CHAPTER II
HIS QUALITIES
As for the qualities of Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, they represent all virtues. All noble qualities gathered in him. Allah endowed him with all outstanding qualities just as He endowed his great fathers. He endowed him with nobility and made him an eminent figure for the community of his grandfather (the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family). So the Ima`m guided the perplexed and the straying (to the truth), and he enlightened minds. They following are some of his noble qualities:
As for the noble traits of Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, they were part of those of his grandfather, the greatest Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, by which he was distinguished from the rest of the prophets. Through his exalted manners, (the Prophet), may Allah bless him and his family, was able to develop man and saved him from the ill traits of those who lived in the pre-Islamic period. As for Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, he had the high noble qualities of his grandfather. Concerning his noble traits, Ibra`hïm b. al-'Abba`s has said: "I have never seen nor have I ever heard that there is a person more meritorious than Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him. He never turned away from anyone; nor did he interrupt anyone; nor did he refuse to do someone a favor he was able to do; nor did he ever stretch out his leg before an audience; nor did he ever lean upon something while his companion did not; nor did he ever call any of his servants or attendants a bad name ; nor did he ever spit or burst into laughter; rather, his laughter was just a smile. When he was ready to eat, he seated with him all his attendants, including the doorman
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and the groom. He slept little at night. He spent most of his nights from begging to end (in praying or reciting the Qur'a`n). He did abundant charity, most of which was at dark nights.
1"
These words display the Ima`m's noble moral traits, which are as follows:
A. He did not turn away from any of the people, whether they were his friends or his enemies; rather, he received them warmly and smiled at them.
B. He did not interrupt anyone while he was speaking; rather, he let him talk until he finished his talking.
C. Among his exalted morals is that he did not stretch out his legs before those who sat with him; rather, he sat politely.
D. He did not lean upon something while his associate did not.
E. He did not call any of his retainers or attendants a bad name even if they mistreated him.
F. He did not show haughtiness toward them; rather, he seated them with him when he was ready to eat.
G. He prayed abundantly and spent his nights in praying and reciting the Book of Allah.
H. He did a lot of good for the poor; he gave alms to them at dark nights lest none should recognize him.
These are some of the Ima`m's noble moral traits which Ibra`hïm b. al-'Abba`s had witnessed. Another example of his morals is that when he undertook regency, the most exalted office in Islamic state, he did not order any of his supporters and retainers to carry out his many affairs; rather, he himself carried them out. The narrators have said: "When he was in need of taking a bath, he hated to order anyone to prepare the bath for him. He went to the public bath-house in the city. The owner of the bath-house never thought that the deputy (of al-Ma'mu`n) would come to a public bath-house and wash in it; rather, he thought that the kings would take a bath in their own houses. When the Ima`m entered the bath-house, there was a soldier in it. The soldier removed the Ima`m from his place and ordered him to pour water on
____________
1. Hayat al-Imam al-Jawad, p. 37.
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his head, and the Ima`m did. Then a man who recognized the Ima`m entered the bath-house, and he shouted at the soldier, saying: 'You have ruined yourself! Why have you ordered the son of the daughter of Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, to give you a massage?' So the soldier felt extremely embarrassed; he kissed the Ima`m's foot and apologized to him, saying: 'O Son of Allah's Messenger, why did you obey me when I ordered you?' However, the Ima`m smiled at him and said to him gently. 'It is a reward. I did not want to disobey you in what I was rewarded.'
1"
Another example of his exalted morals is that when he was ready to eat, he seated with him his retainers even the doorman and the groom.
2 In this manner he taught them that there was no color discrimination among men, and that they were equal. Ibra`hïm b. al-'Abba`s has said: " I heard 'Ali b. Mu`sa` al-Rida` saying: 'I swear by emancipation and when I swore by it, I would emancipate one of my slaves till I emancipated each and everyone of them that I do not see myself as better than that (and he pointed to a black slave of his who remained in his service) on account of my kinship to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family, except if I do a good deed which would render me better.
3 "
A man said to him: "By Allah, no person on the face of earth is nobler than you in father."
He, peace be on him, said: "Reverential fear made them noble and obedience to Allah preserved them."
Another person said to him: "By Allah, you are the most meritorious of the people."
The Ima`m answered him, saying: "Do not exaggerate; he who fears Allah and obeys Him is better than me. By Allah this verse has not been abrogated:
'O men! Surely we have created you of a male and female, and made you nations and tribes that you may know each other; surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the most Allah-fearing of you; surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.'4 "
____________
1. Nur al-Abbsar, p. 138.
2. Uyyun al-Tawarikh (photographed), vol. 3, p. 227.
3. Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 12, p. 28.
4. Ibid
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It has been narrated that the Ima`m has composed poetry in this respect:
I have worn the garment of riches through chastity
and begun walking high-headed.
I do not associate with
al-nisnas 1
but I associate with men.
If I see the rich show pride,
I show pride toward them through despair (of them).
I do not show pride toward the poor;
Nor do I show weakness toward bankruptcy.
2
This poetry is evidence for his noble moral traits, which all the world lauds and all the Muslims admire.
His Renunciation the World
An example of the qualities of Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, is that he renounced the world and turned away from its pleasures and embellishments. Mohammed b. 'Abba`d tells us about the Ima`m's ascetic conduct, saying: "Al-Rida` used to sit on a leaf mat during the summer and on a straw sack during the winter; he used to put on coarse clothes, but when he went out to meet the public, he put on his very best.
3 "
The narrators have said: "Ima`m (al-Rida`) used to wear a silk clothe. Sufya`n al-Thawri met him and blamed him for wearing such a clothe, saying: "I think that you had better wear a clothe cheaper than this one.' However, the Ima`m took his hand gently and put it into his sleeve; suddenly, there was a coarse clothe under that silk one; and he, peace be on him, said to him: 'Sufya`n, the silk is for men and coarse clothes are for the Truth (Allah)
4'"
Renouncing the world was the most prominent quality in Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him. The narrators have unanimously agreed that
____________
1. Al-Nasnas is an imaginary man-like animal.
2. Al-Manaqib, vol, 4, p. 361.
3. Uyyun Akhbar al-Rida, vol. 2, p. 178. Al-Manaqib, vol. 4, p. 361.
4. Hayat al-Imam al-Jawad, p. 39.
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when he became the heir apparent (of al-Ma'mu`n), he paid no attention to any of the aspects of the authority and of magnification which men showed toward their kings.
His Munificence
There was nothing more lovable with the Ima`m than doing kindness to men, and especially the poor. The historians have mentioned numerous examples of his munificence. The following are some of them:
1. When the Imam was in Khurasan, he spent on the poor all what he had on the Day of 'Arafa, so al-Fadl b. Sahl criticized him for this, saying: "Surely, this is a loss!" "Rather it is a profit," the Ima`m answered, "you do no damage when you spend something for reward and generosity.
1"
It is not an act of damage when something is spent on the poor and the weak for Allah's good pleasure; rather, it is an act of loss when something is spent on unlawful deeds like those of kings and ministers who spend a lot of money on singers and the mischievous.
2. A man came to the Ima`m, greeted him, and said to him: "I am one of those who love you and your fathers. I have returned from the hajj. My money has finished. I have nothing with me to reach a stage, so I ask you to send me back to my homeland. When I arrive in it, I will give what you have given to me as alms to the poor on your behalf." The Ima`m said to the man: "Sit down, may Allah have mercy on you." Then he turned to the people and spoke to them until they scattered. None stayed with him except Sulayma`n al-Ja'fari and Herthama. The Ima`m asked them for permission and entered the house. Then he came out, closed the door, and said: "Where is al-Khurasa`ni?" AL-Khurasa`ni stood for him. The Ima`m, peace be on him, said to him: "Take this two hundred dinars, spend it on your need, and do not give it to the poor as alms on my behalf." The man went away with happiness because the blessing of the Ima`m had included him. Then Sulayma`n al-Ja'fari turned to the Imam and asked
____________
1. Ibid., p. 40.
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him: "May I be your ransom, you gave to the man a lot of money and had mercy on him, but why did you cover your face from him?"
He, peace be on him, replied: "I did that less I should see the abasement of begging on his face because of my accomplishing his need. Have you not heard the tradition of Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family: 'He who secretly does a good deed is like him who performs the hajj seventy times; and he who openly performs an evil deed is abandoned.' Have you not heard the statement of the poet: 'When I someday come to him in order to seek my need, I return home without losing face.
1' "
3. Yet another example of his munificence is that he ordered the most delicious food to be put on a tray and to be given to the poor, and he recited this verse:
"But he would not attempt the uphill road." Then he said: "Allah knows that not everyone is able to emancipate a slave, so He has regarded munificence as a path leading to the Garden."
4. Another example of his munificence and generosity is that a poor man said to him: "Give me according to the extent of your kindness."
The Imam answered him: "I cannot afford that."
The poor man paid attention to his own mistake, so he said again: "Give me according to mine."
The Ima`m smiled at him and said: "Yes, I will do this."
Then he ordered two hundred dinars to be given to the poor man.
2 The Ima`m's acts of munificence cannot be counted. If the Ima`m had given to the poor man all his money, he would have felt that such a gift was not equal to his munificence and mercy, which was an extension to that of his grandfather, the greatest Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family.
5. Another example of his exalted acts of munificence is what has been narrated by Ahmed b. 'Ubayd Alla`h on the authority of al-Ghaffa`ri, who said: "A man from the family of Abu` Ra`fi', the retainer of the Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family, called so-
____________
1. Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 12, p. 28.
2. Al-Manaqib, vol. 4, p. 361
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and-so, had me in his debt. He demanded payment from me and insisted on my paying him. When I realized that, I prayed the morning prayer in the mosque of the Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family, and I set out to see al-Rida`, peace be on him. On that day, he was in the valley of al-'Arïd. When I got near his door, he came out. He was wearing a shirt and a clock (
rida'). When I looked at him, I felt ashamed before him. When he reached me, he stood and looked at me. I greeted him¾it was the month of Ramada`n. I said: 'May I be your ransom, your retainer so-and-so has me in his debt. By Allah, he has spread reports of me around.'
"By Allah, I was thinking to myself, that he would tell him to leave me alone. By Allah, I had not told him how much I owed nor had I given specific details about anything. He told me to sit down until he came back. I was still there at the time when I prayed the sunset prayer. I had been fasting and I had become troubled and wanted to leave. Suddenly, he came. There was (a crowd of) people.
"Beggars were begging from him and he was giving them alms. Then he retired from them and went into his house. He came out and called me. I rose and went in with him. He sat down and I sat down with him. I began to talk to him about the governor of Medina. When I had finished, he said to me: 'I do not think that you have eaten yet?' 'Yes,' I replied.
"He called for food for me and it was put in front of me. He told the servant to eat with me. The servant and I had our fill of food. When we had finished, he said: 'Raise the cushion and take what is under it.
"I raised it and there was (many) dinars. I took them and put them in my sleeve. He told some of his servants to accompany me to my house, and they did. I went to my house and called for a lamp. I examined the dinars and they were forty-eight dinars. I only owed the man twenty-eighty dinars. On a dinar of them it was engraved: 'The debt to the man is twenty-eighty dinars and the rest is yours.'
1 "
These are some acts of his generosity, and they show his noble soul which was created for kindness to people.
____________
1. Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 12, p. 28
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His Entertaining Guests
The Ima`m, peace be on him, entertained guests, bestowed liberally upon them, and he himself served them. One day a person stopped at him and he spoke to him at night. When the lamp changed, the guest hurried to set it right, but the Ima`m went ahead of him and he himself set it right and said to his guest: "We are the people who do not employ their guests.
1"
His Releasing Slaves
The most lovable thing to Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, was releasing slaves and freeing them from slavery. The narrators have said: "He (Imam al-Rida, peace be on him) released one thousand slaves.
2"
His Kindness to Slaves
The Imam, peace be on him, did a lot of good and kindness for the slaves. 'Abd Allah b. al-Salt reported on the authority of a man from the people of Balakh, who said: "I was with Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, during his journey to Khurasan. One day he called for food and gathered his black and non-black retainers around it. Hence I asked him: 'May I be you ransom, could you please isolate food for these (retainers)? As a result, he blamed me for this and said: 'The Lord, the Blessed and Exalted, is One, the mother is one, and reward will be according to deeds.'
3 "
Surely, the Ima`ms of the Household (of the Prophet), peace be on them, behaved in such a manner in order to abolish color discrimination among men and to show that they were in one mosque, and that nothing discriminated one person from another except reverential fear and good deeds.
____________
1. Ibid., p. 18
2. Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 58.
3. Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 12, p. 18.
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His Knowledge
Imam al-Rida`, peace be on him, thoroughly encompassed all sciences and knowledge. The historians and the narrators have unanimously agreed that he was the most knowledge of the people of his time, the most meritorious of them, and the most learned of them in the precepts of religion and other sciences such as philosophy and medicine. Talking about the Imam's abundant knowledge, 'Abd al-Salam al-Harawi has said: "I have never seen a person more knowledgeable than 'Ali b. Mu`sa` al-Rida. When a religious scholar sees him, he bears witness for him (as being the most knowledgeable) as I do. Al-Ma'mu`n gathered for him in assemblies a number of the scholars of religions, the jurists of Islamic law, and theologians. However, he overcame them to the extent that they acknowledged his excellence (over them) and confessed their feebleness before him. I heard him say: 'I used to take my place at the theological center (
rouda) and the number of the learned scholars in Medina was quite large. Yet when a question over-taxed the mind of one of those scholars, he and the rest would point at me, and they would sent me their queries, and I would answer them all.
1 "
The Imam was the most learned of the people of his time and was the highest authority in Islamic world; religious scholars and jurists would send to him their questions about Islamic precepts.
Ibrahïm b. al-'Abbas has said: "When al-Rida was questioned about a certain thing, he answered it. I have never seen that there is a person more knowledgeable than him. Al-Ma'mun examined him with questions about all things, and he answered them.
2 "
Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, was the most eminent Muslim thinker, so he was able to develop the cultural and scientific life of the Muslims.
Al-Ma'mun has said: "I think that there is no person on the face of earth more learned than this man (i.e. Ima`m al-Rida).
3 "
____________
1. Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 3, p. 107
2. Uyyun Akhbar al-Rida, vol. 2, p. 180. Imam al-Jawad, p. 42. Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf.
3. A'yan al-Shi'a, 4/Q2.
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His (i.e. Ima`m al-Rida`'s) debates in Khurasa`n, Basrah, and Ku`fa give evidence for his being the most knowledgeable on the face of earth. During those debates he was questioned about the most difficult problems and he answered them, so all the religious scholars of his time yielded to him and acknowledged his excellence over them.
His Knowledge of all Languages
Another example of his being the most knowledge person is that he could speak all languages. Abu` Isma`'ïl al-Sindi has reported: "When I was in India, I heard that Allah had an Arab proof, so I went out to seek him. I was guided to al-Rida` (peace be on him), and I went to him. I could not speak Arabic. I greeted him in Sindi, and he greeted me in my own language. I asked him in Sindi, and he answered me in it. I said to him: 'I have heard that Allah has an Arab argument, and I have gone out to seek him. He, peace be on him, said to me: 'It is I; ask (me) about whatever you desire.' I asked him about my questions, and he (peace be on him) answered them in my own language.
1 "
Abu` al-Salt al-Hurawi has said: "Al-Rida`, peace be on him, spoke to people in their own languages. I asked him about this (quality), and he replied: 'O Abu`` al-Salt, I am Allah's proof over His creatures. Allah does not appoint over a people a proof who does not speak their own language. Have you not heard the words of the Commander of the faithful: 'We have been given sound judgment. Is this not his knowledge of languages?'
2 "
Ya`sir al-Kha`dim (the retainer) has narrated: "Abu` al-Hasan (al-Rida`), peace be on him, had in his house Byzantines and Slavs. He was close to them. He heard them speak in Slavic and Romanian, saying: 'We are visited in our homeland every year, but we are not visited here.' In the following morning he (al-Rida`) sent someone to visit them.
3 "
____________
1. Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 12, p. 15.
2. Al-Manaqib, vol. 4, p. 333.
3. Ibid.
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Shaykh Mohammed b. al-Hasan has composed a poem concerning this quality, saying:
And his knowledge of all languages
is the clearest miracle and sign.
1
His Prophecies
Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, had foretold many events before they happened, and they happened just as he had predicted. These prophecies clearly confirm the original faith of the Shï'a who say that Allah, the Exalted, endowed the Imams of the Household (of the Prophet) with excellence and inner knowledge, just as He had endowed His messengers. The following are some of the Imam's prophecies:
1. Al-Hasan b. Bashshar narrated on the authority of al-Rida, who said: "'Abd Allah (i.e. al-Ma'mun) will kill Mohammed (i.e. al-Amïn)." I (al-Hasan b. Bashshar) asked him: "Will 'Abd Allah b. Harun kill Mohammed b. Harun?" "Yes," he replied, "'Abd Allah who is in Khurasa`n will kill Mohammed b. Zubayda who is in Baghdad." Then he recited this poetry line
Surely successive spites expose you and bring out the hidden malady.
2
Some days ago and al-Ma'mu`n killed his brother al-Amïn. We will mention this event in the chapters that follow.
2. Another example of the Ima`m's inner knowledge is that when Mohammed b. Ima`m al-Sa`diq rose in Mecca and summoned the people to himself and broke the pledge of allegiance to al-Ma'mu`n, Ima`m al-Rida` went to him and said to him: "O Uncle, do not accuse your father or your brother ( i.e. Ima`m al-Ka`zim, peace be on him) of lying, for this authority will not go well with you." However, Mohammed b. Ima`m al-Sa`diq paid no attention to the Ima`m's advice, and he announced his revolt against al-Ma'mu`n. Shortly after that, the troops of al-M'mu`n headed by al-Jalu`di attacked Mohammed and his
____________
1. Nazhat al-Jalis, vol. 2, p. 107.
2. Al-Manqib, vol. 4, p. 335. Jawharatu al-Kamal, p. 146.
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fighters and defeated them. Then Mohammed asked al-Jalu`di for security, and he gave it to him. Then he went up on the pulpit and abdicated authority, saying: "This authority belongs to al-M'mu`n and I have no right in it.
1"
3. Al-Husayn, the son of Imam Musa, peace be on him, has said: "We were youths from the Banu Hashim. While we were sitting around al-Rida, peace be on him, Ja'far b. 'Umar al-'Alawi passed by us shabby. We looked at each other and laughed at him, so al-Rida said: 'In the near future he (Ja'far b. 'Umar al-'Alawi) will have a lot of money and many followers.' A month ago, Ja'far became the governor of Medina and enjoyed good conditions.
2 "
4. Muhawil al-Sijista`ni has narrated: "When Ima`m al-Rida, peace be on him, was commanded to go to Khurasa`n, I was in Medina. Al-Rida entered the mosque in order to say farewell to Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family. He said farewell to him several times. Throughout this (time) he went and came back to the grave. He wept and wailed aloud, so I walked towards him and greeted him, and he greeted me. I congratulated him, and he said to me: 'Leave me, for I am going to go out of the neighborhood of my grandfather; I will die in exile, and be buried beside Harun.' I went out to follow him on the road until he arrived in Khurasa`n. He stayed in it for a time, and then he was buried by Harun.
3 "
The matter was just as the Ima`m had predicted. He went to Khurasa`n, and did not return from it. He was assassinated by al-M'mun, the 'Abba`sid Caliph, and was buried beside Ha`ru`n al-Rashïd.
5. Safwan b. Yahya has reported: " When Abu Ibrahïm (i.e. Imam al-Kazim) passed away and Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, spoke (i.e. undertook the office of the Imamate), we were afraid for him. He was told: 'You have made public a great matter and on account of that, we fear for you from this tyrant (i.e. Harun al-
____________
1. Al-Bihar, vol. 12, p. 13.
2. Al-Fusul al-Muhimma, p. 229. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 12, p. 13.
3. Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 59. Akhbar al-Diwal, p. 114.
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Rashïd).' 'Let him try as hard as he can,' he answered, 'he will find no way to harm me.
1 "
The matter happened as he had predicted. Harun al-Rashïd did not mistreat him. The Imam underlined this meaning to his companions. Mohammed b. Sinan has reported: "I (i.e. Mohammed b. Sina`n) said to Abu al-Hasan al-Rida during the days of Harun: 'Surely, you have made yourself famous through this matter and your sitting in the assembly of your father, while the sword of Harun is dripping blood (i.e. the blood of the Household of the Prophet and their followers). He, peace be on him, said: 'Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and his family) has encouraged me when he said: 'If Abu Jahl takes a hair from my head, then bear witness that I am not a prophet.' For this reason I say to you: 'If Harun (al-Rashïd) takes a hair from my head, then bear witness that I am not an Imam.'
2"
Several times the Imam , peace be on him, announced that Harun would not mistreat him, and that he would be buried beside him. Hamza b. Ja'far al-Larijani has narrated: "Harun went out of the gate of the Sacred Mosque, and 'Ali went out of the gate and said: 'How remote the abode is! And how near the meeting is! Surely, Tus will gather me and him together!
3"
The Imam has stressed his burial beside Harun in many traditions. Musa b. Harun has narrated: "While Harun al-Rashïd was delivering a speech in the Mosque of Medina, I saw 'Ali (al-Rida), and he said to me: 'You will see that I and he (Harun al-Rashïd) will be buried in one house.'
4 "
6. Another example of the Ima`m's inner knowledge is the calamity of the Bara`mika. Regarding their calamity, Musa`fir has reported: "I (i.e. Musa`fir) was with Abu` al-Hasan 'Ali al-Rida`, Yahya` b. Kha`lid al-Barmaki passed by and covered his face with a handkerchief (to escape) from the dust. He (Abu al-Hasan 'Ali al-
____________
1. A'yan al-Shi'a 4/Q2/29.
2. Ibid.
3. Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 59.
4. Ibid.
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Rida) said: 'Wretched ones who do not know what will happen to them during this year.'"
Then the Ima`m added: "The more surprising thing than this is that I and Harun will be like these (two fingers of mine)." Then he joined his forefinger and middle finger together.
Musafir reported: "By Allah, I did not understand the meaning of al-Rida`'s words concerning Ha`ru`n until his death and burial beside him.
1"
7. Mohammed b. 'Isa has reported on the authority of Habïb al-Naba`ji, who said: "I saw Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, in a vision. He came to al-Nabaji
2 and stopped at the mosque where the pilgrims stopped every year. I went to him and greeted him. There was before him a tray made of palm leaves, and there was Sayha`ni dates in the tray. He gave me a handful of these dates. I counted them and they were eighteen. I asked (a person) to explain the vision, and he told me that I would live for eighteen years. Twenty days ago, while I was on my farm, a person came and told me about the coming of al-Rida` from Medina and his stopping at that mosque. I saw the people going to him, so I went to him. I saw him sitting in the place where Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, sat in the vision. There was before him a tray made of palm leaves, and there was Sayha`ni dates in it. I greeted him, and he, peace be on him, greeted me. He asked me to come nearer to him and gave me a handful of these dates. I counted them and they were equal to those which Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, had given to me. As a result I said: 'Increase me, O Son of Allah's Apostle!' He said: 'If Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, increased you, we would increase you.'
3 "
8. Ja'far b. Sa`lih has narrated: "I came to al-Rida` and said to him: 'My wife is pregnant, so supplicate Allah to make her give birth
____________
1. Ibid.
2. The house of the pilgrimages of BAsrah.
3. Kashfu al-Ghumma, vol. 3, p. 103. Jami' Karamat al-Awliya', vol. 2. 156. Nur al-Abbsar.
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to a male.' As a result he said: 'They are twin.' I went away and said: 'I will name one of them Mohammed and the other 'Ali.' Then I came to him, and he said to me: 'Name one of them 'Ali and the other Umm 'Amru`.' When I went to Kufa, my wife had given birth to a male and a female, so I named the male 'Ali and the female Umm 'Amru.
1 "
The narrators have mentioned many prophecies indicating that Allah endowed the Ima`m with knowledge just as He had endowed His righteous friends and servants.
