Allamah Sayyid Hashim Bahrani has narrated from Rushaid
Hujri that he said:
I, Sulaiman bin Waraqa, Malik bin Taihan and Sahal bin Hunaif were present in the service of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in Medina.
Hababa Waliba hung a Quran from her neck and carried a rosary
made from date stones. She saluted, wept and pleaded to the Imam:
“O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), your absence among us would be
extremely tragical and painful. That we should remain alive and not
see you anymore? You know what I mean!”
His Eminence stretched out his hand, took the white stone,
which Hababa was holding. He placed his seal on that stone leaving
his imprint. Then said: “Your implication is this!”
She said: “By Allah, this is my implication. When I heard that
your Shia would scatter and dissensions would appear among them, I
requested the sign of recognizing the true Imam, so that if I live after
you, I should be able to recognize the true Imam. May I and my
family members be sacrificed on you!”
His Eminence said:
“Keep this stone safe; as after me, you will meet my
sons Hasan and Husain, Ali bin Husain, Muhammad
bin Ali, Ja’far bin Muhammad, Musa bin Ja’far, Ali bin
Musa – peace be on them and each of them, like me,
would ask for that stone. Then they would place this
seal like I have done, leaving imprint on it. Know that
they are the true Imams.
When you reach my (grand) son, Ali bin Musa Reza
(a.s.), you will see another great proof from him and at
that time you would choose death over your life. His
Eminence would also order about carrying out your
last rites and would himself pray your funeral prayer. I
give you glad tidings that you will return to the world
during the time of my twelfth descendant among the
people of best faith, His Eminence, Mahdi.”
Hababa wept in eagerness and requested: O Ameerul Momineen
(a.s.), pray for me that my cognition and faith remains steadfast and
that I should remain safe during the turmoils. His Eminence prayed
for her.
Hababa says: “After the martyrdom of Ameerul Momineen
(a.s.), I met Imam Hasan Mujtaba (a.s.). He said: “Bring the stone.”
He stretched out his hand like Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and took the
stone from me. Then he placed the same seal of Ameerul Momineen
(a.s.) and it left its mark on the stone. After His Eminence, I met
Imam Husain (a.s.). He also, like his father and brother, placed the
same seal on the stone and it left its mark on it.
After the martyrdom of the Chief of Martyrs, the Shia fell into
dispute. Some Shia of Hijaz began to believe in the Imamate of
Muhammad bin Hanafiyyah. On the basis of this, some Shia came to
me and requested me to meet Imam Sajjad (a.s.) so that the truth is
revealed. I went to meet the Imam and he, like his father, grandfather
and uncle, took the stone and placed the same seal upon it and it left
the mark on the stone; thus making the Imamate of His Eminence
clear.
After His Eminence, I also went to meet Abu Ja’far Muhammad
bin Ali, Ja’far bin Muhammad, Musa bin Ja’far and Ali bin Musa
(a.s.). These respected personages also acted like their purified
ancestors. When I met Imam Ali Reza (a.s.), I had reached very old
age, my hair was grey and my body was weak, but through the
auspiciousness of looking at the Imams, my eyes and ears and my
intellect and perception became perfect.
When my eyes fell on the luminous elegance of the eighth
Imam, I smiled at him. Those present with the Imam interpreted my
smile as due to my ignorance. His Eminence said:
“It is not as such. No deficiency has come in the
intellect and perception of Hababa. My grandfather,
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) informed her that she would
pass away during this period and would return to the
world during the time of reappearance of His
Eminence, Mahdi (a.s.). [Therefore] she has smiled in
joy.”
When the people heard this, they sought forgiveness and excuse
and said: “We did not know this.”
So the eighth Imam (a.s.) turned to Hababa and said: “Did my
grandfather, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) tell you what you would see
from me?” She replied: “Your grandfather said that I would see a
great proof from you.”
His Eminence said: “Your white hair has turned black! They
would never again turn white. Does this proof suffice for you, or
should I add to it?” She replied: “Increase it, since divine grace is
excessive on you all.”
His Eminence said: “Would you like to, in addition of your hair
turning black, regain your youth?” She replied: “Yes, my master,
this is a great proof.” Then His Eminence said: “Greater than this is
what I know about your opinion regarding my exalted rank in
knowledge.”
Hababa says: I asked: “Master, make me the recipient of your
favors and blessings.” He supplicated quietly and moved his blessed
lips.
Hababa says: “By Allah, I became a youthful girl, having black
hair.” When I went home and checked my body I found myself a
virgin. I returned to Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) and prostrated in thanks.
Then I said: “My master, shifting to the neighborhood of divine
mercy is better for me and I have nothing to do in the world.” He
said:
Hababa, go into the house to my ladies and family
members as preparation for your last rites are ready
(for journey of hereafter).
This traditional report is also mentioned in the book of Ithbatul
Huda in brief.
BehaarulAnwaar, vol. 25, p. 175
Isbaatul Wilayah (Part One) – Ayatullah AliNamazi Shahroodi (r.a.)