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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam Muhammad Bin Ali (a.s.)(al-taqi) Special Qualities As a Child Over and above Imam Reza's introduction of Imam Taqi (A.S.) to the followers, there was also one special quality that Allah had given to Imam Taqi (A.S.) that made him acceptable as Imam of his time despite his young age; this quality was his unique intelligence. To see this quality' at work, consider the following incident.

After Imam Reza's martyrdom, Mamoon Rashid decided to call Imam Taqi (A.S.) to Baghdad so as to silence those who believed that he had caused Imam Reza's death. Imam Taqi (A.S.) came to Baghdad and his first meeting with Mamoon occurred in a Bazaar of Baghdad. Imam (A.S.) was in the streets of Baghdad when Mamoon accompanied by his choicest friends and generals passed by, riding fast-running horses, All children who were playing in the streets ran away, fearing mischief from the Royal procession.

The Imam (A.S.), however, stood fearlessly watching the King and his entourage. Mamoon had not yet met the Imam (A.S.) and therefore did not recognise him as such. But he could not help observing the charm and the courage of the Imam (A.S.). He stopped his horse, and inquired. "Young man, what made you stand here fearlessly when all other children of your age ran away in fear of the running horses?" The Imam (A.S.) replied without any hesitation.

HWhy would I want to run away when there is enough passage for you and your horses to pass by and when I have done nothing wrong to fear reprisals from you?" The child's perfect manners and eloquence stunned Mamoon. He asked in bewilderment. "Whose son are you, young man?" "I am Muhammad the son of Ali Bin Musa," replied the chold. Mamoon went away on his hunting expedition, full of thoughts about what he had seen and heard.

As part of his hunting exercise, Mamoon set-free in the air hunting falcons. One of the falcons returned carrying a live fish in its beak. This was not usual. For how could a fish be in the air to be hunted by a falcon? Mamoon was a quick-thinking person. He thought of an idea and hid the fish in his palms. On his way back, he met Imam Taqi (A.S.) again. Mamoon dismounted from his horse, came near the Imam (A.S.) and said. "O the son of Prophet!

Can you tell me what is hidden in my closed palm?" The Imam (A.S.) replied, "Allah has created seas and rivers and other water bodies. In them live fishes.