Incident of a slave named Rafid is well known. Rafid’s master,
Ali bin Hubaira Shaami was infuriated and wanted to eliminate him.
So Rafid fled and sought refuge with Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). His
Eminence said:
“Go back to your master, convey my greetings to him and say: I
have entrusted Rafid to you. So don’t punish him and he should not
come to any harm.”
He said: “May I be sacrificed on you, he is a wicked man from
Shaam.” His Eminence said: “Go, and tell him what I have told you
and do not fear.” So Rafid returned to his master.
On the way, he met an Arab, who asked Rafid: “Where are you
going? I see your hands and face as those of a dead person.” When
he saw his tongue, he said: “By God, I see on your tongue a message
that if you convey it to the mountains of the world, they would
become obedient to you.”
Rafid says: When I came to my master, he first tied up my
shoulders and issued orders for my killing. I said: “I have come to
you of my own accord and I have a message for you. You can do
whatever you like after listening to it. Send away all the people, so
that I may convey the message in private.” He ordered them to go
out and when they were alone he conveyed the message of Imam
Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.).
That message affected him so much that he ordered my hands to
be freed, and said: “I will not be satisfied till you tie my hands just as
I had tied up yours.” I asked: “How can I do that?” He replied: “By
Allah, my heart would not be at rest till you do that.” I complied
with his request. Then he gave his finger ring to me and said: “You
have my authority, you can do order whatever you like.”
Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 47, p. 179.
Isbaatul Wilayah (Part One) – Ayatullah AliNamazi Shahroodi (r.a.)