Al-Ridha Anecdotes and Select Sayings

1. Al-RidhaAnecdotes and Select Sayings By A.S. Hashim. MD Sayings of Imams taken from: http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/infallible10.asp Ziyarah of Imams taken from: http://www.ziaraat.org/

2. About this slide show: This slide show deals with: • Al-Ridha during his last years of life • Many of his sayings • A number of his Du’aas • Incidents and Anecdotes • Ziyarah for him with its translation • It also shows his shrine

3. Lineage of Al-Ridha

4. Lineage Grandfather Al-Saadiq Father Al-Kadhim Al-Ridha Al-Tahira Mother Umm Al-Baneen

5. Sample Du'aa of Al-Ridha Glory be to Allah, the One who originated the creation by His Might, and perfected His creation by His Insight, and set everything in its location by His knowledge. Glory be to Allah, the One in whose grasp are the sly glances of the eyes and that what the hearts conceal.  Nothing is like Him, Glory be to Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

6. Khalifa Ma’Moon and Imam Al-Ridha • It was in 200 Hijrah when Al-Ma’Moon put the pressure on Imam Al-Ridha • After several communications Al-Ridha had to agree • Al-Ma’Moon wanted Al-Ridha to move to Maru and be by him • Al-Ma’Moon had political objectives because: • Numerous leaders of his army and leaders of his administration were Shi’a-oriented • Al-Ma’Moon himself was initially Pro Shi'a

7. From Medina to Maru • Along with friends Al-Ridha goes to Mecca for Omrah • Then he takes the same route Al-Husain took to Karbala 140 Yr before then • Escorted by Ma’Moon’s forces they arrive at Basrah • From Basrah to Qum, • In Qum they stay for about one month, he leads the first Majlis of Ashuraa in the open • They leave to Ray (near Tehran) • They arrive at Tus • From Tus they finally arrive at Maru

8. On the Way to Maru • Along the route crowds would come out excitedly to welcome the `Son of the Prophet's daughter'.  • All were anxious for his speeches, advice, quotes of the Hadith and other matters.  • In one town the people were crying and wailing, wanting the blessings of being near Imam Al-Ridha • When they calmed down, Imam Al-Ridha gave a short speech about the faith.  • They counted the scribes [like reporters of today] and they exceeded 20,000 in number.

9. Route to Maru The 2500 Mile Route to Maru

10. Al-Ma’Moon welcomes Al-Ridha • Al-Ridha arrived in Ramadhan, the year 201H • It was 3 years after the end of the civil war between Al-Amin and Al-Ma'Moon.  • Al-Jawaad was about 7 years old, and he ?? probably was with his father.  • The area was mountainous, lush, uncommonly cold • Along with his entourage and dignitaries Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon came out with welcoming arms.  • Imam Al-Ridha and Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon began to negotiate • Al-Ma'Moon offered Al-Ridha the Khilaafah but Imam Al-Ridha refused it.

11. During Al-Ma’Moon’s Reign • Al-Ma'Moon urged Imam Al-Ridha to accept the Khilaafah or Vice-regency. This was during Ramadhan of 201H • After an initial refusal, Imam Al-Ridha being so pressured, he agreed to be the Khalifa-in-succession (Vice-regent), on certain conditions: • That he does not carry out tasks in the administration. • That he does not appoint or dismiss any official. • That he would give counsel and advice when asked. • Imam Al-Ridha died within 3 years after the agreement as Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon was on his way moving to Baghdad.

12. Vice-regency of Al-Ridha • Vice-regency of Al-Ridha was announced on Friday Prayer (during Ramadhan) • Leaders of Friday Prayer were ordered to invoke Du'aa for both Al-Ma’Moon and Al-Ridha before the sermon. • Changed the money coinage in the name of Al-Ridha.  Many such coins exist even today in some museums. • Changed the official color of the dress and flags to green rather than black (which was the symbol of Benu Abbas). • Condemned the enemies of Ahlul Bayt. • Gave back Fadak to Ahlul Bayt. • Officially established Majlis for Karbala all over. 

13. During the 3 years in Maru • Al-Ridha in Maru was busy with teaching, advising, counseling, and instructing.  • Numerous sayings have been quoted and many books have been written about that. • Even though Al-Ridha was in the hub of the Court of the Khalifa, no change in behavior was ever discerned about him: • He cared for his subordinates and loved them • He continued to call on his servants at meal time to eat together with him • On the day before Eid Al-Adha Imam Al-Ridha distributed most of his funds to the disadvantaged, and needy.

14. Al-Ridha at Maru • Together Al-Ridha and Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon started to hold court to hear complaints and grievances of the common man —and to present solutions.  • People began to aggregate often, ask more boldly, and they received fitting and deserved justice.  • They left happy and very content with the judgment.  • They liked the congenial atmosphere, loved the sense of justice, and were grateful for the verdicts.

15. Holding Court in Maru

16. Al-Ridha at Maru II • Al-Ma'Moon had an intellectual bend, and there was a need to clarify many Islamic concepts • Al-Ma'Moon would often invite scholars or leaders of Islamic movements to visit the headquarters of the Khalifa to present their point of view. • Scholars came from near and far, traveled hundreds of miles to take advantage of the encouraging mood.  • As a result, sessions were held to discuss and argue points of view.  • People knew that Al-Ridha was the man to ask, he was the ultimate Marji' (Authority).  They flocked to these sessions, especially scholars and leaders of:  As'haab Al-Hadith, Mu'tazila, Fiqh leaders, Christians, Jews, and others.

17. At Al-Ma’Moon’s Court • Al-Ma'Moon invited scholars or leaders of various Islamic movements to visit his headquarters • Scholars traveled hundreds of miles taking advantage of the encouraging mood.  • They flocked to these sessions, especially scholars and leaders of:  As'haab Al-Hadith, Mu'tazila, Fiqh leaders, Christians, Jews, Zoradusht, Manicheans, Buddhists, Hindus and others. • The discussions involved: • Quranic subjects • Hadith, • Kalaam (theological logic), • Fiqh, and • Tafseer holding the lion's share. 

18. Discussions and Discourses Discussions

19. Al-Ridha’s Stay in Maru • Imam Al-Ridha lived in Maru for almost 3 years.  • His simple house was without pomp, being next-door to the Palace of Al-Ma'Moon.  • Al-Ridha was distinguished with integrity, high principles, outstanding merit, righteousness, piety, and virtue.  • People held Al-Ridha as the model, the representative of the Prophet (pbuh), the ultimate Marji'. • It is said that Al-Ma'Moon gave his sister in marriage to Imam Al-Ridha, and also gave his aunt in marriage to the uncle of Al-Ridha.

20. Trouble in Baghdad • Baghdad revolts, Al-Ridha advices Al-Ma’Moon to move his capital to Baghdad • From Maru the government officials, all the high-ups, the leaders of the armed forces, and the Justices moved en masse toward Baghdad.  • After a few days the Wazir (Prime minister) was attacked by some people and killed. • When the crowd reached another town of Khurasan Imam Al-Ridha fell ill with fever.  • It so happened that this town was the same town in which the father of Al-Ma'Moon (Haroon Al-Rashid) was buried.

21. Al-Ridha dies • The 55 year old Al-Ridha was sick for three days • His condition worsened, he fainted, collapsed, then died. • It is reported that his condition was caused by poisoning through Al-Ma'Moon. • Al-Ma'Moon showed grief and anguish. • Al-Ma'Moon insisted to be among those who carried the coffin, crying, grieved, and looking miserable.  • Finally Al-Ridha was buried by the side of Al-Ma'Moon's father, Haroon Al-Rashid, the very one who imprisoned Al-Ridha's father (Imam Al-Kadhim). • It is said that Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon stayed at the site of the grave for 3 days mourning the loss of Al-Ridha, eating very little.

22.  Sample SermonOne's intellect will not be complete until he possesses ten qualities:

23. The Golden Chain of Narration • Numerous Hadiths were narrated and quoted through Al-Ridha • He often said, "My Hadith is the Hadith of my father, and his is the Hadith of his father, up to Ali, who directly narrated the Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)."   This is called the Golden Chain of Narration. • These Hadiths were of immense importance, since they corrected the inaccuracies and set right the mistaken quotes that had crept into this science.   

24. Quoting their Forefathers The Golden Chain of Narration

25. Golden Chain of Narration: (so far)

26. Select sayings of Al-Ridha • Among the qualities of the scholar is [to be] forbearing, knowledgeable, and to speak little, for such is the door to wisdom which brings forth affection and leads to good results. • For the pious person Salat is the very means to be close to Allah. • When prostrating you are closest to Allah; for Allah has commanded in the Quran:  “Prostrate, [O man], to be near [Me].” 

27. Select sayings of Al-Ridha II • A Mu'min [believer] is one who delights in performing a good deed, and if he offends he will ask forgiveness. A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe [meaning safe from his disposition and domination].  And he is not our adherent the person who does not secure his neighbor from wrongful act. • Faith is based on four foundations:  • to rely on Allah, • to accede to the decree of Allah, • to submit to the orders of Allah, and • to entrust Allah.

28. Select sayings of Al-Ridha III • No one shall perfect his good faith until he develops three tendencies:  • Good and deep knowledge of Islam, • Good management of his livelihood, and • Forbearance and perseverance in times of hardship. • The person who takes to transgression will not be spared from punishment. • It suffices the one who slanders what he finds [of his untenable account] in the end. • Allah dislikes vain talk, squandering wealth, and too much panhandling.

29. Al-Ridha about Character • One who torments his neighbor is not one of us. • Wish for the people whatever you wish for yourself. • Do not become angry with others and do not ask anything from them. • Tolerance, knowledge and silence are the signs found in a jurisprudent. • Keeping other's secrets, patience in hardships and tolerance towards others are all signs of faith. • He who recognizes his worth will not easily perish.   • Man's intellect is his friend and his ignorance is his foe

30. Al-Ridha about Giving • A generous man is close to God, close to paradise, and close to everyone. • Giving alms repels the pitfalls and mishaps. • Giving alms is the most valuable savings. • Best wealth is that which provides a good name for its owner. • He who is sure about the divine rewards will be more generous. • To help the disabled is much better than to give alms. • A wealthy person ought to be generous to his family.

31. Al-Ridha about Virtue • Humility means treating others the same way as you expect them to treat you. • The highest degree of wisdom is to be self-cognizant. • To be patient in the face of hardships is a virtue but to refrain from forbidden deeds is a greater one. • Almightiness is reserved for God the Almighty. He who claims to possess it will be diminished by the Almighty. • He who does not offer his thanks to his benefactor has not actually praised God, the great and the glorious. • He who wishes to be the most dear to the people must be virtuous both in public and in secret.

32. Al-Ridha about Temper • Nothing is more worthy than good temper. • Do not get angry when you are informed of the truth. • Silence is one of the gates to wisdom. • Human intellect is a divine blessing but politeness is acquired through endeavoring • What you expect of your wife, she expects the same from you. • To be in the company of villains will result in suspecting the good.

33. Al-Ridha Answer About Salat • When asked for the reasons of performing Salat, Imam Al-Ridha answered, • Salat is an obedience to Allah. • Allah has ordered mankind to perform Salat to become an avenue of belief and a conduct He enjoined on them. • In performing the Salat mankind expresses its highest esteem and veneration to Allah, • and submission of the created to his Creator as man prostrates; • and acknowledgement that above him is a Lord that he worships and to whom he prostrates.

34. (al-Mahdi: Master of the Undertaking)Al-Ridha about Sahib al-Amr • The promised Qa'im will be old in age but young in appearance when he emerges. • That person will be my fourth descendant. • God will keep him in occultation for as long as He deems it necessary. • Then, God will cause him to appear • and through him God will: • fill the earth with justice and equity as • it is filled with tyranny and oppression.

35. Al-Ridha's Du'aa in Sujood: O Allah!  Praise be to Thee, when I obey Thee; and I have no argument if I disobey Thee.  Neither I nor others effect Thy favors.  And no justification do I have if I commit wrong.  What good befits me it is from Thee, O Most Generous.  And I ask of Thee, O Allah, to forgive the believers on earth, men and women, wherever they may be.

36. Visitation (Ziyarah) of Al-Ridha • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَلِيَّ اللَّهِ وَابْنَ وَلِيِّهِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حُجَّةَ اللَّهِ وَابْنَ حُجَّتِهِ‏السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا إِمَامَ الْهُدَى وَالْعُرْوَةَ الْوُثْقَى وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ‏ • أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ مَضَيْتَ عَلَى مَا مَضَى عَلَيْهِ آبَاؤُكَ الطَّاهِرُونَ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ‏ • لَمْ تُؤْثِرْ عَمًى عَلَى هُدًى وَلَمْ تَمِلْ مِنْ حَقٍّ إِلَى بَاطِلٍ وَأَنَّكَ نَصَحْتَ لِلَّهِ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَأَدَّيْتَ الْأَمَانَةَفَجَزَاكَ اللَّهُ عَنِ الْإِسْلاَمِ وَأَهْلِهِ خَيْرَ الْجَزَاءِ • أَتَيْتُكَ بِأَبِي وَأُمِّي زَائِراً عَارِفاً بِحَقِّكَ مُوَالِياً لِأَوْلِيَائِكَ مُعَادِياً لِأَعْدَائِكَ فَاشْفَعْ لِي عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ‏ • اَلسَّلامُ عَلَيْكَ يا مَوْلايَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ اللهِ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ، اَشْهَدُ اَنَّكَ الاِْمامُ الْهادي وَالْوَلِيُّ الْمُرْشِدُ، اَبْرَأُ اِلَى اللهِ مِنْ اَعْدائِكَ، وَاَتَقَرَّبُ اِلَى اللهِ بِوِلايَتِكَ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ.

37. In Conclusion • Al-Ridha: Magnificence but away from home: Khurasan • Discussed in this slide show: • Counsels the Khalifa and gives advice • Discusses the Faith with non-Muslim authorities • As the Vicegerent, but with his own conditions • Du’aas and Sayings are the guiding light • Much of the recorded Du’aas and sayings were recorded at this period

38. Burial site nowadays

39. The inside of Al-Ridha Shrine

40. For Details Go to: Islamicbooks.info then choose: Series of Islamic Books: Life of Ahlul Bayt Vol. III

41. Be in Allah’s Care Thank you and May God Bless you. Dr. A.S. Hashim