Imām al-Ridā) but discerning of his affair...

Imām al-Ridā) but discerning of his affair, knowing that none on the face of earth is clearer than him in merit, more manifest than him in chastity, more pious than him in piety, more ascetic than him in renouncing the world, freer than him in soul, more pleasing than him to the special associates and the general populace, and firmer than him in Divine essence. The pledge of allegiance to him confirms with the good pleasure of the Lord.

[2] These words specify some of the exalted qualities which were in the Imām, peace be on him, and which distinguished him from the rest of the people. They are as follows: A. The Imām was the clearest of the people in merit and knowledge. B. He was the most chaste of the people on the face of earth. C. He was the most ascetic of the people in renouncing the pleasures and embellishment of life. D. He was the most generous of the people toward the deprived. E.

The special associates and the general populace acknowledged that he was the most meritorious person, and that none had qualities similar to those of him. [1] A'yān al-Shi'a 4/Q2/133. [2] Al-Bihār, vol. 12, p. 133. F. He was the firmest of the people in Divine essence, for he did not fear the blame of a blamer regarding Allah. G. The pledge of allegiance of al-Mamūn to him confirmed with the good pleasure of Allah, the Blessed and Exalted. H.

In the document in which he pledged allegiance to Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, al-Mamūn has said: His (al-Mamūns) choosing Ali b. Mūsā b. Jafar b. Mohammed b. Ali b. al-Husayn b. Ali b. Abū Tālib was after asking Allah for the best and exerting himself in accomplishing His right toward His servants and His earth concerning the two houses in general (i.e., the Abbāsid House and the Alawide Family, may Allah increase it in honor).

That is because he (al-Mamūn) has seen his (the Imāms) brilliant excellence, his plain knowledge, his manifest piety, his pure asceticism, his renouncing the world, and his being safe from the people. It has become clear for him that reports, tongues, and words have unanimously agreed upon him. Besides, he is still know his excellence when young and adult, so he has appointed him as his successor after him.

[1] These words praise the noble qualities which distinguished Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, from the rest of the Alawide and the Abbāsid family. These qualities are as follows: Brilliant excellence and plain knowledge. Refraining from what Allah, the Exalted, prohibited.