Name : Ali ar-Riza(a.s.) - the 8th Holy Imam

Title : Gharib al-Ghuraba

Father : Imam Musa-e-Kazim(a.s.) - the 7th Holy Imam Mother : Ummul-Baneen Bibi Najma

Birth : Madina on 11th of Zi-Qadah 148 AH (765 AD)

Martyred : in Mashhad at age 55, on 23rd Zi-Qadah 203 AH (817 AD)

Cause of Death : Martyred by Abbasid Khalifa Mamoon

Buried :Mashhad, Iran.

IMAM’S EARLY YEARSHis grandfather Imam Ja’far Sadiq (as) died one month before the birth of Imam Ridha’ (as).Hence the family must have been consoled by his birth which took place after such a great loss.

Imam Ridha(as) was brought up and instructed by his affectionate father –for 31 years under whose supervision he passed his childhood and youth.

Imam Kadhim (as) was eventually taken to Baghdad to suffer the hardship of imprisonment for four years until his death.

Imam Kadhim plans for his son

However,Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) foresaw that the hostile Abbasid ruler would not allow him to live peacefully and that his followers would not be able to see him or enquire about his successor prior to his death.

So while free and undisturbed in Madina, he assembled 17 descendants from family of Imam Ali(as) and introduced his son and successor to themHe also wrote his will on which 60 respected elders of Madina signed as witnesses.

The cruel HarunImam Ridha (as) was 35 years old when his father died in prison of Harun al-Rashid 

After putting an end to the life of Imam Kadhim (as) Harun al-Rashid lived for ten years but became unpopular due to his cruelty to the Imam’s father, hence Harun was forced to show some leniency towards Imam Ridha(as)

Similarities with Imam Kadhim (as): 

Imam Al-Ridha showed similar personal traits to those of his father Imam Al-Kadhim (as):

Imam Ridha (as) loved to pray, say Du'aas, and used to do prostrate frequently, whenever he wanted to thank Allah. He (as) used to perform Salat to an excessive extent, especially for Tahajjud. He (as) used to often fast during the year.Imam Ridha (as) used to accompany his father for hajj or Umra and travel on foot accompanied by his family, often taking 25‑30 days of walking to reach Mecca (from Medina), a distance of about 300 miles. And as all members of Ahlul Bayt used to do, imam Ridha (as) used to go at night to distribute food, flour, and money to people in need without anyone knowing about him.It is said that Imam Al-Ridha was instrumental in freeing about 1,000 slaves during his lifetime.  Like his forefathers before him Al-Ridha used to buy slaves as soon as he could afford, then give them their freedom. 

Imam –the TeacherImam Al-Ridha continued to teach but could not deliver to the same extent as his grandfather Imam Al-Sadiq (as).  Haroon Al-Rashid had undercover agents following the Imam (as). After 10 years Al-Rashid died and there came about a period of nine years during which civil war broke out followed by a number of uprisings.  During this period Imam Al-Ridha could teach freely and unhampered, and the circles of students surrounding him became ever so active and lively. 

Imam Ridha (as) was actively contributing, tirelessly working, and patiently explaining many Islamic sciences be it Sunnah, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, or Ah'kaam.  Imam Al-Ridha was known to answer questions by quoting the Quran. 

Sons of Harun fight over leadership

 After the death of Harun, his sons Amin and Mamun. fell into a bloody war over who was to lead.Amin was killed, after which Mamun became caliph. The Shias of that day, who comprised a considerable population, continued to consider the Imams as their religious leaders to whom obedience was obligatory.

They did not recognize the caliphate of Harun and his sons as legitimate. The Caliphs were cruel and corrupt, blood thirsty and lived like kings

Mamun’s plan 

There were many revolts and uprisings, which had scared Mamun. Hence he contrived to invite Imam Ridha (as.) to the capital city of Marw (now known as Mashhad in Iran), with the evil intention of making false friendship with the Imam.  

On his departure from Madinah, Imam Reza (A.S.) gathered the members of his family and enjoined them to shed tears for his last journey with no return.

The AgendaTo accomplish this end he forcefully appointed Imam Ridha(as)as his successor, hoping in this way to do the following:To prevent the descendants of the Prophet from rebelling against the government since they would be involved in the government themselves. The Shias considered Mamun and his Abbasid leadership as impure and evil and hence to include the Imam (as) in the day to day running of the Government , would make them lose trust in their Imam and hence the system of Ahl ul Bayt would crumble and pose no danger to the Caliphate of the abbasids Make the Imam (as) become engrossed in worldly matters and the politics of the caliphate itself, and hence make the Imam unpopular amongst his people and at the right time the removal of the Imam would present no difficulties to the Abbasid leadership.

The journey to MarwAccording to Mamun’s orders, the Imam would be forcefully taken through a route ,from Madina to Marw, which was planned to go through villages and cities which did not have many shias.

However,wherever the Imam (as) stopped, during this journey the Imam was welcomed and the people asked him for blessings.

At one point on his way, he entered the city of Nishapoor.  A large crowd of people gathered to welcome him and on seeing him, they became so happy that some of them started crying. On the insistence of the elders, imam dictated this tradition word by word from his honored father which was narrated from his pure grandfathers and from the messenger of Allah (PBUH & HP) and from Gabriel and from Almighty Allah that: The word of  La Ilaha Illa al-Allah  is my fortress (then

whoever says this has entered my fortress) and whoever enters my fortress will be saved from my punishment.

Imam paused for a while and then said, But on some conditions and I am  one of its conditions.

Imam’s arrival in Marw

On his arrival in Merv, Mamun welcomed Imam Ridha(as) with great ceremony and pomp. Mamun treated the Imam (as)with great honour.

It is mentioned by various historians, Both of Shia and Sunni schools of thought, that when Mamun initially offered the Imam (as)his throne, the Imam declined the offer firmly and resolutely. After several attempts to bring the Imam(as) to accept the offer failed, Mamun told him to accept the offer of being his heir- apparent to succeed him after his death. Imam (as) reluctantly accepted this offer but on condition that he will not be involved in any of the business of Mamun and his government.

Mamun kills Amin Once this story of succession was announced Mamun’s political ambition was achieved. He secured the help of the shias and with their help his army invaded the capital of the Abbasid empire,- Baghdad.Mamun’s half brother Amin was killed and hence Mamun became the sole ruler of the Abbasid Empire.

However, as Much as Mamun wanted, he did not feel secure on his throne. He was wary of Imam Ali Ridha(as)

The announcement it was on the 27th of Ramadan, in the

year 201 A.H that Imam Ridha(as) was officially designated as Mamun’s "heir- apparent,"( Wali’ahd,) and the Imam’s name was included with his own on gold and silver coins.

The inscription on these coins were-"The King of God and the faith, Al-Mamun, Amir and Khalifa of the faithful, and Al-Ridha, the Imam of the muslims".

How Imam Ridha(as) became known as Imam Zamin

Harun al-Rashid had banned anyone from visiting the grave of Imam Husain (as) in Karbala. However, this was brought to an end by Imam Ali al-Ridha. Mamun implemented a condition that for anyone wishing to go to Karbala to pay respects to Imam Husain (as), would need to obtain Imam Ridha’s personal guarantee. The Imam gave this guarantee to everyone, establishing his name as Imam Zamin. So, when Mamun ordered the state mint to engrave the name of Imam Ridha on the state coins, so during journeys such coins were kept with the person’s body as a powerful symbol against any sort of calamities. So the Imam became a symbol of guaranteeing a safe journey. Zamin means Safety.

Imam Zamin Thus, during the time period of Imam al-Ridha's (as)

life marked the start of the practice of "Imam Zamin". It become customary for people at this time to take the coin that had Imam al -Ridha's (as) name on it and wrap it around their arms when traveling.

It was believed that when a person traveled with the Imam's name, he would also be protected by the Imam's blessings on his journey. When a person arrived safely to their destination they would take the coin and give it away as charity, in the name of the Imam(as).

The practice of Imam Zamin has this name because it relates to Imam al-Ridha (as)who is a protector and guarantee of a safe journey.

Imam in MarwImam Ali Ridha(as) took full advantage of the freedom given to him, by preaching and teaching to the people.Scholars from other faiths came to Marw to debate with the Imam(as) and the Imam not only won the debates convincingly, but also spread the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt far and wide.

In one such gathering, one of the prime minister of Mamun, Fadl Ibn Sahl, arranged a conference on religions for which he invited the leaders of different Muslim traditions and scholars of the others faiths – namely the Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. 

Establishment of Majalis

Imam Ridha (as) was the first to officially name the yearly commemoration of Ashura as Majlis.   During the last years of his life, and by official capacity, Ashura was commemorated in numerous regions all over the Ummah.  Imam (as) also stressed Ashura and its significance for Islam, and its long‑term influence for saving Islam from being misinterpreted or misrepresented.  Just as his forefathers had done, Imam Ridha (as) stressed on people to a hold Majlis on the anniversary of Ashura and visit the tomb of Imam Husain (as) that had become a shrine by then, and also understand the sacrifice of Imam Husain (as). 

Imam (as) and the Hunter

One day when Imam (as) was walking he came across a hunter who was about to kill a deer. The deer was trying to get away and when she saw Imam (as) she ran towards him and said something to him.

Imam asked the hunter to free the deer so that she could go and feed her little baby deer who were very hungry. Imam (as) also told the hunter that once the deer had fed her babies she would come back.

The hunter allowed the deer to go because Imam (A) had told him to, but he did not think she was coming back, so Imam Ali ar-Ridha (as) waited with the hunter until the deer returned. The Hunter out of respect did not kill the Deer

Imam’s character

Ibrahim al-Suli is quoted saying: "I never saw Imam ar-Ridha (a.s.) angering anyone by something he said, nor did I ever see him interrupting anyone, nor refusing to do someone a favor he was able to do, nor did he ever stretch his legs before an audience, nor leaned upon something while his companion did not, nor did he ever call any of his servants or attendants a bad name, nor did I ever see him spit or burst into laughter; rather, his laughter was just a smile. When he was ready to eat and he sat to be

served, he seated with him all his servants."

Mamun shows his true colors

As Imam Ridha’s(as) popularity grew and so did Mamun’s insecurity. Mamun feared that the Imam will overthrow his leadership as he saw more and more people becoming Shia.Mamun was never sincere in his behaviour towards Imam. Seeing the Imam's popularity increase disturbed him immensely especially after the occasion when he requested Imam to lead Eid prayers as he was not well. He saw that even before Imam had reached the mosque the people had lined the streets and were reciting takbir He was so furious that he asked the Imam to go back that day.

Imam’s MartyrdomMamun offered Imam poisoned grapes. Imam became ill and died after two days on the 29th Safar 203 a.h. Imam Ali Ar-Ridha (a.s.) died in Tus in a village called Sanabad. He had only one son,Imam Muhammad At-Taqi (as) who succeeded him as the 9th Imam. Mamun ordered Imam's grave to be dug near his father Harun's and when it was being dug he said that Imam had once told him that when his grave would be dug water and fish would appear underneath. True to his words when they finished digging a

spring of water appeared with fish in it and then disappeared.

Imam Ali Ar-Ridha(as) is buried in present day Mashad in Iran

Imam’s wisdom Many people including Shias questioned Imam

Ridha’s (as) decision to accept Mamun’s offer of heir apparent.

This wisdom can be seen today as Imam was instrumental in setting up the word of Ahlulbayt in the area of Marw which is now the present day Iran.

Because of Imam’s teachings and propagation, he established a strong foundation of Shiaism that made Iran the only Shia country in the world today.