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Imam Mohammed Baqir (as) Companions

Companions and studentsAmong the companions of Prophet who narrated traditionsfrom Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) is Jabir Ibne Abdullah and among Tabiin is Jabir Ibne Yazid Jofi, Kaisan Sajistani.Among the jurists, there are Ibne Mubarak, Zuhri, Abu Hanifah,Maalik, Shafei, Awzai, Ziyad Ibnul Mundhir and many otherexegesists and historians. But the following companions areworth special mention:Jabir Ibne Abdullah Ansari, Jabir Ibne Yazid Jofi, Zurarah,Amir Ibne Abdullah Ibne Shuraik Amiri, Fuzail Ibne YasarBasri, Salam Ibnul Mustansir, Buraid Ibne Muawiyah, HakeemIbne Abi Naeem, Muhammad Ibne Muslim Thaqafi, AbdullahIbne Abi Yafur, Ziyad Ibnul Munshir Abul Jarud, Ziyad Ibne Abi Raja Abu Ubaidah Al-Hadha, Ziyad Ibne Sauqa, Ziyad Ibne AbiZiyad Munqiri, Ziyad Al-Ahlam, Abu Basir Yahya Ibne AbilQasim Makfuf (Ishaq), Humran, Bukair, Abdul Malik, AbdurRahman Ayyin, Muhammad Ibne Ismail Ibne Bazi, AbdullahIbne Maimoon Kadha, Muhammad Ibne Marwan Kufi, Ismail Ibne Fazal Hashimi, from the sons of Naufal Ibne Harith AbuHarun Makfuf, Zarif Ibne Nasih, Saeed Ibne Iskaf Duali, IsmailIbne Jabir Khathami Kufi, Uqbah Ibne Bashir Asadi, AslamMulki, Abu Basir Laith Ibne Bakhtari Muradi, Kumayt IbneZaid Asadi, Najiya Ibne Umara Saidawi, Maaz Ibne MuslimNahwi, Bashirur Rijal, etc.1From the above, after Muhammad Ibne Ismail Ibne Bazi allare included among companions of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) aswell and they had gained knowledge from both Imams. Below, we shall mention some brief biographical sketches ofsome of the companions:1- Jabir Ibne Abdullah AnsariHe is included among companions of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)and was the bearer of the Prophet’s greetings for ImamMuhammad Baqir (a.s.). Jabir was present in the Battle of Badrand other battles along with Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).His father was present in the allegiance of Aqbah. In thesecond allegiance of Aqbah, Jabir himself was present. He wasconsidered among the devotees of Amirul Momineen (a.s.). Hisgreatest excellence is that in 61 A.H. on the day of Arbaeen, he480was the first visitor to the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.) and hisZiarat Arbaeen is mentioned in books of Ziyarat and books ofKerbala Tragedy (Maqatil).2- Abdul Basir Laith Ibne Bakhtari MuradiHe was absolutely reliable in narrating traditions and was an honest personality. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) is supposed to havesaid: Four individuals have preserved the jurisprudence of myfather: Abu Basir, Zurarah, Muhammad Ibne Muslim andBuraid Ibne Muawiyah Ajali. 3- Abu Basir Abdullah Ibne Muhammad AsadiHe is among those six companions called as Afqah (experts injurisprudence): Abu Basir Asadi, Muhammad Ibne Muslim,Fuzail Ibne Yasaar, Buraid Ajali, Zurarah and Abu BasirMuradi.4- Abu Basir Yahya Ibne Qasim AsadiHis father was Ishaq; he was himself visually handicappedand was an extremely reliable narrator of traditions and wellversed in Islamic jurisprudence. Some people have includedhim in the six great experts of jurisprudence and narrated thatImam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) had ordered people to refer to him inhis absence.5- Zurarah Ibne AyyinHe was an extremely intelligent person, a jurist, a theologian,litterateur and a reliable tradition scholar. Once, when hewas mentioned in the gathering of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.), theImam mentioned him in a negative manner. When he learnt ofthis, he sent his son to the Imam to find out the truth.The Imam said: You are my true friend, but what can I do,the world is the enemy of my friends; so I mention them insuch a way that my friendship is not revealed and in this waymy followers remain safe from the mischief of enemies.2It should remain clear that Zurarah was one of the fourbrothers: Zurarah, Humran, Bukair and Abdur Rahman and allwere very sincere Shia and there is no doubt about the honestyof anyone them. 6- Muhammad Ibne Muslim Thaqafi KufiHe was a very sincere companion of Imam Baqir and ImamSadiq (a.s.). He had recorded thirty-thousand traditions fromImam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and sixteen thousand traditionsfrom Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). Once when Imam Muhammad481 Baqir (a.s.) ordered him humility, he took up the profession ofselling dates and then later started milling flour, which is whysometimes he is also called as Tahhan.3Abu Kahmash says that I came to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.)and the Imam said: I have heard that Qazi Abu Laila has rejected the testimony of Muhammad Ibne Muslim. When you go toKufa you should meet Abu Laila and ask three questions andtell him that the condition is that he should reply from the traditionsof Prophet:1- What one should do if he gets doubt in the first two rakatsof Obligatory Prayers? 2- If the body or clothes become impure due to urine, howthey should be purified?3- What is to be done if one pebble is dropped from the seven during the stoning of satans (Ramee Jamarat)?Abu Kahmash obeyed the instructions of the Imam and whenAbu Laila could not reply, he said: Imam Sadiq (a.s.) hadtaught these questions to me and said that when you have noknowledge of Sunnah of Prophet, what right you have to reject the testimony of Muhammad Ibne Muslim. Abu Laila was extremelyashamed and he accepted the testimony of MuhammadIbne Muslim.• The second time, two representatives of the Imam wentto Qadi Shuraih and posed two questions: What is the distanceof Qasr (shortening of prayers etc) and what arethe conditions necessary for Friday prayer? And theyasked him to reply from traditions. When he could notreply, they said: Muhammad Ibne Muslim has narrated tous this tradition of the Prophet from Imam MuhammadBaqir (a.s.): Qasr becomes obligatory at a distance of twobareed and Friday prayers becomes obligatory in thegathering of five persons, one of whom is the Imam.Shuraih was astonished at this academic brilliance.7- Jabir Ibne Yazid JofiHe was a resident of Kufa, but he came into the service ofImam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and started living in Medina.Imam told him that he must not say that he was from Kufa orpeople would harass him. He asked the Imam: would it not implyfalsehood. Imam said: Never, as long as you are in Medinayou a Medinan. What is the question of falsehood in that?482Noman Ibne Bashir narrated that a person brought a letter toJabir. He touched it to his eyes, opened it and started reading.He was highly pleased and soon he departed to Kufa.On reaching Kufa, he began to act in a strange manner. Heput a stick between his legs and mimicked riding a horse and ran here and there with children. People said that Jabir has become insane. After some days a proclamation of Hisham IbneAbdul Malik came to the governor of Kufa to cut off the head ofJabir and dispatch it to Hisham. When he made inquiries, hewas told that he was an Islamic jurist but now he had becomeinsane, so what is the use of executing him? So he changed hismind and the wisdom behind Imam’s letter became clear and it came to be known how the Holy Imams (a.s.) used to protectthe lives of their followers and how difficult life had become forAale Muhammad (a.s.). Jabir passed away in 128 A.H. That isfourteen years after martyrdom of Imam Muhammad Baqir(a.s.).1 For more details and the companions of Imam MuhammadBaqir (a.s.) refer to the following books: Al-Iktisaas, Pg. 83, 98,161; Rijal Kishi, Pg. 6, Biharul Anwar, Vol. 86; Majalisul Momineen;Imam Sadiq Mazahib Arba, Vol. 2; Tahzeebut Tahzeeb, Ibne Hajar Asqalani2 Majalisul Momineen3 Majalisul Momineen483

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Imam Jafar As Sadiq(as) Companions There were more than four thousand students in the classesof Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) and they include great Imams of theUmmah as well, but those companions who had truly gainedfrom the knowledge of Imam and remained steadfast on faithtill their last moments, their number is definitely less than this,although this number is also more and some names are worthspecial mention, but they are some who are also includedamong companions of Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.); on thecontrary they are considered as his companions only. Some arementioned among companions of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.);therefore we would mention about some of the members ofthis second group:1- Aban Ibne TaghlibHe was from Kufa and he belonged to Bakr Ibne Waeel tribe.He was a very religious type of person who held a special positionin the knowledge of recitation of Quran and he had a particularstyle of recitation, famous among reciters of Quran.He had also studied under Imam Sajjad (a.s.), but Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) had ordered him during his period thathe should sit in the mosque and issue religious verdicts as hewanted such people among his companions. He had learnt byheart thirty thousand traditions from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.).He was also appointed by Imam to hold debates on religioustopics, in order to continue the system of verification of truth.He passed away in 141 A.H. and Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) expressedgreat sorrow at this tragedy. It is mentioned in traditionalreports that when Aban used to come to Medina, theMasjid of Medina used to fill up with students of religiousknowledge and each of them used to be eager to hear traditionsdirectly from Aban.12- Ishaq Ibne Ammar Sairafi KufiHe was considered a teacher of traditions and was a highclass trustful tradition narrator. He brother, Yunus, Yusuf, Ismail,Qays and his nephews, Ali, Bashir and sons of Ismail were also prominent personages among tradition scholars.Scholars of tradition narrators of the early period used torefer to him as a follower of Fathi school and his traditional512reports were considered trustworthy instead of being Sahih;but Shaykh Bahai has investigated this point and concludedthat there are two narrators of this name; Ishaq Ibne Ammar Ibne Hayyan from the Imamiyah and was a reliable man; andIshaq Ibne Ammar Ibne Musa was on religion of Fatihis, but hewas trustworthy. The former is mentioned in Rijal Najjashi andthe later is mentioned in Rijal of Shaykh and this research ofShaykh Bahai remained in force for sometime but in the end,Allamah Tabatabai Bahrul Ulum showed that Ishaq Ibne Ammaris only one person and he was on Imamite faith and a reliable person, so his traditional reports should get the rank ofauthentic reports.23- Buraid Ibne Muawiyah Ajali KindiHis Kunniyat was Abul Qasim and he was considered one ofthe closest confidants of Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) andImam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) used to remarkabout him that there are four standards of religion:Muhammad Ibne Muslim, Buraid Ibne Muawiyah, Laith Ibne Bakhtari Abu Basir and Zurarah Ibne Ayyin; if they had notbeen there, the jurisprudence of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) would havebeen destroyed. Buraid passed away in 150 A.H. and his sonQasim Ibne Buraid is also considered a narrator of traditionalreports of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.).34- Abu Hamza ThumaliImam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) used to tell him: Seeing you I becomeassured. Once his daughter had a fall and she fracturedher hand; a surgeon was brought there for her treatment; seeingthe condition of his daughter, he began to weep; Providencehad so much pity on this condition that the fracturedhand was cured by itself and the orthopedic expert continuedto search for broken bones. Abu Hamza has also cultivated thecompany of Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and often used to go for Ziyaratof Amirul Momineen (a.s.), when a large crowd of Imamiyah jurists used to gather and people gained from his know how.He passed away in 150 A.H.45- Hareeth Ibne Abdullah SajistaniHe was originally from Kufa, but he used to travel to Sajistanon business; therefore he became famous as Sajistani.His book, As-Salaat, was highly popular among scholars.56- Humran Ibne Ayyin Shaibani513He was a brother to Zurarah and Imam Muhammad Baqir(a.s.) has verified his being a Shia; on his death, the Imam hadremarked that a believer man has passed away. Once Humrantold Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.): So less is the number of your followersthat they cannot finish the mutton of a single goat.Imam (a.s.) said: More surprising is the fact that after HolyProphet (s.a.w.s.) the only sincere supporters of Amirul Momineen(a.s.) were Salman, Abu Zar and Miqdad and Ammar hadalso joined them.67- Zurarah Ibne AyyinHe was the most prominent companion of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). So much so that that Imam told Faiz Ibne Mukhtar: IfZurarah had not been there, the traditions of my respectedfather would have been lost. When Yunus Ibne Ammar narrateda tradition of Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) on the authorityof Zurarah, Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: If Zurarah hasnarrated it, it must be authentic. Jamil Ibne Darraj said: We used to seem like nursery kids before Zurarah. Imam Ja’farSadiq (a.s.) said: Your name is mentioned in the list of the inmatesof Paradise without an Alif; he confessed: My real nameis Abde Rabbih and Zurarah became famous later. He passedaway two months after demise of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.), buthe left a generations behind him who were highly reliable religiousauthorities and missionaries of faith.78- Safwan Ibne Mahran Jammal Asadi KufiHe was from Kufa and was in the business of hiring outcamels. Once Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) asked him: Do you rent out year camels to Harun. He said: Only for traveling to Mecca.The Imam asked: Do not wish that he should return safe andsound so that you get your animals and rent. He replied: Yes.Imam said: One who desires for the survival of oppressorswould be raised with them on Judgment Day. Safwan disposed off all his camels upon this. When Harunlearnt of this, he said: If you did not have good relations withus I would have got you killed.Traditional reports of Ziyarat Waritha, Ziyarat Arbaeen and Dua Al-Qama have been recorded from Safwan and he used totransport Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) from Medina to Kufa for along time and himself also worshipped at the tomb of AmirulMomineen (a.s.).85149- Abdullah Ibne Abi YafurHe was a disciple of Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). He had perfect faith on the Imam and thelatter had also prayed in his favor a number of times. Hepassed away during a plague in the lifetime of the Imam. Imamextolled his praises in his letter to Mufaddal Ibne Umar andsaid: I have not seen anyone more pious and obedient to God,Prophet and the Imam.910- Fuzail Ibne Yasar BasriHis Kunniyat was Abu Qasim and he was a prominent companionof Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). He was considered amongcompanions of consensus. That is all scholars had consensuson authenticity of his traditional reports. Imam Ja’far Sadiq(a.s.) used to say: One who likes to see an inmate of Paradiseshould look at Fuzail.1011- Faiz Ibne Mukhtar KufiHe is included among companions and tradition reporters of Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.), Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) andImam Musa Kazim (a.s.). Once he came to Imam Ja’far Sadiq(a.s.) and said: Please introduce your successor to me. TheImam went inside and summoned Faiz there. After sometimeImam Musa Kazim (a.s.) appeared with a lash. He was aroundfive years old at that time. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) introduced the successor and said: Son, what lash is this. He replied: Mybrother, Ali was lashing everyone with this so I have taken itaway from him. Imam said: Faiz, this is my successor and legatee.He said: Maula, please give some more details. He said:Suhuf Ibrahim and scrolls of Prophet Musa (a.s.) have reachedto me from the Prophet in inheritance and I have appointedthis sons of mine as my successor. Faiz said: Maula tell me some more. He said: When my respected father used to supplicate,I used to say Amen; and when I supplicate, this son ofmine says Amen. Faiz said: Maula tell me some more. He said:when my respected father wanted to sleep I used to put myarms to act as pillows and when I want to rest, this boy givesme support; so you must accept his Imamate and convey this information to your special companions. Faiz kissed the foreheadof the Imam and coming back to Yunus Ibne Zabyan narratedthis incident to him. He said I will get it verified directlyfrom the Imam and he came to the Imam’s house for this515purpose. The Imam called from inside: Yunus, do not investigate;whatever Faiz has reported is correct.1112- Laith Ibne BakhtariHe is famous as Abu Basir and he is also included among the righteous personages who had been given the glad tidings ofParadise and who are included among companions of consensusand all scholar have unanimity about the authenticity ofall his reports.Abu Basir says: Once, when I came to Imam Ja’far Sadiq(a.s.), he said: You were present during the last moments of AlbaIbne Darra Asadi; what did he say at that time? I replied:He told us that you have guaranteed Paradise for him. Imamsaid: You are right. I began to cry: Alas, if I also had this honor. Imam (a.s.) said: I stand a surety for you as well. I said:Please recommend my case to your ancestors also. He said:They are also your sureties. I said: Please recommend mycase to the Lord of the worlds also. He said: He is also asurety, and anyone who is sincere and steadfast in the love ofAhle Bayt (a.s.), Aale Muhammad (a.s.) would be his surety forParadise.1213- Muhammad Ibne Ali Ibne Noman Kufi His Kunniyat was Abu Ja’far and he had a shop in Taqqul Mahammin; therefore he became as Momin Taq and the opponentsbeing overwhelmed by his wit used to refer to him asShaitan Taq. He was an expert of scholastic theology and theart of debate. He had also written a number of books; and hadfrequent debates with Abu Hanifah. Thus once Abu Hanifah ridiculedbelief of Rajat and said: Lend me 500 gold coins; I willreturn them to you in Rajat. Abu Ja’far said: I am ready, butyou must get a surety that you will come in the shape of a humanbeing in Rajat; if you come in form of monkey, how Iwould get my money back?• After martyrdom of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.), Abu Hanifahremarked sarcastically: Now your Imam is dead. AbuJa’far retorted: What is your problem; your Imam is goingto livetill the appointed hour.• One day Abu Hanifah was seated with his companionsand he decried Abu Ja’far coming from a distance. Hesaid:516Satan is coming. Abu Ja’far heard this and immediately recitedthe verse of Quran: We have sent the satans to the disbelieversso that they may continue to torment them forever.• There was a Khariji in Kufa, named Zahhak and he usedto call himself Amirul Momineen and invited people tofollow him. One day Momin Taq went to him and said: Ihave heard a lot about your justice; I want to becomeyour companion. He considered it as a good opportunity and extended a warm welcome and included him amonghis companions. Momin Taq said: Why are you an opponentof Imam Ali (a.s.)? He replied: He accepted arbitrationin Siffeen and it is against Islam. Momin Taq said: Iwant to discuss this matter with you if you can prove yourstance, I will accept your superiority, but who will judgethe debate; no judgment is possible without a third party.Zahhak appointed one of his companions as a judge.Momin Taq accepted the suggestion and said: O people,this person has accepted an arbitrator, so he has goneout of the pale of Islam. People beat him up so much thathe lost consciousness.1314- Muhammad Ibne Muslim Ibne Riyah TahhanThaqafi KufiA senior-most companion of Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.)and Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.); scholars are unanimous on thecorrectness of his traditional reports. He lived in Medina forfour years and learnt thirty thousand traditions from ImamMuhammad Baqir (a.s.) and sixteen thousand from Imam Ja’farSadiq (a.s.).Abdullah Ibne Abi Yafur asked Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that if one cannot reach him, whom should one refer to. He replied:What is the problem with Muhammad Ibne Muslim?He was respected in the view of my honorable father as well.• Muhammad Ibne Muslim says: One night a lady knockedat my door and asked me the religious problem that whatshould be done if a pregnant woman dies having a livingunborn child in her womb? I said: Imam MuhammadBaqir (a.s.) has said that the child should be removed surgically,but I live in seclusion; who gave you my address? She replied: This problem came to Abu Hanifah; since hedidn’t know the answer, I was sent to you. When the517following day I entered the mosque I found Abu Hanifahexplaining that matter on his own authority. I gesturedto him that I was present there. He became worried andsaid: Let me live for a moment at least.• According to histories Muhammad Ibne Muslim was anaffluent person. Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) had advised him to adopt humility. So he closed down all hisbusinesses and took up selling dates. People tried to convincehim that it was not according to his rank, so he installeda flour mill and therefore he came to be known asTahhan.1415- Maaz Ibne Kathir Kasai KufiHe is included among senior companions of Imam Ja’farSadiq (a.s.) and is also among narrators of Nass for Imamate ofImam Musa Kazim (a.s.). He was a dealer in canvas. When heclosed down his business, Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: To close down a business is an act of Satan; by closing down abusiness, two-thirds of the intellect is destroyed.• Once, in the fields of Arafat, seeing the milling crowds,he said to Imam (a.s.): This year a large number of peoplehave come for Hajj. The Imam called him and said: This isa crowd; the real Hajis are you people. And Almighty Allah accepts the deeds only of persons like you.1516- Mualla Ibne Khunais Bazzaz KufiHe is also considered to be a divine saint and a man of Paradise. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) had appointed him as managerof his household affairs and used to trust him completely.On the contrary Dawood Ibne Ali killed him due to this loveand devotion only. When Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) learnt of this,he came from Mecca and went to Dawood Ibne Ali and said:You have killed one who was definitely better than you in thecourt of Allah; you should remember that the destination of Mualla is Jannatul Firdos. He presented excuse that he had notkilled him, on the contrary Sairafi had killed him; so the Imamtook revenge from Sairafi and had him killed and according toanother traditional report he invoked curse on Dawood IbneAli, placing his head in prostration in the last part of the nightand within a short time wails arose from his house and it waslearnt that Dawood was dead.1617- Hisham Ibne Muhammad Ibne Saib Kalbi518His Kunniyat was Abul Mundhir and he was an expert ofgenealogy. His memory became defective due to an accidentand he forgot everything, he pleaded Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) and the latter gave him a cup of drink; after he drank it, hismemory was restored. Imam (a.s.) was very fond of him and heis famous as Nassab Kalbi, an expert of genealogy.1718- Yunus Ibne Zabyan KufiSome scholars of Rijal had misgivings about him but MuhaddithNuri has mentioned the evidences of his veracity at theend of his Mustadrakul Wasail, and stated that Imam Ja’farSadiq (a.s.) had prayed for mercy on him, on the contrary, heeven gave him glad tidings of Paradise. Among his traditionalreports is a Ziyarat of Imam Husain (a.s.), supplication after Ziyaratof Amirul Momineen (a.s.) in Najaf Ashraf, Allaahumma laa budda min amrika…and other famous Ziyarats and supplications.May God give them a good recompense from us andfrom Islam.181 Majalisul Momineen, Kitab Ibne Dawood, Ahsanul Maqal,Vol. 1, Pg. 7542 Majalisul Momineen, Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7543 Majalisul Momineen, Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7554 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7555 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7576 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7577 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7598 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 7609 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 76110 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 762 11Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 75312 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 76413 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 765; Majalisul Momineen14Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 76615Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 76816Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 76817Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 76918Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 1, Pg. 769; Tarikh Kamil, Tahzeeb,Majalisul Momineen.

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Imam Musa Al Kazim(as) Companions

Details of over 300 companions al-islam.org

Companions and students1- Hammad Ibne IsaHe has witnessed the period from Imam Sajjad (a.s.) to ImamJawad (a.s.) and he is considered as a reporter of traditional reports.He was so careful in narrating traditional reports that hehas quoted only seventy traditions from Imam Ja’far Sadiq(a.s.) and from them, he selected only twenty, in which therewas no possibility of any defect or distortion.He requested Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) to pray from him andhe prayed for his house, wife, servants and that he be able toperform Hajj fifty times. By the grace of the Imam all thesebounties became facts for him. But when after performing fiftyHajjs he decided to go for one more Hajj, while he was puttingon his Ihram he was washed away in floods and earned the title of ‘the one drowned in Johfa’.12- Abu Abdullah Abdur Rahman Ibne Hajjaj Bajali KufiHe was a teacher of Safwan bin Yahya and was considered a companion of Imam Sadiq and Imam Kazim (a.s.). He came tothe right path after a period of time and also met Imam Reza(a.s.) and passed away during that time. Imam Ali Reza (a.s.)had given glad tidings of Paradise to him and Imam Sadiq (a.s.)used to tell him: Have debates with people of Medina. I needpeople like you among my companions.It is also narrated from Abul Hasan that he said with regardto Abdur Rahman that he was heavy on the heart, which is explainedby scholars to mean that he was heavy on the hearts ofenemies or that ‘he was valuable in my heart’ or he was heavyas his name was Abdur Rahman and the name of his father wasHajjaj and both these names are heavy on the hearts of believers and as Sibte Ibne Jauzi has narrated that when AbdullahIbne Ja’far named one of his sons as Muawiyah all members ofBani Hashim clan stopped speaking with him as they could notbear this name even in some exigency.23- Abdullah Ibne Jundab Bajali KufiHe was a prominent companion of Imam Kazim (a.s.) andImam Reza (a.s.) and a learned jurist and representative of theImam. Imam Reza (a.s.) had given him the guarantee of the592satisfaction of God and His Prophet and also gave glad tidingsof Paradise to him.It is famous about him that he was weeping profusely in thefields of Arafat; so Ibrahim bin Hashim said: I have never seensuch a devoted stay in Arafat. He said: By Allah, I have not supplicatedanything for myself; I have supplicated everything for the believers in faith as Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) has said: Onewho prays in favor of his brothers in faith, a voice comes fromthe Great Throne of the Almighty: You will be rewarded a hundredthousand times of this. So I did not want that I should refusea hundred thousand times from God and recite one supplication for my own favor, for which there is no guarantee thatit would be accepted.Once, Abdullah wrote to Imam Reza (a.s.): I have become old.So please teach me a recitation that would increase my knowledgeand understanding and make me proximate to God. Imam (a.s.) said: Recite the following often: Bismillaahirrah’maanir Rah’eem. Laa h’awla wa laa quwwata illa billaahila’liyyil a’z’eem. (In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.There is no might and strength except by Allah, the highand the great.).34- Abu Muhammad Abdullah Ibne Mughira Bajali KufiHe was a reliable Islamic jurist and exceptional in piety andworship. He was considered among people of consensus andwas the author of thirty books. He himself admitted that he originallycame from Waqifite sect; by chance he went for Hajjand clinging to the wall of Kaaba wept and prayed: O God,guide me to the right faith. Suddenly a thought came to methat I should meet Imam Kazim (a.s.). So after Hajj I wentto Medina and sent information inside the Imam’s house that aperson from Iraq has come to meet him. A voice came from inside:Abdullah Ibne Mughira, come in. I was astonished and I immediately accepted his Imamate. Then he said: Go, your supplicationis granted. I gained more certainty about the Imamateof the Imam and by the praise of God I am still on it.45- Abdullah Ibne Yahya Kahili KufiHe and his brother, Ishaq are among narrators of ImamSadiq (a.s.) and Musa Kazim (a.s.) and the latter had bestowedspecial attention to him. So much so that he advised Ali IbneYaqtin that he should take special care of Kahili and therefore593he used to mind the financial affairs of Kahili and bear the expensesof the whole family. Once, after the Hajj, when he cameto meet Imam Kazim (a.s.), the Imam said: “Abdullah, now performmore good deeds as the time of your death has approached.” Abdullah began to weep. Imam said: “Do notgrieve, you are counted among my Shia and you have a goodhereafter.” Abdullah was highly elated and passed away aftersome days.56- Ali Ibne YaqtinHe was originally from Kufa, but lived in Baghdad. He wasamong the most prominent companions of Imam Kazim (a.s.)and was the focus of special attention of the Imam. He wasborn in Kufa in 124 A.H. after which his father left the countrydue the fear of Marwan Himar and his mother also resided in Medina till Marwan Himar was killed and the Bani Abbas cameto power. At that time both came out from underground. Thefather of Ali Ibne Yaqtin passed away in 185 A.H. and Ali IbneYaqtin remained in the service of Imam Kazim (a.s.) till theImam informed him of his salvation from Hell fire and he becamethe vizier of the ruler according to orders of the HolyImam (a.s.). Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) had also prayed for him during his childhood and Ali Ibne Yaqtin was a very generousperson; so much so that he sponsored 150 persons for Hajj in ayear.Incidents during the period of the ministry of Ali Ibne Yaqtinare famous and interesting. Imam Kazim (a.s.) was so kind tohim that when he did not meet Ibrahim Jammal, the Imam refusedto meet him in Medina and said: Make Ibrahim happyand sent him to Kufa from Medina in a single night. Ali IbneYaqtin sought the forgiveness of Ibrahim and returned to the Imam.Ali Ibne Yaqtin died in 180 A.H. at a time when Imam Kazim (a.s.) was in the prison. Some people have mentioned the yearof his death to be 182 A.H.67- Mufaddal Ibne Umar Kufi JofiShaykh Najjashi and Allamah have cast doubts on him, butother scholars of Rijal have praised him and testified to hisveracity and narrated that he was an official representative ofImam Sadiq (a.s.) and Imam Kazim (a.s.) and the former hadplaced a sum of money with him through which he was594 supposed to solve disputes between followers of Imam. And itis the report of Muhammad Ibne Sinan that Imam (a.s.) said:Like Mufaddal is a comfort for me, in the same way youwould be for Imam Reza (a.s.) and Imam Jawad (a.s.). AbdullahIbne Fazl Hashmi narrates that he was with Imam Sadiq (a.s.)when Mufaddal arrived. The Imam greeted him cheerfully andsaid:“By God, you are dear to me and if only all my companions had the same cognition as you.” Mufaddal said modestly:“Maula, do not exalt me so much.” He replied: “I have onlystated your true position.” He asked: “Then what would be therank of Jabir Ibne Yazid?” He replied: “Just like Salman was toHoly Prophet (s.a.w.s.).” He asked: “And Dawood Ibne KathirRaqqi?” He replied: “Like Miqdad Ibne Aswad.”After that he told Abdullah: “The Lord of the worlds has createdour souls from effulgence of His greatness and has createdyour souls through our souls. I have the list of all my Shias;neither anyone can increase or decrease them. Abdullah expressedhis wish to see the list. Imam (a.s.) showed him thescroll and Abdullah at last saw his name and prostrated in thankfulness.78- Abu Muhammad Hisham Ibne HikamHe was born and Kufa and brought up in Wasit and at lastsettled down in Baghdad as he had business there. He is includedamong companions of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) and ImamKazim (a.s.) and was an extremely clever and intelligent person. He had no equal in scholastic theology and method of debate.When he passed away in Kufa in 179 A.H. Imam Reza(a.s.) prayed for his salvation and when he was mentioned inthe presence of Imam Jawad (a.s.), he said: “May God havemercy on him; he was the best defender of the rights of us, Ahle Bayt (a.s.).”Umair Ibne Yazid narrates that Hisham was originally followingthe Jahmi religion. Once he expressed desire to debate with Imam Sadiq (a.s.) so I booked an appointment with the Imam.When Hisham arrived, the Imam posed a question to him,which he could not answer and came with the reply only aftersome days. Now the Imam asked him another question andagain he continued to search for its reply for some days. 595When he came for the third time, he could not dare to sayanything due the awe of the Imam. Considering it to be aTaufeeq of Allah, he embraced faith and gained so much progressin the company of the Imam that he gave him a centralplace in gathering in presence of Humran Ibne Ayyin, Qays,Yunus Ibne Yaqub and Momin Taq and said: “He is our helper through his heart and tongue,” and then trained Hisham sowell in the method of debate that no one could defeat him. Itwas the result of his defense of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) that Harun issuedorders for his arrest and he went underground. So muchso, that his family members were arrested. During this period,when time of his death approached, he said to Bashir: “After Iam dead, give me funeral bath, cover me with the shroud and keep my bier at Kunasa locality and write on a piece of paper:This is the bier of Hisham who died because of the fear of regimeso that it becomes certain of my death and my familymembers are released.” It happened in the same way and afterthe testimony of many persons, his family members were releasedas now the regime was safe from Hisham’s danger.89- Yunus Ibne Abdur RahmanHe was born during the reign of Hisham Ibne Abdul Malik;he had also met Imam Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Sadiq (a.s.) but hehad the honor to narrate only from Imam Kazim (a.s.); he is includedamong the people of consensus and Imam Reza (a.s.)used to advise people to consult him in religious matters. Hehad also written a book, Yaum wa Laila, which when it waspresented to Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) he read it from cover tocover and remarked: This is the religion of my ancestors andme. Yunus passed away in 208 A.H. and Imam Reza (a.s.) hadgiven him the glad tidings of Paradise to him thrice and comparedhim to Salman as he had confronted the Waqifite sectand invited people to the Imamate of Imam Reza (a.s.); otherwisemany had stopped the series of Imamate after ImamKazim (a.s.) and denied the Imamate of Imam Reza (a.s.) andseized all the properties and rights of Imam Kazim (a.s.).910- Yunus Ibne Yaqub Bajali DahniHe was a nephew of Muawiyah Ibne Ammar. In the beginninghe was most probably following the Imamate of AbdullahAftah and after that he accepted the Imam Kazim (a.s.) as theImam and became one of his most reliable companions. So 596much so that he also became his representative. He died inMedina during Imamate of Imam Reza (a.s.) and the Imam arrangedfor his last rites and ordered everyone to attend his funeral;had him buried at Baqi on which a few people objectedas he was Iraqi. Imam said: He was our follower, so if he is notgiven space in Baqi. We would also not bury our dead there;after, which he was given the space to make his grave and the Imam ordered the caretaker of graveyard to water the gravefor forty days as Yunus was so dear to God that He broughthim from Iraq to the neighborhood of Prophet. And peace be onthose who follow the guidance.10

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Imam Ali ib Musa Ridha (as) Companions and Students

1- Dibil Ibne Ali al-KhuzaiHe was the greatest poet and litterateur of his time. His panegyricis considered to be a masterpiece of literature. Aftercomposing the Qasida about Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) he set out toKhorasan to recite it in the presence of the Imam. The Imampraised it highly, but told him not to recite it before everyone.But when it became popular, Mamun summoned Dibil andasked him to compose a Qasida for him as well but Dibil ignoredthe request. Mamun then called Imam Reza (a.s.) andasked him to recommend to Dibil and upon the orders of theImam, he composed and recited Qasida for Mamun. Mamungave him 50000 dirhams as reward and Imam (a.s.) also presented a similar amount. Dibil said: Maula, I don’t vie formaterial wealth; just give me a robe, which would be useful forme in the hereafter. He was given a robe and asked to keep itsafe as it would prove useful sometimes. Thus during the journey,when they were attacked by robbers, the same robehelped in saving the belongings of the whole caravan.1It is mentioned in some traditional reports that when Dibil in his composition, mentioned a tomb in Baghdad, the Imam said:Add two more couplets to this Qasida so that it may becomecomplete and saying this he recited two couplets about a tombin Tus. Dibil asked: Maula whose tomb does it imply?Imam (a.s.) said: Whoever visits me in my alienity would beraised with me on Judgment Day. Saying this he gave him ahundred Rizvi Dinars on which the name of Imam was inscribedand Dibil preserved them as a blessing.22- Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Ziyad al-Washa Bajali Kufi He was among special companions of Imam Reza (a.s.) andhis maternal grandfather, Ilyas Sairafi was considered a prominentcompanion of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) and he has narrated thefollowing report of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in his final moments:One who is truly devoted to us, Ahle Bayt (a.s.), cannot betouched by Hellfire.Shaykh Tusi has narrated from Ahmad bin Muhammad binIsa Qummi that he went from Qom to Kufa in search of traditionsand met Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Washa and sought his619 permission to narrating from books of Alaa Ibne Razin andAban Ibne Uthman. He said: First you may copy the books andthen I would hear them. He said you may recite them now, becauseno one knows when he would have to harken to the callof Lord. Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Washa said: If I had known thatthere was so much interest among people for traditions, I would have gathered a treasure trove of traditions, because Isaw nine hundred senior teachers in this same MasjidKufa narrating traditions from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.).Ibne Shahr Ashob says that Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Washa had alittle doubt in the Imamate of Imam Reza (a.s.). So once he collectedsome questions and came to the Imam to test him.He was yet at the door when a servant came and asked:Which of you is Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Washa? He said: I am. Theservant gave him an envelope and said: The Imam says that itcontains replies to your queries. This created a revolution inhis life and he became certain of his Imamate.33- Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Faddal Yatumuli KufiHe was a special companion of Imam Reza (a.s.) and a reporterof his traditions. Fazl Ibne Shazan says: I was in theclass of Quranic recitation in Masjid when I saw that some people talking about a person who lives in mountains and whois continuously engrossed in worship. Even beasts of wildernesshad become so accustomed with him that they graze nearhim and he prolongs his prostrations so much, as if he hasdied. I was amazed how a person can be like this. Meanwhile aman entered and my father stepped forward to welcome himand accorded him great respect. After he went away, I asked: Who was this gentleman. He said: It was Hasan Ibne Ali IbneFaddal. “He is the same famous man? I thought he lived inmountains.” “Yes, he is the same; he came down today and visitsme frequently. I have developed such respect for him that Iused to visit him frequently and listen to the books of IbneBukair and often he came and read them out to me and it was only his sentiment of religion; because when commander inchief of Mamun, Tahir Ibne Husain Khuzai on his return fromHajj, expressed his wish to meet Hasan, the latter declined.Hasan passed away in 224 A.H.44- Hasan Ibne Mahbub Sarrad Bajali Kufi620He was considered a key personality of his time and includedamong people of consensus. He was generally referred to asJarrad, but Imam Reza (a.s.) suggested that he should be addressedas Sarrad as the word of SRD is used in Holy Quran in the meaning of making coat of mail and importance should begiven to words of Quran.His father was so particular about his training that he gaveone dirham as prize for learning each tradition of Ali IbneRuab. Hasan Ibne Mahbub passed away at the end of 224 A.H.at the age of approximately 65 years.55- Zakariya Ibne Adam Ibne Abdullah Ibne Saad AshariQummiHe was among the close confidants of Imam Ali Reza (a.s.).Once he said to the Imam that he wanted to separate from his family members as many fools have appeared among them. TheImam said: Almighty Allah dispels calamities from themthrough you just as He wards off the calamities of people ofBaghdad for the sake of the tomb of Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.).Ali Ibne Musayyib Hamadani said to Imam Reza (a.s.): My house is very far away and I cannot be present with youall the time; so from whom should I learn the laws of religion?He replied: Zakariya Ibne Adam Qummi, who is trustworthy inmy view from the aspect of religion as well as the world.Some historians have stated that he also had the honor of attendingHajj with Imam Reza (a.s.) and on the return journeyshared the litter with the Imam. Allamah Majlisi has narrated in connection with history of Qom that Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.s.) had prayed for Ashari clan that may Allah forgivetheir young and old.The grave of Zakariya Ibne Adam is well known inShaikhanKabir cemetery. Zakariya Ibne Idris Ibne Abdullah Ibne SaadAshari, his cousin is buried near him.66- Safwan Ibne Yahya Abu Muhammad Bajali KufiHe was considered among the most reliable reporters of histime and was a companion of Imam Reza (a.s.) and ImamJawad (a.s.); on the contrary, he was also an official representativeof the Imam.Allamah Kishi has included him also among people of consensusand some historians have narrated that Safwan was apartner in business with Abdullah Ibne Judub and Ali Ibne621Noman. And three of them used to pray 51 units of prayersevery day without fail. They had entered into an agreement that the survivor among them would perform worship and gooddeeds on behalf of others also. Thus after the passing away ofhis friends, he used to pray 51 units of prayers three timesdaily and fasted for three months in a year and paid Zakat ofwealth three times. Such was his precaution that once he hadrented a camel and was heading to Kufa when someone gavehim two Dinars to be conveyed till Kufa. He did not mount thecamel till he could get the approval from the owner of thecamel for increase in load; and such was his sense of duty tobelievers that he could not refuse the owner of Dinar also.Safwan has narrated traditions from forty companions ofImam Sadiq (a.s.) and he passed away in Medina in 210 A.H.Imam Jawad (a.s.) arranged for his shroud and Hunut and ordered Ismail Ibne Musa to pray his funeral prayers.77- Muhammad Ibne Ismail Ibne BaziHe was a trustworthy narrator of traditions and a specialcompanion of Imam Reza (a.s.). He was also present during the times of Imam Jawad (a.s.). He was also a minister in the government.Ali Ibne Noman had bequeathed all his books toMuhammad Ibne Ismail Ibne Bazi. He had requested ImamJawad (a.s.) for a cloth for his shroud; the Imam fulfilled it andsaid that its hooks should be removed. He died at Fayd on wayto Mecca about which it is mentioned by Muhammad Ibne Ahmad Ibne Yahya Ashari that he visited his grave in the companyof Ali Ibne Bilal and narrated the following tradition ofImam Reza (a.s.) on his authority: If a person places his handon the grave and recites Surah Qadr seven times; both the reciteras well as the departed one would be secure from terrorof Judgment Day.Such was the excellence and nobility of Muhammad Ibne Ismailthat Sayyid Murtada, father of Allamah Tabatabai BahrulUloom dreamt on the eve of birth of Allamah that Imam Reza(a.s.) has given a candle to Muhammad Ibne Ismail and senthim to his house and when he lighted it, there was light allaround.Indeed, the being of Allamah Bahrul Uloom was a like alighted candle, which had illuminated the world of piety andknowledge, but it was the greatness of Muhammad Ibne Ismail622that Imam Reza (a.s.) chose his medium to give this glad tiding,as if this candle of knowledge would be lighted through his traditionalreports and their blessings and this is sufficient anhonor of both persons.88- Nasr Ibne QabusHe has narrated from Imam Sadiq (a.s.), Imam Kazim (a.s.)and Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) and served as a representative ofImam Sadiq (a.s.) for twenty years. He was among the closeconfidants of Imam Kazim (a.s.) and has narrated from him thetradition of appointment of Imam Reza (a.s.) to Imamate.• Shaykh Kishi has narrated from him that Imam MusaKazim (a.s.) took him to a room where Imam Reza (a.s.)was engrossed in reading a book and asked: Nasr, do youknow who this boy is? He replied: It is Ali Ibne Musa ar-Reza (a.s.). Then he asked: And this book? He replied: You know better. Imam (a.s.) said: This is Jafr, which onlythe prophets and their successors can read. After whichhe became more certain about the Imamate of ImamReza (a.s.).• On another occasion, Nasr told Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.): Iasked your father about his successor and he told me your name. Now who would your successor be? Hereplied: My son, Ali Ibne Musa.91 Uyun Akhbar Reza, Vol. 2, Pg. 265; Kashful Ghumma, Vol.3, Pg. 74; Rijal Kishi, Pg. 42; Shawahidun Nubuwwah, Pg. 1992 Nurul Absar, Pg. 138; Safinatul Biharul, Vol. 1, Pg. 241; AhsanulMaqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 177; Majalisul Momineen, Pg. 466; WafayatulAyan, Vol. 1, Pg. 322 3Manaqib Ibne Shahr Ashob; Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 1824Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 1835Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 184; Rijal Kishi6Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 1857Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 1878Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 1889Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 190

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Imam Mohamed Taqi(as) Companions and students

1- Abu Ja’far Ahmad Ibne Muhammad Ibne Abi Nasr Bazanti KufiHe was a companion of Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) and was consideredamong special students of Imam Muhammad Taqi(a.s.). Such was the level of his veracity that chain of narratorswas not investigated of the tradition, related from him and itwas taken to be authentic as he has not narrated any traditionfrom any unreliable reporter. He died in 221 A.H.12- Abu Muhammad Fazl Ibne Shazan Ibne KhalilAzdi NishapuriHe is the author of 180 books and was an extremely reliableperson. Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) had invoked mercy for him,once or twice. He lived for years with people like MuhammadIbne Abi Umair and Safwan Ibne Yahya and he was a point ofreference for traditions after them.23- Abu Tammam Habib Ibne Aws TaiHe was the best poet of his age. In one panegyric, he hasmentioned all the Imams till Imam Jawad (a.s.) as he died duringthe lifetime of Imam Jawad (a.s.) only. Jahiz has includedhim among leaders of Shia, which is the best evidence that hewas a Shia.Such was his memory that in addition to panegyrics, he knew14000 poems by heart. His Hamasa is a masterpiece of literature,although some bigoted people used to refrain from reading and writing his couplets. Abu Tammam passed away in Mosulin 231 A.H. and his tomb is situated there.34- Abul Hasan Ali Ibne Mahziyar AhwaziIn a letter, Imam Jawad (a.s.) had written to him that I havetested you fully from the aspect of accepting good advice,obedience, service and according respect and found you onewho fulfills all duties perfectly. If I say that I have not seenanyone like you, I might not be untrue in my claim.Although his father was a Christian, he gained such expertise in jurisprudence that he became a special confidant of theImam and also represented him in some areas. On the contraryhe continued to be the representative of Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) aswell.662His brother, Ibrahim and son, Muhammad Ibne Ali, are includedamong reliable companions of Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.).45- Thiqatul Islam Muhammad Ibne Abi Umair BaghdadiBoth friends and enemies have accepted his trustworthiness and majesty and some have considered him to be superior toYunus Ibne Abdur Rahman, while it is famous that there is nojurist better than Salman Farsi and Yunus Ibne Abdur Rahman.Under orders of Mamun Rashid, he was lashed 120 times bySanadi Shahik for the crime of being a Shia and then he wascast into prison from which he was able to purchase his freedomwith 121000 dirhams as Ibne Umair was a wealthy man,or he would have remained in prison all his life. After payingsuch huge amount in tax to the regime, he became absolutelypoor and the regime seized all his property. By chance a manhad taken borrowed 10000 dirham from him. When he learnt about his circumstances he sold his houseand brought the amount to him. Ibne Abi Umair asked aboutthe source of that money and was told that he had sold hishouse.He said: Take it back. My master, Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.)has said that a man cannot be compelled to sell his house to repaya loan, although right now I am in need of every penny; butI cannot go against law of Shariah.56- Muhammad Ibne Sinan Abu Ja’far ZahiriImam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) has spoken highly of him and stated that Almighty Allah is pleased with him, because theImam was pleased with him. He has neither opposed me normy father.This last statement shows that there were rumors about hisopposition to the Imams and it was necessary for the Imam toexonerate him.It is mentioned in his biography that he lost his eyesight andImam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) passed his hands over his eyesand restored his vision. Therefore apart from being a center ofthe trust of the Imam he was also a cause of miracle of theImam. And only this much is sufficient for his greatness andtrustworthiness.67- Ayyub Ibne Nuh Ibne Darraj KufiHe was a reliable scholar and author of books. He was alsothe representative of Imam Reza (a.s.) and Imam Jawad (a.s.).663He was an extremely precautious and pious man.8- Ja’far Ibne Muhammad Ibne Yunus AhwalHe was a companion of Imam Reza (a.s.) and Imam Jawad(a.s.) and was a trustworthy person.9- Husain Ibne Saeed AhwaziHe was a companion of Imam Reza (a.s.), Imam Jawad (a.s.)and Imam Hadi (a.s.) and author of around thirty books.710- Ali Ibne Asbat Ibne SaalimHe was a companion of Imam Reza (a.s.) and Imam Jawad(a.s.) and a reliable man and author of Tafseer. His veracitywas famed and he was like a teacher to his companions.1 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2292 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2303Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2324 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2335 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2346Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2367 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 280

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Imam ALi Naqi (as) Companions

1- Husain Ibne Saeed Ibne Hammad Ibne Saeed IbneMahran AhwaziHe was originally from Kufa, but later on he had relocated to Ahwaz. He is included among companions of Imam Ali Reza(a.s.), Imam Jawad (a.s.) and Imam Hadi (a.s.). He passed awayin Qom. He was the author of thirty books and his brother,Hasan penned fifty books and contributed in writing thosethirty books also. The distinction of the books of Husain IbneSaeed Ahwazi is that they are presented as models. He broughtAli Ibne Mahziyar, Ishaq Ibne Ibrahim Huzaini and Ali Ibne Rayyan to the Imam and was instrumental in their conversionto Shia faith.12- Khairan, servant of Imam Ali Reza (a.s.)He also had got the honor of seeing three Imams and wasamong their confidants. Imam Hadi (a.s.) has appointed him ashis representative and asked him to use his mind about adjudicatingmatters, as his opinion is same as opinion of the Imamand his obedience is same as obedience of the Imam.23- Abu Hashim Ja’far Dawood Ibne Qasim Ibne IshaqIbne Abdullah Ibne Ja’far Ibne Abi TalibHe was present from the time of Imam Reza (a.s.) to Imam Zamana (a.s.) and was also the representative of Imam Zamana(a.s.). He was an extremely pious and religious person. Hepassed away in 261 A.H. and was buried in Baghdad.4- Abdul Azeem Ibne Abdullah Ibne Ali Ibne HasanIbne Zaid Ibne Hasan Ibne Ali Ibne Abi TalibHe is included among the senior-most scholars of traditions,prominent learned men of his time and the pious persons ofIslam. He was a companion of Imam Hadi and Imam Jawad(a.s.). He is the narrator of numerous traditional reports. Of isdistinctions is the fact that he got all his beliefs approved fromImam Ali Naqi (a.s.): Monotheism, non-attribution of corporeality,creator of whole universe; finality of prophethood of the Prophet of Islam; permanence of Shariah of seal of the prophets,Imamate of Holy Imams (a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.), Hasan, Husain,Ali Ibnul Husain, Muhammad Ibne Ali, Ja’far IbneMuhammad, Musa Ibne Ja’far, Ali Ibne Musa, Muhammad Ibne688Ali, Ali Ibne Muhammad. When Abdul Azeem stopped here,Imam (a.s.) said: After me, my son, Hasan Askari (a.s.) and after him his son, the last Hujjat, whose name cannot be pronounced before reappearance; he would go into occultationand in the end he would reappear and fill up the earth withjustice and equity.After that His Eminence, Abdul Azeem mentioned that Meraj,questioning of the grave, Paradise, Hell, Siraat Bridge, Mizanand Qiyamat were all true and after beliefs, he mentioned practicalacts like: prayers, Zakat, fast, Hajj, Jihad, Amr bil Maroofand Nahy Anil Munkar. Imam (a.s.) said:Indeed this is the religion that Almighty Allah has chosen forHis servants.3 5- Ali Ibne Ja’far HaminawiHe was a resident of Baghdad suburbs and was the representativeof Imam Hadi (a.s.). When Mutawakkil learnt of this he threw him into prison and issued orders for his execution.He requested the Imam to pray for him and when Imamprayed, Mutawakkil fell suddenly ill and as ransom released allprisoners. Under orders of Imam (a.s.), he moved to Mecca andsettled down there.46- Ibne Sikkit Ibne Yaqub Ibne Ishaq AhwaziHe was among special companions of Imam Hadi and ImamJawad (a.s.) and was an expert of literature and grammar. Somuch so that Mutawakkil appointed him as tutor of his sons.One day the tyrant asked: Who are superior, my sons or Hasanand Husain? In reply, initially Ibne Sikkit mentioned the excellenceof Hasan and Husain and then said: Their slave, Qambar is also better than you and your sons.Mutawakkil punished him by having his tongue pulled outfrom behind his head and had him beaten so severely that hepassed away. Since he was mostly silent, he was referred to asIbne Sikkit (silent).51 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2802 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2803 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2814Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 2825 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 282

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Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) Companions

1- Abu Ali Ahmad Ibne Ishaq Ibne Abdullah Ibne SaadIbne Malik Ahwas Ashari.He was an extremely reliable, trusted and pious man. He wasfrom the companions of Imam Jawad, Imam Hadi and Imam Askari(a.s.). Many prominent scholars came from his family andthe Imam has also praised him. He was also the representativeof Imam (a.s.) and had the honor of seeing Imam Zamana (a.s.).He requested Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) for shroud cloth andthe Imam told him not to worry, ‘you will get it’. Thus when hedied on road to Kermanshah, Imam (a.s.) sent his servant,Kafur with the shroud and had him reach there miraculously.He gave the shroud and then companions buried him afterpraying the funeral prayers.12- Ahmad Ibne Muhammad Ibne MutahhirHe is called as the special companion of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), which is a rank above ordinary companions and students.Thus during the last days of his Imamate, Imam HasanAskari (a.s.) sent his mother for Hajj and appointed AhmadIbne Muhammad in charge of the journey and said:Even if people return fearing thirst, you must continue yourjourney; Insha Allah there is nothing to fear.23- Abu Sahl Ismail Ibne Ali Ibne Ishaq Ibne Abi SahlIbne NaubakhtHe was the greatest theologian of Baghdad and possessed asort of ministership. He has authored a number of books on differenttopics of which, Al-Anwaar fee Tarikhil Aimmatil Athar isparticularly famous. He had the honor of seeing Imam Zamana(a.s.) as well and when Mansur Hallaj invited him claiming thathe was the special representative of Sahibul Amr, he wrote back: If you really have this post, prove it to me by making thehair of my beard black and that I should not need to dye it.Mansur realized his helplessness and refrained from replying;but Abu Sahl mentioned this incident in gatherings all the timeand degraded Mansur forever and proved his claim baseless;otherwise there was a possibility that a large number of peoplewould have got deviated.1 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 312; Kamaluddin, Shaykh Saduq7152 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 314; Isbatul Wasiyya, Masudi3 Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Pg. 315716

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Imam Mahdi (ajtfs) - Four Special Deputies

These gentlemen were entrusted with the task of deputationduring period of Minor Occultation, and they fulfilled the dutiesof an ambassador. Their duty was not to deduce religious commandments through Quran and Sunnah; their function wasto carry problems of community to Imam Zamana (a.t.f.s.), andafter getting their reply convey it to the community. Althoughthis does not demand extraordinary knowledge, understandingand expertise in deductions; and any generally qualified personcan fulfill this task, but keeping in mind the circumstances of alengthy occultation, Imam Asr (a.t.f.s.) selected in that period,persons who were highly learned and of excellent character, sothat the community be aware even during Minor Occultation, that deputation of Imam (a.s.) cannot be performed by anycommon man. And also realize that self-knowledge and understandingis not to be used, and God forbid, if there is breach oftrust, Imam is present there to correct it, and his connectionwith the community is in force. Therefore such high caliberpersons were selected. So that when the stage comes of utilizingexpertise of Ijtihad and all apparent connections of the reformingImam would be severed how important would be theloftiness of knowledge and deeds of deputies and advocates ofthat time? And the Holy Imams have clearly hinted so in theirrespective periods about qualities of points of reference of religiouscommandments.Following in brief are biographies of four Special Deputies ofImam Asr (a.t.f.s.):1

1- Uthman bin Saeed AmriHe was a companion and special representative of Imam AliNaqi and Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.).2 As a cover, Uthmantraded in edible oils and had set up a shop so that monies ofImam may be collected from those who came in guise of customers, and also to deliver the answers of their questions receivedfrom Imam (a.s.); due to this he is also called Samman(butter seller).3Ahmed Ibne Ishaq Qummi, a renowned scholar, says that Isaid to Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.): “My master, many a time, I goaway and then come to your vicinity, yet I am still not able tofind access to you every time I come. So whose word should weaccept and whose order should we obey?” The Imam (a.s.) said:“This is Abu Amr. He is trustworthy and honest. He is the trustworthyman of the past and my man of trust in my lifetime and after my death. Whatever he says to you, he says it from us;whatever he delivers to you, he does so from me.” And afterthe demise of tenth Imam, I asked Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), hereplied exactly in the same manner. With regard to a groupcoming from Yemen, Imam said to Saeed: Go and collect thefunds from them as you are trustworthy, and when people asked: You have raised his status too high, Imam replied: UthmanIbne Saeed is my representative, and his son is the representativeof my son. After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), Imam Asr(a.t.f.s.) too retained Uthman Ibne Saeed as his representative.As a special deputy and representative of Holy Imams (a.s.),he displayed such wonders that people were amazed. He informedabout the amount of money and distinguished lawfuland unlawful amounts without looking, and mostly repliedwithout hearing the questions.4We should know that this testimony from Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.)and Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) that “his word is my word andhis message is my message”, hints at such a position, for whichhe can be considered as Imam’s righteous follower and ‘securefrom mistakes’ also. Alas! If any claimant of faith could have got this certificate from Infallible! The period of Uthman IbneSaeed’s deputyship was five years.

2- Muhammad Ibne Uthman Ibne Saeed AmriHe was also appointed by Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) as therepresentative of his son. But when Uthman Ibne Saeed passedaway, a letter of condolence arrived from Imam Zamana(a.t.f.s.) as follows: “Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him weshall return! We submit to His command and are satisfied withHis decree. Your father has lived in good fortune and has passed away with dignity. May Allah’s mercy be upon him, hehas joined his friends and masters. Your father was always inthe affair of the Imams (a.s.) and whatever would bring himnear to Allah. May Allah brighten his countenance! May Allahgive you more reward…and from the success of that departedone it is sufficient that he had a son like you, who would succeedhim in his place and invoke mercy for him. And I also saythat thanks be to my Lord, because the hearts of Shias are happy because of what Allah had made in you. May Allah helpyou and make you succeed. May He be your guardian and protector.”5Allamah Majlisi (r.a.) mentions referring Ghaibat Tusi thatafter the death of Uthman Ibne Saeed, Imam Asr (a.t.f.s.) sentthis message about his son: “And his son, may Allah protecthim, has always been our man of trust during lifetime of hisfather (a.s.). He is to us like his father and in his place. He ordersaccording to our command and according to our command he acts. May Allah protect him from all calamities.”6The pious daughter of Muhammad Ibne Uthman Ibne Saeed,Umme Kulthum says: Abu Ja’far Muhammad Ibne UthmanAmari had a number of books. He had written them on the subjectof fiqh on the basis of his learning from Abu Muhammad Hasan (a.s.) and the Patron (a.s.) and from his father UthmanIbne Saeed, who had procured his knowledge from AbuMuhammad and from Ali Ibne Muhammad (a.s.).They included books titled The Books of Drinks. Kabira, mother of Kulthum, daughter of Abu Ja’far (a.s.) mentionedthat the books reached Abul Qasim Husain Ibne Ruh at thetime of the final will to him and they remained in his possession.7According to Muhammad Ibne Uthman Ibne Saeed, ImamZamana (a.t.f.s.) comes to Hajj every year and even meets thepeople, but people cannot recognize him; as I too last met himin the Hajj while he was busy reciting this supplication near Kaaba, “O Allah! Fulfill my promise!” and then went nearMustajaar and recited this Dua, “O Allah! Give me the opportunityto take revenge from enemies.”8He functioned as a special representative for forty years.

3- Husain Ibne RauhHe was a special friend of Muhammad Ibne Uthman, but outwardlyhis position was lesser than Ja’far bin Ahmad andpeople thought the fourth deputy would be Ja’far bin Ahmad.So when the last moments of Muhammad Ibne Uthman arrived,Ja’far bin Ahmad sat by his head and Husain Ibne Rauhat his feet. But as soon as Muhammad Ibne Uthman read themessage of Imam (a.s.) that Husain Ibne Rauh has been appointedas special deputy, immediately Ja’far bin Ahmad madehim sit at the head and himself sat at his feet, as no one ismore aware of circumstances better than Imam (a.s.), and it isour duty to submit before his command.9In some narrations, it is mentioned that he (Husain IbneRauh) was more competent in preserving secrets of Imamate,and his behavior with all the people was such that everyonethought him to be having similar views and was proud that HusainIbne Rauh was associated with them. And in those days ofdeputation and legateship more importance was accorded tosecrecy and determination rather than excellence in knowledge,as even in thousands of calamities, security of Imamate should not be compromised at any cost.10Imam’s descriptions for Husain Ibne Rauh were thus, “Weknow him, may Allah let him know all that is good, and Hispleasure, and may He render him fortuitous by success. We came across his letter. He is our man of trust on the positionhe is. He is before us in the position and rank that please him.May Allah increase His favors upon him; He is the All-MightyGuardian. And praise belongs to Allah; there is no partner forHim. And may Allah bless His Messenger, Muhammad and hisProgeny and salute them many salutations.” His period of specialdeputation was twenty-one years.11

4- Abul Hasan Ali Ibne Muhammad SamariHe was appointed by Husain Ibne Rauh, on Imam’s order, and he fulfilled duties of deputation and ambassadorship in anorderly manner, passing on monies of people to Imam (a.s.) untilhis last moments approached and people inquired: Who willbe your successor? He replied: It is not in my authority as Allahbest knows His ways, and this is the message from Imam,which I received just now:12“In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.“O Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori, may Allah enhance the rewardof your brothers for you, as you shall die within six days.Tie up your affairs together and do not appoint any successor to carry out your duties after your final transfer.The full occultation has begun and there shall be no appearancebut after Divine permission, high His name is, and thatshall be after lengthy times, and the hardening of the hearts,and the earth’s repletion with inequity. Individuals who willclaim they have seen me will come to my Shia. Behold, whoeverclaims seeing me before rise of Sufyani and the call, is aliar and a slanderer. And there is no power except through Allah, the High, the Great.”13Along with prohibiting successorship and legateship themention of claimants of Mushahida (meeting at will) with Imam is clear proof that it does not denote that encountermeans casual meeting; on the contrary Mushahida meansdeputyship in which regular meetings are held and messagesare exchanged. Imam has rejected such encounters and calledthe claimants of such representation as liars and slanderers. Ifthe meeting is one sided and someone describes his meeting orasks something on any occasion from Imam (a.s.), or seeks helpin any problem and he is guided; all these things are beyondthe limits of an encounter. In fact a person claiming encountersays: Hand over your problems and monies to me and in mynext meeting I will present them to Imam (a.s.), and get thereplies from him. Such claims, in fact, are claims of specialdeputyship, which was related to Minor Occultation, and inMajor Occultation no such arrangement exists.14After this analysis, the subject of meeting Imam Asr (a.t.f.s.)is absolutely clear, but two things are worth noting:1- A person should be confident that he is Imam Asr (a.t.f.s),the devil should not deceive in the name of Imam (a.s.), and aperson should pass away from the world in this fraud.2- The meeting should be kept secret and not made public,because he does not have any proof, and in this way everyonegets the right to reject, and this, at times may become the rejectionof Imam’s meeting or even construe to be an insult tothe Imam; the responsibility of which rests on claimant, as therejector still have the right to reject.His period of special deputation was only for three years andafter that Major Occultation began.1 Whose details are mentioned in Kifayatul Muwahhideen;Ahsanul Maqal, Vol. 2, Chap. 14, Part 8, Pg. 436761