflectionsastheyreallywere.The"fairminded"historianisaskedtotell usaboutthebooksauthoredbythesahabaandtheirworksfromwhomhederivedtheprinciples andpreceptsofthecreedoftheProphet(S.A.W.),oreventheworksofthetabi'inwhomhe regardsasthesecondclassthatisknowledgeableoftheissuesoftheshari'a,custodiansofits structure. Hemayseekhisexcusebysayingthatthenarrativesofhadithandnewsofeventsnarrated throughthemaresuitableasacriterionforjudgingtheextentoftheirknowledge.Thisisactually howwe,too,defendourImams,forthelegacytheyhaveleftusinvariousfieldsofknowledge andwhichisnarratedaboutthemissufficienttoacquaintuswiththeextentoftheirknowledge andevensuperiorityoverothers.IsitreallypossiblethatIbnKhaldundidnotreviewsuchlegacy ofahadithwhichreachedusthroughthemandrecordedbyscholarsandthinkersanduponwhich thestructureoftheirschoolofthought,inwhichalargesectionofthenationbelieves,stood?We doubtit;nay,wemayevenbepositivelysureabouttheunrealisticnatureofsuchanoddquestion especiallysinceIbnKhaldunisoneofthemostknowledgeable,mosthighlyintellectual,andmost maturewriters. ImamsandthePersecutionofRulers TheImamsweretestedduringvariousperiodsoftheirlivesbypressingcrisesduetothe trespassingofoppressiverulersontheircivilliberties.Theypursuedtheirfollowersandsincere adherents,straiteningontheminvariousaspectsoftheireverydaylife,somuchsothattheword rafidicametorepresentintheeyesoftherulersthefinalindictmentofanyoneproventobe "guilty"ofitscontext,abelieverinitsbackground.Becauseofthat,thechancewaslostformany ofthosewhosoughtknowledgetoderivefromthatleadingfountainhead,andthechancetofind thescholarlysolutionsfortheintellectualproblemsbecauseofwhichtheyweredisturbingtheir minds.Despiteallthesepressuresandviolenttrespassing,mankindisnotintellectuallydeprived ofagreatdealofintellectualmasterpieceswhichtheImams(A.S.)dictatedtotheirstudentsand disciplesinvariousaspectsofscholarship. Someofthosestudentsusedtogivejailerswhatevertheydemandedsothattheymightagreeto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    carrywrittenquestionstothejailedImam(A.S.)andbringthembackhisanswersthereto,outof theirdesiretobenefitfromthepresenceoftheImam(A.S.),andduetotheirdesiretobefaithful tothetrustofscholarship,andinordertoprotectitfromthelabyrinthsofdoubt.Thebiography ofthejailedImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)bearswitnesstothataccordingtothosewhoquoted him.HistoriansandbiographersofImamalRida(A.S.)doinfactmentionsomebooksauthoredby theImam(A.S.)besideshisnarrationofhadithandissueswhichhedictatedtothosewhoasked himandtohisclosecompanionswhousedtofrequentlyquestionhimaboutthetypesof knowledgewhichtheycouldnotunderstand.Topositivelyidentifythesebooksasauthoredby theImam(A.S.)mayrequireaconvincingevidencewhichwemaynotsometimeshave. AlFiqhalRadawi AmongthosebooksisAlFiqhalRadawiwhichwasforquitesometimethesubjectofdebate amongscholars,forthereareamongthemthosewhoconsideredittobeauthoredbytheImam (A.S.),reliedonit,andestablishedtheirargumentsonsuchabasis,suchastheMajlisis,Sayyid BahralUloom,theauthorofAlHadaiq,ShaikhalNawari,andothers.Butthelargenumberof scholarsofverificationconcededthatitcouldnothavebeensaidforsurethatitwasauthoredby ImamalRida(A.S.)becauseofthelackofsufficientevidenceinadditiontotheirdoubt,orthelack ofconviction,oftheargumentsbroughtforthbythosewhoconsidereditoneoftheImam's works. ThefactthatitwasnotatallcommonknowledgethatthatbookwasauthoredbytheImam(A.S.) priortothelatetimeoftheMajlisis,inadditiontothelackofknowledgeofscholarsbeforetheir timeofanyinformationaboutsuchanauthorship,allofthatnegatesthebeliefthatitwas attributedtoorpersonallyauthoredbytheImam(A.S.).Therewasnoreasonwhythatbook wouldnothavebeenfamousduringthelifetimeoftheImam(A.S.)especiallysincethe knowledgeoftheImam(A.S.)wasverywellknowntoeveryone,somuchsothatwhenhe narratedhadithtothescholarsofNishapur,morethantwentythousandscribeswroteitdown thereandthen,besidesothers,asscholarsofhadithtellus. HowtheBookAppeared ThestoryhowthisbookappearedsaysthatagroupoftheresidentsofQumbroughtacopywith themtoMeccawheretherulerjudge(qadiamir)SayyidHusainalIsfahanisawitandtestifiedto itsbeingauthoredbyalRida(A.S.)andmadeacopyofitforhimselfwhichhebroughttoIsfahan. Thereheshowedittothefirst(senior)MajlisiwholikewisewassureitwasauthoredbytheImam (A.S.)andsowashissonthesecond(junior)Majlisi,andhequotedtheahadithitcontainedinthe volumesofhisbookBiharalAnwar,makingthebookoneofhisownbook'sreferences,andthisis howitsfamespread. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    InhisIntroductiontoBiharalAnwar,alMajlisiwrites,"IwastoldaboutthebookFiqhalRidaby thevirtuoustraditionisttherulerjudgeHusayn,mayGodbeGraciousuntohissoul,aftercoming toIsfahan.Hesaidtome,`IthappenedthatduringthetimewhenIwasneighbouringtheHouse ofGod,agroupoftheresidentsofQumvisitedmewhileperformingtheirhajjandtheyhadwith themanoldbookthedateofitswritingagreedwiththedateduringwhichalRida(A.S.)was alive.'"ThenalMajlisicontinuestosay,"Iheardmyfathersayingthatitwasinthehandwritingof alRida(A.S.),andalargenumberofdignitariestestifiedtothesame." SayyidHusaynalIsfahanisaid:"Throughthoseevidences,Icametoknowthatitwasindeed authoredbytheImam(A.S.);therefore,Itoothebookandmadeacopyofitandcorrectedmy copybycomparingitwiththeoriginal,thenmyfathertookmycopyandmadeyetanothercopy ofitandcomparedthecopywiththeoriginal,andmostofitsstatementsagreewithwhatis mentionedbyalSaduqAbuJa'feribnBabawayhinhisbookManlaYahdaruhualFaqihwithout givingcredittothebook,andinagreementwithwhathisfatherstatesinhislettertohim.Alarge numberofahkamwhichourfellowshavementionedandwhosesourceisunknownare mentionedinit." DoubtingtheAccuracyofRenderingittotheImam WhatmakesusdoubttheattributionisthatShaikhalSaduq,whotookpainsindocumentingall thelegaciesofImamalRida(A.S.)andwhoresearchedhiminhisbook'UyoonAkhbaralRida,and inothers,didnotmentionthathehadauthoredsuchabook.Also,otherscholarswhocameafter him,beitresidentsofQumorothers,didnotmentionanythingaboutit,andSayyidalIsfahani didnotsayanythingaboutthosepilgrimsfromQumwhoshowedhimthebookastohowthey acquiredthebook,andwhothepersonwhowastellingitsstorywas. Itisalsounusualthatthebookshouldremainobscureforsuchalongperiodoftimeinthehands ofsomeresidentsofQumwithoutanyofthecity'sscholarsortraditionistsgettingtohavealook atit,althoughthosescholarswereknownnottoleaveanythingsmallorbigwithoutwritingit downinordertosafeguarditagainstloss. Therearethreepossibilitiesregardingthebook: 1.ThatitisauthoredbytheImam(A.S.)ontheaccountofevidencesinitwhichgivethat impressionsuchashisstatementatitsbeginning,"AbdullahAliibnMousaalRidasays...,"and"... oneofourowncustoms,wepeopleoftheAhlalBayt."Initschapteronzakat,itstates,"Itis narratedaboutmyfatherthescholar..."Initschapteronusury,itstates,"Myfatherorderedme andIobeyed."Inthechapteronhajj,itstates:"MyfathersaidthatAsmadaughterofAmees..."It alsosays,"...myfatherfrommygrandfatherfromhisfathersaid:`IsawAliibnalHusaynwalking withoutrunning.'"Italsocontains:"Iheardthescholar.Iheardhimsay...""Scholar"isthetitleof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ImamalKazim(A.S.),uptotheendofsuchstatementswhichgivetheimpressionthatthebook washis,thathewasitsauthor,andtheymaybetheevidenceswhichencouragedmanyscholars tobepositivelysurethatthebookwaswrittenbytheImam(A.S.),andtoactaccordingly. 2.Thatitwasauthoredbytheman'sfather,whosenamehappenstobeAliibnMousa.He authoreditforhissonalSaduq,anditisacompilationofnarrativeswhichcamethroughImamal Rida(A.S.).Thisviewwastoleratedbysomescholars,buttheword"alRida(A.S.)"inthetitleof thebooknegatesthepossibilityofitsbeingauthoredbyhimexceptthismaybethefaultofthose whomadecopiesofthebookandofthescribessincethecompletenameoftheImam(A.S.) comestomind.3.ThatitwascompiledbyIbnBabawayh,orsomeoneelse,whichhecompiledon behalfoftheImam(A.S.)andinwhichherecordedthetraditionswhichwerenarratedabout ImamalRida(A.S.)andclassifiedtheminawaywhichgivestheimpressionthathewasanauthor fortheImam(A.S.)sincethetraditionsabouthimareactuallyhisownwithonlyonedifference: referencesofthosetraditionswereeliminated.Thismaybethebestpossibilitysinceother possibilitiesdonotsayanythingaboutwhythebook'ssubjectmatterswereclassifiedtheway theyare. ViewsofSomeScholarsAbouttheBook OurmastermentorImamalKhoihasstatedthat,"ItisnotproventhatitisalRida'sfiqhby narration,butitcontainsevidenceswhichpointouttoitsbeingacollectionoffatawaofsome ulema,andduetotheagreementofmostofitscontentstotheletterIbnBabawayhwrotetohis son148;haditbeenotherwise,alSaduqwouldhavehadtoacquaintuswithit." Theverifier(muhaqqiq)MirzaAbdullahalAfandi,inhisbookRiyadal'Ulemaa,ispositiveabout thebookbeingthesameletterreferredtoabove,addingthatthereasonfortheoccurrenceof theImam'snameinitisduetothefactthatbothmensharethesamefirstandsecondnames, andthisiswhyitisattributedtotheImam(A.S.). SayyidHassanalSadrwroteadissertationaboutthelackofevidence(thatitwastheImam's), sayinginhisauthorizationtoShaikhAghaBazragofTehranthatitisthesamebookauthoredby IbnAbu'AzaqirbetterknownasalShalmaghani.Anyhow,attributingthebooktotheImam(A.S.) isdoubtfulenoughtoalmostafirmbeliefthatthebookwasnotauthoredbyhim.Butthebook, althoughwedisagreewithourmastermentor,mayGodprolonghisshade,inhisdescriptionofit asacollectionoffatawaofsomeulema,isnolessthananarrationwhosenarratorisanonymous; therefore,wecannotattributeittotheImam(A.S.)andacceptitasareferencetorelyuponfor issuingreligiousverdictsortoknowwhatisIslamicallyunlawful. AlRisalaalDahabiyyafilTibb Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AmongsuchbooksisAlRisalaalDahabiyyafilTibb(thegoldmedicaldissertation)forwhich sourcesarecountedreachingsometimestoMuhammadibnJumhoor,andsometimestoal HassanibnMuhammadalNawfaliwhowasacceptedastrustworthybyalNajjashiwhodescribed himas"highlyesteemedandtrustworthy;henarratedonetextaboutalRida(A.S.),"whichcould be"thegoldmedicaldissertation." Itispossiblethatthedissertation'sfameamongscholars,andtheirconsensusinvariouscenturies thattheImam(A.S.)wasitsauthor,andthatnobodydoubtedsuchanauthorship,areenough proofsleadingtheresearchertocomfortablyandalmostpositivelyconcludethatitwasindeed fromtheintellectualoutputofImamalRida(A.S.)himself. DissertationWasAuthoredbytheImam Despiteallofthis,weseenoreasontodoubtthatitwasauthoredbytheImamifweapplythe criteriongenerallyappliedtoderivelegislativeverdicts(ahkam),ortobefamiliarwiththe principlesofthecreed(usool),forinthatcasethereareconditionswhicharenotrequiredhere; otherwise,doubtwouldhavenecessitatedtheattributionofauthorshiptoalargenumberof booksduetothelackofamethodwhichwouldassureusofthereliabilityofsuchanattribution. Yetthefamewhichmanyverifiersconsiderasameanstowardsconfirmationcanbyitselfprove toustheaccuracyofattributingthisdissertationtotheImam(A.S.). IfitisprovenforusthatalNajjashimeantthissamegolddissertationwhenhewasquotingal NawfalisayingthathenarratedonetextfromalRida(A.S.),theknotwouldsurelybeuntied. WhatsupportsthisassumptionaboutalNajjashiisthatsomescholarshavesaidthatthelibraryof allamaal'AskariinSamarra(Iraq)containsacopyofamanuscriptdealingwiththemedical knowledgeofImamalRida(A.S.)narratedbyAbuMuhammadalHassanibnMuhammadal Nawfali149,providedthereisnoothercopybyalNawfaliinwhichhequotestheImam(A.S.) otherthanthisdissertation;otherwise,wewouldbeconfusedandwewouldnotbeableto reasonablyunderstandwhyalNajjashididnotprovidesufficientdetailsaboutthebookswhichhe attributedtotheirrespectiveauthorsornarrators,oratleastindicatetheirtitles! ThisdissertationisoneofthemostpreciouspiecesofIslamiclegacydealingwiththescienceof medicine.Thisinclusive,scientificandinvaluabledissertationisasummaryofanumberof medicalsciencessuchasanatomy,biology,physiology,pathologyandthescienceofhealthcare. Itprovidedmostoftheknowledgerelatedtothescienceofprotectivemedicine,nutrition, chemistry,andalargeportionofothersciencesaswell. TheImam(A.S.)sentthisdissertationtothecaliphalMamoonaroundtheyear201A.H.when medicinewasaprimitivescienceanditsresearchwasnotconductedscientificallybutbasedon practicealoneratherthanonscientificdiscoveries,andwhenthescienceofbacteriologywasnot Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    discoveredyet,norwasthereanysignificantknowledgeofnutritionalsupplementssuchas vitamins,orothersignificantmedicaldiscoveriesforfightingmicrobessuchaspenicillin, streptomycin,oromycin,etc. Onthesurface,thedissertationseemedtobeverysimpleinordertobeinlinewiththementality ofthattime,butitisquitedeepandcomplicatedinitsimplicationsanditneedsascientificstudy andlengthyresearchestounveilitssecretsanduncoveritstreasures,anditshouldbecompared withmodernscientificfacts.150 AlMamoonEvaluatedDissertation AlMamoonwasverypleasedtoreceivethatdissertationandheexpressedhowmuchhe cherisheditbyorderingtohaveitwrittendowningoldandtobedepositedathis"depositoryof wisdom,"thusitsname"thegolddissertation."Inpraisingit,alMamoonsaid,"Ihavereviewed thedissertationofmylearnedcousin,thelovedandvirtuousone,thelogicalphysician,which dealswiththebettermentofthebody,theconductofbathing,thebalanceofnutrition,andI founditverywellorganizedandoneofthebestblessings.Icarefullystudiedit,reviewedand contemplateduponit,tillitswisdommanifesteditselftome,anditsbenefitsbecameobvious, anditfounditsplaceinmyheart,soIlearneditbyheartandIunderstooditbymymind,forI foundittobeamostpreciousitemtopost,agreattreasure,andamostusefulitem,soIordered ittobewritteningoldduetoitsbeingprecious,andIdepositeditatthedepositoryofwisdom afterIhaditcopieddownbythedescendantsofHashim,theyouthsofthenation.Bodiesbecome healthybybalanceddiets,andlifebecomespossiblebyovercomingdisease,andthroughlife wisdomisachieved,andthroughwisdomParadiseiswon,anditisworthyofbeingsafeguarded andtreasured,andanobjectofvalueandesteemandareliablephysicianandacounsellorto refertoandasubstanceofknowledgeinitsinjunctionsandprohibitions. "Becauseitcameoutofthehouseofthosewhoderivetheirknowledgefromtheknowledgeof theChosenOne(S.A.W.),themissiveoftheprophets,theproofsofsuccessorstotheprophets, themannersofscholars,thecuretotheheartsandthesickfromamongthepeopleofignorance andblindness...,mayGodbepleasedwiththem,blessandbemercifultothem,thefirstofthem andthelast,theyoungandtheold,Ishowedittotheeliteamongmyclosesttrainwhoareknown fortheirwisdom,knowledgeofmedicine,authorsofbooks,thosewhoarecountedamongthe peopleofknowledgeanddescribedwithwisdom,andeachoneofthemlaudeditandthought highlyofit,elevateditwithesteemandappreciateditinordertobefairtoitsauthor,submitting tohim,believinginthewisdomheincludedtherein."151 AlMamoonAskedtheImamtoWriteIt ThestoryofthisdissertationisthatalMamoonhadaveryinquisitivemindeagerforknowledge, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    fondofobtainingmoreofit.Duringoneofhisscientificdebates,agroupofphysiciansand philosophersinNishapur,includingYohanna(John)ibnMasawayhthephysician,Jibraeel(Gabriel) ibnBakhtishoo'thephysician,SalihibnSalhamatheIndianphilosopher,inadditiontoothers,had gathered.Discussionturnedtomedicineandhowinitthebodiesareimproved.AlMamoonand hisattendantswereinvolvedinaverylengthydiscussionofthesubject,andhowGodcreatedthe humanbodyandthecontradictorythingsinit,thefourelements,theharmsandbenefitsof varioustypesoffood,whiletheImam(A.S.)keptsilentanddidnottakepartinanyofthat.Al Mamoon,therefore,saidtohim,"Whatdoyouhavetosay,OfatherofalHassan,intoday's subjectofourdiscussion?"AbulHassan(A.S.)said,"IhaveofthistheknowledgeofwhatIhave personallytestedandcametoknowaboutitsaccuracybyexperienceandbythepassageoftime inadditiontowhatIwastoldbymyancestorsofwhatnobodycanaffordtobeignorantofnor excusedforleavingout.Ishallcompilethatwithanequalshareofwhateveryoneneedknow." AlMamoonthenrushedtoBalkhandAbulHassan(A.S.)didnotaccompanyhim;therefore,al Mamoonsenthimfromtherealetteraskinghimtofulfillhispromiseandmakethatcompilation, soalRida(A.S.)wrotehimsaying: "IntheNameofAllah,MostGracious,MostMerciful;MyrelianceisuponAllah Ihavereceivedtheletterofthecommanderofthefaithfulregardingwhatheorderedmeabout acquaintinghimwithwhatisneededofmattersIhavetestedandheardaboutfoodsanddrinks, medicines,venesection,bloodletting,bathing,poisons,whatshouldbeavoided,andotherthings whichmanagethehealthofthebody,andIexplainedwhatisneededtobedoneregardingone's ownbody,andGodistheOneWhogivessuccess." Afterthatheinitiatesthedissertation. CommentariesontheDissertation Agoodnumberofscholarsattemptedtowritecommentariesonthedissertation;hereisapartial listingofsomeofthem: 1.TarjamatalAlawililTibbalRadawibySayyidDiaudDinAbulRidaFadlallahibnAlialRawandi (d.548A.H.). 2.TarjamatalDhahabiyyabymawlaFaydallah'UsarahalTasatturiwhowasanauthorityon medicineandastrologyduringtheregimeofFathAliKhan.Thisbookwaswrittenunderthecover ofsecrecyinabout107A.H.Ahandwrittencopyofthemanuscriptdated1133A.H.isavailableat MishkatLibraryoftheTehranUniversity. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    3.TarjamatalDhahabiyyabyMuhammadBaqiralMajlisi.Itisavailableattheprivatelibraryof thelateSayyidHassanalSadrinKazimiyya(Iraq). 4.'AfiyatalBariyyafiSharhalDhahabiyyabyMirzaMuhammadHadisonofMirzaMuhammad SalihalShirazi.ItwasauthoredduringtheregimeofSultanHusaynalSafawi.Itisinhandwritten manuscriptformanditisavailableattheSayyidHusaynalHamadaniLibrary,NajafalAshraf (Iraq). 5.SharhTibbalRidabymawlaMuhammadSharifalKhatoonabadi.Heauthoreditaround1120 A.H. 6.TarjamatalDhahabiyyabySayyidShamsudDinMuhammadibnMuhammadBadi'alRadawial Mashhadi.Itwasfinishedin1155A.H.,anditisavailableattheShaikhMuhammadAliAkbaral NahawandilibraryinKhurasan(Iran). 7.SharhTibbalRidabySayyidAbdallahalShubbarwhodiedin1242A.H.ShaikhalNawari mentionedthathesawthatcopyhimself. 8.SharhTibbalRidabymawlaMuhammadibnalHajjMuhammadHassanalMashhadiwho taughtatMashhadanddiedin1257A.H. 9.SharhTibbalRidabymawlaNawroozAlialBastami. 10.AlMahmoodiyyabyalHajjKazimalMoosawialZanjaniwhodiedin1292A.H.Itisin manuscriptformanditisavailablewiththeauthor'sgrandsons. Thereareothersbesidesthesescholarswhoexplainedandcommentedonit,revealingwhatis hiddenofitssecretsandobscuretreasures.Probablythelatestpersonwhoexplaineditand conductedacomparativestudybetweenitstheoryandthelatestmodernscientificdiscoveriesis Dr.AbdulSahibZainiinthe"Multaqaal'Asrayn"series. SahifatalRida AmongthoseworksisSahifatalRidawhichdealswithfiqh.Apparently,itisnotconfirmedbyour famousscholarsalthoughtheauthorofMustadrakalWasaildescribeditas"amongthewell knownbookswhichisrelieduponandwhichnootherbook,beforeitorafterit,ismoreesteemed orreliable,"andwedonotknowhowrealisticsomeofthejudgementissuedbytheauthorofthis Mustadrakaboutsuchanevaluationare.WhatisunusualisthatalMajlisi,inhisMuqaddimatal Bihar,statedthatdespiteitsfame,itisonthelevelofalectureratherthanamusnad. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AlSaheefa'sMusnads ButSayyidalAmin,inhisA'yanmentionsanisnad(ascription)relatedtoitalonefromShaikh AbdulWasi'alYamanialZaydiforthecopybroughtbythesaidShaikhfromYemenandpublished inDamascus.Also,someofitscopiescontainitsascriptiontoAbuAlialTibrisi,butShaikhal Majlisisaysthathedoesnotknowanythingaboutthat. AlMustadrakstates:"TheesteemedMirzaAbdallahalAfandi,inhisRiyadal'Ulema,has compiledallitssourcesandsaid,`AmongthatisacopyofthisSaheefawhichIsawatthetownof Ardabil,anditssanadwas...,'andhegoesontoindicateitssanadafterthat.Buttheascriptionhe mentionedisdebatableinasfarashisnarratorsareconcerned,andwhatweoptforregarding thedissertationisthatitsauthenticityisnotverifiedandisnotsuitableinitscontextfordeciding aboutahkam.Sufficesusthefactthatgreatscholarsandverifiersofpastcenturiesrefusedto acknowledgeitsauthenticity,refusingalsotobelieveitwasauthoredbytheImam(A.S.); therefore,wehavenoexcuseifweincludeitamongtheworksoftheImam(A.S.)andhisscholarly production. MahdalIslam AmongotherworksattributedtotheImam(A.S.)isthebooktitledMahdalIslamwaShara'iad DinwhichisreferredtobyalSaduqinhisUyoonfromalFadlibnShathan,buthedidnotindicate thatitwaswritteninresponsetoalMamoon'srequest.152 DoubtingItsAttributionToTheImam Whatappearstousafterscrutinizingthelistofitsascriptionisthatwecannotrelyonits attributiontotheImamsimplybecausesomeofitsnarratorsarenotheldreliable.Yeteventhe styleofthisdissertationisshaky,withdisturbedexpressionsintermingledinit.thisgivesusthe impressionthatitishighlyunlikelythattheImam(A.S.)dictateditdespiteitsinclusionofsome ahkamtheupholdingtowhichisnotconsideredobligatoryinourschoolofthoughtsuchas makingobligatorythequnootinallfivedailyprayers,theobligationofsendingblessingsuntothe Prophet(S.A.W.),i.e.salawat,atallplaces,atsneezing,sacrificialanimals,etc.,andtheobligation oftakbirduringtheEidalFitrprayersafterfivesalawat,duringtheEidalAdhaaftertensalawat, andatMinaafterfifteensalawat,thatawomanwhosemenstrualperiodcontinuesforeighteen daysmustnotsaythedailyprayers,butifshebecamecleanbeforethen,shecouldsaythem,and ifsheisnotcleantillaftereighteendays,shewouldbatheandsayherdailyprayersanddoes whateverawomandoesduringherperiod. Inhissecondnarrative,headdstothefirstonesaying,"Andhestatedinitthatthesmallsinsof prophetsareforgiven,"whichiscontradictorywiththeImam(A.S.)declaringthattheyare infallibleanddonotcommitsmallorbigsins. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AllofthisstrengthensourbeliefthatthedissertationwasnotauthoredordictatedbytheImam (A.S.),butitcontainsanullificationofthecaliphateofalMamoonandotherprecedingcaliphs, callingthemmisguidedandoneswhoforsookrighteousnessandguidance,clearlyconfiningthe trueImamatetotheTwelveImams(A.S.). Thedissertationalsocontainsaviolationoftheprincipleoftaqiyyaandofitscurtainwhichwas upheldbytheImamsduringtheirlengthyhistory.Thisaddsmoredoubtintheaccuracyofthe attributionofthedissertationtotheImam(A.S.).Whatwethinktobequitepossibleisthatthe dissertationmayhavebeenacollectionoffatawa(verdicts)ofonescholarandhisviewsregarding doctrinalandlegislativeissues.Thelackoforderofthedissertation'sstyleandorganizationin listingsubjectmattersandtheirsequence,inadditiontothefactthatsomeofitsahkamare simplyindisagreementwiththeestablishedones,allthisleadsustoandconfirmsthispossibility. AjwibatMasailIbnSinan (Or"AnswerstoibnSinan'sQueries")WhatmaybedescribedasworksbytheImam(A.S.)arehis answerstoquestionsputforthtohimbyIbnSinan.Butthiscannotbedescribedasabook authoredbytheImam(A.S.);otherwise,thecollectionofhisanswerstothequestionsofmany others,whichdealwithvariousfieldsofknowledgeandscholarship,mustbedescribedlikewise. 'IlalIbnShathan Also,the(Imam'sanswersto)ailmentsaboutwhichIbnShathanhadaskedhimcannotbe consideredasabookheauthored,assomescholarsconcluded,sincetheywereorganizedbyIbn ShathanhimselfthoughtheywerederivedfromtheknowledgeofImamalRida(A.S.)andhis answerstothequestionsaboutailments.Forthisreason,wefindIbnShathanpresentingthose ailmentsinaproblemandasolutionformat,andwedonotknowwhetherthetextshe mentionedweretheexactanswersoftheImam(A.S.)verbatimornot,foritisquitepossiblethat hepresentedtheminhisownpersonalstylewhilemaintainingtheessenceoftheideawhichthe Imam(A.S.)presentedinhisanswer,whichwethinkwasthecase. Summary Fromwhatwehavediscussedhonestlyandfranklyregardingtheauthenticityofthebookswhich wereattributedtohavebeenauthoredbytheImam(A.S.),itbecomesclearthattheonlybook whichwedaretodescribeasauthoredbytheImam(A.S.)isAlRisalaalDhahabiyyafilTibbwhich hewroteinresponsetocaliphalMamoon'srequest.Thisdoesnotmeanatallthattheother booksattributedtohimdidnotcarryviewsandtheorieswhichhehaddictatedtothosewho questionedhimaboutthisandthat,ortothosewhowereseekinghissupremefountainheadof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    knowledge,andourdiscussionisonlyinform,notincontextandsubstance. 148AlMuhadaratfialFiqhalJa'feribyalSayyidalShahroodi,"ReportonImamalKhoi's Lecture,"Vol.1,p.7 149TibbalRida("MedicineofalRida"),"Multaqaal'Asrayn"series,issuenumber2,p.130 150Ibid.,pp.1920 151A'yanalShi'a,Vol.4,pp.2,143and144 152UyoonAkhbaralRida,Vol.2,p.121 Altercations Onvariousoccasions,alMamoontriedtoforceImamalRida(A.S.)intothearenaofcomplex debateswithvariousgroupsandcreeds.Heusedtoconductscientificandintellectualsessionsto whichheinvitedgiantthinkers,leadingscientists,theatheistsofthecentury,anddebaterswhose scientificmightwasfearedandbeforethestubbornnessofwhosecomplexargumentsthe evidencewasmutedandduetothefiercenessofwhosedoubttheproofwasweakened.Inall suchdebates,theImamwouldcomeoutvictoriousoverhisopponentsduetothetremendous powerofknowledgehepossessedwithoutforcinghimselfintothesophistryofargumentsto whichsomemighthaveresortedinordertodemolishthestructureofhisopponent'sargument andweakenhisabilitytoprovideevidence.Rather,hedependedinhisdebateuponhonest argumentsinordertoproverighttoberight,hismiraculousabilityofconviction,andhiscalm stylisticmethod. AlNawfaliWarnstheImam AlNawfalitriedtowarntheImamagainstattemptingtodealwiththedebatesofsuchpeople whentheImamaskedhimwhyalMamoonhadinvitedhimtodebatethem,foralMamoonhad askedtheCatholicarchbishop,theHighRabbi,leadingSabians,theHinduhighpriest,followersof Zoroaster,NestustheRomanmedicalscientist,andagroupoforators,toenterintoascientific debatewithImamalRida(A.S.).HesentYasirtheservanttotheImamtotellhimaboutthetime whenthedebatewouldstart,requestinghimtoattend.WhenYasirwentoutandalNawfaliwas alonewiththeImam,theImam(A.S.)turnedtohimandaskedhimintheformofadialogue,"O Nawfali!YouareanIraqi,andtheheartofanIraqiisnotsevere;so,whatcanyougainfrom causingyourcousintorequireustomeetwithdisbelieversandrhetoricians?"AlNawfali answered,"Maymylifebesacrificedforyours!Hewantstoputyoutotest,andhelovestoknow howmuchknowledgeyoupossess.Hehas,indeed,builthisassumptiononashakyfoundation, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    anddoomed,byGod,whathehasbuilt."Heasked,"Andwhathashebuilt?"Heanswered, "Scholarsofkalamandinnovatorsareoppositeofthescholars.Ascholardoesnotdenythe undeniable,whereasrhetoriciansandpolytheistsarepeoplewhodenyandtrytoprovewhatis nottrue.IfyouarguewiththemandtellthemthatGodisOne,theywouldsay,`ProveHis Oneness,'andifyousaythatMuhammad(S.A.W.)istheMessengerofGod,theywouldsay, `ConfirmhisMessage,'thentheywouldpresstheirliesonapersonwhilehetriestodisprovetheir lies,andtheywouldcontinuetoprovethatheismistakentillheabandonshisargument;so, bewareofthem,maymylifebesacrificedforyou."Hesmiledandasked,"ONawfali!Doyoufear thattheywilldisprovemyargument?"Heanswered,"No,byGod!Ihaveneverworriedabout you,andIhopeGodwillenableyoutohavetheupperhandoverthem."TheImamaskedagain, "ONawfali!WouldyouliketoknowwhenalMamoonwillfeelregretful?"Heanswered,"Yes."He said,"WhenhehearsmearguewiththepeopleoftheTorahquotingtheirownTorah,withthe peopleoftheGospel(Bible)quotingtheirownGospel,withthepeopleofthePsalmsquotingtheir ownPsalms,withZoroastriansarguingintheirPersianlanguage,withtheRomansintheirown Latin,andwithrhetoriciansusingtheirveryrhetoric.So,ifIclosedalltheavenuesofargumentin thefaceofeacharguingpartyanddisprovedhisclaim,makinghimrenouncehisstatementfrom itsonsetandreferringtomyownstatement,thenalMamoonwouldknowthathewouldnot achievewhatheaspires.Itisthenthathewillfeelregretful;WeareGod's,andUntoHimisour return." ThusdoestheImamshowthathewastakinglightlyandwasnotconcernedaboutsuchpersons whomalMamoonwishedtogathertogetheragainsthimtryingtoembarrasshimwiththeir falsificationandargumentswhichhehopedmightclosefortheImam(A.S.)alltheavenuesof argument.WhenthesessionstartsandtheImam(A.S.)isinvitedtojoinit,discussionstartsand theImam(A.S.)startshisdebatewiththeCatholics,makingtheBiblehisreferencetoprovehis owndefenseoftheUnityofGodanddisprovetheGodheadofChrist(A.S.)bythosewhoregarded himasagodbesidesGod.ThenhefollowswithamagnificentdiscussionprovingthattheBiblein circulationtodayisnotthesamewhichGodhadrevealedtoChrist(A.S.)andthatitisauthoredby someofthedisciplesofJesus(A.S.)whoaretheauthorsofthefourgospels,dependinginhis argumentonthefactthatthedetailspresentedbyeachoneofthemstandinflagrant contradictionwiththoseoftheother.TheCatholicarchbishopslippedintoanobviousself contradiction;forheononehandsanctifiedtheauthorsofthefourgospelsandheldthemabove lyingwhile,ontheotherhand,headmittedtotheImamthattheydidtellliesaboutChrist(A.S.). ThentheImam(A.S.)goestodebatetheHighRabbi,scholaroftheJews,toprovethe prophethoodofProphetMuhammad(S.A.W.)fromthepreviouslyrevealeddivinetestaments, afterwhichhefollowswithaverylogicaldebate.Havingarguedwithhimthatoneofthe requirementsofaProphetwastoperformsomethingallothercreationareunabletoperform,he askedhimaboutthereasonwhythey,theJews,refrainedfrombelievingintothemiraclesofall prophetsotherthanMoses(A.S.)sonofImran(Amram),andtheHighRabbiansweredhimsaying, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    "Wecannotadmittheprophethoodofanywhoprofessesprophethoodexceptafterbringingus knowledgesimilartothatbroughtbyMoses."AlRida(A.S.)saidtohim,"Thenhowcomeyou admittedtheprophethoodofotherprophetswhoprecededMoses(A.S.)whodidnotsplitthe sea,norcleavethestonessothattwelvespringswouldgushforthfromit,nortooktheirhands outshiningwhiteasMosesdid,nordidtheyturnacaneintoasnake?!"ItwasthenthattheHigh Rabbiovercamehisstubbornness,submittedtotheargument,andadmittedthatany supernaturalactbeyondhumancapacitywasindeedaproofofprophethood. TheImam(A.S.)askedhimthenaboutthereasonwhytheydidnotbelieveintheprophethoodof Jesus(A.S.)despitethefactthathebroughtforthmiraclesbeyondhumancapacitysuchas bringingthedeadbacktolife,healingthosewhowerebornblindandthelepers,andaboutthe reasonwhytheydidnotbelieveintheprophethoodofMuhammad(S.A.W.)despitehisbringing anextraordinarymiracle,thatis,theHolyQur'anwhilehewasneitherascholarnorawriter.The HighRabbihadnoansweratall. ThencametheturnoftheZoroastrianhighpriestwhomtheImamdebateddependingonthe priest'sbeliefintheprophethoodofZoroaster.TheZoroastriantellstheImamthatZoroaster broughtthemwhatnoothermanhadeverbroughtthembefore."Wedidnotseehim,"he continues,"butthestoriesofourancestorstoldusthathelegalizedforuswhatnootherperson beforemadelegal;so,wefollowedhim."TheImamasked,"Youbelievedinthestorieswhich cametoyouabouthim,soyoufollowedhim,didn'tyou?""Yes,"heanswered.TheImam(A.S.) said,"Thisisthecasewithallothernations.Storiescametothemaboutwhattheprophetshad accomplished,whatMoses(A.S.),Jesus(A.S.),andMuhammad(S.A.W.)hadallbroughtthem,so whydidyounotbelieveinanyoftheseprophets,havingbelievedinZoroasterthroughthestories thatcametoyouabouthimsayingthathebroughtforthwhatothersdidnot?" Imam'sDebateWiththeSabian TheZoroastrianhighpriesthadnomoretosay.TheImamthenturnedtothedebate'switnesses, havingfinisheddebatingwiththechiefrepresentativesofthosecreeds,askinganyoneelsetogo aheadandputforthanyquestionhehad,everyoneabstainedfromdoingso.Itwasthenthat ImrantheSabian,whowasoneofthemostdistinguishedscholarsofthescienceofkalamofhis time,approachedtheImam(A.S.)andaskedhimhowhecouldprovetheexistenceoftheCreator, andthediscussionbetweenthemdelvedintothedeepestdepthsofthiscomplexquestion,while theImamansweredtheman'squestionsthroughobviousscientificfactsinagloriouslysimple way.AmongthequestionsImranaskedwas:"Master!WastheBeingknowntoHimselfbyHis OwnSelf?"TheImamsaid,"Knowledgeisacquiredbysomethingwhichwouldnegateitsopposite, andsothatthethingitselfwouldbeexistingthroughwhatitisnegatedaboutit,withoutthe existenceofanythingwhichcontradictsitsexistencesothataneedarisestonegatethatthing aboutitselfbydefiningwhatisknownaboutit.Doyouunderstand,OImran?"Hesaid,"Yes,by Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    God,master!Tellme,then,bywhatmeansdidHecometoknowwhatHeknew,byapronounor bysomethingelse?"TheImam(A.S.)said,"Ifithadbeenbyapronoun,wouldHethenfind anywaynottoestablishforthatpronounalimitwhereknowledgeends?"Imrananswered,"Yes, Hewillhavetofindsuchway."TheImamthenaskedhim,"Thenwhatisthatpronoun?"Imran couldnotprovideanyanswer.TheImam(A.S.)said,"IsitalrightifIaskyouaboutthepronoun andyoudefineitbyanotherpronoun?Ifyouanswerintheaffirmative,thenyouwouldmake bothyourclaimandstatementvoid.OImran!OughtyounotcometoknowthattheOnecannot bedescribedbyapronoun,andwouldnotbedescribedexceptbyaverb,bydeed,byaction,and Hecannotbeexpectedtobepartsandkindslikehumanbeings?" ThenImranaskedhim,"Master!TheknowledgeIhavesaysthatthebeingischangedinhis essencebyhisactionofcreating..."TheImam(A.S.)said,"Doesyourstatement,OImran,mean thatthebeingdoesnotinanywaychangeitsessenceexceptwhenitaffectsitsownessenceina waywhichchangesit?OImran!Canyousaythatthefirechangesitsownself,orthattheheat burnsitself,orhaveyouseenanyoneseeinghisownvision?"Imransaid,"No,Ihavenotseen that;couldyoupleasetellme,master,isitinthatinthecreation,orisitthenatureofcreationin it?"TheImam(A.S.)said,"Yes,OImran,Heisaboveallofthat;Heisnotinthecreation,noristhe creationinHim;Heiselevatedabovethat,andbadindeedisyourknowledgeaboutHim,andno mightexceptinGod.Tellmeaboutthemirror:areyouinitorisitinyou?Ifneitheroneofyouis intheother,thenhowdidyoucometoseeyourownself'sreflectioninit?"Imransaid,"Through thelightbetweenmyselfanditself."TheImam(A.S.)said,"Canyouseeofthatlightmorethan whatyoucanseewithyourowneyes?"Heanswered,"Yes."TheImam(A.S.)saidtohim,"Then showittous..."Itwasthenthatthemanwastoobaffledtosayaword.TheImam(A.S.)said,"Ido notseethelightexceptleadingyouandthemirrortocometoknoweachwithoutbeingineither oneofyou.Therearemanysuchexampleswhichtheignorantsimplycannotobserve,andGod Hasthegreatestexample." ThusdidtheImamfacethechallengeofImrantheSabian'sdoubtingmethod,demolishingits structureanddispellingtheambiguityofthecomplexdoubtswhichhecouldnotunderstandtill visionbecamecleartohim.TheImam(A.S.)didnotdetermineanevidenceexceptafterbuildingit withsimpleeasytounderstandproofsoutoftheeverydaylifeofmaninordernottoleaveany wayfortheopponenttodoubtaftertransformingamostcomplextheoryintoaneasyand commonsenseidea,allofthatbyemployingaverybeautifulandmiraculousstyle. DebatingalMaroozi Inanothersession,alMamooninvitedhimtodebateSulaymanalMaroozi,Khurasan'sscientistin kalam,andthedebatebetweenthemdealtwithsomesignificanttopicswhichwerebeing debatedthenbyscholarsofthescienceofkalam,andthestartingpointofthediscussionwasthe issueofbadaa.TheImam(A.S.)explaineditssoundmeaning,indicatingthattheSublimeandDear Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    GodhadinnermostknowledgewhichnobodybutHeknew,andthatwasthesourceofbadaaand knowledgewhichHetaughtHisangelsandProphets. Toexplainitinawaywhichwouldremoveallconfusionandambiguity,wecansayaboutbadaais thatGodmakesmanifestthatHisWillislinkedtoanadvantagewhichnecessitatesit,andthe apparentrealityisthatHisWillishingingonwhatisoppositetoit.ThenHeafterthatmakes manifestHisactualWillwhentheadvantageissatisfiedfromallaspectsandthereasonsforwhich itwasnotpreviouslymanifestedareremoved,anditappearstothecreationasifGodwilledto abandonHisfirstWill,henceitisintheviewofcreation,notintherealityofWill,badaa.Thisis thetheoryofbadaainitssimplelogicalcontextwhichImamis(Shi'as)upholdandwhichsome peoplemisunderstoodandmisinterpreted,givingitawrongmeaningwhichnecessitated attributingignorance(!!!)totheAlmightyGodandanexcusetowageanunfaircampaignof defamationagainstImamiShi'asbytheiropponentsfromamongthefollowersofothersects. ImamProvesBadaa TheImam(A.S.)hasproventheaccuracyofbadaainwhichAhlalBayt(A.S.)believebyfirst quotingtheHolyQur'an,forGodAlmightysaid,"Soleavethemalone,foryoushallnotbeblamed forthat,"153meaningtherebythatHeintendstoannihilatethem,thentheAlmighty,accordingto thebadaatheory,Hehassaid,"Soremind,forremindingmayavailthebelievers,"154which indicatesashiftfromthefirstdecisionasobservedfromstudyingthecontextofbothverses. Second,hetriestoproveitbytraditionsnarratedfromhisforefathersfromtheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)whosaid:"GodsenthiswahitooneofHisprophetstoinformhimthathewoulddieona particularday,andwhenthatprophetwastoldso,hepleadedGod,theKing,whileonhisbed, saying,`Lord!PostponemydemisetillIseemysongrowinguptocarryoutmywill,'tillhefell fromhisbed,whereuponGodsenthiswahiagaintothesameprophettoinformhimthatHe decidedtopostponeit." Itisapparentthatbadaainthemeaningwhichweindicatedrequiresnoalarmwhatsoeverandit doesnotjustifywagingacampaignofdefamationtothosewhobelieveinit. EternityVersusTransienceoftheWill Thesamediscussionledtodiscussingthewill'seternityandtransience,andtheImam(A.S.)stood todisprovethetheorywhichcalledfortheeternityofthewill,provingitsbeingtransientby revealingitsownselfcontradiction,removingtheconfusionwhichmayoccupyanyone'smindin itsregard. Will,astheImam(A.S.)says,isoneoftheactionsoftheAlmighty.ItisnotoneofHisattributes; Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    therefore,itistransient,notperpetual,sinceanactionisaformofevent,andthedeedcannotbe identicaltothedoer,sothewillcannotbeidenticaltothewillingperson.Willisnotlikehearingor seeingorknowingasalMaroozitriedtoprove,becauseitdoesnotmakesense,theImamsays,to saythatHewantedHimself.DoesHewanttobe"something,"ordoesHewanttobeAlive, Seeing,Hearing,orAble?IfthisisaccordingtoHisWill,itwouldrequiretheimpossiblewhichis thechangeoccurringtotheself,forthemeaningthenwouldbethatHewantedHimselftobe somethingwhichwasnot...SublimeisGodgreatlyaboveallofthis. ThusdidthedebatesbetweentheImamandalMaroozioccurfrequentlyabouttheeternityof thewillversusitstransienceaboutrelevantmatters. AlMaroozi'sArgumentativeness InhisdebateswiththeImam,alMaroozikeptarguingandcomingbacktothesamepointfrom whichhehadstartedhisargumentinaninflexibleargumentativemanner.Whileacceptingthatto desiresomething(to"will",towish)isaverb,hegoesbacktodenythatandclaimthatitisan adjective,andhemayadmitsomethingandsaysomethingelse. TheImamaskshim,"OAbuSulayman!Canyoutellmeifthewillisaverbornot?"Hesays,"Yes,it isaverb."Heasks,"Isitcausative,sinceverbsare?""Itisnotaverb,"comestheanswer.The Imam(A.S.)asks,"IsthereanywithHimwhoiseternal?"Sulaymananswers,"Willingisdoing."He says,"OSulayman!ThisisthesamewhichyoucriticizedDirarandhisfollowersaboutforsaying thateverythingGodAlmightyhascreatedinHisheavensandearth,oceanorland,dogorpig, monkey,human,orananimal,isGod'swill,andthatGod'swillgiveslifeandtakeslifeaway,andit goeshereordrinksfromthere,marries,enjoysfood,commitsimmoralacts,disbelievesand commitsshirk..."Sulaymansaid,"Itislikehearing,seeing,orknowing;thatis,itisanadjective,an attribute."HavingabstainedfromprovidingananswertotheImam'squestion,Sulaymangoes backtothebeginningoftheargumentregardingwhetherthewillisanadjective,anattribute,ora verb,buttheImamneverthelessrepeatshisargumentwithhimbyfollowinganotherroute differentfromtheonehetookfirst,whichindicateshowcommonsensetheideaseemstohim andhisabilitytoproveithoweverhewilled. Imam'sStyleinDebating ThedebatecontinuesbetweentheminthesamecalmmannerinwhichtheImam(A.S.)coinshis questions,whichisthemostmagnificentmethodofdebate.Inhiswayofprovidinganswers,the Imamneverblocksthewaybeforehisopponenttocontinuethedebate;rather,heleaveshim completelyfreetodebateinwhatevermannerhewishesthroughhisquestionstillhebringshim toadeadendwherehecannotproceedanymorejusttogobackseekinganotherroutewhichthe Imamhimselfwantshimtoseekoutofhisownwillandafterhisownconviction. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AlMamoonRebukesalMarooziforFumblingAboutButSulaymankeptfumblingaboutinhis answerstotheImam'squestionsaftertheImamhadclosedbeforehimallavenuesofhis argument,andalMamoonwasquicktonoticehisfumblingaboutwhichindicatedSulayman's loss,soherebukedhimandcriticizedhim.Itisreportedthatduringthedebate,whenalRida (A.S.)askedhimtocontinuehisquestions,hesaid,"WillisoneofHisattributes."TheImamsaid, "HowmanytimeshasitbeensaidthatitisoneofHisattributes,soisitanewattribute,orhasit alwaysbeenso?"Sulaymansaid,"New."TheImam(A.S.)said,"AllahuAkbar!Youaretellingme thatHisattributeisnew!HaditbeenoneofHisattributes,andaneternalone,thenHewilledand HecreatedaslongasHiswillandHiscreationareeternal...!Thismeansitisanattributeof someonewhodidnotknowwhathedid!GodisElevatedabovethis..."Sulaymansaid,"Thingsare notawill,andHedidnotwillanything."HeretheImamsaid,"Youhavehissed,OSulayman!He didandHecreatedaslongasHiswillandHiscreationareeternal...?!Thisistheattributeof someonewhodoesnotknowwhathedid!ElevatedisGodaboveallofthat."Sulayman,turning toalMamoon,thensaid,"Master!Ihavealreadyinformedhimthatitislikehearingandseeing andknowing."AlMamoonsaid,"Woeuntoyou,Sulayman!Howyouhaveerredandhowoften youhaverepeatedyourself!Stopitandtakeanotherroute,foryouseemtobeunabletoprovide anyanswerbetterthanthat." ThedebatecontinuesafterthattillSulayman'stongueistied,whereuponalMamoonsays,"O Sulayman!ThisisthemostlearneddescendantofHashim,"andthesessiondisperses. ImamDebatesAliibnalJahm TheImam(A.S.)conductedaverymagnificentdebatewithAlialJahmdealingwiththeinfallibility ofprophetsinwhichheexplainedinaverybeautifulwaytheactualmeaningofsomeverses whichmayonthesurfacegivetheimpressiontothecontrary. InterpretingtheHolyQur'anAccordingtoOne'sOpinion TheImam(A.S.)startedhisdiscussionwithAliibnalJahmbycriticizinghimandthosewho interpretedtheBookofGodaccordingtotheirownviewpoint,statingthatheandthosehaveto refertothosewhomGodendowedwiththefacultyofknowledgeandunderstandinginorderto learntheactualandaccurateinterpretationofitsversesaccordingtothesacredversewhichsays, "AndnoneknowsitsinterpretationexceptGodandthosedeeplygroundedinknowledge."155 InterpretingVersesWhoseSuperficialMeaningSuggestsProphet'sFallibility ThentheImam(A.S.)startedexplainingtheverseswhosesuperficialmeaningindicatesthe fallibilityofandpossibilityofsinningbyprophets.HeindicatedthatAdam'stransgressiontook Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    placewhilehewasinParadise,notonearth,andtheinfallibilityinquestionisearthly,andthathe didnotcommitanyactaslongashelivedonearthwhichcontradictedhisinfallibilityasprovenby thesacredverse:"GoddidindeedchooseAdamandNoah,thefamilyofAbraham,andthefamily ofImranaboveallpeople."156Asregardingtheversewhichstates:"AndrememberZunnun whenhedepartedinwrath;heimaginedthatWehadnopoweroverhim,buthecriedthrough thedepthsofdarkness,`ThereisnogodbutThou!GlorytoThee;Iwasindeedwrong,'"157what ismeantby"heimaginedthatWehadnopoweroverhim"isthatherealizedthatGodwasnot goingtosustainhim."HadhethoughtthatGodwasunabletooverpowerhim,hewouldhave thencommittedkufr(disbelief)andhewouldhavealsocommitted'isyan,transgression. Asregardingtheverse"And(withpassion)didshedesirehim,andhewouldhavedesired her,"158thecaseregardingwhatthewifeofal'Azizwanted,andwhatYousuf(A.S.)desiredto do,aretwodifferentthings,forshewantedtocommitasinwhilehedesiredtokillherifshe forcedhim;therefore,Godsavedhimfromthedeedofkillingheranditsterribleconsequences, andsavedherfromherownwishfuldesiretocommitasin. AsregardingDavid,hisstatementthatthedefendanthadcommittedinjusticebyaskingforthe goat,itwasanerroronlywithintheframeworkofthecase,andittookplacebeforehehadasked thedefendantabouthisdefenseagainsttheplaintiff'sclaim,anditisnotatransgression,forGod correctedforhimhisdecisionbybringinghimtheexampleofthetwokings.Asregardinghis marriagewiththewidowofOorya,whichwasregardedbypeopleatthattimeasasinand criticizedhimforit,itwasdoneforthesakeofeffectingalegislativeinterestwherebyDavid wantedtoshatterthethenprevalentcustomofawidownotgettingmarriedafterthedeathof herhusband.ItissimilartowhathappenedtotheProphetwithZainabdaughterofJahsh,wifeof ZaydibnHarithawhohadbeenadoptedbytheProphet(S.A.W.),fortheProphet,bymarrying ZainabaftergrantingherdivorcefromZayd,wantedtoshatterthepreIslamiccustomwherebya manwouldnotbepermittedtomarrytheformerwifeofsomeonehehadadoptedasisclearin thetextoftheHolyQur'an.TheProphet(S.A.W.)wasapprehensiveofthecriticismofthe hypocritesofhisaction,sotheAlmightyaddressedhimbysaying,"Donotfearpeople;itismore fittingthatyoushouldfearGod,"159sinceitwasGodWhoorderedhimtomarryheraswe understandfromtheverse,"ThenwhenZaydhaddissolved(hismarriage)withher,withthe necessary(formality),Wejoinedherinmarriagetotheeinorderthat(henceforth)theremaybe nodifficultytothebelieversin(thematterof)marryingthewivesoftheiradoptedsons,whenthe latterhavedissolvedwiththenecessary(formality,theirmarriage)withthem,andGod's commandmustbefulfilled."160 ByprovidingsuchgloriousknowledgeoftheexegesisofsacredQur'anicverses,andbygivingsuch honestinterpretationswhichsafeguardtheintegrityofthecontext,theImam(A.S.)usedtodispel theunusualconfusionofthosewhodidnothaveadeepactualunderstandingoftheGlorious BookofGod. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AnArtificialArgument InhisbookAl'IqdalFarid,IbnAbdRabbihalAndalusirecordedadebateonthesubjectof ImamatebetweentheImamandthecaliphalMamoonwhichseemstobestampedwith artificiality,andwethinkitispossiblethatsomefanaticsamongthosewhodeviatedfromtheline oftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)hadfabricatedit,forhestatedthefollowinginhisbook: "AlMamoonsaidtoAliibnMousa,`Whydoyouclaimit(Imamate)foryourownselves?'He answered,`DuetoAliandFatima(A.S.)beingnearinkintotheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.).'Al Mamoonsaid,`Ifitisonlyamatterofkinship,thentheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)hadleftbehind himthosewhowerecloserinkinshiptohimthanAlioranyofhisrelatives,andifyoumeanthe kinshipofFatima(A.S.)totheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),thenthematter(Imamate)afterher shouldhavebelongedtoalHassanandalHusayn(A.S.)whoserightwasconfiscatedbyAlieven whiletheywerestillalive,takingcontrolofwhatwasnothis.'AliibnMousacouldnotprovidean answer."161 Letusrecordthefollowingregardingthisquotation: TheImamdidnotclaimhisrighttocaliphateonlyonaccountofhiskinshiptotheProphet (S.A.W.)butratheronaccountoftheclearstatementsmadebytheProphet(S.A.W.)emphasizing thathewastobethecaliphafterhim,inadditiontothepersonalqualificationsImamAli(A.S.) hadhadwhichdistinguishedhimabovetherestofsahaba. TheconceptofcaliphateaccordingtoAhlalBayt(A.S.)isthatitisdecreedaccordingtoadivine text,notdictatedduetofactorsofkinship,politics,etc.GodistheOneWhochooses,andHis choiceisvoicedbyHisProphet,whoeverHeseestobemostfittosafeguardtheMessageandthe interestofthenation,asweexplainedwhenwequotedImamalRida(A.S.)discussingthesubject ofImamate.Theclaimofthosewhosaidthattheydeservedcaliphateduetotheirkinshiptothe Prophet(S.A.W.)issimilartotheclaimofthosewhosaidthatthemuhajirun(immigrants)were morequalifiedthantheansar(supportersofMedina)duetothenearnessofthefirstpartytothe MessengerofGod(S.A.W.).TheImam,ifthisstoryistrueatall,wouldnothavebeenunable,as thestorysuggests,toansweralMamoon'sobjectionthatthereareamongtheAhlalBayt(A.S.) thosewhohavemoreprioritythanAli(A.S.)oranyofhisrelative,anapparentreferencetohis grandfatheralAbbasibnAbdulMuttalib,toit.ItwasalAbbashimselfwhoapproachedtheImam requestinghimtostretchhishandtohimsothathewouldsweartheoathofallegiancetohim whenhefeltthatthefatelookedominousandthattheenvironmentwasthreateningofarevolt, buttheImamrefusedtoacceptsuchanoathprivately;rather,hepreferredthatsuchanoathbe sworntohiminpublicandbeforeeyewitnessesafterfinishingthefuneralritesofthecorpseof theMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)whichwasstilllyinginstatewaitingtobebathed.Ifyousuppose Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thatalAbbashadanyrighttocaliphate,hewouldthenhaverelinquishedit. AsregardingalHassanandalHusayn,theywerethenveryyoung,andneitherwilayatnorwisayat canbeenforcedoncaliphatetilltheywereoldenough,forcaliphateisapostwhichpermitsno wisayatatall;therefore,theissueofcaliphatewasconfinedtoAli(A.S.)alone. Thisisourargumentifwesupposethatcaliphateisamatterdecidedduetokinshiptothe Prophet(S.A.W.).Butifwesaythatitisdecreedbyadivinedecree,theseproofswillnotbe relevant. ButthefactthatalMamoon'swayofthinkingregardingtheissueofcaliphate,andhisviewswith whichheconfrontedthefaqihsinhisdebateswiththem,astheauthorofAl'IqdalFaridhimself mentions,provingthatcaliphatewasthelegitimaterightofonlyAliratherthananyoneelse amongthesahaba,thisfactitselfconvincesusthatthisfabricateddialoguequotedabovewas writtenbysomefanaticfollowersofothersects. ThesearesomedebatesanddiscussionsofImamalRida(A.S.)whichwerenarratedabouthimin whichhedebatedsomescholarsofkalamofhistimewhichwewantedtoindicateherebrieflyin ordertogivethereaderageneralideaaboutthestyleemployedbytheImamsamongtheAhlal Bayt(A.S.)intheirdebatesanddiscussionswithothers,sothatthereadermaylivethefree democraticenvironmentwhichdominatedthatperiodoftimeinitsintellectualandscientific spheres. 153AlThariya:54 154AlThariyat:55 155AaliImran:7 156AaliImran:33 157AlAnbiyaa:87 158Yousuf:24 159AlAhzab:37 160AlAhzab:37 161Al'IqdalFarid,Vol.2,p.285andalsoVol.5,p.103 BasicBeliefs Islamisthereligionwhichpreachestawhid,theUnityofGod.Tawhid,then,isthestartingpoint Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    fromwhichaMuslimsetsouttobuildhiscreeddeepinsidehisinnerself;otherwise,hecannotbe calledaMuslim,norcanthelightoffaithshineinhissoul.Thesounddefinitionoftawhidiswhat hasbeenendorsedbytheAhlalBayt(A.S.)throughtheirteachingsandstatements;anything otherthanthatisbutfalsificationandadulterationandinsinuationswhichmayhavebeen necessitatedbyerroneousphilosophicalideologiestheinventorsofwhichtriedtoreachthe furthermostdepthoftheessenceoftheDivine,buttheresultstheyreachedcausedthemto deviatefromreachingeventhebeginningofbelief,sotheyindulgedthemselvesintothe labyrinthsofatheismandloss. Inresearchingsuchanextremelycomplexissue,wehavetofollowintothefootstepsoftheAhlal Bayt(A.S.).Ifweacceptthemasourguides,weshallhavenofearaboutfallingintodestructionor departingfromtheStraightPathaccordingtowhatisalreadyreportedabouttheProphet(S.A.W.) whosaid:"MyAhlalBayt(A.S.)amongyouarelikethearkofNoah:whoeverboardsitissaved, andwhoeverlagsbehinditisdrownedandruined." ImamalRida(A.S.)didnothaveasystemofhisownregardingthephilosophyoftawhid;rather, hiswastheverysamepristinesystemaboutwhichallImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)unanimously agreedandtowhosesafeguardingtheydedicatedtheirlivesinthefaceofallothersectswhich mayhavedeviatedfromtheachievementofthenobleobjective. Wearenotgoingheretomakeacomparisonbetweenthesesectsinasfarasthebeliefintawhid isconcerned,forthismayrequireaverylengthyresearchwhosediscussionwillrequireustogo beyondthelimitswehavesetforourstudyhere;rather,whatisimportantforushereisto presentthelimitsoftheconceptoftawhidfromthestorieswehavealreadynarratedaboutImam alRida(A.S.). MisconceptionoftheSimilitudeofGodtoHisCreation ThefirsttocomeacrossinresearchingthehadithnarratedbyImamalRida(A.S.)inthesubjectof tawhidisthisone:"AnyonewhomakesasimilitudeofGodwithHiscreationisamushrik (polytheist),andanyonewhoattributestoHimwhatHehasprohibitediskafir(disbeliever)" whichis,asreportedabouttheProphet(S.A.W.),aclearanswertothosewhoclaimthat"God createdAdaminHisOwnImage."Inanothertext,theImam(A.S.)explainstousthe misconceptioninwhosepitfallothershavefallen;alHusaynibnKhalidreportedsaying,"Isaidto alRida(A.S.),`OsonoftheMessengerofGod!PeoplesaythattheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)said thattheAlmightyandExaltedGodcreatedAdaminHisOwnimage.'Hesaid,`MayGodfight them!Theydistortedthebeginningofthishadith.TheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)passedbytwo menexchanginginsultsandabusivelanguage,andheheardoneofthemsayingtotheother,`God madeyourfaceuglyanduglyisanyonewhoislikeyou,'whereuponhe(S.A.W.)said,`Oservantof God!Donotsaysotoyourbrother,fortheAlmightyandExaltedGodcreatedAdam'simagelike Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    his.'" TheMessenger(S.A.W.)hereisforbiddingthemanfromarticulatingsuchanabusivelanguage whichabusesAdam,fatherofallmen.Thepronounintheoriginaltext(i.e.,"imagelikehis") belongstothemanbeingabused,nottoGod;therefore,itiserroneoustosaythatthemeaning hereisthatGodcreatedAdaminHisOwnImage.TheImamemphasizesthisbynarratingone qudsihadithinwhichtheAlmightytellstheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),"Theonewhomakesa similitudeofMyselftoMycreationisindeedignorantofWhoIam." ThehadithregardingtheDivineisentangledandcomplex,butifyoureaditinthehadithnarrated bytheAhlalBayt(A.S.),youwillfinditinfullharmonywiththehumannature,lucidlyinterpreting theobscureconceptinbriefexpressionswithafullvisiondespitetheirinclusionofaspacious philosophicalcontext. God'sAttributesareHisOwnEssence WhileresearchingthehadithofImamalRida(A.S.)inthisregard,wecomeacrosshistreatment oftheissueofHisAttributeswhicharenoneotherthanadescriptionofHisOwnEssence,and thatitisimpossiblethattheyshouldbeanythingelse.Forexample,alHusaynibnKhalidsaid,"I heardalRida(A.S.)saying,"GodhasalwaysbeenKnowing,omniPotent,Living,Eternal,Hearing, Seeing,'soIsaidtohim,`OsonoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)!Peoplehavebeensayingthat GodknowsthroughHisfacultyofknowledge,omniPotentthroughHisfacultyofpower,Eternal throughHisabilitytowithstandtime,HearingthroughHisfacultyofhearing,andSeeingthrough Hisfacultyofvision.'He(A.S.)said,`Anyonewhosayssoandbelievesinithasindeedaccepted othergodsbesidesGod,andhehasnothingtodowithourreligion.'Thenheadded,`Godhas alwaysbeenKnowing,omniPotent,Eternal,Hearing,andSeeinginHisOwnEssence;Exaltedis Godabovetheclaimsofthepolytheistsandthosewhomakesuchsimilitudesagreatdealof exaltation.'" Knowledge,might,andotherattributesofGodarenotactuallydifferentfromHisEssence;rather, theyarethesameliketheEssenceintheirexistenceandreality;otherwise,theywouldhavebeen partnerswithGodinHiseternitywhichcontradictstheveryconceptoftawhidwhichagreeswith thenatureofHisbeing,thatis,theeternityoftheSelfonitsown,withouthavinganythingelseas partnertherewith. BeliefinPluralityoftheEssenceandAttributesisShirk InanotherhadithreportedbyMuhammadibnArafa,theImam(A.S.)explainstoushowonewill becommittingshirkifheconsiderstheEssenceoftheAlmightyandHisAttributesasseparate fromeachother.Muhammadsaid,"IaskedalRida(A.S.),`DidGodcreatethingsbysomesortof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    powerornot?'Heanswered,`ItisnotpossiblethatHemusthaveusedsomesortofpowertodo sobecauseifyousaythatHecreatedthingsbyapower,youwouldbesayingthatyouimagineda toolwherebyHecreatedthings,whichisshirk.AndifyousaythatHecreatedthingswhichHe subjectedtoHispower,youwouldbesayingthatHemadesureHewouldbeabletooverpower them,whileHeisnotweakorincapableorinneedofanyoneelse;rather,He,GlorybetoHim,is AlmightyduetothefactthatHisownEssenceisMighty.'" TheDifferenceBetweenGod'sWillandPeople's Inanotherpartofthediscussion,theImam(A.S.)tellsusaboutthedifferencebetweentheWillof Godandthewillofhumans.SafwanibnYahyasaid,"IaskedAbulHassan(A.S.),`Tellmeabout God'sWillandthewillofHiscreation.'Hesaid,`Thewillofapersonissomethinghepossesses, henceitisapossessivepronoun;asregardingGod,HisWillisHisAction,nothingotherthanthat, becauseHedoesnotcontemplateupondoingsomething,nordoesHedecidetodosomething, nordoeshesetsHismindtodosomething,andalltheseverbshavenothingtodowithHis Essence;theyareamongthefacultiesofhumans,andtheyareamongthecharacteristicsofthe creation.God'sWillisHisAction,nothingotherthanthat.Hesays`Be!'anditiswithout articulatingsomething,orusingatongue,orsetshisminduponsomethingorcontemplatesupon doingsomething,nordoesHethinkaboutthemeanstodoso,nordoesHethinkabouthow.'" ThepreviouschaptercontainedadiscussionoftheissueofeternityofGod'sWillinadebate betweentheImam(A.S.)andSulaymanalMaroozi,theKhurasaniscientistofkalamwhowas invitedbyalMamoontodebatetheImam. Queries TheremaybesomeinnocentquestionswhichcometothemindofanyonewhichtheImammay havetriedtoanswerinaverysimplewayrelyingonclearQur'anicverseswherebywemaypass withoutbeingawareoftheirprecisemeaningandthedepthoftheircontext.Forexample, regardingtheKnowledgeofGod,hewasaskedbyalHusaynibnBashshar,"DoesGodknowabout thethingwhichneverwashowitwouldlooklikewhenitis?"Heanswered,"GodAlmightyknows ofthingsbeforetheirexistence;Hehassaid:`Wewerewonttowritedownallthatyedid,'162and HesaidtotheinmatesofHell,`Iftheywerereturned(backtoearth),theywouldcertainlyrelapse tothethingstheywereforbidden,fortheyareindeedliars.'163TheExaltedandtheAlmightyGod knowsthatifthoseinmatesweretobereturnedtoearth,theywouldgobacktotheiroldways andcommitwhattheywereprohibitedfromcommitting.Whentheangelssaid,`WiltThouplace thereinonewhomakesmischiefthereinandshedbloodwhilewecelebrateThypraisesand glorifyThyholyName?'Hesaid,`Iknowwhatyeknownot.'164SoGodalwaysknowssince eternityaboutthingsbeforeHecreatesthem.'" Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    WemayfindinsomeQur'anicversesthatGodisdescribingHimselfwithattributeswhichdonot fitHisExaltedStatussuchasmockingandridiculingasintheverse,"Godwillthrowbacktheir mockeryonthem"165and"Godwillthrowbacktheirridiculeonthem"166and"(theunbelievers) plottedandschemed,andGodtooplotted"167and"TheystrivetodeceiveGodwhileHeis deceivingthem."168ButtheImam(A.S.)answersbysayingthatGodAlmightydoesnotridicule, mock,cheat,oranythinglikethat,butHerewardsthosewhocommitthesesinswiththereward theydeservefortheirridicule,mockery,cheating,etc.TheImam'sanswerisderivedfromthe meaningoftheQur'anicversewhichstates,"Theplottingofevilwillhemonlytheauthor thereof."169Whentheseindividualsridicule,mock,plot,orcheat,theydonotsensethedestined consequencesforsuchabehaviourwhenthetablesareturnedandtheyhavetosufferperpetual painandtorture.Thisisprovenbytheverses,"Theyplottedandplanned,butWetooplanned, evenwhiletheyperceiveditnot.Thenseewhattheendoftheirplotwas!Wedestroyedthem andtheirpeople,allofthem."170 ThereareQur'anicverseswhichdeserveaseriouslookintothemwhentheirsuperficialmeaning givestheimpressionthattheyinviteonetoupholdwhatmustnotIslamicallybeupheld,departing fromtheconceptoftheDivinePerfection.Forexample,theAlmightyhassaid,"Theyhave forgottenGod,soHehasforgottenthem,"171and"Weshallthatdayforgetthemastheyforgot themeetingofthisdayoftheirs."172ToattributeforgetfulnesstoGodiserroneousbecauseitis anattributeofHiscreation;besides,suchasuperficialmeaningcontradictsanotherversewhich says,"...andthyLordneverforgets."173ButtheImaminterprets"forgetfulness"inthesetextsto meanabandonment,andthatGodabandonsthembynotallocatingforthemtherewardsHe allocatestothosewhoyearnforsuchmeeting.SincetheyforgotaboutGodanddidnotdogood deedspriortosuchmeeting,GodwillmakeHisgoodrewardsdistantfromthemandwillreward themwithtortureandeternalHellfire. Whatismeantby"forgetfulness"inthesetextsisnotoverlookingorbypassing,nordoesthe meaningofabandonmentisnegligence.TheImampointedthisoutwhenheansweredsomeone whoaskedhimaboutthemeaningoftheverse"...andGodlefttheminutterdarknesssothey couldnotsee"174bysaying,"God,theSublimeandPraisedOne,cannotbedescribedas abandoningascanHiscreation,butwhenHeknowsthattheywouldneverleavedisbeliefand straying,HewouldstopHissupportforthemandHiskindness,leavingthemtohavetheirown way." SeeingGod Thediscussionof"seeing"Godisoneofthesubjectsofthescienceofkalaminwhichviewsof Islamicschoolsofthoughtdifferedsincethebattleandargumentonkalamstarted,shatteringthe unityoftheCreed'sinterpretationofmanydoctrinalbasesuponwhichthestructureoftheIslamic Messagewasestablished.TheAhlalBayt(A.S.)tookastancetowardsthesubjectof"seeing"God Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    whichwasinharmonywiththepristineconceptoftawhidasIslamintendsittobe,regardingHim abovebeingphysicallyseensimplybecausethatwouldbepossibleonlyforanobjectoflimited dimensions. Asregardingtheverseswhichgivetheimpressionthat"seeing"Godispossible,suchas"Some facesonthatDayshallbebright,lookingtowardstheirLord,"175and"Verily,from(theLightof) theirLord,thatDay,willtheybeveiled,"176and"ThyLordcomes,andHisangels,rankupon rank,"177aswellasothersuchverses,ImamalRida(A.S.)interpretedtheminawaywhichkept theminthecontextinwhichtheywererevealed.Forexample,themeaningof"...lookingtotheir Lord"isthattheywerebrightwithhopeandanticipationwaitingtobeawardedwiththeirLord's rewards,thatis,anticipatingHisgenerosityandprizes.Themeaningofthesecondverseisthat theyareveiledfromreceivingtherewardsoftheirLord,forGodAlmightycannotbesaidto occupyaphysicalspace,aplace,inwhichHewouldsettle,veilingHimselffromHisservants.Inthe thirdverse,whatiscomingisGod'sDecree,thatis,yourLord'sDecreeiscomingtopass; otherwise,GodAlmightycannotbesaidtocomeandgo,forthesemovementsarecharacteristic ofHiscreatures,anditisimpossiblethatHeshouldhavetheirattributes,forthiswouldmeanthat therewouldbeaplacewhereHeisnotthere!Godishighlyelevatedabovethisdegradation. ThusaretheQur'anicversesinterpretedaccordingtotheoccasionuponwhichtheywere revealed.Moreover,suchaninterpretationwhichtakesintoconsiderationbothcontextand occasion(orreasonforrevelation)doesnotdepartevenalittlebitfromtheparticularappearance ofsuchversessimplybecausesuchanunderstoodappearanceisnotderivedfromtheverbaltext alone;rather,otheraspectswhichencompassthesubject'sangles,andforwhoseexplanationthe textwasrevealed,havealsotobetakenintoconsideration. CompulsionandEmpowerment WhileresearchingthewayImamalRida(A.S.)employedtoexplainthesubjectandrelevanttopics relatedtotheunityofGod,wearefacedbyotherswithmanyquestionsinquiringaboutthe theoryofcompulsionandempowermentwhichoccupiedthemindsofMuslimsforalongperiod oftimeandcausedagreatdealofmoredivisionamongthemduetothedebatesamongthe scholarsofthescienceofkalamofvarioussectsatthattime.Someendorsedcompulsion,others endorsedempowerment,whilestillotherspreachedtakinganinbetweenapproach. TheApproachAdoptedbyAhlalBayt TheschoolofthoughtpreachedbyAhlalBayt(A.S.)regardsthelatterconceptasthebasisof DivineJusticewherebyGodrewardsgooddoersfortheirgooddeedsandpunishestheevildoers fortheirevil.Compulsionisakintooppressionandisanegationofjustice,whileempowermentis apostponementofeffectingjustice,disablingitfromgettingtheupperhandandthepowerit Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    rightfullydeserves.BothcontradicttheconceptoftheabsoluteperfectionoftheDivine. AmanvisitedImamalRida(A.S.)andaskedhim,"OsonoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)!Ithas beenreportedtousthatthetruthful(alSadiq)Ja'feribnMuhammad(A.S.)said,`Thereisneither compulsionnorempowermentbutawaytochooseoneoftwo.'Whatdoesheexactlymean?"He answered,"WhoeverclaimsthatGoddoesourdeedsandthenpenalizesusfordoingthemhasin factacceptedtheconceptofcompulsion,andwhoeverclaimsthatGodAlmightyempowersHis ProofstodistributeHissustenancehasinfactadoptsthebeliefofempowerment.Onewho believesincompulsionisakafir(disbeliever),andonewhobelievesinempowermentisamushrik (polytheist)."SoIaskedhim,'OsonoftheMessengerofGod!Thenwhatisthiswaytochooseone oftwomeans?'Heanswered,`Itisfindingawaytodowhattheyareenjoinedtodoandforsake whattheyareenjoinedtoforsake.'Iaskedhim,`DoesGodAlmightyhaveaWayandaWillinthis regard?'Hesaid,`AsregardingdeedsdoneinobediencetoHiscommandments,HisWillintheir regardisHisapprovalofandassistanceintheirperformance.AsregardingHisWillaboutsins,itis Hisorderthattheyshouldbeshunned,thatHecondemnsthem,andthatHeforsakesthosewho committhem.'" Empowerment Yasirtheservantsaid,"IaskedalRida(A.S.),`Whatdoyousayaboutempowerment?'Hesaid, `GodAlmightyentrustedHisCreedtoHisProphetstoconveytopeople,saying,`Whateverthe Messengerpermittedforyou,takeitwithapproval,andwhateverheorderedyounottodo,do notdoit.'Asregardingcreationandsustenance;no,Hedidnotempoweranyoneintheirregard.' Thenhesaid,`GodAlmightysays:`GodistheCreatorofallthings,'178andHealsosays,`ItisGod Whohascreatedyou:further,Hehasprovidedforyoursustenance;thenHewillcauseyoutodie; andagainHewillgiveyoulife.Arethereanyofyour(false)partnerswhocandoanysingleoneof thesethings?GlorytoHim!AndHighisHeabovethepartnerstheyattribute(toHim)!'"179 ImamWarns Inanothernarrative,theImamdisclosesforustheconductwhichabelieverhastoundertake withthosewhobelieveinempowermentinordertocreateapsychologicalbarrierbetweenthem andotherswhichwouldparalyzetheiractionanddeprivethemoftheelementwherebythey influenceothersbythemisleadingandfalsecreedtheypreach.AbuHashimalJa'ferisays:"I askedAbulHassan(A.S.)abouttheghulatandaboutthosewhobelievedinempowerment,and hesaid,`Theghulatarekafirs(disbelievers),whilethosewhobelieveinempowermentare mushriks(polytheists).Thosewhositwiththem,mixwiththem,eatordrinkwiththem,visit them,marrytheirdaughterstothemormarrytheirdaughters,accepttheirtrustsorentrustthem tokeeptheirs,believeinthem,supportthemevenbyafractionofaword,haveabandonedthe nearnesstoGod,totheMessengerofGod,andtousAhlalBayt(A.S.).'" Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Inanothernarrative,whensomeonementionedcompulsionandempowerment,theImam(A.S.) saidtotheattendants,"ShallIprovideyouwithanoriginalviewinwhichyoushallnotdispute witheachother,andthroughwhichyouwillwintheargumentoverthosewhoarguedwithyouin itsregard?'Werequestedhimtodoso,whereuponhesaid,`GodAlmightywasnotobeyedby compulsion,norwasHedisobeyedbybeingoverpowered.HedidnotneglectHisservantsliving inHisdomain;HeistheKingabovetheirkings,thePowerfulOneabovethosewhohavepower amongthem.WhenHisservantsopttoobeyHim,Hewouldnotstopthemnorforbidthem,andif theyopttodisobeyHim,Hemayinterfereandfoiltheirattempt,orHemaynotandtheywilldo justthat;therefore,HeisnottheOnewhocausedthemtodisobeyHim.'Thenhesaid,`Anyone whomastersthiswillhavethewinningargumentoverhisopponent.'" ImamsDidNotEndorseMakingSimilitudesWithGod ImamalRida(A.S.),inadialoguewithalHusaynibnKhalid,deniedwhatsomepeopleattributed tohisforefatherswhentheyclaimedthattheymadesimilitudestoGodandbelievedin compulsion,describingthosepeopleasghulatwhounderestimatedtheGreatnessofGod Almighty,andthattheirfabricationabouthisforefathersandtheirattributingtothemwhatthey didnotsaywassimilartothefabricationofothersabouttheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)bytheir narrationofallegationsendorsingmakingsuchsimilitudesandalsoendorsingcompulsion. Regardingthesubjectoftawhidanditsrelevanttopics,ImamalRida(A.S.)hasalongdiscussion whichrequiresanindependentandsufficientresearch,andsufficesusthisbriefpresentationof whatwasreportedabouthiminthisregard.Thosewhowishtopursuetheirresearchofthis subjectarereferredto'UyoonAkhbaralRida(A.S.)byShaikhalSaduqinwhichhecompiledwhat wasnarratedabouttheImaminthisregard. TransmigrationofSouls AlTanasukhkufr,thatis,"TobelieveinthetransmigrationofthesoulsistodisbelieveinGod," saystheImaminananswertothequestion"Whatisyourviewregardingthetransmigrationof thesouls?"puttohimbysomeone.Heansweredsaying,"Anyonewhobelievesintanasukhis kafir(disbeliever)inGodtheGreat,adisbelieverinHeavensandinHell."Thereasonforthisis thatthebeliefinthetransmigrationofthesoulsmeansthatthehumansoul,afteritsdeparture fromthebodyatthetimeofdeath,goestothebodyofananimaltoliveinit.Inotherwords,itis likeabirdthatassoonasitissetfreefromitscagewillseekanothercage.Thisimpliesanegation oftheJudgementwhichisoneofthebasicprinciplesoftheIslamiccreed,henceitisanegationof ParadiseandHell. ThosewhobelieveinthetransmigrationofthesoulsinterpretParadiseandHellbysayingthatif Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thesoulthatwassetfreefromthebodysettlesinsideagoodanimal,thenitisParadise,andifit settlesinsideabadanimal,thenitisHell,whichisnothingbutahallucinationwhichtheHoly Qur'anclearlyrefutes,forbothParadiseandHellarerealitiesratherthansymbolsasthese personswouldliketothink. Imamate Imamateisoneofthebasicbeliefs(usool)whichwasthestartingpointforallthedeep differencessincetheearlyperiodofIslamandimmediatelyafterthedemiseoftheProphet (S.A.W.).TheMuslimummah,therefore,splitintocontradictoryandcontrastingsectsduetothe deepeningofthegapseitherduetotheactionsoftherulingauthorities,ortopersonalambitions aspiredbysomeofthosewhocovetedtobeImams. TherearetwomajorschoolsofthoughtinIslamwhichareregardedasthestemsfromwhich thosesectsbranch.TheyaretheSunnischoolofthought,whichpreachesthatImamateafterthe Prophet(S.A.W.)wastherightofAbuBakrthentothethreecaliphswhosucceededhim,andthe ImamiShi'aschoolofthoughtwhichpreachesthatImamateaftertheProphet(S.A.W.)wasthe rightofAliibnAbuTalib(A.S.)andtohiselevendescendantsafterhim.Eachoftheseschoolshas itsownargumentsregardingprovingitsauthenticityandthelackthereofoftheother. TheAhlalBayt(A.S.)derivetheirargumentsfromclearandobviousstatementintheirregardsaid bytheProphet(S.A.W.)andalsoduetotheirmeritsandqualificationswhichraisedthemabove bothcommonandeliteindividuals.ImamalRida(A.S.)explainedtoustheactualprogramto identifyanImamwhichagreeswiththehumannatureinconsideringthedistinctivemeritsand thesufficientqualificationspresentinapersontoqualifyforsuchaveryimportantstatus. Imam'sQualifications IndefiningthequalificationsoftheImam,ImamalRida(A.S.)tellsusthathehastobethemost knowledgeableamongpeople,themostwise,themostpious,themostcourageous,themost generous,andthebestinworshippingGod.Thesequalificationshavetobepresentintheimam sinceheistheonechargedwithsafeguardingtheIslamicMessageaftertheProphet(S.A.W.)and theonewhoclarifiesitsprecisedetailsandhiddenmeaningstopeople. SelectionoftheImamisDonebyGod TheImam(A.S.)assuredthepersonwhoinquiredaboutthesequalificationsthatthenation cannotbelefttochooseitsimamwithoutstatementsinthisregardmadebytheProphet(S.A.W.) whointurnconveysGod'scommandmentsrelatedtothisissue,fornobodyotherthanGod knowsthesecretsoftheindividualsandwhattheyhideinsidetheirhearts. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    TheImam(A.S.)said:"DotheyreallyrealizethesignificanceofImamatesothattheypermit themselvestomakeachoiceinitsregard?Imamateisgreaterinprestige,moresignificant,higher instatus,moredifficulttoattain,hardertoachieve,thancanpeopleconceiveintheirmindsor defineaccordingtotheirviews,orselectanImamastheyplease,forImamatebecamethesole prerogativeofProphetIbrahim(A.S.),theFriendofGod,secondinsignificanceonlyto Prophethood,wherebyHehonouredhim,saying,`He(God)said,`IwillmaketheeanImamtothe nations.'Hepleaded:`Andalso(Imams)frommyoffspring?!'Heanswered:`ButMyPromiseisnot withinthereachofevildoers.'180Thisverse,therefore,hasnullifiedtheimamateofany oppressortilltheDayofResurrectionandbecametheprerogativesolelyofthoseelitepersons. God,thus,honouredIbrahim(Abraham)byallottingImamatetothoseofhisprogenywhoarethe eliteandwhoarethePurified,saying,`AndWebestoweduponhimIsaacand,asanadditional boon,(agrandson),Jacob,andWemaderighteousmenofeveryone(ofthem).AndWemade themImamsguiding(men)byOurCommand.'181Imamate,thenremainedamongthe descendantsofIbrahim(A.S.),soninheriteditfromfather,onecenturyafteranother,tillthe Prophet(S.A.W.)inheritedit.ItwasthenwhentheAlmightyGodsaidtohim,`Withoutdoubt, amongmen,thenearestofkintoAbrahamarethosewhofollowhimasarealsothisProphetand thosewhobelieve,andGodistheProtectorofthosewhohavefaith.'182Thus,Imamatebecame therightoftheProphet(S.A.W.)who,accordingtothecommandsoftheAlmightyGod,andinthe mannerHedeemed,vestedituponAli(A.S.)anditsettledamongtheeliteofhisdescendants whomGodgiftedwiththegiftofknowledgeandtruebelief." TheImam(A.S.)continuestosay:"ImamateisthestatusoftheProphets,thelegacyofthewasis (successorsofProphets);ImamateisthecaliphateofGodAlmightyandofHisMessenger (S.A.W.)." "ThecaliphateofGodAlmighty"hastobetheprerogativeofthebestofpeopleaftertheProphet (S.A.W.)simplybecausehe,thesuccessoroftheProphet(S.A.W.),isGod'scaliphonearthafter thedemiseoftheProphet(S.A.W.).Hisselection,therefore,hastobedonebyGodforhowcan anyonejudgeanyoneelsetobeeligibleforitifhedoesnotknowthatperson'strueinnerself? WesimplydonotunderstandatallthewisdomofleavingtheselectionoftheImamtothenation withoutafinaljudgementinthisregardcomingfromtheAlmighty... AnImam'sAttributes HavingdefinedtheattributesanImamhastohavewhichrepresenthisdaytodayconduct neededbypeople,ImamalRida(A.S.)says:"AnImamisascholarwhoisnotignorant,someone wholooksafterothersuntiringly,thesubstanceofsanctityandpurity,asceticismand renunciationoftheworld,ofknowledgeandadoration.Hisknowledgegrows,hisclemencyis perfect;heisawareoftheresponsibilitiesofImamate,knowledgeableregardingpolitics, Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    commandingobedience,executingtheCommandmentsofGod,advisingtheservantsofGod, protectingthecreedofGod.ProphetsandImamsareassistedbyGodWhobestowsuponthem fromthetreasuresofHisknowledgeandsovereigntyinawayHedoesnotendowanyoneelse, makingtheirknowledgesuperiortothatofanyonecontemporarytothem,forHe,theExaltedand theSublime,hassaid,regardingTalut(Samuel),`Godhaschosenhimaboveyouandhasgifted himabundantlywithknowledgeandbodilyprowess;GodgrantsHisauthoritytowhomsoeverHe pleases.Godcaresforall,andHeknowsallthings.'183RegardingtheImamsfromtheHousehold, progenyandelitedescendantsofHisProphet(S.A.W.),theAhlalBayt(A.S.),theDearand SublimeOnehassaid,`OrdotheyenvymankindforwhatGodhasgiventhemofHisbounty?But WehadalreadygiventhepeopleofAbrahamtheBookandWisdomandconferreduponthema greatkingdom,'184andwhenGodselectsoneofHisservantstodealwiththeservantsofGod,He broadenshisheartforsuchresponsibility,depositinginitspringsofwisdom,inspiringknowledge tohim." IndicationsofImamate AsregardinghowanImamcanbeidentified,andwhattheindicationsare,thisisexplainedby ImamalRida(A.S.)inhisanswertothequestionsomeoneputtohimwhichwas:"Bywhat indicationcanImamateberegardedauthenticforonewhoclaimsittohimself?"Hesaid:"Bytext andevidence."Themanasked:"WhatisthecharacteristicofanImam?"Heanswered: "Knowledge,andGod'sanswertohisplea."Themanasked,"Bywhatcanyouyourselvesprove yourImamate?"Heanswered:"ByaPromisemadetousbytheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)."The manasked:"Whatistheevidencethatyoucantellwhatisonthemindofpeople?"Heanswered: "HaveyounotcometoknowthattheMessenger(S.A.W.)said,`Bewareofthediscretionofa muminforhelooksthroughthelightofGod'?"Themanansweredintheaffirmative,sotheImam (A.S.)continuedsaying,"Everybelieverhasashareofdiscretion,lookingthroughthelightofGod accordingtotheamountofhisbeliefandtheextentofhisforesightandknowledge.Godhas combinedinuswhatHehasdistributedtoallthebelieverscombinedandsaidinHisBook, `Behold!Inthisaresignsforthosewhobytokensdounderstand.'185Thefirstofthese mutawassimeenistheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),thentheCommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.)after him,thenalHassanthenalHusayn,thentheImamsfromamongthedescendantsofalHusayntill theDayofJudgement." ByallofthesestatementsdoesImamalRida(A.S.)defineforusthequalificationsofanImamand thegroupthatchooseshiminstatementswhichagreewiththehumannatureandthebalancesof reasonwhicharethefinaljudgeonsuchissues. 162AlJathiya:29 163AlAn'aam:28 164AlBaqara:30 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    165AlBaqara:15 166AlTawba:79 167Aali'Imran:54 168AlNisaa:142 169Fatir:43 170AlNaml:5051 171AlTawba:67 172AlA'raaf:51 173Maryam:64 174AlBaqara:17 175AlQiyama:2223 176AlMutaffifin(orTatfif):15 177AlFajr:22 178AlZumar:62 179AlRum:40 180AlBaqara:124 181AlAnbiyaa:7273 182Aaali'Imran:68 183AlBaqara:247 184AlNisaa:54 185AlHijr:75 Exegesis Exegesis(Tafsir)AccordingtotheAhlalBayt WhenweexaminethemethodemployedbyImamalRida(A.S.)andtheotherImamsfromthe AhlalBayt(A.S.)ininterpretingthetextoftheHolyQur'an,wefindoutthatitdependsonthe generaloverallmeaningininterpretingoneparticularverse,distancingitselffrominterpretations whichdonotsuititsowngeneralorparticularmeaning.ThisdoesnotmeanthattheHolyQur'an canbeinterpretedbyanyoneaccordingtowhatheunderstandsofitsapparentmeaning;rather, itsinterpretationisnotlimitedtotheverbatimunderstandingofthetext.Instead,somematters havetoalsobetakenintoconsiderationwhichmaybehiddeninawaywhichrequiresseeking assistancefromthosewhomGodendowedwiththefacultyofknowledgeandunderstanding, namelytheProphet(S.A.W.)andhisAhlalBayt(A.S.)whoaretheactualtestimonytotheverse whichsays:"NobodyknowsitsinterpretationexceptGodandthosedeeplygroundedin Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    knowledge." AnExegesisPhenomenonRegardingAhlalBayt OnewhostudiestafsiraccordingtotheAhlalBayt(A.S.)willclearlynoticethephenomenonthat theymayinterpretsomeversesontheirown,whileothersmaybeareferencetoobeyingand lovingthem.Somepeopletrytousethisphenomenontomakenotoriousremarks,todeliberately distort,andopenlycondemntheImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.),tryingtoattributetothemtheir attempttomaketheHolyQur'anabookregardingtheirownsectandnobodyelse's.Thereis nothingfurtherfromthetruth.TheinterpretationprovidedbytheAhlalBayt(A.S.)ofcertain versestobeadirectorindirectreferencetothemisduetoone'sperfectpracticalimplementation oftafsir,andthefactthattheythemselvesarelivingwitnessestothetruthinsuchverses,orthat shouldsuchversesmakeareferencetothem,theyareallproofsofthetruthcontainedinthe HolyQur'ananditdoesnottaketheverseoutofitsintendedgeneralmeaning.Forexample, whenImamalSadiq(A.S.)interpretstheummah(nation)inthetextoftheHolyQur'antomean thea'immah(Imams),hegivesitthemeaningthattheyarethemostdistinguishedpractical manifestationofitsQur'anicmeaning.Tousetheword"interpretation"insuchcontextmayimply ametaphoricmeaningoftheword,forwhatisintendedbyitistoprovidethebestpossible practicalmeaningwhichagreeswiththespiritofthetext,whichissomethingneitherreasonnor citationobjecttoit. ExegesisofImamalRida ImamalRida(A.S.)didnotauthorabookonexegesis,butheexplainedthemeaningsofthe versesaboutwhichhewasquestionedbyotherswhowantedtoknowhisviewsintheirregard, andwewillindicateheresomesuchexplanationsinordertoacquaintyouwiththemagnificent methodandinnovativestyleoftheImam(A.S.)inthisregard. ItisreportedthatalMamoonaskedhimoncetoexplainsomeQur'anicversesoutofhiscuriosity abouttheknowledgeGodbestowedupontheImamregardingtheirmeanings.Amongsuchverses was:"HeitisWhocreatedtheheavensandtheearthinsixdays,andHisthronewasoverthe waters,thatHemighttryyouwhichofyouisbestinconduct."186Hesaid,"ThePraisedand ExaltedGodcreatedtheThrone,thewater,andtheangelsbeforethecreationofheavensand earth,andtheangelsusedtoknowGodthroughtheirowncreation,throughtheThroneandthe water.ThenHemadeHisThroneoverthewaterinordertomanifestHismighttotheangelsso thattheymightknowthatHeiscapableofdoingwhateverHepleased.ThenHeraisedtheThrone throughHismight,moveditandmadeitabovethesevenheavens.ThenHecreatedtheheavens andtheearthinsixdayswhileHewasomniPotentonHisThrone.Hewascapableofcreating theminatwinkleoftheeye,buttheExaltedOnecreatedtheminsixdaysinordertoshowthe angelswhatHewascreatingoneaftertheothersothattheywouldknowtimeandagainthatGod Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wastheOriginatorofeachandeverything.GoddidnotcreatetheThronebecauseHewasin needforitsinceHeisindependentoftheThroneandofeverythingHecreated;Hecannotbe describedbyanythinginthecosmossimplybecauseHehasnophysicalbody;ExaltedHeisabove thecharacteristicsofwhatHecreatedagreatdealofExaltation. "AsregardingHissaying,`...thatHemighttryyouwhichoneofyouisbestinconduct,'Hehas createdtheminordertotestthemthroughtheresponsibilityofobeyingandworshippingHim, notoutofHisdesiretotestortrythem,sinceHealreadyknowsallthings." ThisgloriousexplanationoftheImam(A.S.)forthecreationoftheheavensandtheearthinsix daysisconsidered,wethink,amongthebestexplanationsbecausegradualcreationand perfectiondeepensthefeelingofaweregardingthegreatnessoftheCreatorandOriginatormore thanhaditbeenatonce. AlMamoonalsoaskedhimaboutthemeaningoftheverse:"HaditbeenthyLord'sWill,they wouldallhavebelieved,allwhoareonearth!Willyouthencompelmankind,againsttheirwill,to believe?!NosoulcanbelieveexceptbytheWillofGod."187Quotinghisforefathers,alRida(A.S.) said:"MuslimssaidtotheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),`Wewishyouforcedthosewhomyouhave conquered,OMessengerofGod,toacceptIslam,sothatournumberwouldincrease,andwe wouldbecomestrongerinthefaceofourenemies.'TheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)said:`Iamnot goingtomeetGod,theAlmightyandtheExalted,havinginventedaninnovationwhichHedidnot commandmetodo,noramIthetypeofpersonwhoforcesotherstodoanythingatall.'Itwas thenthatthisversewasrevealed:`HaditbeenthyLord'sWill,theywouldallhavebelieved,all whoareonearth,'bymeansofforcingthem,orwhentheyfindnootherchoicewhileinthis worldjustasthosewhobelievedonlyafterseeingGod'smightandretributioninthelifeafter death.`IfIdosuchathingtothem,theywouldnotdeserveanyreward,butIwishtheyacceptit outoftheirownchoiceratherthanbeingforcedtodosoinorderthattheywilldeservetobe closetomeandblessedthroughme,andtheywouldremaininParadiseforever.' "Asregardingthemeaningof`NosoulcanbelieveexceptbytheWillofGod,'itdoesnotmean thatitisprohibitedfrombelieving(withoutapriorconsentofGod);itsimplymeansthatGod invitesittobelievewithoutforcingittodoso." TheImam(A.S.)saidthefollowinginhisexplanationoftheversewhichsays:"[GodisHe]Who hasmadetheearthyourcouch,andtheheavensyourcanopy":188 "Hemadetheearthsuitabletothecreationofyournature,agreeabletoyourbodies;Hedidnot makeittoohottoburnyou,nortoocoldtofreezeyou,nortoowindytocauseyoudizziness,nor toostinkytodamageyourheads,norasliquidaswatertocauseyoutodrown,nortoosolidto enableyoutobuildhousesandgravesforyourdead;rather,theExaltedandSublimemadeit Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    strongenoughtobeusefulforyou,foryourbodies,andforyourbuildings,makingitusablein yourhomesandgravesandagreatdealofotheradvantagesaswell;thus,Hemadetheeartha couchforyou. "Asfortheheavens,HemadethemlikeaprotectiveceilingaboveyourheadsinwhichHeletthe sunanditsmoonandthestarsorbitforyourowngood.He`...sentdownwaterfromthe heavens,andbroughtforththerewithfruitsforyoursustenance,'meaningtherebywaterwhich Hecausedtodescendfromahighaltitudeinordertoreachthesummitsofyourmountainsand hills,valleysandplains,whichHecausedtodescendasshowersandasmoisturewhichsoil inhales,andHedidnotcauseittopourdownatoncetoruinyourlands,treesandother vegetationandfruits.`Andbroughtforththerewithfruitsforyoursustenance'189means whatevergrowsonearthforyoursustenance,so`DonotsetuprivalsuntoGodwhenyeknow (thetruth),'190thatis,`rivals'suchassimilitudesandsuchthingslikeidolswhichhaveno comprehension,hearing,sight,orareabletodoanythingatall,whileyouknowthattheycannot createanyofthesegreatblessingswithwhichHe,yourLord,theExalted,theMostHigh,has blessedyou." ThissimpleexplanationprovidedbytheImam(A.S.)givesthemeaningoftheverseclarityand easewhichcanbecomprehendedbyanyone,evenonewhoseshareofintelligenceismost modest,enablinghimtoappreciatethemagnificence,beauty,andperfectionofthecreation.He mayevenexplaintheimportantpointsinaversewhichmaycausethewisdomoftheirmakingas wefindhimdoingwiththelastverseinordertopointoutthedepthofmiraculousaspectofthe versesoftheHolyQur'an. TheHolyQur'anandtheInfallibilityoftheProphets InthesubjectoftheinfallibilityofProphets,theImam(A.S.)wasaskedtoexplainthemeaningsof someverseswhosesuperficialmeaningssuggestedthatProphetswerenotinfallibleatall,that theywereliabletocommitsins.Inourdiscussionofqueriesabove,wedealtwiththissubject whenwediscussedthedialoguebetweentheImam(A.S.)andAliibnalJahm,whileherewe wouldliketomentionmoreofthesameregardingquestionsalMamoonputforthtotheImam (A.S.)inquiringaboutsuchverses: Adam AtoneofthemeetingsarrangedbyalMamoon,thelatteraskedtheImam(A.S.):"OSonofthe MessengerofGod(S.A.W.)!Don'tyouclaimthatProphetsareinfallible?"TheImam(A.S.) answeredintheaffirmative.AlMamoonthenasked,"Thenwhatisthemeaningoftheverse, `ThusdidAdamdisobeyhisLordandallowhimselftobeseduced'?"TheImamansweredthis questionbyexplainingthatGodhadforbiddenAdamandEvefromcomingclosetoaparticular Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    treewithoutforbiddingthemfromeatingitsfruitorthefruitofsimilartrees.TheyobeyedGodby notcomingnearthattree,butIblis(Eblis)confusedtheminthisregardandsuggestedthatthey shouldeatnotfromthattreebutfromothersimilartrees,swearingtothembyGodthathewas onlyprovidingthemwithanadvice.Sotheybelievedinhisoathandtheyatethefruitofasimilar tree,andthatwasbeforeAdamwasconsideredasaProphetandbeforehisdescenttoearth,and whathedidwasnotasinforwhichthepenaltyisHellfire,butitwasaminordisobediencewhich couldbeforgivenandcouldbecommittedbyProphetsbeforewahi(revelation)reachesthem. WhenGodchosehimandmadehimaProphet,hebecameinfallibleandwasnotpermittedto commitasin,minorormajor,tellinghim,"ThusdidAdamdisobeyhisLordandallowhimselftobe seduced.ButhisLordchosehim(forHisGrace);Heturnedtohim,andgavehimguidance. Ibrahim,theFriendofGod ThenheaskedhimaboutIbrahim(Abraham)alKhalil(A.S.),theFriendofGod,andaboutthe stageofdoubtthroughwhichhepassedasappearssuperficiallyintheHolyQur'anwhenheis mentioned,tilltruthbecamemanifesttohimandhebelievedtherein.TheAlmightysays:"When thenightcoveredhimover,hesawastar.Hesaid:`ThisismyLord.'Butwhenitset,hesaid,`Ido notlovethosethatset.'Whenhesawthemoonrisinginsplendour,hesaid,`ThisismyLord.'But themoonset,sohesaid,`UnlessmyLordguidesme,Ishallsurelybeamongthosewhogoastray.' Whenhesawthesunrisinginsplendour,hesaid,`ThisismyLord;thisisthegreatest(ofall).'But whenthesunset,hesaid,`Omypeople!Iamindeedfreefromyour(guilt)ofgivingpartnersto God.Forme,IhavesetmyfacefirmlyandtrulytowardsHimWhocreatedtheheavensandthe earth,andnevershallIgivepartnerstoGod.'"191Aboutthis,theImamcommentsthus: "Ibrahim(A.S.)didnotpassbyastageofdoubtinGod;rather,hisstorymaybesummarizedthus: Helivedinasocietywherethreetypesofworshipdominated:theworshipofVenus,theworship ofthemoon,andtheworshipofthesun.TheoutwardpretenseofIbrahim(A.S.)tofollowthese religionsbeforedeclaringhisbeliefinGodwasonlytodenythevalidityofeachoneofthemand toprovetoothersthefactthattheywereinvalid,notduetohistemporarybeliefinthem.He simplywantedtoprovetotheirfollowers,throughthemethodofargumentwhichheemployed inaspiritfilledwithbeliefinHim,thattheirtypeofcreedandtheirnormofworshipofVenus,the moon,andthesun,werenotappropriateduetothevariationwhichoccurredtothemandwhich isoneoftheattributesofthecreature,nottheCreator." ThentheImam(A.S.)addssaying,"WhatIbrahimalKhalil(A.S.)didwasactuallyaccordingtothe inspirationhehadreceivedfromGodbythetokenoftheversethatsays,`Thatwasthereasoning aboutUswhichWegavetoAbraham(touse)againsthispeople.'"192Whathedid,therefore,was merelyamethodtowintheargumentagainsthispeopleregardingtheinvalidityoftheirnormsof worshipandintheirbeliefingodsotherthanGod,whichisauniquemethodamongQur'anic methodstoinviteotherstobelieve. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    MessengersandDespair AlMamoonthenaskedhimaboutthemeaningoftheversewhichsays,"...tilltheapostlesgive uphope(oftheirpeople)and(theirpeoplecometo)thinkthattheyprovedthemtobeliars,Our helpwillthencometothem."193Whatmaybeacauseforquestioninginthisverseistoattribute despairtoGod'sMessengersafterbeingpromisedhelpfromGod.Despairanddespondencyare formsofkufr(disbelief),fortheAlmightyhassaid,"NevergiveuphopeofGod'ssoothingmercy; trulynonedespairsofGod'ssoothingmercyexceptthosewhohavenofaith."194So,howcan despairfinditswaytotheheartofamessengerofGodoraprophet,knowingthat,accordingto thisverse,onlykafirscandoso,andwhatisagreatersinthancommittingkufr?! Whatissuperficiallyobviousfromthetextofthisverseisthatthetimewhentheydespairedwas afterreceivingtheMessageandinspiration.Tothis,theImam(A.S.)answersbysayingthatthe subjectofdespairinthisverseisnotGod'shelppromisedtoHismessengers,butratherlosing hopeoftheirpeopleeverbelievinginthemandacceptingtheirmessage;i.e.tobelieveinHimand renouncetheirpreviousdisbeliefanddisobediencebytheirworshipofgodsotherthanGod.The meaningofthisverse,then,willbesomethinglikethis:Whenthemessengerslosthopethattheir peoplewouldeverbelieveinthem,andwhenthosepeoplethoughtthattheysucceededin provingthosemessengersasliars,itisthenthatOurhelpcametothem. Thusistheoutwardambiguityoftheverseremoved,andthusdoestheImam(A.S.),through providingsuchgloriousmeaningstothesacredversesoftheHolyQur'anwhoseoutwardmeaning isactuallytheoppositeofthatoftheircontext,dispelthecloudofdoubtwhichmaycometo one'smindregardingtheinfallibilityofProphets.Theyarenotmerejustificationsorone'sown personalopinionsbutactualfactstheupholdingtowhosecontraryisnotpossible. God's"Hand"isHisMight ThereareotherversesthesuperficialmeaningofwhichgivestheimpressionthatGodhaslimbs justashumansdowhichHeusestoachieveHispurpose,suchasHisstatementaddressingIblis whenthelatterrefusedtoprostratetoAdamascommandedbyGod:"Whatprohibitedyoufrom prostratingtowhatIhavecreatedinMyownhands?"andalsoliketheversesaying,"Whenaleg willbeuncoveredandtheyareinvitedtoprostrate..." TheImam(A.S.)explainsthemeaningofGod'shandtobeHismight.Themeaningoftheprevious versewouldbe,"WhatprohibitedyoufromprostratingtowhatIhavecreatedbyMymightand potence?"Goddoesnothaveeyes,legs,hands,oranysuchthingsaswemayimaginewhich wouldputlimitstoGodlikethosetoman,andtherevealedtextscontainingareferencetosuch thingsaregivenmeaningswhichagreewithconceivingGodtobeExaltedabovehavingphysical Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    dimensionsagreatdealofExaltation. The"leg"isinterpretedbytheImamasabarrieroflightwhich,whenremoved,willcausethe believerstofallprostrating,whilethelegsofthehypocritesbecometoostiffenedtoprostrate. ThusdoesImamalRida(A.S.)portrayforusanaccurateportraitwhichishonestininterpreting themeaningsembeddedintheGloriousBookifwewishtohonestlyandwiselyinterpretits verses. Onemorethingremainstobeindicatedhere.Therearesomenarrativeswhichcontainsome interpretationsofQur'anicversesattributedtoImamalRida(A.S.)theauthenticityofwhichis questionedsimplybecausesomeofthosewhoreportedthemarenotfreeofthepracticeof distortionorfabrication.Whatwefeelcomfortableaboutisthatthefactthatifsuchnarrationsdo notcontainanythingwhichdisagreeswiththebeliefsoffollowersoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.) regardingtheinterpretationofQur'anicverses,theytestifytotheirauthenticreporting.Addto thisthefactthatwethinkitisquiteunlikelythatsomenarratorswoulddeliberatelytellliesabout theImam(A.S.)incaseswheretellingliesdoesnotbenefitthenarratorabit,particularlyinthe interpretationsoftheverseswehavequotedabove.Thisiswhywefindscholarsofexegesisrely onsuchnarrativesandtheirlikesinexplainingtheHolyQur'an,andiftheycontradictone another,theyaccepttheonewhichseemstohavethemostsoundmeaning,ortotheoneswhich agreewiththebasicprinciplesoftheschoolofthought. Inthecasewheretheinterpretationofcertainversesbecomesthebasisofalegislativerule,orin theprocessofderivingone,thentheauthenticityofnarrationorinterpretationhastobeverified firstasoneprovidedbytheProphet(S.A.W.)orbymembersofhisAhlalBayt,peacebeupon them,andattemptsshouldbemadetomakesurethattheintegrityoftheirnarratorsisnot questioned. 186Hud:7 187Younus:99100 188AlBaqara:22 189AlBaqara:22 190Ibid 191AlAn'aam:7679 192AlAn'aam:83 193Yousuf:110 194Yousuf:87

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Shari'a(IslamicLegislativeSystem) WedonotattemptheretopresentthelegislativeheritageleftusbyImamalRida(A.S.)ortrace theahadithwhichwerereportedabouthiminthisregard,forthisisthejobofauthorsofbooksof hadithandfiqh.Whatwewouldliketodealwithhere,rather,istoevaluatetheknowledgewhich reachedusfromhimandfromotherImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)intheareaoflegislation,and thesaferoutetheytookinprovidinguswithabasisforderivingsuchlegislativerulesfromtheir accuratesource. AswestatedintheIntroduction,whatcausedustofollowthecreedoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)and usetheirhadithasasourceforlegislationisduetotheclearandunequivocalstatementsofthe Prophet(S.A.W.)regardingthenecessityofupholdingtheirwayandfollowingtheirguidancesuch asthetraditionofthetwoweightythings(hadithalthaqalayn)andofthearkofNoah(A.S.),and otherahadithwhichcannotbedoubtedintheirauthenticity,structure,orobjective.Thisiswhy anyhadithreportedbyImamalRida(A.S.)orbyanyotherImamisregardedasthoughithad beensaidbytheProphet(S.A.W.)notbecausetheseImamshavetheauthoritytoinitiate legislation,orbeindependentinenjoyingtheresponsibilityofinventingalegislativerule,butby consideringitanextensionofthepristinelegislationbroughtforthbytheProphet(S.A.W.)from hisLord,duetowhattheylearnedofthesecretsoflegislationanditsfruitsleftforthemasa legacybytheProphet(S.A.W.),afterbeingmadebytheAlmightyascustodiansoftheMessage aftertheProphet(S.A.W.). TheirHadithisMuhkamandMutashabih Thehadithnarratedaboutthemis,asisthecasewiththeHolyQur'an,bothmuhkamand mutashabih.Themuhkam,asitsnamesuggests,doesnotacceptbutonesinglemeaning,while themutashabihisonthecontrarypermittingmanyfacetsofinterpretation,anditsactual meaningisnotknownexactly.Thisisthemeaningweacceptforthesetwoterms. ImamalRida(A.S.)isquotedinanarrationashavingsaid,"Amongournarrativesaremutashabih liketheQur'an's,andalsomuhkamliketheQur'an's;so,seekhelpfromthemuhkamto understandthemutashabih,anddonotfollowthemutashabihwithoutthemuhkamelseyou shouldstray." JustifyingtheMutashabihintheQur'an TheCommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.)justifiestheexistenceofQur'anicverseswhichcanbe interpretedinmorethanonewaybysaying:"TheAlmightyhasdonesoinordertofoilthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    attemptofwrongdoersfromamongthosewhowouldtakecontroloverthelegacyofthe knowledgeoftheBookleftbytheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),whichhedidnotintendthemto acquire,renderingthemunabletoexplainthevariouspossiblemeaningsthereof."ItisasifGod willedthattheProphet(S.A.W.)andthosewhowouldbeartheMessageafterhimwouldhavea specialdistinctionwhichistheunderstandingofwhatothersarenotabletounderstandsothat peoplewouldresorttothemwhentheyareunabletounderstandcertainversesoftheHoly Qur'anwhichtheyneedtounderstandforthebettermentoftheirlifeandthecomprehensionof theircreed. JustifyingtheMutashabihintheHadith AsregardingtheexistenceofthemutashabihinthehadithreportedabouttheAhlalBayt(A.S.), astheImampointedoutinhistraditioncitedabove,thiscanbejustifiedinthefollowingmanner: TheseImams(A.S.)usedtosufferagreatdealofpersecutionatthehandsoftheircontemporary rulerswhoincessantlypursuedthemandtheirfollowers,forcinguponthemaverystrict surveillance,countingtheirbreath.Inmanycases,inthefaceofsuchanintolerabletreatmentat thehandsofthoserulers,theImamshadtoresorttothetaqiyyainmanyoftheirdeedsand sayings.Theymighthavebeenasked,forexample,abouttheirjudgementofaparticularincident, oraboutsomethingrelatedtothecreedandschoolofthought,andtheywouldanswerinaway whichpermittedmorethanonewayofunderstandingtheanswerduetotheirownapprehension oftheruler'swatchdogsandinformers. Themeaningmaybederivedatthetimethequestionisputforthwhenarelatedmatterisat hand.Itwillbebuiltaccordingtooneofthepossibilitiesinspiredbythetextwhichwouldprovide theinquirerwiththedesiredsatisfactionoftheanswerwhile,atthesametime,suchpossibilities arehiddenfromotherswhowillbeconfusedaboutthemandabouttheactualmeaningtheImam (A.S.)meantthereby.Itisthenthatitmustbecomparedwithotherahadithsaidonsimilar occasions,orwiththecontextofbaseswhichagreewithitandwhichweresetbythem,peacebe uponthem.Themeaningofthemutashabihmaybesimilartothegeneralandtheparticular,the unrestrictedandtheabsolute,whilethegeneralandtheabsolutewouldthenbesimilartothe mutashabih,thespecialandtherestrictedwouldbesimilartothemuhkam. GenuinenessoftheCreedofAhlalBayt WecannotfindinanyothersectthegenuinenesswhichcharacterizesthecreedoftheAhlalBayt (A.S.)intheareaoflegislation,foritreliesonadeepunderstandingoftheHolyQur'anandthe pristinePropheticSunnahwhichderivesfromitsoriginalleadingfountainheadasourceofits legislationandsuchrules. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Forexample,accordingtoanarrative,amanaskedImamalRida(A.S.)aboutanothermanwho saidatthetimeofhisdeath,"AnyoldslaveIhaveisnowemancipatedforthesakeofpleasing God."TheImamsaid,"Yes,thereisawaytodeterminewhois`old'accordingtotheAlmightyand PraisedGodWhosaysinHisBook,`...tillitbecamelikeanolddatecluster;'therefore,anyone amonghisslaveswhohasbeenwithhimforatleastsixmonthsmustnowbefreed." Thedateclusterbecomesoldanddryduringtheperiodofsixmonths.Inthisexample,theImam (A.S.)didnotcontendhimselfbyjustprovidingalegislativerule;healsoderivesitsrulefromthe textoftheHolyQur'an. IndependenceoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)FromQiyasandOthers TheAhlalBayt(A.S.)didnotsensetheneedtoseekavenueswhichweredistantfromthe legislativerealitiesintheconclusionstheyreachedsuchasqiyas(comparison),istihsan (preference),etc.,whichwereregardedbyothersasindicativeofthelegislativerulewhenthey lackaconcretetext,duetothefactthat,becauseoftheknowledgeandthesecretsofthe MessagewhichtheyinheritedfromtheirgrandfathertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)aswellas theirownlevelofiman(firmbelief),theywereselfsufficient,independent,andduetowhatGod hadendowedthemwithofthefacultyofknowledgeinordertheymightbeHisProofsover people. TheAhlalBayt(A.S.)stronglycondemnedtheuseofqiyasandothersuchmethodsinventedby othersasmeanswherebytheywouldjustifytheirderivationswhentheylackedaconcrete evidence.Becauseofthis,manystrongconfrontationshappenedbetweenthemandthese people,andwemaydiscussthissubjectindetailinourforthcomingbookaboutImamalSadiq (A.S.)becausethemostviolentofsuchconfrontationstookplaceduringhistimewhenpromoters ofvarioussectswerefreetoexpresstheirviews. ImamalRida(A.S.)'sHadithRegardingLegislation TherehavebeenmanyahadithreportedaboutImamalRida(A.S.)dealinginvariousaspectsof fiqhwhichareusedasfinalargumentsindeterminingobligationwhentheymeetallnecessary conditionssuchastheauthenticityoftheavenueofitsreportinganditslackofignoranceor weaknessandtheabsenceofambiguityinitsindicationandconnotation. HisHadithRegardingCausations Thereisalsoagreatdealof'ilal(causesorfoundations)forthelegislationofmanyahkam (legislativerules)inhisanswerstoquestionsraisedbyMuhammadibnSinan,andalsoinhis answerstoIbnShathanattheendofwhichthenarratormentionedthathelearnedthemone Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    aftertheotherfromImamalRida(A.S.). OurViewRegardingCauses Butwecannotdeterminethattheyaretheactualbasesforthederivationofthelegislativerules; rather,theyareotherfacetsofthewisdomofwhichthelegislativesystemisfull,anditisquite possiblethattheImammaymentiononecauseandaddssayingthatitisonecauseamongothers. QuestioningtheCausesisHumanNature Thehumannaturebyinstinctiseagertoknowtheunderlyingmotiveswhichliebehindthe existenceofthings,ascertainingsuchmotives,lookingforthereasonsbehindwhatnecessitated thecauses,beitintheareaoftheirgenesis,i.e.,theprocessoftheircreation,ortheirlegislation, outoftheprinciplethatthereisamotiveforeverythinginexistenceespeciallywhenthecreation isthatoftheWiseOneWhodoesnotdothingforselfamusement.Thisiswhywefindthosewho askedImamalRida(A.S.)aboutthecausesbehindthelegislationofsomerules(ahkam)in accordancewithman'squestioningnature. Imam'sAnswersareHarmoniousWiththeNatureofLegislation TheImam'sanswerswereallinharmonywiththeenvironmentoftheoccasionsurroundingtheir legislation.Causesmaybetoachieveasocialbenefit,whenthesocialaspectoflegislationismore apparentthananyother,orforahealth,spiritualorpsychologicalbenefit,eachaccordingto whateverthenatureoflegislationinspires. Forexample,whenheexplainsthecausesfortheprohibitionofadultery,theImam(A.S.)says: "Adulteryisprohibitedduetothecorruptionitcausessuchasmurders,lossoflineage,child desertion,chaosregardinginheritance,andothersuchaspectsofcorruption."Herehe determinesthesocialcausesbehindtheprohibitionofadulterysincethesocialaspectismore apparentinthiscaseoflegislationthananyother. Fromthesamestandpoint,theImam(A.S.)explainstouswhyusury(riba)isprohibitedbysaying: "Thereasonforprohibitingusuryisbecauseiteliminatesfavours,ruinsfunds,causesgreedfor profit,causespeopletoabandontheirdealingwithloanstoeachotherorinpayingcash,ordo eachotherfavours,andduetoallthebadconsequencesofcorruptionandoppressionandthe exhaustionoffunds." Asregardingtheprohibitionofeatingthemeatofpigs,rabbits,deadanimals,spleens,theImam (A.S.)says:"Asregardingpigs,theircreationwasdistortedbyGodinordertoprovideamoral lessontomanandinordertoremindmantofearGodandasanevidenceofGod'smightto Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    distortwhatHecreatesatwill,andbecausethefoodtheyeatisthefilthiestoffilth,inadditionto manyotherreasons.Asregardingtherabbits,theyarelikecats:theirclawsarelikethoseofthe catsandlikewildanimals,sotheirbehaviourisequallywild,inadditiontotheirowninner dirtinessandduetotheirbleedingwhichissimilartothebleedingofwomenduringtheir menstrualperiodbecausetheyaremiscreants.Asregardingdeadanimals,theprohibitionof eatingtheirmeatisduetothedamagesuchmeatwillcausetothebody,andduetothefactthat GodhasmadelawfulthemeatofanimalsslaughteredinHisnamesothatthatwouldbea distinctionbetweenwhatislawfulandwhatisnot.Asregardingthespleen,itisprohibited becauseofthebadblooditcontains,andthecauseofitsprohibitionissimilartothatofdead animalsbecauseitisequallybadinitsconsequences." Thesecauses,asawhole,justifyforusthehealthaspectnecessitatedbythelegislativeinterest, itswisdominsafeguardingmanagainstfallingavictimtodiseaseandasapreventivemeasure againstailments. TheImam(A.S.)hassaidthefollowingregardingthelegislationofthepilgrimage(hajj):"The reasonforthehajjistoseektobetheguestofGod,torequestmoreblessings,toabandonpast sins,tofeelrepentantaboutthepast,andlookforwardtothefuture.Itisduetospendingonthe tripseekingnearnesstoGod,tiringthebody,abstainingfrompleasuresanddesires,seeking nearnesstoGodbyworshippingHim,yieldingandsubmittingtoHim,lookinguptowardsHimin casesofhotweatherandchillingcold,duringsecurityandfear,incessantlydoingso,anddueto allthebenefitsinitofdesiringtherewardsandfearingthewrathofGod,theDearOne,the Exalted." Thecausesheredefineforusthespiritualbenefitsofthelegislationofthepilgrimage,forman needsinhislifemomentstoleavematerialisticambitionbehindhiminordertobeinharmony withhisLordthroughhisdeepbeliefinGod,hispurelyspiritualaspirations,sothatthevoiceof beliefmayremainwithinhisinnerselfstrongandindefatigable.Thus,thelegislationoftheriteof hajjcameasadestinedobligationperformedbymanwhenhesatisfiesthelegislativeconditions ofbeingabletoperformit.Whenheachieveshismaterialisticneeds,onemaythinkofhimselfas beingsuperiortoothers,andhebecomesarrogantduetothetransientwealthhehashad; therefore,hehasnochoiceexcepttoexposehimselftoasituationwhichstripshimofthe artificialitywhichoverwhelmshimandbringshimbacktothepristinespiritualreality,hencethe legislationofthehajjwhichcausesmantofeelhumblebeforethegreatnessofGod,andthathe andtheothersareequalbeforeGodwhentheyareallstrippedofanymaterialisticdistinctions. Asregardingmaritalrelationsbetweenmanandwoman,theImam(A.S.)justifiesforussome legislativerulesinthisregard.Forexample,thereasonwhyamanmaymarryuptofourwomen, whileawomanisprohibitedfrommarryingmorethanoneman,isthatwhenamanmarriesfour women,hischildrenwillallberelatedtohim;hadawomanmarriedtwohusbandsormore Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    simultaneously,nobodywouldknowforsurewhofatheredthesonsshegavebirthto,sincethey allwereparticipatingincohabitingwithher,andthiscausesacompletedisorderforrelatingone tohisfather,andwhoshouldinheritwho,andwhoisthekinofwho. Thereasonforrepeatingthedivorcestatementthriceisduetothetimeintervalbetweeneach, andduetoapossibledesireforreconciliationorthecalmingofanger,ifany,andtoteachwomen tofeartheirhusbandsanddeterthemfromdisobeyingthem. Thereasonwhyahusbandcanneverremarryhiswifewhomhedivorcedthrice(articulating,in theprocess,thedivorcestatementninetimesallinall),isthatitishisrightpenaltysothatmen donottakedivorcelightlyortakeadvantageofwomenandthinkofthemasweak,andsothat themanwouldbeconsideringhisaffairs,remainingawakeandaware,sothathewouldloseall hopeofareunionaftertheninthpronouncementofthedivorcestatement.Thereasonwhya wifeduringherwaitingperiod('iddat)cannotremarryherprevioushusbandwhohaddivorced hertwicebeforetillshemarriessomeoneelse,isduetothefactthatGodhadpermitteddivorce twice,saying,"Adivorceisonlypermissibletwice:afterthat,thepartiesshouldeitherhold togetheronequitableterms,orseparatewithkindness,"195thatis,afterhehadalreadydivorced herforthethirdtime,duetohiscommittingsomethingGodAlmightyhatesforhimtodo; therefore,Heprohibitedhimfrommarryingheragainexceptaftershemarriessomeoneelsein ordertoprohibitpeoplefromtakingdivorcelightlyandinordertoprotectwomen'srights. Theseexplanationswhichclarifythewisdomofsomelegislationsrelatedtothemarriage relationshipgiveustheimpressionregardingthegreatdegreeofconcernIslampayssuch relations,organizingthemandsafeguardingthemandprotectingtheirsanctity,emphasizingon givingthemthedignifiedhumaneattitudewhichsafeguardstherightsofbothparties. Regardingthemonetarydistributionofinheritancebyallottingthemaleheirtwicetheshareof thefemale,theImam(A.S.)saysthefollowinginordertoexplainthewisdominit:"Thereasonfor givingwomenhalfwhatmengetofinheritanceisthatwhenthewomanmarries,shereceives, whilethemangives;therefore,Goddecidedtoassistthemalestobeabletogive." Hegivesanotherreasonwhythemanisgiventwiceasmuchasthewoman:Thewomanis considereddependentonthemanwhensheneeds,andhehastotakecareofherlivingexpenses andtospendonher,whilethewomanisnotrequiredtotakecareoftheexpensesoftheman, norcansheberequiredtopayhisexpensesifhewasinneed;therefore,Goddecreedtogivethe manmoreaccordingtotheQur'anicverse,"Menaretheprotectorsandmaintainersofwomen becauseGodhasgiventheonemorethantheother,andbecausetheysupportthemfromtheir means."196 Throughthesetwocauses,theImam(A.S.)definesforustheprincipleofbalanceinthe distributionoftheinheritedwealthaccordingtotheIslamiclegislativesystemandthejusticeof Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    suchdistribution.Havingburdenedthemanwiththeresponsibilityofspendingandgivingand exemptingthewomanfromit,Islamhadtocompensatethemanforthatinordertoavoidany unfairnesshemightsuffer;otherwise,todistributetheinheritancebetweenthemequallyisan unfairlegislationwhichcontradictstheprincipleofjusticeoftheIslamicMessage.Thus,Islam's precisioninsafeguardingjusticeinthelegislativesystembecomescleartous.Atthesametime, thesuperficialityofthethinkingofthosewhocallforequalitybetweenmanandwomaninthe distributionofinheritanceunveilsitselftous,andthatsuchacallisnomorethanacheapnoise withoutascientificorrealisticbasis. Havingfavouredthemaninthedistributionofinheritancebygivinghimtwicethewoman'sshare, Islamontheotherhandprovidesthewomanwiththerighttobeprovidedforbythemanwho mustgiveherherdower,inadditiontotheshareofinheritanceshehasalreadyreceived,without requiringhertoshoulderanyfinancialresponsibilitywhatsoever...;so,howcananyonesaythat suchalegislationisunfair? Regardingthecommoncustomofdefiningthevalueofthedowertobeequivalenttothevalueof fivehundreddirhams,theImam(A.S.)saysinanarrative:"GodtheAlmightyandtheExaltedhas promisedthatifonebelieverpronouncedAllahuAkbar!onehundredtimes,andSubhanaAllah onehundredtimes,andAlhamduLillahonehundredtimes,andLaIlahaIlaAllahonehundred moretimes,andsendblessingsuntoHisProphet(S.A.W.)yetahundredmore,thenhepleadsHim tomarryhimtothehurin'iin(hurisofParadisewithlargelovelyeyes),Hewouldsurelymarryhim toone,thenHedeterminedwomen'sdowerstobefivehundreddirhams.Ifanybelieverasksthe handofawomanfromanotherMuslimbrother,payshimthefivehundreddirhams,andthe brotherdoesnotmarryhimtothatwoman,hewouldhavecommitted'uqooqtowardshim,and Godwillnotmarryhimtoahuri." Thisisabeautifulwayofexplainingthereasonforthecustomwhichismeanttoprovidea solutionforthemarriageproblemoftheneedywhocannotaffordtopaylargesumsofmoneyas dowersandwhichmaycausethemtopostponegettingmarriedorcausethemanunnecessary financialstrain.Thehadithhasconsideredtherequirementofiman(deepbelief)asthemost importantreasontoconsidermarriageinsuchsituations. Thishadithdefinesforusthecrimeofonewhodoesnotmarryawomantoonewhohasasked forherhandandpaidthefivehundreddirhams,callingit'uqooqwhichistherenunciationofthe feelingofcompassionandkindnesstowardsanotherMuslim,andtolookdownuponhimwhich areattributesabovewhichagoodMuslimmustriseinhisconductanddealingwithhisMuslim brother.Thelackofcompassion,kindnessandrespectbetweentwoMuslimbrothersissomething Godhatesmostofallthings. ThusdoestheImam(A.S.)explaintoussomeinjunctionsofthelegislativesystemwhereinthereis Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    agreatdealofwisdomandthesafeguardingofvitalinterestsinaverybeautifulandinteresting styleperfectlyharmoniouswiththespiritoftheeternalIslamicmessagewhichcameforthe happinessandgoodnessofman. 195AlBaqarah:229 196AlNissa':34 SelectHadithoftheImam Itisnotpossibleheretorecountalltheahadithdealingwithvariousfieldsofknowledge,the intellect,andhistory,thathavereachedusthroughImamalRida(A.S.),butthisdoesnotstopus fromquotingsomeahadithwhichcontainsomeobjectivewisdomintheareasofthecreed,the legislativesystem,andhistory. ThehadithofImamalRida(A.S.)containspreciousjewelsandinvaluabletreasuresinwhichman sensesthedepthoftheidea,themagnificenceoftafsir,thebeautyofperformance,withoutan artificialmannerofexpression,northeambiguityofmeaningnorstubbornnessininstruction. WhenheisaskedaboutthereasonablecomprehensionofsomeahadithoftheProphet(S.A.W.) inwhichacloudofambiguityhoversabovetheirnarration,hedefinestheiractualobjectivewith flexibilityandease,asifhadithhasnootherconnotationexcepttheoneheprovides. Someaskedhimaboutthemeaningofthistradition:"Mycompanionsarelikethestars:Ifyou followanyofthem,youshallreceiveguidance,"andanotheronesaying,"Leavemycompanions tome."BothofthesetraditionsareconsideredbySunnisasthefoundationoftheirgeneralization oftheirjudgementregardingallcompanionsoftheProphet(S.A.W.),thusjustifyingeventheir actswhichcontradictedIslamicjustice,callingwhattheycouldnotjustifyas"anerrorinijtihad." ButtheImam(A.S.)providesuswiththeactualexplanationoftheseandothersuchahadithwith honestyandintegrity,outlininginaneasymannertheirexactmeaning.Inhisanswerregarding thefirsttradition,hesaid,"Yes;hedidsaythishadith,meaningtherebythecompanionswhodid notmakeanyalterationafterhimoranychange."Hewasasked,"Howcanyoutellthatthey alteredandchanged?"Hesaid,"Thisisduetowhatisreportedabouthim(S.A.W.)thathesaid, `CertainindividualsamongmycompanionswillbeforciblypushedawayfrommyPool(of Kawthar)ontheDayofJudgementjustasstrangecamelsarepushedawayfromthewatering place,andIshallcry,`OLord!Mycompanions!Mycompanions!'anditshallbesaidtome,`You donotknowwhatinnovationstheyinventedafteryou,'sotheywillbepushedawaytowardsthe Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    leftside(whereHellis),andIshallsay,`Awaywiththem;ruinedtheyshallbe.'"TheImam continuedtosay,"Suchwillbethepenaltyofthosewhoalterandchange(hadith)." Thishadithisnarrated,withaminorvariationinitswording,byalBukhariwhoquotesAbdullah ibnMas'oodcitingtheProphet(S.A.W.)saying,"IshallbethefirsttoreachthePool,thenthe soulsofsomemenamongyouwillberaisedandtheyshallbeprohibitedfromcomingnearme, andIshallsay,`Lord!Thesearemycompanions!'Anditshallbesaidtome,`Youdonotknow whattheydidafteryou...'"197Anumberofhuffazandnarratorsofhadithreportedthistradition invariouswordingswhichmaintainedthesamecontextualmeaning,provingthusthatitis consecutiveaccordingtothem. TheImam(A.S.),throughhisfrankandprovenanswer,savedustheefforttolookforlame excusesfortheflagranttransgressionsinwhichanumberofthesahabafell,andfromfarfetched arificialitiestojustifytheerrorsofconductwhichtheydeliberatelycommittedwithdetermination andwhichthesamehuffazcouldnotjustifyexceptbysayingthattheywerecasesof"mistaken ijtihad"which,accordingtothem,didnotcontradictthejusticeexpectedofthem,havingbeen pressedbytheirattempttoattributeabsolutejusticetothesahabinomatterwhathedid... Acompanion(sahabi)oftheProphet(S.A.W.)whowasdistinguishedwiththehonourofbeingso closetotheProphet(S.A.W.)isonewhoisthecustodianoverthefruitsoftheMessageanda protectorofitsstructurethroughhisfaithanddeeds.Heisamanwhooughttobetakenasa modelofconduct.Heisaman,astheImam(A.S.)usedtosay,whodoesnotalterorchangeany ofthestatementsoftheProphet(S.A.W.).Asregardingthosewhoalteredandchanged,these cannotbeawardedauniquedistinction,justbecausetheywerecompanionsoftheProphet (S.A.W.),whichraisedthemaboveotherMuslimssimplybecausetheywerenotuptoparwiththe levelofresponsibilityofbeinghonest,whichisexpectedofthem,tocarryoutafterthedemiseof theProphet(S.A.W.)andthecessationofwahifromcomingtothisworld. ThehadithwhichtheImam(A.S.)narratedaboutIbnMas'ood,andwhichisrecordedbyanumber ofthosewholearnedtheHolyQur'anandhadithbyheartintheirbooksisconsideredasan explanationofthishadithandanexplanationofitsconnotation.Moreover,itputsthesahabaon equalfootingwiththeothersinsubjectingtheirbehaviourtocriticismanddiscussion,andit shatterstheselfimmunitywhichwasgrantedtotheminaccordancetoPropheticstatements manufacturedbyanumberofhuffazandtraditionistswithoutpermittingthemselvesorothersto discussbuttakeforgranted. Inanotherhadith,theImam(A.S.)provestous,throughaclearstatementbytheProphet (S.A.W.),thatsomeindividualswhowereregardedassahabawerenotactuallyso,whichshatters alltheexcusesusedonlytojustifythemistakesandtransgressioncommittedbythem.For example,MuhammadibnIshaqalTaliqanireportedthatamaninKhurasansworebydivorcethat Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    Mu'awiyawasnotamongthetruecompanionsoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),andthis happenedwhenImamalRida(A.S.)waspresentthere.Thejuriststhereissuedtheirverdictthat themanhadactuallydivorcedhiswife,andtheImam(A.S.)wasaskedtoprovidehisownopinion inthisregard.Hedecidedthatthatman'swifewasnotdivorced;therefore,thosejuristswrotea statementandsentittohim.Init,theyaskedhim,"Howdidyoucometosay,Osonofthe MessengerofGod(S.A.W.),thatthewomanwasnottobedivorced?"Hewrotedownonthe samesheetsaying,"ItissobecauseofwhatyouyourselvesnarratefromAbuSa'eedalKhudri quotingtheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)sayingaboutthosewhoacceptedIslamonthedayof openingMecca,whenhewassurroundedbyalargenumberofpeople,`Youaregood;my companionsaregood;andthereshallbenomigrationafterthisFath,'withoutincludingthese (meaningMu'awiya)amonghiscompanions."ThejuristshadtoadoptthedecisionoftheImam (A.S.). ThusdidtheImam(A.S.)denythatMu'awiyawasacompanionoftheProphet(S.A.W.),which claimusedtosurroundthemanwithahaloofsanctityofhispersonalityandwhichusedtobe usedtojustifytheveryserioustransgressionshecommittedwhichlefttheirterriblemarksonthe structureoftheIslamicgovernmentsincethen,andtojustifysuchtransgressionsbysayingthat hewasasahabi,andthatassuchwhateverhedidorsaidcouldnotpossiblycastadoubtabout hisjustice,adding,"Ifweseethegoodaspectofhisactionmissing,wemaysaythatheattempted ijtihad,andheerred,"evenifsucherrorwasattheexpenseofthePropheticMessageitself... Ifweacceptthisargument,wewouldbejustifyingallthetransgressionsanderroneousbehaviour ofsomecompanionsoftheProphet(S.A.W.)regardlessoftheirmotivesorhorribleconsequences. ThetransgressionsofMu'awiyaandhisnormsofconduct,inwhichhedepartedfromthelineof theIslamicMessage,andwhichagreedwiththeattitudeofanimositytowardsIslam,andwhose motivesandimpulseswerereasonstocastdoubtsandsuspicions,nobodyisreallyobligatedto defendanddescribeaswithintheIslamicShari'asimplybecausetheyweretheresultofan erroneousijtihadwhereinthemujtahidisrewardedwithonereward,duetohis"immunity" whichdoesnotincludeMu'awiyasimplybecausethelatterwasnotacompanionoftheProphet (S.A.W.)butwasjustlikeanyotherMuslimwhoseconductwassubjecttoaccountabilityand criticism,andtheverdictinhisregardisbasedontheanticipatedresultsofhisdeeds. ThedirectivetheImam(A.S.)intendedbydenyingthatthosewhoacceptedIslam,including Mu'awiya,werenotcompanionsoftheProphetonthedaywhenMeccawasconqueredisoneof thestrongestanddeepestofhisdirectives,forhedrewalinebetweentheProphet(S.A.W.)and histruecompanionsononeside,andthosewhoacceptedIslamaftertheconquestofMeccaand underthepressureofasuperiorpowerandauthorityontheotherhand.Haditnotbeenfortheir feelingoftheirprecarioussituationversusthemightoftheiropponent,realizingthattheyhadno choiceexcepttomakeasylumandsubmittothewordofIslam,theywouldhaveotherwisedealt withIslaminaquitedifferentmanner... Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AlMamoononceaskedhimwhytheCommanderoftheFaithfulImamAli(A.S.)iscalledthe dividerofParadiseandofHell,andhowthatattributecametobeappliedtohim.TheImam(A.S.) inturnaskedhim,"Ocommanderofthefaithful!Haveyounotnarratedfromyourfatherfromhis forefathersquotingAbdullahibnAbbassayingthathehadheardtheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.) saying,`LovingAli(A.S.)isiman,andhatinghimiskufr?'"AlMamoonansweredintheaffirmative, sotheImam(A.S.)said,"IfthedistributionofParadiseandofHellisdoneaccordingtolovingor hatinghim,thenheisthedistributorofParadiseandofHell."AlMamoonthensaid,"MayGod neverpermitmetoliveafteryourdemise,OfatherofalHassan!Itestifythatyouaretheheirof theknowledgeoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)." AbulSaltalHarawisaid,"AftertheImam(A.S.)hadgonebackhome,Icametovisithim,andIsaid tohim,`OsonoftheMessengerofGod!Whatanexcellentansweryouhavegiventhe commanderofthefaithful!'Hesaid,`OAbulSalt!Ispoketohiminthewayheunderstoodbest, andIhaveheardmyfathertellinghadithfromhisforefathersaboutAli(A.S.)saying,`The MessengerofGod(S.A.W.)said:`OAli!YouarethedistributorofParadiseandHellontheDayof Judgement;yousaytoHell:`Thisismine,andthatisyours...'" AlMamoonwasprobablyunabletoabsorbtheideathattheImam(A.S.)wasadirectdistributor ofParadiseandHell,ashisquestiontotheImam(A.S.)suggested;thisiswhyheaskedhim,"O AbulHassan!TellmeaboutyourgrandfathertheCommanderoftheFaithful(A.S.);inwhichway andinwhichsenseishedistributorofParadiseandHell,forIhavebeencontemplatingalotabout that...?"TheansweroftheImam(A.S.)wasrealisticonitsowngrounds,anditdoesnotcontradict thestatementhemadetoAbulSaltinwhichheindicatedthathisdistributionisdirect,notjustin meaning,andtheImam(A.S.)didnotopenlytellalMamoonthatthedistributionwasnotdirect, buthiswisestatementwasregardingtheoriginofbeingcalledassuch. Inanothernarrative,heaskedtheImam(A.S.)abouttheCommanderoftheFaithfulImamAli (A.S.)astowhyhedidnotrestoreFadaktoitsrightfulownersafterbecomingthecaliph.He answeredsaying,"Wearemembersofafamilywho,uponbecomingrulers,donottaketheir rightsfromthosewhoconfiscatedthem.ShouldwebecomeinchargeoftheMuslims,weshall rulethemandrestoretheirconfiscatedrightstothem,butwedonotdosoforourownselves." ItispossiblethattheImam(A.S.)didnotopenlywishtotelltheinquirerthatitwasnotrealistic thatalZahra(A.S.)shoulddemandFadakandthatFadakbyitselfdidnotrepresentsomething thatvaluablefortheAhlalBayt(A.S.),andthattheywerenotlessgenerousthanothersin spendingeverythingtheyhadtolookaftertheinterestsoftheMuslimsandsafeguardtheir strengthandunityinthefaceoftheenemyfromwithinorwithout.DemandingFadak,then,was thestartingpointforprovingthatgovernmentrightfullybelongedtotheAhlalBayt(A.S.)andit wasthebeginningofareawakeningcampaignwithanobjective.Haditbeensuccessful,itwould Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    havecausedverysignificantchangestotheIslamicgovernmentand,accordingly,historywould havebeenquitedifferent. WhentheroleFadakwasexpectedtoplayinshapingthefateoftheIslamicworld,andtherewas nolongeranyfurtherfunctionforit,andthebigmotivesfordemandingithavingceasedtoexist, thestanceoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)initsregardwasnowoverturnedafteritbecamenomorethan thematerialisticvalueitrepresented.ButFadakremainedthesymbolofthelostjusticeaccording totheAhlalBayt(A.S.);foralZamakhsharisaysinhisRabi'alAbrar, "HarunalRashidkeptpressingMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)totakeFadakback,andhekeptrefusing. Whenheinsistedthatheshould,hesaid,`Ishallnottakeitbackexceptinitsboundaries.'He askedhim,`Andwhatareitsboundaries?'Hesaid,`ThefirstisAden;'alRashid'sfacechanged colourandheaskedhim,`Andwhatisthesecondboundary?'Hesaid,`Samarkand;'nowhisface startedshakinginoutrage.Heaskedhim,`Andwhatisthethirdboundary?'Hesaid,`Africa;'and thecaliph'sfacenowturnedblackinanger,yetheaskedhim,`Andwhatisthefourthboundary?' Hesaid,`Theocean,andwhateverisbeyondtheCaspianSeaandArmenia.'HarunalRashidthen said,`Thereisnothingleftforus;so,comeandtakemythroneaswell!'TheImam(A.S.)said,`I hadtoldyoubeforethatifIdefineditsboundaries,youwouldrefusetogiveitbacktome.'" FromthisdialoguebetweenImamMousaibnJa'fer(A.S.)andHarunalRashid,wecan comprehendthevastdimensionofthesignificanceofFadaktoAhlalBayt(A.S.),andthatitdid notrepresentsimplyapieceoflandandafewpalmtreesbutabigmissionaryobjectivewhose significancewaslinkedtothesignificanceoftheMessageitselfinitsconnotationanddepth. AnotherpersonaskedhimabouttheCommanderoftheFaithfulImamAli(A.S.)astowhypeople desertedhimafterknowinghisdistinction,hispastfeats,andthestatusheenjoyedintheeyesof theMessengerofGod(S.A.W.).Heanswered,"Theydesertedhimandfavouredotherstohim afterhavingcometoknowofhismeritssimplybecausehehadkilledagreatnumberoftheir fathers,grandfathers,brothers,uncles,andotherrelativeswhodefiedGodandHisMessenger (S.A.W.);therefore,theykepttheirgrudgeagainsthiminsidetheirheartsandtheydidnotlikeit whenhebecametheirruler.Theydidnothavegrudgeagainstanyoneelseasmuchastheyhad againsthim,fornobodyelsewassoforcefulinmakingjihadinthedefenseoftheMessengerof God(S.A.W.)asmuchashewas;so,theydesertedhimforsomeoneelse." Inhisanswer,theImam(A.S.)wasmakingthepointthatthenationdeepdownwasstillsuffering fromdeviationsthecausesofwhichrestedintheperiodofthefoolishdaysofignorance; otherwise,theremovalofImamAli(A.S.)fromtheresponsibilityofgovernment,despitethe qualificationsandmeritsheenjoyed,whichraisedhimaboveanyoneelseinthenation,wasnota naturalmatternecessitatedbyaninnocentpoliticalmistake.Itwastheresultofamovewhich knewitsdirectionandwhoseindicationsbecameapparentduringthemomentswhenAli'ssword wasdrippingwiththebloodoftheenemiesofGod,somuchsothattherewashardlyahousein Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ArabiawhereAli'ssworddidnotcauseamourning. TheProphet(S.A.W.)realizedtheseriousnessofAli'sstance,thedifficultyofthesituationafterhis demise,andthedireconsequencesawaitinghimduetohisfirmjihadintheCauseofGod.The statementshe(S.A.W.)maderegardingAli(A.S.),therefore,weremeanttodeterthosewhowere waitingforachancetogetevenwithhim.Hadtheynotbeenveiledbygrudges,andbyhisown gloriouspast,theywouldhavebeendescribedasthebeginningofthetragedyofjusticeand righteousness. WecannotfindabetterexplanationforthechangeinpublicopinionregardingAli'sstanceafter thedeathoftheProphet(S.A.W.)betterthanwhatImamalRida(A.S.)provided.Ifwesetaside theclearahadithwhichnamedtheImam(A.S.)asthecaliphsucceedingtheProphet(S.A.W.) withoutanyquestion,andweconsultedthefacultyofreasoninallthecriteriaandlogicalordersit hastodefineforusthepersonwhoshouldsucceedtheProphet(S.A.W.)asthecaliph,the unavoidableoutcomewouldcertainlybenoneotherthanAli(A.S.).Besides,hadthegrudgesand thepastnotbeenthecauseoftheremovalofAlifromthepostofruler,thequestionwouldhave remainedunansweredbyanyhonestandequitableperson. Anotherpersonaskedhim,"Tellme,OsonoftheMessengerofGod!Whydidn'tAliibnAbuTalib (A.S.)fighthisenemiesduringthetwentyfiveyearsafterthedemiseoftheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)ashedidduringthedaysofhiscaliphate?"Heanswered,"Itisduetohisfollowingthe exampleoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)whodidnotfightthepolytheistsofMeccaduringthe thirteenyearsafterhisProphethood,ortheonesinMedinaduringthenineteenmonthsperiodof hisstay;itisduetothenumberofhissupportersbeingtoosmall.Likewise,Ali(A.S.)didnot engagehimselfinfightinghisenemiesbecausehisownsupportersweretoofew.Sincethe ProphethoodoftheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.)wasnotnullifiedbythefactthathedidnotmake jihadduringtheperiodofthirteenyears(inMecca)andnineteenmonths(inMedina),the ImamateofAli(A.S.)wasnotnullifiedbecausehedidnotperformjihadfortwentyfiveyears,for thedeterringfactorinbothexampleswasoneandthesame." WhattheImam(A.S.)hasindicatedherecanbeusedasananswertothosewhoregardedthe peacefulstancetakenbytheImam(A.S.)towardshisopponentsfortwentyfiveyearsasan evidencetotheImam'ssatisfactionwiththelegitimacyofthethengovernment,ortohis relinquishingofhisownrighttobethecaliph.Whatismostbeautifulinthisnarrativeisthe comparisonbetweenthepeacefulstanceofImamAli(A.S.)towardshisopponentsbefore assumingthecaliphateandthestanceoftheProphet(S.A.W.)priortothehijra(migrationto Medina)andthereafter,givingtheexplanationthatthereasoninbothinstancesisthesmall numberofsupportersandthescarcityoffollowers,andthathadtheImam'sreluctancetowagea holywarinordertoachievehisobjectivebeenthereasonfortheinvalidationofhisImamate,the reluctanceoftheProphet(S.A.W.),likewise,towageaholywarduringthatperiodoftimewould Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    havebeenareasonfortheinvalidationofhisProphethood,fortheProphet(S.A.W.)hadsetthe example,andtheImam(A.S.)andallotherImamsoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)followedsuit. AmongtheahadithofImamalRida(A.S.)isonenarratedbyIbrahimibnMuhammadal Hamadani;hesaid,"IaskedAbulHassanalRida(A.S.),`WhatisthereasonforwhichtheAlmighty andExaltedGoddrownedPharaohevenafterPharaohhadbelievedinHimandadmittedHis unity?'Heanswered,`BecausehebelievedonlywhenhesawGod'sretribution,andbeliefto avoiddangerisnotaccepted.ThisisGod'sjudgementregardingpastandfuturegenerations.The ExaltedandtheAlmightyGodhassaid:`WhentheysawOurPunishment,theysaid,`Webelievein God,theOneGod,andwerejectthepartnersweusedtojoinwithHim,'buttheirprofessingthe faithwhenthey(actually)sawOurPunishmentwasnotgoingtoprofitthem.'198TheExaltedand Almightyhasalsosaid,`ThedaythatcertainoftheSignsofthyLorddocome,nogoodwillitdoto asoultobelieveinthemthen,ifitbelievednotbeforenorearnedrighteousnessthroughits faith.'"199SowhenPharaohwasabouttobedrowned,hesaid,"Ibelievethatthereisnogod exceptHimWhomthechildrenofIsraelbelievein,andIamofthosewhosubmit(toGodin Islam).'(Itwasthensaidtohim),`Ahnow!Butalittlewhilebeforewastthouinrebellion!And thoudidstmischief(andviolence)!ThisdayshallWesavetheeinthybody,thatthoumayestbea Signtothosewhocomeafterthee!'"200 Thisnarrativehasamoralforthosewhowishtolearn,forimanisnotthatonebelievesand returnstohisLordonlywhenheseesnoavenueofsalvationbeforehimanddespairovercomes him;rather,imanisbeliefinGodandgoingtowardsHimvoluntarilyinbothcasesofdespairand ofhope. AnotherhadithImamalRida(A.S.)narratedstated,"AnyonewhomeetsapoorMuslimand greetshiminagreetingdifferentfromtheonewherebyhegreetstherich,hewouldmeetthe ExaltedandtheAlmightyGodontheDayofJudgementandHeisangrywithhim."Inthis tradition,theImam(A.S.)providesuswithaverybeautifulexampleofhumanityenjoinedby genuineIslamicconductgoverningtheMuslim'sconductwithhisMuslimbrother,forIslamunited allmembersofthenationinitslawofpersonalconduct;thereisnodistinctionforthewealthy manoverthedeprivedpoorman,andallpeopleareequalunderthejudgementofIslam. AnotherhadithoftheImam(A.S.)isoneinwhichhewasaskedbyIbnalSakit,"Whydidthe AlmightyandExaltedGodsendMousa(Moses)ibnImran(A.S.)withamiraculouscaneandwhite handandthetoolofsorcery,Isa(Jesus,AS)withmiraculousmedicine,andMuhammad(A.S.)with miraculousspeechandoratory?"TheImam(A.S.)said,"WhentheAlmightyandtheExaltedGod sentMoses(A.S.),sorcerydominatedthemindsofpeopleofhistime,sohebroughtthemfrom theAlmightyandtheExaltedsomethingwhichtheyneverhad,norcouldtheybringabout anythinglikeit,thusrenderingtheirsorceryvoidandprovinghisargumentagainstthem.When theAlmightyandtheExaltedGodsentJesusduringaperiodwhenchronicdiseasesbecame Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    widespreadandpeoplewereindireneedofacure.Jesus(A.S.)broughtthemfromGodthe AlmightyandtheExaltedsomethingtheyneverhad,bringingthedeadbacktolife,curingthose bornblindandthelepersbytheWillofGod,provinghisargumentagainstthem.Andwhenthe AlmightyandExaltedGodsentMuhammad(S.A.W.)duringthetimewhenspeechesandoratory (andIthinkhesaidwithpoetry,too),hebroughtthemtheBookoftheAlmightyandtheExalted Godandwithpiecesofwisdomandcounseltherebyhevoidedtheirarguments."IbnalSakitsaid, "ByGodIhaveneverseenanyonelikeyou!Whatistheargumentagainstpeoplethesedays, then?"Heanswered,"Reason.ThroughitcanyoucometoknowwhotellsthetruthaboutGod andyoubelieveinhim,andwhotellsliesaboutGodandyoudisbelieveinhim."IbnalSakitsaid, "This,byGod,istherightanswer..." Amiracleisasupernaturalthingwhichtheordinaryindividualisunabletoperformduetohis limitedenergiesandmotivationalpowers.Miraclesaredifferentfromsorcery.Sorceryisnotan actualsupernaturalactbutaswiftmovementwhichcausestheviewertoseetherealitiesturned upsidedown,orchangesthevisiblepictureintoitscontrary.Thismaytakeplacebysubjectingthe viewertoobscureeffectswhichveilfromhissightacertaincolouroracertainpicture.Whatleads ustothatconclusionisthestatementoftheAlmightyinthecontextofnarratinghowMoses(A.S.) faredwiththewizardsfromthedescendantsofIsrael,saying,"Sotheirropesandtheircanes seemedtohim,becauseoftheirsorcery,asthoughtheywerecrawling."201Sorcery,then,is nothingmorethanstimulatingtheimagination,makingthingslookdifferentthantheyare,and causingonetofallunderamagicalspell.Asregardingwhatamiracleis,itisanactualresultofa supernaturaldeedintendedtowintheargumentagainstpeopleintheprocessofprovingone's trueprophethoodandmission,anditisanactwhichGodcausestohappen.Itisdifferentfrom sorcerybecauseitisnotsubjectedtopsychologicaleffects,orcomplicationsinthemovement, butabroadeningoftheenergywhichaffectsmattersviewedbymanduetotheeffectofthe MightofGod.InnarratingthestoryofMoses(A.S.),theAlmightystated,"And(appointhim)an apostletothechildrenofIsrael,(withthismessage):`Ihavecometoyou,withaSignfromyour Lord,inthatImakeforyououtofclay,asitwere,thefigureofabird,andIbreatheintoit,andit becomesabirdbyGod'sleave;andIhealthosebornblind,andthelepers,andIbringthedead backtolifebyGod'sleave.'"202AndtheAlmightyhasalsosaid,"Anditwasneverthepartofan apostletobringaSignexceptasGodpermitted.ForeachperiodisaBook(revealed)."203 EveryoneoftheProphetshadamiraclewhichdistinguishedhimfromotherprophetsand messengersandwhichwasinharmony,initsownparticularway,withthecommonphenomena whichprevaileduponthesocialconditionofthetimesothatthepsychologicaleffectcausedbyits miraculouseffectwouldbecomeareality,astheImam(A.S.)meantinthetraditionabove.The miraclesofprophets,accordingtothecontextsoftheversesandnarratives,werenottheresultof theeffectofanaturalhumanenergy;rather,theyweretheresultsofacreativeenergywhereby GoddistinguishedHisProphetsforthepurposeofestablishingthesuperiorityoftheirargument whensuchamiraclewasnecessitatedbythemission. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AsregardingthemiraclesoftheImamswhicharereportedinordertotestifytotheirImamate andtotheirbeingthemostrightfulforthepostofcaliphate,thisisnotsomethingunusualabout themsincetheywereselectedbyGodtobeHisvicegerentsonearth,entrustingthemwiththe messageafterHisProphet(S.A.W.),butwhatmustberesearchedisthatmanysuchmiracleswere proventohavebeenperformedbythemandwereattestedtobyanacceptablemedium. ButtheImamsneverneededamiraclebeyondthequalificationsofknowledgeandconductwhich distinguishedtheminordertoprovetheauthenticityoftheirImamate,forthequalifications whichcharacterizedthemwerebythemselvesthemiraclesprovingtheirright. Wehavesaidthatthemiracleisthesupernaturalphenomenonwhichinitsownparticularway agreeswiththegeneralphenomenawhichdominatedthesocialrealityofitstime,andthe commonphenomenonwhichenjoyedaclearpriorityduringthetimeoftheImamswas knowledge;therefore,itismandatorythattheirmiraclesprovingtheirImamateshouldbesuper naturalknowledgewherebytheyriseaboveallotherlevelsoftheircontemporaryfolks.Imamal Rida(A.S.)wasaskedaboutthephenomenonwherebyanImamcouldbeidentifiedasanImam whenhistimecomesasanaccurateindicationofhisImamate,andheansweredbysaying,"Itis knowledge,andGod'sresponsetohisplea." InatraditionregardingthedistinctionsofanImam,hesaid,"Hisindicationsareintwoattributes: knowledgeandGod'sanswertohisplea,andalltheeventswhichheforetoldbeforetheir occurrence,forthatisaccordingtoapromisemadetohimbytheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.) whichheinheritedfromhisforefathers,peacebeuponthem,whichinturnwouldbeamong matterstoldtotheProphet(S.A.W.)throughGabrielfromGod,theKnoweroftheUnseenandthe Unknown,GlorybetoHim." ThisstatementoftheImam(A.S.)leadsustorealizethatthemiracleshouldbeinharmonywith thephenomenonofthetime,thusprovingtheargument.Eachofthetworequirements mentionedbytheImamwereactuallysatisfiedinhimandinallotherImams;throughthem,their supernaturalmiracleiscompleted,withouttheneedtoprovetheirImamate,ortoproveits authenticitybyothermiraclesthetruthaboutmanyofwhichwemaynothaveawaytoprove.It isalsoaclearanswertothosewhoaccusedtheImams(A.S.)ofclaimingtoknowtheunknown duetotheirforetellingofeventswhichwereyettooccurandwhichdidtakeplaceafterthat.All this,accordingtothecontextofthestatementoftheImam(A.S.),istheknowledgewhichthey gainedasaprerogativeprivilegetheyinheritedfromtheirgrandfathertheMessengerofGod (S.A.W.)accordingtothecommandmentsoftheAlmightyandExaltedGodsothattheir distinctionmightbeevidenttothepublicandtheywouldbedistinguishedfromallother segmentsofthenation. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    AmongtheahadithnarratedbytheImam(A.S.)regardingalMahdi,mayGodhastenhis reappearance,isonenarratedbyalHusaynibnKhalidwhosaid,"Isaidtohim,`Maymylifebe sacrificedforyou,tellmeaboutonehadithnarratedbyAbdullahibnBakkirfromUbaydibn Zarara.'Heasked,`Whatisit?'Isaid,"UbaydibnZararasaidthathemetAbuAbdullah(A.S.) duringtheyearinwhichIbrahimibnAbdullahibnalHassancameoutforjihad,andhesaidto him,`Maymylifebesacrificedforyou!Thispersonhascausedpeopletotalk,andpeoplehave rushedtohisaid;so,whatdoyouorderustodo?'Hesaid,`FearGod,andstaycalmaslongasthe heavensandtheearthstaycalm.'Thenheadded,`AbdullahibnBakkirusedtosay,`HadUbayd ibnZararabeentruthful,nobodywouldhavecomeoutandnoQaaim(Mahdi)wouldtherebe.' AbulHassanalRida(A.S.)said,`ThehadithaccordingtothenarrationofUbaydisaccurate,but notaccordingtothewayAbdullahibnBakkirunderstoodit.WhatAbuAbdullahmeantwasas longastheheavensechothecallsofyourfellow,andaslongastheearthisfirmunderthefeetof hismarchingarmy.'"Thishadithmaybecountedamongthemutashabihahadithtowhichthe Imam(A.S.)madereferenceabove.AbdullahibnBakkirusedtorefertotheircleartraditions regardingalMahdi(A.S.)inordertoavoidfallingintodangerousconfusionand misunderstandings. AmongtheahadithoftheImam(A.S.)whichdealwiththeIslamiclegislativesystemisone narratedbyAbdullahibnTaooswhosaid:"ItoldAbulHassanalRida(A.S.)thatIhadanephew whomImarriedtomydaughterandwhousedtofrequentlypronouncethedivorcestatement.He said,`Ifheisadescendantofoneofyour(Shi'a)brethren,thereisnothingtoworryabout,butif heisfromthese(Sunni)brothers,thenrecallyourdaughterfortheyshallbeseparated.'Isaid, `But,maymylifebesacrificedforyours,didnotAbuAbdullah(A.S.)usetosay,`Bewareofthose divorcedthriceatonetime,fortheyshallmarrymorethanonce?''Hesaid,`Yes,thisisthecaseif themanisoneofyourbrethren,notoneofthese;whoeverfollowsthecreedofcertainpeopleis boundtofollowtheir[juristic]rules.'" Juristshavereliedonthisandsimilarnarrativestoconsideralltheverdictsissuedbyfollowersof otherschoolsofthoughttobeaccurateinbothareasofobligationsandpersonalstatusexceptin thecaseofzakataboutwhichtheyhavedecidedthatitwillhavetobetakenoutagainifits believingrecipientsarenotresidentsofthesamearea(wherethepayerresides)accordingtothe beliefsoffollowersofthecreedoftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)whorelyoncertaintextsinthismatter whichrulethisissueinparticular. Asregardingtheissueofdivorce,whichisthesubjectmatterofthishadith,theschoolofthought oftheAhlalBayt(A.S.)determinesthatifthedivorcestatementcontains"thrice"init,rather thanbeingrepeatedtwiceagain,isnotconsideredbindingbutitwouldbeifthestatementwere repeatedtwiceprovideditmeetstheotherconditionssuchasthepresenceoftwojustwitnesses, theabsenceoftheuseofforce,andthewomanbeingtahir(clean),thatis,shehasnotcohabited withherhusbandpriortohispronouncementandhasnottakenherghusul(ceremonialbathing) Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    yet,inadditiontootherconditionswhichvalidatedivorce.Thisiswhatiscommonlyaccepted, whileothershavedecidedthatitwillbenullastheapparentunderstandingofthishadith suggests.Butifthehusbandrepeatshisstatement,"Sheisdivorced!"threetimes,itis,according toImami(Shi'a)Muslimsconsideredasonetimedivorcewithrenderingtherepetitionnullifsuch repetitionistobedoubtful.TherestofMuslimsectsregarddivorceinbothinstancesasbinding andthehusbandcannotgobacktoherbeforeshemarriesanotherhusband. AnotherhadithnarratedbytheImam(A.S.)says,"TheAlmightyandExaltedGodhasdecreed threeriteseachdependsonyetanotherone:Hedecreedtheprayersandthepaymentofzakat; so,Hedoesnotaccepttheprayersofanyonewhosayshisprayersbutdoesnotpayzakat;He decreedthatonemustthankHimandthankhisparentstoo;so,Hedoesnotacceptthethanksof onewhothanksHimbutisnotgratefultohisparents;andHedecreedthatoneshouldfearHim andremaininconstantcontactwithhiskin;so,anyonewhodoesnotremaininclosetouchwith hisrelativesdoesnotinturnfearGod,theExalted,theAlmighty." Anotheronesays,"Abeliever(mu'min)cannotbetrulysoexceptafteracquiringthreeattributes: fromhisLord,fromhisProphet(S.A.W.),andfromhisfellowhumans.FromhisLord,hemust learnhowtokeepasecret;theAlmightyandtheExaltedsaid,`He(alone)knowstheUnseen,nor doesHemakeanyoneacquaintedwithhisMysteries,exceptanapostlewhomHehaschosen.'204 FromhisProphet,hemustlearnpatiencewhiledealingwithpeople;theExaltedandtheAlmighty GodorderedHisProphettobepatientwithpeople,saying,`Upholdforgiveness;commandwhat isright;butturnawayfromtheignorant(folks).'205Fromhisfellows,hehastolearnpatience duringperiodsofpovertyandadversity,fortheDearandtheAlmightyOnesays,`...Andtobe firmandpatientinpainandinadversity.'206 AmonghisinterestingandentertaininghadithisonenarratedbyYasirwhosays,"Ihaveheard AbulHassanalRida(A.S.)saying,`Youngman!Aatinalghadaa[whichpermitstwomeanings],'and Ilookedsomehowastonishedathisrequest.Henoticedthepuzzlementonmyfacewhereupon herecitedtheverse,`...Mosessaidtohisattendant,`Bringusourearlymeal.'207SoIsaid,`The princeisthemostknowledgeableofpeopleandtheirverybest.'" ThenarratorofthisincidentinterpretedthestatementoftheImam(A.S.)tomeansomethinglike whattheAlmightymeantwhenHesaid,"...thenproduceaSuralikethereunto,"208whereashe intendedhisservantsimplytobringthemtheirfood[whichdoesnotrequireamiraclelike producingaQur'anicverse!]. ThisisjustaspecimenofbeautifultraditionsnarratedbyoraboutImamalRida(A.S.)whichwe hopewehavebeensuccessfulinselectingamongtheonesthatoverflowwithgoodnessin variousfields. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    197Bukhari,Vol.8,p.119,Amiriedition 198AlMumin(orGhafir):8485 199AlAn'aam:158 200Younus:9092 201Taha:66 202Aali'Imran:49 203AlRa'd:38 204AlJinn:2627 205AlA'raf:199 206AlBaqara:177 207AlKahaf:62 208AlBaqara:23 HisMoralsandCounsels Thevalueofwisdomandmoraliswhenitsetsoutofitsleadingspringstomakeitswayinlifeto plantgoodness,beauty,andlove,andtouprootevil,corruption,andhatred.Theindividualwho wishestospirituallybuildhisinnerselfwhollyhastosearchforthewisdomwherebyhediscovers hisshortcomingswhichdistancehimfromvirtuoushumanity,andhehastolookforthemoral whichbringshimclosertohisLordandwhichdeepenstherootsofimanwithinhim.Thisisthe valueofwisdomandofmoral,andthisistheirplentifulproduct.Itisthedividinglinebetweenthe manofrighteousness,andthemanofevil.Goodwisdomistheonewhichsowswithinthedepths oftheindividualtheseedoflightinordertogrowtherefromaplantblossomingwithgoodness, love,andbeauty. SoletusreadthepurewisdomandthemagnificentmoralinthewordsofImamalRida(A.S.), thenletusopenupoursoulsinordertoplantthereintheseedoflight.Afterthat,letuslookafter thatplantthatwillcomeoutofthatseedsothatwemayharvestfromitthefruitofiman,the beliefinGod,thebeliefintheprinciplesandmoralswhichGodhaslegislatedforusinordertobe abletobuildourselvesfromwithin,andtobeabletorisetherebyabovethelevelofwishesand desirestothelevelwherebytheindividualbecomesatruehumanbeinginhispurelinkwithhis Lord,inhishonestdealingwithhisbrotherman,andinhisownemancipationfromworshipping hisownego. ThefirstmoralwemeetaswereadthewordsoftheImam(A.S.)ishisstatement:"Itisnot adorationtoperformthefastortheprayersagreatdeal;adorationistocontemplateuponGoda Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    greatdeal."WhattheImam(A.S.)meantfromsuchadefinitionofwhatadorationinitsdeep contextisallaboutishiscorrectionofthegeneralattitudetowardsaritesuchasthefastorthe dailyprayers,sayingthatprayersarenotmerelytheprescribedmovementsaccompanying quotationsrelevantparticularlytoprayers,noristhefastmerelytheabstentionfromeatingand drinkingandsuchthings.Theseparticularmovementsandthisperformancearenothingmore thantheouterframeofthepicture,whiletheadorationisthecontextwhichliesbeyondthe picture.WhattheImam(A.S.)aimsatbymakingthisstatementismakingusawareofthereality fromwhichwehavetosetoutinperformingtheritewearesupposedtoperform,andtodistance usfromthestagnationoftheemptyroutinewhichcausesustolosethegreatlyspiritualmeanings theritesweperformareintendedtohelpuslive.So,whatisadoration,afterall? TheImam(A.S.)saysthatitisagreatdealofcontemplationupontheAlmighty.Itisnotagreat dealoffastingorprayerswhichdonotgobeyondtheparticularmovementsandtimingsasa routineactionanindividualhasbecomeaccustomedtobedoingduringcertaintimesawayfrom thedeepcontextofbelief.Suchisnotadoration,forhowmanyarethosewhoperformtheir prayersandupholdtheirfastandatthesametimecommitthegreatestofsinsandperform variouskindsofimmoralities,yieldingtowishesanddesires,withoutbeingabletowardsthemto takecontrolofthemselves,withouttryingtogiveauthorityoverthemtothedeterringpowerof imaninordertoavoidslippingintothepathsofmisguidance?Theprayersofsuchindividualsand theirfastarenothingmorethanmovementsandperformanceswhichhavelosttheirsenseof wisdomandspiritualintegrity. AbundantcontemplationupontheWillofGodisbyitselfaformofworshipand,atthesametime, astartingpointofeveryadorationandritual.Whensomeonefeelsharmonywhilecontemplating uponthecosmosanditsCreator,andtheparticlesoflifeandtheirsecretsfillingthegeneral existenceofthecosmos,hecannotavoidfeelinghowsmallheisbeforethisgreatPowerwhich createdthissysteminsuchperfection,determineditsruleswithsuchprecisionandexactness; andwhenhe,throughhispowerofreason,feelsthatthePoweroftheGreatCreatorsurrounds thiscosmos,thateverythinginexistenceisoverwhelmedbyitsAuthorityandMight,withoutany avenuethroughwhichonemayescapefromthecenterofthePowercontrollingit...,thenhe cannothelpfeelingadeepbeliefintheperfectingCreator,andagenuineawebeforethe manifestationsofsuchGreatness. WhenmanconsidersthebountiesGodhasbestoweduponhimwhichcanneverbeexhausted whilesatisfyinghiscontinuousneeds,andHisabsoluteabilitytodeprivehimofthemanymoment Hewishes,withouttheexistenceofanypowerthatwouldforbidHimfromdoingso,hewould surelythenthankHimsincerelyandbegratefultoHim,distancinghimselffromthehated elementsofdisbelief. Whenmanrealizesthewisdombehindhisowncreationandtheendawaitinghimthatwilltake Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    himtoanotherlifesothatthedoersofgoodwillberewardedfortheirgooddeedsandthedoers ofevilwillbepunishedfortheirevil,hecannothelpconsideringwhatsecureshissalvationwhile doingwhathedoes,andfeelingangryatwhateverdispleasesGod.Thefeelingonedevelopsofall ofthisandthecomprehensionofallofthisisbyitselfaformofadorationbecausethisfeelingis theconscientiouspathwhichtakesmantoknowledge,andknowledgeisthefoundationofbelief. Atthesametime,suchcomprehensiongivesadorationthevastspiritualmeaningforwhichitwas decreed. Amanaskedhimonceaboutthemeaningoftheverse,"WhoeverreliesonGod,Hesufficeshim." Hesaid:"RelianceonGodisinvariousdegreesoneofwhichisthatyourelyonHimineverything relatedtoyou,andwhenHedoessomethingtoyouwhichyouknowwillnotbringyouanything good,yourelyonHiswisdomindoingit,soyouneverthelessputyourtrustinHimwillingly. AnotheristobelieveintheUnseenregardingGodofwhichyouhavenoknowledge,soyourelied onHimandonHiscustodians,trustinginHimintheirregard,andinothers." Hewasaskedonceabouttheextentofsuchreliance.Hesaid,"ItisthatyoufearnonesaveGod." WhattheImamheremeansisthatyousubmittotheWillofGodandacceptHisdecree.Ahmed ibnNajmaskedhimaboutthepridewhichspoilsone'sdeeds.Hesaid:"Prideisdegrees;among themisthatoneseeshisbaddeedasgood,sohelikesitandfeelsproudofit;anotheristhatone believesinGodandfeelsheisdoingHimafavourbybelievinginHim,whereasHeistheOnewho enabledthatpersontobelieveinHim."He,peacebeuponhim,saidonce,"Ifonelacksfive attributes,donotexpecttogainanythinggoodoutofhimforyourlifeinthisworldorinthelife tocome:ifhislineageisknowntobeuntrustworthy,ifhisnaturelacksgenerosity,ifhistemper lacksbalance,ifhelacksanobleconduct,andifhelacksfearofhisLord." Hewasaskedoncewhoalowlypersonis.Hesaid,"Anyonewhohassomethingtodistracthim fromGod." Amonghiswisesayingsarethefollowing: "Godabhorshearsay,thelossofone'sfunds(throughfoolishness),andexcessivequestioning." "Tobecourteoustopeopleistocrosshalfthewaytoachievingwisdom." "ThemindofaMuslimisnotcompleteexceptafterheacquirestenmerits:Godacceptshisgood deeds,heistrustworthy,heseesasplentifulwhatlittlegoodothersdoforhim,whileseeinghis ownabundantgoodaslittle;hedoesnotfretfrombeingaskedforfavours,nordoeshefeeltired ofconstantlyseekingknowledge;povertyreachedinordertopleaseGodisbetterforhimthan wealthaccumulatedotherwise;tobesubjectedtopowerwhiletryingtoserveGodisbetterinhis regardthanachievingpoweroverhisfoe,andobscurityheprefersoverfame."Thenhesaid,"And Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    thethirdone...,doyouknowwhatthethirdoneis?"Itwassaidtohim,"Whatisit?"Hesaid, "Wheneverhemeetssomeone,hesays,`Heisbetterthanmeandmorepious.'Peoplearetwo types:apersonbetterthanhimandmorepious,andonewhoismoreevilthanhimandmore lowly.Ifhemeetstheonewhoismoreevilthanhimandmorelowly,hewouldsaytohimself `Maybethegoodnessofthis(statement)isimplied,anditisbetterthathehearssucha compliment,whilemyowngoodnessisapparentanditisdetrimentaltome.'Andwhenhesees someonebetterthanhimandmorepious,hewouldhumblehimselfbeforehimtryingtoraise himselftohislevel.Soifhedoesthat,hisglorywillbehigher,hisreputationwillbebetter,andhe willbecomedistinguishedabovehiscontemporaries." "Silenceisoneofthegatesofwisdom.Silencewinstheloveofothers.Itisanindicationof everythinggood." "Everyone'sfriendishisreason;hisenemyishisignorance." "AmongthehabitsofProphetsiscleanliness." "Onewhoisblessedwithplentymustspendgenerouslyonhisfamily." "Ifyoumentionsomeonewhoispresent,useakunya(surname)forhim,andifheisabsent, mentionhisfullname.""Timewillcomewhenone'ssafetyliesintenthingsnineofwhicharein stayingalooffrompeople,andthetenthinstayingsilent." "Whoeverscrutinizeshisbehaviourwins;whoeverdoesnotloses.Whoeverfearsconsequences willlivesafely.Whoeverlearnsamoralfromothersachievesinsight,andwhoeverachievesinsight achieveswisdom,andwhoeverachieveswisdomachievesknowledge.Onewhobefriendsthe ignorantwillbewornout.Thebestofwealthisthatwhichsafeguardsone'shonour.Thebestof reasonisone'sknowledgeofhisownself.Ifatruebelieverbecomesangry,hisangerdoesnot causehimtoabandonrighteousness;whenheispleased,hispleasurewillnottempthiminto wrongdoing,andwhenheachievespower,hedoesnottakemorethanwhatrightfullyishis." "Ifone'sattributesbecomeplentiful,theywillrelievehimfromhavingtowinpraiseby mentioningthem." "Donotpayattentiontotheviewofsomeonewhodoesnotfollowyouradviceforhisowngood. Whoeverseeksguidancefromtheappropriatesourcewillneverslip,andifheslips,hewillfinda waytocorrecthimself." "People'sheartsaresometimescomingtowardsyou,sometimeskeepingawayfromyou; sometimestheyareactive,sometimestheyarerelaxed.Iftheycomealong,theywillachieve Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    wisdomandunderstanding,andiftheystayaway,theywillbeexhaustedandwornout;so,take themwhentheycometoyouandwhentheyareactive,andshunthemwhentheystayawayor arerelaxed.""Accompanywithcautionthepersonwhohasauthorityoveryou;behumblewhen inthecompanyofafriend;stayalertwhenfacinganenemy,andminglewiththepublicwitha smileonyourface." "Postponementisdetrimentaltothefulfillmentofdesires.Fulfillmentisthegainofthestrict. Wastefulnessisthecalamityofonewhocanaffordit.Miserlinesstearsuphonour.Passioninvites trouble.Thebestandmosthonourableofvirtuesistodoothersfavours,toaidtheonewhocalls forhelp,tobringthehopeofthehopefultoreality,nottodisappointtheoptimist,tohavean everincreaseofthenumberoffriendswhenyouarealive,andthenumberofthosewhowillcry whenyoudie." "Themiseroneisneverrestful.Theenviousisneverpleased.Thegrumblingisneverloyal.Theliar hasnoconscience.""Onewhostrugglestosatisfytheneedsofhisfamilyshallhavemorerewards thanthosewhomakejihadintheWayofGod." He(A.S.)wasaskedoncewhothebestofbelieversare;hesaid,"Theyaretheoneswhoare excitedwithexpectationwhentheydoagooddeed,whoprayforGod'sforgivenesswhenthey commitabadone,whoshowgratitudewhentheyaregrantedsomething,whoarepatientwhen theyaretried,whoforgivethosewhoangerthem." He(A.S.)wasaskedonce,"Howdidyoustartyourday?"Heanswered,"Withashorterlifespan, withourdeedsbeingrecorded,withdeathroundournecks,withFirebehindourbacks,andwe donotknowwhatwillbedonetous." He(A.S.)said,"Wealthisnotaccumulatedexceptbyfivemeans:extrememiserliness,along standingoptimism,anoverwhelmingcare,aboycottoftherelatives,andapreferenceofthislife overthelifetocome." AliibnShu'aybsaidthatheoncevisitedAbulHassanAlialRida(A.S.)whoaskedhim,"OAli!Do youknowwhosesubsistenceisthebest?"Heanswered,"You,master,knowbetterthanme."He said,"Itisthatoftheonewhoseothers'subsistenceisimprovedthroughhisown.Doyouknow whohastheworstsubsistence?"Alianswered,"Youknowbetterthanme!"TheImam(A.S.) answeredsaying,"Itisthatoftheonewhodoesnotincludeothersinit."Thenheadded,"OAli! Bethoughtfultotheboonsfortheyarewild:iftheyleavepeople,theynevercomebacktothem. OAli!Theworstofpeopleissomeonewhostopshiscontributionstocharity,eatsbyhimself,and whipshisslave." He(A.S.)alsosaidthefollowing: Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    "Yourassistanceoftheweakisbetterthanyouractofcharity." "NoservantofGodachievestruebeliefexceptwhenheacquiresthreeattributes:Hederives juristicdeductionsofthecreed;heiswiseregardinghislivelihood,andheispatientwhenfaced withcalamities." "Bewareofonewhowantstoofferyouadvicebyspeakingbehindothers'backs;hedoesnot realizehowbadhisownendshallbe." He(A.S.),uponthedeathofalHassanibnSahl,said,"Tocongratulateoneforarewardinstorefor himisbetterthantoconsolehimonaquickcalamity." ThisisamagnificentbouquetofshiningstatementsofImamaRida(A.S.)whichemanatewith wisdom,overflowwithiman,andoverbrimwithgoodfruits.Inthem,theImam(A.S.)defines gloriousethicalandeducationalmanners,theuprightconductoftruebelief,offeringsome glimpsesofhumanityforsocialcooperationandcoexistenceaMuslimissupposedtoimplementif hewantstobeinharmonywiththeprinciplesofIslamwhicharetheturningpointofsocial changefromanoppressiveignorantsocietytoanadvancedcivilizedsocietybuiltuponvirtueand love,justiceandequity. Wehavetotranslatethesestatementsandtheirpeersintoactionsinourdailylifeandbein harmonywiththeirethicalandhumanepracticalimplicationsifwewishtodirectourindividual andsocialconducttotherightdirectionwhichsafeguardsitsprinciplesandpreceptsinorderto createanationbasedonvirtuesandhumanity,andbuilditfromwithininafirmspiritual structure.Suchastructureisreflectsitspracticalrealityandaffectsitsintellectualandsocial objectivessothatitwouldbe"thebestnationthateverwas."209 Finally,thishasbeen,webelieve,anhonestandclearpictureofthebiographyofImamalRida (A.S.)inbothitshistoricalandintellectualaspectsinwhichwetriedtogobeyondthestyleof narratingthefactsasthebooksofhistoryandbiographyhaverecordedforus,whicharenot alwaysfreefromcontradictions,andtoemploythescholarlycriticalmethodwithhonestyand sinceritywithouthavinganyobjectiveinmindotherthantoarriveatthefactswhicharefreeof falsehood,andtodefinetherealisticboundariesoftheconceptwhichliesbehindthebackground ofevents. WehavealsotriedinittoprovideaquickglimpseoftheintellectuallifeoftheImaminitsvarious aspects,andtoprovidethereaderwithabriefpictureofthemagnificentintellectualoutput presentedbytheImam(A.S.)tomankind. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    IdonotclaimthatIhave,inwhatIhavewrittenabouttheImam(A.S.)here,coveredallthe aspectsofthegreatnessofhispersonality;rather,itisaquickresearchnecessitatedbycertain circumstances.TheinitialobjectivewastoresearchhisselectionbyalMamoon,inresponseto transientpoliticalcircumstancesdictatedbythenatureofthethengovernment,tobehisheirto thethrone.ButtheabsenceofaninclusiveandindependentstudyofthisgreatImamforcedme toexpandthescopeoftheresearchandpresentthevariousaspectsofhispersonalityina researchwhichIhopehasproventobeasuccessfulexperienceandastartingpointforamore inclusivestudyandamorevastpresentation. IhopeIhave,withwhatevereffortandenergyavailabletome,beenfaithfultothisstudyinits presentation,researchandstyle,andfromGodAlonedoIderiveaidandassistance;Hesuffices me,andwhataGreatSupportHeis! Beirut,JumadaI20,1393 June20,1973 MuhammadJawadFadlallah 209Aali'Imran:110 RegencyDocument HistorianshaveoftenmadereferencetotheregencydeclarationwrittenforImamalRida(A.S.) byalMamoon.AlArbiliinhisKashfalGhummafiAkhbaralA'immamaybeconsideredthemost reliableofallinhistextualaccuracybecausehestatedthathehadexaminedtheoriginalcopyof thedeclarationandquoteditwordforword,andwewouldliketoquoteithereinitsnarrative. Hementionedinhisbookthefollowing: "Intheyear670,oneofhisexecutivescamefromhis(Imam's)sacredquarterswiththedocument writteninpersonbyalMamoon,andbetweenitslinesandonitsbackcovertherewere commentsmadeinthehandwritingoftheImam;soIkissedtheplaceswherehehadwritten,and letmyeyesglideonthegardensofhisspeech.Iconsideredhavingcomeacrossitasoneofthe blessingsandfavoursofGod,andIcopieditdownverbatim,anditishandwrittenbyalMamoon whostated: IntheNameofGod,MostGracious,MostMerciful Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    ThisisadocumentwrittenbythecommanderofthefaithfulAbdullahsonofHarunalRashidfor AliibnMousaibnJa'fer,hisheirtothethrone: THEREUPON,GodtheExaltedandtheSublimehasselectedIslamasHisreligion,andchosefrom amongHisservantsMessengersleadingtoHim,guidingotherstowardsHim,thefirstofthemtells thegladtidingsabouttheirlast,thelatestamongthemtestifyingtotheformer,tillGod's ProphethoodendedwiththeProphethoodofMuhammad(S.A.W.)afteralongperiodduring whichnoprophetsweresent,whileknowledgewasobliterated,inspirationceased,andtheHour drewnearer.SoGodsealedthroughhimallotherProphetsandmadehimawitnessforthem,an authorityoverthem,andHerevealeduntohimHisDearBookwhichwrongcannotapproachfrom frontorfromback,aRevelationfromtheWise,thePraisedOne,ofwhatHepermittedand prohibited,promisedofblissandforewarnedofretribution,warningandalerting,enjoiningand prohibiting,sothatHewouldhavetheclearproofagainstHiscreation,`...toannihilatewhoever Heannihilateswithclearevidence,andkeepwhoeverHekeptwithclearevidence,andGodis Hearing,Knowing.'210SoheconveyedtheMessageonHisbehalfandinvitedotherstoHisPath accordingtotheCommandmenthereceived,bywisdom,counsel,andbythemostbeautiful argument,thenbyjihadandruthlessnesstillGodtookhimawaytoHimselfandHepreferredfor himwhatHehadinstoreforhim,peaceofGodbeuponhimandhisprogeny.Sowhen Prophethoodwasterminated,andGod,throughMuhammad(S.A.W.),sealedinspirationandthe Message,HemadetheuprightnessofthereligionandtheorderoftheMuslims'affairsthe responsibilityofcaliphateanditscommencementanddignity,andtoupholdGod'srightby obeyingit;throughitdoGod'sinjunctionsandlimitsareperformedandsoarethelegislationand theSunnahofIslam,fightingHisenemythereby.ThecaliphsofGodareobligatedtoobeyHim regardingHisreligionandHisservantswhomHeentrustedtothem,andtheMuslimsareenjoined toobeyandassisttheircaliphstoestablishtherightandjusticeofGod,tomaintainsecurity,avoid bloodshed,joinrifts,bringpeopletogethertoloveeachother;otherwise,theMuslimswillsuffer chaosandconfusion,theirreligionwillbealtered,theircreedwillbeovercome,theirenemywill havetheupperhandoverthem,theywillbedividedwithdissensions,andtheywilllosethisworld andtheworldtocome. Itbecame,therefore,incumbentuponthosewhomGodenabledtobecaliphsonHisearth,and whomHeentrustedtofarewithHisservants,toexertthemselvesandpreferwhatpleasesGod andwhatbringsaboutobediencetoHim,andtoholdtighttowhatGodsupportsthemabout,for GodtheDearandSublimesaystoHisprophetDawood(David)(A.S.),`ODavid!Wehavemade theeacaliphonearth;therefore,judgeamongpeoplejustlyanddonotfollowyourown inclinationforthatwouldsurelycauseyoutostrayfromGod'sPath,andwhoeverstraysfromHis Pathshallhaveapainfulchastisementduetowhattheyforgot,'211andHealsosaid,`BythyLord! Weshallaskallofthemaboutwhattheyusedtodo.'212 Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    IthasreachedusthatUmeribnalKhattabsaid,`Ifagoatwaslostonthebankoftheriver Euphrates,IwouldbeafraidthatGodwouldaskmeaboutit.'ByGod!Thepersonwhois responsibleparticularlyforhisownconductregardinghisrelationshipwithGodissubjectedtoa greatdealofdangerandagreatresponsibility;so,howabouttheonewhoisresponsiblefor lookingaftertheentirenation?!InGoddowetrust;fromHimdoweseeksecurity,help, protectionagainsterring,support,guidancetoprovetheargument,andsuccessinachievingHis PleasureandbeworthyofHisMercy. Indeed,themostwiseofmen,andthebestinfollowingGod'screedregardinghisreligion,and God'sservantsfromamongthosewhomHeestablishedasHiscaliphsonHisearth,isonewho actsaccordingtohisobedienceofGod,followingHisBookandtheSunnahofHisProphet(S.A.W.) duringhislifetimeandafterhisdemise,andexertedhismindandinsightregardingwhoheshould chooseashisheirtothethroneandtheImamtotheMuslimstolookafterthemafterhim, installinghimasaflagpostforthemandarefugetogatherthemtogetherroundhim,settletheir disputes,protecttheirlives,guaranteetheirsecuritybytheWillofGodagainsttheirdissensions, brokenrelations,disputes,andtopurifythemofthewhisperingofthedevilandhisscheming,for GodtheDearandSublimehasmadesuccessionaftercaliphateaconditionforcomplementing Islam,itsperfection,dignity,andthegoodnessofitspeople,inspiringHiscaliphstomakecertain thatwhoevertheychoseafterthemwouldbeagreatblessing,onewhoisblessedwithperfect health,sothathewouldrendernulltheschemingofthosewhosowtheseedsofdissensionand enmityandtrytodividepeopleandmakeplansfordissension. Sincecaliphatewasassignedtohim,thecommanderofthefaithfulexperiencedtheuglinessofits taste,theweightofitsburdens,thehardshipofitstasks,andtheextentofobediencetoGodand fearofHimbytheonewhoacceptstobearitsresponsibility;soheexhaustedhisbody,remained awakeandprolongedhiscontemplationuponwhateverwouldbringaboutthedignityofthe creed,theconqueringofthepolytheists,thegoodofthenation,thedisseminationofjustice,the upholdingoftheBookandtheSunnah,andallofthisforbadehimfromrelaxingorrestingor enjoyinglife,knowingthatGodwillholdhimaccountableforallofthesematters,andoutofhis ownlovetomeethisLordafterhavingadvisedthemregardingHisreligionandservants,selecting hisheirforthebestinterestofthenationafterhimthebestpersonhecanchooseduetohis piety,soundnessofbeliefandknowledge,themostsuitedamongthemtocarryoutGod's commandmentsandHisinjunctions,pleadingtheAlmightytohelphimandinspiretohimwhat bringsaboutHisPleasureandObediencetoHimatnightandatday,earnestlypleadingand praying,fromamonghisownhouseholdthedescendantsofAbdullahibnalAbbasandAliibnAbu Talib(A.S.),keenlydiscerningtheircondition,beliefandknowledge,inquiringaboutwhathedid notknowregardingthem,tillhecametoknowtheirconditionsonafirsthandbasis,observing thempersonallyandexaminingtheiraffairs,questioningthemaboutwhathedidnotknowin theirownregard. Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    HavingprayedGodforguidanceinmakinghisdecision,exertinghimselfincarryingoutHis commandmentsregardingHisservantsandlandsinbothhouseholds,heselectedAliibnMousa ibnJa'feribnMuhammadibnAliibnalHusaynibnAliinAbuTalib(A.S.)duetohisexcellent distinction,radiantknowledge,apparentpiety,pureasceticism,renunciationoftheworld,safety frompeople'scriticism.Anditbecamecleartohimthatnarrationsstilltestifytoeachotherand thetonguesagreewitheachotherandtheopinionregardinghimisinconsensus,andduetowhat hepersonallyknowsofhisdistinctionasachild,asayoungboy,asanadult,andasagrownup man;therefore,hetiedtheknotofcaliphateforhimafterhimself,feelingconfidentregarding God'ssupporttohiminthisregard,forHeknowsthathedidsooutofhisownpreferenceofHim andHisCreedandoutofhisconcernaboutthewellbeingofIslamandMuslims,seekingsecurity forallandfirmnessofthetruthandsalvationontheDaywhenpeopleriseupforthemeetingof theLordoftheWorlds.Thecommanderofthefaithful,therefore,invitedhissonsandmembers ofhisfamily,hisclosefriends,commandersofhisarmyandthoseinhisservicetosweartheoath ofallegiancewhichtheydidquicklyandgladly,knowingthatthecommanderofthefaithful prefersobediencetoGodoverhisowninclinationtowardspreferringhissonsorotherswhoare amonghiskin,andhecalledhimalRida(A.S.),forthecommanderofthefaithfulispleasedwith him;so,thehouseholdofthecommanderofthefaithfulsworetheoathofallegiancetohimand sodidhiscommandersandsoldiersatMedinaandtheMuslimmasses,tothecommanderofthe faithfulandtoAliibnMousaalRida(A.S.)afterhimintheNameofGodandbyHisblessingsand decreeforthegoodofHiscreedandHisservants,anallegiancetowhichyourhandsarestretched andyourheartsarepleased,knowingtheobjectiveofthecommanderofthefaithfulbehindit:his preferenceofobeyingGod,hisandyourowninterest,thankingGodfortheshareofthe commanderofthefaithfulspentindischargingyourresponsibilityandhisconcernaboutyour guidanceandgoodwill,hopingthatitsoutcomewillbeyourunity,protection,solidarity,the strengtheningofyourweakspots,thestrengthofyourcreed,andtheuprightnessofyouraffairs. Hurry,therefore,totheobedienceofGodandofthecommanderofthefaithful,fortheissue regardingwhichyouhurryandbecauseofwhichyoupraiseGodwillbeforyourowngoodasyou willfindoutbytheWillofGod. HewroteitinhisownhandwritingonMonday,the23rdofRamadan,201A.H. TheaboveisareproductionofwhatalMamoonhadwrittenforImamalRida(A.S.),andonthe backofittheImam(A.S.)wrotedownthefollowing: IntheNameofGod,MostGracious,MostMerciful PraisebetoGodWhodoeswhateverHepleases;thereisnonetorevokeHisjudgementnor obstructHisWill;Heseeswhatothereyescannot,andHeknowswhatpeopleconcealintheir hearts;HisblessingsuntoHisProphetMuhammad(S.A.W.),thesealofProphets,anduntohis goodandPurifiedProgeny(A.S.). Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    I,AliibnMousaibnJa'fer,stateherethatthecommanderofthefaithful,mayGodgranthimthe strengthofstayingontheRightPath,hascometorecognizeofourrightwhatothershave neglectedtoknow;sohejoinedwombswhichwereseparatedandbroughtsecuritytofrightened souls;nay,hegavethemlifeaftertheywereannihilatedandprovidedthemwithwealthafter beingimpoverished,seekingtherebytopleasetheLordoftheWorld,notexpectingarewardfrom anyoneotherthanHim,andGodwillrewardthosewhothankHimandwillneversufferthetoilof doersofgoodtobewasted. Hehaschosenmeashissuccessor,grantingmethegreatestresponsibilityifIliveafterhim; therefore,anyonewhountiesaknotGodenjoinedtobetied,orremovesajointGodenjoinedto bekept,hasindeedviolatedthehonourandcommittedharam,forhewillthenbetransgressing upontheImam,violatingthesanctityofIslam.Suchwasthecaseinthepast,soheremained patientwhileseeingmistakescommittedanddidnotvoicehisobjectionwhenrightswere discardedoutofhisfearofdissensioninthereligionanddisunityamongtheMuslimmasses,and duetothefactthatthedaysofignorance(jahiliyya)arenottoofarbehind,andinordernotto giveopportunistsachancenortoletaninnovationinvented.IhaveprayedGodtowitnessto whatisonmymindshouldHeplacemeinchargeofdealingwiththeMuslimsandgrantme caliphate,thatIwilldealwiththemingeneralandonthedescendantsofalAbbasibnAbdul MuttalibinparticularaccordingtotheobedienceduetoHimandtoHisMessenger(S.A.W.),and thatIdonotshedanybloodunfairlynorpermithonournorwealthtobeviolatedexceptthe bloodshedaccordingtothepermissionallowedbytheestablishmentofGod'slimitsand obligations,andthatIshallchoosetothebestofmyabilityofficerswhoaremostqualifiedfor theirjobs,makingthatasurecommitmentandapromiseaboutwhichGodshallaskmeforHe, theExaltedandtheAlmighty,says,"Andfulfillthepromise,forthepromiseshallbeasked."213 ShouldIbringaninnovation,oralteranything,orreplaceanything,Iwouldthendeservemy penaltyandexposemyselftoretribution;IseekrefugewithGodagainstHisWrath,andfromHim IseeksuccessinobeyingHisCommandmentsandnottoenablemetodisobeyHim,allforthe sakeofthesafetyofmyselfandofalltheMuslims;"AndIdonotknowwhatwillbedonewithme orwithyou;"214"ThecommandrestssolelywithGod;Hedecidesintruth,andHeisthebestof judges."215ButIobeyedthewillofthecommanderofthefaithfulandpreferredhispleasure,and mayGodprotecthimandmyselffromerring,andIseekHiswitnessovermyselfaboutthis matter,andHesufficesforWitness.Ihavewrittenthisinmyownhandwritinginthepresenceof thecommanderofthefaithful,mayGodprolonghispresence,andinthecompanyofalFadlibn Sahl,SahlibnalFadl,YahyaibnalAktham,AbdullahibnTahir,ThumamaibnAshras,Bishribnal Mu'tamid,andHammadibnalNu'man,inthemonthofRamadan,intheyeartwohundredand one. Ontherightsideofthedocument,thefollowingwitnesseshavesigned:YahyaibnAkthamwho Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

    testifiestoboththefrontandthebackofthedocumentandheasksGodtoenablethe commanderofthefaithfulandalltheMuslimstoappreciatetheblessingofthistestimonyand testament;AbdullahibnTahiribnalHusaynhaswrittendownhisnameandthesamedate; HammadibnNu'manhaswritteninhisownhandwritingandhastestifiedtoitsfrontandbackon thatdate;andBishribnalMu'tamidhastestifiedtothesame. Ontheleftsideofthedocument,thefollowingwritingisinscribed:"Thecommanderofthe faithful,mayGodprolonghispresence,hashandwrittenthisscriptwhichisthedocumentof covenantwherebyweanticipategoodnessinbothitsfrontandback,(written)attheshrineofour mastertheMessengerofGod(S.A.W.),betweentherawda(courtyard)andtheminbar(pulpit),in thepresenceofallthewitnesses,andwhilethedignitariesofBanuHashimandallfriendsand membersofthearmywhometthequalificationsofmakingsuchabay'a(allegiance),inorderto nullifyanydoubtcastbytheignorant,for`Godwillnotleavethebelieversinthestateinwhichye arenow...'216AlFadlibnSahl,inobediencetotheordersofthecommanderofthefaithful,has writtenthisonthesamedate." 210AlAnfal:42 211Saad:26 212AlHijr(TheRockyTract):9293 213BaniIsrail:34 214AlAhqaf:9 215AlAn'am:57 216Aali'Imran:179

    Presentedbyhttp://www.alhassanain.com&http://www.islamicblessings.com

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