Imam had commanded that the news of his son's birth should...

Imam had commanded that the news of his son's birth should not be proclaimed under any circumstances. I had gone, as usual, to buy the household needs from the marketplace. When I returned, I entered Imam Hasan Askari's (a.s.) room. I saw him holding his infant in arms; and he gazed at him and kissed his enchanting face. I stood transfixed for a moment; it was as though the sun and the moon had gathered in one place. What a beautiful sight. I sneezed suddenly.

The infant in a heavenly angelic voice said. " Yar-hamoka'l-Allah (God bless you)." I was amazed at the infant talking and I hesitated a moment, but then I remembered that the pure Imams talked in infancy just as Jesus (A.S) spoke from the cradle. Then once again he addressed me and said: “Oh Naseem! Let me give you glad tidings about sneezing." “May my life be sacrificed for you?" I replied. “Tell me." “Sneezing keeps a person immune from death for three days." He answered.

My gaze lay fixed on his flower like face; after this short talk, his lips closed like a bud and he turned his eyes towards his father's kindly face. My whole being was overcome with joy and I thanked God for being fortunate enough for allowing me to be present in this bountiful house. Previous…