Abu Al-Baqa’s Faith in Times of Famine

Once upon a time, in the sacred city of Khorasan, there lived a venerable man named Abu Al-Baqa. At the age of one hundred and ten, he had devoted his life to serving the noble Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful. However, a great famine struck the land, and bread was sold at an exorbitant price, leaving many, including Abu Al-Baqa and his family, in dire straits.As the days of hunger stretched on, Abu Al-Baqa’s wife and daughters urged him to seek help. “Go forth like others before you,” they pleaded, “perhaps Allah will open a door for us.” With a heavy heart but unwavering faith, Abu Al-Baqa decided to visit the shrine of Imam Ali. He entered the sacred dome, offered his prayers, and sat by the revered grave of his beloved leader.”O Amir al-Mu’minin,” he lamented, “I have served you for a century without fail. Yet now, I face hunger and despair. I must leave you, but it pains me deeply.” After bidding farewell to his beloved Imam, he set out with a group of travelers towards distant lands in search of sustenance.That night, as he slept under the stars, a miraculous dream unfolded before him. He saw Imam Ali standing majestically and heard him say, “O Abu Al-Baqa! You wish to leave me after all these years? Return to where you came from.” Awakened by tears streaming down his face, he rushed back home.Upon his return, his daughters greeted him with cries of joy and disbelief. He recounted his dream and immediately sought out the keyholder of the shrine. For three days he remained at the shrine, praying fervently.On the third day, a mysterious traveler appeared before him. This man was unlike any other; he carried a bag that seemed to hold treasures from far-off lands. After visiting the shrine and praying earnestly, he approached Abu Al-Baqa with kindness in his eyes. “Take this gold coin,” he said, “and buy food for your family.”Abu Al-Baqa was overwhelmed with gratitude. He purchased bread, milk, and dates for his children. The traveler then instructed him to buy chickens and more bread for himself. As they shared a meal together later that day, the traveler revealed that he had brought weights made of gold and silver.With great care, the traveler weighed out gold equal to what Abu Al-Baqa had provided in food. “This is yours,” he declared before departing as mysteriously as he had arrived.Abu Al-Baqa stood speechless as fortune smiled upon him once more. His daughters rejoiced as they prepared for their future without fear of hunger. With newfound wealth and stability, Abu Al-Baqa married off his daughters and transformed their lives forever.Moral: Faith in times of adversity can lead to unexpected blessings. Trust in divine providence can turn despair into hope and abundance.

Bihar Al-Anwar – Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi – Part 42 – Page 321