ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al Kafi (volume 4)(part 3) Chapter 124 : the Birth of Abu Muhammad Al-hassan Ibn Ali (a.s.) Abu Muhammad al-Hassan ibn Ali (a.s.) was born in the month of Ramadan (in an other copy it is in 'the month of Rabi' al-Awwal) in the year two hundred thirty two. He died on a Friday on the eighth of the month of Rabi' al-Awwal in the year two hundred sixty at the age of twenty eight.

He was buried in the house where his father was buried in the city of Surra man Ra'a (Samarra).her was 'Umm Walad, called Hudayth (or Sawsan). 1 Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad al-Asha'ari and Muhammad ibn Yahya and others have narrated the following. "Ahmad ibn 'Ubayd Allah ibn Khaqan was in charge of collecting property and other taxes in the city of Qumm. One day in his presence the 'Alawids and their beliefs were mentioned. He was a staunch Nasibi (abusive of 'Alawids).

He said, "In the city of Surra man Ra'a a man from the 'Alawids like al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Rida in guidance, calmness, piety, nobility and generosity to his family and among banu Hashim. They all as well as the official, the ministers and all common people all would give preference to him over their elders and the noble ones. One day I was standing next to my father (as a assistant or guard) and it was the day of his meeting people.

His guards came and said, "Abu Muhammad ibn al-Rida is at the door." He said loudly, "Allow him to come in." I was surprised at their mentioning so boldly someone with his Kunya (i.e. father of so and so) before my father while only a Caliph, a crown Caliph or one who by the command of the Sultan would have to be addressed that way could have been treated as such. A man with a fair complexion came in. His hieght was good and his face looked handsome, physically very good and young.

He looked majestiic and awesome. When my father looked at him he stood up and walked towards him several steps. I had not seen him doing this to a person from the clan of banu Hashim and the officers. When he approached him he embraced him kissed his face and cchest and holding his hand lead him to sit on his own place for prayer and himself sat nest to him turning his face towards him.

He would talk to him and would say often, "May Allah take my soul in service for your cause." I was surprised at what I would see.