asking him about any matter of this world or religion except that he gave us a convincing and healing answer. We did not engage with him in any discourse except that we found with him a root and a branch of knowledge regarding it. He was the most knowledgeable of people and the best acquainted with the histories of the Persian and Arab kings and others.

On the Naming of Umar ibn al-Khattab as Amir Al-muminin

On a certain day, we engaged with him in a discussion regarding the differences among people in religion. The King said to my Master: "Have you not narrated from Amir Al-muminin, Exalted Glory, that among what he said to Umar ibn al-Khattab was: 'O Amir Al-muminin'?"

My Master said: "That has indeed been narrated from him."

The King said: "This report surely strengthens the argument of the Nawasib (enemies of the House). Do you know an answer to this issue?"

He replied:

It has been narrated from Abu Hanifa that he asked al-Sadiq, Exalted Glory, about this very issue. The answer to him was: "He named him Amir Al-muminin by him (bi-hi)." Abu Hanifa said to him: "I will not be satisfied with this answer unless you prove it with a verse from the Book of Allah, Exalted Glory."

Our Lord al-Sadiq, Exalted Glory, said: "It is like Ibrahim the Friend, Exalted Glory, naming the idols 'gods' when they were not gods. Allah, Exalted Glory, said: «Then he turned to their gods and said, "Will you not eat? What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?" Then he turned upon them striking [them] with his right hand. Then the people came toward him, hastening. He said, "Do you worship that which you [yourself] carve, while Allah created