Then Al-Ma’mun told Ar-Ridha’ (a.

Then Al-Ma’mun told Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.), ‘Have some.’ Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) replied, ‘No, not until the Commander of the Faithful (Al-Ma’mun) leaves.’ Then Al-Ma’mun insisted on it by saying, ‘By God! It is not possible. You must eat some of it in my presence. I would also have some of it along with you were it not for my stomachache.’ Then Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) ate a few spoonfuls of it and Al-Ma’mun left.

However Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) fainted and sat up again fifty times that day before saying the afternoon prayers. Al-Ma’mun sent someone to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) and said, ‘I know that this unconsciousness and feeling of apathy is due to the phlebotomy that you had done. However, Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) got worse at night, and died before the morning.

The following were the final words which he uttered, ‘…Say: Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death…’ [^1] ‘And the command of God is a decree determined.’’ [^2] When the following morning came, Al-Ma’mun woke up early and ordered that Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) be washed and shrouded. He himself followed the corpse with a bare head and in bare and said, ‘O brother!

Indeed there is a gap in Islam due to your demise. And God’s destiny (for you) overcame my efforts on your behalf.’ Then Al-Ma’mun had the grave of Harun Ar-Rashid (al-Ma’mun’s afther) dug open and buried Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.) there. Then Al-Ma’mun said, ‘I hope that God the Highest would grant some benefits to my father due to being close to Ar-Ridha’ (a.s.).’” [^1]: Qur’an, 3:154 [^2]: Qur’an, 33:38 Previous…