Generosity is among great attributes of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) and these attributes have been the reason that God the Almighty appointed these fourteen lights, i.e. the Ahl al-Bayt (a), His proof and vicegerents among creations in the world. They were ones who expressed kindness and forgiveness even toward their killers. Here, we will mention a little example of Imam Ali’s (a) kindness and forgiveness.
About his killer (Ibn Muljam), Imam Ali (a) advised as follows:
When Imam Ali (a) became conscious, he (a) opened his eyes and said, ‘O angels of my God! Be tolerant with me!” Then, his eyes fell on his killer (Ibn Muljam) whose hands were tied. With a weak voice, though full of kindness, Imam (a) said, ‘O Ibn Muljam! You committed a grave deed and a tremendous crime. Was I a bad Imam (a) for you that you rewarded me this way? Did not I do good to you or add to your privileges? Did not I leave you free and return from the path of deviation while they reported to me about you that you were so and such?” Then, Imam (a) turned to his son, Hasan (a) and said, “O my son! Be tolerant with your captive; and treat him kindly and with mercy; for not you see how his eyes are rolling in fear and his heart is in distress!”
Imam al-Hasan (a) said, “this cursed man struck you and has made our heart painful; now, you order that I treat him with tolerance?!” Imam Ali (a) said, “yes, my son! We are the Ahl al-Bayt (a) of mercy and forgiveness. For the right I have upon you, feed him from your own food, and give him from your own drink. Do not chain or handcuff him.”
This great generosity and mercy even toward his killer is among the most beautiful attributes of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) and shows well whom God has bestowed his mission upon.
Note: After Ibn Muljam’s strike on the head of Imam Ali (a), Imam (a) was in bed for some days and then he (a) was martyred because the sword was poisoned.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol., p. 287.
