[1] The different reports that mention Imam Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn عليه السلام striking his slave to punish him for something and what transpired thereafter are lesson-giving for his followers. It is obvious that an infallible Imam would not harm or oppress his slave, or anyone else for that matter. Nevertheless, Imam al-Sajjād عليه السلام was especially known for training many slaves and then setting them free. It is likely that this was an instance of the training and discipline that the slaves underwent before being manumitted. (Tr).