In this chapter, we will talk – albeit very briefly – about the tradition popularly known as Hadis-e-Thaqalain. This is amongst the most famous traditions quoted amongst all the sects of Muslims. It pertains to the Book of Allah and the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). None can deny the truth and veracity of this tradition except the one who is absolutely blinded by prejudice, malice and enmity against the Ahle Bait (a.s.). There are numerous versions of this tradition as the narrators are many and little changes in the wordings are but a natural consequence.
Umar Ibn Khattaab reports, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) say, ‘O People! Surely, I am about to depart from you and you will meet me at the Pond, whose breadth is equal to the distance between the cities of San’aa and Busraa[1]. In it are silver goblets equal to the number of the stars. When you meet me at the Pond, I will ask you about the two weighty things. So be careful as to how you treat them after me. The greater rope is the Book of Allah – whose one end is in the hands of Allah and another is in your hands – so fasten unto it and don’t change it. The other is my progeny, my Ahle Bait. Surely, the All-Knowing, the All-Aware has informed me that these two (Quran and Ahle Bait) will not separate from me till they meet me at the Pond.”
I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Who are your progeny?’
He (s.a.w.a.) replied, ‘My Ahle Bait are from the children of Ali and Fatimah. Nine are from the offspring of Husain. They are righteous Imams. They are my progeny from my flesh and my blood.[2]”
Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) was once asked about the meaning of Hadith-e-Thaqlain. He (a.s.) replied, “(It implies) me, Hasan, Husain and nine Imams from the progeny of Husain. Their ninth is their Mahdi and their Qaim. Neither they will part from the Book of Allah nor will it part from them till they meet the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) at the Pond.[3]”
Zaid Ibn Thaabit narrates that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said, “I am leaving behind you two weighty things: Allah’s Book and Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Ali is superior for you than the Book of Allah because he will interpret for you the Book of Allah.[4]”
Those desirous of going into the details of this tradition from various aspects can refer to the book Abaqaat al-Anwaar by the illustrious scholar, Mir Haamid Husain Kinturi Lucknowi (r.a.) under this tradition. Interestingly, this chapter has been translated into Urdu completely in TWO VOLUMES and is available in English in a summarized form.
[1] Busra can imply two places: One is in Syria amongst its provinces and another is a village in Baghdad, Iraq near Ukbaraa. San’aa is in Yemen.
[2] Kefaayah al-Athar, p. 91
[3] Oyoon-O-Akhbaar al-Reza (a.s.), vol. 1, p. 57, H. 25
[4] Irshaad al-Qulub, p. 378 and Meah Manqebah, p. 161, Manqebah No. 86