Abu Muhammad al-Hassan ibn Ali (a.s.) was born in the month of Ramadan (in an other copy it is in 'the month of Rabi' al-Awwal) in the year two hundred thirty two. He died on a Friday on
the eighth of the month of Rabi' al-Awwal in the year two hundred sixty at the age of twenty eight. He was buried in the house where his father was buried in the city of Surra man Ra'a
(Samarra).her was 'Umm Walad, called Hudayth (or Sawsan).
1 Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad al-Asha'ari and Muhammad ibn Yahya and others have narrated the following. "Ahmad ibn 'Ubayd Allah ibn Khaqan was in charge of collecting property and other taxes
in the city of Qumm. One day in his presence the 'Alawids and their beliefs were mentioned. He was a staunch Nasibi (abusive of 'Alawids).
He said, "In the city of Surra man Ra'a a man from the 'Alawids like al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Rida in guidance, calmness, piety, nobility and generosity to his family and among
banu Hashim. They all as well as the official, the ministers and all common people all would give preference to him over their elders and the noble ones.
One day I was standing next to my father (as a assistant or guard) and it was the day of his meeting people. His guards came and said, "Abu Muhammad ibn al-Rida is at the door." He said
loudly, "Allow him to come in."
I was surprised at their mentioning so boldly someone with his Kunya (i.e. father of so and so) before my father while only a Caliph, a crown Caliph or one who by the command of the Sultan
would have to be addressed that way could have been treated as such. A man with a fair complexion came in. His hieght was good and his face looked handsome, physically very good and young. He
looked majestiic and awesome.
When my father looked at him he stood up and walked towards him several steps. I had not seen him doing this to a person from the clan of banu Hashim and the officers. When he approached
him he embraced him kissed his face and cchest and holding his hand lead him to sit on his own place for prayer and himself sat nest to him turning his face towards him.
He would talk to him and would say often, "May Allah take my soul in service for your cause." I was surprised at what I would see.
At this time the servant came and said, "Al-Muwaffaq (brother and commander in chief of the Caliph) has come." When he (Al-Muwaffaq) would come to my father he would receive preference over
the officers and other personalities. They stood up in the presence of my father between the door and the seat of my father until he would come in and leave. My father was still paying attention
to abu Muhammad and was talking to him until he looked at his special servants and said, "May Allah take my soul in service for your cause, now you may if you would so wish." ".
He then said to his guards to lead him to through the backside so that he (Al-Muwaffaq) would not see him. He stood up and my father also stood up and embraced him and he left. I asked the
guards of my father and his servants, "Woe is you, who was the man whom you addressed by his Kunya before my father and my father treated him as he ddid?" They said, "This 'Alawid man is called
al-Hassan ibn Ali, know as ibn al-Rida ." This surprised me even more. The whole day I thought anxiously about his affairs and the behaviors of my father and I did not see him until it was
night.
He would usually say his 'Isha (late evening) prayer and would study the things that he would need of the issue to present before the Sultan. When prayed and began to study I went and sat
before him while he was alone. He asked, "Oahmad, do you need something?" I said, "Yes, my father. If you would allow me I would like to ask." He said, "You have permission, my son, say whatever
you would like."
I said, "Father, who was the man you met this morning and behaved with him the way you did towards him with so much glorification, greatness and reverence with such expressions as, 'May
Allah take my soul in service for your cause'?" He said, "My son, he was the Imam ((Leadership with Divine Authority) of the al-Rafida (those who refuse to accept the leadership people other than
(Ali and his infallible descendants). He is al-Hassan ibn Ali, known as ibn al-Rida. He remained quite for a while and then said, "My son if the Imamat leadership would be removed from the
Abbassid Caliphs no one from the clan of banu Hashim would deserve to become the Imam except this man.
He deserves it because of his distinctions, piety, guidance, safety (from mistakes), his chastity, his worship, his beautiful moral characteristics and perfection. Had you had a chance to
see his father you would have seen a man of great intelligence, nobility and excellence."
This increased my anxiety, thinking and anger towards my father and I thought his dealing and behavior towards him and his words for him were excessive Thereafter, there was nothing more
important to me than to ask more about him and investigate his affairs. Whoever of the members of Hashite clan or the guards, the clerks, the judges, the scholars of the law (Fuqha') and other
people that I would ask I would find him being glorified, mentioned with greatness and high position.
I would hear very beautiful words about him and see him given preference over all members of Hashimite clan, their elders. The feeling of greatness for him increased in my heart because I
would not find anyone of his friends or foe that would not speak good of him and praise him." A certain person from the al-Asha'ari beliefs present asked him, "What is the news about his brother,
Ja'far, O abu Bakr?"
He said, "Who is Ja'far that you would ask about him or compare him with al-Hassan (a.s.). Ja'far was an evil doer in public, polluted with sins, an addict drukered, the lowest of all man
and the most humiliating of his own self among men. He was worthless and little to his own self. What happened durinng the time of the death of al-Hassan ibn Ali to the Sultan and his people
astonished me and I did not think such thing can happen. When became ill. My father was informed that ibn al-Rida has become ill. He immediately rode to reach the capital of the Caliphate. He
came back in hurry with five people of the servants of the Amir al-Mu'minin.
They all were of his confidants and trustworthy ones among whom one was Nihriyr. He (my father) commanded them to stay close to the house of al-Hassan (a.s.) to learn about him and his
conditions. He called a few physicians and commanded them to maintain contact with him and be around him mornings and evenings.
After two or three days he was informed that he (the patient) is weakening. He commanded the physicians to remain around his house and sent for the chief judge who came in his presence. He
then commanded the him (judge) to select ten persons from his most trust worthy in the matters of their religion, trust and restraint. They were called in his presence and he sent them to house
of al-Hassan (a.s.). He commanded them to be there day and night and they were there until he (a.s.) passed away.
The city of Surra man Ra'a turned into one huge voice of weeping and lamentation. The Sultan sent people to search his house and search all the rooms therein and seal the contents thereof..
They searched for his son and called certain women with knowledge to deal with pregnancy. They examined his ladies. A certain woman had said that one of the ladies is pregnant. She was
accommodated in a certain quarter and Nihrir, al-Khadim and his people and the women with him were ordered to stay guard around her.
Thereafter they began to prepare for the burial. The markets were to remain closed. Members of the clan al-Hashim, the guards, my father and other people formed the burial procession. The
city of Surra man Ra'a on that day had turned into a day similar to the Day of resurrection. When the body was readied for burial the Sultan sent message to abu 'Isa ibn al-Mutawakkil and
commanded him to lead the prayer.
When the body was placed at the prayer area abu 'Isa went close and uncovered his face. He then asked all members of al-Hashim clan of the 'Aliwid and 'Abbassid branch, the guards, the
clerks, the judges and juries to bear witness that al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Rida (a.s.) his died a natural death in his own bed. That this has taken place in the presence of the
servants of Amir al-Mu'minin, his confidants, so and so persons of the judges and so and persons of the physicians.
He (abu 'Isa) then covered his face and ordered to pick up the body. The body was then picked up from the central area of the house and was buried in the room where his father was
buried.
After his burial the Sultan and people began to search for his son. The search was carried out extensively. All the houses and rooms were searched. The distribution of his legacy was
suspended. The people appointed to guard one the ladies who was thought of as pregnant continued their task until it was found out that such thought was invalid.
When pregnancy was proved invalid they distributed his legacy between his mother and brother, Ja'far. His mother claimed to be the executor of his will and her claim was confirmed before
the judge. The Sultan, even after searching so much for his son continued his search to find traces of his son.
Thereafter, Ja'far came to my father and asked, "Assign the position of my brother to me. I will pay you twenty thousand Dinars every year." My father treated him harshly and rebuked him
saying, "You are a fool. The Sultan puts to the sword whoever he just thinks is a Shi'a, follower and supporter of your father and brother to stop them from holding such belief but he fails to
achieve such goal. Had you been considered an Imam among the Shi'a of your father and brother you would not need any help from the Sultan or others to give you such position as that of your
father and brother.
If you are not considered an Imam among the Shi'a of your father and brother you will not have such position from us." My father belittled him considered him weak and ordered his people to
keep him away from his office. My father did not give him permission for a meeting as long as he lived. We left and he remained in the same condition. The Sultan still would search for the traces
of the son of al-Hassan ibn Ali (a. s.)."
2
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from Muhammad ibn 'Isma'il ibn Ibrahim ibn Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) who has said the following.
"Once abu Muhammad (a.s.) wrote to abu al-Qasim Ishaq ibn Ja'far al-Zubayri before the death of al-Mu'tazz by about twenty days as herein below. 'Stay home until what is to happen will
happen.' When Burayha was killed he wrote to him, "A happening has happened. What would you command me to do?" He wrote back, "This is not the happening. It is another happening." Then there was
the case of al-Mu'tazz the way it was."
It is narrated from the same narrator that the Imam (a.s.) wrote to another person. "Muhammad ibn Dawud ibn 'Abdallah will be killed." It was ten days before his murder. On the tenth day he
was killed."
3
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from Muhammad ibn Ibrahim, known as ibn al-Kurdiy, from Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s.) who has said the following. "We were under
pressure and constraint. My father said, "Let us go to abu Muhammad (a.s.). People describe him as very generous and considerate." I asked, "Do you know him?" He said, "No, I do not know him and
I have not seen him before.
" We decided to go and meet him. My father said on the way, "I wish he would grant us five hundred Dirhams. Two hundred for clothes, two hundred for to pay the debts and two hundred for
expenses. We need this much very badly." I then said to myself, "I wish he will grant me three hundred Dirhams, one hundred to buy a donkey, one hundred for expenses and one hundred for clothes
to go to the mountains."
The narrator has said that when we arrived at the door a slave came out and said, "Ali ibn Ibrahim and his son Muhammad come inside." When we were in his (the Imam's (a.s.) presence we
offered the greeting of peace and said to my father.
"O Ali, what held you back from coming to us until now?" He said, "My master, I felt shy to come to you in this condition." When we left him his slave came to us and gave a bag of money to
my father saying, "This is five hundred Dirhams, two hundred for clothes, two hundred to pay debts and two hundred for expenses." He gave me a bag and said,
"This is three hundred Dirhams, one hundred for the donkey, one hundred for clothes and one hundred for expenses. Do not go to the mountains. Go to Sawra'. He then went to Sawra' and
marriage a woman and now his income from properties is a thousand Dinar despite this he belongs to the waqifi sect in matters of beliefs. Muhammad ibn Ibrahim has said that I said to him, "Woe is
you! What more clear proof do you want to believe in him as your Imam?" He said, "This (belief in Waqifi sect) is habit that has been with us (and it ddoes not go away)."
4
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from abu Ali Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Ibrahim who has said that narrated to me Ahmad ibn al-Harith al-Qazwini who has said the following. "I was with my father in
the city of Surra man Ra'a. My father was a veterinarian at the animal farm of abu Muhammad (a.s.). Al-Musta'in had a mule the like of which in beauty and size has not been
seen.
No one could touch that mule to ride, saddle or harness. He had called all the trainers and they had faild to ready the mule for riding. Certain people close to him had said, "O Amir
al-Mu'minin, "Why do you not ask al-Hassan, ibn al-Rida who would either ready it for riding or get killed in which case it will be a great relief for you?" The narrator has said that he sent for
abu Muhammad, al-Hassan (a.s.) and my father went with him (a.s.) My father has said, "When abu Muhammad entered the room I was with him.
Abu Muhammad looked at the mule that was standing in the compound of the facility. He went towards the mule and placed his hand over the rear of the mule. The narrator has said that I saw
the mule perspire so much that it began to flow. Then he went to al-Musta'in. He offered him greeting of peace and he well come him and asked him to sit just next to him and said, "O abu
Muhammad, harness mule (that has become obstinate)." Abu Muhammad (a.s.) said to my father, "Young man harness the mule."
Al-Musta'in said, "You must harness the mule. The Imam (a.s.) took off his gown and harnessed the mule and returned back to his place. Al- Musta'in asked him to saddle the mule but he said
to my father, "Young man, saddle the mule." Al-Musta'in asked him to himself saddle the mule. He stood again, saddled the mule and returned back to his place and said do you want that I ride it
also?" He said, "Yes, please do so." He rode the mule without any resistance.
The mule ran in the facility and then he took the mule for a amble which the mule performed in the best way that can be. He came back and dismounted. Al-Musta'in said to him, "O abu
Muhammad, how was the mule?" he said, "O Amir al-Mu'minin, I had not seen like it before in beauty and skill. Only Amir al- Mu'minin deserves to have such a mule." The narrator has said that
Al-Musta'in then said, "O abu Muhammad, Amir al-Mu'minin wants you to ride it" Abu Muhammad (a.s.) then said to my father, "O young man take the mule with you and he lead the mule
away."
5
Ali has narrated from abu Ahmad ibn Rashid from abu Hashim al-Ja'fari who has said the following.
"I requested abu Muhammad for something that I needed. He scratched the earth with his whip. The narrator has said that I think he then covered it with a handkerchief and then took out five
hundred Dinars. He then said, "O abu Hashim take it and grants us pardon."
6
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from abu 'Abdallah ibn Salih from his father from abu Ali al- Mutahhar the following.
"He wrote to him (abu Muhammad (a.s.) in the year of Qadisiyya, the year of draught that forced people to returned home without performing Hajj for fear of thirst. He wrote back in reply,
"continue your journey and you will have no fear by the will of Allah." They continued their journey to Hajj safely and thanks to Allah."
7
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from Ali ibn al-Hassan ibn al-Fadl al-Yamani who has said the following.
" Al-Ja'fari from the family of Ja'far was attacked by such a large number of people that seemed impossible for them to defend themselves. He wrote to abu Muhammad (a.s.) about his
dangerous condition. He wrote back to him in reply, "You will be adequately defended by the will of Allah, the Most High. He came out with just a few people to defend themselves against the
attackers who were in excess of twenty thousand while on his side there were fewer than a thousand but the attackers were all vanished."
8
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from Muhammad ibn 'Isma'il al-'Alawi who has said the following.
"Abu Muhammad (a.s.) was imprisoned under the supervision of Ali ibn Narmasha who was extremely hostile towards the descendants of abu Talib. He was told to treat him (abu Muhammad (a.s.)
as he (the guard) wished. He stayed with him only for day and the guard who was hostile towards him became so submissive before him that he would not even dare to look up into his face out of
glorification and reverence. He (abu Muhammad (a.s.) came out from his prison and he (the guard) had turned into having the highest degree of understanding of him and would speak the best words
about him."
9
Ali ibn Muhammad and Muhammad ibn abu 'Abdallah have narrated from Ishaq ibn Muhammad al-Nakha'i who has said that narrated to me Sufyan ibn Muhammad al-Duba'i who has said the
following.
"I wrote to abu Muhammad and asked him about the meaning of the word al-Walija (relied) in the words of Allah, the Most High. "Do you think that God will not make any distinction between
those of you who have fought for His cause and have relied on no one other than God, His Messenger, and the faithful ones, and other people?. ." . (9:16) I said to myself, not in the letter, "To
who does the believers refer in this verse "? The answer came as this.
The Walija refers to a person who would be appointed in place of the Leader with Divine Authority. You have said to yourself "To who the believers refers in this verse"? They are the Imams
who ask Allah to grant security to the people and He grants their request."
10
Ishaq has said that abu Hashim al-Ja'fari has said the following.
"I complained to abu Muhammad (a.s.) about the constraining cell of the prison and the weight of the shackles on me. He wrote back in reply to me. "Today you will pray your noontime prayer
in your own home." I then was released that day and prayed the noontime prayer in my own home as he had said." I was under financial constrains and I decided to ask him for a certain amount of
Dinars in writing but I felt shy. When was going to my home he sent me a hundred Dinars and had written to me this. "If you need anything do not feel shy or embarrassed. Ask and you will find it
as you wanted, by the will of Allah."
11
Ishaq has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Aqra' who has said that narrated to me abuhz Nasir al-Khadim the following.
"I had heard many times that abu Muhammad (a.s.) to each of his Roman, Turkish and Saqaliba slaves in their own languages. It was astonishing to me and I would think that he is born in
al-Madina and has not exposed to anyone until abu al-Hassan passed away and no one saw him. How is this that he speaks such languages? I talking to myself that he came to me and
said,
"Allah, the Most High, the Most Holy, grants distinction to Leader with Divine Authority over the other creatures in all matters. He give them distinction in the matters of languages,
knowledge of the genealogical issues, of the duration of lives and events. Without such distinctions there will be no difference between Leader with Divine Authority and others."
12 Ishaq has narrated from al-Aqra' who has said the following. "I wrote to abu Muhammad (a.s.) asking him if Imams experience wet dreams? I said to myself after the letter had gone, "Wet
dream is something Satanic, and Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has protected those whom He has given authority against such things." The answer came. "The conditions of the Imams when
asleep is the same as when they are awake. Sleep does not change anything in them. Allah has given protection to those whom He has given authority from Satanic encounters as you spoke to
yourself."
13
Ishaq has said that al-Hassan ibn al-Zarif narrated to me the following. "Two issues would poke in my chest which made me to write to abu Muhammad (a.s.). I wrote about Al-Qa'im (the one
who will rise with Divine Authority). "When he rise by what means he will judge among the people and where will be his court house?" I also wanted to ask him about alternating fever but I had
missed to mention it in writing.
The answer came. "You had asked about Al-Qa'im. When he will rise he judge among people through his own knowledge just the way David would judge. He would not call any witness to testify.
You also wanted to ask about alternating fever but you forgot to do so. Write this on a sheet (of material) "We said to the fire, 'Be cool and peaceful (with Abraham)'" (21:69).The narrator has
said that we did just as he had said and the suffering person was relieved."
14
Ishaq has said that narrated to him 'Isma'il ibn Muhammad ibn Ali ibn 'Isma'il ibn Ali ibn 'Abdallah ibn 'Abbass ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib who has said the following. "Once I sat on the side of
the road waiting for abu Muhammad (a.s.) to pass by so that I can present before him my complain against a need. When he was passing by I presented my complain before him and swore that I did not
have even a Dirham, nothing for lunch or dinner." The narrator has said that the Imam (a.s.) said, "You falsely swore by Allah. You have buried two hundred Dinars.
These my words are not to deny you any grants. Young man, give him whatever is with you. His servant, give me one hundred Dinars. He then turned to me and said, "You will be deprived of it
in your worst days." He meant those Dinars that I had buried for a difficult day. What he said was true. I had buried two hundred Dinars thinking that they would only be used in a very difficult
day.
When I faced such a difficult day and all the ways to find a living was closed I went to take out the two hundred Dinars but soon I found that there was not even a single Dinar. In fact, my
son had learned about where the Dinars were buried and he had taken them and had ran away. I could not benefit from any of those Dinars."
15
Ishaq has said that narrated to me Ali ibn Zayd ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali (a.s.) the following.
"I had a horse that I liked very much and I would admire it often in gatherings. One day I went to see abu Muhammad (a.s.) and he said, "What has your horse done?" I said, "I still have it
and it is in front of your. I just dismounted it." He said, "Change it before this evening if you can if you would find a buyer and do not delay." Someone came in and our conversation
discontinued. I then left anxiously for home and informed my brother about it and he said, "I do not know what to say about it."
I felt covetous about it procrastinated in offering for sale until it was evening we had just prayed the late evening prayer that the horse trainer came in saying, "My master your horse has
died." I became sad and realized that this was abu Muhammad (a.s.) meant. After several day I went to see abu Muhammad (a.s.) and I was saying to myself, "I wish he would replace my horse with
another one. It was his words that made me so sad." When I sat down he said, "Yes, we will replace your horse. Young man, give to him my dark brown nag which better than your horse to ride and
will live longer."
16
Ishaq has said that Muhammad ibn al-Hassan Shammun has said that Ahmad ibn Muhammad narrated to me the following.
"I wrote to abu Muhammad (a.s.) when al-Muhtadi had began to kill the Turkish Mawali (slave or supporters). My master, we thank Allah for diverting his (al-Muhtadi's) attention from us. I
have heard that he had threatened you and has said, By Allah, I will wipe them out from the face of the earth." Abu Muhammad (a.s.) sent in response with his own signature. "This will be much
shortening to his life. Count five days from today. On the sixth day he will be killed with humiliation and insults that he will go through." It then happned exactly as he had said."
17
Ishaq has said that Muhammad ibn al-Hassan Shammun narrated to me the following. "I wrote to abu Muhammad (a.s.) requesting him to pray for because of the pain that I suffered in my eyes.
One of my eye had gone and the other was about to go. He wrote back to me in reply, "Allah has kept your eye for you."
My painful eye then recovered. He had signed at the end with these words, "May Allah, grant you good rewards and best recompense." I became sad and I did not know anyone just passed away
from my family. After a few days I received information of the death of my son, Tayyib. I then realized what for his condolences to me were."
18
Ishaq has said that narrated to me 'Umar ibn Muslim the following.
"We were in the city of Surra man Ra'a that a man, called Sayf ibn al-Layth, from Egypt came with a complain to al-Muhtadi against Shafi' al-Khadim who had usurped his property and expelled
him from the city. We gave a hint to write to abu Muhammad (a.s.) and request him to facilitate this affairs. Abu Muhammad (a.s.) wrote back to him, "You will be all right.
Your property will given back to you. Do not forward your complains to Sultan. Go and meet the agent (of Shafi' al-Khadim) who has your property and frighten him with the power of the
Greatest Sultan, Allah, Lord of the worlds." He met the agent. The agent who had the property with him said, "It was written to me at the time of your leaving Egypt to find you and return your
property to you.
He returned the property by the order of the judge, ibn abu al- Shawwarib in the presence of witnesses and he did not have to present his complains to al- Muhtadi. He procured his property
and nothing was heard about him thereafter. The narrator has said that this is Layth who has said the following also.
"When left Egypt one of my sons was ill and my elder son was the executor of my will and the supervisor over my family in case I would die. I wrote to abu Muhammad (a.s.) requesting him to
pray my son who was ill.
He wrote back to me in reply, "Your son has recovered but your elder son, the executor of your will and the supervisor over your family has died. Pay thanks to Allah, do not be impatient
lest your rewards will be withheld." The news came to me that my son who was ill has recovered and my elder son died on the day I received the reply letter from abu Muhammad (a.s.)."
19
Ishaq has said that narrated to me Yahya ibn al-Qushayri from the town called Qir the following.
"Abu Muhammad (a.s.) had an agent who lived in a room in the house with white servant of the Imam (a.s.). the agent invited the servant to have evil activities with him and the servant
refused to do so unless he brought him wine. The agent managed to find wine and take it to him. There were three closed doors between them and the quarters of the Imam (a.s.).
The narrator has said that the agent narrated to me that was awake and I saw the doors open until I saw the Imam (a.s.) in person standing at the door. He then said, "O you have fear of
Allah and be pious before Him. In the morning he ordered to sell the servant and discharge me from the job."
20
Ishaq has said that narrated to me Muhammad ibn al-Rabi' al-Sa'i has said the following. "I debated a man who believed in dualism in Ahwaz them went to Surra man Ra'a. However, his words
were stuck to my heart. I was sitting in front of the door of Ahmad al-Khadib that I saw abu Muhammad (a.s.) coming from the house for public gathering. It was the house wherein on a certain day
the Sultan would allow the common people to visit him. The Imam (a.s.) looked at me and made a gesture with his forefinger say One, single and only One. I fainted and fell on my
face."
21
Ishaq has narrated from abu Hashim al-Ja'fari who has said the following. "One day I went to see abu Muhammad (a.s.) and I wanted him to give me a certain amount of silver so I can make a
ring out of it and keep for blessing. I sat down but forgot to ask what I had come for.
When was leaving and said farewell to him he threw a ring to me and said, "You wanted silver and we gave you and profited the gems and the cost of the goldsmith works. May Allah grant you
blessings O abu Hashim." I then said, "I testify that you are the Wali of Allah, (one who possesses Divine Authority) and my Imam through my obedience whom I follow the religion of Allah." He
then said, "May Allah grant you forgiveness, O abu Hashim."
22
Ishaq has said that narrated to Muhammad ibn al-Qasim abu al-'Ayna' al-Hashimi, the slave of 'Abd al-Samad ibn Ali 'Ataqa the following.
"Often time I would go to see abu Muhammad (a.s.). When in his presence I would feel thirsty but I would feel shy, out of respect for him, to ask for water but he would call the people of
his household to bring water for me. Often times I would think to myself of leaving and he would say, "Young man, bring his horse."
23
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from Muhammad ibn 'Isma'il ibn Ibrahim ibn Musa ibn Ja'far ibn Muhammad (a.s.) from Ali ibn 'Abd al-Ghaffar who has said the following. "When abu Muhammad
(a.s.) was imprisoned, the 'Abbassids, Salih ibn Wasif, Salih ibn Ali and others who were not Shi'as all came to Salih ibn Wasif asking him to exert more pressure on abu Muhammad
(a.s.).
Salih told them, "What should I do? I managed to find two people who were of the harshest manners and appointed them to guard him they both turned into most assiduous worshippers in prayers
and fasting. When I asked them about their behaviors they replied, "What would you say about a man who fasts every day, worships the whole night and does not speak or busy himself with anything?
When we look at him a feeling of trembling and shivering over takes us and we lose control over our own selves." When they heard this they returned in despair."
24
Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from al-Hassan ibn al-Husayn who both have said that narrated to us Muhammad ibn al-Hassan al-Makfuf that Certain persons of our people have narrated from a
Christian cupping expert who served in the army the following. "One day at noontime abu Muhammad (a.s.) sent for me at the time of noon prayer and told me to perform cupping on this vein. He
showed me a vein that was not know to me as one of the veins used for cupping.
I thought to myself, "I have not seen anything more strange than this. To perform cupping at noon time which is not the time for it and on a vein that I do not know." He then told me, "Wait
in the house. When it was evening he called me and said, "Open the vein." I opened the vein. He said, "Hold it" I held the vein and stopped the blood." He then told me to remain in the house. At
might night he called me and said to open the vein. He has said that it increased my astonishment, but I did not like to ask him.
I opened the vein and white blood like salt came out. He has said that he told me to stop it and I stopped it. He has said that he told me to remain in the house. In the morning he ordered
his clerk to pay me three Dinars. I took the Dinars and left. I then went to see Bakhtishu' who was a Christian and told him the whole story. The narrator has said that he said, "By Allah, I do
not understand what you say and I do not know anything about medicine.
I have not read any such thing in the books. I do not know anyone more knowledgeable in Christianity than so and so, a Persian man. Go to him" He has said that I then hire a boat and went
to Basra then to Ahwaz and to Persia to the man I was looking for. I explained to him the story. He has said that he asked me to give him time. I waited for few days and then went to him for an
answer. He said, "What you say this man did is something that Jesus had done only once in his life."
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Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from certain persons of our people who have narrated the following.
"mmd ibn al-Hujr once wrote to abu Muhammad (a.s.) complaining against 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn Dulf and Yazid ibn 'Abdallah. He wrote back in reply, "As far as 'Abd al-'Aziz is concerned I have
relieved you from his troubles. As far as Yazid is concerned for each of you there is position before Allah." 'Abd al-'Aziz died and Yazid killed Muhammad ibn Hujr."
26
Ail Muhammad has narrated from certain persons of our people saying as follows.
"Abu Muhammad (a.s.) was placed under the supervision of a zoo-keeper who would cause constraints suffering to him. He has said that his wife told him, "woe is you, be pious before Allah.
Do you not know who is in your house?" She then explained to him the good manners of the Imam (a.s.) and said, "I am afraid for you from him." He then said, "I can throw him to the beasts." He
inf act, did so and the Imam (a.s.) was seeing standing among them for prayer and the beast circled around him."
27
Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Ishaq who has said the following. "Once I went to see abu Muhammad (a.s.) and asked him to write for me few lines so that whenever I would see
his hand writing I would recognize it. The Imam (a.s.) said, "Yes, and then said, "O Ahmad the writing with a fine pen and with thick pen will look different to you. Do not have doubts He then
asked for a pen and ink pot and began writing. He would make the pen to have ink from the bottom of the ink pot.
I thought to myself when he was writing, "I will request him to gift me the pen with which he is writing." When he finished writing he turned to me and began speaking while he was wiping
the pen with the handkerchief of the ink pot for a while and then said, "Here, O Ahmad it is for you."
He gave it to me. I then said, may Allah take my soul in service for your cause, I am sad about something that is in my soul. I wanted to ask your father about it but I did not have the
chance. He asked, "What is it, O Ahmad?" I said, "My master, it is narrated to us from your holy ancestors that the prophet sleep on their backs, the true believers sleep on their right side, the
hypocrites sleep on their left side and Satans sleep on their belly." He (a.s.) said, "That is how it is."
I then said, "My master I struggle to sleep on my right side abut I can not do so and I do not go to sleep on my right side." He remained quite for a while and then said, "O Ahmad, come
close to me." I went close to him and he said, "put your hand hand under your clothes." I did so. He then took his hand from under his clothes and place under my clothes.
He wiped with his right hand my left side and with his left hand my right side three times. Ahmad has said that ever since I have not been able to sleep on my left side and can not go to
sleep on my left side."
