The long-time companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, who had grown old and frail, was lying on his sickbed. His radiant face was a testament to the purity and sincerity of this elderly companion’s heart.
Imam Baqir (AS) went to visit him, sitting by his side, and with special kindness and tenderness asked:
“O Jabir! How are you?”
Jabir replied:
“I am in a state where I prefer old age over youth, death over life, and illness over health.” (Jabir meant that he was patient and resilient in the face of any hardship or difficulty.)
Imam Baqir (AS) responded:
“As for me, I love whatever Allah wills. If He wills old age, I love it; if He wills youth, I am fond of it. Whether illness or health, life or death, whatever He chooses, I love it.”
Upon hearing this, Jabir became happy and kissed the Imam (AS), saying:
“The Prophet (PBUH) was right when he told me that you will live long and see my son, the Baqir of knowledge. So, convey my greetings to him.”[1]
Indeed, although Jabir, at his old age, had accumulated much experience and knowledge and had faced many hardships in his life, he thought that the pinnacle of faith was to prefer illness over health, old age over youth, and death over life. He wanted to convey to Imam Baqir (AS) that he had reached a point where difficulties and hardships not only did not deter him, but he was even more inclined towards them. However, Imam Baqir (AS) showed this sincere elder a higher level of understanding, the state of contentment with Allah’s divine decrees. The Imam (AS) taught him that after fulfilling one’s duties and striving in their efforts, a person should be content with whatever Allah has destined for them, whether those events appear pleasant or unpleasant to them.
From the book “A Glimpse at the Life of Imam Baqir (AS)” by Muhammad Mohammadi Eshtahradi (with some additions).
Footnote:
[1] A’yan al-Shi’ah, Vol. 15, p. 141; Majalis al-Mu’minin, p.