54. Recommended Fasts
Isma'ïl b. Da`wud narrated, saying: "I asked al-Rida`, peace be on him, about the fast (i.e. recommended fasts), and he answered: 'Three days in a month: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.'
2 "
55. The fast on the Day of 'Id al-Ghadïr
Al-Farid b. Mohammed b. 'Amr al-Tusi narrated that he saw Abu al-Hasan 'Ali b. Musa al-Rida, peace be on him, on the Day of al-Ghadïr along with a group of his special companions whom he had invited to break the fast. He sent to their houses food, wheat, gifts, clothing, rings, sandals, and the like. He changed their conditions and those of his retinues. He changed the rites familiar before that day, and then he mentioned the excellence and precedence of that day. They following are some of his words:
"My father al-Hadi related to me on the authority of his father, on the authority of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, that al-Ghadïr occurred on Friday in his time, so he went up on the pulpit for five hours at the daytime of that day, and then he, peace be on him, mentioned his long sermon until he said: 'Then Allah, the Most High, has brought together for you, O group of the believers, on this day two great 'Ids; none of them stands except through its companion, that His beautiful favor toward you may be perfect.' Then he mentioned a great deal of the excellence of al-Ghadïr until he said:
____________
1. Al-Imam al-Khui, Minhajj al-Salihin. As for the al-Hakim, he gave a religious decision that compensationis obligatory apaart from redemption, and he said: "If it is possible to add travel to illness, then it is a strong precasution to perform both compensation and redemption.
2. Al-Tahdhib, vol. 1, p. 438.
( 463 )
"'So the dirham on it (al-Ghadïr) equals one hundred dirhams, and the increase is from Allah, the Exalted; and the fast on this day is one of those fasts which Allah, the Most High, has made recommended, and placed great reward from Him for it, to the extant that if one of the servants worships during youth from the beginning of the world to its end, fasting by its daytime performing prayer by its day, if the faithful is sincere to his fast, the days of the world will fall short of being equal to it. He who aids his brother of his own accord and does good to him willingly wins the reward of him who fasts on this day and performs prayer on its night; and he who breaks a believer's fast on its night, it is as if that he broke the fast of one hundred thousand prophets, very truthful ones, and martyrs. Just imagine how much more is (the reward) of him who maintains a number of the believers, male and female; and I, on behalf of Allah the Exalted, guarantee him safety from unbelief and poverty. He who dies by its night or daytime or after it, then his reward is from Allah. He who borrows a loan for his brothers and helps them; then I guarantee him before Allah; if He keeps him alive, then he pays it (the loan); and if He makes him die, He undertakes it. When you meet each other, then shake hands through greetings, grant the blessing to each other on this day, let the present inform the absent (of it), let the rich visit the poor, and the strong (visit) the weak. Allah's Messenger had ordered me (to do) that.' Then he, peace be on him, continued his sermon, regarded his Friday prayer as 'Id prayer, then he took his sons and his followers (Shï'ites) and went to the house of al-Hasan b. 'Ali, peace be on him, where food had been prepared; the poor and the rich took their gifts and went to their families.
1 "
Surely al-Ghadïr 'Id is one of the most important Islamic 'Ids, for, on this immortal day, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, installed Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, as his successor after him, and an authority for his community. Many traditions have been transmitted from the Imams of guidance concerning the recommended fast and celebrating a festival on it. The
____________
1. Musbah al-Mutahjjidin, p. 524. Al-Wasa'il, vol. 7, p. 326.
(464 )
Imami Sect has been successful in commemorating it, holding literary festivals in which wonderful poems and marvelous words are read in praising the excellence of Abu al-Husayn (i.e. Imam 'Ali), peace be on him. Likewise, thousands of people visit his Holy Shrine in order to commemorate this day.
56. Summoning the Believers to make a Pilgrim is Recommended
Al-Hasan b. 'Ali al-Daylami, the retainer of Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, reported, saying: "I heard al-Rida` say: 'He who summons the believers to make a pilgrim certainly buys his own soul from Allah, the Great and Almighty, for the money.'
1"
This tradition is a proof of that summoning the believers to perform the
hajj and spending on them is the best act which brings man nearer to Allah.
57. Hajj on behalf of the Dead
Mohammed b. 'Abd Allah narrated, saying: "I asked Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, about the person who died and asked someone else to perform the
hajj on his behalf, from where the
hajj is perform on his behalf? He replied: 'According to his money; if his money is plentiful, then (the
hajj) is performed from his house; if his money is not plentiful, then from Kufa; and if his money is not enough (to perform the
hajj) from Kufa, then from Medina.'
2 "
58. Hiring Someone to perform the Hajj
Mohammed b. 'Isa al-Yaqtïn narrated, saying: "Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, sent a parcel of clothing, and servants to me, my brother Musa b. 'Ubayd, and Yunus b. 'Abd al-Rahman; he ordered us to perform the hajj on his behalf; there was one hundred dinars and we (divided it) among us.
3 "
____________
1. Man la Yahdarahu al-Faqih, vol. 1, p. 77. Wasa'il al-Shia.
2. Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 261. Al-Wasa'il, vol. 8, p. 147.
3. Al-Tahdhib, vol. 2, p. 261. Al-Wasa'il, vol. 8, p. 147.
(465 )
The jurists have depended on this narration and the like regarding that it is permissible for living one to hire someone else to perform the recommended
hajj on his behalf; likewise, they have given a religious decision that it is permissible for living one to hire someone else to perform on his behalf the obligatory
hajj such as the
hajj of Islam (hujjat al-Islam); that is when one is unable to perform the
hajj.
59. Al-Ihram before the appointed Time and Place
Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, said:
"
Al-Ihram (the ceremonies of
'umra and hajj) is not permissible before
al-miqat (the appointed time and place).
1 "
60. Passing through al-Miqat
Safwa`n b. Yahya` reported on the authority of Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him. He said: "I wrote to him (al-Rida`) that some of your followers perform al-ihra`m from Batn al-'Aqïq, that there was neither water nor a house in that place, that there was a hard provisions against them, and that their companions and their camels hasten them; fifteen miles from beyond Batn al-'Aqïq, there was a station wherein water, and which was there station at which they stopped; so do you think that (it is permissible for them) to perform
al-ihram from the place of the water as a sign of mercy to them and lightness toward them? Hence he wrote: 'Surely Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, has appointed the times and places for its people and those other than its people who pass through them; he who has an illness is permitted (to do so); so none should break the appointed time and place (
al-miqat) except him who has an illness.'
2"
All those who pass through the appointed time and place (al-miqa`t) and intend to go to Holy Mecca should perform
al-ihram, just as it has been indicated by this narration and others.
____________
1. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol.8, p. 232.
2. Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 324.
(466 )
61. How 'Umrat al-Tamattu' is Performed
Ahmed b. Mohammed narrated, saying: "I asked Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him: How shall I perform '
umrat al-tamattu' ? He answered: 'Exclaim: Here I am at Your service! Make a solemn intention for '
umrat al-Tamattu'. When you enter Mecca, circumambulate the House; perform two rak'as behind the Standing place (
al-Maqam); run seven times between al-Safa and al-Marwa; and then shorten and regard it as '
umrat al-Tamattu'.'
1 "
This narration is a proof of that it is permissible for one to make a solemn intention for the
hajj and al-talbiya (exclaiming: Here I am at Your service!) through which
al-ihram is valid; and then he performs the rest of the ceremonies such as circumambulating the Holy House, praying behind the Standing place of Ibrahïm, running seven times between al-Safa and al-Marwa; shortening and regarding it as 'umrat al-Tamattu.
62. Ceasing al-Talbiya
Ahmed b. Mohammed b. Abu Nasr reported on the authority of Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, that he was asked: "When will one who performs 'umrat al-Tamattu cease al-talbiya (exclaiming: Here I am at Your service!) ?" He (al-Rida) replied: "When he looks at the bowers of Mecca, 'Aqabat Dhi Tiwa." "The Houses of Mecca?" I (Ahmed) asked. "Yes," he replied.
2
When the
hajji performs
al-ihram from one of the appointed places, it is recommended for to continue
al-talbiya throughout the time until he arrives in Mecca. When he sees its houses, he ceases
al-talbiya.
63. Al-Muhrim can buy female Salves
Sa'd b. Sa'd al-Ash'ari al-Qummi narrated on the authority of Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, saying: "I asked him (al-Rida) about
al-muhrim (one who has entered the state of ritual consecration): Can
al-muhrim buy and sell female slaves? 'Yes,' he replied.
3"
____________
1. Al-Tahdhib, vol. 1, p. 471. Al-Wasa'il, vol. 1, p. 31.
2. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 9, p. 57.
3. Furu' al-Kakafi, vol. 1, p. 267. Wasail al-Shia, vol. 9, p. 92.
(467 )
It is prohibited for
al-muhrim to marry a woman; likewise, it is prohibited for him to make the contract of marriage for those other than him. As for buying and selling female slaves, it is not forbidden, as it is indicated by this narration.
64. It is Permissible for al-Muhrim to wear a Ring
Mohammed b. Isma'il b. Buzaygh reported, saying: "I saw Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, wearing a ring while he was in the state of ritual consecration (
muhrim).
1 "
65. Al-Muhrim can walk in Shade
Mohammed b. Isma'il b. Buzaygh narrated, saying: "I wrote to Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him: 'Is it permissible for al-muhrim to walk in the shade of the double camel-litter (al-Mahmal)? 'Yes,' he, peace be on him, wrote.'
2"
One of the things from which al-muhrim should refrain is casting a shadow over him. As for walking in shade, it is not forbidden. This matter has raised many questions, for al-Tabrasi narrated, saying: "Mohammed b. al-Hasan questioned Abu al-Hasan Musa b. Ja'far, peace be on him, in the presence of (Harun) al-Rashïd when they were in Mecca. He asked him: 'Is it permissible for al-muhrim to walk in the shade of the double camel-litter (al-Mahmal)?' 'It is not permissible for him (to do) that willingly,' the Ima`m answered him. 'Is it permissible for him to walk in shade willingly?' asked Mohammed b. al-Hasan. 'Yes,' he replied him. Mohammed b. al-Hasan laughed at that, hence the Ima`m asked: 'Do you wonder at the Sunna (practices) of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, and ridicule it? Surely Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, removed his shade during his ihra`m and walked in the shade while he was muhrim. Surely Allah's laws, O Mohammed, are not compared. So he who compares them to each other deviates from the straight path.'
3 "
____________
1. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 9, p. 127.
2. Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 262.
3. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 9, p. 51.
(468 )
66. Religious Expiation for killing a Bird in the Holy Shrine
Safwan b. Yahya` narrated on the authority of Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him, who said: "He who kills a bird in the Holy Shrine (of the Prophet) while he is in the ritual state of consecration (muhrim) should pay the value, which is one dirham, and buy food for the pigeons of the Holy Shrine.
1 "
67. Redemption for casting Shadow
Sa'd b. Sa'd al-Ash'ari reported on the authority of Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, saying: "I asked him (al-Rida`) about al-muhrim (one who has entered the state of ritual consecration) who cast a shadow over himself, and he asked me: 'Is there an excuse?' 'The heat of the sun hurts him when he is in the state of ritual consecration (
muhrim),' I answered. 'It is an excuse,' he explained, 'he can cast a shadow over himself and should pay a redemption.'
2 "
Ibrahïm b. Abu` Mahmu`d narrated, saying: "I asked al-Rida`, peace be on him: 'Is it permissible for
al-muhrim to cast over himself a shadow from his double camel-litter (
al-Mahmil) and pay a redemption when the sun and rain hurt him?' 'Yes,' he replied. 'How much is the redemption?' I asked him. 'A ewe,' he answered.
3 "
68. Supplication by al-Rukn al-Yamani
Sa'd b. Sa'd al-Ash'ari reported on the authority of al-Rida`, peace be on him, saying: "I was with him (al-Rida`) during circumambulating (the Ka'ba). When we approached al-Rukn al-Yama`ni, he raised his hands towards the heaven, and then he said: 'O Allah! O Keeper of well-being! O Creator of well-being! O Provider with well-being! O Benefactor through well-being! O Munificent with well-being! O You who have obliged me and all Your creatures
____________
1. Al-Tadhib, vol. 1, p. 536.
2. Ibid.
3. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 9, p. 287.
(469 )
through well-being! O Most Gracious in this world and the next and Most Merciful in both of them! Bless Mohammed and the family of Mohammed, provide us with well-being, completing well-being, giving thanks for well-being in here and the hereafter, O Most Merciful of the merciful!
1 "
69. Obligatory Circumambulation
He (al-Rida`), peace be on him, said: "One should say nothing during obligatory circumambulation except supplication, invocation of Allah, and reciting the Qur'a`n. As for the supererogatory (i.e. recommended circumambulation), there is no harm in it (when) one meet his brother and talks with him about one of the affairs of the world.
2" This precept is not obligatory; rather it is recommended; and it is recommended for
al-muhrim to say nothing during his circumambulation except the invocation of Allah, the Most High.
70. Stone-Throwing
Isma'ïl b. Hammam reported, saying: "I heard Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, say: 'Do not throw stones on the Day of Great Sacrifice (i.e. the Day of 'Id) until the sun rises.
3" The surface meaning of this order is the prevention from throwing stones before the sunrise.
71. Animal for Immolation is sufficient for a Group of People
Sawa`da and 'Ali b. Asba`t narrated on the authority of Abu al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him. They said: "We asked him (al-Rida): 'May we be your ransom, the sacrifices in Mecca have become expensive; is it sufficient for two persons to take part in a sheep?' 'Yes,' he replied 'and (it is sufficient) for seventy (persons).'
4 "
____________
1. Ibid., p. 417.
2. Ibid., p. 465.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid., vol. 10, p. 114.
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This narration concerns the recommended
hajj. As for the obligatory
hajj, one sacrifice is not sufficient except for one person, nor is it sufficient for two persons.
72. Clothes should not be sold for buying an Animal for Immolation
'Ali b. Asbat reported on the authority of one of our companions, on the authority of Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him. He said: "I said to him (al-Rida): 'A man has performed
hajj al-tamattu', and there are some clothes in his bag, shall he sell some of them in order to buy a sacrifice?' 'No,' he answered, 'the believer should adorn himself with them. He should fast and not sell any of his clothes.'
1 " When the pilgrim is unable to buy a sacrifice, he should fast for three days during the
hajj and seven days when he comes back to his homeland.
73. Visiting the Prophet is Recommended
Al-Hasan b. al-Jahm narrated, saying: "I asked Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him: 'Which is better the man who comes to Mecca and does not go to Medina or the man who comes to the Prophet and does not go to Mecca?' 'In which thing do you believe?' he asked me. 'We believe in al-Husayn, peace be on him,' I replied, 'then what about the Prophet?' 'Since you said that,' he retorted, 'Abu 'Abd Allah (al-Husayn), peace be on him, witnessed 'Id in Medina, came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and greeted him, and then he said to those present: 'We are better than the people of all the cities, Mecca and other than it, for we have greeted Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family.'
2"
74. Running away from Fighting in the Way of Allah is Prohibited
"Allah has prohibited escaping from fighting in His path, for it leads to undermining the religion; disdaining the just prophets and
____________
1. Ibid., p. 114. Furu'al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 348.
2. Kamil al-Ziyarat, p. 331. Al-Wasa'il, vol. 10, p. 273.
( 471 )
Imams; leaving helping them against the enemies who should be punished for their leaving professing the Lord to whom they are summoned, (and who are summoned to) establishing justice, leaving oppression, and deadening corruption. Moreover it encourages the enemies to (attack) the Muslims, and (this attack) results in murdering (them), taking them as prisoners, and abolishing the religion of Allah, the Great and Almighty, and (this attack leads to) other corrupt things.
1"
Islam has prohibited running away from fighting in the way of Allah, for it brings about dangerous harms to the Muslims, of which is that the unbelieving forces dominate Islam, destroy the Muslims, and severely punish the believers.
75. Adopting the Bedouin Customs after the Emigration is Prohibited
Mohammed b. Sina`n narrated that Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him, wrote to him in response to his questions: "And Allah has prohibited adopting the Bedouin customs after the Emigration, for it brings about withdrawal from the religion, leaving supporting the prophets and the proofs (Imams), peace be on him, corrupting and invalidating the rights of those who have rights, because of the residence of the Bedouins; likewise, if one fully knows the religion, it is not permissible for him to live with men of ignorance, for fear that he may leave knowledge and adopt the customs of men of ignorance and go too far in that.
2 "
Islam has prohibited adopting the Bedouin customs after the Emigration, for it brings about withdrawal from the religion and acquiring the manners of the ignorant, for social life is the life of effect and being affected, so every person is affected by his surroundings, and he produces an effect on them; for this reason Islam has prohibited living with men of ignorance. This prohibition concerns those ignorant from among the Muslims. However, it does not
____________
1. Was'il al-Shia, vol. 11, p. 65.
2. Man la Yahdarahu al-Fiqih, vol. 2, p. 188. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 11, p. 75
(472 )
concerns those who have knowledge and virtue, for they do not follow the manners of the ignorant.
76. Buying Infidel Captives is Permissible
Mohammed b. 'Abd Allah reported, saying: "I asked Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, about a group of people who went out (in mutiny), killed a group of Muslims, and demolished the Mosques; and Harun, who was in charge (of the Muslims), sent for them, and they were taken and killed, the women and the boys were taken prisoners¾is it permissible (for us) to buy some women of them and marry them? 'There is no harm in buying their commodities and taking them prisoners,' he replied.
1 "
Zakariya b. Adam narrated, saying: "I asked al-Rida`, peace be on him, about a group of the enemies who made peace, and then they broke their promise; perhaps, they broke their promise because they were not treated with justice is it permissible to buy some of their captives? He, peace be on him, answered: 'If they were from among the enemies whose enmity is manifest, then buy from them; and if they are estranged and wronged, then do not buy their captives.'
2 "
In the second tradition the Imam, peace be on him, talked about those who mutinied against the basic government: if they mutinied against it because they suffered from oppression or it did not accomplish its treaties and broke its promises, then there would be no way to buy some of their captives; and if their mutiny was as a sign of enmity toward Islam and malice toward the Muslims, then it was permissible for the Muslims to buy their captives.
77. The Precepts of al-Khrajj
Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, detailed the precepts of land tax (
al-kharajj) through his talk with Ahmed b. Mohammed b. Abu Nasr, who said: "I mentioned
al-kharajj before Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, and how the members of his household behaved toward it,
____________
1. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 1, p. 99.
2. Al-Tahdhib, vol. 2, p. 53.
( 473 )
and he said: 'One-tenth and half a one-tenth is due on him who adopts Islam willingly; his land is left in his hand; and one-tenth and half a one-tenth is taken from him concerning what he has reformed from it. As for that which he has not reformed, it is taken by the governor who accepts it from him who reforms it, and it belongs to the Muslims. Nothing is due on that which less than five camel-loads (
awsaq). As for the land which is taken by the sword, it is up to the Ima`m, who accepts it with what he sees; just as Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, did toward Khaybar; he accepted its land and its date-palms; and the people say: 'The acceptance of the land and the date-palms is not good when whiteness (barren land) is more than blackness (fertile land); and certainly Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, accepted Khaybar and (specified) one-tenth and half a one-tenth as due on their portions.'
1 "
78. Al-Amr bi al-Ma'ruf and al-Nahy 'an al-Munkar
He (al-Rida), peace be on him, said: "You should direct others towards good and direct them away from evil; otherwise, He (Allah) will employ your evil ones over you, so your good ones supplicate (Him) but He does respond to them.
2 "
And he, peace be on him, said: Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, would say: "When (the members of) my community depend on each other concerning al-amr bi al-ma'ru`f and al-nahy 'an al-munkar, then they will face a punishment from Allah.
3 "
Surely
al-amr bi al-ma'ru`f and al-nahy 'an al-munkar are two main Islamic bases on which the development of the community, its security, and its safety from discords and deviation (from the truth) are built.
And he, peace be on him, said:
"Al-amr bi al-ma'ruf and
al-nahy 'an al-munkar are two obligatory (things) when it is possible and there is no fear for the soul.
4"
____________
1.Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 11, p.383.
2. Furu' al-KAfi, vol. 1, p. 343.
3. Ibid., p. 344. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 11, p. 364.
4. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 11, p. 402.
(474 )
Surely
al-amr bi al-ma'ruf and al-nahy 'an al-munkar require conditions of which is that there should be no fear for the soul, the family, and the wealth. When these conditions are not available, then this religious duty drops.
79. Making Use of the fat Tails which are cut off from Living Sheep
Al-Bizanti, the companion of Ima`m al-Rida, peace be on him, narrated, saying: "I asked him (al-Rida`) about the person who cuts off the fat tails of his living sheep¾is it permissible for him to make use of them? 'Yes,' he answered, 'he should melt them, light (a lamp) through them, but he should not eat them; nor should he sell them.'
1"
This narration is a proof of that it is permissible for one to make use of the fat tails which are cut off from living sheep, but this use is confined to illumination only.
80. Wage for Writing the Qur'an
Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, was asked about the wage for writing the Qur'a`n, and he, peace be on him, replied: "There is no harm in it.
2"
81. Al-Maysar is a Game of Hazard
Islam has prohibited al-maysar (game of hazard) and associated it with wine. As for Imam al-Rida, peace be on him, he explained
al-maysar, saying: "
Al-maysar is a game of hazard.
3 " And he, peace be on him, said: "Surely, chess, game at dice (nard), fourteen (
arba'at 'ashar), and all things used as gamble are
maysar.
4"
____________
1. Qurb al-Isnad, p. 115. Al-Sara'ir, p. 469.
2.Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 11, p. 117.
3. Tafsir al-'Ayyashi, vol. 1, p. 336.
4. Ibid., p. 339.
(475 )
82. Work for Tyrannical Ruler
Sulayma`n al-Ja'fari reported, saying: "I asked Abu` al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him: 'What do say about work for the tyrannical ruler (Sultan)?' He answered: 'O Sulayma`n, work for tyrannical rulers, helping them, and striving for accomplishing their needs are equal to unbelief; likewise, looking at them deliberately is one of the great sins because of which one deserves the Fire.'
1 " Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, made it permissible for a tyrannical ruler to undertake authority, provided that he should benefit the believers and drive harm away from them. He, peace be on him, said: "Surely Allah has friends along with the (tyrannical) ruler, through whom He drives (harm) away from His friends.
2 "
Al-Hasan b. al-Husayn al-Anba`ri narrated on the authority of Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, peace be on him, saying: "I wrote to him (al-Rida) for fourteen years and asked him to permit me in order to work for the ruler (Sultan); in the last letter I wrote him and mentioned that my neck would be struck off, that the ruler said to me that I was a Rafidite (apostate), and that I refused to work for the ruler because of my being a Rafidite.
"So Abu al-Hasan (al-Rida), peace be on him, wrote me: 'I have understood your letter and what you have mentioned concerning the fear for your soul. If you become a governor, work according to the orders of Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, your helpers and scribes follow your creed, and you help the poor believers to the extent that you become one of them, then it is okay; otherwise, no.'
3"
83. Option of Animals
'Ali b. Asba`t reported on the authority of Abu al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him, saying: "I heard him (al-Rida) say: 'The buyer has the right of option of an animals for three days; as for (the things)
____________
1. Ibid., p. 238. Al-Wasa'il, vol. 12, 138.
2. Al-Maqna'a, p. 31.
3. Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 359. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 12, p. 145.
( 476 )
other than animals, (the right of option terminates) when they leave each other.'
1"
In the light of this narration and others, the jurists have given a religious decision that the buyer has the right of option of an animals for three days; and as for the things other than animals, the right of option terminates when they leave each other; and that is called 'option of meeting place.'
84. Changing Coins
Yunus narrated, saying: "I wrote to al-Rida`: 'I owed a man three thousands dirhams; the people used those dirhams in those days; they do not use them nowadays¾shall I take the same dirhams or the dirhams which the people use nowadays?' So he wrote me: 'You have the right to take from him the dirhams which the people use just as you gave him the dirhams which the people used.'
2 "
85. Selling unripe Fruit
Al-Hasan b. 'Ali al-Washsha' reported, saying: "I asked Abu al-Hasan al-Rida`, peace be on him: 'Is it permissible to sell unripe dates?' 'No,' he replied, 'it is not permissible to sell them until they grow.' 'May I be your ransom, what is the growth (
zahw)?' I asked him. 'When they become red or yellow or the like,' he answered.
3 "
86. Buying the Children of the protected People is Prohibited
Zakariya b. Adam narrated, saying: "I asked al-Rida, peace be on him, about one of the protected people (
ahl al-dhimma) who faced famine and brought me his boy, saying: 'This (boy) belongs to you; feed him and take him as a slave for you.' So he (al-Rida) declared: 'Do not buy a free man; nor do buy one of the protected people, for it is not permissible for you (to do that).'
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1. Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 1, 390.
2. Ibid., p. 401. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 12, p. 481.
3. Furu' al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 387.
4. Ibid. Wasa'il al-Shia, vol. 13, p. 28.
(477 )
The protected people (ahl al-dhimma) are free, and it is not permissible to buy them.
87. The Imam pays the Debts of the Debtors
Mohammed b. Sulayma`n reported on the authority of a man called Abu` Mohammed from al-Jazïra. He (the man) said: "A man asked al-Rida, peace be on him. The man said and I could hear him: 'May I be your ransom, Allah, the Great and Almighty, says:
And if (the debtor) is in straitness, then let there be postponement until (he is in) ease. Tell me about this postponement which Allah, the Great and Almighty, has mentioned in His Book: Is there any fixed period for it, that the creditor may wait for this impoverished one, who has taken the creditor's money and spent it on his family, and who has neither a crop nor a debt nor an absent wealth?'
"He (al-Rida), peace be on him, replied: 'Yes, he (the creditor) must wait until the Imam hears of his news; and he pays his (the debtor's) debt from the share of the debtors. That is when he (the debtor) had spent it (debt) on the acts of obedience to Allah, the Great and Almighty. If he had spent it on the acts of disobedience to Allah, then he would have nothing against the Imam.' I (i.e. the man) asked: 'What about this man who entrusted (his money) to him while he did not know whether he spent it on the acts of obedience to Allah or on acts of disobedience to Him? He (al-Rida`) answered: 'He (debtor) should strive for him concerning his money and humbly return it to him.'
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