ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Lady Fatima Masuma (a) of Qum Journey to Qum 2.1 - The separation of Lady Fatima Masuma (A) from Imam al-Ridā (A) Although the separation from her father had been very difficult, Lady Fatima Masuma (A) still had her brother to comfort her. However, in 200 A.H, Ma’mūn (the 7th Abbasid Caliph), demanded Imam al-Ridha’s (A) presence in Khurāsān. The departure of her brother further increased her sorrow.

This separation lasted for only about one year, but sadly she passed away before they could be reunited. When Amīn (the 6th Abbasid Caliph) was killed by the soldiers of his brother Ma’mūn, and Ma’mūn became the Caliph, his rule was initially very unstable. The kingdom was divided and Ma’mūn felt the need to gather support. So as to gain the support of the Shi`a, he insisted that Imam al-Ridā (A) come to Khurāsān.

Here, he received the Imam (A) with great honour, pretending to respect his position, and even claiming to be his follower. The true test of his sincerity would have been to abdicate in favour of the Imam (A). Instead, he declared the Imam (A) his successor, never intending that that day should come. The Imam (A) was forced to accept this invitation and he went to Khurāsān, where his presence in the court of Ma’mūn served the interests of the Shi`a and Islam.

The Imam (A) reached Khurāsān in 200 A.H, and he was poisoned to death by Ma’mūn in 203 A.H. Ma’mūn had prepared a document of the ‘ wilāyat ’ (successorship) of Imam al-Ridā (A) in five copies.

One of these copies was sent to Makka, one to Madina, one to Shām, one to Baghdad and one was kept in Khurāsān.[^1] According to the orders of Ma’mūn, the name of Imam al-Ridā (A) was mentioned in the khutbah (sermons) of the Friday prayers, in all the Islamic lands and coins with the name of the Imam (A) were minted. As a result of the intense desire of the Shi`a to be near the Imam, many of them decided to migrate to Khurāsān.

Some were also misled by the apparent respect being accorded to the Imam (A) by Ma’mūn, and were unaware of his deceit and political ploys. 2.2 - The journey of Lady Fatima Masuma (A) from Madina After a difficult year of separation from her beloved brother, Lady Fatima Masuma (A) decided to go to him. She began this journey from Madina to Khurāsān, in the year 201 A.H, accompanied by a caravan made up of some members of her household and friends of the Imam (A).