His Personality Imam Musa al-Kazim (PBUH) -based on reliable...

His Personality Imam Musa al-Kazim (PBUH) -based on reliable hadith traditions from both the Shiite and Sunni sources- was known to be a devoted worshipper to the extent that he came to be known as “al-‘Abd al-Salih” (the righteous worshiper or servant of God) [7] . In the report by Sheikh al-Mufid, he described Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (PBUH) thus: He was the greatest worshiper of his time and he cried out of the fear of God so much that his beard got wet.

In his prostration, he used to repeat the supplication: “If Thy servant’s sin is great, then the forgiveness from Thee is the best” and the supplication: “O God!

I ask Thee the comfort at the time of death and forgiveness at the time of Judgment [8] “ Moreover, during his imprisonment, Imam al-Kazim used to appreciate and thank God for allowing him to call upon and worship Him alone in solitude: “I always asked Thee an opportunity to worship and Thou have provided it for me, so I thank Thee [9] “ . Another distinguished attribute of Imam al-Kazim (PBUH) is his patience, forbearance and generosity.

According to Sheikh al-Mufid, he believed that Imam al-Kazim (PBUH) was the most generous man of his time, as he used to provide food and other provisions secretly to the poor in Medina overnight [10] . Also, it is documented that when the news of the martyrdom of Imam al-Kazim spread in Baghdad, an old man started crying incessantly.

When he was asked for the reason, he narrated his encounter with the Imam on the day when his farmland was afflicted with pests and his entire crops were destroyed, he said: “I lived honestly and never did I stretch out my hand towards the people, but since I was in debt, I wondered how I could repay my loan. I was in that state of confusion when I saw Imam Kazim (PBUH) approach me and ask about the amount of loss I incurred. I said 120 Dinars.

The Imam smiled and handed me a purse containing 150 Dinars. The Imam’s kind and affectionate look, which was without any air of pride or superiority, fascinated me. I pressed his kind hands in gratitude. Although I was very embarrassed, I accepted his financial help and the Imam advised me never to be disappointed in God’s mercy. Now I am crying this day because a great man has left us.

The one whose humbleness and kindness was a byword and who always cared about the needy.” The Imam (PBUH) was known to be “al-Kazim” because he greatly controlled his anger [11] .