Imam Reza (A.S) Answering the Questions of Mystics
Mohaqeq Ardabili in Kashf al-Ghuma quoting Abi in Nathr ul-Dorar narrates that a group of mystics in Khorassan went to Imam Reza (A.S) and stated that Ma’mun paid special attention to those who were chosen by God as Guardian and hence he found no one worthier than you; so, he decided to appoint you as successor to caliph. However, the people need a caliph who eats hard bread and wears rough and woolen clothes; they need a caliph who rides donkeys and visits patients.
The narrator says: “hearing these words while leaning against his seat, Imam Reza (A.S) got up and said: ‘ Hazrate Yusuf was the God’s Prophet, but he was always wearing a cassock made of silk which was decorated by gold; he was leaning back against pharaonic seats while judging among people.
People want their justice and equity from their Imam; that is, if he talks about something, he should tell the truth; if he judges, he should be just and fair; if he promises, he should keep his promise; but, God has never prohibited them from wearing clothes or eating foods. Then Imam Reza (A.S) read the following verse from holy Qur’an:
“Say, who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?" (7:32) (1)
Notes:
1.A’raf: 32: Kashf-ul-Ghumah, Vol. 2, P. 310.
By Muhammad Javad Tabasi
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Imam Reza’s Reliance on the Qur’an in his life
