Ibn Shahrashoob narrated from al-Alqami that someone said...

Ibn Shahrashoob narrated from al-Alqami that someone said: “I was somewhere between Mecca and Medina when a shadow appeared from a distance. It appeared and disappeared until it reached near me. The shadow greeted me and I replied to the greeting.

I asked: “Where are you coming from?” He said: “From Allah.” I asked: “Where you are going to?” He said: “Towards Allah.” I asked: “To whose presence are you going?” He said: “To Allah.” I asked: “What is your provision?” He said: “Taqwa (piety)..” I asked: “Who are you?” He said: “I am an Arab man.” I said: “Introduce yourself!” He said: “I am a man from Quraish.” I said: “Introduce yourself more!” He said: “I am a Hashemite.” I said: “Reveal your identity!” He said: “I am an Alawite.” Then he recited a poem eulogizing and their truthfulness.

Finally, he said: “I am Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Hussain.” He then disappeared and I did not understand whether he went up to heaven or went under the earth.[^7] A Hajji has to observe Taqwa in visiting the tomb of the holy prophet (SAW), the light of the worlds, the master of the worlds, and the seal of prophets as well as in visiting the tombs of the infallible Imams in the Baqee’ Cemetery.

He should realize that he has been honored by having the chance of visiting the land of the revelation, the descending place of angels, the place of the holy prophet (SAW) and the imams, the birthplace of the holy lights, the place of the five pure ones, the place of the shining suns, and the fountain of the perfect virtues and knowledge. A Hajji should realize what honorable people he is going to visit, who are observing his speech and deed, and who are his hosts.

His hosts are those whose knowledge has not disappeared by the veil of death, whose life and death are equal, and who are quite different from other human beings. In the Supplication of Rajab, we read: “There is no difference between You and them save they are Your servants. Whatever they have, comes from You. Their power and knowledge are acquired but Your knowledge is inherent.

You have given them such a power!” In this holy land, one must engage in character building, serving people, increasing one’s knowledge, exercising piety, and acquiring divine wisdom. Idle sport, mammonism, egoism, opportunism, love of position, backbiting, slandering, treason, indecency, and impiety must be avoided.