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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Fourteen Infallibles Imam Ali Al-ridha (a.s.) LINEAGE ALI is the son of Imam MUSA AL-KADHIM (AS). His mother is UMM AL-BANIN. He was born on the 11th of DHIL QIDAH in the year 148 of HIJRA in Al-Medina Al-MUNAWARA. He was blessed with martyrdom on the 29 of SAFAR of the year 203 of HIJRA in TOOS (Iran) and was buried MASHHAD.

AL-KADHIM, AL-RIDHA (PEACE BE UPON BOTH) AND HAROUN AL-RASHID It is quite easy for us today to speak about HAROUN AL-RASHID and discuss his life. It was quite difficult to do so during the life of this ABASSI ruler. To merely mention his name was enough to stir great fear and leave the people scared to death. He was notorious for his cruelty, brutality, and oppression. He ruled the vast Islamic world that stretched from India in the east to Atlantic Ocean in the west.

He considered himself the Muslims' caliph but was quite aware, deep inside, that the caliphate was never his legitimate right. He knew that such right was confined to a special person who exceeded all the people of his time in knowledge, piety, and righteousness. He knew that the caliphate was Imam MUSA AL-KADHIM'S own right. Hence, he bitterly hated him and was hostile to his ALAWI family.

Finally, he imprisoned him and for twenty years, moving him from one jail to another, till he was able to give him poisoned food. He got rid of him and swore to behead whoever among the ALAWIS claimed the Imamate after MUSA AL-KADHIM (AS). He intended to uproot the Imamate but Allah Almighty will not consent save to keep it, though the infidels are averse. IMAM AL-KADHIM entrusted his son IMAM ALI with the Imamate.

As soon as AL-KADHIM (AS) was blessed with martyrdom, ALI AL-RIDHA announced his Imamate to all people. He was not afraid of HAROUN or other tyrants. He made it clear publicly without hesitation. He was sure of Allah's help. His followers were concerned about his safety. One of them, Mohammed IBN SINAN, said to him, "O ABA AL-HASAN! You have declared your authority, succeeding your father, while AL-RASHID'S sword is still wet with his blood".

The IMAM (AS) said, "I have done it, motivated by the Messenger of Allah's stance when the Almighty ordered him (P.B.U.H.) to warn his nearest kin, and proclaim his call in public. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) then said, 'Were ABU JAHL to take one hair from my head, then I would not be a Prophet'. Now I say to you: 'If HAROUN took one hair from my head, then I would not be an Imam".