The Two Loaves of Bread

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Zuhri says: A man said to Imam Sajjad (a.s.): I am indebted for
four hundred Dinars and I have no capacity to repay the amount.
Imam Sajjad (a.s.) wept much and someone asked: “O son of Allah’s
Messenger (s.a.w.a.), why are you weeping?” His Eminence replied:
“Is weeping not there for calamity and hard times?” “Yes,” they
replied. His Eminence said: “Which calamity is more severe, that a
believer should see his brother in faith in distress and not be capable
to fulfill his need?”
When people dispersed that man returned and said: “It was
reported to me that a person criticized me and said: It is strange that
these people [Shia Imams] claim that the heavens and earth and
everything is obedient to them and they say that Allah grants them
whatever they ask Him. At the same time they express helplessness.
This statement of his affected me more than my own circumstances.”
His Eminence said: “Now Almighty Allah has permitted relief
to reach you. Take these two loaves of bread, as has Allah placed
your relief in them.”
He took the loaves and went to the market. He exchanged one
loaf of bread for a fish and the other for some salt. Then he came
home and cut up the fish. He found two precious pearls inside. He
was extremely elated on getting them.
There was a knock and he saw the fish monger and salt vendor
at his door. They said: “No matter how much we tried, we were
unable to bite into the bread. Take these dry loaves back and keep
the fish and the salt as well. When they went away, the slave of
Imam Sajjad (a.s.) arrived saying: “Return our loaves of bread.
Almighty Allah has bestowed relief to you. The bread which is only
for us cannot be consumed by anyone else.” So he sent the loaves of
bread to the Imam

Manaqib Ibne Shahr Ashob

Isbaatul Wilayah (Part One) – Ayatullah AliNamazi Shahroodi (r.a.)