ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Hisham ibn Hakam Hisham - The Champion with Inductive Reasoning Hisham ibn Salem says: "One day a large gathering of disciples and followers of the 6th Imam (a) were encircling the Imam similar to the precious stone around a ring. While we were enlightening ourselves like moths from his candle of knowledge, a Syrian entered there and after paying respect (giving his salam) took a seat.

Imam (a) asked: "What business do you have?" He replied: "I have heard that you have the knowledge of everything and whoever asks you about any matter and any problem, you give the reply. So I have come to discuss with you about the diatrical marks (Sukoon - Fathah - Kasrah -Dhammah) used in the Qur'an." Imam (a), after hearing his question and discussion, first turned his face to Hamran ibn A'yan Sheibani[^1] and asked him to answer.

The Syrian said: "Sir, I wish to discuss with your good self and I will have nothing to do with Hamran." The Imam said to him: "If you come out victorious in discussion with Hamran, it is as if you have come out victorious against me." The Syrian accepted and started to discuss and argue with Hamran. Hamran answered all his questions. The discussion became lengthy. The Syrian became tired and helpless.

Imam (a) asked him: "How did you find Hamran?" He replied: "He is an expert and experienced man. He replied to whatever I asked of him." Then the Imam (a) ordered Hamran: "Now it is your turn to ask him. So put forth your questions." Hamran also posed a few questions.

Again the Syrian man said: "Sir (my lord) I wish to discuss with your good self about Arabic Etymology and grammar." The Imam looked at Aban ibn Taghlab and ordered: "O Aban, you discuss with him." The discussion started and the conversation became lengthy. Again, the Syrian turned his face to Imam al-Sadiq (a) and said: "Sir, I wish to discuss with you about Islamic jurisprudence." Imam (a) commanded Zarareh[^2] to debate with him. Zarareh discussed and argued with him for sometime.

Again the Syrian turned his face to Hazrat al-Sadiq (a) and said: "I wish to discuss with you on the subject of speculative theology." The Imam (a) ordered Momen Tagh[^3] to debate with him on this subject. After a long discussion and argument, the Syrian was defeated in this debate also.