Haroon questions to Imam Kadhim (as)
Haroon tried to do something to make the Imam (as.) unable and handicapped about giving answer to queries and thus devalue and degrade him by this meant. But whenever he neared the ocean of Imam's knowledge he found himself incapacitated, unable and disgraced.
On one of such occasions Haroon brought Imam (as.) from Madina to Baghdad and started a discussion.
Haroon: I want to ask you a question about a certain subject, which has remained unanswered in my mind.
Imam (as.): "If I have the freedom of expression I will answer you."
Haroon: You are free to express yourself.
Imam (as.): So say what you feel like?
Haroon: Why do you believe that you are superior to us, the sons of Abbas? Whereas, both of us are from the same lineage and (common ancestor) that is to say we are all the sons of Hashim.
Imam (as.): We are closer to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) than you.
Haroon: How?
Imam (as.): Because, our father Abu Talib and the father of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) are from the same father and mother. But your father Abbas is related from his father's side only.
Haroon: When the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) deceased, your father Abu Talib had passed away but our father Abbas was living. It is clear that till the time uncle is alive you the cousins cannot get the heritage.
Imam (as.): Till the time a child is living; the uncle does not get heritage. Therefore, when Fatima Zahra (sa.) is living your father Abbas cannot gain the heritage.
Haroon: Why do you allow people to call you the son of Prophet (P.B.U.H.) whereas, you are the sons of Imam Ali (as.). Because everybody is related to his father and Prophet (P.B.U.H.) is your maternal grandfather.
Imam (as.): If the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) becomes alive and asks you the hand of your daughter in marriage, are you prepared to give her hand to him?
Haroon: With great and utmost honor.
Imam (as.): But the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) will never ask me the hand of my daughter in marriage.
Haroon: Why?
Imam (as.): Because, he is my father although from mother side but he is not your father. Therefore, I can consider myself the son of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
Haroon got silent, calm and cool by the crushing answers of Imam (as) and he asked Imam (as.) to demand anything from him. Imam (as.) said, "I do not want anything from you, just let me go free to do my work."
other links:
Friends and students of Imam Kadhim (as)
Bab-ul-Hawaij : The Door to Fulfilling
Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Kadhim (as)
