(200) This is supported by what has been recorded in the authentic transmission from our Master al-Rida, Ali ibn Musa—exalted be his glory—who said: "God manifested in His Essence only to be emulated in His manners; therefore, what we have done, you must do, and what we have rejected, you must reject," and the report continues at length.

It has been mentioned in the tradition: "At the time when the dialogue occurred between Abel and Cain, evil was unknown, nor was there any equipment considered for fighting. Cain took a stone and threw it at Abel; the stone struck him and he died. Exalted and sanctified be God, the Living who does not die. When he was killed, Abel remained cast upon the ground, dead before Cain. Cain regretted his deed, carrying him upon his shoulder for three days, bewildered and not knowing what to do with him. He feared to cast him away and depart, lest the beasts and birds reach him. Then God sent two crows which fell before Cain as he sat, exhausted from carrying him while he lay cast before him. Each crow began striking its companion with its beak and scratching with its claw; they did not cease fighting until one killed the other. While Cain watched their action, the killer crow began digging the earth with its beak until it dug a hole, dragged the dead crow, cast it therein, and overturned the stones upon it until it took the form of a grave. Then it dropped into the water and continued carrying water in its beak, sprinkling it upon the grave until it had sprinkled it all. This is what the People of the Outward related."