On Various Traditions From Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Ridha صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم

28-6 Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Ishaq - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Hamdani quoted on the authority of Ali ibn Al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Fadhdhal, on the authority of his father that Abil Hassan Ali ibn Musa Al-Ridha صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said, “I see my followers when they will not find the third from my progeny. They will be looking for someone to take charge of their affairs, but they will find no one to do so.” I asked, “O son of the Prophet of God! Why?” The Imam صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said, “That is because their Divine Leader will become absent.” I asked, “Why?” The Imam صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said, “That is because when he صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم rises with the sword, no one’s pledge of allegiance is binding upon him.”