Being related to pious people, particularly the Prophet and his Progeny (PBUT) has always been appreciated by everyone. Nonetheless, being related to the Prophet and his family (PBUT) is only valuable when the holder of such status can benefit from it; otherwise, it is worthless. This is similar to the knowledge that is not under practice by the owner and does not guarantee any guidance.
Abd al-Azim, son of Abdullah bin Ali, was the forth grandson of Imam Hassan Mujtaba (PBUH), and this virtue has become multifold by him following the path of the Ahl al-Bait (PBUT). Agha Bozorg Tehrani has written: “Abd al-Azim Hassani had met with Imam Reza and Imam Jawad (PBUT) in his lifetime, and had also observed the time of Imam Hadi (PBUH), presented his beliefs to the Imam (PBUH), and passed away during Imam Hadi’s (PBUH) lifetime; since Imam Hadi (PBUH) had told some of the people of Rey:’…If you visit the grave of Abd al-Azim, it would be same as visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (PBUH).'(1)”(2)
The Infallible Imams (PBUT) have taught and told us that: “To know a man’s position with us, look at the number of Ahadith he has narrated from us.”(3) Or we read in another narration, “To know the position of our followers is by looking at the Ahadith they narrate from us and the depth of their understanding about us.”(4)
In terms of understanding the value of Abd al-Azim, this would suffice that Imam (PBUH) referred people to him to learn more and expand their knowledge.
Abu Hammaad Raazi narrates: “I went to see Imam Hadi (PBUH) in Samarra and I asked him a number of questions about what was prohibited and what was not. Imam Hadi (PBUH) answered all my questions. Upon my departure, he said: ‘O Hammaad! Whenever you had difficulties in your religion in your area, you can ask from Abd al-Azim Hassani; and also send my regards to him.’ “(5)
Propagation of narrations was one of the valuable things Abd al-Azim did while in Rey; he was persistent on this even when he was in hiding. As there are incidents in which the narrator mentions having heard the narration from Abd al-Azim in Rey (6).
Interacting with several Imams (PBUT) in the different situations they lived, and accompanying each of them in their sensitive and difficult times is quite valuable. Abd al-Azim’s interaction with the Imams was exceptional, it wasn’t the occasional close up visits; rather he visited the Imams (PBUT) on a frequent up close basis. Although staying in physical contact with only one Imam is valuable enough, having the honor to interact with several Imams speaks of a companion’s virtues. Contacts can be solely a physical companionship, but other times it can be accompanied with teaching and learning. Abd al-Azim Hasani was not only accompanying the Imam, he would also learn from the Imam. This characteristic of his makes his interaction with the Imams exceptional.
His obedience and humility towards the Imams (PBUT) increase the value of his interaction with them. See how Imam Hadi (PBUH) praises him, “Peace be upon you O Abal-Ghasem (nickname of Abd al-Azim) for you are among our true companions.”(7) After presenting his beliefs and faith to Imam Hadi (PBUH), the Imam (PBUH) praises him as such, “You learned from us the exact faith Allah (SWT) is pleased with.”(8) And the Imam (PBUH) prays for him the following, “May Allah (SWT) keep you steadfast in your word and firm in this world and the Hereafter.”(9)
Abd al-Azim Hassani spent the last years of his life in migration, escape, and displacement. These years are evident of his political and social activities in which he would express his disagreement with the reign of the time. His religiosity is also worth mentioning for he was exceptional in that area. Najashi narrates, “In an attempt to escape from the King, Abd al-Azim went to Rey and settled in the basement of a Shia man. He spent his days worshiping Allah; he would fast during the days, and pray during the nights… He remained there as news of his arrival gradually reached the Shiites who would then come to visit him and become acquainted with him.”(10)
Abd al-Azim Hasani became sick during his final days, and shortly after passed away to meet his Lord. He was buried beside an apple tree in the city of Rey, and from that day forward, his burial ground became a central location for the lovers of the family of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP).
(The above is a selection taken from the article “The Light of Rey”, by Mahdi Hussainian Qumi, published in volume three of proceedings of the Abd Al-Azim Hassani Conference)
The Roshd Website offers condolences to all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 15th of Shawwal, the anniversary of the demise of the supporter of religion, the trustworthy narrator, and the true follower of the Ahl al-Bait (PBUT),
Hazrat Abd al-Azim Hassani (PBUH).
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Footnotes:
Kamil al-Ziyaraat, p. 324; Thawaab al-‘Amaal, p. 99; Wasaail al-Shia, vol. 14, p. 575
Rijaal Najashi, p. 248
Rijaal al-Kashi p. 3; Wasaail al-Shia, vol. 27, p. 149
Ghaybat of Nu’maani, p. 22
Mustadrak al-Wasaail, vol. 17, p. 321
Amaali of Saduq, p. 419; Kifayat al-Athar, p. 286
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Rijaal Najashi, p. 248, title 653