Since a part of their jour- ney was common, they decided to travel together.

Since a part of their jour- ney was common, they decided to travel together. On the way, they talked and talked on various topics of mutual interest and ultimately arrived at the point where their paths separated. The non- Muslim was surprised to see that his Muslim com- panion did not take the path leading to Kufa but accompanied him on the other path, where he was going. He asked: 89 "Well, didn't you say you were going to Kufa?" "Yes" "Then why are you coming this way?

The other one is the path to Kufa'." "1 know. I want to walk a few steps with you to see you off. Because our Prophet has said, ` Whenever two persons travel together on the same path, they establish reciprocal rights upon each other. Now you have got a right upon me and for the sake of that right of yours I wish to walk a few steps with you, and then, of course, I shall return unto my own path." "Oh!

Such an authority and power which is weilded among people in such a perfect way by your Prophet, and the amazing speed with which his religion has spread in the world, must be, I am sure, because of his such noble character." The surprise and admiration of this gentlemen reached its peak when he learnt afterwards that his Muslim friend was Ali bin Abi-Talib, the Caliph of that time. Soonafter he embraced Islam and was 9 0 counted among the most devout and selfsacrificing companions of Ali.

91 THE BLACK MARKET The dependants of Imam Ja'afer Sadiq (a.s.) had increased in number; so had his expenses. The I mam decided to invest some money in trade to meet the increased expenses of the house. He arranged for an amount of thousand Dinars which he gave to his slave named 'Musadif' directing him to proceed to Egypt and to invest the amount in business on behalf of Imam.

Musadif purchased some goods usually ex- ported to Egypt, and joined a Caravan of traders, who were taking the same type of merchandise to Egypt. When they reached near Egypt, they met another Caravan coming out of the City. They en- quired about each other's affairs. During the course of conversation, they learnt that the goods which Musadif and his friends were carrying were not available in Egypt and were in great demand 9 2 there. They became very happy at their good for- tune.

Indeed that was an article of common use and people had to buy it at all costs. The traders on hearing the good news decided to exploit the situation. They agreed together not to sell the goods at less than hundred percent pro- fit. They entered the city.