The Head of Imam Hussein and Surah Al-Kahf

Question

A discussion on the significance of Imam Hussein's head reciting verses from Surah Al-Kahf during the events of Ashura.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you,

There are narrations that mention that the head of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) recited verses from Surah Al-Kahf while it was on a spear. Why these specific verses and what is their connection to the events of Ashura and the subsequent captivity?

First, regarding the possibility of such an event occurring, we find that the Quran and narrations inform us of the possibility of such actions, like the speaking of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) in the cradle, reviving the dead, and the stones speaking in the hand of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). There are many similar accounts in the traditions, and there is no reason to doubt or deny them.

As for the second aspect, which is the proof of this event, we must refer to the narrations that discuss the speaking of the head and whether they are present in our sources. It is indeed mentioned in the narrations, including one reported by Sheikh Al-Mufid in his book 'Al-Irshad' (p. 245) from Zayd ibn Arqam, who said: 'The head of Hussein passed by me on a spear while I was in my room, and when it came near me, I heard it reciting: 'Or did you think that the companions of the cave and the inscription were among Our signs a wonder?' (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:9). By God, my hair stood on end, and I exclaimed: 'Your head, O son of the Messenger of God, is indeed more wondrous!'

Moreover, the esteemed scholar Sayyid Ja'far Murtada has addressed a similar question, stating: 'The narration about the head speaking and the light emanating from it to the heavens exists... No one can deny it by claiming it is exaggerated. Those who claim exaggeration must provide the actual extent of it.'

Interestingly, some of those who demand proof for the speaking of the head also assert that just as proof is needed for affirmation, it is also required for denial. Therefore, we ask them for their evidence against the speaking of the head, just as we ask for proof of any exaggeration in the first place.

It is indeed curious that the question was framed as if the reciters of the gatherings are the ones transmitting this, while it is found in the narrations documented by our esteemed scholars in their credible works.

Furthermore, it has been narrated that the sacred head spoke verses from the Quran and other sayings, from both Sunni and Shia sources.

For example, refer to 'Al-Irshad' by Al-Mufid, 'Al-Khasa'is Al-Kubra' (vol. 2, pp. 125-127), 'Manaqib Ahl Al-Bayt' (vol. 2, p. 188), and many other sources that document this.

Lastly, we fear that the claim of exaggeration regarding the speaking of the head may lead to questioning other miraculous events, such as the speaking of stones in the hand of the Prophet, the ascension of the Prophet, the splitting of the moon, and other miracles attributed to the prophets. The aim may be to limit the power of God to fit within human understanding.

In conclusion, Al-Kulayni narrated from Imam Al-Baqir (peace be upon him) that he said: 'By God, the most beloved of my companions to me are the most pious, the most knowledgeable, and the most secretive about our sayings. The worst among them are those who, upon hearing a narration attributed to us, reject it and deny it, not realizing that it may have originated from us and been attributed to us.'

May you be successful in all good.

Source: How authentic is the narration of the speaking head of Hussein and the light emanating from it? - Sayyid Ja'far Murtada Al-Amili.