Excellence and Virtue of Visiting abu al-Hassan, al-Rida, ‘Alayhi al-Salam

2. Abu Ali al-Ash’ariy has narrated from al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Kufiy from al-Husayn ibn Sayf from Muhammad ibn Aslam from Muhammad ibn Sulayman who has said the following: “I once asked abu Ja‘far عليه السلام, ‘A man has performed al-Hajjahta al-Islam, he then commences al-Hajj with al-‘Umrah, and Allah grants him the opportunity to complete his al-Hajj and al-‘Umrah. He then comes to al-Madinah and offers his greeting of peace to the Holy Prophet, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause. Then he comes to you with proper understanding of your rights that you possess authority from Allah over His creatures and that you are the door through which they can go to Him. He then comes to you saying, “(I hereby declare, affirm and acknowledge that you are a ‘Alayhi al-Salam and my) submission to (your commandments) and offer my greeting of peace to you.” He then goes to abu ‘Abd Allah, al-Husayn عليه السلام, and offers him his greeting of peace. He then goes to Baghdad and offers his greeting of peace to abu al-Hassan Musa عليه السلام. He then goes to his home. When al-Hajj season comes, Allah then grants him the opportunity to perform al-Hajj. Which one is more virtuous; is performing al-Hajj al-Islam then going for al-Hajj again, or instead going to Khurasan to visit your father, Ali ibn Musa عليه السلام, and offering him his greeting of peace?’ He (the Imam) said, ‘No, but he should go to Khuransan to offer his greeting of peace to abu al- Hassan عليه السلام. It is more virtuous; but this should be done in the month of Rajab. You should do this these days, because the sultan will deride us and you as well.’”