It came in a long report from our Master al-Mufaḍḍal ibn ʿUmar (from him is peace) from our Master al-Ṣādiq (May His Glory be Mighty) that he said: "Well done, O Mufaḍḍal, from where did you deduce our return? Whereas the deficient group from our followers say: the meaning of the return (al-rajʿa) is that God will return the kingdom of the world to us and make it for al-Mahdī. Shame on them! When were we ever deprived of the kingdom that it should be returned to us?" Al-Mufaḍḍal said: "No, by God, and you were never deprived of it, nor will you be, because it is the kingdom of Prophethood, Messengerhood, Trusteeship, and Imamate."¹

It is truly astonishing: we see the deficient group in all their supplications saying: "O God, hasten the relief/unveiling (al-faraj) for your Regent (Walī)!" As if He (Glorified be He) is fearful, fugitive, imprisoned—God forbid—a coward. This tradition found in Biḥār al-Anwār is a proof against them for their slander against our Master Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan (May His Glory be Mighty), Owner of the Kingdom, Creator of the Heavens.

Maʿmar ibn Khallād said to our Master al-Riḍā (May His Glory be Mighty): "May God hasten your relief/unveiling (faraj)." He (May His Glory be Mighty) said: "O Maʿmar, that is your relief/unveiling. As for me, by God, it is nothing but a provision sack² containing a handful of sawīq³ sealed with a ring."⁴

They Are Not Subjected to Humiliation

This chapter is both humorous and tearful. We shall demonstrate, through some narrations, some of the ambiguities of the deficient group and the simplicity of the minds of the traditionalists (al-Muḥaddithīn) among them, as well as their lack of knowledge of the narrations, and their superficial understanding of the traditions related from our pure and holy Masters.