THE SAD STORY OF IMAM KAZIM (Pbuh)’S MARTYRDOM

www.alqaem.org

Name	Mousa
Titles	Kazim, Sadiq, Saber, Amin, Zareb
Konyate	Abo al-Hassan, Abo Ibrahim
His Father’s Name	Imam Sadiq (Pbuh)
His Mother’s Name	Hamideh Khatoon
Birth date	Sunday, on the 7st of Safar 128 A.H.
Birth Place	Holy Medina
His Imamate period	35 years
Date of Matyrdom	Friday, on the 25th of Rajab
Murderer	Harun-al-Rashid
His grave	Kazemain
His sons	Ali, Ibrahim, Abbas, Mohammad, Ghasem, Ismaeil, Ja’far, Harun, Hassan, Ahmad, Mohammad, Hamzeh, Abdollah, Obeydollah, Zeyd, Hossain, Fazl, Soleyman
His daughters	Fatemeh Kobra, Fatemeh Soghra, Roghyeh, Hakimeh, Omme Abiha, Roghayeh Soghra, Kolsoom, Omme Ja’far, Zeynab, Khadijeh, Allayhe, Ammeneh, Hasaneh Barbarieh, Abbaseh, Ommeh Salameh, Meymoon, Omme Kolsoom.
Pilgrimage day	Wednesday

 

THE SAD STORY OF IMAM KAZIM (Pbuh)’S MARTYRDOM

 

The Motivation of Imam Kazim (Pbuh)’s Arrest

 

The persons of distinction among the companions of
Imam Kazim (Pbuh) state the reason of his arrest (which
was a command from Haroon Al-Rashid, the fifth Abasid
Caliph) as following:

“ Haroon let his son (Mohammad Amin) be with
Ja’far –Ibn-Mohammad Ibn- Ash’ath (one of Shias and
believers of Imam Kazim (Pbuh)’s Imamate) to be his
student and Ja’far train and educate him.”

Yahy Ibn- Khalid Barmaky could not stop his jealousy
toward Ja’far and said to himself “ if Haroon’s son
inherits the caliphate, the administration of my children
and mine (in another words the administration of
Barmakids in Haroon’s court) will be overthrown.

Yahya planned a plot against Ja’far (through so -called
friendship so that he makes him get trapped in Haroon’s
trap). He established a friendship with Ja’far and got close
to him .He often went to Ja’far’s home, watched his
deeds carefully and reported them secretly to Haroon ,
adding some more things to it in order to
provoke Haroon against Ja’far. This was the case till
one day Yahya asked some of his reliable companions
if they knew anyone from Abutalib’s progeny who was
poor so that he could help him doing some researches
and searches they introduced Ali Ibn-e Ismael Ibn-e
Ja’far Sadiq(Imam Sadiq’s grand son and Imam Kazim
(Pbuh)’s nephew ) to him.

Ali Ibn-e Isamail was in Medina . Yahya sent him a considerable
amount of money and encouraged him to go to Haroon.
Moreover he promised him another privilege and in this
way he was prepared to leave for Baqdad.

Imam Kazim (Pbuh) was informed about it, and summoned
Ali.” Where are you going? My nephew.” asked he.
“I am going to Baqdad”, answered he. “ Why are you
doing so?” asked Imam. “I owe to so many people and I
am so poor. I am going there to earn some money “, said he.

“ I shall pay for all of your debts and I shall be good to
you.” Ali did not pay any attention to his uncle’s words
and decided to go to Baqdad. Imam Kazim (Pbuh)
summoned him for the second time and asked him
if he wished to go then. “Yes “ replied he.

“ My dear nephew! Please pay attention to what I say, be
afraid of God and do not orphan my children”, said Imam
Kazim (Pbuh). Then Imam commanded to give him three
hundred Dinars and four thousand Drachmas. Ali left Imam.
” I bring God as my witness that his effort leads to my bloodshed
and orphaning my children.” Addressed Imam his companions.
“ Our lives would be sacrificed for you! You know this however
you help him and are good to him?” asked Imam’s companions.

Imam Kazim (Pbuh) answered: “ Yes. According to my fathers’
words, the holy prophet stated : when the bounds of relativity
has been torn and then it has been repaired and for the second
time it has been torn , God will cut it.” I want to repair it after it
has been torn so that in the case of another tearing situation God
would cut it.”

It is said that Ali Ibn-e Ismail traveled to Baqdad and met Yahya
Barmaky. Through the meeting Yahya asked about every aspect
about Imam which he liked the most. He added to what ever he
heard and informed Haroon of them after which he took Ali to
Haroon.

Haroon asked Ali about his Uncle Mosa Ibn-e Ja’far (Pbuh). He
slandered and backbit about Imam and he told a lie: “ The
money and the properties are brought to Mosa Ibn-e Ja’far
(Pbuh) from the east and the west of the world. He has bought
a farm costing thirty thousand Dinars which is called “Yasir”.
When the money was delivered to the owner of the farm he
said that he did not like this kind of money, he preferred another
one. According to Imam ‘s command he was given another
kind of thirty thousand Dinars.

When Haroon heard those lies he ordered to award him two
hundred thousand Drachma so that he could settle in another
area and live comfortably.

Haroon and Imam Kazim’s arresting

In the same year Haroon al Rashid left for Mecca to perform
Hajj ceremony, first of all he went to Medina and at the same
time he ordered to arrest Imam Kazim (Pbuh).

It is narrated that when Haroon entered Medina, Imam
with the companionship of some of Medina’s persons of
distinction went to welcome him. Then Imam Kazim (Pbuh)
went to mosque as usual. At night Haroon came beside the
holy prophet ‘s grave.” Oh, the messenger of God! I apologize
for, I have decided to put Mosa Ibn-e Ja’far in the jail. Because
he wants to separate your people and make
them disintegrated and shed their blood.”, he
said hypocritically. Then, he ordered to arrest Imam (Pbuh) and
take him to his place of settlement. They put him in chain. They
arranged two camel-litters, make him sit on one of the two
camel-litters, which was placed upon the camel, placing the other
one on another camel. With the camel-litters Haroon sent some
horsemen who were divided into two groups outside Medina .One
group left for Baqdad and the other one left for Basra. Imam was
in the second group and this was Haroon’s wish for, he did not
want people to know anything about Imam’s destination
(Whether he goes to Baqdad or Basra) and no one could realize
his accompanying horsemen. He ordered the horsemen to deliver
Imam to Isa Ibn-e Ja’far Ibn-e Mansoor at the time of their arrival in
Medina. Issa ibn-e Ja’far was the head of the prisons who lived in
Basra.

Imam Kazim (Pbuh) in various prisons

1. In Isa Ibn-e Ja’far’s prison

The horsemen took Imam Kazim (Pbuh) to Medina and delivered
him to Isabn-e Ja’far. . Imam spent one year in Basra in his prison.

Haroon wrote a letter to Isa Ibn-e Ja’far to kill Imam. Having received
Haroon’s letter, Ja’far summoned some of his close friends and reliable
ones, read the letter to them and sought for their advice. “Do not kill
Imam and ask Haroon to exempt you from this duty”, said they to him.

Isa wrote a letter to Haroon mentioning that “ It has been such a long
time since Imam has been in my prison during which I have tested him
and my spies were watching his every movements, but I could not find
anything about him except this fact that he was always praying. Even
I arranged so that one of my secret guards could listen to his praying.
According to my secret guard Imam was not cursing you and me, and
was not calling out our names badly and also was asking for nothing
but God’s forgiveness and blessing. Now send someone to here so that
I can deliver Imam to him or I will set him free for I suffer a lot keeping
him in prison.”

It is said that one of the spies reported about the praying which
he had heard from Imam (Pbuh) during his imprisonment .The praying was
“ Oh God! You know that I have always wished that you put me in
an easy place where I can say your prayers and You have embodied my wish ,
I shall appreciate You and I am grateful to You.”

2-In Fazlibn-e Rabi’s Prison

When Haroon received Isa’s letter, He sent someone to Basra, to receive
Imam (Pbuh) and sent him to Baqdad and to deliver him to Fazlibn-e Rabi’
(One of the ministers). Imam was in Baqdad for a long time in Rabi’s prison.

Haroon asked Rabi’ to kill Imam Kazim (Pbuh) but he did not accept to do it .
Haroon through a letter ordered Fazl to deliver him to Fazlibn-e Yahya.

3-In Fazlib-e Yahya Barmaky’s prison

Fazlibn-e Yahya , received Imam and let him be in one of the rooms
of his house having hired the watchmen controlling him . They reported
that Imam was always praying and he connected day with night through
praying and reciting Quarn, busy with praying and he was fasting so
many days and he was not turning his face away from the direction of
praying.

By observing Imam’s behavior, Fazl respected him a lot. Haroon had
received news about all these. At that time he was in “Reqah “
(A nearby city in Baqdad). He wrote a letter to Fazl demanding that
he had to kill Imam not respect him. Fazl did not obey Haroon and he
did not kill Imam. Haroon received the news regarding the issue. He
became very angry and summoned Masroor Khadim (One of his cruelest
men) immediately to go to Baqdad to
Moosabn-e Ja’far . “If you find him comfortable. You will give this letter
to Abbas Ibn-e Mohammad and order him to do as the letter dictates
to him”,said he.

4-In Sandi Ibn-e Shahak’s perison

Haroon gave another letter to Masroor Khadim demanding that the letter
must be handed to Sandi Ibn-e Shahak (a cruel Jewish jailer). It was
included in the letter that Sandi Ibn-e Shahak must obey Abbas Ibn-e
Mohammad in anyway.

Masroor Khadim went to Baqdad and entered Fazl Ibn-e Yahya’s house .
No one knew the reason of Masroor’s presence there. He directly went to
Imam and as he was told, Imam was convenient. So, he went to Abbas
Ibn-e Mohammad and Sandi Ibn-e Shahak and handed them Haroon’s
letters.

Shortly after that, Abbas’s delegate came hurriedly to Fazl’s house.
Fazl got nervous and accompanied Abbas’s delegate to his house.
Abbas asked for several whips and board -like objects. . Then he
ordered to bare Yahya and Sand Ibn-e Shahak whipped him for one
hundred times during which Abbas was personally witnessing the
event. After that, Fazl left Abbas’s house. Masroor Khadim wrote a
letter to Haroon through which he explained all the event regarding
the issue. Having recognized Sandi Ibn-e Shahak as a suitable person
for killing and torturing Imam Kazim (Pbuh), Haroon ordered Khadim
to deliver Imam to Shahak. So was it.

Imam Kazim (Pbuh)’s Martyrdom

At this time Haroon held a ceremony in his palace in which
so many men holding civil and military posts took part. Here
come his words at the time of addressing his guests:
“ Oh! The people Fazl Ibn-e Yahya is disobeying me and
I want to curse him, you do the same thing.”

“Damn on Fazle Ibn-e Yahya”; shouted the audience. Their
crying caused the doors and walls of Haroon’s palace to
shiver. Fazl ‘s father (Yahya) received the news. He went
hurriedly to Haroon’s palace and he entered through the
special gate (for special persons) so that Haroon could not
notice his presence there. And then he told Haroon “Is it
possible that His Majesty pay attention to my words?”
Haroon listened to him angrily.”Fazl is an inexperienced
young man .I make it up and do the unfinished job,” he continued.
Haroon got very happy and addressed people “Fazl disobeyed me
in one case and I cursed him now he repents and comes back to
me so love him!”, ” We cherish everyone who cherishes you and
we hate everyone who hates you. So; right now we cherish Fazl “
, reacted the audience.

Hereafter, Yahya Ibn-e Khalid went hurriedly to Baqdad. People
were shocked because of his unexpected arrival and this was
the top story of the day. However Yahya pretended in such a
way that he was there to control the affairs of the city and
agents’ and governors’ tasks. In doing so and trying to sound
truthful, he was dealing with the related matters.

Then, he summoned Shahak (the cruel executioner) and ordered
him to murder Imam Kazem (Pbuh).

He obeyed Yahya’s command which was determined to kill Imam. The
plot is as follows: Adding poisons to Imam’s food and let it be
beside him. Some said that he inserted the poison into some
dates. Shortly after eating the food, Imam felt the symptoms due
to consuming poison in him. He suffered for three days and on
the third day he returned to God and was martyred.

The story of burying Imam Kazim’s body

The Imam’s body was buried in QUREISH’s cemetery in “Babbottin”
section. This cemetery exclusively belonged to Banihashem tribe
and the persons of distinction.

It is said that Imam at the time of his martyrdom, said to
Shahak that he had a friend who lived in Baqdad near Abbas Ibn-e
Mohammad’s house who was originally from Medina and asked

him to tell him to come and be responsible for my ceremonial bath
and shroud.

“I asked Imam to let me cover him with shroud,” said Shahak.

Imam did not let him do so:” We are a family whose wives’
marriage- portion, the expense of the first Hajj ceremony
and shrouds of our dead are supplied with our purest properties”.
Said Imam.

“I have shroud of my own, I just want my friend to care for
my ceremonial bath and burying”, he Continued.
His friend was summoned and he did so.

 

www.alqaem.org

Ya Musa e Kazim (with english translation)

 

Shiite pilgrims pour into Baghdad

Iraqi Shiites perform a religious ceremony called ” Latmiya” as they head towards Shiite Imam Musa al-Kazim’s shrine in the al-Kazimiah district north of Baghdad. Security forces are on high alert as hundreds of thousands of Shiite devotees marched into Baghdad to mark the death of a revered imam, a year after a stampede killed nearly 1,000 pilgrims
(AFP)

Friday, 10 August 2007 Millions of Shiite pilgrims converged on a golden-domed shrine in northern Baghdad on Thursday, some beating their heads and chests with their hands and others lamenting in groups to honor an eighth century saint known for his piety, humility and ability to restrain his anger. Imam Musa Al-Kadhim, the fifth descendant of the Holy Prophet of Islam and the seventh Imam of the Twelver-Shiites, was imprisoned and later killed by the ruler of the Muslim caliphate in 799 AD.

The procession on Thursday took place under tight security with guards checking each pilgrim as they reached the green iron gates of the Imam Musa Al-Kadhim mosque and a citywide driving ban in effect until early Saturday to prevent suicide car bombings.

Shiite religious festivals have become easy targets for Wahhabi insurgents trying to provoke an all-out civil war between Iraq’s main Muslim groups. This festival was struck by tragedy two years ago, when an estimated 1,000 pilgrims were killed in a stampede after reports spread that a suicide attacker was among them — the biggest single loss of life since the U.S.-led war began in March 2003.

The festival also faced violence last year when snipers firing from rooftops and a cemetery killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens in a series of attacks on the pilgrims as they walked through Sunni areas.

Still, women shrouded in black abayas and men of all ages walked for hours or even days from holy cities south of Baghdad and volatile Diyala province to the north to reach the mosque with twin golden domes and four minarets that sparkled in the unrelenting summer sun. Boats ferried pilgrims across the Tigris to the eastern banks in the neighborhood of Kazamiyah.

“I have come here to get the blessing of the martyr imam and to challenge the terrorism of the Wahhabists,” said Hussein Mizaal, a 21-year-old college student from southeastern Baghdad. “We are not afraid of anyone except God. Our faith is getting stronger despite their mean attacks,” he said, referring to the austere Wahhabi sect of Sunni Islam practiced in Saudi Arabia.

In scattered attacks reported by police, seven pilgrims were killed and four wounded when gunmen in a speeding car opened fire and threw hand grenades at them as they were en route to Baghdad from the Dabouniyah area, 75 miles to the southeast.

Gunmen fired on Iraqi soldiers guarding pilgrims in the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Yarmouk in western Baghdad, prompting a battle and panic that left one attacker dead and one soldier and three pilgrims wounded.

A bomb exploded near the house of a Shiite family, killing a man and his wife, and wounding three, including a 5-year-old child, in the volatile, religiously mixed neighborhood of Baiyaa in western Baghdad,

A Shiite pilgrim also was killed and six others injured when a fire broke out on a train running from central Baghdad to Kazimiyah. Police said the blaze was due to an electrical problem.

The ceremony honoring the anniversary of Al-Kadhim’s death is important in the Shiite faith, and has gained increase significance in Iraq since such commemmorations and expressions of public sorrow were banned under Saddam Hussein’s regime, which looked upon these gatherings as threats to the regime.

Imam Musa ibn Jaafar Al-Kadhim, who died in the year 799, was the seventh of 12 principal Shiite saints, known for his patience and his ability to suppress his anger. The mosque was built atop the tombs of Al-Kadhim and his grandson, Imam Muhammad Al-Jawad.

Crowds waved green Islamic flags and the Iraqi standard as they massed around the mosque in the Kazimiyah neighborhood. Green coffins symbolizing the imam were carried overhead and pilgrims reached out to touch the walls of the mosque.

Parents put green headbands or armbands on their babies, and men linked arms as they walked down the street. People rushed to help lift wheelchairs and strollers over checkpoint barriers.

Tents strung with colored lights and flowers provided shade and water, while vendors offered pilgrims egg sandwiches, soup, yogurt and tea. Many pilgrims had arrived a day early and slept in the street or in tents provided for women.

Loudspeakers played religious eulogies across the city of 6 million people.

Haider Farhan, 23, was finally beginning his trek from Sadr City to the shrine after spending most of Wednesday distributing food to pilgrims along the route.

“I am so tired, but I am determined to visit the shrine today,” he said. “We are heading to the shrine in order to show our respect to the Imam Al-Kadhim and to our religion. We are expecting death any minute, but this will never deter us. God willing, all will be safe.”

Hassan Hadi, a 24-year-old college student, said he and seven friends took about four and a half hours to walk from Sadr City to the shrine in Kazamiyah.

“This is a very dear day for the Shiites. We have come here to commemorate the martyrdom of al-Kadhim who sacrificed his life for the sake of supreme principles of Shiites,” Hadi said. “We are not afraid of explosions, which we are used to. I am very happy to see this number of believers gathering here today. This shows the unity of the Iraqi people.”

The local Iraqi army command estimated the crowd at about 3 million people, but there was no way to verify that.

More than 1,800 Iraqi security forces were guarding the mosque complex, including 625 agents inside the shrine, officials said. Shiite security men also were known to be deployed throughout the area.

U.S. troops took a lower-key security role, staying away from the mosque at the pilgrimage’s heart to show respect, said the top U.S. ground commander in the area, Lt. Col. Steve Miska, the leader of Task Force Justice.

The Iraqi military spokesman for Baghdad, Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, said security forces were on high alert, with helicopters on the lookout for mortar-launching teams.

“The security measures are tight and there is a high coordination with the Multi-National forces and local committees and other ministries,” al-Moussawi told the Shiite Al-Forat TV station. “We can expect anything from the terrorists on this day.”

Authorities also imposed an indefinite vehicle ban in the Shiite city of Hillah, south of Baghdad, which has been hit by some of the war’s deadliest bombings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imam Musa Kazim (AS) By: Seyyed Mehdi Golpaygani

Imam Musa Kazim (AS) By: Seyyed Mehdi Golpaygani 

Name, Epithet and Titles

His name was `Musa’, his epithet, `Abul-Hassan’, and his famous title was `Kazim’. His matchless devotion and worship of Allah has earned him the title of `Abdu-Saleh’ (The Virtuous Slave of Allah).

Generosity was synonymous with his name; no beggar ever returned from his door empty-handed. Even after his death, he continued to be obliging and was generous to his devotees who came to his shrine with prayers and behest, which were invariably granted by Allah. Thus one of his additional titles is `Bab-ul-Qaza-ul-Hawaij’ (The Door to Fulfilling One’s Needs).

His Parents

Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) was the son of Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS), the Sixth Imam of Shi’as. His mother’s name was Hamida, who was the daughter of a nobleman named Saeed.

His Birth

Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) was born on the 7th of Safar, 128 A.H. (After Hejira), in Abwa, situated between Mecca and Medina.

His Childhood

Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) spent 20 years of his sacred life under the gracious patronage of his father. His inherent genius and gifted virtues, combined with the enlightened guidance and education from his father, Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS), manifested in his personality. He was fully versed with Divine Knowledge even in his childhood.

Allama Majlisi relates that once Abu Hanifa happened to call upon the holy abode of Imam as-Sadiq to ask him about some religious matters (Masa’il). The Imam was asleep; so he was kept waiting outside till the Imam’s awakening. Meanwhile, Imam Musa al-Kazim, which was 5 years old, came out of his house. After offering him his best regard, Abu Hanifa enquired, “O son of the Prophet! What is your opinion about the deeds of a man? Does he do them by himself, or does Allah make him do them?”

“O Abu Hanifa!” the 5-year-old Imam replied in the typical tone of his ancestors. The doings of a man are confined to three possibilities: (i) That Allah alone does them while the man is quite helpless; (ii) That both Allah and the man equally share the commitment; (iii) That man does them alone.

Now, if the first assumption is true, it obviously proves the injustice of Allah who punishes His creatures for sins, which they have not committed. If the second condition be accepted, even then Allah is unjust if He punishes a man for sins in which he is equally a partner. But the undesirability of both these conditions is evident in the case of Allah. Thus, we are naturally left with the third alternative to the problem that men are absolutely responsible for their actions!”

Imamat

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS) breathed his last on the 25th of Shawal, 148 A.H. Immediately, Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) succeeded the Holy Office of the Imamate as the Seventh Imam (AS). The period of his Imamat lasted 35 years. In the first decade of his Imamat, Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) could afford a peaceful execution of the responsibilities of his sacred office, propagating the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW). But soon after, he fell a victim to the ruling Caliphs and a greater part of his life passed in prison.

Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) lived under the most trying times of the regimes of the despotic Abbaside caliphs who were known for their tyrannical and cruel rule. He witnessed the reigns of Mansure-e Dawaniqi, Mehdi and Harun al-Rashid. Mansur and Harun were the despotic caliphs who put a multitude of innocent descendants of the Holy Prophet to the sword. Thousands of these martyrs were buried alive or put into horrible dark prisons. These depraved caliphs knew no pity or justice; they killed and tortured for the pleasure they derived from human suffering.

The Holy Imam (AS) was saved from the tyranny of Mansur because, being occupied with his project of constructing the new city of Baghdad, the caliph did not have time to turn towards inflicting suffering on the Imam. By the year 15 A.H., the city of Baghdad was built. This was followed by the death of its founder a year later.

After Mansur, his son Mehdi ascended the throne. For a few years he remained indifferent towards the Imam (AS). When in 164 A.H. he came to Medina and heard about the great reputation of the Imam, Mehdi could not resist his jealousy and the spark of his ancestral malice against the Ahlul-Bait (AS) was rekindled. He somehow managed to take the Imam along with him to Baghdad and got him imprisoned there. But after a year he realized his mistake and released the Imam from prison.

Hadi, who lived only for a year, succeeded Caliph Mehdi. In 170 A.H., the most cruel and tyrannical caliph, Harun al-Rashid, appeared at the head of the Abbaside Empire. It was during his reign that the Holy Imam (AS) passed the greater part of his life in a miserable prison, until his death.

Moral and Ethical Excellence

As regards his morality and ethical excellence, Ibn Hajar remarks, “The patience and forbearance of Imam Musa al-Kazim was such that he was given the title of al-Kazim (one who swallows his anger). He was the embodiment of virtue and generosity. He devoted his nights to the prayers of Allah, and his days to fasting. He always forgave those who did him wrong.”

His kind and generous attitude towards the people was such that he used to patronize and help the poor and destitute of Medina, secretly providing cash, food, clothes and other necessities for them. It continued to be a riddle for the receivers of gifts throughout the Imam’s lifetime as to who their benefactor was, but the secret was not revealed until after his death.

Literary Achievements

Time and circumstances did not permit the Holy Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) to establish institutions to impart religious knowledge to his followers, as his father, Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS), and his grandfather, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS), had done. He was never allowed to address a congregation. He carried on his mission of preaching and guiding people quietly. He also became the author of a few books, the most famous of which is, “Musnand of Imam Musa al-Kazim”.

His Death

In 179 A.H., Caliph Harun al-Rashid visited Medina. The fire of malice and jealousy against the Ahlul-Bait (AS) was kindled in his heart when he saw the great influence and popularity, which the Holy Imam enjoyed among the people. He had the Imam arrested while he was busy at prayer at the tomb of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and kept him in prison in Baghdad for four years.

On the 25th of Rajab, 183 A.H., Harun al-Rashid poisoned the Imam. Even his corpse was not spared humiliation; it was taken out of prison and left on the Bridge of Baghdad.

His devotees, however, managed to lay the Imam’s holy body to rest in Kazmain, Iraq.

www.alqaem.org

IMAM AL-KADHIM (A.S.) & THE HOLY QURAN

One of the qualities, which Islam desires to see in every Muslim, is that of Hamalatul-Quran ‘Bearer of Quran’. Simply put, a Muslim must strive to always think Quran, talk Quran, act according to Quran and his entire life should be based upon Quran.

 

The Holy Prophet (saww) has said,

“The most distinguished people of my nation are those who are bearers of Quran and keep up the night prayer”. (Meezan al-Hikmah)

 

Imam Musa ibn Ja’ffar al-Kadhim had this quality. He (as) was:

Hafidhul-Quran:  ‘one who had memorised the Quran’

Qaari al-Quran:    ‘one who could recite the Quran in the best manner’

‘Aamil bil-Quran: ‘one who acted according to Quran’

‘Aalimul-Quran:   ‘one who had the knowledge of Quran’. (Quran-o-‘Itrat)

 

 

EXPLAINING THE QURAN

 

Al-Mahdi – the Abbasid ruler once asked Imam al-Kadhim (as),  “Has consumption of Alcohol been forbidden in the Holy Quran? I am asking this because people know that they have been stopped from its consumption but they are unaware of its forbiddance”.

 

Imam (as) replied, “Ofcourse Alcohol has been made Haraam (forbidden) in the Holy Quran”.

 

Al-Mahdi asked,  “Where in Quran Allah has explicitly forbidden it?”

 

Imam (as) recited the following verse:

“Say: My Lord has only forbidden indecencies, the outward among them and the inward ones, and sin and undue aggression…” (7:33)

 

Then the Imam (as) went on to explain:

“The outward indecency refers to Zinaa (Adultery & Fornication). In the days of paganism (pre-Islamic era), the perverts used to raise flags outside places, which served as brothels.

 

The inward indecency refers to marriage with stepmothers. In the days of paganism, when a woman lost her husband, the stepson would marry her.

 

And Sin is in reference to consumption of Alcohol”.

 

Explaining how the word Ithm that means ‘sin’ denotes ‘Alcohol’, Imam (as) pointed out another verse of the Holy Quran in which the stated term refers to Alcohol. He (as) recited this verse: “They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say: There is a great sin in both of them…” (2:219)

 

When Al-Mahdi heard such a detailed reply given from the Holy Quran, he said, “This ruling is a ruling of a Hashimite”. (Al-Kaafi)

 

IMAM (AS)’S RELATION WITH QURAN

 

Imam Musa ibn Ja’ffar al-Kadhim (as) was extremely attached to the Holy Quran throughout his entire life.

 

Shaykh Mufeed (a.r.) has reported that:

‘Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) was the most knowledgeable person in Quran during his days. He (as) was its protector and propagated its teachings to the people. In addition, there was no better recitor of Quran than the Imam (as) and whenever he (as) recited it, the listeners were deeply touched and wept’.

                                                                                                   (Al-Irshaad)

 

Hafs has reported that:

‘I have not seen anyone more fearful of Allah (SWT) and most hopeful of His mercy than Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as). He (as) used to recite the Holy Quran in sad and sorrowful tone; and whenever he (as) engaged in its recitation, it appeared as though he (as) was addressing the people’.

                                                                                                      (Al-Kaafi)

 

Ayatullah Shaykh Ali Karimi states:

 

The following are the special characteristics of Imam al-Kadhim (as) in respect to the Holy Quran:

 

Firstly, he (as) was the greatest Hafidh (one who memorises) and protector of Quran to an extent that no one could match him in this.

 

Secondly, Imam (as)’s recitation of Quran surpassed everyone else’s recitation and he (as) had the most beautiful voice.

 

Thirdly, the tone of Imam (as)’s recitation was sad and sorrowful and this is considered as one of the important ethics of reciting the Holy Quran.

 

And finally, whenever he (as) recited the Holy Quran, the listeners would feel as though he (as) was addressing them. (Quran-o-‘Itrat)

 

QURAN ON HIS SHROUD

 

Allah (SWT) blessed Imam al-Kadhim (as) with a shroud that had the whole of Quran written over it.

 

 

It is mentioned in ‘Uyoon Akhbaar ar-Ridha’ that when Imam al-Kadhim (as) was martyred, Sulayman bin Ja’ffar provided for him a Kafan ‘shroud’ that contained a Yemeni chador on which the entire Quran was written.

 

Perhaps it is for this reason why some Shia’h Ulama (Scholars) also have Quran written on their shrouds. Ayatullah Shaykh Ali Karimi states that he had heard Marhum Ayatullah al-‘Udhma Sayyid Gulpaygani saying on the 13^th Dhul-Hijjah, ‘I purchased for myself a Kafan fourty years ago from Mashad al-Muqaddas on which Quran is written’. When asked, “The entire Quran or only part of it?” He said, “The entire Quran”.

                                                                                       (Quran-o-‘Itrat)

 

The esteemed readers are notified that the series on Holy Quran will Inshallah continue after the days of mourning (Azadari) Imam Abu Abdillahil-Husayn (as).

By Mulla Mujaheedali Sheriff

 

 

IMAM MUSA AL-KADHIM (AS)

One of the titles of this Imam Musa ibn Ja’ffar (as) is that of Al-Kadhim. Al-Kadhim means ‘forbearance’ or ‘one who swallows anger’. In the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) has described couple of things, which He (SWT) loves most. Amongst them are: “Those who swallow their anger and excuse the faults of others”. (3:134) What will be the reward of such people? Allah (SWT) says,

“Their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens with streams running in them, to remain in them forever, how excellent is the reward of the workers!” (3:135)

Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (as) has said,

“A person who has three traits shall be awarded Hoor al-‘Een in the Heaven: He controls his anger; Gets wounded fighting in the way of Allah and keeps calm and despite opportunities for illegitimate earnings, he abstains from it for the fear of Allah”. (‘Ayn al-Hayaat)

Our 7^th Imam (as) had this attribute in him and he (as) has advised his followers to build this attribute in them. As a way of lesson, Imam (as) narrated that the following incident:

[Allah (SWT) sent a revelation to one of His prophets saying: Do the following things (step by step) tomorrow morning when you leave your home: Firstly, you must eat the first thing, which comes in your view. Secondly, whatever you see, hide it away. Thirdly, whatever presents to you itself accept it. Fourthly, whatever comes before you, don’t disappoint it. And fifthly, run away from the thing.

The Prophet (as) set out early next morning. The first thing, which came in his view, was a huge mountain. He (as) began wondering how will he (as) eat it. Since it was the command of Allah (SWT) he (as) knew there should be some wisdom in it. As he walked towards the mountain, the mountain became smaller. When he (as) got very close to it, the mountain had shrunk to the size of a morsel, which he (as) ate and found very delicious. He (as) then went further and found a tray of gold. He (as) immediately dug a pit and burried the gold inside it.

As he (as) was proceeding further, he (as) noticed that the gold he had burried was coming out. Now he had no concern about it so he (as) simply accepted what was happening. Travelling a little further, a small bird came to him and sought refuge from him from the hawk, which was pursuing it. The Prophet (as) hid the bird in his sleeve. But the hawk came and complained that it was pursuing the bird for some time and that he (as) was now depriving the hawk from its food. The Prophet (as) cut a portion of his own flesh and gave it to the hawk. Finally, he (as) came to a putrefying animal carcass and saw vermin were crawling out of it so he (as) ran away from it.

That night when that Prophet (as) slept, he (as) saw in his dream being told by Allah (SWT),“O My prophet! You fulfilled My commands but do you know the meanings of all these?” The Prophet (as) said, “No! I don’t know”. Allah (SWT) told him, “O My prophet! The mountain, which you saw, is the human trait of anger. When a person gets angry, he goes out of control and forgets himself. But if he controls it, the result will be like that delicious morsel, which you consumed. The tray of gold is good deeds. However much one hides it, Allah (SWT) will uncover them so that the doer of those deeds is honoured in this life and in the Hereafter. Whether you like it or not, accept it as it is. The example of the bird and the hawk is that when someone seeks your help, don’t disappoint him. And finally, the example of putrefying animal carcass is backbiting and carrying of tales, which must be avoided”.] (‘Ayn al-Hayaat)

Mulla Mujahidali Sheriff