Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (A.S.)

LINEAGE

IMAM MUSA son of Imam JA'FER AL-SADIQ (AS) was born in AL-ABWA (a district between Mecca and Medina) on the 7th of SAFAR in the year 128 of HIJRA. His mother, HAMEEDA, was of Berber's (North African) lineage. He was blessed with martyrdom on 25th of RAJAB in the year 183 of HIJRA in KADHIMIA (Iraq) and was buried there.

THE ERA OF THE PRECEDING IMAMS: AL-BAQIR AND AL-SADIQ (A.S)

During the life of IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS), a current of awareness started in the Muslim community coinciding with the deteriorated situation of the UMAYYAD rule which grew weaker year after year. Now and then, rebellious groups confronted injustice and oppression of the UMAYYAD rule and reminded the people of the ALAWIS' suffering in their prisons. They called the people to seek revenge for the martyrs of KERBALA and of such battles.. As a result, the UMAYYAD rulers came to realize the great risk facing their authority, hence they had to show less hostility towards AHLUL BAYT (AS). They stopped killing and torturing their opponents in public.

During this period, IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) was giving his lessons in Al-Medina and its surrounding villages. His lessons were comprised of: Islamic beliefs and legislations, and QURANIC interpretation along with explanation of the Prophetic Tradition. Following the demise of IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS), revolts against the UMAYYAD rule increased in number and spread everywhere. People turned towards the Prophet's family in their devotion and support.

IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) pursued his forefathers' footsteps and demonstrated a genuine concern for their school of thought. That school became so large that it was called AHLUL BAYT'S University. Students from all over the Muslim world joined that School to acquire religious instructions and legislations besides other sciences. It was quite necessary for those concerned to attend that School of IMAM AL-SADIQ to get the authentic narrations which were not recorded for nearly one century at the order of the preceding caliphs. Recording such narrations started only ten years prior to IMAM AL-SADIQ'S Imamate. Nearly 4.000 students attended IMAM AL-SADIQ lessons during the 30 years of this authority. Among those students were leaders of different movements and parties. Even opponents and supporters of different groups attended his lessons. The UMAYYADS could do nothing to confront the attraction to his lessons.

In the year 132 of HIJRA, the UMAYYAD reign of terror came to an end and the ABASSI clan seized power through their chief ABI AL-ABBAS AL-SAFFAH (the blood-shedder), then his brother ABI JA'FER AL-MANSOUR, his successor. AL-MANSOUR was among the attendants of IMAM AL-SADIQ'S lessons. He often listened to his sermons and sayings, hence he was quite aware of his method of spreading the Islamic instructions.

Prior to their rise to power, AL-SAFFAH and his brother, along with YAQUB IBN DAWOOD, ABU Muslim AL-KHURASANI, and ABU SALAMA AL-KHALLAL, prominent figures of the time and deadly enemies of the UMAYYADS, demonstrated great pain at the injustice inflicted on the ALAWIS. They expressed a great anger at the bloodshed in KERBALA. However, as soon as they assumed power, little by little they exposed their true face and showed their wicked intentions and ambitions. They openly expressed their hostility towards the Prophet's family members and filled their prisons with them, even put most of them to death. At that time, Imam AL-SADIQ'S name enjoyed a high reputation throughout the Muslim world.

As previously mentioned, AL-MANSOUR was quite aware of the Imam's influence, his sublime virtue, and his sound knowledge. He himself listened to the Imam's lessons and saw how numerous his students were, hence he decided to stop those lessons by all means.

At first he kept his intention secret but soon made it public and started chasing the Imam's students and followers. He (AL-MANSOUR) even appointed a killer as a governor in Al-Medina and ordered him to put the Imam under severe house arrest and to continue bothering him. The governor was Mohammed IBN SULAIMAN who could not achieve his goal.

THE UNIQUE TESTAMENT

In the year 148 of HIJRA, IMAM AL-SADIQ was blessed with martyrdom: he was poisoned by AL-MANSOUR'S mercenaries. When AL-MANSOUR heard of the Imam's demise, he ordered his governor in AL-Medina to search for the Imam's will and know who his successor in Imamate was, to arrest him, and to immediately put him to death. The governor searched the house for it. He found it and read it. The Imam had entrusted authority to five persons: AL-MANSOUR (the caliph) himself, Mohammed IBN SULAIMNA (Al-Medina governor), ABDILLAH AL-AFTAH (son of the late Imam), MUSA (his other son), and to his (the late Imam's) wife, HAMEEDA.

When the governor read the will, he was at a loss as to what to do. He informed AL-MANSOUR of its contents and waited for his instructions. AL-MANSOUR, too, was now at a loss and was stunned at the Imam's sharp intellect and far insight. He knew that the late Imam was aware of his evil intentions; this is why he resorted to that procedure. He found it impossible to kill those mentioned in the will.

MUSA AL-KADHIM'S IMAMATE

MUSA AL-KADHIM (AS) became the Imam while the common people considered AL-MANSOUR as the Muslims leader and caliph, successor of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H). AL-MANSOUR'S agents spread everywhere and imposed a strict surveillance on the people in order to know the name of the new Imam who would succeed AL-SADIQ (AS). They arrested everyone whom they suspected and subjected him to severe torture.

Following the demise of IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS), AL-MANSOUR devised plans to extinguish the torch of SHI'ISM (the following of AHLUL BAYTS' School of Thought), hence he created many Islamic sects and used the court theologians to achieve his goals. He flooded them with wealth and ordered them to start different Schools of Thought vis-à-vis IMAM AL-SADIQ'S School. They were provided with official facilities while his (AL-MANSOUR'S) assistants encouraged people to join those Schools. The era of AL-MANSOUR'S reign was the most damaging in the Islamic history and the most bitter. He managed to create more than one hundred religious sects.

IMAM AL-KADHIM enjoyed his father's care for twenty years and was quite aware of AL-MANSOUR'S hostile stance towards the Prophet's family. Hence, his name as a new Imam was kept secret, unknown to the rulers. Very few of his close following knew him but never mentioned his name to avoid AL-MANSOUR'S spies. They received his instructions and guidelines with a great difficulty. It was quite risky to convey his instructions to his supporters who were at a loss regarding whom to contact for religious information. One of those followers was HISHAM IBN SALIM whose following story indicates the difficulty in reaching the Imam.

THE STORY OF HISHAM IBN SALIM

HISHAM says, "Following the demise of IMAM JA'FER AL-SADIQ (AS), I and Mohammed IBN AL-NU'MAN SAHIB AL-TAAQ were in Al-Medina. People crowded around ABDILLAH AL-AFTAH, son of late IMAM JA'FER. The people considered him the authority after his father. We went to him and asked him some questions about alms-giving (ZAKAT). He could not answer us, thus we knew that he was not of sound religious knowledge while the infallible Imam should be aware of all matters and could answer all questions. We left his house not knowing where to go. Not knowing where to go, we noticed an old man whom we did not know signaling to me to follow him. I feared he might be one of AL-MANSOUR'S spies looking for information to see whom the people would contact after JA'FER (AS) in order to put an end to them. I said to my comrade: 'Stay away! The man is signaling to me'.

"He kept away and I followed the old man. I kept walking with him, thinking that I was approaching death on my feet. He brought me to the door of IMAM MUSA AL-KADHIM and left me alone. A servant was at the door. He said, 'Come in, may Allah bless you'. There, I saw IMAM MUSA AL-KADHIM. I said to him, 'Your father has passed away, whom are we to follow now?' He said, 'Allah will guide you to your intention'. I said, 'May I be your sacrifice, your brother claims he is the Imam after his father'. He said, 'My brother does not want people to worship Allah'. I said, 'Who is in authority after your father?' He said, 'By the will of Allah, you will be guided to him'. I said, 'Are you the Imam?' He said, 'I do not say it'. "I said to myself, 'It is not the proper question'. Then I said to him: 'Do you have an Imam?' He said, 'No'. I immediately felt a strange kind of fear and respect for him. I said, 'Shall I ask you as I used to ask your father?' He said, 'Make a choice and do not broadcast. If you do it, then it is sure death'.

"I asked him various questions and found him an ocean of knowledge. I said to him, 'Your followers are at a loss. They do not know you. Shall I call them?' He said, 'Call the wise ones only and make them swear to keep it secret, otherwise it is slaying'. This Imam pointed to his neck as he uttered the word: 'Slaying'.

"When I left I met my comrade who asked me, 'What have you gotten?' I said, 'Guidance!' and related to him the affair". The Imam's name spread and most of his father's followers got in touch with him to ask him about various religious matters despite the strict official watch imposed on him along with the caliph's order of preventing him from giving lessons. Very few were somehow able to get in touch with him under various excuses. They would get the necessary information, write it down, then deliver it carefully to other people.

His followers used to write his narrations under different names such as: the righteous man, the scholar, that man… In order to avoid troubles, they would write the opinions of the contemporary theologians and insert the Imam's verdict between the lines. Thus, they managed to escape the caliph's spies and avoid harassment.

IMAM AL-KADHIM'S COMPANIONS

At such crucial situations, the Imam's instructions were disseminated by his faithful followers. There were 300 of those followers who wrote books and letters related to him and handed down those books to the following generations. Among the 300 of them, six were accepted as the most truthful and authentic. They were: YUNIS IBN ABDIL RAHMAN, SAFWAN IBN YAHYA, Mohammed IBN UMARI, AHMAD IBN Mohammed, ABDILLAH IBN AL-MUGHIRA and AL-HASAN IBN MAHBOUB.

Those six were considered the nearest to him and the most accepted. They spent their life confronting the tyrants of the day. They achieved the task of conveying the authentic narration and QURANIC sciences to future generations. YUNIS IBN ABDIL RAHMAN was a pious scholar. People compared him with SALMAN the Persian. He spent his life writing books and recording narrations. He was of the near followers. Most of the time, he was chased by the rulers' agents and spies. Mohammed IBN UMARI was one of the prominent figures of the day and of the Imam's close companions. He of the day and of the Imam's close companions. He conveyed most of the Imam's narration sand sayings. When harassment against him intensified and he was under heavy chasing by AL-RASHID'S mercenaries, he hid his books under the ground. He was arrested and tortured but he was firm and never confessed any name of the Imam's followers. When he was set free, he got his books out just to find them all ruined, worn-out.

At this time, IMAM AL-KADHIM was blessed with martyrdom and IBN UMARI re-wrote whatever he could remember of the Imam's narrations and sayings. His narrations are considered authentic.

This brief glance at the life of these righteous men indicates the hardship they suffered for the sake of Islam, and the great efforts they made to keep Islamic instructions safe from the deviation of the corrupted rulers and anti-Islamic sects.

SAFWAN IBN MIHRAN'S STORY

The story of another important supporter of the Imam (as), namely SAFWAN IBN MIHRAN is worth mentioning here. He is also known as "AL-JAMMAL" who should not be confused with another previously mentioned SAFWAN AL-JAMMAL (his full name is: SAFWAN IBN YAHAY AL-JAMMAL). SAFWAN AL-JAMMAL was a rich man who owned many camels that were used to transport people during the HAJJ season from Baghdad to Mecca and back. The ABASSI caliph HAROUN AL-RASHID used to hire those camels for that purpose.

One day, SAFWAN visited IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS) who said to him, "Oh, SAFWAN! Everything is nice about you except one thing". SAFWAN was amazed; he said, "May I be your sacrifice, what is it?!"

The Imam (as) said, "You hire your camels to this man (HAROUN AL-RASHID)" SAFWAN said, "By Allah, I hire the camels neither for fun nor for hunting. I hire them for this special route (Baghdad-Mecca), and I send my men, I do not keep him company".

The Imam said, "Do you get money from them (HAROUN and his men)?" SAFWAN said, "Yes, I do". The Imam said, "Do you love to see them survive till you get yourcamels back?" SAFWAN said, "Yes".

The Imam said, "Whoever loves to see them survive is one of them and thus abides in hell". Immediately SAFWAN left him. He went and sold his camels to avoid hiring them to HAROUN AL-RASHID. AL-RASHID was vexed when he heard about that but did not show it due to SAFWAN'S good reputation among people. He only blamed him for that.

IMAM AL-KADHIM AND THE RULERS OF THE TIME

IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS) was contemporary of the following ABASSI rulers: AL-MANSOUR, AL-MEHDI, AL-HADI, and HAROUN AL-RASHID. He spent ten years of his Imamate during AL-MANSOURS' caliphate. Those years were the most hard of his life and the darkest in Islamic history. AL-MANSOUR used to arrest the Imam's followers in groups, torture them, kill them, then bury them secretly in their prisons. Following AL-MANSOUR'S death, the prisons were opened and the buried bones of the prisoners were discovered. Only then did the people come to know the great injustice that took place at those fearful prisons.

At the death of AL-MANSOUR, his stupid son AL-MEHDI AL-ABASSI assumed power. He was a playboy who publicly expressed his hostility towards the Prophet's family. However, he was not as oppressive as his father was. Hence, things improved in general.

AL-MEHDI AL-ABASSI tried once to annoy IMAM AL-KADHIM. He summoned him to Baghdad and threw him in prison. Soon after a horrible nightmare, he set him free and sent him respectfully back to Al-Medina. During his short regime, AL-MEHDI often met him at his palace. One day, a dialogue related to FADAK (the property which the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) gave to his daughter Fatima and she was deprived of it after his demise).

AL-MEHDI AL-ABASSI said to IMAM AL-KADHIM that he was ready to give him back FADAK. The Imam refused to take it unless it was given back within its full borders. The ABASSI ruler asked him, "What are its borders?" the Imam said, "If I mention its borders, you will not give it back to me". The caliph insisted on knowing its borders, so the Imam said, "The first border is in Eden in the south". AL-MEHDI'S face changed color. The Imam said, "The second border is SAMARKAND to the east". AL-MEHDI frowned. The Imam said, "The third border is to the west of Africa". AL-MEHDI indignantly said, "And what is the fourth?" the Imam said, "Armenia and the Black Sea". AL-MEHDI said, "You left nothing for us. Come, have my place (on the throne)"

The Imam said, "I told you that you would not give it back to me if I mentioned its borders". This dialogue indicates that the Imam (as) wanted to show the ABASSI ruler that all the Muslim world was usurped by the ABASSI rulers and by the UMAYYADS before them. It was not the matter of a small piece of land, but the whole Muslim countries. AL-MEHDI AL-ABASSI did not rule long. His son AL-HADI, whose personality was weak, succeeded him in office. His rule also came to an end soon. HAROUN AL-RASHID became the caliph after him.

THE STORY OF ALI IBN YAQTIN

HAROUN AL-RASHID was the most powerful and the strongest ABASSI ruler. Since the very beginning of his rule he applied pressure on the ALAWIS, arresting, torturing, and killing many of them. This motivated the Imam (as) to advise his followers to go underground to avoid AL-RASHID'S mercenaries. This helped them spread the Islamic teachings throughout the Muslim world. They even managed to have jobs in the state offices and even in AL-RASHID'S palace. It helped them give a hand to the oppressed and needy Muslims.

ALI IBN YAQTIN was one of the influential figures. From the very beginning, he was an enemy of the UMAYYAD authority and incited people to rebel against it. Through his activity, he became acquainted with AL-SAFFAH and AL-MANSOUR, the two ABASSI rulers. Hence, strong friendship linked him to the two caliphs, and he was entrusted with high jobs. He was pious, generous, and always ready to help the needy. AL-MANSOUR appointed him chief of the caliph's court.

YAQTIN had a son called Ali who like his father: one of the best followers of IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS). He used to meet him secretly. At the death of his father, the son took his office. During AL-RASHID'S regime, he became his minister. AL-RASHID knew nothing about ALI IBN YAQTIN'S devotion to IMAM AL-KADHIM. ALI used to secretly pay the Imam the fifth of his wealth (KHUMS) along with the poor-rate (ZAKAT). He often thought of leaving his office, but the Imam advised him to stay in order to help those believers who needed some help. One day, AL-RASHID offered him a very splendid garment knitted with gold threads usually worn by kings. It was called AL-DDARA'A. As soon as he got it he handed it over to the Imam with the one-fifth of his earnings and the poor-rate. The Imam took the money but retuned the garment. He wrote him saying, "Keep it, and do not give it to anyone. You will have an affair related to it one day",

ALI IBN YAQTIN was sad because the Imam returned it. He sprinkled perfume on it and kept it in a safe case then sealed the case.Some time later, Ali was angry with his servant who was aware of Ali's devotion to IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS). The servant immediately went to AL-RASHID and said to him, "ALI IBN YAQTIN believes in AL-KADHIM'S Imamate and pays him the one-fifth and the poor-rate. He even gave him the garment you presented to him".

AL-RASHID was very angry and said, "I will investigate the matter. If it is true, I will put him to death". He at once sent for him and said, "What have you done with the garment I offered you?" IBN YAQTIN said, "I have perfumed in a sealed case". AL-RASHID said, "Bring it now".

IBN YAQTIN ordered one of his servants to bring it to him, telling him where he could find it. the servant came back with the sealed case which he put it in front of AL-RASHID who opened it and found the garment in it. he was no longer angry and said, "Put it back in its place and go away well-guided. I will not believe whoever speaks behind your back". He then ordered the servant to be whipped one thousand stroke after which he died.

ALI IBN YAQTIN then realized why IMAM AL-KADHIM had returned the garment and advised him to keep it. such and other incidents led AL-RASHID to realize the important status of IMAM AL-KADHIM. He decided to get rid of him, so he sought the advice of his minister KAHLID AL-BARMAKI, the deadly enemy of IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS). AL-BARMAKI knew well that the Imam's nephew, ALI IBN ISMAEL, envied his uncle. He advised AL-RASHID to call him, offer him presents, then ask him about his uncle's activity. The nephew said, "I left my uncle in Al-Medina. He is the best condition with so much wealth and so many men. It seems that there are two caliphs: one is in Iraq and one is in HIJAZ".

The caliph understood the nephew's hint, hence he decided to get rid of Imam. He ordered him arrested and imprisoned in Basra. The governor of Basra was ISA IBN JA'FER. He treated the Imam quite well when he saw his great piety and adoration. When AL-RASHID knew of the good treatment, he ordered the Imam transferred to another prison, so the Imam was jailed in AL-FADHIL IBN AL-RABI'S prison. He stayed long in that prison. AL-RABI felt the grace of the Imam, hence he treated him with great respect. He moved him to a good house where he was given the best food and was allowed to meet some of his followers. Sometimes, he was allowed to leave the house and make some rounds in the city of Baghdad, then return. AL-RASHID was scared to death of the Imam's good reputation and feared that people might follow him. He ordered his imprisonment in AL-SINDI IBN SHAHIK'S prison and ordered IBN SHAHIK to treat Imam with cruelty.

With chains in feet and his hands, IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS) stayed long in that prison. Then AL-RASHID sent his minister YAHYA AL-BARMAKI to tell the Imam that AL-RASHID had sworn to set him free if he apologized to him. AL-RASHID intended to humiliate him and expose his weakness in front of the people to prove that he himself was the caliph of the Muslims.

The Imam knew his intention, so he said to AL-BARMAKI, "I and HAROUN will son separate. He will achieve his objective". The Imam spent 20 years of his life in AL-RASHID'S prisons.

Finally, IBN SHAHIK was ordered to give him poisoned dates. As soon as he ate them, the Imam was blessed with martyrdom. The court theologians and doctors claimed that his death was due to some kind of natural sickness and for no other reason. However, the people had different opinions. They were quite aware of the reason behind his death. They knew who was behind it.

Nowadays, the Imam's shrine in KADHIMAIN, Baghdad, Iraq, is a landmark testifying to the crimes committed by HAROUN AL-RASHID and his likes. Such crimes cannot be hidden no matter how long they may be kept secret, nor can they extinguish the torch of Islam. The Almighty says, {They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths and Allah will not consent save to perfect His light, though the unbelievers are averse}. [AL-TAWBA: 32].

Imam Ali Al-Ridha (A.S.)

LINEAGE

ALI is the son of Imam MUSA AL-KADHIM (AS). His mother is UMM AL-BANIN. He was born on the 11th of DHIL QIDAH in the year 148 of HIJRA in Al-Medina Al-MUNAWARA. He was blessed with martyrdom on the 29 of SAFAR of the year 203 of HIJRA in TOOS (Iran) and was buried MASHHAD.

AL-KADHIM, AL-RIDHA (PEACE BE UPON BOTH) AND HAROUN AL-RASHID

It is quite easy for us today to speak about HAROUN AL-RASHID and discuss his life. It was quite difficult to do so during the life of this ABASSI ruler. To merely mention his name was enough to stir great fear and leave the people scared to death. He was notorious for his cruelty, brutality, and oppression. He ruled the vast Islamic world that stretched from India in the east to Atlantic Ocean in the west. He considered himself the Muslims' caliph but was quite aware, deep inside, that the caliphate was never his legitimate right. He knew that such right was confined to a special person who exceeded all the people of his time in knowledge, piety, and righteousness. He knew that the caliphate was Imam MUSA AL-KADHIM'S own right. Hence, he bitterly hated him and was hostile to his ALAWI family. Finally, he imprisoned him and for twenty years, moving him from one jail to another, till he was able to give him poisoned food. He got rid of him and swore to behead whoever among the ALAWIS claimed the Imamate after MUSA AL-KADHIM (AS). He intended to uproot the Imamate but Allah Almighty will not consent save to keep it, though the infidels are averse.

IMAM AL-KADHIM entrusted his son IMAM ALI with the Imamate. As soon as AL-KADHIM (AS) was blessed with martyrdom, ALI AL-RIDHA announced his Imamate to all people. He was not afraid of HAROUN or other tyrants. He made it clear publicly without hesitation. He was sure of Allah's help. His followers were concerned about his safety. One of them, Mohammed IBN SINAN, said to him, "O ABA AL-HASAN! You have declared your authority, succeeding your father, while AL-RASHID'S sword is still wet with his blood".

The IMAM (AS) said, "I have done it, motivated by the Messenger of Allah's stance when the Almighty ordered him (P.B.U.H.) to warn his nearest kin, and proclaim his call in public. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) then said, 'Were ABU JAHL to take one hair from my head, then I would not be a Prophet'. Now I say to you: 'If HAROUN took one hair from my head, then I would not be an Imam".

The BARMAKIS were the group that continuously incited the rulers against IMAM AL-RIDHA. They had plotted against his father IMAM AL-KADHIM through the Imam' nephew ALI IBN ISMAEL who openly envied his uncle. They started their plots against his son, IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS). YAHYA AL-BARMAKI said to AL-RASHID one day, "You can see it now. ALI IBN MUSAahs succeeded his father and claimed the Imamate. You have sworn to kill whoever claims Imamate after him".

AL-RASHID said angrily, "Has it not been enough what we have already done to his father?! Do you want me to kill them all?" Those words of AL-RASHID indicated the atrocities which he had committed against IMAM AL-KADHIM (AS). However, that did not halt his attempt to get rid of AL-RIDHA (as). He often tried but failed because Allah's will protected the Imam (as) who one day said in reference to AL-RASHID'S attempts, "By Allah, he cannot do anything to me which I hate. This is clear from words reached me from my grandfather the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.)". Allah, the Manager of all affairs, provided IMAM AL-RIDHA with protection against AL-RASHID'S oppression, just as He protected the Prophet's offspring: IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN survived the battle of KERBALA and assumed his role in the Imamate.

HAROUN AL-RASHID died after having entrusted caliphate to his son AL-AMIN and, after him, to his other son AL-MAMOUN.

AL-AMIN spent his life in fun and frolic. He neglected the affairs of the large Muslim world. He also betrayed his brother AL-MAMOUN by depriving him of his right to the caliphate according to AL-RASHID'S will. He entrusted it to his young son MUSA whom he named as the successor. This division between the two brothers stirred wars among the two brothers' followers and supporters. At last, AL-AMIN was killed and AL-MAMOUN became the caliph. The division in the ABASSI clan led the authority to cease watching IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS). This gave him time to carry out his mission quietly and spread the Islamic tenants. The bloody wars between both brothers motivated the Muslims to ponder and to have second thoughts. They realized that both brothers were not qualified to be the Muslims' leaders. Again the people turned to the ALAWIS to assume their role. Moreover, the ABBASIS themselves were angry with AL-MAMOUN who killed his own brother.

IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS) AND AL-MAMOUN

AL-MAMOUN chose the city of MARO (MERV) to be his capital in order to express his gratitude to the KHURASANIS who helped him achieve power. A year after his ascendance to authority, upheavals spread throughout the country and revolts led by the ALAWIS erupted everywhere in holy Mecca, Al-Medina, Yemen, Basra and KUFA. AL-MAMOUN found himself surrounded by dangers from all sides. He realized the critical situation and found that the best way for him was to make a show of his desire to hand the caliphate over to IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS), thus he would please the ALAWIS who led the revolts against his rule and curb the upheavals. He was sure of the Imam's rejection, but his minister, AL-FADHIL IBN SAHL, encouraged him to write to the Imam. AL-MAMOUN wrote to the Imam (as) and summoned him to KHURASAN where he met him in MARO.

The Imam (as) gave various reasons to be spared the visit, but AL-MAMOUN insisted again and again till the Imam had no choice except to go. The Imam knew that the tyrant's son was never devoted to the son of Imam MUSA AL-KADHIM. He had to go because AL-MAMOUN would not leave him alone.

A JOURNEY OF RETURN

IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS) accompanied AL-MAMOUN'S envoys who surrounded him and showed a great deal of respect for him. Some of Al-Medina's dignitaries joined the caravan that made its way towards KHURASAN. At the order of the ruler (AL-MAMOUN), the caravan was to avoid cities such as QUM where the Imam's followers and devotees were great in number. However, people heard of his coming and all of them came out to welcome the grandson of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.).

They crowded at both sides of the road and glorified Allah the Almighty. They were all anxious to have a look at his sublime person. The Imam noticed that AL-MAMOUN'S men tried to separate him from the people, so, he tried his best to address the people whenever he could. When the caravan reached NISAPOUR, its people came out to meet him. They had never dreamed of attaining such a blessing: to enjoy seeing the grandson of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.). their dream had come true, hence, every man and woman left his/her home to welcome him.

It was a big event of love and devotion to the Prophet's household, peace be upon them all.

The city theologians and nobles were eager to have the chance to listen to him speak. But the people's excitement and devotion gave them no chance. They begged the people to be quiet; they obeyed, and the Imam put his head out of the pavilion which was on the back of his camel. They saw his bright face and were again excited. He signaled to them to keep silent. They held their breath and listened to every word he uttered. The Imam had to tell them everything but he still had to be careful. He had to be brief. He said, "My father MUSA AL-KADHIM told me that his father JA'FER AL-SADIQ, his father AL-BAQIR, his father ALI ZAIN AL-ABIDIN, his father AL-HUSAIN the martyr of KERBALA, his father ALI IBN ABI TALIB said, 'My beloved one, the joy of my eyes, the Messenger of Allah, said that the angel JIBRAEL heard Allah the Almighty say: The utterance of LA ILAHA ILLA Allah! (There is no god but the One God) is My fortress. Whoever enters My fortress is spared My wrath and chastisement'".

Thousands of narrators recorded many other prophetic narrations through infallible Imams (as). Those narrations are the source of great wisdom and piety.

Leaving NISAPOUR, the caravan approached MARO where AL-MAMOUN was to welcome the Imam in great celebration. He hosted him in a splendid palace, surrounding him with respect and honor.

The people felt happy about the Imam's arrival. They thought the hateful past would never appear again and that warring was over. They thought that AL-MAMOUN was ready to give the caliphate to its owner who had come to him. They thought that a good future was ahead of them. Alas! They were quite wrong. IMAM AL-RIDHA knew that AL-MAMOUN was not serious in his offer. He just made a show of compromise for a hidden purpose.

Not only AL-MAMOUN, but also his agents and followers were concerned about their own social status and high positions with the government. Hence, the Imam (as) refused AL-MAMOUN'S offer of the caliphate. Immediately, AL-MAMOUN offered the Imam the office of crown prince, that is, to succeed him in the caliphate. He did not make the offer out of love for the Imam (as) but only to legitimize his authority and silence the opposition. Again the Imam refused the offer but AL-MAMOUN insisted saying, "You receive my offer in what I hate, though you are safe from my harm. I swear by Allah, either you accept the office or I put you to death".

The Imam (as) was quite aware of the situation. When he made his farewell visit to the shrine of his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.), he cried saying, "I am leaving your neighborhood to die in a strange country". He made his journey from Al-Medina to KHURASAN under duress; he had no choice.

Finally he accepted the office but on certain conditions. He said to AL-MAMOUN, "I accept it on the condition that I neither appoint anyone in office nor dismiss anyone. I nullify no tradition and keep away from all affairs except for consultation".

AL-MAMOUN agreed and the covenant was made in front of all ministers, the army leaders, the noblemen, and a crowd of the common people. AL-MAMOUN distributed gifts and poets recited their poetry in praise of the event. On that occasion, AL-MAMOUN issued the state currency with the name of AL-RIDHA (as) on one face. The mosques' leaders thus would start their sermons praising AL-MAMOUN and IMAM AL-RIDHA in their DU'A (supplication). In KHURASAN, the Imam held meetings attended by scholars, doctors, theologians and others who were all amazed at his profound knowledge.

AL-MAMOUN used to attend those meetings which filled him with envy, though he claimed to encourage scientific research and knowledge. The Imam (as) often noticed the disappointment of AL-MAMOUN during his lessons. Hence, hetired to make his talks brief and to end the meetings as soon as possible. He under the cover of being at his service. He often appealed to Allah saying, "O Lord! If my relief is through death, then hasten with it".

THE CONGREGATION PRAYERS AT EID AL-FITR

During the first year of the imam's appointment as the crown prince, he was ordered by AL-MAMOUN to lead the congregational prayers of the religious ritual on the first day of SHAWAL celebrating the achievement of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The occasion is EID AL-FITR which all Muslims enjoy. IMAM AL-RIDHA wrote him saying, "You are aware of the condition we made when I accepted this office. Now do spare me this duty of leading the prayers".

AL-MAMOUN insisted saying, "I want the people to feel at ease on seeing you and know your distinction". The Imam (as) agreed on condition that he would perform it similarly to the performance of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.) and Ali (as). AL-MAMOUN agreed saying, "Do it as you please". AL-MAMOUN ordered his officials, army leaders, and other people to go early and wait at the Imam's door to accompany him to the mosque for the prayers.

On that early morning, people gathered along the roads and on their homes' rooftops to watch the holy Imam on his way to the prayers service. The troops, the army leaders, and the noblemen were all in their best attire, on back of their horses, waiting for the Imam to come out. The imam (as) had a bath, put on his clothes with a white headgear made of cotton. He wrapped his head with it and left one end on his chest and the other between his shoulders. He used some perfume then said to his companions, "Do as I do".

He came out bare-footed, with his garment's sleeves up and his head towards the heavens as he shouted: ALLAHU AKBAR! Allah is the Greatest". People echoed his words. When the officials saw him walk, they alighted from their horses and walked behind him bare-footed in splendid grace. The Imam glorified Allah and people glorified Him after him. Glorifications could be heard everywhere and all people left their homes and crowded along the road sides. It was an event like no other in the town's history.

In fact, on seeing him, they remembered the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.), his grandfather. They were taken by the grace that overwhelmed him. He walked humbly performing a religious ritual in the presence of Allah the Almighty. However, AL-MAMOUN wanted him to attend prayers in a royal procession amid decoration and grandeur and thus be exploited by the rulers after seeing their power and dreadful status.

Yet, the Imam was not to make such a show of the religious celebration, a Divine ritual of spiritual sacredness. Submission to Allah only should be demonstrated and all should glorify Allah and worship Him and only Him. There was a big difference between AL-MAMOUN'S intention behind the Imam's prayers and the Imam's performance thereof. AL-MAMOUN had no other way but to halt the performance of such prayers. He immediately sent to IMAM AL-RIDHA a message saying, "We have asked you more than necessary and caused you trouble, O son of the Messenger of Allah! So, rest and someone else will lead the prayers".

The Imam was relieved of the duty. He went back home. On that occasion, AL-MAMOUN saw how wholeheartedly the people responded to the Imam, how they were greatly attracted to him. He felt a bitter envy and remembered how his father, AL-RASHID, had treated AL-RIDHA'S father, IMAM AL-KADHIM. He saw how AL-RASHID respected him while AL-MAMOUN at that time did not know the Imam. He asked his father later about him. He said to him, "Who is that man whom you have greatly honored? You stood up for him and seated him nest to you".

AL-RASHID said, "He is the Imam of all Muslims, the Divine sign for people, His caliph on earth". AL-MAMOUN said, "Are not you with such qualifications?" AL-RASHID said, "I am the people's caliph by force and oppression. MUSA IBN JA'FER (IMAM AL-KADHIM[AS]) is the actual leader through his kinship to the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.). He has the full right of being in this office more than I am". AL-MAMOUN said, "If it is his own right, then step aside and let him have it". AL-RASHID said, "Kingship is barren. By Allah, if you become my rival in its regard, I will take your life away".

AL-MAMOUN remembered that conversation which still rang in his ears: "By Allah, if you become my rival…., I will take your life away". He wondered: How could he allow that man to have the people's support and great devotion? They yearned to see him, and he was greatly honored. Why should he give it up to him? Had not he killed his own brother for the sake of this kingship? He remembered all that and made up his mind to get rid of that concern and put himself at ease. He would get rid of the Imam by all means. It did take him long to achieve his goal. IMAM AL-RIDHA spent less than two years as a crown prince before he was blessed with martyrdom through poisoned grapes.

AL-MAMOUN was accused of the murder, but he denied it and made a show of his sadness. The Imam was blessed with martyrdom in the year 203 of HIJRA in TOOS and was buried in MASHHAD, KHURASAN. He was heard saying, "Whoever visits me in my residence will be in my company in Paradise". Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him.