Prayer

كُنَّا مَعَ أَبِي بَصِيرٍ فَأَتَاهُ عَمْرُو بْنُ إِلْيَاسَ فَقَالَ لَهُ يَا أَبَا مُحَمَّدٍ إِنَّ أَخِي بِحَلَبَ بَعَثَ إِلَيَّ بِمَالٍ مِنَ الزَّكَاةِ أَقْسِمُهُ بِالْكُوفَةِ فَقُطِعَ عَلَيْهِ الطَّرِيقُ فَهَلْ عِنْدَكَ فِيهِ رِوَايَةٌ فَقَالَ نَعَمْ سَأَلْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع عَنْ هَذِهِ الْمَسْأَلَةِ وَ لَمْ أَظُنَّ أَنَّ أَحَداً يَسْأَلُنِي عَنْهَا أَبَداً فَقُلْتُ لِأَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ الرَّجُلُ يَب

“Once we were with abu Basir when ‘Amr ibn ’Ilyas came to him and said, ‘O abu Muhammad, my brother from Halab has sent to me a certain amount of goods of Zakat so I distribute in al-Kufah, but it was looted on the way. Do you have any Hadith about it?’ He said, ‘Yes, I once asked abu Ja‘far (a.s.), about this issue an

كَانَ عَلِيٌّ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ يَقُولُ‌ قَرْضُ الْمَالِ حِمَى الزَّكَاةِ.

“Abu al-Hassan (a.s.), has said that ’Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (a.s.), would say, ’Lending a loan is protection for Zakat.’”

مَنْ أَقْرَضَ رَجُلًا قَرْضاً إِلَى مَيْسَرَةٍ كَانَ مَالُهُ فِي زَكَاةٍ وَ كَانَ هُوَ فِي الصَّلَاةِ مَعَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ حَتَّى يَقْضِيَهُ.

“If one lends a loan to a man until he becomes able to pay back, his (lender’s) money is in Zakat and he is in Salah (prayer) with the angels until the loan is paid back.’”

دَخَلْتُ أَنَا وَ أَبُو بَصِيرٍ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَقَالَ لَهُ أَبُو بَصِيرٍ إِنَّ لَنَا صَدِيقاً وَ هُوَ رَجُلٌ صَدُوقٌ يَدِينُ اللَّهَ بِمَا نَدِينُ بِهِ فَقَالَ مَنْ هَذَا يَا أَبَا مُحَمَّدٍ الَّذِي تُزَكِّيهِ فَقَالَ الْعَبَّاسُ بْنُ الْوَلِيدِ بْنِ صَبِيحٍ فَقَالَ رَحِمَ اللَّهُ الْوَلِيدَ بْنَ صَبِيحٍ مَا لَهُ يَا أَبَا مُحَمَّدٍ قَالَ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ لَهُ دَارٌ تَسْوَى أَرْبَعَةَ آلَافِ دِرْهَمٍ و

10. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from ’Isma‘il ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz from his father who has said the following: “Once, abu Basir and I visited abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), and abu Basir said to him (the Imam), ‘We have a friend and he is a truthful person. He follows Allah’s religion as we do.’ He (the Imam) ask

قُلْتُ لَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّكَ كُنْتَ تَفْعَلُ فِي غَلَّةِ عَيْنِ زِيَادٍ[1] شَيْئاً وَ أَنَا أُحِبُّ أَنْ أَسْمَعَهُ مِنْكَ قَالَ فَقَالَ لِي نَعَمْ كُنْتُ آمُرُ إِذَا أَدْرَكَتِ الثَّمَرَةُ أَنْ يُثْلَمَ فِي حِيطَانِهَا الثُّلَمُ لِيَدْخُلَ النَّاسُ وَ يَأْكُلُوا وَ كُنْتُ آمُرُ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ أَنْ يُوضَعَ عَشْرُ بُنَيَّاتٍ يَقْعُدُ عَلَى كُلِّ بُنَيَّةٍ[2] عَشَرَةٌ كُلَّمَا أَكَلَ عَشَرَةٌ جَاءَ

“I once said to abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), ‘I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, I have heard that you had done certain things about the produce of the farm in ‘Ayn Ziyad (name of a certain oasis) and I like to hear it from you.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘Yes, I would command at the time fruits ripened to

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ دَاوُوا مَرْضَاكُمْ بِالصَّدَقَةِ وَ ادْفَعُوا الْبَلَاءَ بِالدُّعَاءِ[1] وَ اسْتَنْزِلُوا الرِّزْقَ بِالصَّدَقَةِ فَإِنَّهَا تُفَكُ‌[2] مِنْ بَيْنِ لُحِيِّ سَبْعِمِائَةِ شَيْطَانٍ وَ لَيْسَ شَيْ‌ءٌ أَثْقَلَ عَلَى الشَّيْطَانِ مِنَ الصَّدَقَةِ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِ وَ هِيَ تَقَعُ فِي يَدِ الرَّبِّ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى قَبْلَ أَنْ تَقَعَ فِي يَدِ الْعَبْدِ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘Cure your illnesses by giving charity, repel misfortunes with prayer, and allow means of sustenance to descend upon you by giving charity. Charity finds its way through the beards of seven hundred Satans. No other thing is heavier upon Satan than when you give charity to a believing p

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ كَانَ فِي وَصِيَّةِ النَّبِيِّ ص- لِأَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ وَ سَلَامُهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ أَمَّا الصَّدَقَةُ فَجُهْدَكَ جُهْدَكَ‌[3] حَتَّى يُقَالَ قَدْ أَسْرَفْتَ وَ لَمْ تُسْرِفْ.

‘It is in the will of the Holy Prophet, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, which is addressed to ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.). “As far as charity is concerned, strive to do your best until it is said that you have exceeded the limit, but in fact you have not excee

سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ‌ يُسْتَحَبُّ لِلْمَرِيضِ أَنْ يُعْطِيَ السَّائِلَ بِيَدِهِ وَ يَأْمُرَ السَّائِلَ أَنْ يَدْعُوَ لَهُ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that it is preferable for a person suffering from illness to give charity with his own hand to one who asks for charity, then ask him to pray for him.”

سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ‌ كَانَ رَجُلٌ مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلَدٌ فَوُلِدَ لَهُ غُلَامٌ وَ قِيلَ لَهُ إِنَّهُ يَمُوتُ لَيْلَةَ عُرْسِهِ فَمَكَثَ الْغُلَامُ فَلَمَّا كَانَ لَيْلَةُ عُرْسِهِ نَظَرَ إِلَى شَيْخٍ كَبِيرٍ ضَعِيفٍ فَرَحِمَهُ الْغُلَامُ فَدَعَاهُ فَأَطْعَمَهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ السَّائِلُ أَحْيَيْتَنِي أَحْيَاكَ اللَّهُ قَالَ فَأَتَاهُ آتٍ فِي النَّوْمِ فَقَالَ لَهُ سَلِ ابْنَكَ مَا صَنَعَ فَسَأ

“I heard abu al-Hassan (a.s.), say, ‘Among banu Israel there was a man who did not have a son. When he became the father of a son, he was told that his son would die on the night of his marriage. The boy waited until the night of his marriage, when he saw a frail, old man. He felt sympathy for him and invited him for f

أُتِيَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ بِيَتِيمٍ فَقَالَ خُذُوا بِنَفَقَتِهِ أَقْرَبَ النَّاسِ مِنْهُ مِنَ الْعَشِيرَةِ كَمَا يَأْكُلُ مِيرَاثَهُ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that an orphan was brought before ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), who said, ‘Make his closest relative pay for his expenses; such people are the ones who claim his legacy.’”

حَضَرْتُ عَلِيَّ بْنَ الْحُسَيْنِ ع يَوْماً حِينَ صَلَّى الْغَدَاةَ فَإِذَا سَائِلٌ بِالْبَابِ فَقَالَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ ع أَعْطُوا السَّائِلَ وَ لَا تَرُدُّوا سَائِلًا.

“I visited Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.), one day after he had performed the Morning Prayer. At that time, someone asking for help appeared at the door and Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.), said, ‘Give something as charity to one who asks for help and do not turn away such people empty- handed.’”

كُنْتُ عِنْدَ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَجَاءَهُ سَائِلٌ فَأَعْطَاهُ ثُمَّ جَاءَهُ آخَرُ فَأَعْطَاهُ ثُمَّ جَاءَهُ آخَرُ فَأَعْطَاهُ ثُمَّ جَاءَهُ آخَرُ فَقَالَ يَسَعُ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ ثُمَّ قَالَ إِنَّ رَجُلًا لَوْ كَانَ لَهُ مَالٌ يَبْلُغُ ثَلَاثِينَ أَوْ أَرْبَعِينَ أَلْفَ دِرْهَمٍ ثُمَّ شَاءَ أَنْ لَا يَبْقَى مِنْهَا إِلَّا وَضَعَهَا فِي حَقٍّ لَفَعَلَ فَيَبْقَى لَا مَالَ لَهُ فَيَكُونُ مِنَ الثَّلَاثَةِ الَّذِينَ

“Once I was in the presence of abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), when someone came asking for help. He gave him charity, then another one came, he gave him charity, yet another came for help, and he gave him charity. Then one more came for help and he said, ‘Allah will provide you.’ The Imam then said, ‘One may possess thirty or

إِذَا أَعْطَيْتُمُوهُمْ فَلَقِّنُوهُمُ الدُّعَاءَ فَإِنَّهُ يُسْتَجَابُ الدُّعَاءُ لَهُمْ فِيكُمْ وَ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهُمْ فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ.

“He (the Imam) has said, ‘When you give charity, ask them to pray; their prayer for you is answered, but it is not heard for themselves.”’

لَا تُحَقِّرُوا دَعْوَةَ أَحَدٍ فَإِنَّهُ يُسْتَجَابُ لِلْيَهُودِيِّ وَ النَّصْرَانِيِّ فِيكُمْ وَ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهُمْ فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ.

“You must not ignore anyone’s prayers; the prayers of Jews and Christians for you are answered, but they are not answered for themselves.”

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ‌ اتَّبِعُوا قَوْلَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص فَإِنَّهُ قَالَ مَنْ فَتَحَ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ بَابَ مَسْأَلَةٍ فَتَحَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ بَابَ فَقْرٍ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has stated this Hadith. ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), has said, ‘You should follow the words of the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, who has said, “Whoever opens to himself the door of asking for help (begging), Allah

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَذَكَرْتُ لَهُ بَعْضَ حَالِي فَقَالَ يَا جَارِيَةُ هَاتِ ذَلِكَ الْكِيسَ هَذِهِ أَرْبَعُمِائَةِ دِينَارٍ وَصَلَنِي بِهَا أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ[4] فَخُذْهَا وَ تَفَرَّجْ بِهَا قَالَ فَقُلْتُ لَا وَ اللَّهِ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ مَا هَذَا دَهْرِي‌[5] وَ لَكِنْ أَحْبَبْتُ أَنْ تَدْعُوَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لِي قَالَ فَقَالَ إِنِّي سَأَفْعَلُ وَ لَكِنْ‌ إِيَّاكَ أَنْ تُخْبِرَ النَّاسَ بِكُلِّ

“Once I visited abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), and mentioned to him certain matters about my conditions. The Imam asked the housemaid to bring to him a certain bag, then he said, ‘This is the four hundred dinar that abu Ja’far (the Abbaside rule) has sent to me as a gift. Take it to ease your difficulties.’ I then said, ‘I pra

أَنَّ أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ بَعَثَ إِلَى رَجُلٍ بِخَمْسَةِ أَوْسَاقٍ مِنْ تَمْرِ الْبُغَيْبِغَةِ[3] وَ كَانَ الرَّجُلُ مِمَّنْ يَرْجُو نَوَافِلَهُ وَ يُؤَمِّلُ نَائِلَهُ وَ رِفْدَهُ‌[4] وَ كَانَ لَا يَسْأَلُ عَلِيّاً ع وَ لَا غَيْرَهُ‌ شَيْئاً فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ لِأَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع وَ اللَّهِ مَا سَأَلَكَ فُلَانٌ وَ لَقَدْ كَانَ يُجْزِئُهُ مِنَ الْخَمْسَةِ الْأَوْسَاقِ وَسْقٌ وَاحِدٌ فَ

“Abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that once, ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), decided to give five Awsaq (a certain amount of) dates from al-Bughaybighah (a place in al-Madinah) to a man who had hoped to benefit from the generosity of the Imam and his gifts. However, he would not appeal before the Imam or other people for any

كُنْتُ فِي مَجْلِسِ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع أُحَدِّثُهُ وَ قَدِ اجْتَمَعَ إِلَيْهِ خَلْقٌ كَثِيرٌ يَسْأَلُونَهُ عَنِ الْحَلَالِ وَ الْحَرَامِ إِذْ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ رَجُلٌ طُوَالٌ آدَمُ‌[4] فَقَالَ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ- رَجُلٌ مِنْ مُحِبِّيكَ وَ مُحِبِّي آبَائِكَ وَ أَجْدَادِكَ ع مَصْدَرِي مِنَ الْحَجِّ وَ قَدِ افْتَقَدْتُ نَفَقَتِي وَ مَا مَعِي مَا أَبْلُغُ مَرْحَلَةً فَإِنْ رَأَيْتَ أَنْ ت

3. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Muhammad ibn Sandal from Yasir from al-Yasa’ ibn Hamzah who has said the following: “Once I was in the presence of abu al-Hassan al-Rida (a.s.), and I was speaking to him before a large gathering that wanted to ask him about lawful and unlawful matters. At such time, a tall man o

سَامَرْتُ أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ‌[2] فَقُلْتُ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَرَضَتْ لِي حَاجَةٌ قَالَ فَرَأَيْتَنِي لَهَا أَهْلًا قُلْتُ نَعَمْ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ قَالَ جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ عَنِّي خَيْراً ثُمَّ قَامَ إِلَى السِّرَاجِ فَأَغْشَاهَا وَ جَلَسَ ثُمَّ قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَغْشَيْتُ السِّرَاجَ لِئَلَّا أَرَى ذُلَّ حَاجَتِكَ فِي وَجْهِكِ فَتَكَلَّمْ فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص

‘I turned the lantern off so I cannot see the effect of humiliation due to your appeal for help on your face as you speak. I have heard the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, say, “Needs are trust of Allah in His servants’ chests. For those

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع لِعَمَّارٍ يَا عَمَّارُ أَنْتَ رَبُّ مَالٍ كَثِيرٍ قَالَ نَعَمْ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ قَالَ فَتُؤَدِّي مَا افْتَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الزَّكَاةِ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَتُخْرِجُ الْمَعْلُومَ مِنْ مَالِكَ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَتَصِلُ قَرَابَتَكَ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَتَصِلُ إِخْوَانَكَ قَالَ نَعَمْ فَقَالَ يَا عَمَّارُ إِنَّ الْمَالَ يَفْنَى وَ الْبَدَنَ يَبْلَى وَ الْعَمَلَ يَبْقَى وَ الدَّيَّ

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), once said to ‘Ammar, ‘O ‘Ammar, are you the owner of a great wealth?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause.’ The Imam then asked, ‘Do you pay all of the zakat Allah has made compulsory upon you to pay?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I do so.’ The Imam then asked, ‘Do y

كَانَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ يَقُولُ‌ مَنْ صَنَعَ بِمِثْلِ مَا صُنِعَ إِلَيْهِ فَإِنَّمَا كَافَأَهُ وَ مَنْ أَضْعَفَهُ كَانَ شَكُوراً وَ مَنْ شَكَرَ كَانَ كَرِيماً وَ مَنْ عَلِمَ أَنَّ مَا صَنَعَ إِنَّمَا صَنَعَ إِلَى نَفْسِهِ لَمْ يَسْتَبْطِ النَّاسَ فِي شُكْرِهِمْ‌[3] وَ لَمْ يَسْتَزِدْهُمْ فِي مَوَدَّتِهِمْ فَلَا تَلْتَمِسْ مِنْ غَيْرِكَ شُكْرَ مَا أَتَيْتَ إِلَى نَفْسِكَ وَ وَقَيْتَ بِه

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), would say, ‘One who does a favor for someone just as it is done for him has only returned a favor. One who does twice as much favor is an appreciating person, and an appreciating person is a gracious one. One who knows that the favor he has done is for his

قَالَ أَصْحَابُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فِدَاكَ آبَاؤُنَا وَ أُمَّهَاتُنَا إِنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْمَعْرُوفِ فِي الدُّنْيَا عُرِفُوا بِمَعْرُوفِهِمْ فَبِمَ يُعْرَفُونَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ فَقَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى إِذَا أَدْخَلَ أَهْلَ الْجَنَّةِ الْجَنَّةَ أَمَرَ رِيحاً عَبِقَةً طَيِّبَةً[2] فَلَزِقَتْ بِأَهْلِ الْمَعْرُوفِ فَلَا يَمُرُّ أَحَدٌ مِنْهُمْ بِمَلَإٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا وَ

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has narrated this Hadith. ‘Once, companions of the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, asked a question. “O Messenger of Allah, we pray to Allah to keep our souls and the souls of ancestors in service for your cause;

أَتَى أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ رَهْطٌ مِنَ الشِّيعَةِ فَقَالُوا يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ لَوْ أَخْرَجْتَ هَذِهِ الْأَمْوَالَ فَفَرَّقْتَهَا فِي هَؤُلَاءِ الرُّؤَسَاءِ وَ الْأَشْرَافِ وَ فَضَّلْتَهُمْ عَلَيْنَا حَتَّى إِذَا اسْتَوْسَقَتِ الْأُمُورُ[4] عُدْتَ إِلَى أَفْضَلِ مَا عَوَّدَكَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْقَسْمِ بِالسَّوِيَّةِ وَ الْعَدْلِ فِي الرَّعِيَّةِ فَقَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع أَ تَ

“Once a group of Shi`a people came to ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), with the following request: ‘O ’Amir al-Mu’minin, we request you to distribute the wealth at your disposal (public treasury) among the chiefs and elite people. In so doing, they will receive preference, which will strengthen your affairs. Thereafter, you c

دَخَلْتُ أَنَا وَ الْمُعَلَّى وَ عُثْمَانُ بْنُ عِمْرَانَ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَلَمَّا رَآنَا قَالَ مَرْحَباً مَرْحَباً بِكُمْ وُجُوهٌ تُحِبُّنَا وَ نُحِبُّهَا جَعَلَكُمُ اللَّهُ مَعَنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ فَقَالَ لَهُ عُثْمَانُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ فَقَالَ لَهُ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع نَعَمْ مَهْ‌[2] قَالَ إِنِّي رَجُلٌ مُوسِرٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ بَارَكَ اللَّهُ لَكَ فِي يَسَارِكَ قَالَ وَ يَجِي‌ءُ الرَّجُلُ

“I went to visit abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.). Two other people, al-Mu‘alla’ and ‘Uthman ibn ‘Umar, also were present with me. On seeing us, he welcomed us and offered greetings of peace, saying, ‘I welcome the faces that love us and we love them. May Allah keep you with us in this world and in the next life.’ Uthman then sai

إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص قَالَ فِي يَوْمٍ حَارٍّ وَ حَنَّى كَفَّهُ مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَسْتَظِلَّ مِنْ فَوْرِ جَهَنَّمَ‌[2] قَالَهَا ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ فَقَالَ النَّاسُ فِي كُلِّ مَرَّةٍ نَحْنُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ مَنْ أَنْظَرَ غَرِيماً أَوْ تَرَكَ الْمُعْسِرَ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ لِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ كَعْبِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ إِنَّ أَبِي أَخْبَرَنِي أَنَّهُ لَزِمَ غَرِيماً لَهُ فِي الْمَسْجِ

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, bending his palm on a hot day, said, ‘Who wants to provide a shadow for himself against the heat of the blaze of hell fire?’ He repeated the sentence three times,

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ تَظَاهَرَتْ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ نِعْمَةٌ إِلَّا اشْتَدَّتْ مَئُونَةُ النَّاسِ عَلَيْهِ فَمَنْ لَمْ يَقُمْ لِلنَّاسِ بِحَوَائِجِهِمْ فَقَدْ عَرَضَ النِّعْمَةَ لِلزَّوَالِ قَالَ فَقُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ وَ مَنْ يَقْدِرُ أَنْ يَقُومَ لِهَذَا الْخَلْقِ بِحَوَائِجِهِمْ فَقَالَ إِنَّمَا النَّاسُ فِي هَذَا الْمَوْضِعِ وَ اللَّهِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘Whoever finds himself with an abundance of Allah’s bounties, increases his spending for people. One who does not help people exposes the bounties to losses.’ I (the narrator) said, ‘I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause. Who can spend to help all these creatures?’

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ خِيَارُكُمْ سُمَحَاؤُكُمْ وَ شِرَارُكُمْ بُخَلَاؤُكُمْ وَ مِنْ خَالِصِ الْإِيمَانِ الْبِرُّ بِالْإِخْوَانِ وَ السَّعْيُ فِي حَوَائِجِهِمْ وَ إِنَّ الْبَارَّ بِالْإِخْوَانِ لَيُحِبُّهُ الرَّحْمَنُ وَ فِي ذَلِكَ مَرْغَمَةٌ لِلشَّيْطَانِ وَ تَزَحْزُحٌ عَنِ النِّيرَانِ‌[2] وَ دُخُولُ الْجِنَانِ يَا جَمِيلُ أَخْبِرْ بِهَذَا غُرَرَ أَصْحَابِكَ قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ مَنْ غُرَرُ أَص

“I heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), say, ‘The virtuous ones among you are the generous ones, and the wicked ones among you are the stingy ones. You must do good to your brothers (in belief) and striving to help them comes from pure belief. The Beneficent loves those who do good to their brothers (in belief), and such manne

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ فِي كَلَامٍ لَهُ‌ وَ مَنْ يَبْسُطْ يَدَهُ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ إِذَا وَجَدَهُ يُخْلِفِ اللَّهُ لَهُ مَا أَنْفَقَ فِي دُنْيَاهُ وَ يُضَاعِفْ لَهُ فِي آخِرَتِهِ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), has said, in one of his speeches, ‘If one extends his hand to provide Benevolent Assistance when he is able to do so, Allah replaces, in this world, what he has spent and will grant them double reward in the next life.’”

أَنَّ أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ سَمِعَ رَجُلًا يَقُولُ إِنَّ الشَّحِيحَ أَغْدَرُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِ‌[1] فَقَالَ لَهُ كَذَبْتَ إِنَّ الظَّالِمَ قَدْ يَتُوبُ وَ يَسْتَغْفِرُ وَ يَرُدُّ الظُّلَامَةَ عَلَى أَهْلِهَا وَ الشَّحِيحُ إِذَا شَحَّ مَنَعَ الزَّكَاةَ وَ الصَّدَقَةَ وَ صِلَةَ الرَّحِمِ وَ قِرَى الضَّيْفِ وَ النَّفَقَةَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَ أَبْوَابَ الْبِرِّ وَ حَرَامٌ عَلَى الْجَنَّةِ أَنْ

“’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), once heard a man say, ‘A greedy person has more excuses than an unjust person has.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘What you said is false. An unjust person may repent, ask for forgiveness and return usurped property. A greedy person, upon exercising his greed, may withhold payment of zakat, charity, ke

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ فِي بَعْضِ خُطَبِهِ‌ إِنَّ أَفْضَلَ الْفِعَالِ صِيَانَةُ الْعِرْضِ بِالْمَالِ.

14. Muhammad ibn Ali has narrated from Mu’ammar in a marfu‘ manner from ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), who has said the following: “In one of his speeches, ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), has said, ‘The best deed is protecting one’s dignity by means of wealth.’”

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ ثَلَاثَةٌ إِنْ يَعْلَمْهُنَّ الْمُؤْمِنُ كَانَتْ زِيَادَةً فِي عُمُرِهِ وَ بَقَاءَ النِّعْمَةِ عَلَيْهِ فَقُلْتُ وَ مَا هُنَّ قَالَ تَطْوِيلُهُ فِي رُكُوعِهِ وَ سُجُودِهِ فِي صَلَاتِهِ وَ تَطْوِيلُهُ لِجُلُوسِهِ عَلَى طَعَامِهِ إِذَا أَطْعَمَ عَلَى مَائِدَتِهِ وَ اصْطِنَاعُهُ الْمَعْرُوفَ إِلَى أَهْلِهِ.

“I heard abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), say, ‘There are three things which would help lengthen his life if a believing person comes to know them and make his wealth more durable.’ I then asked, ‘What are those things?’ The Imam replied, ‘They are remaining in Ruku’ for a long time, as well as in his Sajdah during prayer (Sala

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص‌ خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ وَ أَفْشَى السَّلَامَ وَ صَلَّى وَ النَّاسُ نِيَامٌ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, has said, ‘The best among you are those who serve food, offer greetings of peace aloud and perform Salat (prayer) when people are sleeping.’”

كَانَ عَلِيٌّ ع يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّا أَهْلُ بَيْتٍ أُمِرْنَا أَنْ نُطْعِمَ الطَّعَامَ وَ نُؤَدِّيَ فِي النَّاسِ الْبَائِنَةَ[2] وَ نُصَلِّيَ إِذَا نَامَ النَّاسُ.

4. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn abu ‘Abd Allah from Muhammad ibn Ali from al-Hassan ibn Ali from Sayf ibn ‘Amirah from ‘Umar ibn Shamir from Jabir who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.), has said, ‘Ali (a.s.), would say, “We are a family who are commanded (by Allah) to serve food, send gi

الْمُنْجِيَاتُ إِطْعَامُ الطَّعَامِ وَ إِفْشَاءُ السَّلَامِ وَ الصَّلَاةُ بِاللَّيْلِ وَ النَّاسُ نِيَامٌ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that serving food, offering greetings of peace aloud and performing Salat (prayer) when people are sleeping are reasons for which one may gain salvation.”

قَالَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمَا لِيُنْفِقِ الرَّجُلُ بِالْقَصْدِ وَ بُلْغَةِ الْكَفَافِ وَ يُقَدِّمُ مِنْهُ فَضْلًا لآِخِرَتِهِ فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَبْقَى لِلنِّعْمَةِ وَ أَقْرَبُ إِلَى الْمَزِيدِ مِنَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ أَنْفَعُ فِي الْعَافِيَةِ.

’One should spend moderately to a sufficient limit and send the extra for his next life. This is a better conservation of bounties, closer to its increase from Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, and more beneficial for good health (or consequences).’”

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ‌ الْقَصْدُ مَثْرَاةٌ وَ السَّرَفُ مَتْوَاةٌ[1].

“’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), has said, ‘Moderation leads to increase, and extravagance leads to destruction.’”

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ‌ أَوَّلُ مَا يُبْدَأُ بِهِ فِي الْآخِرَةِ صَدَقَةُ الْمَاءِ يَعْنِي فِي الْأَجْرِ.

The first charity for which one will be rewarded in the next life is providing water for drinking. ‘“

أَعْطُوا الزَّكَاةَ مَنْ أَرَادَهَا مِنْ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ فَإِنَّهَا تَحِلُّ لَهُمْ وَ إِنَّمَا تَحْرُمُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ص وَ الْإِمَامِ الَّذِي مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَ الْأَئِمَّةِ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ.

‘You can pay Zakat to whoever wants it from Banu Hashim because it is lawful for them. It is unlawful only for the Prophet (sw) and for the Imam after him, and for the Imams, may the blessings of Allah be upon them all.’

بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسَةِ أَشْيَاءَ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ وَ الزَّكَاةِ وَ الْحَجِّ وَ الصَّوْمِ وَ الْوَلَايَةِ وَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ.

“Abu Ja’far (a.s.), has said, ‘Islam is founded on five isssues. It is founded on Salat (prayer), zakat, al-Hajj, Fasting and al-Wilayat (belief in Divine Authority of ’A’immah). The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘Fasting is a shield against the fire of hell.”

قَالَ لِي أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع أَ لَا أُخْبِرُكَ بِأَصْلِ الْإِسْلَامِ وَ فَرْعِهِ‌ وَ ذِرْوَتِهِ وَ سَنَامِهِ‌[1] قُلْتُ بَلَى قَالَ أَصْلُهُ الصَّلَاةُ وَ فَرْعُهُ الزَّكَاةُ وَ ذِرْوَتُهُ وَ سَنَامُهُ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَ لَا أُخْبِرُكَ بِأَبْوَابِ الْخَيْرِ إِنَّ الصَّوْمَ جُنَّةٌ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), once asked me, ‘Should I tell you what the root, the branch, the peak and the highest point of Islam is?’ I replied, ‘Please, do so.’ He said, ‘The root of Islam is salat (prayer), its branch is zakat, and its peak and highest point is al-Jihad in the way of Allah. Should I tell you about the do

مَنْ كَتَمَ صَوْمَهُ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لِمَلَائِكَتِهِ عَبْدِي اسْتَجَارَ مِنْ عَذَابِي فَأَجِيرُوهُ وَ وَكَّلَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى مَلَائِكَتَهُ بِالدُّعَاءِ لِلصَّائِمِينَ وَ لَمْ يَأْمُرْهُمْ بِالدُّعَاءِ لِأَحَدٍ إِلَّا اسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ فِيهِ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that if a person fasts secretly, Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Glorious, says to His angels, ‘My servant has sought protection against my punishment, you must give him protection.’ Allah, the most Blessed, the most High, then assigns His angels to pray for the fasting people and in

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَكَّلَ مَلَائِكَتَهُ بِالدُّعَاءِ لِلصَّائِمِينَ وَ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي جَبْرَئِيلُ ع عَنْ رَبِّهِ أَنَّهُ قَالَ مَا أَمَرْتُ مَلَائِكَتِي بِالدُّعَاءِ لِأَحَدٍ مِنْ خَلْقِي إِلَّا اسْتَجَبْتُ لَهُمْ فِيهِ.

Jibril has informed me from his Lord who has said, “When I command My angels to pray in favor of someone, I do not leave their prayers without acceptance.’””

خَطَبَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص النَّاسَ فِي آخِرِ جُمُعَةٍ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَ أَثْنَى عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّهُ قَدْ أَظَلَّكُمْ‌[1] شَهْرٌ فِيهِ لَيْلَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ وَ هُوَ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ فَرَضَ اللَّهُ صِيَامَهُ وَ جَعَلَ قِيَامَ لَيْلَةٍ فِيهِ بِتَطَوُّعِ صَلَاةٍ كَتَطَوُّعِ صَلَاةِ سَبْعِينَ لَيْلَةً فِيمَا سِوَاهُ مِنَ الشُّهُورِ وَ جَعَلَ لِمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ فِيهِ بِ

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya and people other than him have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from al-Hassan ibn Mahbub, from abu Ayyub from abu al-Ward, who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.), has said, ‘Once, the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their servi

دَخَلَ سَدِيرٌ عَلَى أَبِي ع فِي شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ فَقَالَ يَا سَدِيرُ هَلْ تَدْرِي أَيُّ اللَّيَالِي هَذِهِ فَقَالَ نَعَمْ فِدَاكَ أَبِي هَذِهِ لَيَالِي شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ فَمَا ذَاكَ فَقَالَ لَهُ- أَ تَقْدِرُ عَلَى أَنْ تُعْتِقَ فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ هَذِهِ اللَّيَالِي عَشْرَ رَقَبَاتٍ مِنْ وُلْدِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ فَقَالَ لَهُ سَدِيرٌ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَ أُمِّي لَا يَبْلُغُ مَالِي ذَاكَ فَمَا زَالَ يَنْقُصُ حَتَّى بَلَغَ

“Once, during the month of Ramadan, Sadir went to visit abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.). The Imam asked, ‘O Sadir, do you know which nights are these days?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I pray to Allah to keep my soul and the soul of my father in service for your cause, these are the nights of the month of Ramadan, but what do they signify

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ‌ لَا تَقُولُوا رَمَضَانَ وَ لَكِنْ قُولُوا شَهْرُ رَمَضانَ‌ فَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَدْرُونَ مَا رَمَضَانُ.

‘Do not say, “Ramadan.” Say the month of Ramadan; you do not know what Ramadan is.’”

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص إِذَا أَهَلَّ هِلَالَ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ اسْتَقْبَلَ الْقِبْلَةَ وَ رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ‌[3] فَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَ الْإِيمَانِ وَ السَّلَامَةِ وَ الْإِسْلَامِ وَ الْعَافِيَةِ الْمُجَلِّلَةِ[1] وَ الرِّزْقِ الْوَاسِعِ وَ دَفْعِ الْأَسْقَامِ اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنَا صِيَامَهُ وَ قِيَامَهُ وَ تِلَاوَةَ الْقُرْآنِ فِيهِ اللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْهُ لَنَا وَ تَسَلَّمْهُ مِنَّا وَ سَلّ

1. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Hammad ibn ‘Isa from Ibrahim ibn ‘Umar al-Yamaniy from ‘Amr ibn Shamir from Jabir who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far, ‘Alayhi al-Salam, has said, ‘The Messenger of Allah, upon seeing the crescent of the month of Ramadan, would turn toward the Ka‘bah, raise his h

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ إِذَا كَانَ أَوَّلُ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ فَقُلِ- اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ وَ مُنْزِلَ الْقُرْآنِ هَذَا شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلْتَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنَ- وَ أَنْزَلْتَ فِيهِ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ‌ مِنَ الْهُدى‌ وَ الْفُرْقانِ‌ اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنَا صِيَامَهُ وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى قِيَامِهِ اللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْهُ لَنَا[2] وَ سَلِّمْنَا فِيهِ وَ تَسَلَّمْهُ مِنَّا فِي يُسْرٍ مِ

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘In the first night of the month of Ramadan say the following: “O Lord of the month of Ramadan and the One who has revealed the Holy Quran! This is the month of Ramadan when You have revealed the Holy Quran. You have revealed in it clear signs for guidance and discernment. O Lord, gran

كَانَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ‌ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِذَا أَهَلَّ هِلَالَ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ أَقْبَلَ إِلَى الْقِبْلَةِ ثُمَّ قَالَ- اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْأَمْنِ وَ الْإِيمَانِ وَ السَّلَامَةِ وَ الْإِسْلَامِ وَ الْعَافِيَةِ الْمُجَلِّلَةِ اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنَا صِيَامَهُ وَ قِيَامَهُ وَ تِلَاوَةَ الْقُرْآنِ فِيهِ اللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْهُ لَنَا وَ تَسَلَّمْهُ مِنَّا وَ سَلِّمْنَا فِيهِ.

4. Ahmad ibn Muhammad has narrated from Ali ibn al-Husayn from Ali ibn Asbat from al-Hakam ibn Miskin who has said that narrated to us ‘Amr ibn Shimr who has said the following: “I heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), say the following. ‘’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), when seeing the crescent of the month of Ramadan facing the dire

كَانَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَدْعُو بِهَذَا الدُّعَاءِ فِي شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ- اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي بِكَ أَتَوَسَّلُ وَ مِنْكَ أَطْلُبُ حَاجَتِي مَنْ طَلَبَ حَاجَةً إِلَى النَّاسِ فَإِنِّي لَا أَطْلُبُ حَاجَتِي إِلَّا مِنْكَ وَحْدَكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ وَ أَسْأَلُكَ بِفَضْلِكَ وَ رِضْوَانِكَ أَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلَى أَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ لِي فِي عَامِي هَذَا إِلَى بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ سَبِيلًا حَجّ

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), would say this prayer during the month of Ramadan, ‘O Allah, I seek help from You and ask You for my needs. There are those who ask people for their needs, but I ask only You for my needs. You are (the only Lord). You have no partners. I ask You through Your generosity and Your pleasure to grant

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ‌ لَا تَجُوزُ شَهَادَةُ النِّسَاءِ فِي الْهِلَالِ وَ لَا تَجُوزُ إِلَّا شَهَادَةُ رَجُلَيْنِ عَدْلَيْنِ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that ’Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), has said, ‘Testimony of women about the crescent is not admissible, only the testimony of two just witnesses is accepted.’”