In the name of Allah Who states “There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not an invented ta...
In
the name of Allah Who states “There is, in their stories, instruction for men
endued with understanding. It is not an invented tale, but confirmation of what
went before it, a detailed exposition of all things and a guide and mercy to
any such as believe” Q12:111
May
the everlasting peace and blessings be upon the Great Messenger, our Master
Muhammad (S) and his purified progeny.
Mashhad,
the second largest city, Northeastern Iran has over three million people
according to 2016 census. Culturally, it was Khorasan, later renamed Mashhad,
an Arabic word for aplace of martyrdom. Serving as a great cultural site
morally, spiritually and socially, the shrine is apparently the largest mosque
with seven courtyardsreceiving millions of pilgrims across the world.The
beautiful city with its unique spiritualityhas steppe climate withhot summers
and cold winters. Historically, the town had different ethnic groups which
relatively lived prosperously since Mongol era. The ancient city has
numeroushistoric figuresbeyond the contemporary borders. They include Ferdowsi,
the celebrated Iranian poet after whom the prominent conventional university of
the city Ferdowsi with more than twenty thousand students including
international was named. Among its famous alumni was Martyr Dr. Shariati, one
of Imam Khomeini’s lieutenants and icon in the 1979 Islamic revolution. There
are also Rezavi University and other institutions including traditional
seminaries actively engaged in educational and religious activities.Beside
Ferdowsi, Mehdi Akhavan and Shajarian were among other famous artists of the
city.
In
modern days, Mashhad witnessed tremendous development under Reza Shah between
1925 to 1941 multidimensionally; Imam Reza hospital founded in 1934; Faculty of
medicine of Mashhad in1939 and the city’s power station installed in 1936 among
others. Later, the Shah’s anti-religious policies erupted, when the clerics
denounced its corruption, heavy taxes and ban on veils; headscarf and chador in
1936 which led to slogans; Shah was a new Yazid. Finally, the absolute monarchy
was replaced by Islamic system on the success of Islamic revolution under the
leadership of Imam Rohullah Khomeini (R) in 1979.
ANNUAL
COMMEMORATION
Considering
the short interval between Imam Rida and his sister’s birthdays(‘a), the Astana
Quds colorfully commemorate what it calls eleven days of honor, an event
extolling the virtues of the Imam and Sayyidah Fatima popularly known
Masoumehannually. Precisely, they were born 11th and 1st of Dhulqidah
respectively.However, Sayyedah fell ill and later died at Saveh near the Holy City
of Qom as she left Medina to meet her brother exiled to Tus. She was accorded
famous funeral and buried where her shrine stands today. Her tomb
witnesseddevelopmental stages in capacity expansions including decorations with
mosaic tiles and gold plating since 1803 and final restoration in 2005.
LIFE
Imam
‘Ali al-Rida was born on 11th Zulqa’da, 148 AH which coincided with 29th
December, 765CE. His father was Imam Musa al-Kazem who named him ‘Ali titled
al-Rida (AS) meaning the contented, well-pleased with or generally accepted.
His mother was Najma - nicknamed Ummu-Banin - a Nubian pious woman of noble
characters. Given the history of his mother, he was believed to be black in
complexion. Though, there are variations in views of historians, but his children
were mostly narrated as five sons and a daughter, mostnotable were Muhammad and
Ja’far. Imam Rida succeeded his father at his martyrdom after the latter had
admonished his followers regarding successorship. Yazid Bin Salit narrated from
the seventh Imam when he met him on his way to Mecca "Ali, whose name is
the same as the first and the fourth Imams, is the Imam after me." Said
Imam Musa. ‘Ali Bin Yaqtin additionally narrated "Ali is the best of my
children and I have conferred on him my epithet". Imams were heirs of the
Great Prophet to the end of time as clearly indicated by famous traditions.
Bukhari and Muslim narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “I shall be
succeeded by twelve religious’ leaders, all of whom shall be of Qurayshite
origin”. In another narration, all of them shall be from Banu Hashim.
Under
the moral and spiritual guidance of his father, Imam Rida (‘a) was brought up
with exceptional insight and unique brilliance. Thus, he lived embodiment of
sterling qualities rarely possessed by man. He faced great enmity and hostility
from the ruling class who assassinated his father before his eyes. However, he
was declared earlier in presence of prominent religious personalities. Ibn
Athir al-Jaza’iri narrated that Imam Rida was the greatest undisputed sage,
saint and
POLITICAL
SITUATION
With
the death of Harun, the fifth Abbasid caliph popularly known al-Rashid(148-193
Hijri), his two sons struggled for the power where al-Mamun believed to come
from a Persian mother enjoying greater support succeeded against his
half-brother. However, several insurrections were witnessed from Shi’a who were
guided by their Imams and religious authorities in major occultation.
Al-Mamun
was known for translation of various sciences to Arabic. Prior to that, his father
who ruled in the Golden age of Islam was credited with the establishment of the
historic Bait al-Hikma - house of wisdom –in Baghdad, the earliest centre of
knowledge, culture and trade of its kind. He also arranged debates between the
Imam and Muslim scholars as recorded in ‘Uyun akhbar al-Rida. The book
impressively contains religious questions and sayings about the Imam and his
martyrdom compiled by Ibn Babawayh or Sheikh al-Saduq. There were also
famousSahifah transmitted by ‘Abdallah bin Aḥmad bin Amer in 194 AH and
al-Risalah al-Dhahabiah, a treatise on medical cures. The incidents
demonstrated popularity, love and respect Muslims accorded the Imam which the
king couldn’t withstand.
With
the regard to the virtues of the purified progeny genrally, Imam ‘Ali said: the
descendants of the Prophet are his confidants, the shelter of his commands, the
trustees of his knowledge, the stronghold of the Qur’an and the mountains of
his faith. None of the followers of Muhammad can be compared with the descendants
of the Prophet. The recipients cannot be equal to the bestowers of blessings.
“O people let it be known to you that we are the descendants of the Holy
Prophet. Angels come to us. We are the fountains of learning. We are the spring
of wisdom and knowledge of Allah. He who is our friend and helper deserve the
mercy of Allah, and he who is our enemy, waits for the punishment of Allah.
They speak lies against us and do injustice to us. Allah elevated our position
and He has made them inferior to us. He has opened the eyes of the people
through us".
MARTYRDOM
Like
their Umayyad predecessors, the Abbasid regimes considered Shiites a threat to
their tyrannical authorities. Mamun therefore nominated the Imam as the
rightful heir to the throne – with a sinister desire - to save the government.
The Imam refused the offer for which the king uttered his famous words; “Your
ancestor ‘Ali was chosen by the second caliph to be in a six-member council to
elect the third caliph, and ordered to kill any one of the six who didn't
comply. If you do not accept the position of Crown Prince in my government, I
will follow through on the same threat".
Later,
the Imam accepted on conditions agreed by the caliph for which he changed the
traditional Abbasid black flag with green in respect to Shi’ism. Ultimately, it
was believed that he poisoned the Imam to martyrdom on 17th Safar, 203AH at the
age of 55. “Deem not that Allah is heedless of what the iniquitous do; He is
only deferring them to a day when eyes shall stare” Q14:42. Proper
interpretation of the Qur’an under unfavorable atmosphere was the most obvious
challenge, beside other forms of persecution of his followers.Ever since, tens
of millions visit his burial place from across the world. Some notable
personalities buried in his vicinity include Sheikh-e Baha’i 1547-1621, Horr- e
Ameli 1624-1693 and Harun al-Rashid to mention but few.
About seven years back, the shrine used the event to honor 16
International personalities from scholars, thinkers, writers and poets among
the custodians of Imam Rida (‘a). Sheikh Ibraheem el-Zakzaky (H), leader of the
Islamic movement, Nigeria was among the respected honorees. In blessed memory
of the past and forthcoming events, I urge all organisations and people with
common spirit of humanity to challenge the oppression against the him and see
to his urgent and unconditional release.
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