The Imam, the Guardian of the Shia…

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Ali ibn Yaqtin, outwardly one of the close companions and favorites of Harun al-Rashid, was inwardly a Shi’a and a lover of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him). He continuously maintained secret correspondence with Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him), sending his khums (religious tax), as well as any blessings and gifts he received, to the Imam in Medina.

One day, Harun al-Rashid gave Ali ibn Yaqtin some lavish gifts, including a cloak woven entirely from gold. This cloak was reserved specifically for the caliphs, and no one else possessed such a garment.

Ali ibn Yaqtin sent that cloak along with other gifts to Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) in Medina. When the Imam’s representatives arrived, the Imam accepted all of the gifts, but returned the cloak with a message, saying, “Take good care of this cloak, for it will have a special significance in the future.”

Time passed, and one day, a servant of Ali ibn Yaqtin went to Harun al-Rashid and informed him, “Ali ibn Yaqtin is a follower of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) and sends his khums to the Imam every year. Among the things he has sent is the cloak that the caliph had given him.”

Harun al-Rashid replied, “If he has sent the cloak, then it is true that he is a follower of Musa ibn Ja’far (peace be upon him).”

Harun immediately summoned Ali ibn Yaqtin and asked, “Where did you take the cloak I gave you?”

Ali ibn Yaqtin replied, “I have perfumed it, placed it in a chest, and every morning, I open the chest, rub it on my face and head, and then put it back in its place.”

Harun said, “Bring it to me.”

Harun ordered that they go to Ali ibn Yaqtin’s house and bring the chest. When they opened it, they saw the cloak resting inside the chest with the utmost reverence. Harun was pleased and praised Ali ibn Yaqtin.

Thus, the kindness and generosity of Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) became clear to Ali ibn Yaqtin.

This narration shows that the Imam (peace be upon him) was always aware of the conditions of his Shi’a and followers, and he would care for them in times of hardship.

(Taken from the book “Kashf al-Ghamah fi Manaqib al-A’immah,” written by Ali ibn Isa al-Irbili, with some abbreviations and additions)

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