Husham the tyrant ordered Imam Abu Jafar (as) and his son, Imam al-Sadiq (as), to leave Damascus, fearing that people would be attracted by them. He also ordered shops and markets of the city, which were located on their way, to be closed and not to sell anything to them. He wanted to have the Imam (as) died. The caravan moved on the desert as it was tired by thirst and hunger. When the Imam (as) approached some cities, the citizens hurried to close their shops. At the time, the Imam (as) climbed up a mountain and said loudly:
“O cruel citizens of the city! I am what is left from Allah (SwT) on the earth, Allah (SwT) says:
‘That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if ye (but) believed! But I am not set over you to keep watch!’ (11:86)”
As soon as the Imam (as) finished his speech, one of the graybeards of the city shouted loudly: “O Tribe! This is truly the invitation of Prophet Shuayb (as). I swear by Allah (SwT), if you do not open up your shops for this man, you will be punished from the sky and the earth. Just trust and obey me in this matter and then deny me in anything else, for I am advising you sincerely.”
The tribesmen were scared and accepted the request of the old man and hurried to open their shops. Then, the Imam (as) bought whatever he wanted to buy. This way the trick of the tyrant ruler and what he maliciously planned was spoiled. When Husham was informed about the unsuccessfulness of the plot, he became very furious; he went on planning other plots for the Imam (as). He finally poisoned him, as we will mention later on.
THE LIFE OF IMAM JA’FAR AL SADIQ (AS) – BAQAR SHARIF AL QARASHI