If this occurred...

If this occurred, it was certain that the results would have been totally negative, and no new, positive achievements would have been realized by rejecting the offer. This is what such an occurrence could have led to, together with the disagreement that could arise among the followers of the principle of nass. Secondly, what was his aim when he did accept? a. It was to avoid all the negative results which would have ensued from his refusal.

He had removed the sentence of death on himself, thus avoiding the occurrence of a change in the leadership of the (A) during a critical period. He had also avoided a new wave of terror, exile and execution against the followers of the (A), and prevented the hardline 'Abbasid faction from taking full control of the regime. In fact, he had created circumstances suitable for destroying this faction and had neutralized its capacity for political activity and its influence on the course of events.

He had prevented confusion and disorder among the followers of the (A). Finally, he had prevented al-Ma'mun from substituting him with 'an 'Alid successor, through whom he could exercise a policy of repression against the followers of the (A), using the principle of nass as an excuse. b. By his acceptance, he was able to get in touch with people who would not have dared to communicate with him, had he not been the heir apparent.

Thus, there gathered around him the Murji'ites, the Ahl al-Hadith, the Zaydis, the Ahl al-Sunnah and all the Shi'ite sects. Through this contact, he was able to work with them on the basis of the principle of nass . Through it, he also enabled the traditionists and theologians on the path of the Imams of the (A) to come into safe and free contact with these opposing sects, and put forward intellectual and political issues for calm, objective, and learned discussion.

Al-'Imam al-Rida (A) himself practised this kind of wide-flinging intellectual activity. We should not underestimate the positive intellectual and political results which were achieved in the interest of the followers of the (A) from this contact and interaction. c. He enabled the intellectual leadership on the path of the (A) to communicate and interact, freely and safely, with all classes of people, on the basis of the principle of nass.