One of the remarkable aspects of the Qur’an’s miraculous nature is the revelation of divine verses in response to events and accusations leveled against the Prophet (PBUH & His Family) and his Ahl al‑Bayt. Among these, the interpretation of the noble verse “Wa in yakādu alladhīna kafarū…” holds a special place. These verses were revealed as an answer to the unjust accusation of “madness” made against the Prophet (PBUH & His Family) because he had spoken of the virtues of Amir al‑Muminin (AS). In this context, the word dhikr (remembrance) is interpreted as referring to the sacred person of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him).
Interpretation of the Verse “Wa in Yakādu” by Imam al‑Sadiq (AS)
Narrations—including the one from Imam al‑Sadiq (AS) to Hasan al‑Jammal—emphasize that the dhikr in the verse “Wa in yakādu” points to Amir al‑Muminin (AS) himself.
According to a narration from Ali ibn Ibrahim, when the Prophet of God (PBUH & His Family) explained the high rank and virtue of Amir al‑Muminin (AS) to some of his opponents, they called him “crazy.” In response to this false accusation, God Almighty revealed the verse “Wa in yakādu alladhīna kafarū…” in the Quran, which states: “Indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the reminder (dhikr), and they say, ‘Indeed, he is mad.’ But it is not except a reminder to the worlds.” (Qur’an 68:51‑52) [1]
Hasan al‑Jammal’s Narration About Stopping at Ghadir Khumm
Hasan al‑Jammal narrates from Imam al‑Sadiq (AS) as follows:
“While we were traveling with Imam al‑Sadiq (AS) from Medina to Mecca, when we reached the area of Ghadir Khumm, he said to me: ‘This is the very place where the Messenger of God (PBUH) took Amir al‑Muiminin’s (AS) hand and said: “Whoever I am his master (mawlā), Ali is his master.”‘”
The Mockery of Opponents After the Declaration of Wilayah
Hasan continues:
“On the right side of the tent, there were four men from Quraysh—the Imam mentioned their names. When they saw the Prophet (PBUH & His Family) raise Amir al‑Muminin’s (AS) hand, they mocked him, saying—and their armpits became visible as they laughed—’Look at his eyes! How they roll, like the eyes of a madman!’ Then Gabriel revealed this verse: ‘Those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the dhikr, and they say, “He is certainly mad.” But it is not except a reminder to the worlds.'” [2]
Imam al‑Sadiq (AS) Explicitly States the Meaning of “Dhikr”
At that very moment, the trustworthy Gabriel told the Prophet (PBUH & His Family): “Recite: ‘Wa in yakādu alladhīna kafarū…'” And the Prophet (PBUH & His Family) said to Gabriel that the dhikr referred to in this verse is Amir al‑Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).
Hasan said:
“I said to Imam al‑Sadiq (AS): ‘Praise be to God that I have heard this from you.'”
Imam al‑Sadiq (AS) replied: “O Hasan, if you were not my camel‑driver, I would never have related this narration to you—because if you tell it to others, they will not confirm you.” [3]
It is also narrated from Imam al‑Sadiq (AS):
“The dhikr in this verse is Amir al‑Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).” [4]
[1] Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 22, p. 73; Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 35, p. 394; al‑Qummi, vol. 2, p. 383; Tafsir Nur al‑Thaqalayn
[2] Man la Yahduruhu al‑Faqih, vol. 1, p. 230; al‑Sirat al‑Mustaqim, vol. 1, p. 314
[3] Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 30, p. 259; Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 37, p. 221; Ta’wil al‑Ayat al‑Zahirah, p. 688; al‑Burhan
[4] Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 37, p. 221
