The ulama’ (scholars) and jurisprudents of the Shi’a...

The ulama’ (scholars) and jurisprudents of the Shi’a, who were so cautious in the matter of Imamate, referred to him and researched as far as they could and with utmost accuracy on the matter of Imamate. When they found the definite proofs on his Imamate, they believed in him. They did not let themselves be carried away by passions or fancies in that, but they saw that they were responsible for that before Allah since Imamate for them is one of the foundations (or “usul”) of religion.

Anyhow, the ulama’ and jurisprudents of the Shi’a asked Imam al-Hadi (a.s.), while he was yet very young, about different branches of knowledge and he answered them with answers of an expert, which made them believe in his Imamate. This made them more faithful and certain of what they believed that an Imam must be the most knowledgeable one of his time regardless of whether he is young or old.

The knowledge, virtue, and delving into the sciences of the Qur’an and the Sunna of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) astonished the minds and sparked meetings and gatherings in all parts of the Muslim world as they were busy discussing his unlimited scientific treasures. A great number of Muslims believed in the Imamate of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) and found it obligatory on them to follow and obey him.

Great monies of legal dues that must be given to the Imam were carried to him, besides the presents and donations which Muslims offered to him. Investigators and policemen reported this influx in detail to al-Mutawakkil, the Abbasid caliph, who was the most bitter enemy of the Alawis and their followers-the Shi’a. The caliph became very angry at this special respect and begrudged it.

He ordered Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) to be relocated to “Surra Man Ra’a”.[^1] He imposed house-arrest on him there to monitor all his activities, pinpoint his followers, and prevent monies from coming to him. He prevented scholars and narrators from associating with him. Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) suffered a lot during the reign of al-Mutawakkil who ordered his men from time to time to search the house of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) and bring the Imam (a.s.) to him, however he may be.

Once, Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) was brought to the meeting of al-Mutawakkil while glasses of wine were scattered about, songsters and songstresses sang with their musical instruments and al-Mutawakkil, the caliph, was drunken and surrounded by groups of singers and dalliers.