In the traditional report of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) meeting with Greek
physician, it is mentioned that the doctor said to Imam Ali (a.s.):
“Your complexion is yellow and your shanks are thin. Don’t lift
heavy weight as there is a risk you would break your legs. I have
some medicine which would cure your yellowness. But you would
get fever for forty days and after that you will recover.
I am also having a medicine, which is a poison for one whose
complexion is not yellow; if he consumes even a grain of it, he
would die.”
Imam (a.s.) said: “Give me the poisonous medicine.” He took it
and swallowed whole of it at one go and his complexion changed
into the best possible one.
Then he (a.s.) said:
“As for what you said that I should not lift a heavy
weight. What can you see?”
He saw His Eminence place his hand on a huge pillar bearing a
two storey house and lift it. He was shocked at this sight and
swooned. They sprinkled water upon him and he regained
consciousness.
The physician asked: “Was Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) also like
you?” His Eminence replied: “All my knowledge, intellect and
capacity is from him and on his behalf.”
Then His Eminence said:
“A man from the Thaqif tribe came to the Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a.) and said: I have come to treat you. If you are
insane, I would cure you.”
His Eminence said: “If you want, I will show you a sign (from
power of God) so that you understand that I am definitely not
needful of you and it is you, who is needful to me. “Yes,” he said.
His Eminence said: “Ask whatever you like.” He said: “Order
that date palm to come to you.” His Eminence ordered that tree to
come to him. Suddenly the Thaqafi man saw that tree move from its
place splitting the ground all along and stand near His Eminence.
He asked: “Does this suffice?” He (a.s.) replied: “Order it to
return to its place.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) ordered: “O tree, go
back to your place.” He saw it return.
The Greek physician said: “O Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), what
you said was heard and I have not seen it. But I request something
less from you. I stand on one side. You order that I come to your
side. I will try my best not to come there. If you can bring me to
yourself without my will, I will know that your religion is true.”
His Eminence said:
“This would be only a miracle for you, because you will
understand that you have come to me against your will.
It is possible that later you or others may claim that you
came to me with your will. Ask for something which
might be sign for yourself as well as others.”
He said: “Since you have left it to me, I request you to
command this date palm that its parts scatter and after that order it to
come together once more.”
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) said:
“You go to that tree on my behalf and say: O tree,
successor of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) orders that your
parts should disperse.”
He went and conveyed the Imam’s command. Suddenly that
tree scattered into bits and pieces and no trace of it remained. As if
there was no tree over there.
The physician said: “My first request is fulfilled. Now, fulfill
my second request as well.”
His Eminence said:
“Go and say: “O scattered parts (of the tree), Ameerul
Momineen (a.s.) orders you to come together and
assume your previous form.”
He went and delivered the message of His Eminence. The
scattered portions came together to regain its former shape.
The physician said: “I want it to become green and put forth
fruits, so that I and other people here eat from it.”
His Eminence said:
“Go back and command the tree on my behalf.”
He went and delivered the message and the tree turned green
and performed its ordinary process in a second and put forth fruits,
which they consumed. So, the Greek physician embraced faith
Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 17, p. 314
Isbaatul Wilayah (Part One) – Ayatullah AliNamazi Shahroodi (r.a.)