“He who abandons moderation and tolerance with people, will face undesirable consequences.”[1]
Imam Jawad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever abandons tolerance and forbearance with people will be afflicted with unpleasant outcomes.”
It is narrated from a man who was from the region of Bust and Sijistan (Sistan) that he said: During the early days of the caliphate of Al-Mu’tasim Abbasid, while I was traveling for Hajj in Mecca, I had the honor of meeting Imam Jawad (peace be upon him). A gathering was taking place, and several individuals connected to the ruling authority were also present. Seizing the opportunity, I approached the Imam and said: “The governor of our area, who is a supporter of you, has imposed a heavy tax on me, and I am unable to pay it. If you could kindly write a recommendation to him, asking him to ease the burden and not be too harsh, I would be very grateful.”
Imam Jawad (peace be upon him) replied, “I do not know him personally.”
I said, “He is one of your friends and supporters. If you write a letter, it will have an effect.”
The Imam (peace be upon him) then took a piece of paper and wrote:
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
To proceed,
The bearer of this letter has conveyed to me a noble belief about you. Be kind to your brothers, and know that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will question you about every small action, even as small as a mustard seed or an atom.”
I took the letter and returned to my city. When I was about two miles away from the city, I was informed that the governor had come to meet me. I was surprised. “The governor? How could he come to meet me?” I thought. I was told, “He heard that you have a letter with you, and because of that letter, he has come to greet you.” My surprise only grew. He came to me, greeted me, and showed me great affection.
He then asked, “Do you have a letter with you?”
I replied, “Yes,” and handed him the letter.
He took the letter, kissed it, placed it on his eyes, and said, “Did you have any requests?”
I said, “A heavy tax has been imposed on me, and I do not have the means to pay it.”
He said, “Rest assured, as long as I am in charge, I will deal with you with tolerance,” and from that day on, he continued to show kindness to my family as long as he was alive.[2]
How appropriate it is that we, too, consider ourselves as recipients of the Imam’s (peace be upon him) letter and act with forbearance and kindness toward our fellow believers.
(Taken from the book: “Imam Jawad (peace be upon him), the Gem of Guidance”, authored by Seyyed Mohammad Zia Abadi (with some modifications))
Footnotes:
[1] A’lam al-Din, page 310
[2] Al-Kafi, vol. 5, page 111 – Tahrib al-Ahkam, vol. 6, page 334