Imam’s (as) Words Transform Heart Of Nasibi

Introduction

During the tragic aftermath of Karbala, a remarkable event took place that illustrates the spiritual insight and patience of Imam Ali Ibn Husain (Zainul Abideen a.s.). An aged Syrian Nasibi approached the captives from Imam Husain’s (a.s.) household near the Syrian mosque, filled with anger and hatred.

The Syrian’s Insult

The Syrian said: "Praise be to Allah Who has killed and destroyed you and extinguished the fire of revolt (Allah forbid!)"

He continued abusing and cursing the members of the Prophet’s household (sawa).

Imam Ali Ibn Husain’s (a.s.) Response

Calmly and wisely, the Imam replied: "Just as I have heard you out until you have said what you had to say and made evident your enmity and sentiments, you must listen to what I have to say."

The Syrian, curious, responded: "Say."

Guiding Through the Quran

The Imam began guiding him using the Quran:

1. On Loving the Prophet’s Family (as)

Imam (a.s.) asked: "Have you read the Book of Allah?"

The Syrian replied affirmatively.

The Imam continued: "Haven’t you read the verse: 'Say: I don’t ask you any reward for my prophethood except the love of my closest relatives.' (Surah Shura 42:23)"

The Syrian acknowledged it. Imam (a.s.) said: "We are those closest relatives."

2. On Rights Exclusive to the Ahlul Bayt (as)

The Imam then asked:

"Have you read in the Book of Allah about a right that was exclusive for us to the exception of other Muslims?"

The Syrian answered, "No."

Imam (a.s.) cited the verse: "And give the close relatives their right…" (Surah Bani Israel 17:26)

The Syrian asked: "You are the ones?"

"Yes," replied the Imam.

3. On the Near of Kin

Imam (a.s.) asked: "Haven’t you recited this verse: 'And know that whatever thing you gain, a fifth of it is for Allah and for the Apostle and for the near of kin…' (Surah Anfaal 8:41)"

"Yes," the Syrian said.

"We are the ‘near of kin’," Imam (a.s.) explained.

4. On Purification of the Ahlul Bayt (as)

Finally, Imam (a.s.) asked: "Haven’t you found in Surah Ahzab a right for us to the exception of other Muslims?"

The Syrian replied, "No."

The Imam clarified: "Haven’t you recited this verse: 'Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House, and to purify you (a thorough) purification.' (Surah Ahzab 33:33)"

The Syrian’s Repentance

Overwhelmed by the clarity and truth of the Imam’s words, the Syrian raised his hands to the skies and prayed:

"O Allah, I turn to You in repentance"

He repeated it thrice and added: "O Allah, I seek repentance from You for enmity of the progeny of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and I distance myself from those who killed the Ahle Bait (a.s.) of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). Surely, I have been reciting the Holy Quran since ages but I never realized all this until today."

Conclusion

Through the Quran, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) turned enmity into realization, guiding the Syrian Nasibi to recognize the unique, divinely-ordained status of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), leading to his heartfelt repentance.

Reference:

Al-Ehtejaaj, Vol. 2, pp. 307-308