The Last Luminary and Ways to Delve Into the Light

Responsibility 86: Respecting Places Related to the Imam Part 2

We are also obliged to show respect and reverence to Masjid as-Sahlah and to perform the special acts of worship in that place.[^1]

As for the sanctity and greatness of this Masjid, it has numerous characteristics which other Masajid do not have - for example, it was the original house of Prophets Ibrahim and Idris , and was also a place that the great man of Allah, al-Khiďr frequented. It is also a place where Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) occasionally resides.

Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) has stated that:

“‘It is as if I see the descending of al-Qa`im (ajtf) in Masjid al-Sahlah, accompanied by his family and close relatives family.’ (The companion said) I asked: ‘May Allah accept me as ransom for you! Will it be his dwelling place?’ The Imam stated: ‘Yes, it will be. It was the dwelling place of Prophet Idris and Prophet Ibrahim, the intimate friend of the all-Merciful and Allah did not send any prophet but that he offered prayers in it (Masjid al-Sahlah).

It was also the house of al-Khiďr. He who resides in it is like one who resides in the tent of Allah’s Messenger. The hearts of true believing men and women yearn for it (Masjid al-Sahlah). In it there is a rock which has the pictures of all the Prophets.

Nobody prays there and supplicates to Almighty Allah with a sincere intention but that his needs are fulfilled by Almighty Allah; and nobody takes it as a shelter but that he is protected by Almighty Allah against whatever he fears.’ I said: ‘This is indeed an excellent virtue.’

The Imam said: ‘Should I tell you more?’ The companion replied: ‘Yes.’ The Imam continued: ‘It is one of the places where Almighty Allah likes to be called upon. There is no day or night when the Angels are not frequenting this Masjid to worship to Almighty Allah. Verily, if I were to live near you, I would not offer a single prayer anywhere else. O’ Abu Muhammad! There is more than what I have just said.’

I asked: ‘May Allah ransom me for you! Will al-Qa`im (ajtf) reside in that place for all time?’ The Imam replied: ‘Yes, he will.’ The companion then asked: ‘Will those who come after him reside in the same place?’ The Imam replied to the man: ‘Yes, they will up until the end of creation.’”[^2]

[^1]: Mafatih al-Jinan, sec. 6: “the greatness and actions to be performed in Masjid al-Sahlah.’

[^2]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 100, pg. 436, section 7, no. 7