His Rank and Standing

This introduction to our Shaykh, the pious scholar al-Ḥusayn ibn Yaḥyā al-Muṭahhar—may Allah preserve him—was composed in response to the request of certain senior guides, otherwise, he requires no introduction, given the renown of his knowledge throughout the Zaidi lands for his mention has spread everywhere, and his reputation has reached both near and far, such that he is known to young and old, men and women alike. They recognize him for his knowledge (ʿilm) and guidance (hudā), his asceticism (zuhd) and scrupulousness (waraʿ), his humility and sincerity, and his noble character, as well as through his continual efforts in calling to Allah and spreading His religion.

He is, may Allah preserve him, the foremost scholarly figure of this age, and the most eminent embodiment of guidance and truth, whose elevated rank and lofty standing are manifest and unmistakable. When drought afflicts them, they turn to him, and he supplicates to Allah on their behalf, whereupon Allah sends rain through the barakah of his supplication, and when illness overcomes them and hope of recovery wanes, they go to him and request his duʿāʾ; he supplicates, and Allah grants healing through the barakah of his presence, and when affairs become constrained, they turn to him, and Allah eases the difficult through his agency, expanding through his barakah what had constricted and opening what had been closed. He relieves one’s distress through his counsel, and resolves another’s hardship through his supplication, fulfills the needs of those who seek him through his generosity, and supports the chastity of the believer through his assistance, and intercedes for others in the fulfillment of their needs by virtue of his standing and influence.