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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Story of the Sun: A Look at Imam al-Ridha Life Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) Knowledge of Various Languages Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) scholarly character is not restricted to religious and intellectual issues and the common sciences; rather, some manifestations of his Divine knowledge was revealed to the people that indicated his connection to the unseen world, some examples of which are pointed out as follows.

Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) Familiarity with Various Current Languages of the Time Aba Salt Hirawi said, “Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) used to speak with people whose languages were different in their own languages. By God, he was the most fluent and knowledgeable of all people in any language.”[^1] One day he said to Imam al-Ridha (a.s.): “O son of the Apostle of Allah!

I am astonished of your mastery of different languages.” His holiness answered: “O Aba Salt!” I am Allah’s authority ( Hujja ) over His creatures and Allah never assigns a Hujja over a folk whose language he does not know. Have you not heard Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) saying that we are given the clear proof ( fasl al-khitab ) and this is nothing but knowledge of languages?” ^2 Someone by the name of Ismaʿil Sindi had come from India to see Allah’s authority ( Hujjat Allah ).

He was guided to Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) presence. He said, “I went to the Imam but I did not know Arabic, so I greeted him in Sindi language, his holiness answered my greeting in my own language. I talked to him in my language and he talked back to me in my language. I told him: ‘I have come to see Allah’s authority in Arabia.’ He answered: ‘That is me (Allah’s authority) ask whatever you like.’ I asked my questions and the Imam answered in my own language.

When I wanted to leave, I said, ‘I do not know Arabic; ask God to inspire Arabic language to me! His holiness rubbed his blessed hand on my lips, just then I was able to speak Arabic!”[^3] In Basra, when one of his opponents called ‘Amr b.