The people whom Allah has Chosen and has Made the Heirs of His Book are the Imams (a.s.)

1. Al-Husayn b. Muhammad has narrated from Mu‘alla b. Muhammad from Muhammad b. Jumhur from Hammad b. ’Isa from ’Abd al-Mu’min from Salim who has said that he asked Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) regarding the meaning of the words of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. “We gave the Book as an inheritance to Our chosen servants, among whom some are unjust against their souls, some are moderate, and some are exceedingly virtuous by the permission of God. . .” (35:31) The exceedingly virtuous is the Imam (a.s.), the moderate ones are those who know the Imam (a.s.) and the unjust ones are those who do not know the Imam (a.s.).”

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 and Muhammad ibn Yahya from al-Husayn ibn Ishaq from Ali ibn Mahziyar from Ali ibn Faddal from Fadalah ibn Ayyub all from Mu’awiyah ibn ‘Ammar from ‘Amr ibn ‘Akramah who has said the following: “Once I went in the presence of Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) and said to him, ‘My neighbor causes me suffering.’ The Imam said, ‘Be kind to him.’ I said, ‘I wish Allah will not grant him any kindness.’ The Imam turned away from me and I did not like to leave him and I said, ‘He does this and that to me and keeps causing me to suffer. ’ The Imam said, ‘Had you come openly against him could you defend your self sufficiently?’ I said, ‘Yes, I could certainly have the upper hand.’ The Imam said, ‘This is one of those who envy people for what Allah has granted them through His generosity. If he finds one enjoying bounties, he then turns his anguish against that person’s family, and if he did not have family, he turns against his servants, and if he did not have any servant he then remains sleepless for the whole night and spends the day in anguish and anger. ‘Once a man from Ansar (people of Madinah) came to the Messenger of Allah and said, “I have purchased a house in the neighborhood of such and such tribe. The nearest neighbor is as such that not only do I not have any hope for receiving any good from him, I do not feel safe from him also.” The Imam said that the Messenger of Allah commanded Ali (a.s.) Salman, abu Dharr and, I forgot the other one, 1 think he mentioned Miqdad, to announce in the Mosque at the top of their voices, “One from whose hands his neighbors are not safe has no belief and faith.” They announced it three times. He then pointed out that each forty house in front back, right and left are neighbors.’”

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

2. Al-Husayn has narrated from Mu‘alla from al-Washsha’ from ‘Abd al-Karim from Sulayman who has said that he asked abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) about the meaning of the following verse of the Holy Quran. “We gave the book as an inheritance to Our chosen servants,.. .” (35:31) The Imam (a.s.) asked, “What do you say about it?” I said, “We say that they are the Fatimid (descendents of Fatima, Daughter of the Holy Prophet (s.a.)” The Imam (a.s.) said, “It is not as you say. No one who would point out his sword and call people into schism and misguidance comes in this (category of people exceeding in virtue).” I then asked, “Who then are the ones doing wrong to themselves?” The Imam (a.s.) replied, “It is those who sit in their homes and do not know the rights of his Imam (a.s.). The moderate ones are those who know the rights of their Imam and the ones exceeding in virtue are the Imams (a.s.)”

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

2. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Muhammad ibn Yahya from Talhah ibn Zayd from abu ‘Abd Allah from his father (a.s.) who has said the following: “I have read in the book of Ali (a.s.) that the Messenger of Allah wrote (and got it signed) for the people of Ansar and Muhajirin and people related to them from Yathrib: ‘The neighbor is like one’s soul that cannot be harmed or made to sin. The respect for the neighbor is like the respect for one’s mother.’ This is the Hadith in brief.’”

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

2. Muhammad ibn ’Isma‘il has narrated from al-Fadl ibn Shadhan from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from Jamil ibn Darraj who has said the following: “I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about what one says when performing behind an Imam when he says, ‘Allah hears all those who praise him.’ He (the Imam) said that he must say, ‘All praise belong to Allah, Cherisher of the worlds’ and lowers his voice.’”

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

3. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu‘alla ibn Muhammad from al-Hassan from Ahmad ibn ‘Umar who has said that he asked abu al-Hassan al-Rida (a.s.) about the meaning of the words of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. “We gave the book as an inheritance to Our chosen servants. .” (35:31). The Imam (a.s.) said such people are the children of Fatima (a.s.), those exceeding in virtue are the Imams (a.s.), the moderate ones are those who know the Imam (a.s.) and those who do injustice to themselves are the ones who do not know their Imam (a.s.).”

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

3. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid from Isma’il ibn Mehran from Ibrahim ibn abu Raja’ from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Maintaining good neighborly relations increases one’s sustenance.”

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

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Mahbub from abu Wallad who has said that he asked abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) about the meaning of the words of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. “The people who have received Our Book (Quran), and read it thoroughly, believe in it. Those who disbelieve the Book are certainly losers.” (2:121) The Imams (a.s.) said that such people are the Imams (a.s.).”

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

4. A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from Ali ibn Asbat from h is uncle Ya’qub ibn Salim from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar who has said the following: “I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘When Benjamin also was taken away from Jacob, he pleaded before Allah for help, saying, “Have mercy on me. You have taken away my eyesight and my son.” Allah, the Most Blessed, the Most High, sent him inspiration, “Even if I will cause them to die I will give them life again for you so you will live with them, however, remember the sheep that you slaughtered, you and so and so used it for food and so and so in your neighborhood was fasting but he receive nothing from it.’””

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

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id from Fadalah ibn Ayyub from abu al- Mighra’ from abu Basir who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that ’Amir al-Mu’minin has said, ‘One who does not straighten his back during Salah (prayer), his Salah (prayer) is not valid.’”

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

5. From the previous chain:In another Hadith it is said that Jacob thereafter would announce around his home up to a distance of three miles every morning, “Whoever needs food, come to the house of Jacob” and in the evening also would announce, ‘Whoever needs dinner come to the house of Jacob.’”

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

5. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Amir from Ali ibn Mahziyar from Muhammad ibn ’Isma‘il ibn Bazi‘ who has said the following: “I saw abu al-Hassan (a.s.), perform Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees) and make it lower than all of those whom I have seen performing Ruku‘. He spread, in the position of Ruku‘ his arms like wings.’”

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

6. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz from Zurara from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Once Fatimah (a.s.) came to the Messenger of Allah and complained about certain matters. The Messenger of Allah gave her a tablet to read. It was written on the tablet: ‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must not cause suffering to his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must treat his guest with honor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must speak of good or remain silent.’”

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

6. Ahmad ibn Idris has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id from al-Qasim ibn Muhammad from a man from abu Basir from who has said the following: “Abu ’Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘When you stand up straight after Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees), make your back (bones) stand straight (vertically), otherwise, one’s Salah (prayer) is not considered Salah (prayer).”’

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

7. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid from his father from Sa’dan from abu Mas’ud who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) once said to me, ‘Maintaining good neighborly relations increases one’s life span and the development of the country.”’

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

7. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Sindiy ibn al-Rabi’ from Sa‘id ibn Janah who has said the following: “I once was in the presence of abu Ja‘far (a.s.), in his home in al-Madinah. He initiating a conversation saying, ‘One who completes his Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees) does not face any dread in the grave.’”

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

8. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from al-Nahiki from Ibrahim ibn ‘Abd al-Hamid from al-Hakam al-Khayyat who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘Maintaining good neighborly relations increases the development of the country and one’s life span.’”

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

8. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn from Ja‘far ibn Bashir form Hammad from Hisham who has said the following: “I once asked abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), ‘Is it sufficient for me to say Tahlil, (no one deserves worship except Allah) and Takbir (Allah is great beyond description) in Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees) instead of Tasbih (Allah is free of all defects). He (the Imam) said, ‘Yes, it is sufficient.’”

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

9. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from certain individuals of his people from Salih ibn Hamza from al-Hassan ibn ‘Abd Allah from ‘Abd Salih (a.s.) who has said the following: “Not to cause suffering to neighbors is not a good neighborly relation, however, to be a good neighbor and to exercise patience in suffering (caused by the neighbors) is a good neighborly relations.”

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

9. Ahmad ibn Idris has narrated from Muhammad ibn Ahmad from Ya’qub ibn Yazid from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from Ali ibn ‘Uqbah who has said the following: “Once abu al-Hassan (a.s.), saw me, in al-Madinah when I performed Salah (prayer). I bent down my head and stretched in my Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees). He (the Imam) sent me a message that said, ‘You must not do so (when you are in Ruku‘).’” (Ahadith 2-9 are best explained in the form of fatwa.)

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

10. Abu Ali al-Ash’ari has narrated from al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Kufi from ‘Uthman bays ibn Hisham from Mu’awiyah ibn ‘Ammar from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘Maintaining good neighborly relations develops the country and extends one’s lifespan.”

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

11. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd Allah from Isma’il ibn Mehran from Muhammad ibn Hafs from abu al-Rabi’ al-Shami who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) once speaking to the people who had filled up his house said, ‘You must take notice that those who fail to maintain good relations with their neighbors are not of our people and followers.’”

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

12. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Muhammad ibn Ali from Muhammad ibn al-Fudayl from abu Hamza who has said the following: “I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘A believing person is one whose neighbors are safe from his bawa’iq, I then asked, ‘What is bawa’iq ,’ The Imam said, ‘His injustice and transgressions.’”

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

13. Abu Ali al-Ash’ari has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar from Muhammad b n Isma’il from Hanan ibn Sadir from his father from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Once a man came to the Holy Prophet and complained against his neighbor. The Messenger of Allah said to him, ‘Bear patience.’ The man came the second time. The Holy Prophet said, ‘Bear patience.’ The man came the third time. The Holy Prophet said to him, ‘On Friday when people go to the Mosque take your belongings out and place them on the road so that all who go to the Mosque see them. If they asked you tell them your story. He did as he was told to do. His neighbor came and asked him to return his belongings home saying, ‘Allah will be against me in your favor if I will not stop doing what I would do before.’”

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

14. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar from Muhammad ibn Isma’il from ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Uthman from abu al-Hassan al-Bajali from ‘Ubayd Allah al-Wasafi from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘One who spends the night with his stomach full while his neighbor is hungry does not believe in me. Any (people of the town) who sleep at night with their stomachs full while among them are hungry people, to such people, on the Day of Judgment, Allah will not look with kindness.’”

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

15. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ibn Faddal from abu Jamilah from Sa’d ibn Tarif from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Of the back-breaking misfortunes, one is a bad neighbor who hides all good things about his neighbor and publicizes all the bad things about him.”

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

16. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Muhammad ibn Ali from Muhammad ibn al-Fudayl from Ishaq ibn ‘Ammar from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘I seek protection with Allah against a bad neighbor of a residence. The neighbor whose eye sees you and whose heart is against you. When he observes a good thing it disappoints him and if he sees a bad thing he becomes happy.’”

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

3. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Hammad ibn ‘Isa from Hariz from Zurarah who has said the following: “Abu Ja‘far, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, has said, ‘When you decide to assume Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees) and Sajdah (prostration) position, raise your hands, say Takbir (Allah is great beyond description), then assume Ruku‘ (bowing down on one’s knees) and Sajdah (prostration) position.’”

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