“The Bani Israel are under the impression that you have...

“The Bani Israel are under the impression that you have committed adultery withsuch and such woman.” “Bring the lady here,” demanded Musa. “If she testifies to this claim, you are at liberty to act according to the law.” The woman was brought before Musa (a.s.) who, placing her under oath to speak the truth, asked her: “Have I committed adultery with you?” The woman suddenly began to experience a change in her thinking and gave an answer which was opposite to what she had intended. “No!

They lie”, she said. “Qaroon paid me such and such amount in order that I level this accusation at you.” Qaroon stood humiliated while Musa (a.s.) began weeping, fell down in prostration and supplicated: “O’ God! Your enemy has hurt me and sought to disgrace me by means of calumny.

If I am Your Prophet, grant me ascendancy over him.” Then he cursed Qaroon whereupon Divine punishment overtook him and the earth consumed him.[^4] It is Forbidden to Hurt a Mu'min Husain Ibn Abi al-A’laa narrates: I started out for Makkah in the company of twenty other persons. At every resting place, I would slaughter a goat, in order to provide the people with food. When I arrived in the presence of Imam Sadiq (a.s.), he said to me: “O’ Husain!

Woe be unto you that you hurt and cause inconvenience to the Mu'mineen.” “I seek refuge in God from such an act,” I said. He explained, “I have been informed that at every resting-place you used to slaughter a goat for your companions.” “Yes, but By God, it was only for His happiness that I acted in this manner”.

The Imam (a.s.) continued, “Don’t you realize that amongst the group there were some, who desired to possess wealth so they too could perform good deeds like you, but not having the means, they have become upset.” “I repent over my actions and resolve never to act in that way again,” I said.

The Imam (a.s.) advised, “A Mu'min, in the eyes of God, is more honourable than the angels, the mountains, the seven skies, the seven earths and everything that exists in them.”[^5] Harassing Amirul Mu'mineen is akin to Harassing the Holy Prophet A'mr Ibn Shaas Aslami, one of the companions present during the treaty of Hudaibiyah , narrates: Once, Ali (a.s.) and I had embarked upon a journey towards Yemen.

During the journey, I happened to get upset with him and my heart was filled with malice towards him. As I returned from the trip, I proceeded to the mosque and complained to the people about his behaviour.