Maryam
H 10249, Ch. 1, h 9 Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from al-Nawfaliy from al-Sakuniy who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, has said that `Amir al-Mu’minin would read, ‘. . . I am afraid for my dependents after me,’ (19:6) meaning that he had no heirs until Allah granted him (an heir) after his becoming very old.’”
H 991, Ch. 91, h 7 Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu‘alla ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn Asbat who has said the following: “Once I saw abu Ja‘far, recipient of divine supreme covenant, who had come out to me and I began to look at him from head to toe so I could describe him to our people in Egypt. I was looking until he sat down and said, ‘O Ali, Allah has supported His argument against the people in the case of Imamat (Leadership with Divine Authority) just as He has done so in the case of the prophets. He has said, “We gave authority to him (John) over the people during his childhood. (19:12) When he attained maturity, Allah gave him strength, wisdom and knowledge. Thus, do We reward those who do good.” (12:22) ‘When he grewup to manhood and became forty years old . . .’ (46:15) It may come to pass, wisdom comes to a prophet when he is just a child or when he is forty years old.’”
H 1300, Ch. 122, h 3 Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu‘alla ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn Asbat who has said the following: “Once he (abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn Ali al-Rida, recipient of divine supreme covenant) came out to me and I looked at his head and legs so I could describe him physically to our people in Egypt. I kept looking until he sat down and said, ‘O Ali, Allah’s presentation of proofs in support of ‘A’immah’s Imamat (Leadership with Divine Authority) is the same as those in support of the prophet-hood of a prophet. Allah has said, “. . . we gave knowledge and wisdom to John during his childhood.” (19:12) “. . . When he attained maturity, Allah gave him strength, wisdom and knowledge. Thus, do We reward those who do good.” (12:22) “. . . When he grew up to manhood and became forty years old. . . .” (46:15) Allah may give authority to a child and He may do so when he is a forty years old man.’”
H 10318, Ch. 12, h 4 A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Khalid from A number of his people from Ali ibn Asbat from his uncle Ya‘qub ibn Salim in a marfu‘ manner from `Amir al-Mu’minin, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, has said, ‘The first thing that women should eat is fresh dates; Allah, most High, said to Maryam, ‘. . . shake the twig of the palm tree; fresh dates will fall on you to be picked up.’ (19:24) It then was asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what happens if it is not the season of fresh dates?’ He (the Messenger of Allah) said, ‘If this is not available then it is seven pieces of dates of the dates of al-Madinah, and if that is not available then seven pieces of dates of the dates of other cities. Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, says, “I swear by My majesty, Glory, greatness and the height of My place that if a woman during her childbirth eats fresh dates, her child, a boy or girl, will grow up forbearing and tolerant.”’”
H 985, Ch. 91, h 1 A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from ibn Mahbub from Hisham ibn Salim from Yazid al-Kunasiyy who has said the following: “Once I asked abu Ja‘far, recipient of divine supreme covenant, ‘Was Jesus at the time he spoke to people from the cradle a Divine Authority over the people of his time?’ He said, ‘At that time he was a prophet, a Divine Authority over the people but not a Mursal (Messenger). Have you not heard the words of Allah that say, “He said, ‘I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and has appointed me to be a prophet (19:30). He has blessed me no matter where I dwell, commanded me to worship Him and pay the religious tax for as long as I live.’” (19:31) “I then asked, ‘Was he the Divine Authority over Zackaria at the time that he was in the cradle?’ He said, ‘At that time Jesus was a sign from Allah to people and a blessing to Mary (Maryam) when he spoke on her behalf. He was a prophet and a Divine Authority over all those who heard his words at that time. Thereafter he did not speak until he was two years old. At Such time Zackaria was the Authority of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Gracious, over the people after the silence of Jesus. Zackaria then died and his son Yahya (John) inherited the book and wisdom and he was a small child. You can hear it in the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Gracious, ‘We commanded John, Zachariah’s son, “O John, follow the guidance of the Lord with due steadfastness. We gave knowledge and wisdom to John during his childhood.’” (19:12) When Jesus was seven years old, he then spoke as a prophet and a messenger until Allah, the Most Holy sent him inspiration. Thus, Jesus was the Divine Authority over John and over all the people. The earth is never left without the presence of a Divine Authority over the people; O abu Khalid, from the day Allah created Adam and settled him on earth.’ “I then asked, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, did Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, possess Divine Authority from Allah and His Messenger over this nation (Muslims) during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘Yes, he received such authority on the day the Messenger of Allah appointed him Divine Authority over the people and called upon the people to acknowledge his Divine Authority and commanded them to obey him.’ I then asked, ‘Was obedience to Imam Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, obligatory upon people during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah as well as after his death?’ The Imam said, ‘Yes, but he kept silent and did not speak along with the Messenger of Allah. At that time, during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, obedience was of the rights of the Messenger of Allah over the ’Umma (nation) and over Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant. Obedience to the authority of Allah and His Messenger over the people as a whole was also obligatory to Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, after the death of the Messenger of Allah. Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, was a very wise and knowledgeable person.’”
H 2026, CH 66, h 11 A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from Yahya ibn al Mubarak from ‘Abd Allah ibn Jabalah from a man from abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, who has said the following: “About the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy: ‘. . . He has blessed me no matter where I dwell, . . .’ (19:31) the Imam said, ‘“Blessed” means, the most beneficial to people.”’
The example of `Isa (Jesus)
If you desire I will tell you about `Isa (p.b.u.h.) son of Maryam (Mary). He used a stone for his pillow, put on coarse clothes and ate rough food. His condiment was hunger. His lamp at night was the moon. His shade during the winter was just the expanse of earth eastward and westward. His fruits and flowers were only what grows from the earth for the cattle. He had no wife to allure him, nor any son to give grief, nor wealth to deviate (his attention), nor greed to disgrace him. His two feet were his conveyance and his two hands his servant.
nahjul balagha in sermon 160
H 3093, CH 10, h 6 A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Ash’ari from ibn al-Qaddah from abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘May Allah grant favors upon a servant who requests help from Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, and insists on praying and pleading before Him for help, accepted or not. He then read this verse of the Holy Quran: “. . . I worship my Lord and hope that my prayers will not be ignored.’” (19:48)
H 434, Ch. 3, h1 A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn abu Nasr from Tha‘laba ibn Maymun from Zurara who has said the following: “Once I asked abu Ja’far, recipient of divine supreme covenant, about the words of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, ‘He was a messenger, a prophet’ (19:51) what is a messenger and what is a prophet? The Imam said, ‘A prophet is one who sees things (matters of Divine guidance) in his dreams and hears the voice but does not see the angel. The messenger is one who hears the voice, in his dreams sees things (of matters of Divine guidance) and sees the angel.’ I then said, ‘What is the position of the Imam?’ The Imam, recipient of divine supreme covenant, said, ‘He hears the voice but does not see and observe the angel.’ Then he recited the following verse of the Holy Quran. ‘Satan would try to tamper with the desires of every Prophet or Messenger or [Muhaddath] whom We sent . . .’” (22:52) (The Imam included the word Muhaddath in the above verse as his commentary.)
H 2468, CH 111, h 8 A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from certain individuals of his people from ‘Abd Allah ibn Sinan from abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘There are three things that on being found in a person prove him to be a hypocrite, even though he may fast, pray and think that he is a Muslim: Violation of trust when he is thought of as trustworthy, lying in one’s words and disregard of one’s promises. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has said in His book, ‘. . . Allah does not love the treacherous ones’, (8:58) also in His words, ‘. . . let Allah’s condemnation be upon him if he lies’ (24:7), and in the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, ‘Mention in the Book (the Quran) the story of Ishmael; he was true to his promise, a Messenger and a Prophet.’” (19:54)
H 4740, Ch. 93, h 26 Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from ‘Amr ibn ‘Uthman from Mufaddal ibn Salih from Jabir who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, has said, ‘The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘Jibril (Gabriel) has informed me that an angel of the angels of Allah had a great position before Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, but then this angel was to be disciplined. He was made to descend down to earth. He went to prophet Idris and requested him saying, “You have a great position before Allah, please intercede for me before your Lord.” He prayed for three nights without lapse, fasted three days without break and then pleaded before Allah, the Most High in an early morning about the angel and the angel said, “You have been granted your request and my wing is freed. I would like to compensate you for this favor. You may ask me for help if you need.” He said, “If you can show me the angel of death, you may do so, so that I try to get comfortable with him because, on remembering him nothing seems enjoyable to me.” The angel spread his wing and said, “Climb on” and he ascended up in search for the angel of death in heaven above the world. He was told to ascend higher. They met him between the fourth and the fifth heavens, and the angel asked, “Why is it that I see you, O angel of death, frowning?” He replied, “It is strange. I, while under the shadow of the Throne, am commanded to remove the soul of a man between the fourth and the fifth heavens.” Idris heard it, he found it very difficult and fell off the wing of the angel. His soul was removed from his body at the spot. About this Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, has said, “We raised him to a high (exalted) place (19:57).’””
H 4786, Ch. 2, h 13 Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id from Fadalah ibn Ayyub from Dawud ibn Farqad who has said the following: “I asked abu ‘Abd Allah, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, about the words of Allah, ‘Salat (prayer) was made obligatory in designated times’ (4:105). The Imam replied, ‘It is an established obligation. If you performed earlier or delayed a little, it is not harmful as long as you did not lose them altogether. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, says about a people, “They lost Salat (prayer) and followed their lustful desires so they face deviation” (19:60).’”
H 11312, Ch. 42, h 2 Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id from al-Nadr ibn Suwayd from Ali ibn al-Salt from the son of brother of Shihab ibn ‘Abd Rabbihi who has said the following: “I once complained before abu ‘Abd Allah, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, against pain and an upset stomach that I (often) experienced . He (the Imam) said to me, ‘Take breakfast and dinner and do not eat anything in between because it harms the body. Have you not heard Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, saying, “For them there is their sustenance in the early morning and evening?”(19:62)’
H 364, Ch. 24, h5 Ahmad ibn Mihran has narrated from ‘Abd al-‘Azim ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hassani from Ali ibn Asbat from Khalaf ibn Hammad from ibn Muskan from Malik alJuhanni who said the following: “Once I asked Imam abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, about the words of Allah, the Most High, ‘Does he not remember that We created him when he did not exist?’ (19:67) The Imam said, ‘It means that he did not exist in a definite or in the form of a being.’ I asked the Imam about the words of Allah, ‘There was certainly a time when there was no mention of the human being.’ (76:1) The Imam said, ‘It was definite but not mentioned.’”
H 1167, Ch. 108, h 90 Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Salma ibn al-Khattab from al-Hassan ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman from Ali ibn abu Hamza from abu Basir from abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, who has said the following: “About the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Gracious, ‘When Our clear revelations are recited to them, the unbelievers ask the believers, “Which of us has a better position and is more prosperous?”’ (19:73), the Imam said, ‘The Messenger of Allah once asked Quraysh (the powerful tribe in Makka) to acknowledge our Wilayah, (Leadership with Divine Authority). They turned away and refused. The unbelievers of Quraysh asked the true believers of Quraysh (those who acknowledged our Wilayah), “Which group among us has a better position and is more prosperous?” This was to humiliate the true believers. Allah then asked, “How many generations [people of the past] of greater prosperity and splendor have We destroyed before them?”’ (19:74) “I then asked the meaning of: ‘(Muhammad), tell them, “The Beneficent gives respite to those who have gone astray. . . .”’ (19:75) “The Imam said, ‘All of them lived a life in error and did not acknowledge Wilayah of Amir al-Mu’minin Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, and our Wilayah. They lived in error and led others to error. Allah gives them time in their error and rebellion until they die. He then causes them to have the worst of dwellings and be of the weakest parties.’ “I then asked him about the meaning of: ‘. . . until they face the torment of which they were warned or the Day of Judgment. Then they will find out who will have the most miserable place and the weakest forces.’ (19:75) “The Imam said, ‘. . . until they face the torment of which they were warned . . .,’ is the time of the rise of al-Mahdi with Divine Authority and power. That is the time when they will find out what Allah will send to them through the hands of alMahdi, recipient of divine supreme covenant, and thus, are His words: ‘. . . who will have the most miserable place . . . [at the time of the rise of al-Mahdi with Divine Authority and power] . . . and the weakest forces.’ (19:75) “I then asked about the words of Allah: ‘. . . Allah further enlightens those who seek guidance. . . .’ (19:76) “The Imam said, ‘Allah will grant them more guidance and certainty to follow al-Qa’im (the one who will rise with Divine Authority and power) so that they will not reject or refuse his authority.’ “I then asked about the words of Allah: ‘No one will be able to intercede for the others except those whom the Beneficent has given authority (due to His covenant).’ (19:87) “The Imam said, ‘The acknowledgment of Wilayah of Amir alMu’minin Ali and ‘A’immah (Leaders with Divine Authority), recipients of divine supreme covenant, after him is part of the religion of Allah and this is the authority and the covenant before Allah.’ “I then asked about the words of Allah: ‘To the righteously striving believers Allah will grant love.’ (19:96) “The Imam said, ‘It is the love for Amir al-Mu’minin Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, and to acknowledge his Wilayah. It is this love of which Allah speaks in His words, “(Muhammad), We have given it to you (the Book, the Holy Quran) in your own language so that you can easily give the glad news to the pious ones and warn the quarrelsome ones.”’ (19:97) The Imam said, ‘It was made easy for him when Allah appointed Amir al-Mu’minin Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, as the standard of truth. With him He gave glad news to the true believers and warning to the unbelievers. It is these unbelievers whom He in His book has called, “The quarrelsome ones.” “I (the narrator) then asked him about the words of Allah: ‘. . . so that you may warn a people who are unaware because their fathers were not warned.’ (36:6) “The Imam said, ‘It was to warn the people with whom the Holy Prophet, recipient of divine supreme covenant, lived just as their forefathers were warned and they were unaware of Allah, His messenger and His warning. “. . . (I swear) that most of them are doomed to be punished [for not acknowledging the Wilayah of Ali and ‘A’immah, recipients of divine supreme covenant, after him]. ‘. . . They have no faith. . . .’” (36:7) [in the Wilayah of Ali and the executors of the will after him, recipient of divine supreme covenant. Since they did not believe and their punishment was as such as Allah has mentioned, “. . . We have enchained their necks up to their chins. Thus, they cannot bend their heads [in hell] (to find their way).” (36:8) [Then Allah has said], “. . . We have setup a barrier in front and behind them and have made them blind. Thus, they cannot see.” (36:10) [It will be the punishment for not acknowledging the Wilayah of Ali and ‘A’immah after him. This is in this world and in the next life it will be hell wherein they will not be able to raise their heads. Then Allah has said], “. . . Whether you, Muhammad, warn them or not, they will not believe,” (36:10) [in Allah and the Wilayah of Ali and the ‘A’immah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, after him. Then Allah has said], “. . . You should warn only those who follow the Holy Quran [meaning thereby Amir alMu’minin Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant], ‘. . . and have fear of the Beneficent without seeing Him. Give them [O Muhammad], the glad news of their receiving forgiveness and an honorable reward (from Allah).’” (36:11).”
19:74 people who are on the right path, are not necessarily the richest or most powerful etc. Using achievement as a measure does not indicate correct faith
H 4747, Ch. 93, h 33 Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from al-Husayn ibn Ishaq from Ali ibn Mahziyar from Ali ibn Isma’il al-Maythamiy from ‘Abd al-‘A’la Mawla ‘Ala Sam who has said the following: “I asked abu ‘Abd Allah, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, about the words of Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, ‘We count for them a strict account’ (19:84). The Imam asked, ‘What do you know about it?’ I replied, ‘It means counting of days.’ The Imam said, ‘No, because parents do such counting. It means counting of exhaling and inhaling of one’s breath.’”