After the death of Imam Husain (A), our 4th Imam, Imam Zain al-Abideen (A) and all the ladies in Kerbala were taken by the cruel men of Yazid and put into prison in Damascus . After one year, the Imam (A) was allowed to leave Damascus, and he decided to return to his home in Madina. There, the Imam (A) had many relatives and friends, including his uncle, Muhammad al-Hanafiyya. One day, when they had both gone to Makka, his uncle asked to meet the Imam (A) privately. When they met, Muhammad said that since he was the brother of Imam Husain (A) and the son of Imam Ali (A), he should become the next Imam. He also reminded the Imam (A) that he was older than him and as far as he knew, Imam Husain (A) had not declared who would be the Imam after him.
The Imam (A) told him, "Dear Uncle, in this matter of lmamat,' fear Allah and believe me when I tell you that this matter belongs to me and not to you." However, Muhammad kept arguing with the Imam (A) until they arrived at the Ka'ba. The Imam (A) said, "If you want proof that I am the true Imam, why don't we ask the Black Stone, Hajr al-Aswad, to tell us." Muhammad agreed and stood in front of the Black Stone and asked repeatedly for it to confirm that he was the Imam. Nothing happened.
Then the Imam (A) came forward and said, "O Black Stone! I ask you by the sake of He Who has taught you the names of all the Prophets and Imams, tell us in clear Arabic who is the Imam of the time!" Suddenly the Black Stone began to quiver and shake, as if it would drop out of the Ka'ba. Then, by the permission of Allah, it spoke in a clear voice and said, "the Imam is Ali son of Husain son of Ali!" When he heard this amazing message, Muhammad al-Hanafiyya turned to Imam (A) and said, "O nephew! Indeed you are the Imam and I am your follower" 1
Then the Imam (A) came forward and said, "O Black Stone! I ask you by the sake of He Who has taught you the names of all the Prophets and Imams, tell us in clear Arabic who is the Imam of the time!" Suddenly the Black Stone began to quiver and shake, as if it would drop out of the Ka'ba. Then, by the permission of Allah, it spoke in a clear voice and said, "the Imam is Ali son of Husain son of Ali!" When he heard this amazing message, Muhammad al-Hanafiyya turned to Imam (A) and said, "O nephew! Indeed you are the Imam and I am your follower"
Ahadith from the Imam
Oh Allah save me from it that I may think that the poor stays at a low & objected place or I think that the rich & wealthy has a superior station. Because, noble is the one, who is honored & sublimated by your obedience & respected in the one who is made respect worthy by your service. 2
1. Kulayni, al-lKafi, vol 1, pg 348
2. As Saheefa Sajjadiya Prayer. .35
وَاعصِمنی مِن أَن أَظُنَّ بِذی عَدَمٍ خَساسَةً أَو أَظُنَّ بِصاحِبِ ثَروَةٍ فَضلاً فَإنَّ الشَّريفَ مَن شَرَّفَتهُ طاعَتُکَ وَالعَزيزَ مَن أعَزَّتهُ عِبادَتُکَ.
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