Questions about Al-Haadi

1. Questions about Al-Haadi His Imamah 43 Questions A.S. Hashim, MD

2. Definition of Terms in this Slide Show • Institute of Ahlul Bayt: Refers to the teachings and discussions by Ahlul Bayt. This was conducted at: • The house of the Imam • Masjid Al-Nabawi • At or near the Grand Mosque during Haj • Piety-minded: Refers to the many Schools of thought: Like the Hanafi, Maaliki, Shafi'i, As'haab Al-Hadith, Ibn Abbas, etc.

3. In which year Al-Haadi was born? • Ali Al-Haadi was born in the year 214H in Surba, • a+ Surba was a suburb of Medina which was built by Al-Kadhim • Al-Haadi was born in the year 114H • Al-Haadi was born in the year 314H Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

4. Name the father and mother of Al-Haadi and his lineage. • Al-Haadi's father was Al-Jawaad, from the line of Ahlul Bayt. • His mother's name was Samaanah • a+b+ Samaanah was of the progeny of Ammar Ibn Yasir. • His mother’s name was Zainab Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

5. What has Imam Al-Jawaad said about his son Al-Haadi? • Ibn Dulf had heard Al-Jawaad saying, • The Imam after me is my son Ali, • his directives and sayings are the same as mine, • and to obey him is to obey me. • After him the Imamah will be in his son, Al-Hasan. • a+b+ This is called Nass, meaning that every Imam specifically designates the subsequent one. • a+ Nass means reporting Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

6. Specify what Al-Haadi had learned in his childhood. • By an early age Al-Haadi had: • memorized the Quran and learned meaning of its various parts, • the historical background of some Ayahs, • and many of their intricacies. • Al-Haadi asked increasingly complex questions for his age, • a+b+ and he received the appropriate answers. • He was too busy playing than to learn. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

7. What is the Un-Erring Inspiration which helps the Imam to answer Islamic questions and queries. • Un-Erring Inspiration is a faculty whereby the Imam is inspired for answers to many Islamic queries. • An Imam is guided by the Divine Light no matter his age. • It is not the Revelation, since Revelation is specific to Prophets and are revealed to them by way of Jubra'eel. • a+b+c+ Al-Saadiq was quoted saying “We have Al-Naq'ru fi Al-Asmaa' and Al-Naqt fi Al-Quloob”, meaning the Muhad'dith and the Un-Erring Inspiration. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

8. Give a full account about Al-Muhad'dith? • Al-Muhad'dith sometimes answers the question, but he cannot be invoked at will. • Al-Muhad'dith cannot be seen, he whispers in the Imam’s ears. • a+b+ An Imam can answer correctly any Islamic inquiry through: • the Corpus of Islamic knowledge, • the Un-Erring Inspiration, and • Al-Muhad'dith. • Al-Muhad'dith shows up to any pious man. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

9. Explain the meaning of I'lm. • I’lm usually means the Sunnah as Ahlul Bayt had understood it: • quoting the Hadith of Muhammad (pbuh), • the Tafseer of the Holy Quran, • the Fiqh and other sciences of Tradition (I'lm). • Al-Haadi was the 10th link in the Chain of Golden Narration • Al-Haadi was the 5th link in the Chain of Golden Narration Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

10. Discuss the role of the full powers given to the Turkic slaves by Khalifa Al-Mu'tasim. • Al-Mu'tasim had thousands of Turkic slaves from Caucasus and Central Asia • a+ Al-Mu'tasim introduced the Turkic mercenaries as the basis of Khalifa power, to hold the most important positions in the government and military • The Turkic mercenaries had enormous powers from the beginning • The Turkic mercenaries had no power. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

11. Why did Al-Mu'tasim decide to build Samurra? • Al-Mu'tasim decide to build Samurra to: • escape the pressures of Benu Abbas' members and, • escape the Persian elite in Baghdad, but • more so to move away the irresponsibly violent behavior of the Turkic slaves in Baghdad, • To escape the heat of Baghdad. • To escape the intrigue in Baghdad Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

12. In what manner was Imam Al-Haadi similar to his forefathers? • He was the most meritorious person of his time as well as the greatest erudite. • He was the replica of his father in knowledge, generosity, piety, and all other noble character. • Al-Haadi loved to perform Salats frequently especially at night, and used to pray on a rudimentary cover on the earth. • a+b+c+ Al-Haadi used to fast often throughout the year. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

13. Elucidate the manner Al-Haadi read the Quran and Du’aas. • He used to recite the Quran with a melody that appealed to everyone's heart, so moving that they cried. • Al-Haadi used to do Du'aas often, of his own as well as of the Prophet, Zainul Abideen and other preceding Imams. • a+b+ He often would be in Ih'yaa and Tahajjud at night, with coarse clothes on and the minimum means of comfort. • Most of his recitations were recorded on the video. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

14. Mention in detail the discourse activities of Imam Al-Haadi. • People loved Al-Haadi and held him with reverence, and they were very attracted by his discussions. • He was renowned for answering questions about Sunnah, Fiqh, Ah'kaam such as Halal and Haram, quoting the Hadith, Tafseer, and other Islamic sciences. • a+b+ He held discussions in the Masjid Al-Nabawi and in his house • Al-Haadi often talked about his network. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

15. Describe the personal habits of Al-Haadi. • Al-Haadi was a kind person, known for his compassion. • The needy flocked to him when he was in Medina. He was ever helpful and generous. • The poor had allowances of charity, and his deputies gave fixed allowances to the needy in various provinces. • a+b+c+ He was exceptionally good to his domestic workers and attendants. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

16. Give an account of the ethics and character of Al-Haadi. • Al-Haadi was the embodiment of high character and virtue. • The outstanding merit (Al Fadhl) and perfection of character were gathered in him. • a+b+ Al-Haadi was a very pious person who emphasized virtue and was its prototype and model. • He was rough on the Khalifa for his excesses. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

17. Give an account of Al-Mu’tasim and the figure of 8? • Al-Mu'tasim ruled for 8 yrs, 8 mos, and 8 days, born in 208H, was the 8th of the Abbasi progeny, • He won 8 victories, and 8 non-Arab Princes remained in his court. He died at the age of 48 yrs, 8 mos, and 8 days. • He had 80,000 horses, his bequeathed wealth was 8,000,000.00 Gold Dinars and 18,000.00 Silver Dinars. • a+b+c+ He had 8 sons, 8 daughters, and 80,000 slaves and maids, and during his rule 8,000 buildings were constructed. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

18. Describe the suspension of Ij'tihaad by Al-Mutawak'kil. • Al-Mutawak'kil ordered the suspension of debate and discussions of Islamic injunctions; • Therefore he put forth an ominous but fateful ruling; to freeze for the time being the practice of Ij'tihaad. • a+b+ Ij'tihaad is extremely instrumental in the development of the Fiqh and stimulation of thought. • He encouraged Ij’tihaad, since he was intellectual. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

19. Enumerate 3 rulings which Al-Mutawak'kil shocked the Islamic world with • Al-Mutawak'kil ordered the following within a short time of his Khilaafah: • All non-Muslims to wear an identifying sign on their garments. • Non-Muslims could not hold any position or status in the Imperial secretariat. • The tombs [mainly tomb-stones] of non-Muslims were to be razed to the ground level • Al-Mutawak'kil instilled fear in the hearts of the Turkics and loved by the non-Muslims Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

20. Give an account of the works of Al-Haadi at the beginning of his Imamah. • Al-Haadi was left unhampered in his educational effort • his activities were vigorous, and he continued to give of his limitless store of knowledge whenever asked. • His fame as the Spiritual Leader spread far and wide, • a+b+c+ and the Muslims of Iraq, Iran, Hijaz, Algeria, Egypt, and Yemen flocked to him to benefit from his guidance and teachings. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

21. With whom did Al-Haadi argue, often convincing them? • Zandeeqs (the socially abhorred heretics), • Doubters, • the Jabriah and Qadariyah, • a+b+c+ Fighting off the Ghulaat (Exaggerationists) and exposing their deception and falsehood, and at the same time warning people about them. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

22. How did Al-Haadi communicate with his followers when in Samurra? • During the later period of his life Imam Al-Haadi had to communicate with his devotees mainly by writing, • since he was in Samurra for many years (18 years),and his millions of devotees were spread all over the Islamic Ummah. • And when in Samurra he did not have true free contact with his devotees. • He held daily Circle Discussions in his house. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

23. Discuss the teaching of Imam Al-Haadi. • When in Medina Al-Haadi was actively teaching and educating the public. • a+ His was about the Sunnah as Ahlul Bayt had understood it, quoting the Hadith of Muhammad (pbuh), the Tafseer of the Holy Quran, the Fiqh and other sciences of Tradition (I'lm). • He was interested in teaching Benu Abbas • He was interested in teaching Benu Umayya Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

24. Name the child born to Al-Haadi. • In the year 232H a son, Al-Askari was born to Al-Haadi in Medina. • He was raised under the exclusive tutelage of his father Al-Haadi. • a+b+ Al-Askari was born during the Khilaafah of Al-Waathiq. • The child’s name was Al-Ma’Moon. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

25. Give an account of how Al-Mutawak’kil dealt with the Shi’a? • Due to some revolts against him, Al-Mutawak'kil aimed at destroying the opposition underground activities of the Alawi in general and the Shi'a in particular. • He instigated a campaign of arrests against the Imamiyah organization [Wikaalah] • Some agents of Al-Haadi in Baghdad, Kufa, and other areas died under torture, while others were thrown in jail. • a+b+c+ Thus, serious damage was dealt to the communication network within the Wikaalah (Imamiyah-Shi'a organization). Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

26. Why did Al-Haadi have to leave Medina to Samurra. • Because agents of Al-Mutawak’kil discovered connections between the underground activities of the Imamiyah-Shi'a agents and Al-Haadi • Al-Mutawak'kil wrote to Al-Haadi a courteous letter urging him to move to Samurra. • Afterwards Al-Haadi was summoned to the capital (Samurra). • Al-Mutawak'kil wanted to have a dialogue with Al-Haadi • Al-Mutawak'kil was urged by the Turkics to summon Al-Haadi Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

27. Give an account of Al-Haadi's experience when he arrived in Samurra. • The year was 236H and Imam Al-Haadi was about 22 years old when he (and family) arrived in Samurra. • One reporter claims that Al-Mutawak'kil received Imam Al-Haadi with a show of respect, welcoming him with eagerness and enthusiasm. • a+b+ He had a house furnished for him and provided for him generously. • a+b+ Al-Mutawak'kil insisted to have Al-Haadi in his Palace Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

28. Give an alternative account of Al-Haadi's experience when he arrived in Samurra. • Other reporters claim that Al-Mutawak'kil did not receive Al-Haadi the first night, • so Al-Haadi and his family had to stay in an inn used for travelers, called Khan Al-Sa'aleek. • Next day Al-Haadi and his family moved to a house that Khalifa Al-Mutawak'kil had prepared for them. • a+b+c+ This was demeaning for a man of prominence such as Al-Haadi, and it forebode tough times ahead. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

29. Discuss the scene of the grave dug up in the living room of Al-Haadi. • It was not too long after being in the house of detention that Imam Al-Haadi was seen to have dug a grave in the main room. • The scene was jarring to visitors, since they often saw Al-Haadi performing Salat by the grave. • The grave became a wonderment and a conversation piece. • a+b+c+ People became keen that death eventually comes, and that tyrants and oppressors would soon be under the dirt. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

30. Discuss the effect of the living room grave on the people • The scene of the grave proved very effective, and people remembered it as a symbol of Al-Haadi against Al-Mutawak'kil. • People’s resentment toward Al-Mutawak'kil grew, and so was the hatred to his tyrannical excesses,. • The resentment grew fast because of his detaining Al-Haadi • a+b+c+ As well as his repressive measures of the Imamah-Asserters all over. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

31. Discuss the measures Al-Mutawak’kil took against the Shi’a. • Banning visitation to Karbala, with a warning of death penalty. • Taxation of those who visited the shrines of Karbala or Najaf. • Razing the tombs in Karbala (of Imam Al-Husain) and Najaf (of Imam Ali) and destroying them to the ground level. • a+b+c+ To plough the surrounding land of such tombs and bring it under cultivation. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

32. Mutawak'kil and the color yellow. • Al-Mutawak'kil had jaundice with yellow eyes. • Al-Mutawak'kil had an eccentric personality and at one time he decreed that all things should be yellow • guests must wear yellow clothes, • girls must be blondes, • the food must be of yellow color, on golden dishes, • even the water flowing in a stream through the garden of the Palace must be colored yellow with precious saffron. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

33. An incident to Al-Mutawak'kil and the color yellow. • When someone underestimated the amount of saffron required to stain the flowing water yellow and the saffron ran out, • dyed stuffs had hurriedly to be used to soak out the water to keep its color yellow, • a+b+ while Mutawak'kil was still too drunk to notice. • a+b+ Mutawak'kil discovered the mess and punished the perpetrator. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

34. Give an account of Mutawak'kil's policy. • Al-Mutawak'kil's policies proved to be very oppressive, brutal and tyrannical. • He was often referred to as the Yazid of Benu Abbas. • He called upon Al-Haadi a number of times trying to coerce him to join him in the life of pleasure, • a+b+c+ Al-Haadi was highly incensed and able to shun him completely Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

35. Discuss the impact when Al-Haadi read the poem at the Al-Mutawak'kil's Court. • Al-Haadi was summoned at night to Al-Mutawak'kil's royal palace • He saw Al-Mutawak'kil holding a cup of wine, surrounded by his courtiers, and with young boys holding golden cups and crystal glasses of wine, waiting in service for them. • a+b+ As Al-Haadi entered, all stood in awe, the merry-living suddenly stopped. • a+b+ Being ashamed, the people started to cry and say forgive us, Master. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

36. Then what happened? • Taken aback, Al-Mutawak'kil offered Al-Haadi a drink, • Indignant, the Imam answered • Neither the flesh nor the blood of mine nor of my forefathers had ever mixed with wine. • Al-Mutawak'kil, reeking with alcohol, asked Al-Haadi to sing instead, then Al-Mutawak'kil asked for a poem to entertain him. • The Imam answered with a poem, and it confounded Al-Mutawak'kil and the audience, and each cried and cried. • a+b+ Confounded and humiliated, Al-Mutawak'kil rewarded Al-Haadi then allowed him to go home. • Al-Mutawak'kil became sick and vomited right then and there. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

37. Portray Ibn Sakeet's answer to Al-Mutawak'kil's evaluation of his two children. • Ibn Sakeet was renowned in Baghdad, respected in lexigraphy and syntax, • He was chosen as tutor to the sons of Al-Mutawak'kil, since he was the best. • a+b+ One day Al-Mutawak'kil said, “Aren't my two sons of higher worth than Al-Hasan and Al-Husain?” • Ibn Sakeet was a loyal subject of Al-Mutawak’kil. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

38. Continue with story of Ibn Sakeet. • Ibn Sakeet was stunned at al-Mutawak’kil’s audacity, • He knew well the worth of Al-Hasan and Al-Husain [he was their loyalists]. • “By Allah,” he screamed, “mention not Al-Hasan and Al-Husain, but even the servant of Imam Ali is of more worth than both of your sons!” • a+b+c+ Enraged, Al-Mutawak'kil shouted, “Cut off his tongue, cut off his tongue”. And so they did. The shock was such as to lead to Ibn Sakeet’s death. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

39. Deliberate on the orders of Al-Mutawak'kil about Karbala, Najaf, and Shi'a. • In 247H Al-Mutawak'kil’s edict was to prevent visitation to Karbala and Najaf. • Then Al-Mutawak'kil gave orders to destroy Karbala and Najaf shrines, dig out the grave, plough the surrounding land and water it from the Euphrates. • The order was given despite objections from all over with petitions from Basrah, Kufa, and much of Iraq, and twice it failed. • a+b+c+ Al-Mutawak'kil appointed his military leader for the task, who finally carried out the orders. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

40. How was Khalifa Al-Mutawak'kil killed and who killed him? • Arranging with Turkics, the son of Al-Mutawak'kil attacked his father • Al-Mutawak'kil was drunk at the moment, but he was killed along with his Wazir. then they beheaded the two. • The public was informed and the two were buried unceremoniously • a+b+c+ The public was relieved, more so the Muslims who had suffered his tyranny. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

41. Give an evaluation of the Islamic movements at the time of Al-Haadi's Imamah. • During Al-Haadi's Imamah the Mu'tazila were so suppressed by As'haab Al-Hadith that eventually the movement died down. • The Shi’a were also persecuted, but the inner strength of the Shi'a organization [Wikaalah] withstood and in the end prevailed. • Ahlul Bayt's teachings remained unchanged and continued to be sought after by the learned men, intellectuals, and scholars. • a+b+c+ During the first half of Al-Haadi's Imamah the teachings of Ahlul Bayt was unhampered, but when in Samurra, much of his works was by writing answers to those who wrote inquiries. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

42. Explain the circumstances of the death of Imam Al-Haadi. • Al-Haadi became sick, he grew weak, and the weakness was progressive, and within a few days he died. • It is reported that his condition was caused by poisoning during the Khilaafah of Al-Mu'tazz • a+b+ Al-Haadi died in a strange land away from his family and loved ones, at the age of about 40. • He died at the age of 59 Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

43. Where was Al-Haadi buried? • Al-Haadi was buried in his house after Imam Al-Hasan Al-Askari, performed the Janaaza Prayer. • It is said that all dignitaries, government people, devotees, students, and just about everyone in Samurra attended the Janaaza Prayer. • a+b+ Before his death, Al-Haadi gave the custody of the Corpus of Knowledge to the subsequent Imam, along with befitting advice. • He was buried in Baghdad. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

44. Quote some Sayings of Al-Haadi. • To be angry at a subservient is lowly. • A thankful one is happiest by giving thanks than receiving a bounty for which he is giving thanks; because a bounty is a fleeting enjoyment, while giving thanks is a blessing [by itself] with an outcome in the eternal life. • The present life is like a marketplace wherein some people make profits and others incur losses. • a+b+c+ A misfortune has one impact on a patient person, but twice as much on an impatient one. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

45. Quote more Sayings of Al-Haadi. • Wisdom does not grow in people with corrupt nature. • The one who feels secure from Allah's plan and His painful seizing, will be vain until Allah's Divine Decree befalls him......; while the one who comprehends his Lord will care little about life's hardships even if cut to pieces. • The worst of misfortunes is to have a wicked character. • a+b+c+ Arguing for the sake of argument spoils an intimate friendship and destroys relationship. The least effect thereof is trying to conquer one another, which is a primary cause of dissociation. Questions, Al-Haadi's Imamah

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