ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Concept of Combat in the Life of Imams Infallible Imams' Acknowledgment on the Uprisings Another issue is the confirmation of the armed struggles. The confirmation of the infallible Imams on some of the bloody uprisings is among the exciting chapters in their lives. This acknowledgement itself underlines the direction of the Imams' struggles.

Such confirmations are seen in Imam Sadiq's remarks about Mu’alla bin Khunais when he was killed by Dawud ibn Ali, his remarks about Zaid, about Husayn ibn Ali (as), about the martyrs of Fakh' event and so on. I have come across an astonishing tradition in Nur-ul-Thaqalayn' narrated by Ali ibn Aqaba: "I, along with Mu’alla, went to Imam Sadiq (as).

He said: I give you the glad tidings that one of the two best deeds (victory or martyrdom) awaits you; God may cure your heart (soul), may purify your heart (soul) from outrage, and may dominate you over your enemies; and this is the very divine promise that He said: And We cured the hearts of the believers.' If you pass away before attaining this victory, you will pass away as believers in the religion of God: the religion that Allah has approved for His holy Prophet (S) and Imam Ali (as)." This tradition is important because it speaks of struggle, victory, killing and being killed, particularly given that it is addressed to Mu'alla bin Khunais whose fate is known to us.

Imam begins his comment without any introduction and speaks about an event or incident, but that incident is not definite. In this tradition, the Imam - alluding to the treatment of hearts (souls) by God either is praying for them, or maybe is pointing out to an event. We do not know if these two persons had come to the Imam after performing a task, or having been engaged in a clash of which the Imam had been fully aware; or perhaps the Imam Himself might have sent them to accomplish a mission.

However, in either case, the tone of Imam's remark underlines the fact that he supported aggressive, radical movements, which are frequent in the life of Mu’alla bin Khunais. Interestingly, Mu’alla was termed as "bab" (gate) of Imam Sadiq (as). The concept of "bab" (gate) is noteworthy and should be studied. There are some people who have been introduced in the traditions as the "gate" of the infallible Imams. Who are these people? Most of them were either killed or threatened to be killed.

They include Yahya ibn Um Tawil, Mu’alla bin Khunais, Jabir ibn Yazid Jufi, etc.