knowledge, my Gate (Babi), and my Proof (Hujjati) over my creation. Those who follow his command and those who call unto him are his Orphans (Aytam)—the guiding Lights."

Chapter: The Explicit Text and Indication regarding Muhammad ibn al-Mufaddal.

[139] It was narrated from Dawud ibn Kathir al-Raqqi that he said: I heard our Master Musa ibn Ja’far [al-Kadhim], Mighty is His Might, saying:

"Muhammad ibn al-Mufaddal is like Al-Mufaddal [his father]. We have established him in the station of his father; he is the truthful one on our behalf, the caller unto us, and the conveyor of our knowledge. He is my Gate (Babi) and my Proof (Hujjati) over my creation. Whoever obeys him has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys him has disobeyed me."

[140] And from Muhammad ibn ‘Amir, from Muhammad ibn al-Mu’alla al-Naysaburi, who said: "We entered upon Abu al-Hasan ‘Ali ibn Musa [al-Rida], Mighty is His Might; I intended to complain to him regarding Muhammad ibn al-Mufaddal (peace be upon him).