Bring me the books please.

Bring me the books please.” “They are all inside this box, numbering more than seventy books and treatises.” “I have revised some of them, you can only read me their titles to see whether they need revision or not.” Muhammad ‘Ali opened the box and started taking out the books.

“This box needs to be repaired too, father.” Then the son began to read the books’ titles: “Sharh Mafatih al-Fiqh, by al-Faydh al-Kashani, from “kitab al-taharah” up to “al-khums”, in eight volumes; Eashiyah ‘ala Mafatih al-fiqh; and Eashiyah ‘ala Dibajah of the same book. “I have finished revising them.” “Al-Fawa’id al-Ea’iriyyah fi fusul al-fiqh.” “I have reviewed most of it.” “Eashiyah ‘ala al-Madarik, from “kitab al-taharah” up to the end of “al-salat” (prayer).

“Put Sharh al-’Irshad aside, as it should be revised.” “There is someone knocking at the door, father.” “You keep on your work, I’ll open the door.” Al-Sayyid stood up, holding his pen, and went toward the door. “Who? Mirza Shams al-Din? Welcome! “Peace be upon the teacher ... there is a delegation coming from the King of Iran.” “What do they want?” One of the delegation members respectfully addressed him: “Peace be upon you (al-salam ‘alaykum).

Then, asking another one to approach al-Sayyid, he added: “This is a royal gift sent to you from the King Muhammad Khan al-Qajar, with his wishes. Look, Sir, it is a unique Qur’an, decorated by precious stones adding to its splendidness and nicety, with the lines being inscribed with liquid gold. “My sons, why do you place the Holy Books inside boxes away from people. You had better sell these stones and distribute their earnings among the poor and needy.

“What to do now, my master?” “The holder of the Qur’an may keep it to read Allah’s words ... you may go under Allah’s protection.” After closing the door, he returned to his place. “Who were they, father?” “A delegation from the King of Iran, with a present.” “What was the present?” “A Qur’an (mushaf), set with precious stones and gold.” What a misguidance is it! They claimed that they (stones) elevate one’s status and position, adding to his worth.

“Where is it?” “With the delegation.” “Haven’t you accepted it?” “Yes, I have a Qur’an from which I recite Allah’s holy verses, I told them to keep it with its holder to read from it. Let’s go back to work. “Eashiyah ‘ala al-Wafi, Eashiyah ‘ala al-Kafi; al-Tahdhib; Sharh al-Qawa’id and al-Masalik.