Harun was told of the popularity of Imam Musa (a.

Harun was told of the popularity of Imam Musa (a.s.) by Muhammad bin Ismail (Imam's nephew) and about the collection of khums. Harun was furious and wanting to prove his relationship to the Prophet went to the Prophets grave and greeted the Prophet addressing him as his uncle. Imam Musa (a.s.) was there and he addressed the Prophet as his grandfather. Imam then asked Harun that if the Prophet were to come and ask Harun for his daughters hand in marriage would he agree? Harun said "Yes".

Imam said "That is the difference between you and me - my daughter would be haraam for the Prophet (mahram)". Harun had Imam arrested in the Prophet's mosque whilst Imam was praying. He was handcuffed and shackled and sent to Basra. A similar caravan was sent to Baghdad to fool Imam's followers. Imam was put into prison under the custody of Isa bin Ja'fer. After a year Isa wrote to Harun saying he could no longer imprison Imam as he could find only piety and righteousness in him.

Harun had Imam moved to Baghdad under the custody of Fadhl bin Rabi who too became a follower of Imam. The prisons were so small that there was no room to stand and the food was a cup of water and two pieces of dry bread a day. Imam remained patient. Harun also hired people to kill Imam (It is reported that they were from England). They too on seeing Imam cried and refused to murder him even though they were paid to do so.

Harun finally moved Imam in the care of Sindi bin Shahak (a very cruel man). Imam remained in prison for the last 19 years of his life. The 19 years of imprisonment gave the Shia population a little relief as the rulers concentrated on Imam. It enabled the Shias to disperse from Arabia to Iran, India etc. thus spreading Islam and it was one of the factors towards the popularity of the 8th Imam.

Summary of his Life Works In a situation in which the family and followers of the Ahlul Bayt were being murdered and tortured Imam taught the true word of Allah. Through his character and piety he showed the meaning of tabligh living up to the hadith of the 6th Imam: "Acquire a true Muslim character and that shall spread Islam". In 183 a.h. Sindi had Imam killed with poisoned dates. Another narration says Imam was wrapped in a carpet and he was suffocated and stamped on.

His body was left on the bridge of Baghdad and an announcement was made for all to come and see him. N.B. It was a ploy to encourage Shias to come out in anger so they could be identified.