Islam Guidance

Imam al-Baqir's Companions and the Narrators of His Traditions

 

Imam al-Baqir's Companions and the Narrators of His Traditions

 

Imam Abu` Jafar (al-Baqir) took great care of spreading knowledge among the people. He spared no effort to educate his companions. He taught them jurisprudence and sciences. So, they became prominent jurisprudents in the Islamic world. Imam al-Baqir asked his son, Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, to spend money on them to devote themselves to record the traditions they heard from him. Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, peace be on him, lauded his father's companions.
Addressing his companions, he said: "By Allah, my father's companions were better than you. They were leaves without thorns while you are thorns without leaves.
We will mention al-Baqir's Companions and give a brief study about each of them. They are as follows:

1. Aba`n bin Taghlub
Aba`n bin Taghlub al-Rib'i al-Ku`fi was among the most brilliant Moslem scholars. He was among the most prominent Moslem jurisprudents. We will talk about some of his affairs:

His Birth and his early Life
He was born in Ku`fa, but our books have not mentioned the year of his birth. He grew up in Ku`fa, the capital of the Shi'ites. He was obedient to the members of the house ( ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, and loved them very much.

His Scientific Position
He was among the most prominent and brilliant scholars of his time. He reported traditions on the authority of Imam 'Ali b. al-Husayn, Abu` Jafar, and Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on them. He had priority and importance with them. Imam Abu` Jafar said to him: "Sit down in the Mosque of Medina. Give religious opinions to the people. I like to see persons similar to you among my Shi'ites.
Aba`n was the foremost in all techniques of sciences of the Koran, jurisprudence, tradition, literature, language, and grammar.

His Obedience to the ahl al-Bayt
Aba`n was very obedient to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He learned their sciences and morals and proclaimed them among the people. That was at the time when the love for them was among the most intense disasters. For the Umayyads spared no effort to punish those who loved the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, and proclaimed their outstanding merits.
However, Aba`n habituated himself to that. So, he suffered persecutions for them. His love for ahl al-Bayt was based on reason and proof, not on sentiments. He thought that the outstanding merits and high positions of the Companions (of the Prophet) were conditional on the obedience to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. 'Abd al-Rahma`n b. al-Hajja`j reported. He said: "We were at the assembly of Aba`n b. Taghlub. Suddenly, a young man came and said to him:
O Abu` Sa'id, tell me. How many of the Companions of the
Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, followed 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib?
Aba`n understood the young man's purpose. So, he asked him:
"Do you want to know the outstanding merits of 'Ali through the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, who followed?"
"Yes," the young man replied.
Aba`n answered him with the answer of the one who was aware of the right of Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him. He said:
By Allah we have not known their outstanding merits but through obedience to him.
Aba`n passed by some people. The people blamed him, for he reported on the authority of Ima`m Jafar, peace be on him. So, he mocked at them, saying:
"Why do you blame me for my reporting on the authority of the man whom I asked about every thing , and he said: 'Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said.'?

His Reliability
Aba`n was very pious. He devoted himself to the religion. Al-'Ajali said: "Aba`n was reliable.
Ahmed b. Hanbal, b. Na'im and Abu` Ha`tam regarded him as reliable. The proof for his reliability is that the Ima`ms, peace be on them, praised him. Salim b. Abu` Habba reported. He said: "I was with Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on him. Before I saw him off, I had said to him: I want you to supply me." So, he said: "Go to Aba`n b. Taghlub. For he has heard many traditions from me. What he narrates to you, then narrate it on my authority.
Safwa`n b. Yahya`` reported on the authority of Aba`n b. 'Uthma`n on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on him, who said:
"Aba`n b. Taghlub received thirty thousand traditions on my authority, then report them on my authority.
Aba`n b. Mohammed b. Aba`n reported. He said: [I heard my father say] "My father and I came to Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on him. When Abu` 'Abd Allah saw my father, he ordered a cushion to be brought for him. The cushion was brought for him. Then he shook hand with him and embraced him and greeted him.
When Aba`n came to Medina, the people gathered about him, and the praying-place of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, was emptied for him.
Al-Dhahabi said: "Aba`n was a steadfast Shi'ite. However, he was truthful. His truthfulness is for us. His heresy is for him.4 Some people defamed him for his love for the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Al-Jawza`ni said: "Aba`n was deviated (from the truth). His doctrine was dispraised.5 Such a group of people regarded the love for the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, as deviation from the truth. Without doubt, the love for the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, is part of Islam. Whoever denies them denies Islam. Whoever loves them believes in Islam.

His Books
As for his books, they show his wide knowledge and sciences. The following are some of them:
1. Tafsir Gharib al-Qur'an. He mentioned some examples from poetry concerning it. Then 'Abd al-Rahma`n b. Mohammed al-Azdi al-Ku`fi gathered in one book the book of Aba`n, of Mohammed b. al-Sa`iyib al-Kalbi, and of b. Rawa`q b. 'Atiya b. al-Harth.
2. Al-Fada`'il.
3. Al-Usool fi al-Ruwaiya 'ala` Madhhab al-Shi'a.

His Death
Aba`n died in the year 264 A.H. This is a mistake. For he died in the year 141 A.H. When Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, heard of his death, he became very sad. He praised him, saying: "By Allah, the death of Aba`n b. Taghlub has hurt my heart.Abu` al-Bila`d said: "The death of Aba`n was a disaster for all Shi'ites everywhere.
Indeed Aba`n was the most knowledgeable of the Moslem main figures in the religion. So, his death was among the heaviest disasters that hit Islam.

2. Aba`n bin Abi 'Ayya`sh Fayru`z
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He said that Aba`n was a weak narrator who belonged to the next generation.
Ibn al-Ghada`'iri said: "Aba`n bin Abi 'Ayya`sh was a narrator who belonged to the next generation. He reported on the authority of Anas b. Ma`lik. He reported on the authority of 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him. He was weak. No one pays attention to him. A large group of the traditionists regarded him as weak.
Yazid b. Ha`ru`n said: [Shu'ba said:] "If b.'Ayya`sh did not narrate false traditions, I would give my garments to the poor as alms. Shu'ba said: "To drink from my donkey's urine is more lovable with
me than to say: Aba`n relates to me.
Many main traditionists dispraised and refused his traditions.

His Death
Aba`n bin Abi 'Ayya`sh Fayru`z died in the year 128 A. H. It was said that he died in a year other than this.

3. Ibra`him bin al-Azraq
Ibra`him bin al-Azraq was from Ku`fa. He sold food. Abu` Jafar al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the men of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.Ibra`him was an unknown Ima`mi (Shi'ite).

4. Ibra`him bin Abi al-Bila`d
Al-Naja`shi said: "Ibra`him bin Abi al-Bila`d: the real name of Abi al-Bila`d is Yahya`` b. Salim. It was said that he was the son of Sulayma`n, the retainer of b. 'Abd Allah b. 'Atfa`n. He was given the kunya of Abu` Yahya``. Abu` al-Bila`d was blind. He reported poetry. He reported (traditions) on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq).

5. Ibra`him bin Jamil
He was the brother of Tarba`l al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. So did al-Barqi.

6. Ibra`him bin Hana`n
He was called al-Asadi al-Ku`fi. He lived in Wasit. Shaykh al-Tu`si and al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m
al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

7. Ibra`him bin Salih al-Anma`ti
In his book "al-Rija`l", Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Ibra`him wrote books on the doctrine of the Ima`mi Shi'ites.

8. Ibra`him bin 'Abd Allah
He was called al-Ahmari. He reported traditions on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. Sayf b. 'Umayra reported traditions on his authority. He was unknown.

9. Ibra`him bin 'Ubayd
He was given the kunya of Abu` Ghurata al-Ansa`ri. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of al-Ba`qir and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on them. Apparently, he was an Ima`mi Shi'ite. He was unknown.

10. Ibra`him bin 'Umar
He was called al-San`ani al-Yamani. Al-Naja`shi said: "Ibra`him was a shaykh. He was among our companions. He was reliable. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them." Abu` al-'Abba`s and others mentioned that. He had a book. Hamma`d b. 'Isa` and others reported the book.
Ibn al-Ghada`'iri regarded Ibra`him as a weak narrator. However, our Professor said: "Ibra`him is reliable, for al-Naja`shi regarded him as reliable, and al-Qummi mentioned him in his chain of authorities.

11. Ibra`him bin Mohammed
He was called al-Madani. Al-Naja`shi said: "Ibra`him reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He devoted his life to them. For this reason, the non-Shi'a regard him as a weak narrator.
"Some of our companions narrated on the authority of the non-Shi'a: 'Al-Waqidi plagiarized the books of Ibra`him b. Mohammed b. Abu` Yahya.'1Ibn Hajar slandered him. It was reported on the authority of b. Abu` Maryam, who said: [I heard Yahya`` say:] "Ibra`him had three qualities: He was a liar. He was a fatalist. He was a Rafidite.
Al-Sha`fi'i regarded Ibra`him as a reliable narrator, and reported on his authority. He said: "Ibra`him was far above lying. He was reliable in tradition.
However, Ibra`him was reliable and truthful.

12. Ibra`him bin Marthed
He was called al-Azdi. He was given the kunya of Abu` Sufya`n. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an Ima`mi Shi'ite. He was unknown.

13. Ibra`him bin Ma'a`dh
He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. He reported on his authority the tradition of the agreement (ta'a`qid) among the people concerning these Words of Allah, the Exalted: "Surely (as for) those who return on their backs after that guidance has become manifest to them.

14. Ibra`him b. Ma'rad
He was called al-Ku`fi. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He reported on his authority and on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. Mansu`r b. Hazim and Husayn b. Mukhariq reported on the authority of Ibra`him.

15. Ibra`him b. Na'im
He was called al-Kina`ni. He was given the kunya of Abu` al-Saba`h. He was among the main companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him, said to him: "You are a balance!" So, Ibra`him said to him: "May I be a ransom for you, perhaps, the balance has a pan." He said: "You are a balance without a pan. Shaykh al-Mufid numbered him as one of the main jurists.

16. Abyad bin Aba`n
Yousif b. 'Abd al-Rahma`n mentioned him among those who narrated on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. We have not found his biography.

17. Ahmed bin 'A'idh bin Habib
He was called al-Ahmas al-Bajali. He was a reliable retainer. He was a vinegar monger. He had a book. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them.

18. Ahmed bin 'Umra`n
He was called al-Halabi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Wahid mentioned that Ahmed belonged to a house famous for piety and righteousness.

19. Isha`q bin 'Abd Allah
He was b. Abu` Talha al-Madani. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m 'Ali b. al-Husayn and of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on them.

20. Isha`q bin Bashir
He was called al-Nabba`l. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m Abu` Ja`dar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

21. Isha`q bin Jafar b. 'Ali.
He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.4 He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

22. Isha`q bin Nu`h
He was called al-Shami. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

23. Isha`q bin al-Fadl
b. Ya'qu`b b. al-Fadl b. 'Abd Allah b. al-Ha`rith b. Noufal b. al-Ha`rith b. 'Abd al-Muttalib. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them.

24. Isha`q bin Yasa`r
He was the retainer of Qays b. Makhzama (Makhrama). Shaykh al-Tu`si and al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite

25. Isha`q bin Yazid
He was called al-Ta`'i. He was given the kunya of Abu` Ya'qu`b. He was a retainer. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

26. Isha`q bin Wa`sil al-Dabbi.
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

27. Isha`q al-Qummi
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him

28. Isra`'il bin Ghayya`th al-Makki.
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

29. Isma`'il bin Zyya`d al-Bazzaz al-Ku`fi al-Asadi.
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He reported on his authority and on the authority of Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him.

30. Isma`'il bin Ja`bir al-Ju'fi.
Al-Naja`shi said: "Isma`'il b. Ja`bir al-Ju'fi reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. It was he who reported the tradition of al-Ada`n. He had a book. He reported about one hundred traditions on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them.
A large group of narrators reported on his authority. Among them were Abu` Ayyu`b, b. Sina`n, b. Miska`n, Aba`n b. 'Abd al-Ma`lik, Hurayz, al-Hasan b. 'Atiya, and the like.

31. Isma`'il bin 'Abd Allah
He was b. Jafar b. Abi Ta`lib al-Madani. He belonged to the next generation. He heard his father. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Sajja`d and of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on them. He was among those who reported on their authority.

32. Isma`'il bin 'Abd al-Rahma`n
He was called al-Ju'fi al-Ku`fi. He belonged to the next generation. He reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and of Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He was a jurist. Al-Naja`shi said:
"Isma`'il was one of our main companions. His father and his uncles, of whom Isma`'il was the most prominent, lived in a house in Ku`fa. They belonged to Ju'f. They were called the banu (sons of) Abu` Sibra.

33. Isma`'il bin Sulayma`n
He was called al-Azraq. He was given the kunya of Abu` Kha`lid.
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

34. Isma`'il al-Ka`tib
He was given the kunya of Abu` Ahmed. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. His son Ahmed reported on his authority.

35. Aslam bin Ayman
He was called al-Timimi, al-Manqari, al-Ku`fi. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

36. Aslam al-Qauwa`s
He was called al-Makki. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them.

37. Usayd bin al-Qa`sim
He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. Al-Toosi said: " Usayd bin al-Qa`sim was called al-Kina`ni al-Ku`fi.

38. Isma`'il bin 'Abd al-Kha`liq
Al-Naja`shi said: " Isma`'il b. 'Abd al-Kha`liq b. 'Abd Rabba b. Abu` Maymuna b. Yasa`r was the master of the banu (sons of) Asad. He was one of our main companions. He was among our jurists. He was among the house of the Shi'ites. His uncles (Shaha`b, 'Abd al-Rahim, and Wahab) and his father, 'Abd al-Kha`liq, were all reliable. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and of Abu`'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them.

39. Isma`'il bin 'Abd al-'Aziz
He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. He came to Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. The Ima`m, peace be on him, said to him: "Bring me water to perform wudu`." He brought him water and began talking himself into the Ima`m. So, the Ima`m looked at him and said to him: "O Isma`'il, do not glorify. Rather, regard us as created servants and say concerning us whatever you want.

40. Isma`'il bin 'Abd al-Rahma`n
He was b. Abu` Karima al-Saddi al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Isma`'il explained the Koran.

41. Isma`'il bin al-Fadl
He was b. Ya'qu`b b. al-Fadl b. 'Abd Allah b. al-Ha`rith b. Noufal b. al-Ha`rith. He was reliable. He was from Basrah. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

42. A'yun al-Razi
He was given the kunya of Abu` Ma'a`dh. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

43. Anas bin Taghlub
He was given the kunya of Abu` Sa'id. He was called al-Bakri al-Hariri. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

44. Anas bin 'Amru`
He was called al-Azdi. He was one of the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him.He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

45. Ayyu`b bin Bakr
He was b. Abu` 'Alla`jj al-Mousili. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

46. Ayyu`b bin Abu` Tamima
He was called Kaysa`n al-Sijista`ni al-'Anbari (al-'Anzi) (al-Ghanawi) al-Basri. He was given the Kunya of Abu` Bakr. He was the retainer of 'Amma`r b. Ya`sir, who was also a retainer. So, Ayyu`b was the retainer of a retainer. He shaved his hair once a year. When his hair become long , he parted it. He saw Anas b. Ma`lik. He died of plague in Basrah in the year 131 A.H. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

47. Ayyu`b bin Shaha`b
He was b. Zayd al-Barqi al-Azdi. He was their retainer from Ku`fa. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.6 He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

48. Ayyu`b Washika
He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

49. Badr bin al-Khalil
The people surnamed him al-Asadi. They gave him the kunya of Abu` al-Khalil. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them. Tha'laba b. Maymu`n reported on his authority.

50. Burd al-Iska`fi
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He reported on his authority and on the authority of Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He had a book.

51. Burd al-Khayya`t
He was from Ku`fa. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them. The traditionists said that he did not report from him.Apparently, he was an Ima`mi Shi'ite.

52. Barid al-Khayya`t
Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

53. Barid al-Kanasi
He reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar, peace be on him. Hisha`m b. Sa`lim reported on his auothority.

54. Barid bin Mu'a`wiya
Al-Naja`shi said: "Barid was b. Mu'a`wiya. The people gave him the kunya of Abu` al-Qa`sim. They called him al-Bajali. He was an Arab. He reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq) and Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) peace be on them. He died during the lifetime of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. He was one of our main companions. He was also a jurist. He occupied an important position with the Ima`ms." Ahmed b. Al-Husayn said: "I saw Barid's book. 'Ali b. 'Aqaba b. Kha`lid al-Asadi reported the book on his authority.
The Shi'ites have unanimously agreed on Barid's truthfulness and his knowledge of jurisprudence. Jamil b. Darra`jj reported. He said: [I heard Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him, say:] "The stakes of the earth and the signposts of the religion are four (persons). They are Mohammed b. Moslem, Barid b. Mu'a`wiya, Layth b. al-Bakhtari al-Mura`di, and Zara`ra b. A'yun." Da`u`wd b. Sarha`n reported. He said: [I heard Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him, say:] "I relate traditions to my companions. I prevent them from analogy. Then they leave me. They explain my traditions contrary to my explanations. I have ordered a group of them to talk.
Meanwhile I have prevented another group from talking. However, both groups explain my traditions according to their explanations. So, they disobey Allah, the Most High, and His Apostle. If my companions had listened and obeyed, I would have supplied them with knowledge as my father did. My father's companions were an ornament before and after their death.
I mean Zara`ra, Mohammed b. Moslem, Layth al-Mura`di, and Barid al-'Ajali. It is they who are just and truthful. Other narrations praised Barid. They showed his high position with the Ima`ms, peace be on them. Other narrations slandered him. However, our Professor contested the chain of the authorities of these narrations. He proved that some people had fabricated them.

55. Bassa`m bin 'Abd Allah
The people called him al-Sayrafi. He was the chief of the Asadis. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He had a book. Al-Mansu`r killed him, for he obeyed the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.

56. Bashsha`r al-Aslami
He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.3 He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

57. Bishro bin Jafar
The people surnamed him al-Ju'fi. They gave him the kunya of Abu` al-Walid. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Ahmed b. al-Ha`rith al-Anma`ti reported on his authority. He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

58. Bishr bin Khath'am
He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

59. Bishr bin Abi 'Aqaba
The people called him al-Mada'ini. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

60. Bishr bin 'Abd Allah
The people surnamed him al-Khath'ami al-Ku`fi. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

61. Bishr bin Maymu`n
The people called him al-Wa`bishi, al-Hamada`ni, al-Nabba`l, and al-Ku`fi. He was the brother of Shajara. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

62. Bishr bin Yasa`r
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

63. Bishr Bayya` al-Zatti
Shaykh al-Tu`si and al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

64. Bishr al-Rahha`l
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Barqi also numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. The people called al-Rahha`l (traveler), for he traveled fifty times to perform pilgrimages (to Mecca) and to make raids (against the atheists).

65. Bashir al-Ju'fi
The people gave him the kunya of Abu` al-Mustanir. They called him al-Azraq. He sold food. He was among the companions of Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

66. Bashir Abu` 'Abd al-Samed
He was b. Bishr al-Ku`fi. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. 'Ali b. al-Hasan b. Fadda`l mentioned him among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

67. Bashir bin Sulayma`n
The people called him al-Madani. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

68. Bakr bin Habib
The people surnamed him al-Ahmasi, al-Bajali, al-Ku`fi. They gave him the kunya of Abu` Maryam.6 He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them.

69. Bakr bin Kha`lid
He was from Ku`fa. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them.
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70. Bakr bin Sa`lih
He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

71. Bakr bin Karb
He was called al-Sayrafi. He was one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Shaykh al-Tu`si mentioned him with his reporters. He also numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him.

72. Bakkrawayh al-Kindi
He was called al-Ku`fi. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir. Aba`n b. 'Uthma`n reported on the authority Bakkrawayh al-Kindi. Shaykh al-Tu`si mentioned him with the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.. He also numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

73. Bukayr bin A'yun
He was b. (son of) Sansan al-Shayba`ni al-Ku`fi. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, and of Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He was given the kunya of Abu` 'Abd Allah. He was also called Abu` al-Jahm. He had six sons. They were 'Abd Allah, al-Jahm, 'Abd al-Hamid, 'Abd al-A'la`, 'Umar, Zayd. He was among the main reliable Shi'ites. When he died, Abu` 'Abd Allah al-Sa`diq, peace be on him said: "Allah has made him live between Allah's Apostle and the Commander of the faithful.

74. Bukayr bin Jundub
He was from Ku`fa. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir1 Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

75. Bukayr bin Habib
He was from Ku`fa. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, and of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

76. Tamim bin Zyya`d
He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

77. Tha`bit bin Abi Tha`bit
His real name is 'Abd Allah al-Bajali al-Ku`fi. He was given the kunya of Abu` Sa'id. He was a retainer. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, and of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir.

78. Tha`bit bin Dina`r
He was given the kunya of Abu` Hamza al-Thuma`li. He was pious and righteous. He met Ima`m 'Ali b. al-Husayn, Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them.
Al-Naja`shi said: "He was the best of our companions and the most reliable of them in narration and tradition." It was reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him, who said: "Abu` Hamza at his time is like Salma`n at his time. His supplication was accepted. His sons died martyrs with the great revolutionist, Zayd b. 'Ali, peace be on him. He died in the year 150 A.H. 3 As for his books, they are as follows:
1. Kita`b fi Tafsir al-Qur`an al-Karim.
(A Book on the Explanation of the Holy Koran).
2. Kita`b al-Nawa`dir.
(A Book on the rare things).
3. Kita`b al-Zuhd.
(A Book on Asceticism).

79. Tha`bit b. Za`'ida
He was called al-'Akkli. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on them.

80. Tha`bit bin Hurmuz
Al-Naja`shi said: "Abu` al-Muqda`m, Tha`bit b. Hurmuz al-Fa`risi al-Ku`fi al-Hadda`d reported a copy on the authority of 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him. His son 'Umar b. Tha`bit reported the copy on his authority. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He reported the virtue of the visitation of Ima`m al-Husayn, peace be on him, on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.
Tha`bit Said to Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him: "The non-Shi'a ('a`mma) say that the pledge of allegiance to Abu` Bakr pleased Allah, the Glorified, when the people assembled, and that Allah would not divide the community of Mohammed, may Allah bless him and his family, after him."
So, al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, said: "Do they not recite Allah's Book? Does Allah not say: 'And Mohammed is no more than an Apostle. The apostles have already passed away before him. If then he dies or is killed, will you turn back upon your heels? And whoever turns back upon his heels, he will by no means do harm to Allah in the least. And Allah will reward the grateful.'?"
Tha`bit said: "They explain the verse in another way." So, al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, said: "Has Allah not told them about the past communities, who disagreed with each other after the clear proofs had come to them? In this connection He said: 'We gave clear Miracles to Jesus, son of Mary. And We strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if Allah had pleased, those after them would not have fought one with another after clear arguments had come to them. However, they disagreed. So, there were some of them who believed and others who denied. And if Allah had pleased they would not have fought with one another. However, Allah brings about what He intends.'"
This is evidence for that the Companions of Mohammed disagreed after him.
Tha`bit reported on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), on the authority of his grandfathers, peace be on them, on the authority of Allah's Apostle, may Allah less him and his family, who said:
"The stars of the sky are safety for the people of the sky. If the stars of the sky went away, abominable events would come to the people of the sky. The members of my family are safety for the people of the earth. If the members of my family went away, abominable events would come to the people of the earth. Some people said that Tha`bit was a Zaydi. However, they have not supplied proof of that

81. Thuwayr bin Abi Fa`khta
Al-Naja`shi said: "Thuwayr bin Abi Fa`khta was called Abu` al-Jahm al-Ku`fi. The real name of Abi Fa`khta was Sa'id b. 'Illa`qa. He reported on the authority of his father. He was the retainer of Umm Ha`ni, daughter of Abu` Ta`lib.Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him, and of Ima`m Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.
Thuwayr reported the following: "I went out to perform the pilgrimage (to Mecca). 'Amru` b. Dharr al-Qadi (the judge), b. Qays al-Ma`sir, al-Salt b. Bahra`m accompanied me. They said that they wrote four thousand problems to ask Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on them. That made me sad. When we entered Medina, we separated. I went to Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him and said to him:
'May I be ransom for you, b. Dharr, b. Qays al-Ma`sir, and al-Salt accompanied me. I heard them say: 'We have written four thousand problems. We will ask Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) about them.' I became sad. So, Abu` Jafar said: 'What made you sad? When they come to me, let them enter.' On the following day, a retainer of Abu` Jafar, peace be on him, came in and said:
'May I be ransom for you, b. Dharr a long with a group of people are at the door.' So, Abu` Jafar said to me: ' Abu` Jafar said to me: 'Thuwayr, go and ask them to come.' So, I went and asked them to come. When they entered, they greeted the Ima`m and sat down. They were silent for a long time. So, Abu` Jafar spoke first to them. Still, they were silent. When Abu` Jafar knew that, he said to his slave-girl called Jariya: 'Bring the food-cloth.' She brought it and spread it over. Then Abu` Jafar said: 'Praise belongs to Allah, Who has set precepts for all things. For example, this food-cloth has precepts.' So, b. Dharr asked Abu` Jafar: "What are its precepts?"
"When it is put, Allah should be mentioned. When it is raised, Allah should be thanked," replied Abu` Jafar.
Then the Ima`m asked them to have the food. Then he ordered his slave-girl to bring him water. She brought him a jug of water. So, he said: "Praise belongs to Allah, Who has set precepts for all things. For example, this jug has precepts.
"What are its precepts?" asked b. Dharr.
"One should mention Allah's name before drinking. He should thank Allah after drinking. He should not drink out of its handle, nor should he drink out of a hole in it," replied the Ima`m.
When they had finished eating their food, the Ima`m, peace be on him, asked them about the traditions. However, they were silent. So, the Ima`m asked b. Dharr: "Do you not tell us about some of our traditions?"
Bin Dharr replied: "Yes, son of Allah's Apostle, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said: 'I leave behind me among you two things, if you cleave to them, you will never go astray-that is the Book of Allah and my offspring from my family.'
"Bin Dharr, you will meet Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family. He will ask about his family. What will you say to him?" asked Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him.
So, b. Dharr wept, and then he said: "As for the Book of Allah, we tore it. As for the members of the Prophet's family, we killed them.
Abu` Jafar said: "Bin Dharr, with that you will tell him the truth. On the Day of Judgment, you will be asked: Where had you finished your lifetime? From where had you earned your money? On what had you spent it? Had you loved the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt)?
Then they left the house of the Ima`m, peace be on him. The Ima`m ordered his retainer to follow them to hear their words. The retainer returned and said to the Ima`m: [I heard them say to b. Dharr:]
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"Why did we come with you?" Then b. Dharr answered them: "Woe unto you! Keep silent. I did not think that Allah would ask about al-Ba`qir's authority. I was unable to ask him, for he knows the religious rules of the food-cloth and of the jug."

82. Ja`bir bin 'Abd Allah
He was the son of 'Amru` b. Huzam al-Ansa`ri al-Khazraji. He was a prominent companion of al-Ba`qir. He was among the excellent Moslems. He devoted his life to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He was the last survival Companion of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. Abu` al-Zubayr al-Makki reported on his authority.
He said: "I asked Ja`bir b. 'Abd Allah about 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib. So, he raised his eye brows from his eyes, and then he said: 'He was the best of all mankind. By Allah, during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle, we knew the hypocrites through their detest towards him.
Ja`bir loved the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, very much. So, he leant on his rod and walked through the streets of Medina. He said: "'Ali is the best of all mankind. Whoever denies that is unbeliever. O People of Ansa`r, educate your children to love 'Ali."
Ja`bir was very obedient to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. So, Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, reported on the authority of his grandfathers. He said: "Allah revealed this verse: 'Say I demand not, of you any reward for it (the toils of preaching) except the love of my relations.'
Then Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family rose and said: 'A right for me has been imposed on you. Will you pay it to me?' No one answered him, so he went away. On the following day, he stood up and asked the same question. No one answered him, so he left them and went away. On the third day, he also asked the same question. Then he explained: 'The right is not gold nor silver nor food nor a drink.'
'Therefore, say it,' they demanded. 'Allah has revealed these Words of His: 'Say I demand not, of you any reward for it (the toils of preaching) except the love of my relations.' 'This is the best right,' they said" Then Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him, said: "By Allah, no one was loyal to this right except seven persons. They are Salma`n, Abu` Dharr, 'Amma`r, al-Muqdad b. al-Aswad, Ja`bir b. 'Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri, the retainer of Allah's Apostle (may Allah bless him and his family), and Zayd b. Arqam.
Ja`bir took part in eighteen campaigns headed by the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. He took part in the Battle of Siffin headed by the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him. It was he who recited the greetings of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, to Ima`m al-Baqir.
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, asked Allah twenty-five times to forgive Ja`bir. Ja`bir held a seminar of knowledge in the mosque.He died at the age of ninty-four.

83. Ja`bir bin Yazid
He was called al-Ju'fi. He was among the main religious scholars. He was among the greatest jurists of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He came to Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. He learnt many sciences from him, so he became among the foremost Moslem religious scholars. When he reported anything on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, he said:
"The trustee of the trustees (of the Apostle) and the heir of the knowledge of the prophets, Mohammed b. 'Ali (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, told me."Ibn Shahra`shu`b numbered him as a door to the sciences and secrets of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him.
It was reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, who said: "He was called Ja`bir because he helped (jabar) the believers with his knowledge. He is an inexhaustible sea. He is the door (to knowledge) at his time. He is the proof over the creatures. Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, is among Allah's proof."
It was said that four persons encompassed the knowledge of Ima`ms, peace be on them. They were Salma`n al-Fa`risi, Ja`bir b. Yazid, Sayyid al-Himyari, and Younis b. 'Abd al-Rahma`n.

His Reliability
Shu'ba regarded him as reliable. He said:" Ja`bir said: 'He (the Ima`m) related to us or I heard (from him). So, he was among the most reliable people.'" Zuhayr b. Mu'a`wiya said: "He (Ja`bir) was among the most truthful people.
Waki' said : "Ja`bir was reliable. Sufya`n al-Thawri said to Shu'ba: "If you talk about Ja`bir, we will not talk with you about him.3" Sufya`n said: "Ja`bir al-Ju'fi is the most pious person in the tradition.

His Books
Ja`bir wrote a group of books. The following is some of them:
1. Tafsir al-Qur`an al-Karim. (The Interpretation of the Holy Koran).
2. Kita`b al-Nawa`dir. (The Book of Rare Things).
3. Kita`b al-Jamal. (The Book of the Camel).
4. Kita`b Siffin. (The Book of Siffin).
5. Kita`b al-Naharwa`n. (The Book of al-Naharwa`n).
6. Kita`b Maqtal al-Ima`m Amir al-Mu'minin, peace be on him.
(The Book of the Murder of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him.
7. Kita`b Maqtal al-Husayn, peace be on him.
(The Book of the Murder of al-Husayn, peace be on him.
8. Risa`lat al-Ima`m Abu` Jafar ila` Ahl al-Basrah
(The Message of Ima`m Abu` Jafar to the People of Basrah).
These are some of his books. He learned most of them from Ima`m Abu` Jafar, peace be on him. Unfortunately, we have found none of them in the public libraries in our country.

His Narration on the Authority of Abu` Jafar
Ja`bir reported many narrations on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He Reported seventy thousand traditions on his authority.These traditions show the close relationship between him and the Ima`m. They show that he devoted his life to him.

His Mental Disorder
Hisha`m b. 'Abd al-Ma`lik ordered his Governor over Ku`fa to send him Ja`bir. Ima`m Abu` Jafar, peace be on him, ordered Ja`bir to pretend insanity. So, Ja`bir went out wearing a cane container. Thus, the people said: "Ja`bir has become crazy." The Governor asked the people about Ja`bir. They testified that he had become crazy. The Governor informed Hisha`m of that. So, Hisha`m did not mistreat him. Then Ja`bir refrain from the precautionary insanity.

His Death
Ja`bir died in the year 167 A. H.

84. Al-Ja`ru`d bin al-Sari
He was called al-Timimi al-Sa`di al-Hamma`ni al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him.

85. Al-Ja`ru`d bin al-Mundhir
He was called al-Kindi al-Nakhkha`s. He was from Ku`fa. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. Al-Naja`shi said: "Al-Ja`ru`d bin al-Mundhir, Abu` al-Mundhir al-Kindi al-Nakhkha`s, reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq). He was very reliable." Abu` al-'Abba`s has mentioned him with his narrators. He has a book.

86. Al-Jarra`h al-Mada`'ini
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. Al-Naja`shi said: "Al-Jarra`h al-Mada`'ini reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq). He has a book.

87. Jafar al-Ahmasi
He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

88. Jafar b. Ibra`him
He was called al-Ju'fi al-Ja`fari. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.He was an unknown Ima`m Shi'ite.

89. Jafar b. Ibra`him
He was called al-Hadrami. Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him.
90. Jafar bin al-Hakim
He was b. (son of) Abbad al-Ku`fi. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

91. Jafar bin 'Amru
He was b. (son of) Tha`bit, Abu` al-Muqda`m, b. Hurmuz. He was called al-Hadda`d al-'Ajali al-Ku`fi. He was their retainer. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`m Shi'ite.

92. Ju'da
He was b. Abi 'Abd Allah. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

93. Al-Hasan bin Abi Sa`rra
He was called al-Nili al-Ansa`ri al-Qarzi. He was the retainer of Mohammed b. Ka'b. He was the cousin of Ma'a`dh al-Harra'. He had a son called Abu` Jafar al-Radda`si al-Nahwi. Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on them. Al-Naja`shi regarded him as reliable in the biography of his son.

94. Al-Hasan bin Hubaysh
He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. Abu` Zayd al-Sahha`m reported. He said: "I was with Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. Al-Hasan bin Hubaysh passed (by us). So, Abu` 'Abd Allah said to me: 'Do you love that (person)? He is one of my father companions.

95. Al-Hasan bin al-Hasan
He was the son of al-Hasan b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, peace be on him. He was called al-Madani al-Ta`bi'i. He was the full brother of 'Abd Allah and Ibra`him, sons of al-Hasan. Their mother was Fa`tima, daughter of al-Husayn. He died before his brother 'Abd Allah. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

96. Al-Hasan bin Zyya`d
He was called al-Saqil. He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. Al-Sadu`q said: "He was from Ku`fa. He was a retainer. He was given the kunya of Abu` al-Walid. Younis b. 'Abd al-Rahma`n reported on his authority.

97. Al-Hasan bin al-Sari
He was called al-Ka`tib al-Karkhi. He and his brother reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. He has a book. Al-Hasan b. Mahbu`b reported the book on his authority. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

98. Al-Hasan bin Shaha`b
He was the son of Yazid al-Ba`riqi al-Azdi al-Ku`fi. He reported on the authority of al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, and of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him.

99. Al-Hasan bin Sa`lih.
He was the son of Hay al-Hamada`ni al-Thawri al-Ku`fi. He is the owner of the essay. He was Zaydi. The Sa`lihiya is ascribed to him. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Kashi mentioned him when he mentioned the Bashiri sect, namely after the biography of Abu` al-Dabbar.
It was reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, who said: "If the Bashiriya were a row between the east and west, Allah would not strengthen His religion with them." Al-Kashi said: "The Bashiriya were the companions of Kathir al-Nawa, al-Hasan b. Sa`lih b. Hay, Sa`lim b. Abi Hafsa, al-Hakam b. 'Ayniya, Salama b. Kuhayl, and Abu` al-Muqda`m Tha`bit al-Hadda`d. It was they who summoned the people to support the succession of 'Ali, peace be on him.
Then they mixed 'Ali's succession with the succession of Abu` Bakr and of 'Umar. They supplied proof of their succession. They detested 'Uthma`n, Talha, al-Zubayr, and 'A'isha. They believed in supporting the sons of 'Ali, peace be on him. They regarded that as enjoining good and forbidding evil. They supplied proof of the Ima`mate of the sons of 'Ali, peace be on him, when they revolted against the rulers.

100. Al-Hasan bin 'Ali
He was called al-Ahmedi al-Ku`fi. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on them. Unbusa b. 'Amru` reported on the authority of al-Hasan b. 'Ali.

101. Al-Hasan bin 'Amma`r
He was called al-Dahha`n. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and among Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq). Mohammed b. 'Abd al-Rahma`n b. Hamma`d reported on the authority of Al-Hasan bin 'Amma`r.

102. Al-Hasan bin 'Amma`rah
He was from Ku`fa. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al- Sajja`d, peace be on him.

103. Al-Hasan b. Kuthayr
He was called al-Bajali al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Mufid reported on the authority of al-Hasan b. Kuthayr, who said: "I complained to Abu` Jafar, peace be on him, of (my) need and the uselessness of brothers." "Shame on the brother who looks after you when you are rich and separates from you when you are poor." Then he ordered his servant-boy to take out a porch in which were seven hundred dirhams. "Spend this," he told me, "and when you have used it, tell me.

104. Al-Hasan bin al-Mundhir.
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him and his brother al-Hasan as two of the companions of Ima`m al- Ba`qir, peace be on him. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

105. Al-Hasan bin Yousif
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of
Ima`m al- Ba`qir, peace be on him. Apparently, he was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

106. Al-Hasan al-Ju'fi
He was from Ku`fa. He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

107. Al-Hasan al-Zayya`t
He was called al-Basri. He reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. 'Abd Allah b. Miska`n reported on his authority. Our master, professor al-Khu`'i mentioned the narrations al-Hasan reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

108. Al-Husayn bin al-Abtar
He was from Ku`fa. He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. 4He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

109. Al-Husayn bin Abu` al-Ala`'
He was called al-Khaffa`f al-Zinji. He was given the kunya of Abu` 'Ali al-A'war. He was among the companions of Ima`m Abu` Jafar al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and was among the companions of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He has books. One of them is numbered among the books of the fundamentals (usu`l). He reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah al-Sa`diq. Safwa`n b. Yahya reported on his authority.

110. Al-Husayn bin Thuwayr
Al-Naja`shi said: "Al-Husayn bin Thuwayr b. Abu` Fa`khta, Sa'id b. Hamra`n, was the retainer of Umm Ha`ni, daughter of Abu` Ta`lib. He reported on the authority of Abu` Jafar and of Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on them. He was reliable. Abu` al-'Abba`s and others mentioned him. He has a book on rare things.

111. Al-Husayn bin Hamma`d
Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Naja`shi said: "Al-Husayn b. Hamma`d b. Maymu`n al-'Abdi was their retainer. He was from Ku`fa. He has a book. Da`wu`d b. al-Husayn and Ibra`him b. Muhzim reported the book.

112. Al-Husayn bin 'Abd Allah
He was called al-Ra`ja`ni. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on him. Al-Haythem b. Ra`qid reported on his authority.

113. Al-Husayn bin 'Ubayd Allah
He was the son of 'Ubayd Allah b. al-'Abba`s b. 'Abd al-Mutalib. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was from Medina. He belonged to the next generation. Qays b. al-Rabi' reported on his authority.

114. Al-Husayn bin Mus'ab
He was called al-Hamada`ni al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He has a book. He was an Ima`mi Shi'ite.

115. Al-Husayn bin al-Mundhir
He was the son of Abu` Tarifa. He was the cousin of Mohammed b. 'Ali b. al-Nu'ma`n (M'min al-Ta`q). In the biography of Mohammed b. 'Ali b. al-Nu'ma`n, al-Naja`shi said: "Al-Husayn bin al-Mundhir reported on the authority of 'Ali b. al-Husayn , Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), and Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them.
Al-Husayn bin al-Mundhir reported. He said: "I was with Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. Mu'tib said to me: 'Relieve Abu` 'Abd Allah.' So, he (Abu` 'Abd Allah) said : 'Leave him. He is among the children of the Shi'ites.

116. Safi al-A'war
He was from Ku`fa. He reported on the authority of al-Ba`qir and Ima`m Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on them. He was among the companions Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

117. Hafs bin Ghayya`th
He was called al-Nakha'i al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Naja`shi said: "Hafs bin Ghayya`th b. Talaq al-Ku`fi reported on the authority of Abu` 'Abd Allah, Jafar b. Mohammed (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. Ha`ru`n appointed him judge over the eastern part of Baghdad. Then he appointed him judge over Ku`t. He (Hafs bin Ghayya`th) died in Ku`t, in the year 164 A. H. He has a book.
A group of our companions told us on the authority of Ahmed b. Mohammed b. Sa'id, who said: 'I heard 'Abd Allah b. Usama al-Kalbi say: 'I heard 'Umar b. Hafs b. Ghayya`th say: 'My father has a book.' Then he mentioned the book of his father on the authority of Jafar b. Mohammed (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him. The book has about one hundred and seventy traditions.

118. Al-Hakam bin al-Salt
He was called al-Thaqafi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Barqi called him al-Madani. He also numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

119. Al-Hakam bin Abi Na'im.
Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He (al-Hakam) reported on the authority of al-Ba`qir.

120. Al-Hakam bin 'Abd al-Rahma`n
He was the son of Abu` Na'im al-Bajali. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him.

121. Al-Hakam bin 'Utayba
He was called Abu` Mohammed al-Kindi al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. The Shaykh added that he (al-Hakam) belonged to the Batariya. Abu` Maryam al-Ansari reported on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, who said:
"Say to Salama b. Kuhayl and al-Hakam 'Utayba that they will find no authentic knowledge in the East or in the West except the knowledge of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Abu` Basir reported. He said: "I asked Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him: Is the witness of an illegitimate child permitted?" "No," he, peace be on, replied. I (Abu` Basir) said: "Al-Hakam bin 'Utayba says that it is permitted."
"O Allah, do not forgive him his sins," al-Ba`qir prayed. Allah said: "It is remembrance for you and your people," al-Ba`qir added. Let al-Hakam go to the right and to the left. By Allah, such knowledge is not found except with the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Gabriel came down to them.
Abu` Basir reported. He said: "I heard Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) say: 'Al-Hakam bin 'Utayba, Salama, Kathir al-Nawa`, Abu` al-Muqda`m, and al-Tamma`r (Sa`lim) have gone a stray. They are among those about whom Allah, the Great and Almighty, said: And some of the people say: We have believed in Allah and the hereafter. And they are not believers.
Zara`ra reported. He said: "When I was a young man, I went to Medina. I entered the large tent of Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him. I saw some people sitting in the tent. There was no one in front of the assembly. I saw a man sitting on the side. The man was treating himself by cupping. I was sure that the man was Abu` Jafar. So, I walked towards him. I greeted him. He returned the greetings. I sat in front of him. The cupper was behind him.
Then he asked me: "Are you from the sons of A'yun?" "Yes, I am Zara`ra b. A'yun," I replied. "I have recognized you with resemblance," he said. "Has Hamra`n performed the pilgrimage (to Mecca)?" he asked. "No, he sends you his greetings," I replied. "He is among the true believers. He will never retreat (from the Ima`mte). When you see him, send him my greetings. Say to him: Why have you related to al-Hakam bin 'Utayba.? The trustees (of the Apostle) are traditionists. Do not tell him and those the same as him about such a tradition." he said.
This account shows that there was no relationship between al-Hakam bin 'Utayba and the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Rather, it shows that he deviated from them. Ibn Hajar regarded him as reliable. He lauded him, and mentioned many words in praise of him.

His Death
Al-Hakam bin 'Utayba died in the year 113 A. H. It was said that he died in the year 115 A. H.

122. Al-Hakam bin 'Alya`
He was called al-Asadi. He was the Governor over Bahrain. He earned a lot of money. He sent its one-fifth to Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. The Ima`m accepted that.

123. Al-Hakam bin al-Qattat
He was from Ku`fa. Ibn Da`u`wd numbered him among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir and al-Sa`diq. Al-Naja`shi said: "He was reliable. His traditions were few. He has a book.

124. Al-Hakam bin al-Mukhta`r
He was the son of Abu` 'Ubayd al-Thaqafi. He was given the kunya of Abu` Mohammed. He was reliable. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him.

125. Hakim bin Hakam
He was the son of 'Abba`d b. Hunayf al-Ansa`ri. He reported on the authority of the pure Ima`ms: 'Ali b. al-Husayn, al-Ba`qir, and al-Sa`diq, peace be on them.

126. Hakim bin Suhayb
He was called al-Ku`fi al-Sayrafi. He was the master of the Banu (sons of) Dabba. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him, and of al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

127. Hakim bin Mu'a`wiya
He was called al-Numayri. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.He was an unknown Ima`m Shi'ite.

128. Hamma`d bin Abi Sulayma`n
He was called al-Ash'ari al-Ku`fi. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`m Shi'ite.

129. Hamma`d bin Abi al-'Ata`rid
He was from Tay. He was called al-Ku`fi. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on him.

130. Hamma`d bin Bashir
He was called al-Tanafisi al-Ku`fi. He reported on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him.

131. Hamma`d bin Rashid
He was called al-Azdi al-Bazza`z. He was given the kunya of Abu` al-'Ala`' al-Ku`fi. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He died in the year 159 A. H.

132. Hamma`d bin al-Mughira
He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`mi Shi'ite.

133. Hamra`n bin A'yun
He was called al-Shayba`ni. He was given the kunya of Abu` al-Hasan. It was said that he was given the kunya of Abu` Hamza. He belonged to the next generation. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. He was among the main religious scholars, and among the outstanding narrators. He was among those who knew the truth, and among those who declared the religion of Allah. We will mention some of his affairs:

His Scientific Rank.
Hamra`n was among the main religious scholars, who conveyed the message of Islam, and knew it in detail. He learned his sciences from the Ima`ms of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He studied under Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Then he studied under Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He learned many of his sciences. Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, supplied proof of his wide knowledge and outstanding merits.
The narrators said that a Syrian came to Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, to test him. The Ima`m, peace be on him, asked the Syrian:
What is your need?"
I have heard that you have knowledge of all questions," replied the Syrian.
The Ima`m smiled at him, and then he said to him:
In what?" asked the Ima`m.
In the Koran," replied the Syrian.
The Ima`m turned to Hamra`n and said to him:
Take the man.
The Syrian became angry and said: "I want to (question) you, not Hamra`n.
The Ima`m smiled at him and said:
If you overcame Hamra`n, then you would overcome me.
The Syrian began questioning Hamra`n, who answered all his questions. Then the Ima`m asked the Syrian: "What is your opinion of Hamra`n?
He is skillful. He has answered all my questions.
This initiative of Hamra`n shows his wide knowledge and sciences. Abu` Gha`lib al-Razi said: "Hamra`n was among the greatest Shi'ite scholars. He was among those who memorized the Koran by heart. Moreover, he was an excellent grammarian and linguist.

His Rank with the Ima`ms
Hamra`n had an honorable rank with the Ima`ms of guidance, peace be on them. Many traditions were reported on their authority. In the traditions they praised and lauded him. The following are some of these traditions:
Bukayr b. A'yun reported he said: "I went to make the pilgrimage (to Mecca) for the first time I arrived at Mina. There I asked (the people) about the tent of Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq). I entered the tent. I found some people in it. I looked at their faces, but did not find him among them. He was on the side in the tent. He was treating himself by cupping. He said: 'Come to me.' Then he said: 'O Young man, are you from the children of A'yun?' I said: 'Yes, may Allah make me ransom for you.'
He said: 'Who are you?' I said: 'I am Bukayr b. A'yun.' He said to me: 'What Hamra`n has done?' I said: 'He will not perform the hajj this year. He is longing for you. He sends you his greetings.' He returned the greetings, and then he said: 'Hamra`n is a believer. He is among the people of the garden. By Allah, he has no doubt about (the Ima`mate).
2. Zayd al-Shahha`m reported. He said: [Abu` 'Abd Allah (al-Sa`diq), peace be on him, said to me:] "No one has put my words into effect, obeyed my orders, and followed my example except two men, may Allah have mercy on them. They are 'Abd Allah b. Abi Ya`foor, and Hamra`n b. A'yun. They are two sincere believers from our Shi'ites. Their names are with us in the book of the people of the right hand (ashab al-yemeen), which Allah gave to Mohammed, may Allah bless him and his family.
3. Abu` Kha`lid al-Akhras reported on the authority of Hamra`n, who said: [I said to Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him:] "May I be your ransom, I have sworn that I will not leave Medina till I know what I am." He , peace be on him, said: "O Hamra`n, what do you want?" I (Hamra`n) said: "I want you to tell me what I am." He, peace be on him, said: "You are our follower (shi'ite) in here and hereafter.
Al-Kashi reported another group of traditions that show the high rank of Hamra`n with the Ima`ms of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.

His intense Obedience to the Ima`ms.
Hamra`n was very obedient to the Ima`ms. He loved them from the bottom of his heart. The narrators said: "When Hamra`n sat with his companions, he mentioned the outstanding merits of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. When his companions wanted to mix the outstanding merits of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, with other than them, he left them and went away. Indeed, this is the maximum degree of obedience and love for the Ima`m.

134. Hamza bin Hamra`n
He was the son of Hamza b. Hamra`n b. A'yun al-Shayba`ni al-Ku`fi. Shaykh al-Tu`si numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. Al-Barqi numbered him as one of the companions of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. Al-Kashi said: "Hamra`n has a book.

135. Hamza bin 'Ata`'
He was from Ku`fa. He was among the companions of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and of the companions of Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him. He was an unknown Ima`m Shi'ite.

136. Hamza bin 'Amma`ra
He was called al-Barbari al-Yazidi. Al-Kashi reported on the authority of Barid b. Mu'a`wiya al-'Ajali, who said: [Hamza b. Amara al-Yazidi, may Allah curse him, said to his companions:] "Abu` Jafar comes to me every night" One day, I (Barid) met Abu` Jafar,

 

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