Imam Sadiq (A.S.) narrates from his father, Imam Mohammad al-Baqir (A.S.):
One day, I came to Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari and greeted him. He replied my
salutations and because he was blind, he asked me to tell him who I was. I
introduced myself: “I am Mohammad, son of Ali, son of Hussein.”
He said: “O! The son of the best human being, come closer!” I went closer. He
hugged me and kissed my hands and tried to kiss my feet. I pulled myself away
and prevented him from doing so. He then continued: “The messenger of Allah ,
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), had told me to convey his greetings to you.”
I replied: “Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.” I then asked:
“Jabir, what is the story behind this?”
He said: “Once when I was in the presence of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), he said to
me, ‘O! Jabir, perhaps you will live long enough until you meet a man from my
children, whose name is Mohammad, son of Ali, son of Hussein, to whom Allah has
granted light and wisdom. So, send my greetings to him’.”
Jabir ibn Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Haram al-Ansari was a great companion of Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH). He was amongst the companions of Badr. He was a participant in
many of the battles of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and Imam Ali (A.S.). Jabir had
always been a follower of Prophethood and Imamate. He never neglected the love
and affection towards Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and Ahl al-Bait. The continuous
efforts of him in introducing Amir al-Muminin (A.S.) and his respected children
to the public were many. Furthermore, he was the first pilgrim of the shrine of
Imam Hussein (A.S.) in Karbala. He became blind near the ends of his life and
passed away at the age of 90 (in year 78 AH). It is narrated that he used to sit
in the mosque of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and say: “O! Baqir, O! Splitter of
knowledge.” The people of Medina thought he had gone mad. Jabir used to say: “By
Allah! I am not saying nonsense. I personally heard the Prophet saying: ‘O!
Jabir, perhaps you will live long enough until you meet a man from my children,
whose name and appearance is similar to mine. He will split the knowledge
perfectly. So whenever you see him, send my greetings to him.’ So it is the
Prophet’s saying, that has given me the impulse to say such words.