By this, our Master, may His might be glorified, intended to inform us of the nobility of spiritual fatherhood and the greatness of its station, for it is the path of Gnosis and the means of connection to the knowledge of Allah, may His mention be exalted.

(65) Abu al-Fath Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Tabarani, may Allah have mercy on him, told me: Abu al-Khattab Abd al-Quddus ibn Ali al-Jami'i told me, from his father Ali ibn al-Ablaq, who said: I entered Kufa seeking Abu al-Hasan al-Aqiqi and Ibn al-Asi al-Alawi to hear from them and narrate from them. I saw the Ta'i riding in a fine vessel with servants, and beside him was a man with a handsome face and elegant attire. I asked about him, and it was said: "This is Ishaq ibn Ammar al-Kufi, peace be upon him, the Orphan of Abu Shu'ayb Muhammad ibn Nusayr, peace be upon him." I returned to my lodging, having resolved in my soul to visit him early in the morning. I spent my night, performed my devotions, and set out at the [appointed] time wanting the house of my master Ishaq ibn Ammar. The night watch was strict.

As I moved further, terror gripped me and fear took hold of me as I neared the house of the Ta'i. Suddenly, a naphtha-thrower (naffat) leaped out, took a torch, and walked before me until I reached the house. Then he threw it down before the people and departed. I had barely settled in the place when I heard the sound of doors and locks being opened. A person suddenly appeared; I looked closely at him—at times I saw him as a male servant and at times as a maidservant. He said to me: "O Ali ibn Ali, enter." I entered a beautiful house and was taken to my right. There was my master Ishaq ibn Ammar, peace be upon him, sitting with his head uncovered. Before him was a candle, yet the light of his face overcame the light of the candle. I greeted him, and he returned the greeting and drew me near until I kissed his head. Then he took my hand, seated me beside him, and said to me: "O Ali ibn Ali, listen and comprehend."