A year after his ascendance to authority...

A year after his ascendance to authority, upheavals spread throughout the country and revolts led by the ALAWIS erupted everywhere in holy Mecca, Al-Medina, Yemen, Basra and KUFA. AL-MAMOUN found himself surrounded by dangers from all sides. He realized the critical situation and found that the best way for him was to make a show of his desire to hand the caliphate over to IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS), thus he would please the ALAWIS who led the revolts against his rule and curb the upheavals.

He was sure of the Imam's rejection, but his minister, AL-FADHIL IBN SAHL, encouraged him to write to the Imam. AL-MAMOUN wrote to the Imam (as) and summoned him to KHURASAN where he met him in MARO. The Imam (as) gave various reasons to be spared the visit, but AL-MAMOUN insisted again and again till the Imam had no choice except to go. The Imam knew that the tyrant's son was never devoted to the son of Imam MUSA AL-KADHIM. He had to go because AL-MAMOUN would not leave him alone.

A JOURNEY OF RETURN IMAM AL-RIDHA (AS) accompanied AL-MAMOUN'S envoys who surrounded him and showed a great deal of respect for him. Some of Al-Medina's dignitaries joined the caravan that made its way towards KHURASAN. At the order of the ruler (AL-MAMOUN), the caravan was to avoid cities such as QUM where the Imam's followers and devotees were great in number. However, people heard of his coming and all of them came out to welcome the grandson of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.).

They crowded at both sides of the road and glorified Allah the Almighty. They were all anxious to have a look at his sublime person. The Imam noticed that AL-MAMOUN'S men tried to separate him from the people, so, he tried his best to address the people whenever he could. When the caravan reached NISAPOUR, its people came out to meet him. They had never dreamed of attaining such a blessing: to enjoy seeing the grandson of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.).

their dream had come true, hence, every man and woman left his/her home to welcome him. It was a big event of love and devotion to the Prophet's household, peace be upon them all. The city theologians and nobles were eager to have the chance to listen to him speak. But the people's excitement and devotion gave them no chance. They begged the people to be quiet; they obeyed, and the Imam put his head out of the pavilion which was on the back of his camel.

They saw his bright face and were again excited. He signaled to them to keep silent.