23. Yousif Bin Oghla
Yousif Bin Oghla`, Sibt b. al-Jawzi, has said: "'Ali b. Musa, better known as al-Rida (consent), was munificent, just, worshipful, and ascetic. Were it had not been for his fear of al-Ma'mu`n, he would not have responded to regency. "
____________
1. Al-Imam 'Ali al-Rida Wali 'Ahd al-Ma'mun, p. 1.
2. Mir'at al-Zaman, vol. 6, p. 41.
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All noble traits such as, munificence, justice, worship, and asceticism gathered in the personality of Ima`m Abu` Mohammed al-Rida~, peace be on him. Accordingly, he has occupied the top of honor and glory in the world of Islam.
24. Al-Zargali
Khayr al-Dïn al-Zargali has said: "'Ali b. Musa al-Kazim b. Ja'far al-Sadiq, whose nickname is al-Rida, is the eighth Imam of the Ima`mi (Shï'a) and was among the great and meritorious Sayyids from among the members of the House,
ahl al-Bayt.
1"
25. Mohammed Jawad Fadl Allah
'Allama Mohammed Jawad Fadl Allah has said: "Imam al-Rida is one of the bases of Islamic thought and among its starting points full of knowledge. The secrets of the Message and the keys of its treasures reached him after (the death) of his father Ima`m Mu`sa` b. Ja'far. So his knowledge was part of the Message and his giving was part of its grace.
"He is one of the twelve Ima`ms from among the members of the House,
ahl al-Bayt, who enriched Islamic thought with various kinds of knowledge such as dictating to their students or answering him who questioned them or debating with the great scholars of other religions.
2 "
Imam al-Rida is one of the treasures of Islam; among the brilliant fruits of the great Prophet, may Allah bless him and his Household; and one of his blessings which embraced all languages on earth. Through him Allah has enriched Islamic thought, and made clear the purpose. He has made him an eminent figure on His earth in ordered to guide the perplexed and those who go astray.
____________
1. Al-A'lam, vol. 5, p. 178.
2. Hayat al-Imam al-Rida.
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26. Ahmed al-Khazraji
Ahmed al-Khazraji has said: "'Ali b. Musa b. Ja'far b. Mohammed b. 'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abu Talib, al-Hashimi, Abu al-Hasan al-Rida, narrated on the authority of his father. 'Abd al-Salam b. Salih and a group (of narrators) reported several copies (of books) on his authority. He was the master of the Hashimites. Al-Ma'mu`n magnified and respected him, entrusted the caliphate to him, and took the pledge of allegiance (from the people) to him. He (al-Rida`) died of poison at Tus.
1 "
Al-Khazraji indicates that some students of Ima`m al-Rida, peace be on him, reported many books on his authority. It is certain that the books concern the rules of Islamic law, manners and norms of Islam. Al-Khazraji also shows that the Imam died of poison; I (i.e. the author) also believe that al-Ma'mu`n gave him poison to drink in order to get rid of him, for he saw that all the Muslims magnified and honored him. We will mention this matter in the chapters that follow.
27. One of those who show love for him
One of those who showed love for the Imam and admired him has said: "The importance of 'Ali al-Rida` b. Musa al-Ka`zim b. Ja'far al-Sa`diq, peace be on them, surpassed the
ahl al-Bayt; his position raised him among them; and his proof manifested, so the Caliph al-Ma'mu`n loved him, made him a partner in his caliphate, entrusted the affairs of his kingdom to him, and married his daughter to him before the witnesses. His (al-Rida's) excellences were high; his qualities were outstanding; his honorable soul was Hashimite; and his noble origin was prophetic. His miracles are more than to be counted and more famous than to be mentioned.
2 "
28. Al-Shabrawi
Al-Shabrawi has said: "He (Imam al-Rida), may Allah be pleased with him, was generous, great, dignified, and respected. His
____________
1. Khulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, p. 678.
2. Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 88.
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father Musa al-Kazim showed abundant love toward him. He gave to him the country estate which he bought for thirty thousand dinars.
1 "
Imam Musa al-Kazim, peace be on him, was very loyal to his son Imam (al-Rida). He preferred him to the rest of his children, entrusted with him the office of the Imamate, and gave to him this country estate. Imam Musa al-Kazim showed love for his son not because of his feelings and desires; rather, he loved his son because he felt that he was one of the bases of Islam and of the testamentary trustees of the greatest Prophet, as it has been mentioned in the authentic traditions.
29. Abu Nu'as
Abu Nu'as, a famous poet, praised and lauded Imam al-Rida, peace be on him. He composed poetry concerning him two times, which are as follows:
1. The poets who coincided with the Imam composed poetry concerning him and lauded him except Abu Nu'as. The people criticized Abu Nu'as for this attitude
2 , and he composed these wonderful poetry lines:
It is said to me: You are the most unique of all the people in the techniques of famous statement.
You have a style of essential words,
which produces pearl in the hands of him who has it.
So why have you left praising the qualities of Ibn Mu`sa?
I have said: I cannot find the right way to praise the Imam
whose father Gabriel served!
____________
1. Ibid.
2.Ibn Tolon has mentioned in his book al-A'imma al-Ithna 'Ashar, pp. 98-99: " Abu Nu'as wasblamed for leaving lauding the Imam (al-Rida), hence one of his companions said to him: I have never seen anyone more impudent than you. You have said something concerning wine, moutain, and singing, but you have said nothing concerning 'Ali b. Musa al-Rida, who is in your time. He said: By Allah, I have left this to honor and magnify him. The like of me can say nothing concerning the like of him.' Then, after an hour, he composed these lines."
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The people have memorized these poetry lines and regarded them as part of the wonderful Arab poetry, for these lines suit their feelings, their admiration, and their magnification toward the Ima`ms of the
ahl al-Bayt, peace be on them. It is worth mentioning that al-Dhahabi, known for harboring malice against the
ahl al-Bayt, has commented on the last line, saying: "I (i.e. al-Dhahabi) say: 'It is not permissible to say that Gabriel was the retainer of his (al-Rida`'s) father. There is something missing in the text, and the Ra`fidites (the Shï'a) have forged a lie against 'Ali al-Rida
1. "
The members of the House, ahl al-Bayt, peace be on them, have great position with Allah, for they had stood the good test for His sake to the extent that their limbs were cut off, and they were liable to indescribable persecutions. They had adopted such a brave attitude in order to raise high the world of Allah's religion and to spread justice among men, but al-Dhahabi and his errant companions had not understood this attitude of the Imams.
2. Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, went out mounting an active mule. Abu Nu'as came nearer to him, greeted him, and said to him: "O Son of Allah' Messenger, I have composed some poetry lines concerning you. I want you to hear them from me."
"Recite them," the Imam demanded.
Abu Nu'as recited them, saying:
They (the
ahl al-Bayt) are purified, and their garments are pure.
Blessings are called down upon them whenever they are mentioned.
2
He who is not an 'Alawide when we ascribe him,
then he had no object of pride in the bygone times.
These people are the ahl al-Bayt who have the knowledge of the Book and what the suras have mentioned.
These poetry lines are part of the most splendid poetry. Abu Nu'as has quoted the first hemistich from the Holy Qur'an, for Allah, the Exalted, has said:
"Verily Allah intends to keep off from you every
____________
1. Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 8, p. 35.
2. Khulasat al-Dhahab al-Masbuk, p. 200.
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kind of uncleanness and to purify you, people of the House, with a thorough purification." Allah purified them from deviation, kept off from them every kind of uncleanness, and made them a model of His servants, that the perplexed may follow them.
Imam al-Rida admired these poetry lines and said to Abu` Nu'as: "You have brought us some (poetry) lines which none had composed before you."
Then the Imam turned to his retainer and asked him: "How much money do you have?"
"Three hundred dinars," replied the retainer.
"Give them to Abu Nu'as," the Imam commanded.
When Abu Nu'as had gone home, the Imam said to his retainer: "Perhaps, Abu` Nu'a`s regards this money as little, so send him the mule.
1 "
30. Di'bil al-Khaza'i
Di'bil al-Khaza`'i abundantly lauded and elegized Ima`m al-Rida, peace be on him. The following are some of his poetry lines concerning him:
Ibn Musa (al-Rida`) along with exalted qualities have departed;
Noble knowledge has followed him;
Both guidance and religion have followed him just as intimate friend does
2.
The meaning of these poetry lines is that Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, had all kinds of honor and excellent traits, so knowledge and religion followed him. He was distinguished by these noble qualities, which were part of his nature.
31. Al-Sa`hib Bin 'Abbad
Al-Sa`hib Bin A'bba`d adored Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, so he has greeted him in these poetry lines:
____________
Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 60. Nazhat al-Jalis, vol. 2. p. 105 Kashf al-Ghumma, vol.3, p. 107.
Di'bil, Divan, p. 108.
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O you who intend to go and visit Tus,
land of purity and sanctification,
recite my greetings to al-Rida` and stop by
the most honorable grave of the best buried one.
By Allah! By Allah! This is an oath which has issued
from a sincere one who is clinging to friendship!
Verily, if I possessed my own need,
I would resided at Tu`s, the inhabited.
Verily, it is the place of the martyr wrapped in
righteousness, famous for exaltedness and praise.
Then al-Sa`hib b. 'Abba`d has said:
O son of the Prophet through whom Allah broke
the backs of the arrogant tyrants!
O son of the testamentary trustee who was the most
meritorious of powerful men, attained perfect pride and
naturally accompanied glory!
1
In another short poem, he has said:
O visitor who early got up, ran, and walked like lightning when it flashes, recite my greetings to my master al-Rida`,
who is at Tu`s, the grandson of the chosen Prophet, son of al- Murtada`, the testamentary trustee, who attained firm exaltedness and built white glory!
Say to him: (These greetings) are from a loyal one who regards friendship as obligatory!
2
32. Ibn al-Hajjaj
Ibn al-Hajja`j composed abundant poetry concerning praising Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him. These two lines are part of it:
O son of him from whom noble deeds are reported,
and exalted morals are taken!
O he who has given the name of al-Rida, 'Ali b. Musa,
may Allah be pleased with his father and him
3!
____________
1. Uyyun Akhbar al-Rida, vol. 1, p.4.
2. Ibid., p. 6.
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33. 'Abd Allah Bin al-Mubarak
Praising the Imam`, 'Abd Allah Bin al-Muba`rak composed this poetry line:
This is 'Ali (al-Rida`); he leads guidance and
is the best of the youths of Quraysh in origin.
1
34. AL-Sawli
Concerning lauding the Ima`m, al-Sawli has said:
'Ali (al-Rida`), the magnified, is the best of the people in soul, father, family, and grandfathers.
Takktum has brought him to us for knowledge, and clemency. He is the eighth Ima`m who will deliver the proof of Allah.
2
35. Ibn Hammad
Lauding Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, the poet Ibn Hamma`d has said:
My yearning has driven it (my soul) to Tu`s and to him
whom Tus has embraced.
At that place is al-Rida`, who is a precious scholar and learned man; the Ocean of knowledge and wisdom when compared (with men); and light of Allah which none can
extinguish.
3
36. AL-Arbali
Praising the Ima`m in a poem and yearning for visiting his grave, 'Ali b. 'Isa` al-Arbali has said:
O diligent rider, stop the camels when arrive in the land of Tus!
Do not be afraid of their being tired, and leave hitting
____________
3. Al-Manaqib, vol. 4, p. 343.
1. Ibid.
2. Uyyun Akhbar al-Rida, vol. 1, p. 15.
3. AL-Manaqib, vol. 4, p. 350.
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them during stopping and taking a rest.
Kiss the ground when you see the earth of the Shrine of the best of mankind, 'Ali b. Musa.
Recite to him my greetings, which are like the perfume of musk, (and say to him that these greetings are) from Ali b. 'Isa.
Say: That precious place receives the peace of Allah every time.
The one who remembers Allah is still reciting glorification and hallowing in the house.
(It is) the house of honor. The one who goes straight to it will continue sending his hopes and the camels to it.
(It is) the house of glory. Praise and laudation is still
devoted to it.
What could I possibly say in praising the people whose glory Allah has established with an establishment?
What could I possibly say in praising the people whose name Allah has sanctified with a sanctification?
They are the guides of mankind. They are the most generous of all people.
Their origins and souls are noble.
When a drought occurred, they gave generously like rain.
When a vague error became dark, they appear like suns.
They gave honor to horses, pulpits, and camels when they ascended them.
They are the people whose love removes worries, and whose qualities make clear the pages.
They are noble in birth, good in origin, pure in ancestry, and meritorious in root.
No friend became unhappy through them when he made
friends with them.
I supported them with my praising them when I did not
join the army.
They have filled my heart with friendship and hope, and I have filled the pages with my praising them.
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So you realize that I am obedient to them and showing love toward them, and that to other than them I am disobedient and obstinate.
O 'Ali al-Rida`, I send you affection leaving the heart hot
out of love.
(You are) my faith; my faith is in you; and in my heart, for you, there is love leaving passion and steadfastness.
I do not think that the malady (of my own heart) recovers through other than you; nor is the wound (of my own heart) cured with other than you.
I wish I could visit your lofty shrine and kissed your sociable land.
If it is difficult for me to visit you in wakefulness, then you visit me in sleep and quench my thirst (for visiting you).
