Mother of Awaiting - Part 2
Alchemy of Courtesy :
Boshr ibn Sulayman, says on the arrival of the Roman Princess to Samarra (a city in Iraq), Imam Ali al-Naqi (AS) said to her:
"How Merciful God unveiled the myth of Islam against Christianity to you?
And how did He reveal the nobleness and superiority of Muhammad (SAW) and his Household to you?"
The courteous Princess said modestly:
"How could I explain to you, son of the Messenger of God something which you are far more aware of it than I am"!
Politeness indicates the eminence of a perfect human being.
Courtesy in character and behavior are manifested and displayed in the manner and speech of man. In the Holy Qur'an, God has practised politeness.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) has introduced himself by a beautiful sentence as "Divine chastised".
All distinguished people are known by this meritorious quality.
Hakima daughter of Imam Jawad (AS) said: "One day I went to visit Narjis (SA) [after her marriage to Imam Askari (AS)], she humbly asked my permission, and tried to help me in taking my shoes off.
I told her that she was my Lady and it was my duty to be at her service most willingly."
This clearly manifests the height of refinement and politeness of pure lady of Rome towards the daughter of Imamate and Vilayat.
In another narration, Hakima Khatun (Lady) said:
"At the eve of the birth of Hazrat Hujjat (the 12th Imam of the Shi'a Muslims), and on the request of Imam Hassan Askari (AS) I stayed with them.
In absence of any visible impression of pregnancy and imminent birth, I became agitated but the Imam (AS) with his remarks calmed me down, so I returned to the side of Narjis (SA). She asked me: `O my lady! How are you tonight?' I replied that she was the one who was my lady and Khatun of our household."
By using the term "My Lady" Narjis paid her respect and declared her devotion to the Household of the Holy Prophet (SAW).
An Apostle of Insight and Perspicacity :
Enlightened and Vigilant women, when faced with a variety of choices, always select nothing but the best. They are never deceived by delusive appearance.
Narjis (SA), the Lady of Honor, was at the audience of Imam Hadi (AS), when she said to her :
"I wish to honor you, and give you a present.
Please tell me which of the two suits you best: 10,000 dirhams or glad tidings to eternal honor and glory?"
Lady Narjis (SA), the Roman Princess who was brought up in comfort and luxury of castle of Kaiser (Caesar), had such insight and vision that would never even comprehend the thought of worldly riches against eternal spiritual riches.
So, she emphasized her preference of `Eternal Honor and Glory' and not money!
Imam Hadi (AS) replied:
"Glad tidings to you with news of a child, whose vast governorship would embrace East and West of the world, and who would fill the world with justice and equity."
This is how the vessel of existence of Narjis found its just capability and merit to host Hazrat Vali-e-Asr (AS).
Hence the most beautiful birth of existence took place.
With little deliberation on the political circumstances of Samarra on time of Imam Hassan Askari (AS), we perceive that Narjis was fully aware of the time and with clear perception distanced herself from watchful eyes of spies.
Thus, protecting the life of the Last executor of the will of the Prophet (SAW). Political circumstances of the time were so oppressive that they demanded the secrecy of the marriage.
So it was commenced in the house of Hakima Khatun.
Weary of reaction of an enemy, who would stop at nothing in eliminating the possible birth of Imam-e Zaman (AS) - the Twelfth Imam of Shi'a Muslims.
Even after the birth of the blessed child, she prudently observed the ever-present agents of Abbasides in the House of Al-e Muhammad (SAW).
Living under such circumstances, needed a strong spiritual awareness and spiritual support in addition to a deep-rooted insight.
Another evidence of her insight and vision could be seen in her reply to Boshr ibn Sulaiman, who was the son of Abu Ayub Ansari and a confident of Imam Hadi (AS).
He is quoted as saying that: when I saw her kissing the letter of the Twelfth Imam (AS) and laying it upon her eyes, I told her:
"How strange that you kiss and honor the letter of someone you don't know?" She replied:
"You are ignorant of the status of the Household of the Prophet (SAW), hear me and let your heart follow me. I'm Melekeh, the daughter of Joshua who was the son of Ceasar and ...."
Recognition and true insight concerning the Prophet (SAW) and his Household is a precious gift that is not bestowed upon everyone.
She was blessed with such insight, vision and perception that comprehending the importance and magnificence of Imamate and Vilayat of the Ahlul-Bait (AS) was the reality in making which didn't need any proof, thus in her supplication we read:
"I testimony that you passed away while you were satisfied with Allah.
Nectar of Forbearance :
The writings of Muslim and non-Muslim historians indicate the turbulent and troubled political and cultural circumstances of the time, which made patience essential for living under these circumstances.
Bearing in mind the timing of the birth of Imam-e Zaman (AS) in the year 255 Al-Hejira and the martyrdom of the 10th Imam (AS) in Rajab of the year 254 Al-Hejira, as well as increased pressure of Abbasid caliphs on Ahlul-Bait (AS) will throw some light on the harsh conditions of life in Samarra at the time.
According to numerous narrations, marriage of Imam Hassan Askari (AS) and Narjis Khatun (SA) took place in the lifetime of Imam Hadi (AS).
So, Imam-e Zaman (AS) was born during the Imamate of Imam Hassan Askari (AS).
Therefore, it could be anticipated that at least one and half years after the marriage the household of Imam (AS) were under enormous pressure by the ruling government.
In order to prevent the appearance of the Last Executor of the will of the Prophet (SAW), the Imam (AS) spent a great part of his short-lived marriage in prison and responsibility of upbringing and safeguarding of their son laid solely on the shoulders of this patient lady.
Historians reported that it was certain that from the year 255 till 256 in time of Mohtadi, Abbasid caliph of the time, Imam Hassan Askari (AS) spent some time in prison which was located in Jousaq and again in the year 259 Hejira before Dhu al Hejja, Imam Hassan Askari (AS) was imprisoned. 18
Considering that Imam Hassan Askari (AS) was martyred on the 8th Rabi' al-Awwal, 160 Al-Hejira which is four month after his last imprisonment, it is apparent that for the greater part of his marriage, he was imprisoned.
So, it consequently put a great deal of pressure on Narjis Khatun (SA), especially with political situation prevailing then in Samarra and brings about further praise and respect for this forbearing lady.
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