Imam Rida

Compiled By: Syed Zainul Abideen Razavi, Tehran, Iran Name: Ali By name: Reza Title: Aalim e Aale Mohammad Father: Imam Moosa Kazim (A.S) Mother: Najma Khatoon(A.S) Date of birth: 11th Ziqhadah 148 A.H. Place of birth: Madina Monavvarah Date of Martyrdom: End of Safar 203 A.H. Poisoned by: Ma’moon at Sanabad, Nughan, Mashhad Shrine / cemetery: Mashhad e Moqhaddas. Age: 55 years 35 years before Imamat 17years as Imam in Madina 3 years as Imam and heir in Mashhad. Imam Reza (A.S) was Invited to Mashhad by the Abbaside Khalifa, Ma’moon, when his brother Amin was killed in the battle. Ma’moon was not popular, so he wanted Imam Reza (A.S) to accept khilaafat of Muslim nation; but Imam Reza (A.S) knew well that khilaafat was an offer for deception, to conceal the crimes of his ancestors against Ahle Bayt (A.S) so he refused to become khalifa. Afterwards he was forced by Ma’moon to at least become his successor Imam Reza(A.S) unwillingly accepted this proposal on condition that he will not interfere in the affairs of the government. Mamoon celebrated the marriage of his daughter with Imam Reza(A.S) this was a diplomatic marriage, to keep himself well informed about the activities of Imam. She was however not blessed with any child. Marriage is sometimes a means of consolidating political power as evident from the marriage of Umme Habibah and Hafsa and so on. Imam Reza (A.S) is renowned as Aaleme Aale Mohammad because of his extraordinary eminence in the divine knowledge. A religious conference was organized by Mamoon in Mashhad and scholars of different religions were invited by him for debate and discussion on religion with Imam Reza (A.S).The Imam (A.S) brought convincing evidence from the books of different religions and prevailed over all of them. A person from the followers of the prophet Yahya(AS) (Sabien) wrongly known as star worshippers was discussing about the religion Islam, and was on the verge of accepting it, when the call for prayers was heard, Imam Reza immediately got up for prayers without completing his arguments. The person implored him to continue the discussion till he is convinced. But the Imam hurried for Salat in time in obedience to God as it is much more important. Then after saying the prayers, the Imam convinced that person about the truth of Islam and he embraced Islam. The Imam was not only very popular but also heartily loved by people. Once Ma’moon insisted him to lead the congregation salaat of ‘Eid’, but when Ma’moon was informed how a great number of people welcomed him, he prevented the Imam from leading the Eid prayer, as he had become afraid of Imam’s popularity. At last, he poisoned Imam Reza (A.S). The Imam was interred near Toos which is now well-known as Mashhad and it is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Muslims who love Ahle Bayt. The holy messenger (S.A), has said that a portion of my body (Imam Reza) will be buried in a far-away place and pilgrim who recites the ziarat of the eight Imam with Imam’s cognizance will surely give up all sins and enter paradise. After the death of Imam Reza (AS),Mamoon brought Imam Mohammad Taqi (AS), to his palace by making him his son- in- law, for vigilance and surveillance of all activities of the Imam. It is well known that a pilgrim who performs two raka’t salaat preferably with Surahe ‘Yaseen’ after ‘Hamd’ in the first rakat and similarly ‘ surahe’ Rahman in second rakat and then implores to God to fulfill his supplication for a good wish it will be answered soon or late if God approves of it. He will also be awarded one thousand times more recompense than Hajj at Mecca. Those Iranians and lovers of Imam from all over the world are extremely fortunate that they can perform pilgrimage of Imam Reza (AS) and earn as much reward provided they have cognizance of the Imam. An Imam is most perfect of all men because he is sinless and possesses a number of attributes of God and he is the best model for all mankind. The pilgrims are reminded about the promise savior, Imam Mehdi (AS), the last successor of God’s last Messenger Mohammad (SA) and they all pray for his advent for relief of this world from tyranny all over the Globe.No one should sacrifice his life for tyrannical rulers, who should be deposed by just rulers such as Imams.