Prayer Against the Enemy

1. A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from Yahya ibn al- Mubarak from ‘Abd Allah ibn Jabalah from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar who has said the following: “Once I complained before Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) about my neighbor and what 1 had suffered from him. The narrator has said that the Imam said, ‘Pray and plead before Allah against him.’ I did so and did not have any results and I went back to the Imam to complain. He said, ‘Pray against him.’ I said, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, I have already done but have not seen any result.’ The Imam said, ‘How did you pray against him?’ I said, ‘When I met him I prayed against him.’ The Imam said, ‘Pray against him when he moves away from you.’ 1 then did as I was told and Allah very soon granted me relief.’”

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

1. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from Hammad from al-Halabiy who has said the following: “I once asked abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), about a man who chews chewing gum when fasting. He (the Imam) said, ‘No, he cannot do so.’”

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

1. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Qasim ibn Yahya from his grandfather, al-Hassan ibn Rashid from Muhammad ibn Muslim from abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), who has said the following: “Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), has said, ‘Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, loves persons who are trustworthy and possess technical skills/” In another Hadith it is said, ‘Allah, most High, loves the skillful believer.’”

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

1. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from al-Hassan ibn Mahbub from Hisham ibn Salim from ‘Ammar al-Sabatiy who has said the following: “Once abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), was asked about the case of a man who has a young wife who experiences Hayd (menses) every two or three months after once and about how he can divorce her. He (the Imam) said, ’Her case is difficult. He can divorce her according to Sunnah once in a Hayd (menses)-free period in the presence of witnesses and without going to bed; then leave her until she experiences Hayd (menses) three times whenever she experiences Hayd (menses). When she experiences three Hayd (menses) her waiting period is complete.’ It then was asked, ‘What happens if one year passes and she does not experience Hayd (menses)?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘If one year passes and she does not experience three Hayd (menses) he waits three months after that (one year) time then her waiting period expires.’ It then asked, ‘What happens if he or she dies?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Whoever dies, the living one inherits the deceased one from that day up to fifteen months.’”

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

1. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his Muhammad ibn ‘Isa ibn ‘Ubayd from Yunus ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman from Zur’ah from Sama‘ah who has narrated the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that Ali (a.s.), did not take the legacy of any of his Mawali upon their death; instead if he had a relative he (the Imam) would give it to them/”

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

2. It is narrated from abu al-Hassan (a.s.) who has said the following: “When any of you prays against the other person he should say, ‘O Lord, strike him with peerless misfortune in the night and allow his defenses to be ransacked.’”

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

2. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn, from Ali ibn al-Hakam from al-‘Ala’ ibn Razin from Muhammad ibn Muslim who has said the following: “Abu Ja‘far (a.s.), once said to me, ‘O Muhammad, never chew chewing gum because I today did so when I was fasting and I found something from it in my soul.’”

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

2. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Salih ibn al-Sindiy from Ja’far ibn Bashir from Khalid ibn ‘ Urn a rah from Sadir al- Sayrafiy who has said the following: “I once said to abu Ja‘far (a.s.), ‘A Hadith has reached me from al-Hassan al-Basriy. If it is a true Hadith then, ‘We are for Allah and to Him we return.’ He (the Imam) asked, ‘What does it say?’ ‘I am told that al-Hassan al-Basriy would say that even if his brain comes to a boiling point due to the hot sun, he will not seek shelter of the shadow of a wall that belongs to a money changer. Even if his liver cracks down because of thirst he will not use the water that comes from the house of a money changer.’ This is my business and profession. With this business my flesh and blood have grown. With this business I have performed Hajj and ‘Umrah.’ He (the Imam) sat straight and said, ‘Al-Hassan has spoken a lie. Take with fairness and give with fairness. When it is time for Salat (prayer), stop doing business and rise for Salat (prayer). Did you know that people of the cave were Say ar if ah (money exchangers)?”’

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

2. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from ibn abu Najran from ‘Asem ibn Humayd from Muhammad ibn Qays who has narrated the following: “Abu Ja‘far (a.s.), has said that ’ Amir al-Mu’minin, issued a judgment in the case of a maternal aunt who disputed against a Mawla’ (master) of a man who had died. He read this verse, . the relatives have priority over each other according to the book of Allah.’ (33:6) He (the Imam) gave the legacy to the maternal aunt instead of the Mawla ’ (Master).”’

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

3. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Ali ibn al-Hakam from Malik ibn ‘Atiyyah from Yunus ibn ‘Ammar who has said the following: “Once I said to Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘I have a neighbor from Quraysh from the family of Muhriz who propagates against me negatively. Whenever I pass by he calls me a Rafida (rejecting successors to the Holy Prophet who are not special members of his family) and that I collect funds for Ja’far ibn Muhammad (a.s.).’ The Imam said, ‘Pray to Allah against him in the last Sajdah (prostration) of the second Rak’at of Tahajjud (nightly prayer). Praise Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, and glorify Him and say, ‘O Lord, so and so, son of so and so propagates against me negatively, he has caused me anger and has exposed me to danger, O Lord, strike him a quick arrow to divert him away from me, O Lord, bring the time of his death closer, eliminate his traces and make it fast, O Lord, in this hour, in this hour!’ When I arrived in al-Kufa during the night and asked my family about him, how is so and so doing? They told me that he was ill. My words were not finished when I heard crying from the house of that man. They said that he had died.”’

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

3. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Faddal who has said the following: “I heard a man asking abu al-Hassan, al-Rida (a.s.), saying, ‘I prepare (special kind of flour) and sell it but people say that it should not be done.’ Al-Rida (a.s.), said to him, ‘What is wrong with it? There is no offense in selling things in which a servant maintains piety before Allah.’”

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

3. Muhammad ibn Yahya and others have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Hassan ibn al-Jahm from Hanan who has narrated the following: “I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about what is for a Mawla ’ (Master). He (the Imam) said, ‘There is nothing for them (Mawla’ (Masters)) except what Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, has said, ‘. . . except if you do well-liked favor to your guardians.’ (33:6)”

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

4. Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Kufi has narrated from Ali ibn al-Hassan al-Taymi from Ali ibn Asbat from Ya’qub ibn Salim who has said the following: “Once I was in the presence of Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) and al-‘Ala’ ibn Kamil said to him, ‘So and so acts against me again and again, if you consider it proper, pray to Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy.’ The Imam said, ‘This is more than enough for you. Say, “O Lord, You are sufficient for everything and nothing is sufficient for You. Suffice me in the matters of so and so with whatever You wish, in whatever way You wish, from wherever You wish and whenever You wish.’”

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

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Muhammad ibn Ja’far ibn Yahya al-Khuza’iy from his father, Yahya ibn abu al-‘Ala’ from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar who has said the following: “I once visited abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), and informed him of the birth of my son. He asked, ‘Why do you not name him Muhammad?’ I replied, ‘I have already done so.’ He (the Imam) then said, ‘You must not beat up a Muhammad and do not abuse him. Allah will make him the delight to your eyes during your life time as well as a truthful successor for you.’ I then asked, ‘I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, in what kind of profession should I involve him?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘If you keep him away from five kinds of professions then instruct him in whatever you like. You must not train him in money changing business; he will not remain safe from unlawful interest. You must not teach him selling coffins; such people become happy with the coming of plague when such disease is around. You must not teach him in selling foods; they do not remain safe from stockpiling (hoarding) food. Do not instruct him as a butcher; it reduces his kindness. You must not instruct him in how to sell slaves; the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, has said, “The worst people are people sellers.’””

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

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Faddal from ibn abu al-Hamra’ who has narrated the following: “I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about what Mawla’ (Master) receives of inheritance. He (the Imam) said, ‘They receive nothing except soil, that is, dirt.’”

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

5. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn abu Najran from Hammad ibn ‘Uthman from al-Misma’I who has said that when Dawud ibn Ali killed al-Mu’alla’ ibn Khunays, Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) said, ‘I will pray to Allah against whoever has murdered my Mawla (servant) and has seized my property.’ Dawud ibn Ali then said, ‘You threaten me with your prayer! (But I am not afraid).’ Hammad has said that al-Misma’i said that Mu’attib said to me, ‘Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) that night continued his Ruku ’ and Sajdah and, when it was morning, I hear him saying in Sajdah (prostration) “O Lord, I ask You through Your power that is strong, through Your glory that is intense, that has humbled Your creatures, grant favors to Muhammad and his family and seize him (the enemy) in this hour! Seize him in this hour!’ He had not yet raised his head that we heard crying and wailing from the house of Dawud ibn Ali. Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) raised his head and said, ‘I prayed to Allah with a prayer and Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, sent an angel over him to hit his head with an iron bar that ruptured his bladder and caused his death.’” Note: Dawud ibn Ali was the governor of Madinah during the rule of abu al- ‘Abbas al-Saffah. He ordered al-Mu’alla to identify for him every Shi’a (follower A ’ immah ) of abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.). He refused saying, ‘Even if they were under my foot I would not raise it to expose them.’ He was murdered and the properties of Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) with him was seized.

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

5. Ahmad ibn Muhammad has narrated from Muhammad ibn Yahya from Talhah ibn Zayd who has said the following: “This is a narration of abu ‘Abd Allah, Ja’far ibn Muhammad (a.s.), from the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause. He (the Messenger of Allah) has said, ‘I gave a boy to my aunt and prohibited her from making him a butcher, cupping person or a jewelry carver.’”

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

5. Abu Ali al-Ash‘ariy has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar from Safwan ibn Yahya from ‘Abd Allah ibn Sinan who has narrated the following: “I once heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), saying that Ali (a.s.), upon the death of his slaves did not take anything from their legacy if they left any relatives, and he would say, ‘. . . relatives have priority to each other.’”

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

6. Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Bandar has narrated from Ahmad ibn Abu ‘Abdullah from al-Qasim ibn Ishaq ibn Ibrahim from Musa ibn Zanjawayh al-Taflisiy from Abu ‘Amr al-Hannat from ‘Isma’il al-Sayqal al-Raziy who has said the following: “Once I visited Abu ’Abdullah (a.s). I had two pieces of fabric materials with me. He (the Imam) said, ‘O Abu Isma'il, from your area people bring us many kinds of fabrics but not like these two pieces that you carry.’ I said, I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, the mother of Isma’il prepares threads and I weave them.’ He (the Imam) asked, ’Are you a weaver?’ I replied, ’Yes, I am a weaver.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘You must not be a weaver.’ I then asked, ‘What kind of work should I do then?’ He (the Imam) said, ’Work as a sword polisher.’ I had two hundred dirhams with me with which I purchased swords and sold. I took them to al-Rayy, sold them, and made a large profit.’”

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

6. Ahmad ibn Muhammad has narrated from Ali ibn al-Hassan al-Tamimiy from Muhammad ibn Tasnim al-Katib from ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Amr al-Arzaq who has narrated the following: “A man asked him (the Imam) about the case of a man who dies leaving behind the daughter of his sister and slaves. He has left one thousand dirham with him about which no one knows anything. The daughter of his sister came and left a holy book with him as a security deposit. He gave her thirty dirham. I heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), ask, ‘Does anyone know about?’ I replied, ‘No, no one knows anything about it.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Give it to her piece by piece and do not inform anyone about it.’”

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

7. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from who has said that a Shaykh from our people of al-Kufah has said following: ‘Once ‘Isa ibn Shafaqiy visited abu ‘Abd Allah, Alayhi al-Salam. He was a magician. People would come to him and he charged them a certain amount for wages. He said, ‘I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, I work as a magician and I charge a certain amount as my wages to earn for my living. From such incomes I have performed Hajj and Allah has granted me the opportunity to visit you. I have repented before Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious. Is there a way out to safety for me from this?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Open it up (turn it ineffective) but do not tie down (make it effective).”’ (Fatwa best explains this hadith and the following Chapters. Please consult Fatwa.)

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

7. Humayd ibn Ziyad has narrated from al-Hassan ibn m h ibn Sama‘ah from Muhammad ibn Ziyad from ‘Abd Allah ibn Sinan who has narrated the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that Ali (a.s.), did not take anything from legacy of his slaves if they had relatives; and if the relatives were not of those who have the ordained shares, he would distribute the legacy among them (relatives).”

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 ‘Isa from abu Thabit from Hanan from ibn abu ibn abu Ya’fur from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar who has narrated the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that a slave of Ali ibn al-Husayn, ‘Alayhim al-Salam, died. He asked to ascertain if he has left any relatives. It was said that he has two daughters in Yamamah who are owned. He (the Imam) bought them from the legacy of his slave who had died, then gave them the rest of the legacy.”’

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

9. Muhammad ibn ’Isma‘il has narrated from al-Fadl ibn Shadhan from abu Thabit from Hanan ibn Sadir from ibn abu Ya’fur from Ishaq who has narrated the following: “A slave of Ali ibn al-Husayn, ‘Alayhim al-Salam, died. He said, ‘You must look if you can find his heirs.’ It was said that he has two daughters in Yamamah who are owned. He (the Imam) bought them from the assets of the deceased and gave the rest of legacy to them.’” Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Yunus from abu Thabit a similar Hadith.

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