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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Story of the Sun: A Look at Imam al-Ridha Life The Greatness of Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) Personality in the Words of Dignitaries Although the status of Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) Imamate suffices to become aware of his sublime position, stating part of the words related in this respect would make a great impression on the public minds.

Despite his enmity with Imam al-Ridha (a.s.), the Abbasid Ma’mun, who enjoyed a high status in knowledge and scholarship, has said about Imam al-Ridha (a.s.): “I do not know anyone superior to this man – meaning Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) – on the face of the earth.”[^1] Jamal al-Din Ahmad b.

Nassaba, also known as Ibn ‘Inaba, said, “Imam al-Ridha (a.s.), whose nickname is Aba al-Hasan, was matchless in his own time among the sons of Abu Talib.”[^2] And Dhahabi, who is famous for his deviation from (a.s.), said about Imam al-Ridha (a.s.): “He was chief of Bani Hashim in his own time and the most forbearing and the wisest of them all…”[^3] As one of the notables of his time, Aba Salt Hirawi said, “I have not seen anyone more knowledgeable than ‘Ali b.

Musa al-Ridha (a.s.); no scholar saw his holiness unless he would confirm this same witness of mine…”[^4] Abu Nawas was one of the celebrated poets in Imam al-Ridha’s (a.s.) era. One day one of his friends protested to him why he had not written anything about such a personality as Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Ridha (a.s.), despite knowing him.

Abu Nawas replied: “I swear by God that his greatness prevented me from this; someone like me is not able to eulogize the like of him.” Then he wrote a poem, the brief rendering of which is as follows: “They tell me: How come you, who are a matchless orator, fail to eulogize Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) despite his sublime character? I said, “I cannot eulogize the Imam to whose father Gabriel was a servant.”[^5] One day Imam al-Ridha (a.s.) came out while riding a nimble mule.

Abu Nawas approached him, greeted, and said, “O son of the Prophet! I have composed some poetry; I would like you to hear it.” The Imam said, “Recite it!” Abu Nawas recited three lines of his poetry, including this one: “Whoever is not ‘Alawi in his lineage, Does not have any honor from his past.” The Imam (a.s.) said to his retainer: “How much is remained of our expenditure?” He replied: “Three hundred dinar s (every dinar costing a mithqal – equivalent to 5 grams).” His holiness told him to give it to Abu Nawas.