فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ...

The Honorable the Exalted God says, ‘Gardens of Eternity will they enter: therein will they be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk.’ [374] Thus, the verse refers to the immaculate progeny of the Prophet (s) exclusively.

Al-Ma’mun asked, “Who are the immaculate progeny?” Al-Reza (s) said, “The immaculate progeny are those whom the Honorable the Exalted God describes in His Book by saying, ‘ …And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.’ [375] They are those about whom the Prophet (s) said the following, “I am leaving among you two weighty things - the Book of God and my progeny; my family.

They will not separate from each other until they join me at the Divine Pool (Kawthar). Consider how will you regard me in treating them. O people! Do not teach them, because they are more knowledgeable than you are.” Then the scholars said, “O Abul Hassan!

Let us know whether the progeny of the Prophet and the Prophet’s family are the same or not.” Al-Reza (s) said, “They are the same.” Then the scholars claimed that the Prophet (s) is related to have said, “My nation is my family” and there is an authentic undeniable tradition according to which the Prophet’s companions agreed unanimously on the fact that Muhammad’s family is his nation.

Abul Hassan (s) said, “Well, tell me whether it is lawful for Muhammad’s family to receive any alms-tax.” They answered, “No, it is unlawful.” Then the Imam (s) asked, “Is it lawful for the nation to receive alms-tax?” They answered, “Yes, it is lawful for them.” The Imam (s) said, “This is the difference between the family and the nation. Woe be to you! Where will they take you? Have you turned away from the Quran?