The Knowledge and Generosity of Imam (AS)

The knowledge of the Imam (as) in relation to hidden affairs was not intrinsic but something that Allah had bestowed on him. Such knowledge was placed at his disposal through different methods, the most prominent of which was inheritance from the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and his ancestors.

In a tradition (hadith) quoted from Imam Hadi (as), this point has been emphasized: Allah has not revealed His inner self to anyone but the Messenger (pbuh) in whom He is well pleased. So whatever knowledge the Messenger (pbuh) had, was what his successors knew as well. If the method was other than this the land of the Lord would be devoid of a knowledgeable messenger.

Imam Hadi (as) was inspired, by the mercy of Allah with the knowledge of different languages. It has been quoted from Ali ibn Mahziar that he sent his servant, who was from Maghlabieh, to Imam Hadi (as). When the servant returned he was amazed because he said that the Imam (as) had spoken his language with him as though he had lived among the Maghlabis.

He would warn people of incidents that would happen to them in the future. This was proven when he foretold the death of Waseq Abbasi.

It has been quoted from Khairan Abbasi who said: I went to see Imam Hadi (as). Imam (as) said: How is Waseq doing? I said: He is safe and sound. He asked: How is Ja’far doing? I said: He is in the worst condition in jail. He asked: How does Ibn az-Ziat feel? I said: Everything’s upon his order and I left them 10 days ago. Then Imam Hadi (as) said: Waseq died and Ja’far Mutawwakil succeeded him and Ibn az-Ziat was killed. I asked: When did these incidents happen? He said: Six days after you set out for Baghdad. The incident had occurred exactly as Imam (as) had predicted.

He remarkably excelled all others of his time in human perfection, vast knowledge, generosity, politeness, worship of Allah, moral qualities and discipline.

One example of his generosity is that he paid 30,000 dirhams to an Arab of Kufa, saying to him, “We pay your debts.” The man then, thanking the Imam (as) said: “Sir, the debts I owe is only about one-third of the amount you gave me!” The Imam (as) added, “Then spend the rest on your family and your people!”. The man in astonishment of the Imam’s (as) generosity said, “Allah knows whom to entrust with His Message of Divine Guidance!".