Imam Ali’s (as) Miracle: A Khariji Transformed into a Dog

Sayyid Razi (ra) writes in Khasais that two individuals approached Imam Ali (a) to adjudicate between them. One of them was a Khariji. The Imam listened to both parties and delivered the judgment against the Khariji. In an audacious manner, the Khariji said, “By God, you have not observed justice; this judgment is not liked by Allah.”

Amirul Momineen (a) pointed at him and said, “Get out from here, you dog.” It was immediately observed that the man transformed into a dog. His garments fell off, and he began to wag his tail while tears flowed from his eyes. The Imam, feeling pity for him, mentioned a word that no one could understand. At that moment, the man returned to his original form, and his garments were restored. He was seen leaving the mosque with trembling feet. The people were shocked by the spectacle.

The Imam asked, “Why are you so amazed?”

The people responded, “What should we do if not be amazed, Maula?”

The Imam replied, “Do you not know that Asif bin Barkhiya (as), the successor of Prophet Sulaiman (a), brought the throne of Bilquis in the blink of an eye? Now, tell me, was Sulaiman (a) more honorable in the sight of Allah or our Messenger (saw)?”

“Our Prophet,” they all replied.

The Imam continued, “Then the successor of your Prophet is also more honorable than the successor of Sulaiman. Asif (as) was in possession of one Great Name of God (Isme Aazam) through which, when he supplicated, the Almighty Allah caused the throne of Bilquis to be brought before Sulaiman in the blink of an eye. However, we have seventy-two Great Names. Allah has seventy-three names in total. He has granted us the knowledge of seventy-two names, but He has kept one name exclusively for Himself, which He has not revealed to any of His creatures.”

When the companions heard this, they exclaimed, “Maula, if you possess such power of Isme Aazam, why don’t you defeat Muawiyah with your spiritual power? Why are you mobilizing an army against him? Why do you ask people to enroll?”

Hazrat Ali (a) replied, “On the contrary, they are honorable servants who do not precede Him in speech and fulfill His commands. I am calling people so that proof may be established. If I had received permission to use spiritual power, I would not have delayed a second. However, through this, Allah wants to test the sincerity of His servants.”

(Madina tul Maa’jiz, Vol 1, Pg 140-142)