The incident is narrated in the introduction of the same book (Kamaluddin) as follows:
The following events caused me to write this book:
When I had the honour of visiting the mausoleum of my master Hazrat Imam Abul Hasan ar-Riza (a.s.) and was returning home, I stayed at Nishapur for some time. Many of the Shias used to visit me. From the discussions I had with them, I concluded that they were amazed and astonished at the Ghaibat of Imam -e- Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
They were unfortunately haunted by doubts regarding Hazrat (a.t.f.s.). They had deviated from the straight path through their personal opinions and analogy. I tried my best to discuss with them and bring them back to the right path. Hence, I invited their attention to the authentic traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his purified household (a.s.) in this regard.
One day I was pondering upon the comfortable life that I had lived in my town of Rayy, with my family, children and brothers. All of a sudden sleep overcame me. I dreamt that I was circumambulating around the Kaaba. In the seventh round I came to Hajar-e-Aswad and kissed it
saying: “This is a trust that I submit and the covenant that I fulfill so that you give witness of my loyalty.”
(Supplication that the pilgrims recite at the Black Stone)
At that very moment I saw my Master, Hazrat Qaem (a.t.f.s.) as he stood at the door of Kaaba. I went towards him in a condition of grief and remorse. Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) came to know my inner feelings by looking at my face. I saluted him and after replying he said: “Why don’t you compile a book on the subject of ghaibat so that you become free of sorrow and grief.”
I said: “Son of the Prophet of Allah, I have collected some matter regarding ghaibat.” He (a.t.f.s.) told me,
“It is not as I want it to be. Now write a comprehensive book on Ghaibat and also mention therein the Ghaibat of the Prophets of Allah.”
After this Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) departed. I woke up and spent the time from dawn till sunrise in prayers, supplications and entreaties to Allah. I complained about the difficult times. When it was morning, I began to write the book as ordered by the Hujjat of Allah. I continued to pray to Allah for help and also sought forgiveness of sins.
(Introduction to the book Kamaluddin by Shaikh Sadooq. Persian Translation Published in two volumes.)
Morals:
1) We must plead and request for the help of Hazrat (a.t.f.s.).
2) We must seek Hazrat’s (a.t.f.s.) assistance and take refuge in him in times of difficulties.
3) We must make people aware about Hazrat’s (a.t.f.s.) existence.
4) We should try to remove the doubts regarding Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) from the minds of the people as much as possible.
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