ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Visitation On the Shore The Man From Persia I had come a long way. Sweat trickled from my head and brow. Dust had settled on my clothes and traveling bales, but there was so much enthusiasm in my heart, that I couldn't feel the tiring journey. I was near the city of Samerra and even though my legs were weary I quickened my steps. I entered the city, and then said to myself. Where should I go? Who can I ask? I am a stranger in this town and I know no one.

But I know of a house that never turns away the needy, its door is open to every one and the generosity of its inhabitants is a parable on every ones lips. I had traveled in hope of meeting the owners of this house, so it is better I first go there. I entered the marketplace. I knew a little Arabic. There was an elderly man sitting in front of his stall reading the Quran.

I went foreword and greeted him, then, I asked: “Where does Imam Hasan Askari' reside?" From my accent, he realized that I wasn't an Arab and that I must have journeyed far to see the Imam. He rose and embraced me, proclaiming his joy at my arrival in this town. He signaled with his hand for me to wait, and then he picked up his Quran, closed his stall and accompanied me. We passed through the marketplace and entered an alley.

After we had walked a short way we stopped in front of a house and he told me that this was the Imam's residence. He then bid farewell to me and returned. I took a fresh breath, shook out my clothes, ran a hand through my head and over my face and made tidy my hair. The door was open. A curtain laid hanging over the door. Before entering, I knocked and sought permission. I was granted permission. When my eyes fell on Imam's blessed and dazzling face, I fell upon his feet and started crying.

He gently patted me with his fatherly hand and made me sit besides him. He cleaned the dust off my face and said: How are you?" Then he inquired about the health of my family and relatives. He looked into my eyes and said: “Why made you come here? My master!" I replied. “Our far distance from you and our enthusiasm to see you had made us restless. I couldn't endure it any more, so I bid farewell to my family and set out with the intention of serving you.

Imam then smiled a smile worth the whole of the universe; he held my hands and with his soft charming voice said.