Gold from Water: The Divine Miracle of Imam Reza (as)

Once, a man approached Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Reza (as) carrying a large sum of money, hoping to present it as a gift. He placed it before the Imam, expecting some form of gratitude or acknowledgment. But to his surprise, Imam Reza (as) did not show any sign of joy or appreciation. His expression remained calm and unbothered.

The man felt uneasy and distressed. "I brought him such a large sum, and yet he doesn't seem to care?" he thought, troubled by the Imam’s indifference.

Sensing the man’s distress, Imam Reza (as) looked at a person beside him and said, "You boy, bring me a bowl and some water." The boy quickly fetched the items as instructed.

Imam Reza (as) sat down calmly, extending his hand over the bowl. The boy poured water into it, and as the water passed through the Imam's fingers, something miraculous happened. The water turned into gold, filling the bowl with shimmering golden coins.

Imam Reza (as) turned to the man and said, "He who is like that does not care for what you brought him."

This incident reflects Imam Ali Al-Reza's (as) divine status as the vicegerent of Allah, showing that he possesses control over all the treasures of the heavens and the earth. His lack of interest in worldly wealth highlights that, as a servant of Allah, he is not in need of material possessions. The Imam's true wealth is his closeness to Allah, which far exceeds any material possession.

(Manaqib Aal Abi Talib, Vol 3, Pg 498)