Ali Bin Yaqtin was one the close friends of Harun al-Rashid on the surface, but deep down, he was a follower of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (PBUH). He was in continuous private communication with Imam Kadhim (PBUH); he always sent a fifth of any income he had to Medina, for Imam Kadhim (PBUH).
One day Harun al-Rashid gave Ali Bin Yaqtin a number of ornamental outfits among which there was a golden top (vest) which was made with real gold; the top was an exclusive type which belonged to caliphs and normal people couldn’t get their hands on such piece of outfit.
Ali sent the top with a number of other gifts to Medina for Imam Kadhim (PBUH). Imam (PBUH) accepted all gifts but returned the golden top and wrote back: “Take good care of this top as it will have a unique position and story.”
After a while one of Ali’s servants when to Harun and told him: “Ali Bin Yaqtin is a follower of Imam Kadhim (PBUH) and he pays a fifth of his income to Imam annually, from which the golden vest that you had generously offered him was also sent to Imam Kadhim (PBUH).”
Harun said: “If Ali has sent the top, then that would make him a follower of Musa Bin Ja’far (PBUH).”
Thus, he immediately called for Ali Bin Yaqtin and asked him: “What did you do with the top I gave you?”
Ali replied: “I put musk on it and placed it in a box; every morning I open the box and place the top on my eyes and head and then put it back in the box.”
Harun said: “Bring it here.”
Harun ordered his servants to bring the box from Ali’s home. When Harun opened the box he found the top honorably placed in the box. Harun cheered and admired Ali.
And this is how Imam Kadhim’s (PBUH) munificence and kindness was revealed for Ali Bin Yaqtin.
The narration also shows that how Imam (PBUH) was always aware of his follower‘s situation and how he cared and supported them in difficulties…
(Kashf al-Ghummah, by Ali ibn ‘Isa Irbili, with some summarization and addition)
Roshd Website congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend on the 7th of Safar, the birth anniversary of the seventh divine chosen leader, the successor of the righteous, the leader of the selected servants, and the holder of the light of knowledge, Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kadhim (PBUH).