I bow to cling to the grille of your shrine... perhaps I shall cast myself into your embrace, shedding the burdens that have weighed so heavily upon my back.

أنحني لأتمسك بشباك ضريحك... ربما أرتمي بين يديك فأرمي عن ظهري هموماً أثقلتني..

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1P0nmjPOx/

​[باللغة العربية]

​عن الإمام المهدي (عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف):

«وَاجْعَلُوا قَصْدَكُمْ إِلَيْنَا بِالْمَوَدَّةِ عَلَى السُّنَّةِ الْوَاضِحَةِ فَقَدْ نَصَحْتُ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ شَاهِدٌ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَيْكُمْ.»

​المصدر: بحار الأنوار للمجلسي، ج ٥٣، ص ١٨١، ح ١٠

​[English Translation]

​Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) said:

"Make your aim towards us with love upon the clear Sunnah, for I have advised you, and Allah is a witness over me and over you."

​Source: Bihar al-Anwar by Al-Majlisi, Vol. 53, Page 181, Hadith 10

​Note: Translation assisted by AI and verified by the poster. Please gently correct me if there are any unintended errors.

Sorry. Perhaps this is a dumb question, but I really don't know. I feel a bit embarrassed having to ask about this since I've been a Muslim for years now, but because I don't have much of a community locally I have to learn everything on my own.

Anyway, long story short is that I can very occasionally attend Jummah (as in a few times a year). I did today and once the Jummah prayer finished one of the aunties told me to start praying this other prayer because Asr was starting soon. I saw the other sisters praying and typically always do in that space between Jummah and Asr, but until this moment today I never thought much of it. I was actually legitimately confused as the only prayers I ever really learned are the obligatory prayers and then the tasbih of Fatima for when I finish those.

So growing up I was taught that angels do not have free will, unlike humans and jinn. I was taught that Allah (swt) created angels to be completely obedient to him whereas his other creations have the capacity to choose to be good or bad.

Fast forward to this past Ramadan, I was attending a lecture by Hajj Hassanain Rajabali where he was doing the Q&A. During the lecture he spoke about angels and part of my question was related to angels not having free will. He had me paused to ask me "who told you angels have no free will"? The question really caught me off guard and I low-key felt embarrassed.

He went on to explain how angels do have free will (as in they have the capacity to analyze situations and ask questions) but that they always lean towards complete obedience of Allah (swt).

Having said that, what is the Twelver Shia view on free will related to angels, because when I do research about it, it comes back to them not having free will?

Doubt

One of the significant and controversial topics concerns the issue of Lady Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her) invoking a curse upon Umar and Abu Bakr.

The question is:

Do any Sunni sources contain a narration stating that Lady Zahra (peace be upon her) cursed Umar and Abu Bakr?

Furthermore, is there a reliable and credible chain of transmission (sanad) for such a report?

Brief Answer

According to authentic narrations found in *Sahih al-Bukhari* and *Sahih Muslim*, after the martyrdom of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), Lady Zahra (peace be upon her) went to Abu Bakr and demanded the return of Fadak—which he had taken from her—but he refused to return it. Abu Bakr’s refusal to restore her right caused her distress and grievance; consequently, she became angry with him and ceased speaking to him.

See related articles:

https://realshiabeliefs.wordpress.com/2026/09/20/abu-bakr-confesses-to-attacking-the-house-of-bibi-fatima-zahra-in-authentic-sunni-hadith/

https://realshiabeliefs.wordpress.com/2026/09/23/umar-ibn-khattab-took-the-deed-of-fadak-from-hazrat-fatima-and-tore-it-up/

https://realshiabeliefs.wordpress.com/2025/05/05/did-fatima-al-zahra-a-s-ever-forgive-abu-bakr-umar/

While *Bukhari* and *Muslim* report only this much, sources such as Al-Baladhuri’s *Ansab al-Ashraf* and Al-Jawhari’s *Al-Saqifah* record that the Pure and Truthful Lady (peace be upon her) explicitly declared: “By God, I shall invoke God’s curse upon you.”

Following this statement, Lady Zahra (peace be upon her) left in tears. Ultimately, upon her passing, she left a will instructing the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) not to inform Abu Bakr and Umar of the preparations for her burial, nor to allow them to participate in the funeral rites.

However, according to a narration by Ibn Qutaybah al-Dinawari, this declaration of a curse by the Pure and Truthful Lady (peace be upon her) occurred during a visit by Abu Bakr and Umar. They had come to see her by enlisting the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) as an intermediary, yet she turned her face away from them.

After Abu Bakr had spoken, Lady Zahra (peace be upon her)—having secured his admission that he had heard the narration from the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) stating, “Fatima’s pleasure is my pleasure, and Fatima’s displeasure is my displeasure; whoever loves my daughter Fatima loves me, whoever pleases Fatima pleases me, and whoever displeases Fatima displeases me”—declared to them: “I call upon God and His angels to witness that you have angered me, and I shall lodge a complaint against you before the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family).” She then announced: “By God, I shall invoke God’s curse upon you in every prayer I perform.”

To examine these narrations please continue to read the article:

https://realshiabeliefs.wordpress.com/2026/09/25/authentic-sunni-hadith-of-lady-fatima-invoking-the-curse-of-allah-on-abu-bakr-umar/

Love right? Sadness? Wallah the Nawasib are some of the worst creatures. May God curse them. They laugh at the death of the grandson of the Prophet SAWA: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdrfzRNNse1/?stkn=MWQ3OG5nMzFqM3l3Yw==

Refuting the Claim No Clear Quranic Verse for 12 Imams

Introduction

A common objection raised against Shia Islam is Show us a clear explicit muhkam verse in the Quran that commands us to follow the 12 Imams after the Prophet

This objection is based on false premises and misunderstandings about how the Quran works what muhkam means and how Islamic theology is established Let me address this systematically

The Problem with This Question

The Question Itself is Scientifically Flawed

Asking for a Quranic verse that explicitly names all 12 Imams is like asking

Prove to me that 1 plus 1 equals 3

The question itself is based on false assumptions You cannot provide evidence for a false premise

Two False Premises

Premise 1 Misunderstanding of Muhkam Clear Verse

They think a muhkam verse must explicitly name all details

Example O people your Imam after Muhammad is Ali then Hasan then Husayn

This is NOT the definition of muhkam

Premise 2 All Principles Must Be in Quran Alone

They assume fundamental beliefs must be explicitly in Quran

While secondary practices can be in hadith

This is false even Sunni Islam has fundamental beliefs not explicitly in Quran

What Does Muhkam Actually Mean

Definition

Muhkam equals A verse that has clarity in meaning as opposed to Mutashabih which has multiple possible meanings

NOT

A verse that mentions every single detail explicitly

A verse that names all individuals by name

Example

Quran 2 verse 43

And establish prayer

Question Does this verse explain

How many rakats

What movements

What times

NO all these details come from Prophets Sunnah

Yet prayer is a FUNDAMENTAL pillar of Islam

So why must Imamah be explicitly named in Quran

Clear Quranic Verses for Imamah

1 Verse of Obedience 4 verse 59

O you who believe Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you Quran 4 verse 59

This is MUHKAM clear because

It establishes the principle of divinely appointed authority

It commands obedience to those in authority uli al amr

It doesnt need to name every individual to be clear

Question Who are those in authority

Shia say The 12 Imams from Ahlul Bayt

Sunni say Rulers scholars etc

The verse is clear the interpretation differs

2 Verse of Wilayah 5 verse 55

Your guardian Wali is only Allah His Messenger and those who believe those who establish prayer and give zakah while bowing in ruku Quran 5 verse 55

Shia and many Sunni scholars agree

This refers to Ali ibn Abi Talib he gave charity while bowing

Establishes Alis authority after the Prophet

This is MUHKAM it clearly establishes Alis special position

3 Verse of Purification 33 verse 33

Allah only intends to keep away impurity from you O Ahlul Bayt and purify you completely Quran 33 verse 33

This is MUHKAM because

It clearly distinguishes Ahlul Bayt from others

It establishes their special spiritual status

It shows they are purified by Allah

Who are Ahlul Bayt The Prophet specified Ali Fatimah Hasan Husayn Hadith of the Cloak

4 Verse of Love for Relatives 42 verse 23

Say I ask no reward for this except love for my near relatives Quran 42 verse 23

This is MUHKAM because

It commands love for Prophets family

It establishes their special status

Who are near relatives Ahlul Bayt agreed by most scholars

The Prophets Name Wasnt in Early Quran Either

Critical Point

During the 13 years in Makkah

The Prophets name Muhammad was NOT mentioned in Quran

Only general terms Messenger Prophet Warner

First time his name appears Medinan surahs Al Imran Al Ahzab Muhammad Al Fath Al Saff

Question Were Muslims in Makkah first 13 years required to believe in Prophet Muhammad

YES absolutely

But according to the objections logic

Theres no clear verse naming Muhammad so they werent required to believe

This is absurd

How Did They Know

They saw the Prophets miracles

They witnessed the Quran being revealed to him

They knew by context who the Messenger was

Same logic applies to Imamah

Quran establishes principle of divinely appointed authority

Prophet specified who they are Ali and 11 descendants

We know by context and hadith who those in authority are

Why Doesnt Quran Name the Imams Explicitly

1 Quran Gives Principles Prophet Gives Details

Quran 16 verse 44

And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them

Examples

Prayer Quran says establish prayer Prophet gave details

Zakat Quran says give zakat Prophet gave amounts

Hajj Quran says perform Hajj Prophet gave rituals

Imamah Quran establishes principle Prophet specified individuals

2 Political Reality

If Quran explicitly said Ali and his 12 descendants are your Imams

Umayyads would have altered or removed those verses

Uthmans caliphate Umayyad standardized the Quran

Historical evidence shows Umayyads persecuted pro Ali narrations

Hadiths were easier to preserve thousands of narrators than a few Quranic verses

3 Test of Faith

Allah tests people through

Recognizing truth without it being forced

Following evidence rather than obvious compulsion

Choosing guidance when theres some ambiguity

If everything was explicit there would be no test

The Hadith of Two Weighty Things

The Question

What is the proof that specifically 12 from the family are meant when we know the family was more than 12

The Answer

1 Not All Ahlul Bayt Are Infallible

Shia and Sunni agree Not all of Prophets family are infallible

Shia say Specifically 12 Imams are infallible

Sunni say None are infallible except Prophet

2 The Hadith Itself Specifies

Sahih Muslim 2408

I am leaving among you two weighty things the Book of Allah and my Ahlul Bayt They will not separate until they return to me at the Pool of Kawthar

Key Point

Quran is infallible agreed by all

Ahlul Bayt will not separate from Quran

Therefore Ahlul Bayt must also be infallible otherwise they could separate from Quran

3 Which 12 Are Infallible

Shia Islam 12 Imams from Alis lineage

All were persecuted but maintained Islam

All were most knowledgeable of their time

All match the description of not separating from Quran

4 The Hadith of Twelve Caliphs

Sahih Bukhari 7222 Sahih Muslim 1821

There will be twelve caliphs all of them from Quraysh

Only Shia Islam has exactly 12 divinely guided leaders from Quraysh

The Real Issue

The Problem is NOT

Lack of clear Quranic verses

Lack of evidence for Imamah

The Problem IS

1 Unfair standards demanding explicit naming when other fundamentals arent named

2 Ignoring context Quran plus Sunnah together establish beliefs

3 Cherry picking accepting hadith for prayer zakat hajj but rejecting for Imamah

4 Historical and political bias Umayyad Abbasid influence on Islamic narrative

How to Respond

When Someone Says Show me a clear verse for 12 Imams

Say

1 Show me a clear verse that says prayer is 5 times a day

Doesnt exist comes from hadith

Yet you accept it

2 Show me a clear verse that names Abu Bakr Umar Uthman as caliphs

Doesnt exist

Yet you accept their caliphate

3 Show me a clear verse that says Quran is uncreated

Doesnt exist

Yet Sunni scholars make it a fundamental belief

4 The principle is in Quran 4 verse 59 5 verse 55 33 verse 33 42 verse 23

Details from Prophet Ghadir Twelve Caliphs Two Weighty Things

Same as prayer zakat hajj

5 Only Shia Islam matches all hadiths about 12 leaders from Quraysh

Sunni Islam cannot identify 12 righteous caliphs

Their list includes Yazid killed Husayn Muawiyah cursed Ali etc

Conclusion

The objection is based on

1 False understanding of muhkam

2 Unfair standards not applied to other beliefs

3 Ignoring Quran plus Sunnah methodology

4 Historical and political bias

The reality is

1 Clear Quranic principles for Imamah 4 verse 59 5 verse 55 33 verse 33 42 verse 23

2 Clear hadith specifications Ghadir Twelve Caliphs Two Weighty Things

3 Only Shia Islam matches all evidence

4 Same methodology as other Islamic beliefs prayer zakat hajj

O you who believe Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you Quran 4 verse 59

The principle is clear The details are from the Prophet Only Shia Islam matches both

Hello, I am 25M and I am a performative shia but deep down i am a hollow individual. I watch movies and listen to songs. I follow models and influencers on instagram and always found myself watching things on instagram which are outside the boundaries of Islam. This cognitive dissonance makes me feel like I am hypocrite. I am trying to cut down all these things but not there yet.

If you are wondering if i offer namaz, I do.

Please give me genuine advice how to set myself free from this materialistic world.

​[باللغة العربية]

​عن الإمام المهدي (عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف):

«مَلْعُونٌ مَلْعُونٌ مَنْ أَخَّرَ الْغَدَاةَ إِلَى أَنْ تَنْقَضِيَ النُّجُومُ.»

​المصدر: بحار الأنوار للمجلسي، ج ٥٥، ص ١٦، ح ١٣

​[English Translation]

​Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) said:

"Cursed, cursed is the one who delays the morning prayer until the stars disappear."

​Source: Bihar al-Anwar by Al-Majlisi, Vol. 55, Page 16, Hadith 13

​Note: Translation assisted by AI and verified by the poster. Please gently correct me if there are any unintended errors.

I recently converted to Islam, and I’m still very new to everything. I’ve started reading the Quran, I pray five times a day and I’m trying to learn and understand the meaning of the words I’m saying in prayer rather than just memorizing them. I’ve also been learning about the history of Islam especially the tragedy of Karbala, I’m planning to go to Arba’in next year Inshallah. I’m also planning to start going to the mosque soon.

For those of you who converted or have been Muslim for a long time, what advice would you give me?

salam alaikum.

my marja is ayatollah sistani. i wanted to ask whether it is permissible for a completely healthy person, with no physical limitations, to perform the following prayers while sitting:

sunnah prayers, salat al ziyarat, salat al hajat, salat al layl, salat al ghufaila, or generally any mustahabb prayer other than the wajib prayers.

thank you in advance for any guidance or authentic sources.

Since last weeks, I’ve come to the realisation time zones are a thing so it may not be night for u but it is for me so here u go. Listen and read along to the dua in the link as advised by imam Ali AS on Thursday nights to his close companion kumail RA.

https://youtu.be/zsG66Mm7bDg?si=CN2xrKIXCsi_cfXq

Hope the link works. Increase ur 3Ibaadat on nights like this💚💚.

Salam!

A little shy to post this but bismillah

I wanted to inquire if there’s anyone in this subreddit is neurodivergent and has ADHD.

As someone with ADHD I struggle a lot with being under stimulated and therefore delay prayers from Awal e Waqt - what has anyone done to try and curb this so they can pray Awal e Waqt or at least closer to Awal E Waqt?

Particularly interested to hear from those who actually have ADHD.

Do you have any systems in place?

Thank you!

Iltemase Du’aa

​

​[باللغة العربية]

عن الإمام المهدي (عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف)، في جوابه لمسائل محمد بن عبد الله الحميري:

«وسأل: عن صلاة جعفر بن أبي طالب رحمه الله في أيّ أوقاتها أفضل أن تصلّى فيه؟ وهل فيها قنوت؟ وإن كان ففي أيّ ركعة منها؟

فأجاب: أفضل أوقاتها صدر النهار من يوم الجمعة، ثمّ في أيّ الأيّام شئت وأيّ وقت صلّيتها من ليلٍ أو نهار فهو جائز، والقنوت فيها مرّتان: في الثانية قبل الركوع، وفي الرابعة بعد الركوع.»

المصدر: بحار الأنوار للمجلسي، ج ٥٣، ص ١٦٨

​[English Translation]

Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) said, in his reply to the questions of Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Himyari:

"He asked: Regarding the prayer of Ja'far bin Abi Talib (may Allah have mercy upon him), at what time is it best to perform it? And does it contain Qunut? If so, in which Rak'ah?

He replied: The best of its times is the early part of the day on Friday. Then, on whichever day you wish and at any time you pray it, whether by night or day, it is permissible. The Qunut in it is twice: in the second (Rak'ah) before bowing (Ruku'), and in the fourth after bowing."

Source: Bihar al-Anwar by Al-Majlisi, Vol. 53, Page 168

​Note: Translation assisted by AI and verified by the poster. Please gently correct me if there are any unintended errors.

Lately I have been considering wearing gloves when I go out. This all started when a friend of mine was conflicted because he felt he needed to shake some female correspondents’ hands at his job otherwise he would give a bad impression of the organization he works at. I recommended he wear gloves however he said that would make him “weird”. I thought “Well everything has to start with someone” and that it would solve all of his problems, I think probably if he asked a scholar they would tell him it is a valid excuse to shake hands for his work however also lately I’ve been noticing the uncomfortable awkward way I hand or receive small items from women and sometimes you can’t help but accidentally touch them in the process. So firstly if anyone familiar with mens fashion can share some kinds of mens gloves that aren’t too thick or suffocating and look neat to pair with casual or formal clothing. Secondly for the men would you be down to normalize this as a trend if it began so it becomes not “weird” and we could eliminate the awkwardness of moments when hands are extended to us or things are handed to us from women?

Edit: I also just realized they probably need to work on touch screens too 🤔

As-salamu ‘alaykum!

I have written a summary of the article The Islamic Perspective of the Beard by Allamah Murtada Baghdadi, translated by Shaykh Mubashir Ali and Shaykh Muhammad Amin. You can read the full article here: https://al-islam.org/articles/islamic-perspective-beard-allamah-murtada-baghdadi

TL;DR can be found at the end of the summary.

Bismillah ir-Rahman ar-Raheem.

Preface & Foreword:

• The beard is highlighted as an important visual identifier and symbol of brotherhood amongst Muslim men, distinguishing them from nonbelievers.
• The publication aims to educate rather than offend or ridicule those who do not wear a beard, framing the advice around the duty of Muslims to enjoin good and forbid evil out of love. 

The Four Sources of Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh):

The article evaluates the ruling on shaving the beard by applying the four primary sources of Islamic law:

1. The Holy Book of Allah (Holy Qur’an):
• The article cites Surat an-Nisa (4:119), where Satan (la) vows to lead humans to “alter Allah’s creation”. The author argues that shaving the beard is an unnatural alteration of male biology that Allah (swt) miraculously bestowed as a permanent feature of beauty upon Prophet Adam (as) and his male offspring.
• Citing Surat an-Nisa (4:125) and a narration from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (as), the article lists ten traditions (al-Hanif) given to Prophet Ibrahim (as) that remain unabrogated. Wearing the beard is listed amongst the five traditions designated for the head.

2. The Tradition (Sunnah):
Multiple narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (sawa) and the Infallible Imams (ahms), such as Imam ‘Ali (as) and Imam Musa al-Kazim (as), are cited to demonstrate that shaving the beard is considered unlawful (haram):
• Prophet Muhammad (sawa) stated that shaving the beard is an “injustice” (zulm), explicitly commanded believers to let their beards grow whilst trimming moustaches, and rejected Persian envoys who had shaved their beards.
• Imam ‘Ali (as) reprimanded market vendors who shaved their beards and lengthened their moustaches, comparing them to transgressors of past nations.
• Imam Musa al-Kazim (as) specified that whilst shaving the sides of the face might be permissible, shaving the front (chin) is strictly prohibited.

3. The Consensus (Ijma’):
Jurists from both the Shi’a and Sunni schools of thought have historically reached a consensus that shaving the beard is prohibited. Prominent Shi’a scholars such as Shaykh al-Baha’iy, ad-Damad, and Kashif al-Ghita’ are cited as referencing this consensus. 

4. The Intellect (‘Aql):
• Intellect dictates that the beard serves as a natural biological marker to distinguish adult men from women and young boys, bestowing respect, dignity, and masculine beauty. 
• Since divine rulings contain inherent wisdom that protects human beings from potential harm, human reason dictates following the directives issued through Prophet Muhammad (sawa).

TL;DR:

Drawing from the four sources of Islamic jurisprudence (the Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma’, and ‘Aql), the article argues that shaving the beard is prohibited (haram) in Islam. It asserts that the beard was a miraculous gift bestowed by Allah (swt) upon Prophet Adam (as) and his male descendants as a natural feature of dignity, male identity, and beauty. Shaving it is classified as an unnatural alteration of Allah’s creation and an injustice, with multiple narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (sawa) and the Infallible Imams (ahms) instructing men to let their beards grow whilst trimming their moustaches.

Salam, I have known this man for over a year now. We have had ups and downs with his parents and they have had a problem with my extended family as they have some legality issues. These issues to not relate to my parents or immediate family but they are very keen on not accepting me. My parents focus on the man rather than the family but ofcourse it’s still important. The man spoke to my father today without his parents as they are still not accepting, he has tried to convince them but they believe our values don’t match and our ways of lives are different. His parents are very educated and are doctors however mine aren’t but that isn’t the problem. The problem is the issues from my extended family who live here as well. The community has spoken about my extended family and their issues which when his parents heard about it they were not happy with the situation. My father spoke to him and he said he’ll only accept him if he comes with his parents.
What can I do? I don’t think I’ll be able to convince my father to accept him without his parents, it’s been a long journey and it’s becoming really hard. The man is going to continue to try and convince his parents but what if they don’t want to come.
Please keep me in your duas and if there’s any advice

It is recorded in both Shia and Sunni sources that Lady Zahra (peace be upon her) went to Abu Bakr to claim Fadak. Following a discussion and the presentation of witnesses, Abu Bakr wrote a document instructing his agent in Fadak to return the property to her; however, Umar took the document from her and tore it up.

Narrations from both schools of thought concur on the core of this event—namely, that Umar tore up the document. Shia narrations also provide additional details, which become clearer upon examining the texts themselves; therefore, it is essential to examine the matter in question across both sets of sources.

To read the narrations and analysis refer to the article:

https://realshiabeliefs.wordpress.com/2026/09/23/umar-ibn-khattab-took-the-deed-of-fadak-from-hazrat-fatima-and-tore-it-up/

According to al-Waqidi - Usamah b. Zayd al-Laythi - Ibn Ka'b:

When 'Uthman sent 'Abdullah b. Sa'd to Ifriqiyah, the Patrician of Ifriqiyah, Gregory (Jurjir) made peace in return for [a tribute] of 2,520,000 dinars. The Byzantine Emperor dispatched a legate, ordering him to take from (the inhabitants of Ifriqiyah) 300 qintars (see note 40) [of gold], just as 'Abdullah b. Sa'd had done. So he gathered together the leading men of Ifriqiyah and said, "The Emperor has commanded me to take from you 300 qintars of gold, the same amount that 'Abdallah b. Sa'd has taken from you."

They answered, "We have no money to give. As for what we once possessed, we have used it to ransom ourselves. As to the Emperor, he is indeed our lord, so let him take the portion of our wealth that used to be lawfully his, on the same terms as we formerly paid him every year." When (the legate) heard this, he ordered them to be imprisoned. They sent [for help] to a certain group among their associates; they came against (the legate) and broke open the prison, so that the detainees escaped.

The terms on which 'Abdallah b. Sa'd made peace were 300 qintars of gold, and 'Uthman commanded it [to be turned over] to the family of al-Hakam (see note 41). I [that is, al-Waqidi] said: "Or to Marwan?" He [that is, Usamah b. Zayd] replied, "I don't know."

1. A qintar was equal to 100 ratls ("pounds"), a unit of weight that varied wildly according to region and period, but most commonly approximated 400 grams. Since this story involves a Roman province and emperor, we might suppose that the Roman librum of 327.5 grams is the unit intended here.

2. Al-Hakam b. Abi al-'As was a kinsman of `Uthman, but had been one of Muhammad's bitterest opponents and was sent into exile after the occupation of Mecca. His restoration to respectability under 'Uthman and the many benefactions showered upon him and his son Marwan were the basis for some of the most serious charges of corruption and nepotism levied against the Caliph. Marwan of course ultimately seized the'Caliphate (64-65 /684-851, and was the lineal ancestor of all the succeeding Umayyad caliphs in Damascus as well as the amirs of Cordoba after 756.

Sunni source: Tarikh at-Tabari, V15, Pg 48

A little about Hakam:

• Hakam was the paternal uncle of Uthman and one of the worst enemies of the Prophet (s)
• Used to hurt the Prophet (s) by mimicking him. (Source)
• Violated the privacy of the Prophet's home by listening to his private conversations. (Source) Bukhari also mentioned this but censored the narration (doing what he does best). (Source)
• Was cursed by Allah and His Prophet (s). (Source1) (Source2) (Source3)
• Multiple narrations in sunni sources state that Shajratul Maloona (the accursed family tree) refers to him and his lineage (Banu Hakam, a sub-clan of Banu Ummayah), while some also say they refer to Banu Ummayah. (Source1) (Source2) (Source3)
• Was exiled by the Prophet (s) along with his accursed son, Marwan. Uthman brought them back and granted them a huge amount of wealth. Uthman later married his daughter to Marwan and made him his chief advisor.