Imam Hadi’s (as) Miracle in Mutawakkil’s Court

An Indian magician, renowned for his incredible tricks, once arrived at the court of Caliph Mutawakkil al-Abbasi. The Caliph, always plotting ways to degrade Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.), saw a perfect opportunity to use the magician to embarrass the Imam. He summoned the Imam and seated him next to the magician, hoping to see him humiliated in front of the court.

As the evening unfolded, a grand dinner was served. The air was filled with delicious aromas as the courtiers eagerly watched. Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) reached for a loaf of bread, but to everyone’s shock, the magician made it fly out of the Imam’s hand. Laughter erupted in the court, and the courtiers found the spectacle amusing. However, Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) remained calm, his demeanor unchanged. He quietly reached for the bread again, but once more, the magician made it disappear. The laughter grew louder, mocking the Imam.

The magician, clearly enjoying the moment, attempted the trick a third time, testing the Imam’s patience. But Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.), with his deep dignity and wisdom, calmly gestured toward a lion woven into the carpet. In an instant, the lion sprang to life, roaring fiercely, and pounced on the magician, devouring him in an instant. The court was thrown into chaos as courtiers screamed and scrambled in fear, completely stunned by what had just happened.

Mutawakkil, now paralyzed by shock and disbelief, desperately demanded that the Imam return the magician. But Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) responded, “Did the staff of Musa (a.s.) return the magicians?” and left the court in silence.

Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) had once again shown that no one could challenge his divine position or his character. The courtiers were left speechless, filled with awe for the Imam's wisdom and strength.

(Damatus Sakiba, Vol. 3, Pg. 145)