Silence and Restraint against Publicity

1. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Mahbub from Malik ibn ‘Atiyyah from abu Hamza from Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.) who has said the following: “I, by Allah, love to bail out two things in my followers with parts of my arms: their rush for quick response and lack of silence and restraint.”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

98. Ali Bin Ibrahim, from his father, from Al-Qasim Bin Muhammad, and Ali Bin Muhammad, from Al-Qasim Bin Muhammad, from Suleyman Bin Dawood Al-Munkary, from Hafs Bin Gayaas, who has said: Abu Abdullah (asws) having said: ‘If you have the ability to make yourselves unknown, you better do it. And it should not matter to you if the people do not praise you, and it should not matter to you either that you are condemned by the people whilst you are being Praised in the Presence of Allah (azwj). Amir-ul-Momineen (asws) used to say: ‘There is no good in the world except for one of the two men – a man who increases in it the good deeds every day and a man who corrects himself, ready to face death by the repentance. But, what is meant by the repentance? By Allah (azwj)! If he were to perform prostrations to the extent that his neck breaks off, Allah (azwj) will not Accept deeds from him except by our (asws) Wilayah, the People (asws) of the Household. Indeed, (Acceptance) is for the ones who recognise our (asws) rights and hope for Reward by us (asws), (they) are pleased with their strength of half a ‘Mudd’ (Unit of measurement) of food every day, not being able to cover their private parts (insufficient clothing), and no covering over their head (roof), but still they are very much fearful of Allah (azwj) and are pleased with the (little) share from the world. And that is how Allah (azwj) has Described them where He (azwj) has Said: “[23:60] And those who dispense their charity with their hearts full of fear”. That’s what they come with? By Allah (azwj)! They come with obedience along with the love, and the Wilayah, and they are with regards to that, (but they are still) fearful that it may not be Accepted from them. By Allah (azwj), they are not fearful with the fear of doubt with regards to what they are in from the difficulties of Religion, but they are fearful that they might have been deficient (Muqassir) in our (asws) love and being (less) obedient to us (asws)’. Then said: ‘If you could afford not to go out of your houses, then do so, as when you go out then it becomes obligatory on you that you would not backbite, and not lie, and not be envious, and not show-off, and not pretend, and not flatter’. Then said: ‘Yes, a silo for the Muslim is his house in which he restrains his vision, and his tongue, and his self, and his genitals. The one, who recognises the Favours of Allah (azwj) by his heart, obligates more for himself from Allah (azwj), before he even expresses his appreciation for it upon his tongue, and the one who goes around considering himself to be better than others, so he is from the arrogant ones’. So I said to him (asws), ‘But what if he sees himself as better due to the (spiritual) health when he sees the one who is indulging in the sins?’ He (asws) said: ‘Far be it! Far be it! It may be that he has been Forgiven for his sins whilst you have been Paused for the Accounting. Have you not recited the story of the magicians (at the time) of Musa (as)?’ Then said: ‘How many are proud with what Allah (azwj) has Favoured them with, and how many have been enticed by the Veil of Allah (azwj) upon them, and how many have been infatuated by the praises of the people upon him’. Then said: ‘I (asws) hope for the salvation for the ones who recognise our (asws) rights, from this community except for one of the three – an unjust ruler, a follower of desires, an openly immoral one’. Then he (asws) recited: “[3:31] Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you”, then said: ‘O Hafs, the love is higher than the fear’. Then said: ‘By Allah (azwj), Allah (azwj) does not Love the one who loves the world, and takes as a friend other than us (asws), whilst the one who recognises our (asws) rights and loves us (asws), so he has loved Allah (azwj)’. A man wept, so he (asws) said: ‘Are you crying? Even if the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, all of them get together crying to Allah (azwj) to be Rescued from the Fire and to be entered into the Paradise, they would not be able to intercede for you. Then if you had for yourself a living heart you would be the most fearful of the people to Allah (azwj) in that condition’. Then said to him: ‘O Hafs, be a follower and not a leader. O Hafs, the Rasool (saww) Allah (azwj) said: ‘The one who fears Allah (azwj), would be of little speech’. Then said: ‘Once Musa Bin Imran (as) was advising his (as) companions, when a man stood up, and tore his shirt. So Allah (azwj) Revealed unto him (as): “O Musa (as)! Say to him, ‘Do not tear your shirt, but open for Me (azwj) your heart’”. Then said: ‘Musa (as) Bin Imran (as) passed by a man from his (as) companion, and he was prostrating. So after return back from what he (as) had to do, (Musa (as)) saw him still in prostration. So Musa (as) said to him: ‘If (the fulfilment) of your need was in my (as) hands, I (asws) would have fulfilled it for you’. So Allah (azwj) Revealed unto him (as); “O Musa (as)! Even if he were to prostrate until his neck breaks, I (azwj) will not Accept it until he turns away from what I (azwj) Abhor and towards what I (azwj) Love”.’

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

2. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Muhammad ibn Sinan from ‘Ammar ibn Marwan from abu ‘Usamah Zayd al-Shahham who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘People were commanded to maintain two characteristics, for the loss of which they involved themselves into something else; they were patience and silent abstinence.”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

3. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from Yunus ibn ‘Ammar from Sulayman ibn Khalid who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) once said, ‘O Sulayman, you follow the religion of one for whose silent abstinence Allah grants him honor, but due to his loud publicity, Allah causes his humiliation. ’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn al-Hakam from ‘Abd Allah ibn Bukayr from a man who has said the following: “Once we in a group went to see abu Ja’far (a.s.) and said to him, ‘O descendent of the Messenger of Allah, we intend to travel to Iraq, and request your recommendations.’ Abu Ja’far (a.s.) said, ‘The stronger ones among you must support the weak ones, the well to do among you must reach out to the poor ones among you, do not expose our secrets and do not publicize our cause. When you receive a Hadith from us accept it only if you find sufficient, two or at least one, supporting evidence from the book of Allah, otherwise, keep it on hold and then refer it to us for verification. You must know that those waiting for this matter (coming of Imam al-Mahdi) have a reward like those who fast all the time and pray every night. Whoever will find himself with our al-Qa’im (al-Mahdi) and will come out with him to do away with our enemies he will have a reward equal to that for twenty martyrs and whoever will be killed supporting our al- Qa’im, his reward will be equal to that for fifteen martyrs.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

5. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Muhammad ibn Sinan from ‘Abd al-‘Ala’ who has said the following: “I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘Just to affirm our cause is not enough to carry it. To bear our cause is to keep it concealed and protect it from those who do not support it. Convey the greeting of peace to them and tell them, “May Allah grant blessings to those who attract people’s love to himself, speak to them (common people) about what they know and conceal from them what they deny.’” The Imam then said, ‘By Allah, our bitter enemy, is not more of a problem bigger for us than those who speak of us things that we dislike. If you hear a servant (of Allah) publicizing (our cause) then walk to him and turn him away from it. If he did not accept your advice then leave him to one who might prove to be heavier for him and he would listen to him. There are those of you who on request meet the needs of a person with kindness. Be kind to me in my needs as you are kind to each other in your needs. If he accepts from you, that is fine, otherwise, bury his words under your feet and do not say, ‘He says so and so.’ This will make it difficult for you and for me. By Allah, were you to say what I say, I could confirm that you are of my companions. This is abu Hanifah and he has companions. This is al-Hassan al-Basri and he has his companions. I am a man from Quraysh of the descendents of the Messenger of Allah. I knew the book of Allah in which there is explanation for everything, the beginning of creation, the matters of heavens, the issues of earth, the matters of those in the past, the issues of the later generations, and issues of things that existed and the matters of the things that will come into existence. To me these all are as if I see them before my eyes.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

6. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn al-Hakam from al-Rabi’ ibn Muhammad al-Musalli from ‘Abd Allah ibn Sulayman from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) once said to me, ‘Our cause had still been hidden until the children of Kisan began to speak of it on the roads, villages and in large places.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

8. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid from his father from ‘Abd Allah ibn Yahya from Hariz from Mu’alla ibn Khanith who has said the following: “Once Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) said to me, ‘O Mu’alla, conceal our cause and do not make it public; to those who conceal our cause and do not publicize it, Allah grants honor in this world. He will make it a light between his eyes in the next life and lead him to paradise. O Mu’alla, whoever publicizes our cause and does not conceal it, Allah humiliates him in this world, removes the light between his eyes in the next life and will make darkness to lead him to fire. O Mu’alla, al-Taqiyyah is my religion and the religion of my predecessors. There is no religion for one who does not observe al-Taqiyyah. O Mu’alla, Allah loves to be worshipped secretly just as He loves to be worshipped publicly. O Mu’alla, one who publicizes our cause is like one who rejects it altogather.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

9. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al- Hassan ibn Ali from Marwan ibn Muslim from ‘Ammar who has said the following: “Once Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) asked me, ‘Did you tell anyone what I told you?’ I said, ‘No, I have not told anyone except Sulayman ibn Khalid.’ The Imam said, ‘Very good. Have you not heard the words of the poet: ‘Do not allow my secret and your secret pass to a third party. Is it not the case that a secret passing two people is public?”’

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

10. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn abu Nasr who has said the following: “Once I asked abu al-Hassan al-Rida (a.s.) a question. He refrained silently and said, ‘If we give you everything you want, it may become evil for you and the neck of the owner of this cause will be caught tight.’ “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘It is the guardianship of Allah, Who told it secretly to Jibril, who secretly told it to Muhammad (a.s.) who secretly told it to Ali (a.s.) who secretly told it to whoever Allah wanted and then you publicize it. Who is he that has heard a word then has held it secretly?’ “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘It is in the wisdom of ‘Ale Dawud (family of David), “It is necessary for a Muslim to have control over his soul, be attentive to his affairs and have foil knowledge of the people of his time.” Be pious before Allah and do not publicize our Hadith. It is a fact that Allah defends his friends and exacts recompense for His friends from His enemies. Have you considered how Allah dealt with Ale Barmak (family of Barmak) and how He recompensed for abu al-Hassan (a.s.) when banu ‘Ash’ath faced the great danger and Allah defended them for their supporting abu al- Hassan (a.s.)? In Iraq you are well aware of the deeds of those Pharaohs and the respite that Allah has given them. Therefore, you must observe piety before Allah and do not allow the worldly life to deceive you. Do not be confused about those who have been given respite. It is as if the matter (reappearance of al-Mahdi (a.s.)) is almost within your reach.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

11. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu’alla ibn Muhammad from al- Hassan ibn Ali al-Washsha’ from ‘Umar ibn Aban from abu Basir who has said the following: “I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘The Messenger of Allah has said, “Tuba’ (a tree in paradise) is for a servant who is unknown to people but Allah knows him. Such people are the torches of guidance and the fountains of knowledge. Through them every darkening calamity brightens. They do not publicize undisclosed facts and they are not quarrelsome braggarts.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

12. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Yunus from abu al- Hassan al-Asbahani from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) (a.s.) has said, ‘Tuba’ (a tree in paradise) is for every servant (of Allah) who is unnoticed among the people but knows people and they do not know him. Allah knows him from His side with happiness. They are the torches of guidance. Through them every darkening calamity is removed aside and for them every door to blessing opens. They do not publicize undisclosed facts and they are not quarrelsome braggarts.’ He has also said, ‘Speak of the good so you become known for it. Do good and be of its people and do not be hastening announcers. The best of you are those who on looking up on them one is reminded of Allah and the wicked ones among you are those who publicize undisclosed facts, cause separation among the loved ones and search for faults in the innocent people.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

13. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ‘Uthman ibn ‘Isa from those he has narrated from and who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘Control your tongues and stay home, no one will ever disturb you in particular. Zaydi people are still a protection for you and they will always be as such.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

14. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from ‘Uthman ibn ‘Isa from abu al-Hassan (a.s.) who has said the following: “When there is something in one of your hands, if you can, do not allow the other hand to know about it.’ The narrator has said that there was a man in his presence and they discussed publicity. The Imam said, ‘Control your tongue and you will find honor and do not allow people to become in control of your neck to humiliate you.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

15. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Ali ibn al-Hakam from Khalid ibn Nujayh from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Our cause is hidden and veiled by the (Divine) covenant. Whoever disregards it against us Allah will humiliate him.”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

16. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad an Muhammad ibn Yahya all have narrated from Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Sa’d from Muhammad ibn Muslim from Muhammad ibn Sa’id ibn Ghazwan from Ali ibn al-Hakam from ‘Umar ibn Aban from ‘Isa ibn abu Mansur who has said the following: “I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘A breath with a sigh of concern and sadness due to injustice done to us is Tasbih (speaking of the glory of Allah) and one’s concern about our cause is worship, his concealing our secret is Jihad (hard work for the cause of Allah).”’ “Muhammad ibn Sa’id told me to write it down with gold. I then did not write anything better than that.”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

7. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Mahbub from Jamil ibn Salih from abu ‘Ubaydah al- Hadhdha’ who has said the following: “I heard abu Ja’far (a.s.) saying, ‘By Allah, the most beloved to me of my companions are most restraining from the worldly attractions (sins), most knowledgeable in Fiqh (laws of Shari’a) and most secretive in our Hadith. Of the worst conditions among them and most disliked is the one who on hearing Hadith ascribes it to us and narrates it from us. Not only does he not accept it, also he abhors it and rejects it. He has made those who follow it turn to disbelief while he does not know. Perhaps the Hadith has come out from us and to us is ascribed and with this he will be out of our Walayah (guardianship).’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.