Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chpater 59: On Reasons for Which Al-Ma’mun Martyred Ali ibn Musa Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) with Poison

59-1 Al-Husayn ibn Ibrahim ibn Ahmad ibn Hisham al-Mo’addib, Ali ibn Abdullah al-Warraq and Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja’far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with them - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of his father that Muhammad ibn Sinan said, “I was with my Master Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) in Khorasan. Al-Ma’mun used to have public meetings on Mondays and Thursdays. He used to have Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) sit next to himself in these meetings. Once they informed Al-Ma’mun that one of the Sufi men had stolen something. He ordered that he be brought in. When Al-Ma’mun looked at him, he noticed that he was wearing worn-out clothes and the signs of extended prostrations could be seen on his forehead. Al-Ma’mun said, ‘It is surprising to see all these good signs and this wicked deed. Are they accusing you of stealing while you have all these beautiful signs of nobility on you?’ The man said, ’I did this because I was forced to do so. I did not do it willingly, since you have deprived us of our share of the booties and the one-fifth levy which we deserve to receive.’ Then Al-Ma’mun asked, ‘What rights do you have to the booties of war and the one-fifth levy?’ The man said, ‘Indeed God the Highest has divided the one-fifth levy into six parts and said, ‘And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to God, and to the Apostle, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer,- if ye do believe in God and in the revelation We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Testing, the Day of the meeting of the two forces.’1

11- حَدَّثَنا الْحاكِم أَبُو عَلِي الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أحْمَد الْبِيْهَقِيُّ قالَ حَدَّثَني مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى الصُّوليُّ قالَ حَدَّثَنا أَبُو ذكوان قالَ سَمِعْتُ إِبْراهيمِ بْنِ العَبَّاسِ يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ عَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَقُولُ حَلَفْتُ بِالْعِتْقِ وَلا أَحْلِفُ بِالْعِتْقِ إِلا أَعْتَقْتُ رَقَبَةً وَأَعْتَقْتُ بَعْدَهَا جَمِيعَ مَا أَمْلِكُ إِنْ كَانَ يَرَى أَنَّهُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ هَذَا وَأَوْمَأَ إِلَى عَبْدٍ أَسْوَدَ مِنْ غِلْمَانِهِ بِقَرَابَتِي مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ‏ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ إِلا أَنْ يَكُونَ لِي عَمَلٌ صَالِحٌ فَأَكُونَ أَفْضَلَ بِهِ مِنْهُ.

59- بابُ الأَسبابِ الَّتِي مِن أَجَلها قَتَلَ الْمَأمُون عَلِىِّ بْنِ مُوسَى الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِالسَّمِ‏

1- حَدَّثَنا الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ إِبْراهيمِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ هِشامِ المُؤَدِّبُ وَعَلِىِّ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه الوَرَّاقُ وَأَحْمَدِ بْنِ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَر الهَمْدانِيَّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالُوا حَدَّثَنا عَلِىِّ بْنِ إِبراهِيمِ بْنِ هاشِم عَنْ أَبيهِ عَنْ‏سَنان قالَ كُنْتُ عِنْدَ مَوْلايَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِخُرَاسَانَ وَكَانَ الْمَأْمُونُ يُقْعِدُهُ عَلَى يَمِينِهِ إِذَا قَعَدَ لِلنَّاسِ يَوْمَ الإِثْنَيْنِ وَيَوْمَ الْخَمِيسِ فَرُفِعَ إِلَى الْمَأْمُونِ أَنَّ رَجُلاً مِنَ الصُّوفِيَّةِ سَرَقَ فَأَمَرَ بِإِحْضَارِهِ فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلَيْهِ وَجَدَهُ مُتَقَشِّفاً بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ أَثَرُ السُّجُودِ فَقَالَ سَوْأَةٌ لِهَذِهِ الآْثَارِ الْجَمِيلَةِ وَلِهَذَا الْفِعْلِ الْقَبِيحِ أَتُنْسَبُ إِلَى السَّرِقَةِ مَعَ مَا أَرَى مِنْ جَمِيلِ آثَارِكَ وَظَاهِرِكَ قَالَ فَعَلْتُ ذَلِكَ اضْطِرَاراً لا اخْتِيَاراً حِينَ مَنَعْتَنِي حَقِّي مِنَ الْخُمُسِ وَالْفَيْ‏ءِ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَأَيُّ حَقٍّ لَكَ فِي الْخُمُسِ وَالْفَيْ‏ءِ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَسَمَ الْخُمُسَ سِتَّةَ أَقْسَامٍ وَقَالَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّما غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْ‏ءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبى‏ وَالْيَتامى‏ وَالْمَساكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَما أَنْزَلْنا عَلى‏ عَبْدِنا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعانِ وَقَسَمَ الْفَيْ‏ءَ عَلَى سِتَّةِ أَقْسَامٍ فَقَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ (ما أَفاءَ اللَّهُ عَلى‏ رَسُولِهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْقُرى‏ فَلِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبى‏ وَالْيَتامى‏ وَالْمَساكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَما أَنْزَلْنا عَلى عَبْدِنا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعانِ).

God has also divided the booties into six parts and said, ‘What God has bestowed on His Apostle (and taken away) from the people of the townships,- belongs to God,to His Apostle and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you.’2 ’ Then the Sufi continued by saying, ‘You have prevented me from getting my right. I am one of the wayfarers. I am one of the needy. Whatever I had is finished and I no longer have anything. I am one who carries the Qur’an (I am a reciter of the Qur’an who has memorized all of the Holy Qur’an).’ Then Al-Ma’mun asked the man, ‘Should I call off God’s Decrees and not execute the Divine Punishment for theft due to these tales?’ Then the Sufi man said, ‘Start by purifying yourself. Then proceed to others. First, execute God’s punishments on yourself then punish others.’ Al-Ma’mun turned towards Abil Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and asked, ‘What is he saying?’ Then Abil Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, ‘The man says that a thief stole his property. Then he stole some of it back.’ Al-Ma’mun got really angry and told the Sufi, ‘By God, I will chop off your hand.’ Then the Sufi asked, ‘Will you chop off my hand while you are my slave?’ Then Al-Ma’mun said, “Woe be to you! How did I become your slave?’ He replied, ‘That is because your mother (who was a slave) was bought with money from the treasury of the Muslim nation. Therefore, you are the slave of all the people of the East and the West, until they set you free. I will not set you free. You then devoured the one-fifth levy. Then you did not pay the proper share to the Members of the Household of the Prophet (S). Then you did not honor me and others like me and did not pay us what is rightfully ours. Finally, a wicked man like you would not purify a wicked one like himself. Indeed a pure one will purify him. You cannot execute the Divine Punishment for me, since one who is subject to receive a Divine Punishment himself is not allowed to execute the same form of punishment on others, until he executes it on himself first. Have you not heard that God the Highest said, ‘Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?’’’3 Then Al-Ma’mun turned to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and said, ‘What is your opinion on this issue?’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, ‘God the Highest has told Muhammad (a.s.), ‘Say: With God is the argument that reaches home…’’4

وَقسم الفي‏ء عَلَى سِتَّةِ أقسام فَقالَ اللَّه تَعالى‏ (ما أَفاءَ اللَّهُ عَلى رَسُولِهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْقُرى فَلِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبى وَالْيَتامى وَالْمَساكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ كَيْ لا يَكُونَ دُولَةً بَيْنَ الأَغْنِياءِ مِنْكُمْ) الصّوفي فَمَنعتني حَقِّي وَأَنَا ابْنِ السَّبِيلِ مُنْقَطَعٌ بِي وَمِسْكِينٌ لا أَرْجِعُ إِلَى شَيْ‏ءٍ وَمِنْ حَمَلَةِ الْقُرْآنِ. فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ: أُعَطِّلُ حَدّاً مِنْ حُدُودِ اللَّهِ وَحُكْماً مِنْ أَحْكَامِهِ فِي السَّارِقِ مِنْ أَسَاطِيرِكَ هَذِهِ؟ فَقَالَ الصُّوفِيُّ: ابْدَأْ بِنَفْسِكَ فَطَهِّرْهَا ثُمَّ طَهِّرْ غَيْرَكَ وَأَقِمْ حَدَّ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا ثُمَّ عَلَى غَيْرِكَ. فَالْتَفَتَ الْمَأْمُونُ إِلَى أَبِي الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَقَالَ: مَا تَقُولُ؟ فَقَالَ: إِنَّهُ يَقُولُ سَرَقْتَ فَسَرَقَ. فَغَضِبَ الْمَأْمُونُ غَضَباً شَدِيداً ثُمَّ قَالَ لِلصُّوفِيِّ: وَاللَّهِ لأقْطَعَنَّكَ. فَقَالَ الصُّوفِيُّ: أَتَقْطَعُنِي وَأَنْتَ عَبْدٌ لِي؟ فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ: وَيْلَكَ وَمِنْ أَيْنَ صِرْتُ عَبْداً لَكَ؟ قَالَ: لأنَّ أُمَّكَ اشْتُرِيَتْ مِنْ مَالِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، فَأَنْتَ عَبْدٌ لِمَنْ فِي الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ حَتَّى يُعْتِقُوكَ، وَأَنَا لَمْ أُعْتِقْكَ، ثُمَّ بَلَعْتَ الْخُمُسَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فَلا أَعْطَيْتَ آلَ الرَّسُولِ حَقّاً وَلا أَعْطَيْتَنِي وَنُظَرَائِي حَقَّنَا، وَالأُخْرَى أَنَّ الْخَبِيثَ لا يُطَهِّرُ خَبِيثاً مِثْلَهُ إِنَّمَا يُطَهِّرُهُ طَاهِرٌ، وَمَنْ فِي جَنْبِهِ الْحَدُّ لا يُقِيمُ الْحُدُودَ عَلَى غَيْرِهِ حَتَّى يَبْدَأَ بِنَفْسِهِ. أَمَا سَمِعْتَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ: (أَتَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبِرِّ وَتَنْسَوْنَ أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ تَتْلُونَ الْكِتابَ أَفَلا تَعْقِلُونَ) فَالْتَفَتَ الْمَأْمُونُ إِلَى الرِّضَا فَقَالَ: مَا تَرَى فِي أَمْرِهِ؟ فَقَالَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَلَّ جَلالُهُ قَالَ لُِمحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ: (فَلِلَّهِ الْحُجَّةُ الْبالِغَةُ).

When this argument reaches the ignorant one who is not aware of it, he understands it and becomes knowledgeable of it. This is just the same way that a knowledgeable person knows it due to his knowledge. This world and the Hereafter are both sustained based upon this argument. This man presented his own argument.’ Then Al-Ma’mun ordered that the Sufi man be set free. Al-Ma’mun then went inside and plotted against Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), until he finally poisoned Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and killed him. He also killed Al-Fadhl ibn Sahl and a group of the Shiites.”

The author of this book (a.s.heikh Sadooq) - may God have mercy upon him - says, “This tradition was narrated this way, but I do not hold the responsibility for its being correct.”

59-2 Abul Tayyeb Al-Husayn ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Razi - may God be pleased with him - narrated in Neishaboor in the year 352 A.H. (962 A.D.) that Muhammad ibn Ali al-Majilawayh quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid al-Barqi, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Al-Rayyan ibn Shabib - the maternal uncle of Al-Mo’tasim and Mareda’s brother that when Al-Ma’mun wanted to have the people pledge allegiance to him to become the Commander of the Faithful and to Abil Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) to become his legal successor to the throne and for Fadhl ibn Sahl to become his minister, he ordered that three chairs be prepared and each one sat on one of the chairs. Then he granted the people permission to enter to pledge allegiance. Each person entered and pledged his allegiance. Each of the three held out their hands and the people who wanted to pledge allegiance would touch their hands and move their hands all the way across them starting from the thumb all the way to the little finger. Then they would leave from another door. At the end, a young man from the Helpers (Al-Ansar) came and pledged allegiance by touching their palms and moving his hand all the way across them starting from the little finger all the way to the thumb. Then Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) smiled and said, ‘All the people made their pledge of allegiance in the form of breaking their pledge, while this young man made his pledge of allegiance in the form of making a pledge.’ Al-Ma’nun asked, ‘What is the difference between breaking their pledge and making it?’ Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, ‘When they want to make a pledge of allegiance, they start moving their hand from the little finger to the thumb, but breaking a pledge of allegiance is by moving on the hand from the thumb to the little finger.’

وَهِيَ الَّتِي تَبْلُغُ الْجَاهِلَ فَيَعْلَمُهَا بِجَهْلِهِ كَمَا يَعْلَمُهَا الْعَالِمُ بِعِلْمِهِ وَالدُّنْيَا وَالآْخِرَةُ قَائِمَتَانِ بِالْحُجَّةِ وَقَدِ احْتَجَّ الرَّجُلُ فَأَمَرَ الْمَأْمُونُ عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ بِإِطْلاقِ الصُّوفِيِّ وَاحْتَجَبَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاشْتَغَلَ بِالرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ حَتَّى سَمَّهُ فَقَتَلَهُ وَقَدْ كَانَ قَتَلَ الْفَضْلَ بْنَ سَهْلٍ وَجَمَاعَةً مِنَ الشِّيعَةِ

قالَ مُصنَّف هذَا الكِتابِ‏ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ: رَوي هذَا الحَديثِ كَما حَكيتُ وأَنَا بَرِي‏ءٌ مِن عُهدَةِ صِحِّتِهِ.

2- حَدَّثَنا أَبُو الطَّيِّبِ الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّد الرَّازِيُّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ بِنِيْسابُورَ سِنَةَ اِثْنَتَيْنِ خَمْسِينَ وثَلاثِمائَةٍ قالَ حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِى ماجِيلوَيْه قالَ حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خالِد البَرْقِي‏أَخْبِرْنِي أَبي قالَ أَخْبَرنِي الرَّيَّانُ بْنُ شَبِيبٍ خَالُ الْمُعْتَصِمِ أَخُو مَارِدَةَ أَنَّ الْمَأْمُونَ لَمَّا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَأْخُذَ الْبَيْعَةَ لِنَفْسِهِ بِإِمْرَةِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلِلرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ بِوِلايَةِ الْعَهْدِ وَلِلْفَضْلِ بْنِ سَهْلٍ بِالْوِزَارَةِ أَمَرَ بِثَلاثَةِ كَرَاسِيَّ فَنُصِبَتْ لَهُمْ فَلَمَّا قَعَدُوا عَلَيْهَا أَذِنَ لِلنَّاسِ فَدَخَلُوا يُبَايِعُونَ فَكَانُوا يُصَفِّقُونَ بِأَيْمَانِهِمْ عَلَى أَيْمَانِ الثَّلاثَةِ مِنْ أَعْلَى الإِبْهَامِ إِلَى الْخِنْصِرِ وَيَخْرُجُونَ حَتَّى بَايَعَ فِي آخِرِ النَّاسِ فَتًى مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ فَصَفَّقَ بِيَمِينِهِ مِنَ الْخِنْصِرِ إِلَى أَعْلَى الإِبْهَامِ فَتَبَسَّمَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ثُمَّ قَالَ كُلُّ مَنْ بَايَعَنَا بَايَعَ بِفَسْخِ الْبَيْعَةِ غَيْرَ هَذَا الْفَتَى فَإِنَّهُ بَايَعَنَا بِعَقْدِهَا فَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَمَا فَسْخُ الْبَيْعَةِ مِنْ عَقْدِهَا قَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَقْدُ الْبَيْعَةِ هُوَ مِنْ أَعْلَى الْخِنْصِرِ إِلَى أَعْلَى الإِبْهَامِ وَفَسْخُهَا مِنْ أَعْلَى الإِبْهَامِ إِلَى أَعْلَى الْخِنْصِرِ قَالَ فَمَاجَ النَّاسُ فِي ذَلِكَ.

Then Al-Ma’mun ordered that the people return and perform the ceremonies all over again in the way that Abul Hassan (a.s.) had said. The people returned and were saying, ‘How could one who does not know the proper form of making a pledge of allegiance deserve to be a leader? Indeed one who knows this is superior to one who does not know it.’ This was a reason which led to the poisoning of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) (by Al-Ma’mun).

59-3 Tamim ibn Abdullah ibn Tamim al-Qurashi - may God be pleased with him - narrated that his father quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Ali Al-Ansari that he asked Aba Salt al-Harawi, “How could Al-Ma’mun - who honored Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) so much that he designated him (a.s.) to be the successor to his throne - stand to murder Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)?” Aba Salt al-Harawi replied, “Indeed Al-Ma’mun knew about the degree of nobility of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). That is why he honored him and loved him. The reason that he set Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) up as the successor to the throne after himself was that he wanted the people to think that Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) is inclined to worldly affairs, and then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) would lose his place in the people’s hearts. However, when what he had plotted did not happen. And the nobility of the Imam (a.s.) was increased amongst the people and his position was strengthened in the hearts of the people. Then Al-Ma’mun invited speakers from the various countries eagerly hoping that they might be able to overcome Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) in their debate resulting in his deficiencies becoming apparent for the people. However none of them - whether the Jews, the Christians, the Magi, the Sabians5 , the Brahmans6 , the unbelievers, the adherers to the doctrine of the eternity of the world, and the opponents from the various Muslim sects were able to defeat Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) arguments. And they were all convinced by his arguments and proofs. Then the people said, ‘By God! Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) is more deserving than Al-Ma’mun to be the Caliph.’ The reporters reported this news to Al-Ma’mun. He got really angry about this and his jealousy increased. However, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) did not fear Al-Ma’mun and clearly expressed the truth. Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) often replied to Al-Ma’mun in such a way that Al-Ma’mun did not like. Then Al-Ma’mun would become angry and hold a grudge against Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), but he never made it known. Once all his plots against Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) failed, he killed him with poison.”

وَأَمَرَ الْمَأْمُونُ بِإِعَادَةِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الْبَيْعَةِ عَلَى مَا وَصَفَهُ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَالَ النَّاسُ كَيْفَ يَسْتَحِقُّ الإِمَامَةَ مَنْ لا يَعْرِفُ عَقْدَ الْبَيْعَةِ إِنَّ مَنْ عَلِمَ لاوْلَى بِهَا مِمَّنْ لا يَعْلَمُ قَالَ فَحَمَلَهُ ذَلِكَ عَلَى مَا فَعَلَهُ مِنْ سَمِّهِ

3- حَدَّثَنا تَمِيمُ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه بْنِ تَمِيمُ القُرَشِي رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ حَدَّثَنا أَبي عَنْ أَحْمَدِ بْنِ عَلِى الأَنْصارِي قالَ سَأَلْتُ أَبَا الصَّلْتِ الْهَرَوِيَّ فَقُلْتُ كَيْفَ طَابَتْ نَفْسُ الْمَأْمُونِ بِقَتْلِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَعَ إِكْرَامِهِ وَمَحَبَّتِهِ لَهُ وَمَا جَعَلَ لَهُ مِنْ وِلايَةِ الْعَهْدِ بَعْدَهُ فَقَالَ إِنَّ الْمَأْمُونَ إِنَّمَا كَانَ يُكْرِمُهُ وَيُحِبُّهُ لِمَعْرِفَتِهِ بِفَضْلِهِ وَجَعَلَ لَهُ وِلايَةَ الْعَهْدِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ لِيُرِيَ النَّاسَ أَنَّهُ رَاغِبٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا فَيَسْقُطَ مَحَلُّهُ مِنْ نُفُوسِهِمْ فَلَمَّا لَمْ يَظْهَرْ مِنْهُ فِي ذَلِكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِلا مَا ازْدَادَ بِهِ فَضْلاً عِنْدَهُمْ وَمَحَلّاً فِي نُفُوسِهِمْ جَلَبَ عَلَيْهِ الْمُتَكَلِّمِينَ مِنَ الْبُلْدَانِ طَمَعاً مِنْ أَنْ يَقْطَعَهُ وَاحِدٌ مِنْهُمْ فَيَسْقُطَ مَحَلُّهُ عِنْدَ الْعُلَمَاءِ وَبِسَبَبِهِمْ يَشْتَهِرُ نَقْصُهُ عِنْدَ الْعَامَّةِ فَكَانَ لا يُكَلِّمُهُ خَصْمٌ مِنَ الْيَهُودِ وَالنَّصَارَى وَالْمجُوسِ وَالصَّابِئِينَ وَالْبَرَاهِمَةِ وَالْمُلْحِدِينَ وَالدَّهْرِيَّةِ وَلا خَصْمٍ مِنْ فِرَقِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ الْمخَالِفِينَ لَهُ إِلا قَطَعَهُ وَأَلْزَمَهُ الْحُجَّةَ وَكَانَ النَّاسُ يَقُولُونَ وَاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ أَوْلَى بِالْخِلافَةِ مِنَ الْمَأْمُونِ فَكَانَ أَصْحَابُ الأَخْبَارِ يَرْفَعُونَ ذَلِكَ إِلَيْهِ فَيَغْتَاظُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ وَيَشْتَدُّ حَسَدُهُ وَكَانَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ لا يُحَابِي الْمَأْمُونَ مِنْ حَقٍّ وَكَانَ يُجِيبُهُ بِمَا يَكْرَهُ فِي أَكْثَرِ أَحْوَالِهِ فَيَغِيظُهُ ذَلِكَ وَيَحْقِدُهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلا يُظْهِرُهُ لَهُ فَلَمَّا أَعْيَتْهُ الْحِيلَةُ فِي أَمْرِهِ اغْتَالَهُ فَقَتَلَهُ بِالسَّمِّ.

Notes1. Quran, 8:41

2. Quran, 59:7

3. Qur’an, 2:44

4. Qur’an, 6:149

5. Sabians, Mandaeans or Mandeans, a small religious sect in Iran and South Iraq, who maintain an ancient belief resembling that of Gnosticism and that of the Parsis. They are also known as Christians of St. John, Nasoraeans, Sabians, and Subbi. A few Mandaeans survive, some near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, others in the area of Shushtar, Iran, and in cities of Asia Minor. Their customs and writings indicate early Christian, perhaps pre-Christian, origin. Their system of astrology resembles those of ancient Babylonia and the cults of the Magi in the last centuries B.C. Their emanation system and their dualism suggest a Gnostic origin, but unlike the Gnostics, they abhor asceticism and emphasize fertility. Although some of their practices were influenced by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, they reject all three. The Mandaeans respect St. John the Baptist because of his baptizing, since their principal concern is ritual cleanliness and their chief rite is frequent baptism. The custom, which antedated the baptisms of St. John, stems from the belief that living water is the principle of life. They have a communion sacrament, which is offered for the remembrance of the dead and resembles Parsi ritual meals. The origin of the Mandaeans is not known; it is conjectured that they came from a mountainous region North of Babylonia and Persia, where they settled in ancient times; however, more recent scholarship places their origin in Palestine or Syria. Their chief holy book, the Ginza Rba, like their other books, is a compendium of cosmology, cosmogony, prayers, legends, and rituals, written at various times and often contradictory. The sect is diminishing because younger members tend to apostatize.

6. A member of the highest Hindu caste (a.s.ocial group): Brahmins traditionally become priests in the Hindu religion

Chapter60: On Ar-Ridha’s Appointment of his son Muhammad ibn Ali (a.s.) as the Imam and his Successor

60-1 Al-Hakim Abu Ali Al-Husayn ibn Ahmad al-Bayhaqi narrated that Muhammad ibn al-Sowli quoted on the authority of Oun ibn Muhammad, on the authority of Abul Husayn Muhammad ibn Abi Abbad - the one who was hired by Fadhl ibn Sahl to write for Imam Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), “Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) would never mention the name of his son Muhammad (a.s.) except by using his nickname (Abu Ja’far). For example, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) would say, ‘Abu Ja’far has written me a letter’ or say, ‘I wrote such and such to Abu Ja’far.’ This was so, even though his son was still a small child in Medina. However, the Imam (a.s.) always addressed him with respect. Abu Ja’far (a.s.) would also always respond in an extremely eloquent and charming manner. Once I heard Imam Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) say, ‘Abu Ja’far (a.s.) is my Testamentary Trustee, and my successor from amongst my family after me.’”

60- بابُ نَصُّ الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَلَى اِبْنِهِ أَبي جَعْفَر مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِى‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ

بِالإِمامَة وَالخَلافَة

1- حَدَّثَنا الْحاكِم أَبُو عَلِي الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أحْمَد الْبِيْهَقِيُّ قالَ حَدَّثَني مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى الصُّوليُّ قالَ حَدَّثَنا عَوْنُ بْنِ مُحَمَّد قالَ حَدَّثَنا أَبُو الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبي عباد وَكانَ يَكْتُبُ لِلرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ ضمه إِلَيْهِ الفَضْلِ بْنِ سَهْل قالَ مَا كَانَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَذْكُرُ مُحَمَّداً ابْنَهُ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ إِلا بِكُنْيَتِهِ يَقُولُ كَتَبَ إِلَيَّ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ وَكُنْتُ أَكْتُبُ إِلَى أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ وَهُوَ صَبِيٌّ بِالْمَدِينَةِ فَيُخَاطِبُهُ بِالتَّعْظِيمِ وَتَرِدُ كُتُبُ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فِي نِهَايَةِ الْبَلاغَةِ وَالْحُسْنِ فَسَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ وَصِيِّي وَخَلِيفَتِي فِي أَهْلِي مِنْ بَعْدِي.

Chapter 61: On The Martyrdom of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) Due to Being Murdered by Al-Ma’mun With Poison

61-1 Al-Hakim Abu Ali Al-Husayn ibn Ahmad al-Bayhaqi narrated that Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Sowli quoted on the authority of Ubaydillah ibn Abdullah and Muhammad ibn Musa ibn Nasr al-Razi, on the authority of his father and Al-Husayn ibn Umar al-Akhbari, on the authority of Ali ibn Al-Husayn - the author of Bogha al-Kabeer - that in the last days of his life, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) got a fever. Then he decided to have a phlebotomy performed. Then Al-Ma’mun rode on (an animal) to see him. Before going there, he took out something from a vase and asked his servant to crush it with his hands. The servant crushed it on a tray. Al-Ma’mun told the servant that he does not have to wash his hands. Then he asked the servant to accompany him to Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) house. When Al-Ma’mun entered the house, he sat in front of the Imam (a.s.) until he (a.s.) decided to start the blood-letting. Or as Ubaydillah said he put off the blood-letting and told his servant to bring him a pomegranate. There was a pomegranate tree in the garden of Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) house.

61- بابُ وَفاة الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَسْمُوماً بِاغتِيالِ الْمَأمُون

1- حَدَّثَنا الْحاكِم أَبُو عَلِي الحُسَيْنِ بْنِ أحْمَد الْبِيْهَقِيُّ قالَ حَدَّثَنا مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى الصُّوْليُّ حَدَّثَني عُبِيْد اللَّه بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّه وَمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ مُوسَى بْنِ نَصْرِ الرَّازِيُّ عَنْ أَبيهِ وَعمر الأخْباري عَنْ عَلِىِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْن كاتب بقاء الكبير فِي آخِرَين أَنَّ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ حُمَّ فَعَزَمَ عَلَى الْفَصْدِ فَرَكِبَ الْمَأْمُونُ وَقَدْ كَانَ قَالَ لِغُلامٍ لَهُ فُتَّ هَذَا بِيَدِكَ لِشَيْ‏ءٍ أَخْرَجَهُ مِنْ بَرْنِيَّةٍ فَفَتَّهُ فِي صِينِيَّةٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ كُنْ مَعِي وَلا تَغْسِلْ يَدَكَ وَرَكِبَ إِلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَجَلَسَ حَتَّى فَصَدَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَقَالَ عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بَلْ أَخَّرَ فَصْدَهُ وَقَالَ الْمَأْمُونُ لِذَلِكَ الْغُلامِ هَاتِ مِنْ ذَلِكَ الرُّمَّانِ وَكَانَ الرُّمَّانُ فِي شَجَرَةٍ فِي بُسْتَانٍ فِي دَارِ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

The servant picked a pomegranate from the tree. Al-Ma’mun asked him to peel it, open it up and prepare it for eating. The servant peeled it and prepared it in a bowl. Then Al-Ma’mun asked the servant to wash his hands. Then the servant brought in the pomegranate. Then Al-Ma’mun told Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), ‘Have some.’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) replied, ‘No, not until the Commander of the Faithful (Al-Ma’mun) leaves.’ Then Al-Ma’mun insisted on it by saying, ‘By God! It is not possible. You must eat some of it in my presence. I would also have some of it along with you were it not for my stomachache.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) ate a few spoonfuls of it and Al-Ma’mun left. However Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) fainted and sat up again fifty times that day before saying the afternoon prayers. Al-Ma’mun sent someone to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and said, ‘I know that this unconsciousness and feeling of apathy is due to the phlebotomy that you had done. However, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) got worse at night, and died before the morning. The following were the final words which he uttered, ‘…Say: Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death…’1 ‘And the command of God is a decree determined.’’2 When the following morning came, Al-Ma’mun woke up early and ordered that Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) be washed and shrouded. He himself followed the corpse with a bare head and in bare and said, ‘O brother! Indeed there is a gap in Islam due to your demise. And God’s destiny (for you) overcame my efforts on your behalf.’ Then Al-Ma’mun had the grave of Harun Ar-Rashid (al-Ma’mun’s afther) dug open and buried Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) there. Then Al-Ma’mun said, ‘I hope that God the Highest would grant some benefits to my father due to being close to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.).’”

Notes

1. Qur’an, 3:154

2. Qur’an, 33:38

Chapter 62: Another Tradition From the Shiites on the Death of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.)

62-1 Ahmad ibn Ziyad ibn Ja’far al-Hamadani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem quoted on the authority of Yasir - the servant, “When there were seven way-stations between us and Toos, Abul Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) fell ill. We reached Toos and by then his illness had got worse. We stayed in Toos for several days. Al-Ma’mun went to visit him twice daily.

فَقَطَفَ مِنْهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ اجْلِسْ فَفُتَّهُ فَفَتَّ مِنْهُ فِي جَامٍ فَأَمَرَ بِغَسْلِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِلرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَصَّ مِنْهُ شَيْئاً فَقَالَ حَتَّى يَخْرُجَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَقَالَ لا وَاللَّهِ إِلا بِحَضْرَتِي وَلَوْ لا خَوْفِي أَنْ يَرْطَبَ مَعِدَتِي لَمَصَصْتُهُ مَعَكَ فَمَصَّ مِنْهُ مَلاعِقَ وَخَرَجَ الْمَأْمُونُ فَمَا صَلَّيْتُ الْعَصْرَ حَتَّى قَامَ الرِّضَاخَمْسِينَ مَجْلِساً فَوَجَّهَ إِلَيْهِ الْمَأْمُونُ قَدْ عَلِمْتُ أَنَّ هَذِهِ إِفَاقَةٌ وَفُتَارٌ لِلْفَضْلِ الَّذِي فِي بَدَنِكَ وَزَادَ الأَمْرُ فِي اللَّيْلِ فَأَصْبَحَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مَيِّتاً فَكَانَ آخِرُ مَا تَكَلَّمَ بِهِ: (قُلْ لَوْ كُنْتُمْ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ لَبَرَزَ الَّذِينَ كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقَتْلُ إِلى‏ مَضاجِعِهِمْ وَكانَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ قَدَراً مَقْدُوراً). وَبَكَرَ الْمَأْمُونُ مِنَ الْغَدِ فَأَمَرَ بِغُسْلِهِ وَتَكْفِينِهِ وَمَشَى خَلْفَ جَنَازَتِهِ حَافِياً حَاسِراً يَقُولُ يَا أَخِي لَقَدْ ثُلِمَ الإِسْلامُ بِمَوْتِكَ وَغَلَبَ الْقَدَرُ تَقْدِيرِي فِيكَ وَشَقَّ لَحَدَ الرَّشِيدِ فَدَفَنَهُ مَعَهُ وَقَالَ أَرْجُو أَنْ يَنْفَعَهُ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى بِقُرْبِهِ.

62- بابُ ذِكرِ خَبَر آخِرَ فِي وَفاة الرِّضا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ عَنْ طَرِيق الخاصَّةِ

1- حَدَّثَنا أَحْمَدِ بْنِ زِيادِ بْنِ جَعْفَر الهَمْدانِيَّ رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قالَ حَدَّثَنا عَلِىِّ بْنِ إِبراهِيمِ بْنِ هاشِم‏حَدَّثَنا ياسر الخادِم قالَ لَمَّا كَانَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ طُوسَ سَبْعَةُ مَنَازِلَ اعْتَلَّ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ فَدَخَلْنَا طُوسَ وَقَدِ اشْتَدَّتْ بِهِ الْعِلَّةُ فَبَقِينَا بِطُوسَ أَيَّاماً فَكَانَ الْمَأْمُونُ يَأْتِيهِ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مَرَّتَيْنِ.

On the last day - the day on which he died - Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) had become much weaker. After saying his noon prayer, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) asked, ‘O Yasir! Do these people not eat anything?’ I asked, ’O my master! How can they eat anything seeing the way you are?’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) sat up and said, ‘Spread out the tablecloth.’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) called in all his workers and had them all sit at the tablecloth. Ar-Ridha’ asked each one of them about his health. Then after they all had eaten, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) ordered that they take food for the women, too, and feed all of them. When this was done he got really weak and became unconscious. Everyone present started to cry. All of Al-Ma’mun’s maids and wives rushed in without wearing any veils. Crying and mourning filled up all of Toos. Al-Ma’mun himself was in bare feet and head and was hitting himself on the head and trying to cover the hair of his wives with his long beard. He was expressing his sorrow by crying and tears were flowing down his face. He went and stopped at the side of Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.). Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) regained his consciousness. Al-Ma’mun said, ‘O my Master! By God! I do not know which calamity is worse for me: losing you and being away from you, or the people’s accusing me of poisoning and killing you.’”

Yasir adedd, “Then the Imam (a.s.) opened his eyes a little, looked at Al-Ma’mun and said, “O Commander of the Faithful! Treat Abi Ja’far (Imam Ridha’’s son) (a.s.) with kindness since your life and his life are like this” While he (a.s.) brought his forefingers together.”

Yasir added, “When the night came and some time had passed by, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) passed away. Then when the morning came the people gathered there and said, ‘This man (referring to Al-Ma’mun) killed him. This man martyred him.’ They meant Al-Ma’mun. They kept on saying, ‘The son of God’s Prophet (S) was killed.’ There was a lot of turmoil there. Muhammad ibn Ja’far ibn Muhammad (Imam Ridha’’s uncle) who had sought refuge from Al-Ma’mun and had come from Medina to Khorasan was there. He was Abil Hassan Ar-Ridha’’s uncle. Then Al-Ma’mun told him, ‘O Aba Ja’far (Muhammad ibn Ja’far ibn Muhammad)! Go out to the people and tell them that they will not bring out Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’’s (a.s.) corpse today. Tell them to go about doing their own business.’ Al-Ma’mun did not wish the body to be taken out fearing that it might result in sedition. Then Muhammad ibn Ja’far went out and told the people, ‘O people! Disperse! Indeed today Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) will not be brought out.’ Then the people dispersed. Then they performed the ritual ablution for death for Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) at night and buried him.”

Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashem added, “In fact, Ali ibn Ibrahim said that Yasir has told him something which I do not like to mention here.”

فَلَمَّا كَانَ فِي آخِرِ يَوْمِهِ الَّذِي قُبِضَ فِيهِ كَانَ ضَعِيفاً فِي ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمِ فَقَالَ لِي بَعْدَ مَا صَلَّى الظُّهْرَ يَا يَاسِرُ أَكَلَ النَّاسُ شَيْئاً قُلْتُ يَا سَيِّدِي مَنْ يَأْكُلُ هَاهُنَا مَعَ مَا أَنْتَ فِيهِ فَانْتَصَبَ‏ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ.

ثُمَّ قَالَ هَاتُوا الْمَائِدَةَ وَلَمْ يَدَعْ مِنْ حَشَمِهِ أَحَداً إِلا أَقْعَدَهُ مَعَهُ عَلَى الْمَائِدَةِ يَتَفَقَّدُ وَاحِداً وَاحِداً فَلَمَّا أَكَلُوا قَالَ ابْعَثُوا إِلَى النِّسَاءِ بِالطَّعَامِ فَحُمِلَ الطَّعَامُ إِلَى النِّسَاءِ فَلَمَّا فَرَغُوا مِنَ الأَكْلِ أُغْمِيَ عَلَيْهِ وَضَعُفَ فَوَقَعَتِ الصَّيْحَةُ وَجَاءَتْ جَوَارِي الْمَأْمُونِ وَنِسَاؤُهُ حَافِيَاتٍ حَاسِرَاتٍ وَوَقَعَتِ الْوَجْبَةُ بِطُوسَ وَجَاءَ الْمَأْمُونُ حَافِياً وَحَاسِراً يَضْرِبُ عَلَى رَأْسِهِ وَيَقْبِضُ عَلَى لِحْيَتِهِ وَيَتَأَسَّفُ وَيَبْكِي وَتَسِيلُ الدُّمُوعُ عَلَى خَدَّيْهِ فَوَقَفَ عَلَى الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَقَدْ أَفَاقَ فَقَالَ يَا سَيِّدِي وَاللَّهِ مَا أَدْرِي أَيُّ الْمُصِيبَتَيْنِ أَعْظَمُ عَلَيَّ فَقْدِي لَكَ وَفِرَاقِي إِيَّاكَ أَوْ تُهَمَةُ النَّاسِ لِي أَنِّي اغْتَلْتُكَ وَقَتَلْتُكَ قَالَ فَرَفَعَ طَرْفَهُ إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَحْسِنْ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ مُعَاشَرَةَ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ فَإِنَّ عُمُرَكَ وَعُمُرَهُ هَكَذَا وَجَمَعَ بَيْنَ سَبَّابَتَيْهِ قَالَ فَلَمَّا كَانَ مِنْ تِلْكَ اللَّيْلَةِ قَضَى عَلَيْهِ بَعْدَ مَا ذَهَبَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ بَعْضُهُ فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ اجْتَمَعَ الْخَلْقُ وَقَالُوا هَذَا قَتَلَهُ وَاغْتَالَهُ يَعْنِي الْمَأْمُونَ وَقَالُوا قَتَلَ ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ وَأَكْثَرُوا الْقَوْلَ وَالْجَلَبَةَ وَكَانَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اسْتَأْمَنَ إِلَى الْمَأْمُونِ وَجَاءَ إِلَى خُرَاسَانَ وَكَانَ عَمَّ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ فَقَالَ لَهُ الْمَأْمُونُ يَا أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ اخْرُجْ إِلَى النَّاسِ وَأَعْلِمْهُمْ أَنَّ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ لا يُخْرَجُ الْيَوْمَ وَكَرِهَ أَنْ يُخْرِجَهُ فَتَقَعَ الْفِتْنَةُ فَخَرَجَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ إِلَى النَّاسِ فَقَالَ أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ تَفَرَّقُوا فَإِنَّ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ لا يُخْرَجُ الْيَوْمَ فَتَفَرَّقَ النَّاسُ وَغُسِّلَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَدُفِنَ قَالَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَحَدَّثَنِي يَاسِرٌ بِمَا لَمْ أُحِبَّ ذِكْرَهُ فِي الْكِتَابِ.