The Challenge of the Lion of Allah: Indisputable Proofs of Mastership

Imam Ja’far aI-Sadiq (a.s.) narrates on the authority of his forefathers (a.s.) that when people pledged their allegiance (bay’at) to Abu Bakr, atrocities committed on Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) became manifest and Abu Bakr reached the position he desired to reach, he started portraying to the people that he had a very soft corner for Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) and met him in a very warm and friendly manner. However, Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) met him like one meets an opponent or an enemy. Being uncomfortable with this, Abu Bakr sought permission to meet Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) so that he could make him (a.s.) pleased with himself. He wanted to convince Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) that he hadn’t committed any mistake, rather the people had pledged their allegiance to him and that he didn’t have any desire for being the Caliph of the Muslims.

He was on the lookout for an opportunity and one day he came to know that Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) alone in his house. He immediately reached there and sought permission to meet him (a.s.):

Imam (a.s.) also gave him the permission. As soon as he entered the house, he started saying, “O Abal Hasan! I’ve neither conspired in the matter of Caliphate nor have I played foul. I am absolutely unworthy of Caliphate neither do I have any desire or inclination towards it. Rather, I am not convinced whether I can satisfy the needs of the Muslims. Neither am I better than others, nor do I possess lots of wealth nor a powerful tribe nor relatives. Then why are you treating me in this manner? Why are you dissatisfied with me? Why do you look down upon me? I do not deserve such a conduct.”

Imam Ali (a.s) replied:

“Didn’t you crave for the Caliphate? Then why did you run hither thither for it? And after this you say you do not consider yourself worthy of it. And that you do not have faith upon yourself?

Abu Bakr started saying: I have heard a tradition from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.)

“Allah the Exalted shall not allow my nation to gather upon deviation.”

Since I saw that everyone was paying his allegiance to me, I accepted their allegiance to prevent them from deviation as per the saying of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) If I was aware of a single person opposing me; I would never have accepted the allegiance.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) retorted:

The tradition which you have narrated from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) — Allah shall not allow my nation to gather upon deviation —Am I not a part of this nation?

Abu Bakr replied: Undoubtedly you are a part of this nation.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Similarly, even the group which did not pay allegiance to you, like Salman, Abuzar, Ammar-e-Y’asir, Miqdad bin Aswad, Sa’d Bin Obaadah, and the group of Ansar that shared Sa’d bin Obaadah’s views, are these people a part of the Messenger’s (s.a.w.a.s.) nation or not?

Abu Bakr replied: All of them are a part of the Messenger’s (s.a.w.a.s.) nation.

At that moment Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) said:

Then how do you quote this tradition as an argument when all the people have not pledged their allegiance to you? And these people are so good that neither can anyone ascribe anything inappropriate towards them, nor do they hold any views about the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) which makes them entitled for curses and taunts.

Abu Bakr replied: When the process of pledging allegiance to me was complete, I became aware that a few people had not pledged their allegiance to me. I feared that if I would step down, the people would deviate from the religion of Allah. Thus, I came to the conclusion that staying on the position of the Caliphate was less harmful than people pouncing on each other and getting entangled in the internal squabbles. I realised that you are also of the opinion that people remain on the religion of Allah and do not disbelieve.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) replied:

Yes, I desire to see the religion of Allah prevail, but tell me, Abu Bakr, who, based on what criteria and knowledge does one become more deserving and worthier for this position (of caliphate)?

Abu Bakr replied: A person who possesses special characteristics, gives good counsel, doesn’t conspire against the truth, is well mannered, the one who spreads justice and equality, has complete knowledge of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, is eloquent, possesses Asceticism and piety along with knowledge, is disinclined towards the world, obtains the rights of the oppressed ones from near and distant oppressors. After this Abu Bakr fell silent.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) asked:

Do nearness with the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) and precedence In faith form a part of these conditions?

Abu Bakr replied: Yes.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

O Abu Bakr! Tell me, by Allah, do you find the characteristics and the qualities you just mentioned in yourself or in me?

Abu Bakr replied: O Abal Hasan, I find them in you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, was I foremost in believing in the Messenger of Allah (s. a. w. a.) or you?

Abu Bakr replied: It was you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said: Tell me by Allah, whom did the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) assign to read out the verses of Surah Baraat in midst of the pilgrims during Hajj, you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: You were ordered to do so.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said: Tell me by Allah, on the night of Migration (Hijrat) when the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) was proceeding towards the cave, did you sleep in his bed to sacrifice your life or did I do so?

Abu Bakr replied: You did.

O Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said: Tell me by Allah, whom did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) introduce to the people in Ghadeer and declared: ‘Of whomsoever I am the Master, Ali is his Master’, then am I the Leader and Master of all the Muslims or are you?

Abu Bakr replied: ‘Most certainly you.’

Upon this Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said: Who after defraying the poor-rate (Zakaat) in the condition of bowing (Ruku), as per the verse (ayat) which was revealed and the order of Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), is the Ruler and Guardian, me or you?

Abu Bakr affirmed: You, O Ali

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said: Tell me by Allah, who according to the tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) ‘You are to me in the same position as Haroon is to Musa’ deserves to be the vicegerent of the Prophet, you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: You are the rightful claimant of the Messenger of Allah’s (s.a.w.a.s.) vicegerency.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said: During the incident of malediction (Mubahilah) with the Christians of Najran, did the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) take me, my wife and my two children to the desert for praying or (did he take) you?

Abu Bakr replied: He took you along with himself.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said: Tell me by Allah, was the Verse of Purification (Ayat-e-Tatheer) revealed concerning you and your family or was it revealed concerning me, my wife and my two children?

Abu Bakr replied: It was revealed concerning you, your wife and your two children.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said: Tell me by Allah, in the Tradition of the Cloak (Hadees-e-Kisa) the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) gathered us under the Cloak and prayed: ‘O Lord, this is my family and these are the members of my household (Ahle Bait), call them unto You and keep them safe from hell’ -Are you included among them?

Abu Bakr replied: Certainly this is concerning you and your family.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Tell me by Allah, the verse:

يُوفُونَ بِالنَّذْرِ‌ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا كَانَ شَرُّ‌هُ مُسْتَطِيرً‌ا

“They fulfil vows and fear a day, the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide.”

(Surah Dahr/Insaan (76), verse 7

was revealed concerning you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: It Was revealed concerning you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said: Tell me by Allah, for whom did the sun turn back after Its setting so that the prayer could be offered at the time of pre-eminence?

Abu Bakr replied: For you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said: Are you the youth for whom the no youth for whom he caller cried out from the skies:

لاَ فتٰى اِلاَّ عَلِىٌّ سَيْفْ اِلاَّ ذُوْالْفِقَارِ

“There is no youth except Ali, and no sword except Zulfiqar,” or am I?

Abu Bakr replied: It was concerning you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said: Tell me by Allah, on the day of Khaibar, upon whom did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) confer his standard? Was it me or was it you? On that day, was victory and success for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) through me or through you?

Abu Bakr replied: The Standard was particularly given to you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, on the day of Battle of Badr, did I kill Amr Ibn Abdawud thereby resulting in tranquillity for the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and Muslims or did you (do it)?

Abu Bakr replied: You did.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, whom did the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) depute to deliver the trusted belongings and letter to the Jinns? And then did I deliver the letter and the entrusted things to the Jinns — because of which they accepted the invitation of the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.s.) or did you do so?

Abu Bakr replied: You did.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is the tradition of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.), “O Ali, you and I are from such predecessors who from the time of Adam (a.s.), the Father of Mankind (Abul Bashar) till our grandfather Abdul Muttalib have been from lawfully wedded pairs.” Is this purity specific to you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: It is meant for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, the saying of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.): ‘Allah has married you with Fatimah (s.a.) in the heavens, hence I chose you for my daughter’ — is this concerning you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: It is concerning you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

The person who is the father of Hasan (as.) and Husain (a.s.), the grandsons of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), concerning whom the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said ‘These two are the leaders of the youths of paradise, and their parents are superior than them’— am I that father or you?

Abu Bakr replied: You are.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, the one who was granted two wings in Paradise -flying with angels in paradise is he my brother or yours?

Abu Bakr replied: He is your brother.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who announced publicly during the season of Hajj and Umrah that if someone has any claim against the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), then I guarantee to repay it was it me or you?

Abu Bakr replied: It was you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, when the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was presented a roasted bird and he prayed and requested Allah: O Allah! Please send your most beloved person to eat this roasted bird with me’ — who gave company to the Messenger of Allah (s. a. w. a.s.) in that invitation — was it me or you?

Abu Bakr replied: You did.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, in the interpretation of the verse of Holy Qur’an, whom did the Messenger give the good news of the success in the battle against the oath breakers of allegiance ناكثين)), the unjust قاسطين)), and the renegades مارقين))was it given to you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: The good news was given to you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, whom did the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) declare as having the highest knowledge in passing judgements and oratory and declared: ‘All is the best judge and ruler amongst you’ – were you remembered by this quality or!?

Abu Bakr replied: You were remembered by this quality.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Upon whom did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) confer the title of ‘Ameerul Momineen’ (Commander of the Faithful) for whom did he (s.a.w.a.s.) order his companions to salute by the title of ‘Ameerul Momineen’? Am I ‘Ameerul Momineen’ or you?

Abu Bakr replied: Certainly you are ‘Ameerul Momineen’

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I ask you by Allah, who heard the last and final words of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) before he left for the heavenly abode and carried out his (s.a.w.a.s.) funeral rites? Was it you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: It was you who did so.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

With regards to kith and kin, were you the most proximate to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) or I?

Abu Bakr replied: It was you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Who was the one chosen for the deenar by Allah and Jibraeel (a.s.) sold food to him and who fed Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his children?

Abu Bakr wept and replied: It was you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I ask you by Allah, who was the one raised by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) on his shoulders so that he could smash the idols of the polytheists into pieces and said: Had I wished I could ascend to the heavens?

Abu Bakr replied: Definitely it was you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I ask you by Allah, whom did the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) address when he (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “You will raise my standard in this world and the hereafter’ Was it you or (was it) me?

Abu Bakr replied: He addressed you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, when Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered the doors of all homes abutting the mosque to be closed except one. Did that door belong to your home or mine? Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) permitted the entry to the mosque with respect to a thing which was permissible for him.

Was that thing related to you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: No doubt it was related to you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

On the day when Muslims prevented a person from conversing confidentially with Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) after giving charity to a poor person and Allah revealed the verse:

أَأَشْفَقْتُمْ أَن تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيْ نَجْوَاكُمْ صَدَقَاتٍ  فَإِذْ لَمْ تَفْعَلُوا وَتَابَ اللَّـهُ عَلَيْكُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّـهَ وَرَ‌سُولَهُ  وَاللَّـهُ خَبِيرٌ‌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

“Do you fear that you will not (be able to) give in charity before your consultation? So when you do not do it and Allah has turned to you (mercifully), then keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and obey Allah and His Apostle; and Allah is Aware of what you do.”

Surah Mujaadelah (58): Verse 13

Were you the one who conversed confidentially with Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) after giving charity or was it me?”

Abu Bakr replied: It was you who gave charity and spoke privately with Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, for whom did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) say the following to his daughter Fatimah (s.a.): I am choosing the best of the Muslims and the foremost in belief, as your husband. Is this related to you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: It is related to you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I ask you by Allah, whom do the angels of all the seven heavens saluted at the wells of the Badr? Was it you or me?

Abu Bakr replied: They saluted you.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) then remarked:

These virtues and excellences, ability to lead this nation are dependent upon the past experiences of excellences and abilities. O Abu Bakr how did you deceive yourself and turn away from Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) when your are far from and devoid of those qualities required by the common and the pious Muslims.

Abu Bakr started weeping and said: O Abul Hasan! You have said the truth. Give me a day so that I ponder over what you have clarified for me.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

O Abu Bakr, take your time.

It was this day that Abu Bakr felt very low and allowed none to meet him. Umar gathered that Abu Bakr had talked confidentially with Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) and became very perplexed and anxious.

When Abu Bakr slept the following night, he dreamt that he is saluting the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) who turned his face away from him. He again saluted the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) but he (s.a.w.a.s.) turned away his face again. Abu Bakr said: O Messenger of Allah! Is there any order of yours which I have not carried out? Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) replied:

“What answer do you expect from Allah and His Messenger? You bear enmity towards the one whom Allah and His Messenger have appointed as your master and leader and who is the most superior of your people. Give back the right to the one who deserves it.”

Abu Bakr asked: Who deserves this right? Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) replied:

The one who protested extensively to you today.

Abu Bakr said: I shall return his right.

The next morning Abu Bakr presented himself before Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and said: O Abul Hasan, I wish to pledge allegiance to you. He then narrated his dream to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), who permitted him to shake his hand and pledge allegiance to him and Abu Bakr did the same. Abu Bakr then said: I will go to the mosque and narrate our conversation and my dream to the people. Thereafter, I shall resign from the Caliphate and hand it over to you.

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) replied:

Carry out this task if you wish so.

In a state of grief and sadness, Abu Bakr hurried towards the mosque. Umar who was hitherto chasing Abu Bakr to meet him, said: O Caliph of Allah! What happened to you and why do you look so grief stricken? Abu Bakr told Umar about what had transpired between him and Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) and his dream. Umar said: O Caliph of the Prophet! Do not underestimate the magic and sorcery of Bani Hashim. This is not the first time they have used sorcery and enchantment. Never trust them. Umar emphasized on this point so strongly that Abu Bakr was convinced and changed his decision. As promised to Abu Bakr, Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) went to the mosque, but neither Abu Bakr nor the people were present there. By now everything was evident. (Of course, Imam Ali (a.s.) had anticipated this). Imam Ali (a.s.) went to visit the sacred grave of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and after the visitation, laid down for a while. Umar passed by and said:

O Ali! The task that you are trying to achieve is more difficult than picking from a thorny bush.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) then returned to his home

(AI-Ehtejaaj of Shaikh al-Tabrisi (r.a.) p. 115)

Ameerul Momineen Ali ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) completes his argument for the Consultative Council after Umar

Umar Ibn Shimr narrates from Jabir Ju’fi that Imam Baqir (a.s.) narrated : During his last moments, Umar wished to appoint a caliph and formed an Consultative Council comprising of Six members viz. Uthman lbn Affan, Zubair lbn Awwaam, Talha lbn Abdullah, Abdul Rahman lbn Alif, Sa’d lbn Abi Waqqas and Imam Ali (a.s.). This Consultative Council was to gather in a house and was not permitted to leave till the members decided Upon the caliph. If four of the members agreed on one person then the fifth person should be killed. If three members elected one member as a caliph then the two Opposing members should be put to death.

Uthman emerged as a caliph after this meeting. When Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) sensed that the members of the committee wish to pledge allegiance to Uthman, he completed his argument and made everything evident by saying: Listen carefully to my word, accept it if I am right and reject if it be unacceptable By Allah who discerns the truth when spoken and the untruth when told.

Imam Ali (a.s.) then said:

I ask you by Allah, is there anyone among you who prayed facing the two Qiblas (Masjid-e-Aqsa and Masjidul Haraam) except me?

All the members said: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who among you except me pledged allegiance twice (One after the conquest of Makkah and other at Bay’at-e-Rizwan)?

All the members replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Tell me by Allah, does any one of you have a brother like me who was granted two wings by Allah and ascended the heavens with angels?

All the members said unanimously: This virtue is for your brother alone.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell m e by Allah, does any one o f you have an uncle like mine — Ameerul Momineen Hamzah (a.s.) — the chIef of the martyrs?

All of them said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Tell me by Allah, does anyone of you have a wife like mine who is the leader of women in both the worlds?

All of them replied in the negative in unison.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Is there any among you whose sons apart from being the sons of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) are the leaders of the youths of the Paradise?

They all said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Does any one of you barring me, have the complete knowledge of the Holy Quran and its abrogated and the abrogating verses?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Is there any one among you except me who was purified by Allah of all doubts and impurities through the ‘Verse of Purification’?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there any one among you except me who has seen Jibraeel (a.s.) in the form of Dahiye Kalbi?

All of them said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) continued:

I ask you by Allah, who other than me has defrayed Zakaat in Ruku upon the poor individual?

They said none other than you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, was it anyone other than me whose eyes were stroked (and cured) by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) on the day of Khaibar and entrusted with his (s.a.w.a.s.) standard?

They said: It was none other than you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who among you besides me was introduced by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) at Ghadeer-e-Khum and blessed with the following  prayer: ‘O lord befriend him who befriends Ali and bear enmity with his enemy’?

They all said none except you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who except me was the brother of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his companion and supporter in journey?

They said none.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Did any one of you except me fight with Amr Ibn Abdawud and rout him?

They all said no in unison.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone amongst you excluding me for whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Your position with regards to me is same as that of Haroon to Musa except that there is no prophet after me?

They all said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is anyone of you except me referred to as a ‘believer’ in Holy Quran ten times?

They all said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Who besides me had handed over a handful of dust to Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) who threw it upon the disbelievers whereon they (disbelievers) ran a way?

They all said none.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Who, barring me, stood steadfastly by the Holy Prophets’ (s.a.w.a.s.) side on the day of battle Ohod when all Muslims took flight from the battlefield?

They all said, “It was only you.”

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, did anyone but me repay the debts of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)?

They all said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who except me was present with Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) during his final moments?

They said none else.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, did anyone except me perform the funeral bath, shroud and burial rites of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)?

They said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

I ask you by Allah, who besides me inherited the armaments, standard and ring of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)?

They all said verily it was you who inherited them.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

I ask you by Allah, did Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) give anyone the right to divorce his (s.a.w.a.s.) wives except me?

They all said no.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who other than me was raised by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) on his shoulders to break the idols of the Ka’bah?

They said it was only you who was raised on his shoulders.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I ask you by Allah, am I not the one whose name echoed in the heavens and everyone heard that ‘There is no sword like Zulfiqaar and no youth like All”

They all said: It was only you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, who other than me partook of the roasted bird gifted to the Holy Prophet (s.a. w.a.s.)?

They unanimously answered in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, who did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) refer to as his standard bearer in this world and the hereafter?

Everyone answered: You, O All.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anybody amongst you who has given charity for a private conversation with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)?

Everyone answered in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Is there anybody here except me who has mended the slippers of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)?

Everyone answered in the negative

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anybody else about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said:

lam your brother and you are my brother?

They replied: It has only been said of you

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, Is there anybody amongst you except me, regarding whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has stated: You are the closest to me amongst everyone and are the most truthful after me?

They replied: No, only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anybody except me amongst you who has undertaken the manual labour of extracting water from the well a hundred times so that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) should not stay hungry. Then has taken the payment of a hundred dates to the presence of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) so that he (s.a.w.a.s.) would satisfy his hunger from it?

They all unanimously declared in the negative

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anybody amongst you like me, to whom Jibraeel, Mikaael and three thousand other angels have come to salute on the day of Badr?

They all replied: This status is yours alone

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, did anybody except me cover the blessed eyes of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) after his demise?

They all said: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anybody present who has confessed to the Unity of Allah prior to me?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me y Allah, is there anyone amongst you who would reach the presence of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) before me and leave after me?

Only you, said everyone present.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, was there anybody amongst you who was present when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was passing through beautiful plantations. I remarked: What beautiful gardens and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) answered each time, “Your garden in paradise is far better than this.”

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anybody present except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: You are the first to believe in me and the first to meet me at the Pool of Kauthar?

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is me, whose hand was held by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), and that of my wife and children, had taken us for Mubahela with the Christians of Najran?

They unanimously replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, Is there anyone except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said to Anas: The first man to enter this room is the Chief of the Faithful, the master of the Muslims and the commander of the people. Anas prayed at the time: O God, make him from among the Ansar. But I came and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said to Anas: You are not the first who loves his people?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anybody else about whom this verse was revealed:

إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّـهُ وَرَ‌سُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَ‌اكِعُونَ

“Only Allah is your Master and His Messenger and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay the poor-rate while they while hey bow!”

Surah Maaedah (5): Verse 55

They said: It has been revealed in your praise.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I put on pledge to Your Lord, is there anybody except me amongst you for whom and his children, this verse has been revealed

إِنَّ الْأَبْرَ‌ارَ‌ يَشْرَ‌بُونَ مِن كَأْسٍ كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا كَافُورً‌ا

“Surely the righteous shall drink of a cup the admixture of which is camphor.”

Surah Dahr/Insaan (76): Verse 5

It has been revealed only for you, they replied.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone else for whom this verse has been revealed

أَجَعَلْتُمْ سِقَايَةَ الْحَاجِّ وَعِمَارَ‌ةَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَ‌امِ كَمَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّـهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ‌ وَجَاهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ لَا يَسْتَوُونَ عِندَ اللَّـهِ

“What! Do you make (one who undertakes) the giving of the drink to the pilgrims and the guarding of the Sacred Mosque like the One who believes in Allah and the Latter Day and strives hard in Allah’s Way, they are not equal in front of Allah.”

Surah Taubah (9) : verse 19

All replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anybody except me whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) taught a thousand doors of knowledge, in which each of the doors was a key to open a thousand other doors of knowledge?

Everyone replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

I put upon you the pledge of Allah, reply to me. With whom did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) have a confidential conversation? When Abu Bakr and Umar dissented: What did you say to Ali (a.s.) in private? The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) replied: This act was in accordance with the order of Allah. Was it somebody other than me?

They replied: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has made to drink water from the vessel (of Muhr)?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone except me for whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: ‘You are the closest to me of all the creatures on the Day of Resurrection. People to the count of the tribes of Rabi’ah and Mudhar (till Qiyamat) will achieve paradise due to your intercession.

No, was their reply.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anybody present except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has stated: O Ali! When I will be made to don the garb of paradise, similar attire will adorn you?

They all replied, ‘No, it was only you.’

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone except me amongst you to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has given glad tidings: You and the people who love you will be successful on the day of Qiyamat?

They all said: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone present except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said:

The person, who states that he loves me, but keeps enmity of you (O Ali), is an impostor.

They all unanimously replied: To nobody except you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has pointed out: The person, who befriends my halves, has befriended me. The people asked: Who are your halves? The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) replied: Ali (a. s.), Fatimah (s.a.), Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.).

They all confirmed: This has been stated only for you

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has declared: You are the best (among men) and excepting me, superior to all the Prophets.

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me for whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has stated:

You are the distinguisher between truth and falsehood?

They all replied: This attribute is only for you

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me for whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: On the day of Judgement, after me you have the most excellent of deeds (of all the messengers)?

Everyone said: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me upon whose wife and two sons, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has placed his cloak and prayed: O My Allah! These are the members of my household (Ahle Bait), call them unto You and keep them safe from hell?

They all said: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who has sent food to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) in the cave and kept him in formed of the reports of enemies?

They all replied in the negative Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me for whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has declared: You are my brother, my vicegerent and my companion in my troubles?

They unanimously answered: It was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: You are the first Muslim, the greatest scholar, the most patient and the most forgiving among people?

They all replied In the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who has fought the famous warrior of the Jews, Marhab and killed him?

Everyone present replied: None else.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who after the victory of Khaibar threw the door of Khaibar 1OO cubits, a door which forty men would try to move and it would not budge?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me, for whom this ayat has been revealed:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نَاجَيْتُمُ الرَّ‌سُولَ فَقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيْ نَجْوَاكُمْ صَدَقَةً

“O who you believe! When you, consult your messenger, offer something in charity before your consultation” and I have given charity, is this not so?”

Surah Mujaadelah (58) : verse 12

They all replied unanimously: Yes, it is so. Only you have given charity before consultation.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone present except me regarding whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: One who has abused All, has abused me. And the one who has abused me has abused Allah?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: My abode in Paradise is opposite to your abode?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said:

May Allah kill the one who makes war with you and keep him enemy who has enmity with you.’?

Everyone replied: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who has been ready to sacrifice his life for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and slept on his bed so that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) would migrate to Madinah whlie the polytheists had conspired to slay him?

The unanimous reply was, it was only you who had risked his life at the time.’

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said:

After me, you are the leader upon my nation.

They replied: No

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: On the Day of Resurrection, on the right would be the Throne of Allah and you would be made to don two qarbs of paradise, one will be green and the other of the colour of flowers.

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply to me by Allah, is there anyone present except me who had established the prayer seven years and some months before it was made obligatory?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: ‘On the Day of Judgement, I will be beneath the Light of God and you O All will be under my light and My Ahle Bait will be below your light.’?

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: You are like me. To befriend you is like befriending me and hatred for you is hatred for me.’?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: Your Wilayat (mastership) over the populace is like my mastership. This promise has been taken by My Lord and He has ordered me to convey it to the people?

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has prayed: O Allah make him my arms and my support?

They all admitted: This prayer was only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: Wealth is the strength of action of an oppressor and you are the strength of deed of a believer?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: Verily I am sending that youth towards you whose heart has been tested by Allah for Faith?

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who was given the pomegranate of paradise to eat by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and has said: This pomegranate has been brought from Paradise for me. And nobody except a Messenger or his Vicegerent has the right to eat from it?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: Whatever I asked from the Lord, I have received and I have not asked anything from the Lord except that I have requested for a similar thing for you from Him?

They all admitted: This was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said:

You follow the commands the most and fulfil the promises of your Lord. (You are) the greatest scholar of all things, the most just among the distributors and have the highest grade among the people near Allah?

They all admitted: This was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said:

Your greatness among my nation is like the prominence of the sun over the moon and like the prominence of the moon upon other stars?

They all admitted: This was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: Allah will put your loyal friends in heaven and throw your enemies in hell?

They all admitted: This was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) addressed:

All of the people are created from the roots of different trees, but you and I have been created of the same tree?

They all admitted: It was for you alone.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: I am the chief and master of the children of Adam and you are the chief and master of all Arabs and non-arabs, while I am not proud?

They all admitted: This was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me for whom the Holy Qur’an has twice announced its happiness and satisfaction?

All the members present said: No it was for none except you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has said: Our promised place is the same and the promised place of your Shias Is the pool of Kauthar, and that too when the actions of the people will be measured on the scale and they will be in a state of fear and awe?

All the members present said: No it was for none except you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) argued further:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has confirmed: O Allah! I have befriended him, You too befriend him. O Allah! I give him in Your trust.’?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has prophesized: People will dispute and debate with you for the establishment of prayer, the ordering of good and refraining from evil, meting out the religious edicts and dividing of the wealth equally.’?

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone amongst you except me whose hand was held by the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) and raised till the whiteness of his (s.a.w.a.s.) armpit was visible and then he (s.a.w.a.s.) declared: He is my cousin and my vice gerent. Help him, obey him, and testify him for he is your master and leader.’?

They all replied: Only you have been introduced for this position and status.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (as.) said:

Has this verse,

وَالَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُوا الدَّارَ‌ وَالْإِيمَانَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ‌ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِي صُدُورِ‌هِمْ حَاجَةً مِّمَّا أُوتُوا وَيُؤْثِرُ‌ونَ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

“And those who made their abode in the city and in the faith before them love those who have fled to them, and do not find in their hearts a need of what they are given, and prefer (them) before themselves though poverty may afflict them, and whoever is preserved from the niggardliness of his soul, these it is that are the successful ones”

Surah Hashr (59), verse 9

been revealed for anyone other than me?

Everyone present replied: No, it has been revealed only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply to me by Allah, is there anyone amongst you whose guest was Jibraeel (a.s.) except me?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) continued:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone present except me who has been given the camphor of paradise by the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) and has been instructed: divide it into three parts. One, for my bathing, the other for my daughter Fatimah and the third is to be kept by you?

They all replied ‘No.’

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Tell me by Allah, is there anyone besides me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) would smile and welcome in a separate manner and would make to sit near him?

No, they replied. This was your distinction alone.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

By Allah, is there any among you except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has declared:

When the Messengers (a.s.) on the Day of judgement take pride in their successors, I too will take pride in you.’?

They unanimously replied: It was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me who was appointed by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to recite Surah Baraat to the polytheists?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has remarked: ‘I am distressed by the hatred people harbour in their hearts against you. They will exhibit this hatred after my demise?

They unanimously said: This was said only for you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me to whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has remarked: ‘You have repaid my trusts, Allah before will repay your trusts.’?

They all said: No.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) stated:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has declared: ‘You are the distributor of hell; you will remove from hell, the person who h as purified himself an d will throw the apostates into the hell-fire.

No, they said: This tradition has only been said about you.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Reply by Allah, is there anyone besides me who between two Fridays has conquered the fort of Khaibar and handed over the imprisoned daughter of Marhab to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.)?

They all replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said:

Respond to me by Allah, is there anyone here except me about whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has remarked: O All! You and your Shias will meet me at the Pool of Kauthar while you will have quenched your thirsts from the goblets of Kauthar and your faces will be radiant. Meanwhile, your enemies will come in a state of extreme thirst and their faces dark.?

They replied in the negative.

Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) then concluded:

If you attest to these statements and my words have made the statements of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) clear for you, then it is obligatory upon you to fear Allah, the One without a partner. I warn you of the displeasure of Allah and caution you against opposition to HIs order. Act upon the order of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a) to return to their rights. Act upon the Sunnah and the path of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), then you have opposed Allah. Surrender the Caliphate to the one who is worthy and who has been appointed by Allah.

On hearing the arguments of Imam Ali (a.s.), they glanced at each other gesturing, then said: We have taken note of your superiority and greatness and have understood that you are the most eligible for this position. You will be absolutely just in the division of wealth and the execution of the divine commands. You will not elevate anybody without merit. If we make you our caliph, we will all be same before you. But Uthman is distinct from this and he is the supporter of our friends and accomplices.

So, the assembly at Shoora pledged allegiance to Uthman and the caliphate went to the hands of Uthman after the death of Umar.

Al-Ehtejaj of Shaikh al-Tabrisi (r.a.) p 134

O Allah! Hasten the reappearance of the son Ameerul Momineen Ali ibn Abi TaaIib (a.s.) and Hazrat Zahra (a.s.), Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), so that the Caliphate is restored to its rightful owner!

Aameen!

AI-Ehtejaaj of Shaikh al-Tabrisi (r.a.) p. 134

56

Reply:

The real name of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is “M-H-M-D” which is the same as that of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had prophesied,

“His name will be my name and his agnomen will be my agnomen.”[1]

His agnomen is Abul Qasim. He is also addressed as Abu Saaleh, Abu Abdillah, Abu Ibrahim, Abu Jafar and Abu Husain.”[2]

His Titles are:

Mahdi:

This is his most famous title. The word “Mahdi” is derived from the infinitive of guidance and means the one who has been guided by the Almighty. In this context Imam Sadiq (a.s.) was asked, “Why is he called al-Mahdi?” He (a.s.) replied,

“Because he will be guided to every hidden affair.”[3]

Also, it has been narrated from Imam Baqir (a.s.),

“He is named Mahdi as, he will guide to a hidden affair”[4]

Qaim:

This means the one who will rise with the truth. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,

“Al-Qaim has been named so because he will rise after the oblivion of his name.”[5]

When Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (a.s.) was asked, “Why has he been named al-Qaim?” He (a.s.) replied,

“Because he will rise after the oblivion of his name and the refutation of his Imamate by the majority of believers.”[6]

Mansoor:

While explaining the Quranic verse,

وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًا…

“Whosoever is killed unjustly….”[7],

Imam Baqir (a.s.) said,

“It refers to Husain Ibn Ali (a.s.).”

Regarding the second part of the verse,

فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِ سُلْطَانًا فَلاَ يُسْرِف فِّي الْقَتْلِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مَنْصُورًا

“…We have assigned to his heir the authority, so he may not exceed in killing and the one who is helped (Mansoor)”

He (a.s.) said,

“Allah has named the Mahdi, al-Mansur as He has named Ahmad, Muhammad and Mahmood and as Jesus has been named al-Masih”

Muntazar:

Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (a.s.) was asked, “Why is he called Muntazar (one who is awaited)?” He (a.s.) replied,

“Because the days of his occultation will be prolonged and its duration lengthy, with the sincere ones waiting his reappearance and the doubters denying it……” [8]

Baqiyatullah:

It has been narrated in traditions that, when Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) will reappear, he (a.s.) will lean against the Kaaba. Three hundred and thirteen of his followers will gather around him from far away places. The first words with which he will address them will be this Quranic verse :

بَقِيَّةُ اللهِ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِيْنَ

“What remains with Allah is better for you if you are believers.”[9]

He will then say,

“I am the ‘Baqiyatullah’ (the remnant of Allah). I am His proof and His caliph over you all.”

Then all will salute him thus: “Salutations be upon you, O Baqiyatullah in His earth.”[10]

In addition, he (a.t.f.s) is also addressed by the following titles:

l     Hujjatullah (The proof of Allah)

l     al-Khalaf al-Saaleh (The Virtuous Heir)

l     Gharim (The One who seeks)

l     Moammal (The One who is hoped for)

l     Muntaqim (The Avenger)

l     Al-Maa al-Maeen (The flowing water)

l     Waliullah (The Friend of Allah)

l     Saahebul Amr (Master of the Affair)

l     Saahebuz Zamaan (Master of the Age)

We shall continue the series of these questions in the following volumes, Inshallah. We pray to Allah, the Almighty, that He hastens the reappearance of our master Hazrat Baqiyatullah al-Azam (a.t.f.s.) and that He enumerates us amongst his followers and helpers. Aameen.

Reply:

The Mother of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) was a Roman princess Narjis Khatoon. She is introduced in the following narration of Behaarul Anwar, v. 51, Chapter 1, H. No. 12.

“Sahl al-Shaybani narrates, ‘Bishr ibn Sulaiman al-Nakhkhaas, a descendant of Abu Ayyub Ansari and a devotee of Abu al-Hasan (a.s.) and Abu Muhammad (a.s.) and their neighbor at Saamarraa, Kafur, the servant came to me and said, “Our Master Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad (a.s.) is calling you.’ I went to the Master and as I sat in front of him, he said,

“O Bishr, you are from the descendants of the Ansaar. This devotion is your legacy, which each coming generation of yours inherits from your preceding generation. You are the trusted ones of us Ahle Bait (a.s.). I am elevating you and ennobling you by an excellence through which you will surpass all Shiites in devotion, by sharing a secret with you and sending you to purchase a certain bondmaid.”

He then wrote a very fine letter in Roman script and Roman language and imprinted his seal on it. He took out a yellow cloth wherein were two hundred gold coins. He said, “Take this and go to Baghdad.” He told me to go to the crossing of theEuphrates on noon of such and such day and when I reach the boats of the captives, he said,

“You will see bondmaids in them. You will find buyers working for the procurers of the Abbasids and a small group from the Arab youths. When you see that keep an eye on a man called Umar ibn Yazid al-Nakhkhas from a distance all day long, until a bondmaid with the described qualities is brought to the buyers.”

… At that moment go to Amr Ibn Yazid al-Nakhkhas and tell him you have a kind-hearted letter from a certain man of nobility, which he has written in Roman language and in Roman script, describing therein his benevolence, his fidelity, his excellence, and his generosity, so she may discern from it the character of its author. Should she be interested in him and choose him, then I am his representative in buying her from you.”

Bishr Ibn Sulayman says, “I did all that which my Master Abu al-Hasan (a.s.) had ordered me to do with respect to the bondmaid. When she saw the epistle, she cried profusely and said to Amr Ibn Yazid, “Sell me to the author of this letter.” She took the solemnest of oaths that should he refuse to sell her to him, she will take her life.

I negotiated the price with the dealer until it settled exactly on the amount of dinars my Master had given me. The money being sufficient, I took the bondmaid, who was extremely happy and joyous. I returned with her to my residence inBaghdad. She was very restless until she took out from her pocket the letter of our Master. She would kiss it and put it on her eyes and place it on her cheeks and touch it to her body. Astonished, I said, “You are kissing a letter whose author is unknown to you!”

“O unaware of the position of the progeny of Prophets (a.s.),” she responded. “Lend me your ears and empty your heart for my words. I am Malika, the daughter of Yashua, son of the Caesar of Rome. My mother is from the descendants of the disciples (Hawaariyyoon) of Jesus, and her lineage goes back to the successor of Jesus, Sham’oon. I will narrate to you the wonderful story. My grandfather, the Caesar (ofRome), wanted me to marry his nephew when I was a thirteen years of age. So, he gathered in his palace three hundred priests and monks from the descendants of the Hawaariyyoon, and from their men of stature seven hundred men. He gathered four thousand men from the commanders of the army and officers of the military and leaders of the armed forces and chiefs of the tribes. He erected a throne from the dearest of his riches, which was studded with varieties of jewels and was raised over forty steps.

When his nephew climbed, the crosses were fixed about, the bishops took their stands in great reverence, and the pages of the Bible were opened, suddenly the crosses collapsed from the top and hit the ground. The pillars of the throne crumbled and crashed onto the floor. My grandfather’s nephew, who had risen over the throne, fell down and became unconscious. The colours of the bishops changed and their chests trembled. Their leader said to my grandfather, ‘Please excuse me from facing this evil, which forebodes the demise of the Christian religion and the regal creed.’

“My grandfather took this as an evil omen and said to the bishops, ‘Erect these scaffolds, raise the crosses and bring the brother of this deceased man, whose dreams have been ruined, so I may marry him to this young girl; so the evil of his dead brother may go away through his good-fortune.’

“When they did that, the same thing happened to the second prospective groom as had happened to the first. People dispersed. My grandfather the Caesar stood in great distress and entered the quarters of the womenfolk. I dropped the curtains and the same night dreamt that Prophet Jesus (a.s.), Sham’un (a.s.) and a number of disciples (Hawaariyyoon) had gathered at my grandfather’s palace. They had installed a pulpit of light that was defying the heavens in height. It was the same spot where my grandfather had installed his throne. At this, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.), his son in law and successor the Prince of the Believers (a.s.) and a number of his sons (a.s.) entered. Prophet Jesus (a.s.) went forward and embraced him. Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) said to him, ‘O Ruhallah, I have come to you to propose to your successor Sham’un for his daughter Malika for this son of mine’, pointing towards his son Abu Muhammad (Imam Hasan al-Askari) (a.s.), the son of the writer of this epistle. Prophet Jesus (a.s.) looked at Sham’un (a.s.) and said, ‘The greatest honor has come to you. Let your relation be bonded with the relation of the house of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.).’

“Sham’un said, ‘It will be my honor to do so.’ He climbed the pulpit. Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) performed the rituals and married me to his son. Prophet Jesus (a.s.), the sons of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and the disciples bore witness. When I woke up, I was scared to report this to my father or grandfather, fearing they will kill me. I kept this a secret and did not reveal it to them. Meanwhile, my heart longed for Abu Muhammad (a.s.) so much that I forsook eating and drinking. I became weak and became lean and sickly. There was no physician in the cities ofRome(modern dayItaly) that my grandfather did not consult for my treatment. When despair overwhelmed him, he said to me, ‘O solace of my heart, do you have any wish that I may fulfil it?’” I said, ‘Grandfather, I see the doors of relief shut on me. However, if you save the Muslim captives in your prison torture, remove their manacles, favour them and kindly release them, I am hopeful that Prophet Jesus (a.s.) and his mother (a.s.) will give me health.’

When he did that, I made an effort to show good recovery and ate a little food. This made him very happy and he became ever intense to confer kindness and respect upon the captives.

“I also saw in my dreams for fourteen nights the Chief of the women of the worlds, Hazrat Fatimah (a.s.). She visited me along with Mary (a.s.), the daughter of ‘Imran, and one thousand serfs from the Gardens. Mary says to me, “This is the Chief of the ladies (a.s.), the mother of your husband Abu Muhammad, (a.s.).’ I held her, cried and complained why Abu Muhammad (a.s.) did not come to visit me. The Chief of the ladies (a.s.) said, ‘…If you desire the pleasure of Allah, the Exalted, and the pleasure of Prophet Jesus (a.s.) and his mother (a.s.), and to have Abu Muhammad (a.s.) visit you, say, I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah and that my father Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’

“When I spoke these words, the Chief of the ladies of the world embraced me and my soul was blessed. She (a.s.) said, ‘Now expect the visitations of Abu Muhammad (a.s.). I am sending him to you.’ I woke up in great excitement and expectation of meeting Abu Muhammad (a.s.) When it was the next night, I saw Abu Muhammad (a.s.) in my dream… and his visitation to me have not ceased yet.”

Bishr says, “I said to her, ‘How did you fall amongst the captives?’”

She said, “Abu Muhammad (a.s.) told me on one of the nights, ‘Your grandfather will shortly be dispatching an army to fight the Muslims on such and such day, and he will follow them. You have to join them in the wardrobe of servants along with a number of servants from such and such route. I did that and the vanguards of the Muslims encountered us, which led to my situation that you see. None knows that I am the granddaughter of the Roman Caesar until now except you and that is because I told you. The gentleman in whose share of booty I fell, asked me of my name. I concealed my identity from him and said, ‘Narjis’. He said, ‘A name of the servants.’ I said to her, “It is amazing that you are Roman and your language is Arabic.”

She said, “Due to my grandfather’s persistence and encouragement to increase my learning, he appointed a woman, who was his interpreter, to visit me. She would come to me day and night and teach me Arabic until I became fluent and articulate.”

Bishr says, “When I brought her back to Saamarraa, I entered upon my Master Abu al Hasan (a.s.). He said to her, “How did Allah show you the Glory of Islam and disgrace of Christianity and the nobility of Muhammad and his Household?” She said, “How would I describe, O son of the Messenger of Allah, something which you know better than me?” “I would like to confer kindness on you.” He said to her, “Which one is dearer to you, ten thousand gold coins or a happy tiding of eternal grandeur?” “Happy tidings of a son for me,” she said. “Rejoice the tidings of a son who will rule the world, from the East to the West, and will fill the earth with equity and justice as it would be fraught with oppression and corruption.” “From whom?” she asked. From the one for whom the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) proposed for you on such and such night, in such and such year, replied my Master in Roman. He said, “To whom Jesus and his successor married you.” “From your son Abu Muhammad (a.s.)?” she asked. Do you know him?” “Has there been a night he has not visited me since I have embraced Islam at the hands of the Chief of the Ladies!”

Our Master said, “Kafur, call my sister Hakimah.” And when she entered, he said to her, “Here she is.” Lady Hakimah embraced her and was delighted to see her. Abu al–Hasan (a.s.) said to her,

“O daughter of the Messenger of Allah, take her to your house and teach her the duties and the traditions, for she is the wife of Abu Muhammad (a.s.) and the mother of al-Qaim (a.t.f.s.).”

Mohammad Ibn Ali Ibn Hamza has narrated the following names of the mother of Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.): Malika, Susan, Rehaanah, Saiqal and Narjis.