Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Story of the Sun: A Look at Imam al-Ridha Life Fulfillment of Pledge Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) said, “One day Ma’mun told me: ‘O Abu al-Hasan! I would like you to write a letter to some of your devotees in this region who have rebelled against us. (Meaning: ‘You would ask your followers among the rebels to give up their revolting.’) I told him: ‘O Amir!
If you fulfill the pledge by which I entered this task – that I may not command, nor install or dismiss anyone – I will fulfill [your request], too. This heir apparency did not bring me any blessings; I was in Medina and my handwriting (command) was influential in the East and West; I would ride on my steed and pass through the alleys and no one was more respected there than I was. No one would ask me a favor that I was able to do, unless I would do it.
Ma’mun said, ‘I will fulfill that pledge.”[^1] [^1]: Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 49, p. 155 from al-Kafi. Previous Next