the Life of Imām 'ali Bin Mūsā Al-ridā

  1. Sawāda Al Qattān =====================

  2. Sawāda al-Qattān

He narrated on the authority of Imām Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, and al-Hasan b. 'Ali b. Faddāl reported on his authority.[1]

  1. Sahl Bin al-Ash'ari

He narrated on the authority of Imām Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, and his son Mohammed reported on his authority.[2]

  1. Sahl Bin al-Yasa'

b. 'Abd Allah b. Sa'd al-Ash'ari al-Qummi. He is trustworthy. He narrated on the authority of Imām Mūsā and Imām  al-Ridā, peace be on them.[3]

  1. Shu'ayb Bin Hammād

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4] Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him.[5]

  1. Sālih Bin 'Abd Allah al-Khath'ami

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him,[6] and so did al-Barqi.

  1. Sālih Bin 'Ali

b. 'Atiya al-Baghdādi. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[7] Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him.

[1] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith.
[2] Ibid., vol. 8, p. 333.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[5] Al-Barqi, Rijāl.
[6] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[7] Ibid.

  1. Sālih al-Khabbāz al-Kūfi

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1]

  1. Sabāh Bin Nasr al-Hindi

He narrated the questions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

  1. Sadaqa al-Khurasāni

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

  1. Safwān Bin Yahyā al-Bujayli

His kunya is Abū Mohammed. He was from Kufā. He sold fine cloth (sābiri). He is very truthful. His father narrated on the authority of Imām Abū 'Abd Allah al-Sādiq, peace be on him. As for he (Safwān), he narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He had a noble position with him (al-Ridā). Al-Kashi regarded him as one of the companions of Imām Abū al-Hasan Mūsā, peace be on him.

He was the agent of Imām al-Rida and of Imām Abū Ja'far al-Jawād, peace be on them. As for his faith, it was safe from the Wāqifa. He was very ascetic and worshipful. A group of the Wāqifa gave him a lot of money, but he did not respond to them. He was the bosom friend of 'Abd Allah b. Jundub and 'Ali b. al-Nu'mān. It is reported that they made a covenant in the Sacred House of Allah that whoever of them died the rest should pray, fast, and pay the poor-rate on behalf of him. They died and Safwān remained living, hence prayed every day one hundred and fifty ruk'as, fasted every year three months, and paid the poor-rate three times. With the exception of what we have mentioned, he donated on behalf of them as he donated on behalf of his own soul.

[1] Ibid.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith.
[3] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.

As he had firm devotion to (religion) and reverential fear, he said to the man who asked him to carry two dinars to his family in Kūfa: "My camels are hired and I should ask the hirers for permission." He was so pious and worshipful that none of his class was like him.

He compiled thirty books which are not known except the following:

A. Kitāb al-Wudū' (the Book of Ablution).

B. Kitāb al-Salāt (the Book of Prayer).

C. Kitāb al-Sawm (the Book of Fasting).

D. Kitāb al-Hajj (the Book of Pilgrimage).

E. Kitāb al-Zakāt (the Book of Alms).

F. Kitāb al-Nikāh (the Book of Marriage).

G. Kitāb al-Talāq (the Book of Divorce).

H. Kitāb al-Farā'id (the Book of the Religious Duties).

I. Kitāb al-Wasāyā (the Book of Wills).

J. Kitāb al-Shirā' wa al-Bay' (the Book of Buying and

Selling)

K. Kitāb al-'Ittq wa al-Taddbir (the Book of

Emancipation of Salves and Direction.

L. Kitāb al-Bishārāt (the Book of Good News).

M. Kitāb al-Nawādir (the Book of Miscellaneous

Traditions).

Brilliant traditions on reverential fear have been narrated on his authority. Traditions concerning praising and lauding him have also been reported from the Imāms of guidance. He , may Allah have mercy on him, died in the year 210 A. H.[1]

  1. Tāhir Bin Hātam

b. Māhawayh al-Qazwini. He was the brother of Fāris b. Hātam. He was correct, and then he confused. He has a book. Al-Hasan b. al-Husayn mentioned the book.[2] Shaykh al-Tūsi said: "He (i.e. Tāhir b.

[1] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 9, pp. 128-133.
[2] Al-Najāshi.

Hātam) was right, and then he changed. He manifested belief in extremism. He has reports.[1]"

  1. 'Abbād Bin Mohammed

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

  1. Al-'Abbās Bin Ja'far

b. Mohammed b. al-Ash'ath. Al-Sadūq narrated on the authority of al-Hasan b. 'Ali al-Washshā', who said: [Al-'Abbās b. Ja'far asked me to ask Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, to burn his books after he had read them lest they should fall in the hands of other than him. Before I asked him, he, peace be on him, said:] "Tell your friend (al-'Abbās b. Ja'far) that I burnt the books which he sent to me after I had read them.[3]"

  1. Al-'Abbās Bin Mohammed

al-Warrāq, al-Yūnisi. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

  1. Al-'Abbās Bin Ma'rūf

His kunya is Abū al-Fadl. He was the retainer of Ja'far b. 'Abd Allah al-Ash'ari. He was from Qum. He is trustworthy. He has Kitāb al-Ādāb (the Book of Arts) and Kitāb al-Nawādir (the Book of Miscellaneous Traditions).[5]

  1. Al-'Abbās Bin Mūsā

al-Nakhkhās. He was from Kūfa and is trustworthy. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[6]

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Ibid.
[3] 'Uyūn Akhbār al-Ridā.
[4] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[5] Al-Najāshi.
[6] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.

  1. Al-'Abbās Bin Hishām

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1] Al-Najāshi said: "He (i.e. Al-'Abbās b. Hishām) belonged to the tribe of the Banū Asad. He is great and trustworthy among our companions. He narrated many traditions. His name was broken, so it was said that his name was 'Ubays. He has books of which are: Kitāb al-Hajj (the Book of the Pilgrimage), Kitāb al-Salāt (the Book of Prayer), Kitāb al-Mathālib (the Book of Shortcomings) which he named Kitāb Khālāt Fulān wa Fulān (the Book of the Aunts of So-and-So), Kitāb Jāmi' al-Halāl wa al-Harām (A Comprehensive Book on the Lawful and the Unlawful), Kitāb al-Ghayba (the Book of the Occultation), Kitāb al-Nawādir (the Book of Miscellaneous Traditions). Many narrators reported these books on his authority. He, may Allah have mercy on him, died in the year 220 A. H.[2]"

  1. Al-'Abbās, the Retainer of Imām al-Ridā

He narrated on the authority of Imām Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, and Mohammed b. 'Ali reported on his authority.[3]

  1. Al-'Abbās al-Najāshi

He was from Kūfa. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

  1. 'Abd al-Jabbār Bin al-Mubārak

al-Nahāwandi. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and of Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him.[5]

[1] Ibid.
[2] Al-Najāshi, Rijāl.
[3] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith.
[4] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[5] Ibid.

  1. 'Abd al-Hamid Bin Sa'id

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him.[1]

  1. 'Abd al-Rahmān Bin Abū Najjrān

He was a retainer and was from Kūfa. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and his father Abū Najjrān reported on the authority of Imām Abū 'Abd Allah, peace be on him. 'Abd al-Rahmān is very trustworthy. His traditions are reliable. He has many books." Abū al-'Abbās said: "I have not seen any of his books except his book on buying and selling.[2]"

  1. 'Abd al-Salām Bin Sālih al-Harawi

He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He is trustworthy. His traditions are authentic. He has the book Wafāt al-Ridā (the Death of al-Ridā, peace be on him).[3] Al-Sadūq narrated on the authority of Mohammed b. 'Abd Allah b. Tāhir, who said: "I was standing beside my father, and there were with him Abū al-Salt al-Harawi, Ishāq b. Rāhawayh, and Ahmed b. Hanbel. My father said: 'Let each of you relate a tradition to me.' So Abū al-Salt al-Harawi said: ''Ali b. Mūsā al-Ridā, peace be on him, reported to us by Allah he was consent (Ridā) as he was named on the authority of his father Mūsā b. Ja'far, on the authority of his (grand) father Ja'far b. Mohammed, on the authority of his (grand) father Mohammed b. 'Ali, on the authority of his (grand) father 'Ali b. al-Husayn, on the
authority of his (grand) father al-Husayn b. 'Ali, on the authority of his (grand) father 'Ali b. Abū Tālib, peace be on them, who said:
[Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] 'Faith is words and actions.' When we went out, Ahmed b. Mohammed b. Hanbel said: 'What this isnād (chain of authorities) is?' My father

[1] Ibid.
[2] Al-Najāshi.
[3] Ibid.

answered: 'This is the sneezewort of the mad. When the mad are made to smell it, they recover.[1] '"

  1. 'Abd al-'Aziz Bin Muslim

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2] It was he who narrated on his (al-Ridā's) authority a supported tradition on explaining the position of the Imām, peace be on him, that the position of the Imām is like that of the prophets, and that it is the vicegerency of Allah and the Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, the position of Imām ('Ali) the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, and inheritance of al-Hasan and al-Husayn, peace be on them. In the tradition there are some verses which indicate that the Imāmate is confined to the infallible (Imāms), peace be on them.[3]

  1. 'Abd al-'Aziz Bin al-Muhtadi

al-Ash'ari, al-Qummi. He is trustworthy. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He has a book.[4] Concerning him, al-Fadl b. Shādhān said: "I have never seen a Qummi like him in his time." He also said concerning him: "He was the best of the Qummis whom I have seen. He was the agent of al-Ridā, peace be on him.[5]" He ('Abd al-'Aziz) was also the agent of Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him. Al-Jawād gave him the money of the rights and he received them. He wrote him: "In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. You have known the prominent persons from whom the money has come to you. May Allah forgive you your sins and them their sins, and have mercy on us and you.[6]"

[1] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 10, p. 20.
[2] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[3] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 10, p. 38.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Al-Najāshi.
[6] Al-Tūsi, al-Ghayba.

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Abān

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1] He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and 'Ali b. Ismā'il al-Daghshani reported on his authority.[2]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Ibrāhim al-Ansāri

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Ayyūb al-Juzayni

His Kunya is Abū Mohammed. He devoted himself to Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He was a meritorious poet and writer. He lamented for Imām al-Ridā and addressed his son Imām al-Jawād, saying:

O Son of the testamentary trustee, the testamentary trustee of the noblest Messenger,

I mean the Prophet, the truthful one and the trusted one!

None will be ahead of me through your intercession tomorrow, for none is ahead of me through my (showing) love for you.

O Father of the eight Imāms who went westward and father of the three Imāms who went eastward!

You are the east and west. The Book has come to confirm that.[4]  

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Jundub

He was an ascetic, worshipful, religious scholar. Shaykh al-Tūsi sometimes numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Sādiq, peace be on him,  sometimes numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him, and sometimes numbered him as

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 10, p. 81.
[3] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[4] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith. Hayāt al-Imām Mohammed al-Jawād (the Life of Imām Mohammed al-Jawād, peace be on him.) 

one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. Jundub was one of the agents of Imām al-Kāzim and Imām al-Ridā, peace be on them. He asked Imām al-Kāzim: "Are you satisfied with me?" "Yes, by Allah," replied the Imām, "and Allah's Apostle is also satisfied with you."

Yūnus b. 'Abd al-Rahmān narrated: "I saw 'Abd Allah b. Jundub when he finished (the rites of) 'Arafāt. He was one of the religious jurists (mujjtahidin)." Yunus said:[ So I said to him:] "Allah has seen your diligence from today." "By Allah with Whom there is no associate," said 'Abd Allah, "I stood in this place of mine and left (it), but Allah did not hear me supplicate for myself with one word, for I heard Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, say: 'He who supplicates for his brother in his absence is called out from firmament: 'You will have one hundred thousand (good deeds) for each (word).' So I hated leaving a guaranteed hundred thousand (good deeds) for ( a word). I do not know whether (Allah) accepts it or not."

Al-Hasan b. 'Ali b. Yaqqtin, who had a bad opinion of Yūnus, reported: [It was said to Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, and I (i.e. al-Hasan b. 'Ali b. Yaqqtin) could hear, that Yūnus, the retainer of the family of Yaqqtin, claims that   your follower and the one who has clung to obeying you, 'Abd Allah b. Jundub, worships Allah (very shakily) on seventy edges, and says that he is a doubter. So he (al-Ridā) said:] "What is between him and 'Abd Allah b. Jundub? Surely 'Abd Allah b. Jundub is one of the humble.[1]" 

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin al-Hārith

He was one of those who narrated the text on the authority of al-Kāzim, peace be on him, for the Imāmate of his son Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin al-Salt al-Qummi

His kunya is Abū Tālib. He was the retainer of the Banū Tamim.

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith. Quoted from al-Irshād by Shaykh al-Mufid.

He is trustworthy and his traditions are reliable. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. It is well known that Kitāb al-Tafsir (the Book of Interpretation) belongs to him.[1] Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā and Imām al-Jawād, peace be on them.[2]

He wrote Imām al-Jawād in order to permit him to lament his father, and he, peace be on him, wrote him: "Lament me and my father.[3]" He wrote poetry lines to Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him, and mentioned in them his father Imām al-Ridā. He asked him (al-Jawād) to permit him to compose poetry concerning him, but he cut the poetry and withheld it and wrote at the top of the page: "You have done well! May Allah reward you well[4]"

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Tāwus

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he lived for a hundred years.[5]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin 'Ali

b. al-Husayn b. Zayd b. 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He has a book.[6]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin al-Mubārak

al-Nahāwandi. He was one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[7]

[1] Al-Najāshi.
[2] Al-Barqi.
[3] Al-Kashi.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[6] Al-Najāshi.
[7] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 10, p. 35.

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Mohammed

al-Asadi, al-Hajjāl. He was the retainer of the Banū (children) of Taym. He is trustworthy. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1] And so did al-Barqi.[2]  Al-Najāshi said: "He is trustworthy. It has been established that he has books. A group of our companions have narrated the books."

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Mohammed

b. Husayn al-Hudayni al-Ahwāzi. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He is trustworthy. He has a book. A number of our companions has narrated the book. As for the title of the book, it is Questions by Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin Mohammed

b. 'Ali b. al-'Abbās al-Tamimi al-Rāzi. He has a book on Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

  1. 'Abd Allah Bin al-Mughira

He was the retainer of Ibn Nawfal b. al-Hārith b. 'Abd al-Muttalib. He was a Kūfan silk dealer. Under this title, Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[5] Al-Kashi narrated, saying: "He reported the handwriting of Abū 'Abd Allah al-Shādhāni." Al-'Ubaydi said:[ Mohammed b. 'Īsā related to me on the authority of al-Hasan b. 'Ali b. Faddāl, who said: 'Abd Allah b. al-Mughira said:] "I was a Wāqifite and performed the hajj in that state. When I arrived in Mecca, something came to my mind, so I clung to the Moltazam and said: 'O Allah, you have known my request and want, hence guide me to the best religion.' Then I though that I would go to al-Ridā, peace be on him. I went to Medina, stopped

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Al-Barqi, Rijāl.
[3] Al-Najāshi.
[4] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith.
[5] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.

at his door, and said to the retainer: 'Say to your master that an Iraqi is at your door.' I heard him call (me) out: 'Come in, 'Abd Allah b. al-Mughira.' I went in to him. When he looked at me, he said: 'Allah has accepted your supplication and guided you to His religion.' As a result I said: 'I witness that you are the proof of Allah and entrusted by Him over His creatures.[1] '"

Sahl b. Ziyād al-Ādami narrated, saying: "When 'Abd Allah b. al-Mughira wrote his book, he promised his companions to read it before them in one of the corners of the mosque of Kūfa. He had an opposing brother. When they attended to listen to (his reading) the book, his brother came and sat down. 'Abd Allah said to them: 'Depart today!' His brother said to him: 'Where will they depart? I have come to what they have come.' When they returned, he ('Abd Allah's brother) said: 'I dreamt that the angels were coming down from the sky. I asked them: Why are you coming down from the sky? 'We are coming down in order to listen to the book which 'Abd Allah b. al-Mughira compiled,' replied the angels. I have also come for this (purpose) and turned to Allah in repentance.' 'Abd Allah was pleased at that.[2]" 

  1. 'Abd al-Wahhāb

He is better known as Abū Kuthayr al-Nahāwandi. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

  1. 'Ubayd al-Nasri

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 10, p. 354.
[3] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[4] Ibid.

  1. 'Ubayd Allah

b. Abū 'Abd Allah. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and al-Sayyāri reported on his authority.[1]

  1. 'Ubayd Allah Bin Ishāq al-Madā'ini

He narrated on the authority of Imām Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, and 'Amrū b. 'Uthmān reported on his authority.[2]

  1. 'Ubayd Allah Bin 'Abd Allah al-Dahqān

He narrated on the authority of Imām Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, and 'Ali b. al-Rayyān reported on his authority.[3]

  1. 'Ubayd Allah Bin 'Ali

b. 'Ubayd Allah. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

  1. 'Uthmān Bin Rashid

He was one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He narrated on the authority of Ma'rūf b. Kharbūdh, and 'Ali b. Haddid reported on his authority.[5]

  1. 'Uthmān Bin 'Īsā al-'Āmiri, al-Kilābi

His kunya is Abū 'Amrū. He was the shaykh and leading figure of the Wāqifites. He was one of the agents who were singled out for the properties of Imām Mūsā b. Ja'far, peace be on him. Nasr b. al-Sabāh reported: "He (Imām al-Ridā), peace be on him, had money at his ('Uthmān b. 'Īsā's) hand. He ('Uthmān b. 'Īsa) prevented him (al-Ridā from his money). As a result al-Ridā was displeased with him."

[1] Ibid.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 11, p. 72.
[3] Ibid., p. 82.
[4] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[5] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 11, p.116.

He (Nasr b. al-Sabāh) added: " He ('Uthmān b. 'Īsa) turned to Allah in repentance and sent the money to al-Ridā. He narrated on the authority of Ibn Hamza. He dreamt that he would die at al-Hā'ir al-Husayni, so he abandoned his house in Kūfa and stayed at al-Hā'ir al-Husayni until he died and was buried there." He wrote books of which is Kitāb al-Miyāh (the Book of Water).

Ibn Shahr Āshūb numbered him as one of the trustworthy (companions) of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him. Imām al-Khū'i said: "Without doubt, 'Uthmān b. 'Īsa deviated from the True Religion, opposed Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, did not recognize his Imāmate, regarded as lawful the properties of the Imām, peace be on him, and did not pay them to him. As for his repentance and his returning the properties, it has not been established, for it is the narration of Nasr b. al-Sabāh, who is nothing.[1]"   

  1. 'Atiya Bin Rustam

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was unknown.[2]

  1. 'Aqaba Bin Rustam

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

  1. 'Ali Bin Abū Thawr

He was from Kūfa. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

  1. 'Ali Bin Ahmed

b. Ashyam. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[5]

[1] Ibid., p. 126.
[2] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.

  1. 'Ali Bin Idris

He was the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. Al-Sadūq has mentioned him in (his book) al-Mashyakha. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and Mohammed b. Sahl reported on his authority.[1]

  1. 'Ali Bin Asbāt al-Maqari

b. Sālim, the seller of al-Zati.[2] His kunya is Abū al-Hasan. He is a trustworthy Kūfan. He was an Aftahi. He exchanged letters with 'Ali b. Mahzyār concerning that (belief). As a result 'Ali (b. Asbāt) withdrew from his viewpoint and believed in the Imāmate of Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him. He was the most trustworthy of the people and most truthful of them in tradition. Kitāb al-Dalā'il (the Book of Proofs) belongs to him.[3]

  1. 'Ali Bin Ja'far

b. Mohammed b. 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on them. His kunya is Abū al-Hasan. He had a great position and reliable faith. He was one of those who narrated the text for the Imāmate of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him, and was one of his trustworthy companions. The narrators have reported some signs of his faith and clinging to religion. The following are some of them:

A. 'Ali b. Ja'far related to us and said: [A man whom I regarded as a Wāqifite asked me:]

"What about your brother Abū al-Hasan (i.e. Imām Mūsā al-Kāzim, peace be on him)?"

"He died," I replied.

"How did you know that?" he asked.

"His properties have been divided; his wives have been married, and the spokesman after him has spoken (i.e. the Imām after him has undertaken the office of the Imāmate), I answered.

[1] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 11, p. 276.
[2] Al-Zati: A kind of the black and the Indians
[3] Al-Najāshi.

"Who is the spokesman after him?" he asked.

"His son Abū Ja'far," I replied.

"You are an old man, have a great position, and your father is Ja'far b. Mohammed, so why do you say this statement concerning this young man (Imām al-Ridā)?" he said.

"I see you nothing except Satan," I said to him, "then I seized my beard and raised it toward the heaven and said: 'What is my strength if Allah has seen him more appropriate for this (i.e. the Imāmate) and has not seen this white hair more entitled to it?"

The Imāmate is in the hand of Allah, the Most Exalted. It is He who chooses for it one of His righteous servants. As for the priority in age and other than it, it is not important.

B. Abū 'Abd Allah b. al-Husayn b. Imām Mūsā, peace be on him, reported, saying: [I was with Imām Abū Ja'far (al-Jawād), peace be on him, in Medina. There was with him 'Ali b. Ja'far and A Medinan Bedouin. The Bedouin asked me:]

"Who is that young man, pointing to Imām al-Jawād?"

"He is the testamentary trustee of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family," I replied.

The Bedouin admired that and said: "Glory belongs to Allah! Allah's Messenger died two hundred years ago, in the year so-and-so. This is a young man. How will he be the testamentary trustee of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family?"

('Abd Allah b.) al-Husayn explained the matter to him, saying: "This is the testamentary trustee of 'Ali b. Mūsā; 'Ali is the testamentary trustee of Mūsā b. Ja'far; Mūsā is the  testamentary trustee of Ja'far b. Mohammed; Ja'far is the  testamentary trustee of Mohammed b. 'Ali; Mohammed is the  testamentary trustee of 'Ali b. al-Husayn; 'Ali is the  testamentary trustee of al-Husayn; al-Husayn is the  testamentary trustee of al-Hasan; al-Hasan is the  testamentary trustee of the Commander of the faithful 'Ali b. Abū Tālib; and 'Ali b. Abū Tālib is the  testamentary trustee of Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family."

Accordingly, the Bedouin understood that Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him, was the  testamentary trustee of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family.

The Imām had sent for a doctor in order to bleed him, so 'Ali b. Ja'far stood up and said to him: "Master, let the doctor start with me, that the sharp iron may cut me before you!"

 ('Abd Allah b.) al-Husayn addressed the Bedouin, saying: "This is the uncle of his father."

When the doctor had finished the operation, the Imām intended to go out, but 'Ali b. Ja'far hurried to prepare his sandals, that he may wear them."

This is evidence for 'Ali b. Ja'far's deep faith in the Imām, his knowledge of him and of his position with Allah, the Exalted.

C. Mohammed b. al-Hasan b. 'Ammār reported, saying: "I stayed with 'Ali b. Ja'far in Medina for two years. I wrote on his authority what he had heard from his brother (i.e. Abū al-Hasan, peace be on him). (One day) while I was sitting with him, Abū Ja'far Mohammed b. 'Ali al-Ridā, peace be on him, entered the mosque of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. 'Ali b. Ja'far hurried bare-footed and without a cloak to kiss his hand and to magnify him, so the Imām said to him: "Uncle, sit down, may Allah have mercy on you."

'Ali answered him politely and humbly: "Master, how shall I sit while you are standing?

When 'Ali b. Ja'far returned to his session, his companions scolded him for his magnifying the Imām, saying: "You are the uncle of his father, so why did you behave in such a manner?"

They did not understand the reality of the Imāmate, and that Allah, the Exalted, gave it to Imām al-Jawād. As result 'Ali answered them and said: "Keep silent! If Allah, the Great and Almighty, has not entitled this white hair (i.e. his beard) (to the Imāmate) and entitled this young man (to it) and placed him where He has placed him, then how can I deny his outstanding merit? I seek refuge in Allah from what you have said; rather I am his servant.[1]"        

[1] Al-Kashi.

  1. 'Ali Bin Hadid

b. Hakim al-Madā'ini, al-Azdi, al-Sābāti. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1] Al-Barqi regarded him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā and al-Jawād, peace be on them. Al-Kashi reported on the authority of Abū 'Ali b. Rāshid, on the authority of  Abū Ja'far, peace be on him, that Abū 'Ali said to the Imām: "May I be your ransom, our companions have differed in opinion, so shall I pray behind the followers of Hishām b. al-Hakam?" "Cling to 'Ali b. Haddid," replied the Imām, peace be on him. "Shall I follow his opinion?" I (i.e. 'Ali b. Haddid) asked him. "Yes," he answered. I met 'Ali b. Haddid and asked him: "Shall I pray behind the followers of Hishām b. al-Hakam?" "No," he replied.

This narration, if correct, is evidence for that the man (i.e. 'Ali b. Haddid) is trustworthy and praiseworthy.  

  1. 'Ali Bin al-Husayn

b. Rubāt al-Bujayli al-Kūfi. He is trustworthy and reliable. He was one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He has a book.[2]

  1. 'Ali Bin al-Husayn

b. Yahyā. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

  1. 'Ali Bin Sa'id al-Madā'ini

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4]

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Al-Najāshi.
[3] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[4] Ibid.

  1. 'Ali Bin Swayd al-Sā'i[1]

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was trustworthy.[2] Al-Kashi narrated that 'Ali b. Swayd wrote a letter to Imām al-Kāzim when he was in prison,  and that he asked him about his state and the answers to some questions. The Imām answered him in a letter in which he mentioned:  "In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise belongs to Allah, the Exalted and Almighty, Who through whose mightiness and light makes the hearts of the believers see, through whose mightiness and light the ignorant show enmity toward Him, and through whose mightiness nearness to Him is sought with different deeds and various religions, hence (men) are: right and wrong, errant and rightly-guided, hearing and deaf, seeing and blind, and perplexed. So praise belongs to Allah who made known and described His religion through Mohammed, may Allah bless him and his family. Now then, you are the man whom Allah has endowed with special position with the family of Mohammed, may Allah bless him and his family, showing affection toward you when He inspired you with your reason, made you perceive the affairs of your religion through their outstanding qualities, made you refer to them regarding your affairs, and made you content with what they said."

In another part of this letter, the Imām has mentioned: "Summon to the path of your Lord through us him whose response you expect. You do not encompass what we do. Show friendship toward Mohammed's Household. If something reaches you from us and is attributed to us, do not say: 'This is false', even though you know something other than it, for you do not know why we have said it and in which point we have described it. Belive in what I have told you and do not reveal what I have asked you to conceal. I want to tell you that the most obligatory right of your brother against you is that you should not hide from him what benefits him in this world and the next.[3]"

[1] Al-Sā'i is ascribed to a village called al-Sāya near Medina.
[2] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[3] Al-Kashi.

This letter contains important points and is evidence for the exalted position of 'Ali (b. Swayd) and his great rank with the Imām, peace be on him.    

  1. 'Ali Bin Sayf

b. 'Umayra al-Nakha'i al-Kūfi. He was a retainer and was trustworthy. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He has a big book.[1]

  1. 'Ali Bin Sā'id al-Barbari

He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and his son al-Hasan reported on his authority.[2]

  1. 'Ali Bin 'Abd Allah

b. 'Umrān. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and Sa'd b. al-Sindi reported on his authority.[3]

  1. 'Ali Bin 'Ubayd Allah

b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him. His kunya Abū al-Hasan. He was the most ascetic of the family of Abū Tālib and the most worshipful of them in his time. He devoted himself to Imām Mūsā (al-Kāzim) and Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He mixed with the Imāmi (Shi'ites). When Mohammed b. Ibrāhim b. Tabātabā wanted Abū al-Sarāyā to pledge allegiance to him after him, he refused that and entrusted the matter to Mohammed b. Mohammed b. Yazid. He has a book on the hajj. He narrated the whole book on the authority of Imām Mūsā b. Ja'far, peace be on him.

Al-Kashi narrated, saying: [In the book of Mohammed b. al-Husayn b. Bandār, in his own handwriting, I have read:] "Mohammed b. Yahyā al-'Attār related to me. He said: Ahmed b. Mohammed b. 'Īsā reported to me on the authority of 'Ali b. al-Hakam, on the

[1] Al-Najāshi.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 12, p. 66.
[3] Ibid., p. 87.

authority of Sulaymān b. Ja'far, who said: 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abū Tālib, peace be on him, said to me: 'I (i.e. 'Ali Bin 'Ubayd Allah) would like to go in to Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā in order to greet him.' I (i.e. Sulaymān b. Ja'far) asked him: 'What has prevented you from that?' 'Because I magnify and respect him and fear for him.'"

He (Sulaymān b. Ja'far) said: "Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, became slightly sick, and the people visited him. I met 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah and said to him: 'What you want has come to you; Abū al-Hasan, peace be on him, has fallen slightly ill, and the people visited him. If you want to visit him, then come today.'"

 He (Sulaymān b. Ja'far) said: " He came to Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, in order to visit him. Abū al-Hasan received him with honor and magnification, so 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah was very pleased with that. Then 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah became ill, hence Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, visited him. I was with him. He sat until those who were in the house went out. When we went out, a female slave of mine told me that Umm Salām, 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah's wife, was behind the curtain and looking at him (al-Ridā). When Abū al-Hasan, peace be on him,  went out, she went out, stooped to the place in which he sat, kissed it and rubbed (her face) with it."

Sulaymān (b. Ja'far) said: "Then I went in to 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah and he told about what Umm Salama had done. I told Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, (about that), and he said: 'Sulaymān, 'Ali b. 'Ubayd Allah, his wife, and his children are of the people of the Garden. Sulaymān, the children of 'Ali and Fātima are not like the rest of the people because Allah has singled them out for this matter (i.e. the Imāmate).[1]'"  

  1. 'Ali Bin 'Uthmān

b. Razin. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[]

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.

  1. 'Ali Bin 'Ali Bin Razin al-Khazā'i

He was Di'bil's brother. He has a big book on Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. Ismā'il narrated on the authority of his father 'Ali, saying: [My father related to me in the year 272 A. H., saying:] "Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, reported to us at Tūs in the year 198 A. H. We headed for him via Basrah. When we entered Basrah, we found wherein 'Abd al-Rahmān b. al-Mahdi ill, hence we stayed for some days. Then 'Abd al-Rahmān died, and we attended his funeral and prayed over him. My brother Di'bil and I went in to al-Ridā, peace be on him, and stayed with him to the end of the year 200 A. H. Then we went out to Qum. That was after al-Ridā had given my brother Di'bil a green, silk shirt, a ring whose stone was agate, and Radawi dirhams. Then he said to him: 'Di'bil, pass through Qum, for you will make use of it.' And he said to him: 'Keep this shirt, for I wore it and prayed one thousand ruk'as in one thousand nights and completed reading the Qur'ān one thousand times.'"

Ismā'il said: "My father was born in the year 172 A. H. He died in the year 283 A. H. So his age was then 111 years. My uncle Di'bil was born in the year 148 A. H. That was during the caliphate of al-Mansūr. He saw Imām Mūsā (al-Kāzim), peace be on him, and met Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He died in the year 245 A. H. during the days of al-Mutawakkil.[1]"

  1. 'Ali Bin al-Fadl al-Wāsiti

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him. Al-Sadūq described him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

  1. 'Ali Bin Mahdi

b. Sadaqa al-Raqqi. His kunya is Abū al-Hasan. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 12, p. 125.

him.[1] He narrated on his authority. Al-Najāshi said: "He has a book on al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]"

  1. 'Ali Bin Mahzyār al-Ahwāzi

His kunya was Abū al-Hasan. He was originally from Dawraq. He was one of the leading scholars and among the great jurists. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and Imām Abū Ja'far al-Jawād, peace be on him. He devoted himself to him (Abū Ja'far al-Jawād) and was his agent. He also devoted himself to Imām al-Hādi, peace be on him, and was his agent. He was among the pious, worshipful people. The narrators said: "When the sun rose, he prostrated himself in prayer and did not raise his head until he prayed for a thousand of his brothers. There was a callus in his forehead like that of the camel."

Imām al-Jawād's Letter to him

Imām Abū Ja'far al-Jawād sent him several letters in which he praised, admired, and respected him. The following are some of them:

A. Imām al-Jawād sent him this letter: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 'Ali, may Allah reward you well, make you live in the Garden, protect you from disgrace in this world and the next, and muster you with us! 'Ali, I tried and tested you in advice, obedience, service, respect, and carrying out your religious duties. I hope that I am truthful (when I say that) I have seen none like you. May Allah reward you the gardens of Paradise! It is not hidden from me that you worked and served during cold and heat, day and night. I ask Allah to endow you with mercy with which you are pleased when he will muster the creatures on the Resurrection Day! Verily, He hears supplication[3]"

In this letter the Imām lauded and praised the position of this righteous scholar, who was at the top of reverential fear,

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Al-Najāshi.
[3] Al-Ghayba.

righteousness, and showing friendship toward the Imāms of guidance, peace be on them.

B. This is one of the letters which the Imām sent to him: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I ask Allah to protect you from before you and behind you and in all your states! Be delighted, for I hope that Allah will drive away (evil) from you! I ask Allah to place good in your departure which you will carry out on Sunday! Delay that to Monday, Allah willing! May Allah accompany you throughout your travel, replace you among your family, pay your trust on your behalf, and save you by His power[1]"

C. Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him, also sent him this letter: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I have received your letter and understood what you have mentioned in it. Your letter have pleased me, may Allah please you! I hope that (Allah) the All-sufficient, the Repeller, will spare you the trickery of every schemer, Allah, the Exalted, willing[2]"

These are some of the letters which Imām al-Jawād, peace be on him, sent to him. The letters indicate 'Ali b. Mahzyār's exalted position and great importance with the Imām, peace be on him.

His Works

'Ali b. Mahzyār wrote a group of books most of which was on Islamic Jurisprudence. The following are some of them:

  1. Kitāb al- Wudū' (the Book of Ablution).

  2. Kitāb al-Salāt (the Book of Prayer).

  3. Kitāb al-Zakāt (the Book of Alms).

  4. Kitāb al-Sawm (the Book of Fasting).

  5. Kitāb al-Hajj (the Book of Pilgrimage).

  6. Kitāb al-Talāq(the Book of Divorce).

  7. Kitāb al-Hudūd (the Book of Islamic Punishments).

  8. Kitāb al-Diyāt (the Book of Blood Money).

  9. Kitāb al-Tafsir (the Book of Interpretation of the

Qur'ān).

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Ibid.

  1. Kitāb al-Fadā'il (the Book of Great Merits).

  2. Kitāb al-'Itiq wa al-Taddbir (the Book of

Manumission and Direction).

  1. Kitāb al-Tijārāt wa al-Ījārāt (the Book of Trades and

Wages).

  1. Kitāb al-Makāsib (the Book of Earnings).

  2. Kitāb al-Mathālib(the Book of Defects).

  3. Kitāb al-Du'ā' (the Book of Supplication).

  4. Kitāb al-Tajjmil wa al-Murū'a (the Book of

Beautifying and Manhood).

  1. Kitāb al-Mazār (the Book of Visitations).

  2. Kitāb al-Radd 'lā al-Ghulāt (the Book of the Answers

to the Extremists).

  1. Kitāb al-Wasāyā (the Book of Wills).

  2. Kitāb al-Mawārith (the Book of Inheritances).

  3. Kitāb al-Khums (the Book of One-Fifth).

  4. Kitāb al-Shahādāt (the Book of Testimonies).

  5. Kitāb Fadā'il al-Mu'minin wa Birahum (the Book

of Excellences and Kindness of Believers).

  1. Kitāb al-Malāhim (the Book of Bloody Fights).

  2. Kitāb al-Taqiyā (the Book of Precautionary

Dissimulation).

  1. Kitāb al-Sayd wa al-Dhabā'ih (the Book of Hunting

and Slaughtering).

  1. Kitāb al-Zuhd (the Book of Asceticism).

  2. Kitāb al-Ashriba (the Book of Beverages).

  3. Kitāb al-Nudhūr wa al-Aymān wa al-Kuffārāt (the

Book of Vows, Oaths, and Expiatory Gifts).

  1. Kitāb al-Hurūf (the Book of the Letters).

  2. Kitāb al-Qā'im (the Book of al-Qā'im).

  3. Kitāb al-Bishārāt (the Book of Good News).

  4. Kitāb al-Anbiyā' (the Book of the Prophets).

  5. Kitāb al-Nawādir (the Book of  Miscellaneous

Traditions).[1]

[1] Al-Najāshi.

  1. 'Ali Bin Yahyā

His kunya is Abū al-Husayn. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1]

  1. 'Ali Bin Yunus Bin Behman

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

  1. 'Ammār Bin Yazid

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3] Al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two sons of Sa'id, narrated on his authority.[4]

  1. 'Amr Bin Zuhayr al-Jazzri

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[5]

  1. 'Amr Bin Furāt al-Kātib, al-Baghdādi

 Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was active.[6] It has been mentioned in some books that he was the doorkeeper of the Imām.

  1. 'Amr Bin Sa'id al-Madā'ini

He is trustworthy. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He has a book. A group (of traditionalists) narrated the book.[7]

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Al-Najāshi.

  1. 'Īsā Bin 'Uthmān

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was unknown.[1]

  1. 'Īsā Bin 'Īsā` al-Kalāmi

He was the retainer of the Banū (children) of 'Āmir. He was from Kūfa and was a Wāqifi. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

  1. 'Ubays Bin 'Uthmān

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of the Imām (al-Ridā), peace be on him, and added that he was unknown.[3]

  1. Fudālah Bin Ayyūb

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was an Azdi Arab.[4] Al-Najāshi said: "He narrated on the authority of Imām Mūsā b. Ja'far, peace be on him, and was trustworthy in his tradition and righteous in his religion. He has Kitāb al-Salāt (the Book of Prayer).[5]"

  1. Al-Fadl Bin Sinān al-Nisābūri

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was the representative of the Imām.[6]

  1. Al-Fadl Bin Sahl

Dhū al-Riyāsatayn.[7] Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Al-Najāshi.
[6] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[7] Al-Fadl b. Sahl, nicknamed "the man with two offices" because he was in charge of the military and civil administration under the Caliph al-Ma'mūn.

companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1] He was the mortal enemy of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He and his brother urged al-Ma'mūn to kill the Imām, peace be on him.[2] Concerning al-Fadl and his brother al-Hasan the poet has said:

When my wife saw me tying my mount after untying (it),

she said: Do the mounts depart after al-Fadl? So I said:

Yes, to al-Hasan b. Sahl.

  1. Al-Qāsim Bin Asbāt

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and added that he was unknown.[3]

  1. Al-Qāsim Bin Fudayl

He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and Ibn Abū 'Umayr reported on his authority.[4]

  1. Al-Qāsim Bin Yahyā

Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[5] He has a book on the manners of Imām ('Ali) the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him.

  1. Muhsin Bin Ahmed al-Qaysi

He was one of the retainers of Qays Ghaylān and was among the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He has a book.[6]

  1. Mohammed Bin Abū Jarir al-Qummi

He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, and Ahmed b. 'Ali al-Ju'fi reported on his authority.[7]

[1] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[2] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 13, p. 312.
[3] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[4] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 14, p.38.
[5] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.
[6] Al-Najāshi. Al-Tūsi.
[7] Mu'jam Rijāl al-Hadith, vol. 14, p. 248.

  1. Mohammed Bin Abū 'Abbād

He was famous for listening to singing and drinking wine. He asked Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, about listening (to singing), and he, peace be on him, replied: "The people of al-Hijāz has an opinion of it, and it is in the field of the invalid and amusement. Have you not heard Allah, the Exalted, say: and when they pass by what is vain, they pass by nobly.[1]"

  1. Mohammed Bin Abū 'Umayr al-Azdi

His kunya was Abū Ahmed. He was one of the retainers of al-Muhallab b. Abū Safra. He was originally from Baghdad and lived in it. He met Imām Abū al-Hasan Mūsā, peace be on him, and heard from him some traditions in some of which the Imām gave him the kunya of Abū Ahmed. He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him. He was of great importance and had an exalted position with the Shi'ites and the Sunnis. Al-Jāhiz has mentioned him in his book al-Bayān wa al-Tabbin, saying: "He was one of the prominent Rafidites (i.e. the Shi'ites)." He was imprisoned during the days of (Hārūn) al-Rashid. It was said that he (was imprisoned because he refused) to undertake the judiciary or to show (the authorities) the places of the Shi'ites and the followers of Imām Mūsā b. Ja'far, peace be on him.[2] Al-Kashi narrated on the authority of al-Fadl b. Shādhān, who said: "I entered Iraq and saw someone admonish his friend, saying: 'You have a family and they are in need of your earning. I think that you will be blind because of your long prostration in prayer.' When he said this (statement) many times, he said to him: 'Woe unto you! You have said that several times! If someone became blind out of prostration, then Ibn Abū 'Umayr would be blind. What is your view of a man who prostrated after the dawn prayer and did not raise his head until the sun came near to descending (from its midday zenith)?'"

[1] Ibid., p. 283.
[2] Al-Najāshi.

Al-Fadl said: "One day my father (shaykh) took me hand and took me to Ibn Abū 'Umayr. We went to him in a room. There were shaykhs around him, and they magnified and honored him, so I (al-Fadl) asked: 'Who is that (man)?' 'That is Ibn Abū 'Umayr,' replied me father. 'Is he the righteous, worshipful man?' I asked. 'Yes,' he replied."

Al-Fadl narrated, saying: "Hārūn (al-Rashid) ordered Ibn Abū 'Umayr to be whipped one hundred and twenty times. It was al-Sindi b. Shāhik who whipped him and imprisoned him, for he was a Shi'ite. Ibn Abū 'Umayr gave (al-Sindi) one hundred and twenty thousand dirhams, and he released him. 'Was he rich?' I asked. 'Yes,' he answered, 'perhaps he gave him five hundred thousand dirhams.[1]'"

Mohammed b. Abū 'Umayr wrote many books. Ibn Batta mentioned that he compiled ninety-four books of which are the following:

A. Kitāb al-Nawādir (the Book of  Miscellaneous

Traditions). It is a big, good book.

B. Kitāb al-Istitā'a wa al-Af'āl wa al-Radd 'alā Ahl al-

Qadar wa al-Jabr (the Book of Capability, Actions, and

Answers to the Fatalists).

C. Kitāb al-Imāma (the Book of the Imāmate).

D. Kitāb al-Bidā' (the Book of Change in an Earlier

Divine Ruling).

E. Kitāb al-Mutt'a (the Book of Fixed-Term Marriage).

F. Musā'ala lil-Imām al-Ridā (the Book of Questions by

Imām al-Ridā).[2]

May Allah have mercy on Mohammed b. Abū 'Umayr, for he was among the leading Shi'ites and defended them.  

  1. Mohammed Bin Ahmed

b. Ghaylān. He was from Kūfa and was a retainer. He is trustworthy. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[3]

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Al-Najāshi.
[3] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.

  1. Mohammed Bin Ishāq al-Kūfi

b. 'Ammār al-Sayrafi. Shaykh al-Tūsi numbered him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[1] Al-Kulayni narrated on the authority of Mohammed b. Ishāq, who said: "I (i.e. Mohammed b. Ishāq) asked Abū al-Hasan, the first: 'Do you not lead me to him from whom I will learn my religion?' 'This is me son 'Ali, he replied, 'my father took me by the hand and made me enter the grave of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, and said: 'My little son, Allah, the Great and Almighty, fulfills his words.[2] '"

Al-Shaykh al-Mufid regarded Mohammed b. Ishāq as one of the close companions of Imām al-Kāzim, peace be on him, among his trustworthy followers, and among his Shi'ites who had piety, knowledge, and jurisprudence.[3]

  1. Mohammed Bin Ishāq

Shaykh al-Tūsi regarded him as one of the companions of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[4] Al-Kashi reported on the authority of Yazid b. Ishāq (Mohammed Bin Ishāq's brother), the most exalted of the people in this matter, who said: "One time, my brother Mohammed disputed with me, and he was believing. When the speech between him and me took a long time, I said to him: 'If you leader (sāhib) is in such a position about which you talk, then let him pray to Allah for me, that I may return to your creed.'"

He (Yazid b. Ishāq) said: [Mohammed said to me:] "So I went in to al-Ridā, peace be on him, and said to him: 'May I be your ransom, I have a brother younger than me and he says: 'By your father's life.' I often debates with him, so he said to me one day: 'If your leader is in such a position which you have mentioned, then ask him to supplicate

[1] Ibid.
[2] Usūl al-Kāfi, vol. 1, Chapter on Textual Nomination of the Imāms.
[3] Al-Mufid, al-Irshād.
[4] Al-Tūsi, Rijāl.

to Allah for me, that I may follow your creed.' I would like you to pray to Allah for him.'"

He (Mohammed b. Ishāq) said: "Abū al-Hasan (al-Ridā), peace be on him, turned toward the qibla and mentioned what Allah willed him to mention, and then he said: 'Take his hearing, his seeing, and the whole his heart until You return him to the True Religion.' He said that while he was raising his right hand."

He (Yazid b. Ishāq) said: "When he (Mohammed) returned, he told me about what had happened. By Allah, shortly after that, I believed in the True Religion.[1]"

  1. Mohammed Bin Aslam

al-Tabari, al-Jabali. He was originally from Kūfa. He traded with Tabristān. It is said: "He was an extremist with corrupt traditions." He narrated on the authority of Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him.[2]

[1] Al-Kashi.
[2] Al-Najāshi.