Quran

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ فَسْئَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُونَ‌ قَالَ الذِّكْرُ مُحَمَّدٌ ص وَ نَحْنُ أَهْلُهُ الْمَسْئُولُونَ قَالَ قُلْتُ قَوْلُهُ- وَ إِنَّهُ لَذِكْرٌ لَكَ وَ لِقَوْمِكَ وَ سَوْفَ تُسْئَلُونَ‌ قَالَ إِيَّانَا عَنَى وَ نَحْنُ أَهْلُ الذِّكْرِ وَ نَحْنُ الْمَسْئُولُونَ.

I asked Imam abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) about the meaning of the following words of Allah. “Ask the people of Dhikr if you do not know.” (16:43, 21: 7 Holy Quran) The Imams (a.s.) said, “Prophet Muhammad (s.a.) is ‘Dhikr’ and we are the people of ‘Dhikr who will be asked.” I also asked about, “It is a Dhikr for you and for y

الذِّكْرُ الْقُرْآنُ وَ نَحْنُ قَوْمُهُ وَ نَحْنُ الْمَسْئُولُونَ.

The Imams (a.s.)said, “The Holy Quran is the ’Dhikr’ and we are the one who will be asked questions.”

فِي الْعِلْمِ قَدْ عَلَّمَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ جَمِيعَ مَا أَنْزَلَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ التَّنْزِيلِ وَ التَّأْوِيلِ وَ مَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُنْزِلَ عَلَيْهِ شَيْئاً لَمْ يُعَلِّمْهُ تَأْوِيلَهُ وَ أَوْصِيَاؤُهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ يَعْلَمُونَهُ كُلَّهُ وَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِذَا قَالَ الْعَالِمُ‌[2] فِيهِمْ بِعِلْمٍ فَأَجَابَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِقَوْلِهِ- يَقُولُونَ‌ آمَنَّا بِهِ‌ كُلٌّ مِنْ عِنْدِ رَبِّنا وَ

The Messenger of Allah (sw) is the best among those who are well-grounded in knowledge. Allah, the Most Majestic and Most gracious, taught him all that He had revealed to him in the form of original text and in the form of interpretations. Allah, the Most Majestic and Most gracious, would not reveal anything to him tha

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع يَقُولُ‌ فِي هَذِهِ الْآيَةِ بَلْ هُوَ آياتٌ بَيِّناتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ‌[3] فَأَوْمَأَ بِيَدِهِ إِلَى صَدْرِهِ.

The Imams (a.s.) pointed to his own chest.”

فِي قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- بَلْ هُوَ آياتٌ بَيِّناتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ‌ قَالَ هُمُ الْأَئِمَّةُ ع.

who has said the following about the words of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. “In fact, the Quran consists of illustrious verses that exist in the hearts of those who have knowledge. . .” (29:49) ‘They are the Imams (a.s.)’.

قَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ ع‌ فِي هَذِهِ الْآيَةِ- بَلْ هُوَ آياتٌ بَيِّناتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ‌ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَمَا وَ اللَّهِ يَا أَبَا مُحَمَّدٍ مَا قَالَ بَيْنَ دَفَّتَيِ الْمُصْحَفِ قُلْتُ مَنْ هُمْ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ قَالَ مَنْ عَسَى أَنْ يَكُونُوا غَيْرَنَا.

“In fact, the Quran consists of illustrious verses that exist in the hearts of those who have knowledge. . .” (29:49) The Imams (a.s.) then said, “O abu Muhammad, for the sake of Allah, be the judge and tell, of who it is spoken (so often) between the two covers of the Holy Quran?” I then asked, “Who are they, “May All

سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ‌- بَلْ هُوَ آياتٌ بَيِّناتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ‌ قَالَ هُمُ الْأَئِمَّةُ ع خَاصَّةً.

“In fact, the Quran consists of illustrious verses that exist in the hearts of those who have knowledge. . .” (29:49) ‘They are the Imams (a.s.) exclusive of all others.’”

سَأَلْتُهُ عَنْ قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى- ثُمَّ أَوْرَثْنَا الْكِتابَ الَّذِينَ اصْطَفَيْنا مِنْ عِبادِنا فَقَالَ أَيَّ شَيْ‌ءٍ تَقُولُونَ أَنْتُمْ قُلْتُ نَقُولُ إِنَّهَا فِي الْفَاطِمِيِّينَ قَالَ لَيْسَ حَيْثُ تَذْهَبُ لَيْسَ يَدْخُلُ فِي هَذَا مَنْ أَشَارَ بِسَيْفِهِ وَ دَعَا النَّاسَ إِلَى خِلَافٍ‌[1] فَقُلْتُ فَأَيُّ شَيْ‌ءٍ الظَّالِمُ لِنَفْسِهِ قَالَ الْجَالِسُ فِي بَيْتِهِ لَا يَعْرِفُ حَقَّ الْإِمَامِ وَ الْمُقْتَ

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

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع- عَنْ قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَ‌ ثُمَّ أَوْرَثْنَا الْكِتابَ الَّذِينَ اصْطَفَيْنا مِنْ عِبادِنا الْآيَةَ قَالَ فَقَالَ وُلْدُ فَاطِمَةَ ع‌[2] وَ السَّابِقُ بِالْخَيْرَاتِ الْإِمَامُ وَ الْمُقْتَصِدُ الْعَارِفُ بِالْإِمَامِ وَ الظَّالِمُ لِنَفْسِهِ الَّذِي لَا يَعْرِفُ الْإِمَامَ.

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.).”

قَالَ: لَمَّا نَزَلَتْ هَذِهِ الْآيَةُ- يَوْمَ نَدْعُوا كُلَّ أُناسٍ بِإِمامِهِمْ‌[4] قَالَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَ لَسْتَ إِمَامَ النَّاسِ كُلِّهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ قَالَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص أَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَى النَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ وَ لَكِنْ سَيَكُونُ مِنْ بَعْدِي أَئِمَّةٌ عَلَى النَّاسِ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِي يَقُومُونَ فِي النَّاسِ فَيُكَذَّبُونَ وَ يَظْلِمُهُمْ أَئِمَّةُ الْكُفْ

1. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Hassan ibn Mahbub from ‘Abdallah ibn Ghalib from Jabir from abu Ja‘far (a.s.) who has said the following. “When the following verse of the Holy Quran was revealed, “On the day when We call every nation with their leaders, (Imams) . .” [17:71] , people a

قَالَ: إِنَّ الْأَئِمَّةَ فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِمَامَانِ قَالَ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى- وَ جَعَلْناهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنا[1] لَا بِأَمْرِ النَّاسِ يُقَدِّمُونَ أَمْرَ اللَّهِ قَبْلَ أَمْرِهِمْ وَ حُكْمَ اللَّهِ قَبْلَ حُكْمِهِمْ قَالَ‌ وَ جَعَلْناهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ[2] يُقَدِّمُونَ أَمْرَهُمْ قَبْلَ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ وَ حُكْمَهُمْ قَبْلَ حُكْمِ اللَّهِ وَ يَأْخُذُونَ

“The Imams mentioned in the book of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, are of two kinds. Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High has said, ‘We appointed them as leaders (Imams) to guide the people through Our command . .” (21:73) They do so but not because of the commads of the people. They allow our command to come firs

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع عَنْ قَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- وَ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنا مَوالِيَ‌ مِمَّا تَرَكَ‌ الْوالِدانِ وَ الْأَقْرَبُونَ‌ وَ الَّذِينَ عَقَدَتْ أَيْمانُكُمْ‌[3] قَالَ إِنَّمَا عَنَى بِذَلِكَ الْأَئِمَّةَ ع بِهِمْ عَقَدَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ أَيْمَانَكُمْ.

1. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ’Isa from al-Hasan ibn Mahbub 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 have chosen heirs for every legacy that parents and relatives may leave. Let those who have been

فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى- إِنَّ هذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ‌[4] قَالَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْإِمَامِ.

regarding the words of The Almigthy: “This Quran shows the way to that which is the most upright . .” (17:9) He (a.s.) said, “It guides to the Imam.”

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع‌ مَا بَالُ أَقْوَامٍ غَيَّرُوا سُنَّةَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص وَ عَدَلُوا عَنْ وَصِيِّهِ لَا يَتَخَوَّفُونَ أَنْ يَنْزِلَ بِهِمُ الْعَذَابُ ثُمَّ تَلَا هَذِهِ الْآيَةَ- أَ لَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ بَدَّلُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ كُفْراً وَ أَحَلُّوا قَوْمَهُمْ دارَ الْبَوارِ جَهَنَّمَ‌[1] ثُمَّ قَالَ نَحْنُ النِّعْمَةُ الَّتِي أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ بِهَا عَلَى عِبَادِهِ وَ بِنَا يَفُوزُ مَنْ فَازَ يَ

“What is wrong with people who changed the Sunnah (traditions) of the Messenger of Allah and deviated from his will? Do they not fear that severe suffering may befall them? He then recited the following verse of the Holy Quran. “Have you not seen (considered) those who changed the blessings (Word) of God through disbel

فِي قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- فَبِأَيِّ آلاءِ رَبِّكُما تُكَذِّبانِ‌[2] أَ بِالنَّبِيِّ أَمْ بِالْوَصِيِّ تُكَذِّبَانِ نَزَلَتْ فِي الرَّحْمَنِ.

2. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu‘alla ibn Muhammad, in a mafu‘ manner, (rafa’ahu) about the words of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. “(Jinn and mankind) - which of the favors of your Lord do you deny?” (55:13) Will you deny and refuse the Holy Prophet or his successor.” (This verse has come down in C

تَلَا أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع هَذِهِ الْآيَةَ- فَاذْكُرُوا آلاءَ اللَّهِ‌[3] قَالَ أَ تَدْرِي مَا آلَاءُ اللَّهِ قُلْتُ لَا قَالَ هِيَ أَعْظَمُ نِعَمِ اللَّهِ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ وَ هِيَ وَلَايَتُنَا.

“Keep in mind the bounties of Allah. .” (7:69) The Imams (a.s.) said, “Do you know what the bounties of Allah are?” I said, “No, I do not know.” He said, “It is the greatest of the bounties of Allah. It is to acknowledge the Divine authority that we possess.”

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع عَنْ قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- أَ لَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ بَدَّلُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ كُفْراً الْآيَةَ قَالَ عَنَى بِهَا قُرَيْشاً قَاطِبَةً الَّذِينَ عَادَوْا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص وَ نَصَبُوا لَهُ الْحَرْبَ وَ جَحَدُوا وَصِيَّةَ وَصِيِّهِ.

The Imam (a.s.) said it is a reference to all of Quraysh who exercised animosity towards the Holy Prophet (s.a.), created wars against him and rejected his will about his successor.”

تُعْرَضُ الْأَعْمَالُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص أَعْمَالُ الْعِبَادِ[3] كُلَّ صَبَاحٍ أَبْرَارُهَا وَ فُجَّارُهَا فَاحْذَرُوهَا وَ هُوَ قَوْلُ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى- اعْمَلُوا فَسَيَرَى اللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَ رَسُولُهُ‌[4] وَ سَكَتَ.

1. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Husayn ibn Sa‘id from al-Qasim ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn abu Hamza from abu Basir from abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) who has said the following. “All deeds are presented before the Messenger of Allah (s.a.). It is the deeds of the all the virtuous and the evil d

قُلْتُ لِلرِّضَا ع ادْعُ اللَّهَ لِي وَ لِأَهْلِ بَيْتِي فَقَالَ أَ وَ لَسْتُ أَفْعَلُ وَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أَعْمَالَكُمْ لَتُعْرَضُ عَلَيَّ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ وَ لَيْلَةٍ قَالَ فَاسْتَعْظَمْتُ ذَلِكَ- فَقَالَ لِي أَ مَا تَقْرَأُ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- وَ قُلِ اعْمَلُوا فَسَيَرَى اللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَ رَسُولُهُ وَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ‌ قَالَ هُوَ وَ اللَّهِ عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ ع‌[1].

4. Ali from has narrated from his father from al-Qasim ibn Muhammad from al-Zayyat from ‘Abdallah ibn Aban al-Zayyat who was well placed in the eyes of al-Rida (a.s.). He has said that he asked al-Rida (a.s.) to pray for him and for his family. Am I not praying for them? I swear by Allah that your deeds are presented b

قُلْتُ لَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ص وَرِثَ النَّبِيِّينَ كُلَّهُمْ قَالَ نَعَمْ قُلْتُ مِنْ لَدُنْ آدَمَ حَتَّى انْتَهَى إِلَى نَفْسِهِ قَالَ مَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ نَبِيّاً إِلَّا وَ مُحَمَّدٌ ص أَعْلَمُ مِنْهُ قَالَ قُلْتُ إِنَّ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ كَانَ يُحْيِي الْمَوْتَى بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ قَالَ صَدَقْتَ وَ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنَ دَاوُدَ كَانَ يَفْهَمُ مَنْطِقَ الطَّيْرِ وَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص يَ

“I said to abu al-Hassan al-Thani (a.s.), ““May Allah take my soul in service for your cause, “Would you tell me about the Prophet who inherited all the prophets.” The Imams (a.s.) said, “Yes, I may do so. I asked, “Did he inherit from Adam up to his-self?” The Imams (a.s.) said, “Of prophet that Allah sent Prophet Muh

فِي حَدِيثِ بُرَيْهٍ‌[1] أَنَّهُ لَمَّا جَاءَ مَعَهُ إِلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَلَقِيَ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ مُوسَى بْنَ جَعْفَرٍ ع فَحَكَى لَهُ هِشَامٌ الْحِكَايَةَ فَلَمَّا فَرَغَ قَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ ع لِبُرَيْهٍ يَا بُرَيْهُ كَيْفَ عِلْمُكَ بِكِتَابِكَ قَالَ أَنَا بِهِ عَالِمٌ‌[2] ثُمَّ قَالَ كَيْفَ ثِقَتُكَ بِتَأْوِيلِهِ قَالَ مَا أَوْثَقَنِي بِعِلْمِي فِيهِ قَالَ فَابْتَدَأَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ ع يَقْرَأُ الْإِنْجِي

When he (Burayh) came with Hishām to Abū ʿAbdillāh (as), they encountered Abū al-Ḥasan Mūsā ibn Jaʿfar (as). Hishām narrated the story to him (Imam Mūsā). When he finished, Abū al-Ḥasan (as) said to Burayh: "O Burayh, how well do you know your Book?" He replied: "I am knowledgeable of it." Then the Imam asked: "And how

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع يَقُولُ‌ مَا ادَّعَى أَحَدٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ أَنَّهُ جَمَعَ الْقُرْآنَ كُلَّهُ كَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَّا كَذَّابٌ وَ مَا جَمَعَهُ وَ حَفِظَهُ كَمَا نَزَّلَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى إِلَّا عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ ع وَ الْأَئِمَّةُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ ع.

“No one from the people has claimed to have collected the whole of the Quran (in a book form) as it was revealed. If anyone would come up with such a claim, he is liar. No one collected this Book and preserved it as Allah, the Most High revealed it except Ali ibn abu Talib (a.s.) and the Imams after him.”

مَا يَسْتَطِيعُ أَحَدٌ أَنْ يَدَّعِيَ أَنَّ عِنْدَهُ جَمِيعَ الْقُرْآنِ كُلِّهِ ظَاهِرِهِ وَ بَاطِنِهِ غَيْرُ الْأَوْصِيَاءِ[5].

“No one is able to claim that with him is the whole of the Holy Quran; its apparent and hidden essence, except the executors of the will of the Holy Prophet (s.a.).

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّ مِنْ عِلْمِ مَا أُوتِينَا تَفْسِيرَ الْقُرْآنِ وَ أَحْكَامَهُ وَ عِلْمَ تَغْيِيرِ الزَّمَانِ وَ حَدَثَانِهِ إِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ خَيْراً أَسْمَعَهُمْ‌[1] وَ لَوْ أَسْمَعَ مَنْ لَمْ يَسْمَعْ لَوَلَّى مُعْرِضاً كَأَنْ لَمْ يَسْمَعْ ثُمَّ أَمْسَكَ هُنَيْئَةً ثُمَّ قَالَ وَ لَوْ وَجَدْنَا أَوْعِيَةً أَوْ مُسْتَرَاحاً لَقُلْنَا وَ اللَّهُ الْمُسْتَعانُ‌[2].

“Of the knowledge that we have received is the interpretation of the Holy Quran and its laws, the knowledge of the changes of time and the happenings therein. When Allah wants good for a people, He makes them to understand. If He would make to understand one who does not want to understand such a person turns away as i

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ وَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي لَأَعْلَمُ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَوَّلِهِ إِلَى آخِرِهِ كَأَنَّهُ فِي كَفِّي‌[3] فِيهِ خَبَرُ السَّمَاءِ وَ خَبَرُ الْأَرْضِ وَ خَبَرُ مَا كَانَ وَ خَبَرُ مَا هُوَ كَائِنٌ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فِيهِ تِبْيَانُ كُلِّ شَيْ‌ءٍ[4].

“I swear by Allah that I know the Holy Quran from the beginning to end as if it is in the palm of my hand. In it there is the news of the heavens and the earth, the news of what has been and the new of what will come into being. Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has said, “In it there is the explanation of all thing

قالَ الَّذِي عِنْدَهُ عِلْمٌ مِنَ الْكِتابِ‌ أَنَا آتِيكَ‌ بِهِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَرْتَدَّ إِلَيْكَ طَرْفُكَ‌[5] قَالَ فَفَرَّجَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع بَيْنَ أَصَابِعِهِ فَوَضَعَهَا فِي صَدْرِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ وَ عِنْدَنَا وَ اللَّهِ عِلْمُ الْكِتَابِ كُلُّهُ.

“The one who had knowledge from the Book said, “I can bring it to you before you even blink your eye. . .” (27:40). The narrator said that abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) opened his two fingers and placed them on his chest and then said, “With us, I swear by Allah, is the knowledge of the whole of the Book.”

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع- قُلْ كَفى‌ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيداً بَيْنِي وَ بَيْنَكُمْ‌ وَ مَنْ عِنْدَهُ عِلْمُ الْكِتابِ‌[6] قَالَ إِيَّانَا عَنَى وَ عَلِيٌّ أَوَّلُنَا وَ أَفْضَلُنَا وَ خَيْرُنَا بَعْدَ النَّبِيِّ ع.

The Imam (a.s.) said, “It is a reference to us. Ali (a.s.) is the first among us and the most virtuous and the best among us after the Prophet (s.a.)”

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَقُلْتُ لَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ هَاهُنَا أَحَدٌ يَسْمَعُ كَلَامِي‌[1] قَالَ فَرَفَعَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع سِتْراً بَيْنَهُ وَ بَيْنَ بَيْتٍ آخَرَ فَاطَّلَعَ فِيهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ يَا أَبَا مُحَمَّدٍ سَلْ عَمَّا بَدَا لَكَ قَالَ قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ إِنَّ شِيعَتَكَ يَتَحَدَّثُونَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص عَلَّمَ عَلِيّاً ع بَاباً يُفْتَحُ لَهُ مِنْ

1. A number of our people has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from ‘Abdallah ibn al-Hajjal from Ahmad ibn ‘Umar al-Halabi from abu Basir who has said the following. “I went to abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) and said, “May Allah take my soul in service for your cause, I like to ask you a question. Is there anyone else in this ho

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّ عِنْدِي الْجَفْرَ الْأَبْيَضَ قَالَ قُلْتُ فَأَيُّ شَيْ‌ءٍ فِيهِ قَالَ زَبُورُ دَاوُدَ وَ تَوْرَاةُ مُوسَى وَ إِنْجِيلُ عِيسَى وَ صُحُفُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ع وَ الْحَلَالُ وَ الْحَرَامُ وَ مُصْحَفُ فَاطِمَةَ مَا أَزْعُمُ أَنَّ فِيهِ قُرْآناً وَ فِيهِ مَا يَحْتَاجُ النَّاسُ إِلَيْنَا وَ لَا نَحْتَاجُ إِلَى أَحَدٍ حَتَّى فِيهِ الْجَلْدَةُ وَ نِصْفُ الْجَلْدَةِ وَ رُبُعُ الْجَلْد

3. A number of our people has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn al-Hakam from al-Husayn ibn abu ‘Ala’who has said that he heard abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) say the following. “With me is the white Jafr.” The narrator has said that he asked the Imams (a.s.) “What is in it?” The Imams (a.s.) said, “In it there is th

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ إِنَّ فِي الْجَفْرِ الَّذِي يَذْكُرُونَهُ‌[1] لَمَا يَسُوؤُهُمْ لِأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَقُولُونَ الْحَقَ‌[2] وَ الْحَقُّ فِيهِ فَلْيُخْرِجُوا قَضَايَا عَلِيٍّ وَ فَرَائِضَهُ إِنْ كَانُوا صَادِقِينَ وَ سَلُوهُمْ عَنِ الْخَالاتِ وَ الْعَمَّاتِ‌[3] وَ لْيُخْرِجُوا مُصْحَفَ فَاطِمَةَ ع فَإِنَّ فِيهِ وَصِيَّةَ فَاطِمَةَ ع وَ مَعَهُ‌[4] سِلَاحُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ

“The Jafr of which they speak certainly disappoints them because they (the Zaydis) do not speak the truth while Jafr does contain the truth. Let them bring to light therefrom the judgments of Ali (a.s.) and his rulles of inheritance if they are truthful. Ask them about (the inheritance) of paternal and maternal aunts.

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ بَيْنَا أَبِي ع يَطُوفُ بِالْكَعْبَةِ إِذَا رَجُلٌ مُعْتَجِرٌ[3] قَدْ قُيِّضَ لَهُ‌ فَقَطَعَ عَلَيْهِ أُسْبُوعَهُ‌[1] حَتَّى أَدْخَلَهُ إِلَى دَارٍ جَنْبَ الصَّفَا فَأَرْسَلَ إِلَيَّ فَكُنَّا ثَلَاثَةً فَقَالَ مَرْحَباً يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ وَضَعَ يَدَهُ عَلَى رَأْسِي وَ قَالَ بَارَكَ اللَّهُ فِيكَ يَا أَمِينَ اللَّهِ بَعْدَ آبَائِهِ يَا أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ[2] إِنْ شِئْتَ فَأَخْبِر

“Abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) has said, ‘Once while my father was walking around the Ka‘ba for Tawaf a man who had covered his face partially with his turban suddenly came by. He caused discontinuation in the Tawaf of the Imam (a.s.) and took him (a.s.) to a house adjacent to al-Safa. He sent for me also and then we were there

بَيْنَا أَبِي جَالِسٌ وَ عِنْدَهُ نَفَرٌ إِذَا اسْتَضْحَكَ حَتَّى اغْرَوْرَقَتْ عَيْنَاهُ دُمُوعاً ثُمَّ قَالَ هَلْ تَدْرُونَ مَا أَضْحَكَنِي قَالَ فَقَالُوا لَا قَالَ زَعَمَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّهُ مِنَ‌ الَّذِينَ قالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ‌ ثُمَّ اسْتَقامُوا[2] فَقُلْتُ لَهُ هَلْ رَأَيْتَ الْمَلَائِكَةَ يَا ابْنَ عَبَّاسٍ تُخْبِرُكَ بِوَلَايَتِهَا لَكَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ مَعَ الْأَمْنِ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَ الْحُ

“Once, in a meeting in the presence of my father with a group of people also present my father smiled and (the feeling was quite intense it caused) tears flooded his eyes. He then asked, “Do you know what made me laugh?” The narrator has said that they said, “No, we do not know the reason.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “Ibn ‘

قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ- فِيها يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ‌ يَقُولُ يَنْزِلُ فِيهَا كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ وَ الْمُحْكَمُ لَيْسَ بِشَيْئَيْنِ إِنَّمَا هُوَ شَيْ‌ءٌ وَاحِدٌ فَمَنْ حَكَمَ بِمَا لَيْسَ فِيهِ اخْتِلَافٌ فَحُكْمُهُ مِنْ حُكْمِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ مَنْ حَكَمَ بِأَمْرٍ فِيهِ اخْتِلَافٌ فَرَأَى أَنَّهُ مُصِيبٌ فَقَدْ حَكَمَ بِحُكْمِ الطَّاغُوتِ إِنَّهُ لَيَنْزِلُ فِي لَيْلَة

3. Through the same chain of narrators it is narrated from abu Ja‘far (a.s.) who has said the following. “Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has said about the Night of Determination, “. . every absolute command coming from Us becomes distinguishable.” (44:4) He has said that absolute and strong command. Absolute and

كَانَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّا أَنْزَلْناهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ صَدَقَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ الْقُرْآنَ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ- وَ ما أَدْراكَ ما لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص لَا أَدْرِي قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ لَيْسَ فِيهَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ قَالَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص وَ هَلْ تَدْرِي لِمَ

“Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.) would say, “We revealed the Quran on the Night of Destiny ((97:1) Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has certainly said the truth has reveal the Holy Quran on the Night of Determination. “Would that you knew what the Night of Destiny is! (97:2)” the Messenger of Allah said, “I do not kn

كَانَ عَلِيٌّ ع كَثِيراً مَا يَقُولُ‌- مَا اجْتَمَعَ التَّيْمِيُّ وَ الْعَدَوِيُّ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص وَ هُوَ يَقْرَأُ- إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ بِتَخَشُّعٍ وَ بُكَاءٍ فَيَقُولَانِ مَا أَشَدَّ رِقَّتَكَ لِهَذِهِ السُّورَةِ فَيَقُولُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص لِمَا رَأَتْ عَيْنِي وَ وَعَى قَلْبِي وَ لِمَا يَرَى قَلْبُ هَذَا مِنْ بَعْدِي فَيَقُولَانِ وَ مَا الَّذِي رَأَيْتَ وَ مَا الَّذِي يَرَى قَالَ فَيَكْتُبُ لَهُمَا فِي ال

“Ali (a.s.) would say very often, “(What for) al-Taymies and al-‘Adawies have gathered around the Messenger of Allah (s.a.). He, the Messenger of Allah, would read, “We have revealed it on the Night of Determination” very humbly and tearfully. They (al-Taymi and al-‘Adwi) would say, “How intense is the tenderness that

يَا مَعْشَرَ الشِّيعَةِ خَاصِمُوا بِسُورَةِ إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ تَفْلُجُوا فَوَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهَا لَحُجَّةُ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى عَلَى الْخَلْقِ بَعْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص وَ إِنَّهَا لَسَيِّدَةُ دِينِكُمْ وَ إِنَّهَا لَغَايَةُ عِلْمِنَا يَا مَعْشَرَ الشِّيعَةِ خَاصِمُوا بِ حم وَ الْكِتابِ الْمُبِينِ إِنَّا أَنْزَلْناهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُبارَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنْذِرِينَ‌ فَإِنَّهَا لِوُلَاةِ الْأَمْرِ خَاصَّةً

“O the community of of our followers, debate the opposition by means of chapter ninety seven of the Holy Quran. We have revealed on the Night of Determination, you will gain victory. I swear by Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, that this is the authoritative evidence from Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, against

لَقَدْ خَلَقَ اللَّهُ جَلَّ ذِكْرُهُ- لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ أَوَّلَ مَا خَلَقَ الدُّنْيَا وَ لَقَدْ خَلَقَ فِيهَا أَوَّلَ نَبِيٍّ يَكُونُ وَ أَوَّلَ وَصِيٍّ يَكُونُ وَ لَقَدْ قَضَى أَنْ يَكُونَ فِي كُلِّ سَنَةٍ لَيْلَةٌ يَهْبِطُ فِيهَا بِتَفْسِيرِ الْأُمُورِ إِلَى مِثْلِهَا مِنَ السَّنَةِ الْمُقْبِلَةِ مَنْ جَحَدَ ذَلِكَ فَقَدْ رَدَّ عَلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ عِلْمَهُ لِأَنَّهُ لَا يَقُومُ الْأَنْبِيَاءُ وَ الرُّسُلُ

7. Through the same chain of narrators it is narrated from abu Ja‘far (a.s.) who has said the following. “Allah, Majestic is Whose mention, created the Night of Determination when He first created the world and created in it the first prophet that would come and the first executor of the will (of prophet) that would co

وَ قَالَ رَجُلٌ لِأَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ لَا تَغْضَبُ عَلَيَّ قَالَ لِمَا ذَا قَالَ لِمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَسْأَلَكَ عَنْهُ قَالَ قُلْ قَالَ وَ لَا تَغْضَبُ قَالَ وَ لَا أَغْضَبُ قَالَ أَ رَأَيْتَ قَوْلَكَ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَ تَنَزُّلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَ الرُّوحِ فِيهَا إِلَى الْأَوْصِيَاءِ يَأْتُونَهُمْ بِأَمْرٍ لَمْ يَكُنْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص قَدْ عَلِمَهُ أَوْ يَأْتُونَهُمْ بِأَمْرٍ كَانَ رَسُو

8. The narrator has said that a man said to abu Ja‘far (a.s.), “O child of the Messenger of Allah, “Please do not be angry with m.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “Why should I be angry?” The man said, “It is because of the question that like to ask you.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “Ask your question.” He said, “Please do not be ang

لَمَا تَرَوْنَ‌[1] مَنْ بَعَثَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لِلشَّقَاءِ- عَلَى أَهْلِ الضَّلَالَةِ مِنْ أَجْنَادِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ‌[1] أَكْثَرُ مِمَّا تَرَوْنَ خَلِيفَةَ اللَّهِ الَّذِي بَعَثَهُ لِلْعَدْلِ وَ الصَّوَابِ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ قِيلَ يَا أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ وَ كَيْفَ يَكُونُ شَيْ‌ءٌ أَكْثَرَ مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ قَالَ كَمَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ قَالَ السَّائِلُ يَا أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ إِنِّي لَوْ ح

9. The narrator has said that abu Ja‘far (a.s.) said the following. “You, certainly, find those whom Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has sent to induce misfortune into the heretics and misleading people of the army (followers) of Satan and their companions in greater numbers than those sent to the deputy of Allah,

كُنْتُ أَنَا وَ أَبُو بَصِيرٍ وَ يَحْيَى الْبَزَّازُ وَ دَاوُدُ بْنُ كَثِيرٍ فِي مَجْلِسِ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِذْ خَرَجَ إِلَيْنَا وَ هُوَ مُغْضَبٌ فَلَمَّا أَخَذَ مَجْلِسَهُ قَالَ يَا عَجَباً لِأَقْوَامٍ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّا نَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ مَا يَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ بِضَرْبِ جَارِيَتِي فُلَانَةَ فَهَرَبَتْ مِنِّي فَمَا عَلِمْتُ فِي أَيِّ بُيُوتِ الدَّارِ هِيَ قَالَ سَد

The Imam (a.s.) came to us while he was angry. When he settled in his seat he then said, “How strange is it that certain people think we know the hidden facts. No one knows the hidden things except Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. I thought to discipline our house maid, so and so, and could not find in which quarte

كُنْتُ عِنْدَ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَسَأَلَهُ رَجُلٌ عَنْ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَأَخْبَرَهُ بِهَا ثُمَّ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ دَاخِلٌ فَسَأَلَهُ عَنْ تِلْكَ الْآيَةِ فَأَخْبَرَهُ بِخِلَافِ مَا أَخْبَرَ بِهِ الْأَوَّلَ فَدَخَلَنِي مِنْ ذَلِكَ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ حَتَّى كَأَنَّ قَلْبِي يُشْرَحُ بِالسَّكَاكِينِ‌[4] فَقُلْتُ فِي نَفْسِي تَرَكْتُ أَبَا قَتَادَةَ بِالشَّامِ لَا يُخْطِئُ فِي الْوَاوِ وَ شِبْه

“I was in presence o abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) a man asked him about a verse of the book of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. The Imam (a.s.) explained it to him. Then another person came to see the Imam (a.s.) and asked him about the same verse. The Imam (a.s.) gave him a different explanation. This made as many things

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ وَ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولَانِ‌ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَوَّضَ إِلَى نَبِيِّهِ ص أَمْرَ خَلْقِهِ لِيَنْظُرَ كَيْفَ طَاعَتُهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلَا هَذِهِ الْآيَةَ- ما آتاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَ ما نَهاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا.

3. A number of our people has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Hajjal from Tha‘labah that Zurarah who has said that he heard abu Ja‘far and abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) say the following. “Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High has made the Holy Prophet in charge of the affairs of His creatures to see how their obedience

أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ وَ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولَانِ‌ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى فَوَّضَ إِلَى نَبِيِّهِ ص أَمْرَ خَلْقِهِ لِيَنْظُرَ كَيْفَ طَاعَتُهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلَا هَذِهِ الْآيَةَ- ما آتاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَ ما نَهاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا. - مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنِ الْحَجَّالِ عَنْ ثَعْلَبَةَ بْنِ مَيْمُونٍ عَنْ زُرَارَةَ مِثْلَهُ.

5. Abu Ali al-Ash‘ari has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar from ibn Faddal from Tha‘laba ibn Maymun from Zurarah who has said that he heard abu Ja‘far (a.s.) and abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) say the following. “Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, made His Prophet the in charge of His creatures to se how their obedien

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى- هذا عَطاؤُنا فَامْنُنْ أَوْ أَمْسِكْ بِغَيْرِ حِسابٍ‌ قَالَ أَعْطَى سُلَيْمَانَ مُلْكاً عَظِيماً ثُمَّ جَرَتْ هَذِهِ الْآيَةُ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص فَكَانَ لَهُ أَنْ يُعْطِيَ مَا شَاءَ مَنْ شَاءَ وَ يَمْنَعَ مَنْ شَاءَ وَ أَعْطَاهُ اللَّهُ أَفْضَلَ مِمَّا أَعْطَى سُلَيْمَانَ لِقَوْلِهِ‌ ما آتاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَ ما نَهاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا.

The Imam (a.s.) said, “Solomon was given a great kingdom. This verse continued to apply to the Messenger of Allah. He had authority to grant whatever he wished to whomever he wished and withhold from whomever he wished. Allah granted him a favor greater than what He had granted to Solomon as He has said, “. .what the M

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع مَا مَوْضِعُ الْعُلَمَاءِ[2] قَالَ مِثْلُ ذِي الْقَرْنَيْنِ وَ صَاحِبِ سُلَيْمَانَ وَ صَاحِبِ مُوسَى ع.

It is like Dhul Qarnayn, (see 18:83 – 99 Holy Quran),the companion of Solomon (see 27:40),and the companion of Moses (a.s.) (See 18:65)”

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِنَّ قَوْماً يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّكُمْ آلِهَةٌ- يَتْلُونَ بِذَلِكَ عَلَيْنَا قُرْآناً- وَ هُوَ الَّذِي فِي السَّماءِ إِلهٌ وَ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلهٌ‌[2] فَقَالَ يَا سَدِيرُ سَمْعِي وَ بَصَرِي وَ بَشَرِي وَ لَحْمِي وَ دَمِي وَ شَعْرِي مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ بِرَاءٌ وَ بَرِئَ اللَّهُ مِنْهُمْ مَا هَؤُلَاءِ عَلَى دِينِي وَ لَا عَلَى دِينِ آبَائِي وَ اللَّهِ لَا يَجْمَعُنِي اللَّهُ وَ إِيَّاهُمْ يَوْمَ

6.Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Barqi from abu Talib from Sadir who has said that he asked abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) the following. “A certain group of people believe that you are gods. They read to us from the Quran about it. And it is He Who in heaven is God and in earth is God.” [43:84]

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ ع يَوْماً فَقَالَ يَا حَكَمُ هَلْ تَدْرِي الْآيَةَ الَّتِي كَانَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ ع يَعْرِفُ قَاتِلَهُ بِهَا وَ يَعْرِفُ بِهَا الْأُمُورَ الْعِظَامَ الَّتِي كَانَ يُحَدِّثُ بِهَا النَّاسَ قَالَ الْحَكَمُ فَقُلْتُ فِي نَفْسِي قَدْ وَقَعْتُ عَلَى عِلْمٍ مِنْ عِلْمِ عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ أَعْلَمُ بِذَلِكَ تِلْكَ الْأُمُورَ الْعِظَامَ قَالَ فَقُلْتُ لَا وَ اللَّهِ لَا

“One day I went to see Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.).” He said, “O Hakam do you know the verse (of the Holy Quran) from which Ali ibn abu Talib had learned who his assassin was and the extremely great matters of which he would speak to people? “ Al-Hakam has said that I said to myself in my mind, “ I have now a chance to le

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع عَنِ الْعِلْمِ أَ هُوَ عِلْمٌ يَتَعَلَّمُهُ الْعَالِمُ مِنْ أَفْوَاهِ الرِّجَالِ أَمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ عِنْدَكُمْ تَقْرَءُونَهُ فَتَعْلَمُونَ مِنْهُ قَالَ الْأَمْرُ أَعْظَمُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ وَ أَوْجَبُ أَ مَا سَمِعْتَ قَوْلَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- وَ كَذلِكَ أَوْحَيْنا إِلَيْكَ رُوحاً مِنْ أَمْرِنا ما كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتابُ وَ لَا الْإِيمانُ‌ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَيَّ شَيْ‌ءٍ يَقُولُ أَصْحَاب

“I asked abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) about the knowledge. Is it a knowledge that the scholar learns from the mouths of the people or it is in the with you from which you read and then learn therefrom.” The Imam (a.s.) said, “The issue is greater and more urgently needed. Have you not heard the words of Allah, the Most Holy, t

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع- عَنْ قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَ‌ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ‌ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْأَماناتِ إِلى‌ أَهْلِها وَ إِذا حَكَمْتُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَنْ تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ‌[1] قَالَ إِيَّانَا عَنَى أَنْ يُؤَدِّيَ الْأَوَّلُ إِلَى الْإِمَامِ الَّذِي بَعْدَهُ الْكُتُبَ وَ الْعِلْمَ وَ السِّلَاحَ‌ وَ إِذا حَكَمْتُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَنْ تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ‌ الَّذِي فِي أَيْدِيكُمْ ثُمَّ قَالَ ل

who has said that I asked abu Ja‘far (a.s.) about the following verse of the Holy Quran. “Allah (God) commands you to return that which had been entrusted to you to the rightful owners. Be just when passing judgment among people. . .” (4:58) The Imam (a.s.) said, “ We are intended thereby. The preceding Imam must trans

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ أَ تَرَوْنَ أَنَّ الْمُوصِيَ مِنَّا يُوصِي إِلَى مَنْ يُرِيدُ لَا وَ اللَّهِ وَ لَكِنَّهُ عَهْدٌ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص إِلَى رَجُلٍ فَرَجُلٍ حَتَّى انْتَهَى إِلَى نَفْسِهِ‌[1].

“Do you think that a testator of us chooses whoever he wants as the executor of his will? No, I swear by Allah, it is not so. It is a covenant from the Messenger of Allah to a man and then to next man. Until the Imam (abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) ended up to his self.” The Imam (a.s.) six times said, “To the next man.” 1. The