سعيد بن أبي الجهم

I said to Abi al-Hasan the first [al-Kadhim] عليه السلام: I had asked Aba Abdillah عليه السلام about the identity of the Imam after him and he informed me that it was going to be you, so when he [al-Sadiq] died the people turned away from you and went to the right and to the left [i.e. in confusion] but I and my companions stuck to you, so inform me about the Imam from your children – who is it going to be? He [the Imam] said: my son Ali عليه السلام.

“I said to abu Ibrahim (a.s.), ‘I asked your father, “Who will be (the Imam) after you? He informed me that you will be (the Imam after him). When abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) left this world people went let and right and I said that I with my people are with you. Inform me who will be (the Imam) after you from your sons.” He (the Imam (a.s.) said, “My son so and so.”

I said to Abu Ibrahim [Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s)]: I asked your father who would be the Imam after him and he told me that you would be. Therefore, when Abu Abdullah [Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s)] passed away, the people went to right and left, while I and my companions declared (our support) for you. Therefore, tell me which of your children will be (the Imam) after You? My son, so-and-so [Imam Ali Ridha (a.s)], he said.

I asked your father (s) ‘Who is going to be your successor?’ Your father (s) informed me that you were his successor. When Abu Abdillah (s) passed away each group of people went on different ways. But my friends and I believed in you. Then please inform me about whom your successor will be.” Musa ibn Ja’far (s) said, “My son Ali.”