{And the one who was saved of the two said and remembered after a time, "I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth"}1. He is Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, who is the "Believer of the House of Pharaoh." He reminded them by his saying: {"I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth"}2. This was the first indication that appeared from him toward the Meaning.
The Meaning then said: {"You will plant for seven years consecutively"}3, just as we mentioned the essential manifestations. It was related that they are al-Hasan, al-Husayn, Ali, Muhammad, Ja'far, Musa, and Ali in the line of Imamate. {"And what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you eat"}4. It was related that this refers to the manifestation of our Master al-Rida Ali ibn Musa—glory be to Him who remained manifest yet concealed, exalted above wife and children. He manifested wonders and dazzling evidences; likewise, the believers who are the people of the ranks manifested them in His time—blessed be the Appointer of times.
{"Then will come after that seven difficult [years] which will consume what you advanced for them, except a little from which you store"}5. It was related that after the occultation of our Master al-Rida—exalted be his glory; majestic is He who does not vanish nor is veiled—the believers remained in the hardship of practicing Dissimulation (taqiyya) and concealing the Call until the manifestation of our Master al-Hasan al-Askari—exalted be his glory. Indeed, Lord Abu Shu’ayb Muhammad ibn Nusayr—peace be upon him—manifested the Call and broadcast it.