Day: 19 October 2020

The story of Mamun al-Rashid’s first meeting with the young son of Imam Ali Ridha (as) is interesting. Once when our 9th Imam, Imam Taqi (as) was only nine years old, he was walking down a street of Baghdad, when Mamun al-Rashid and his soldiers came by. All the other children on the street ran away but Imam Taqi (as) did not.

Noting this, Mamun al-Rashid stopped his carriage and asked, “Young man, why did you not run away like the other children?”

Imam Taqi (as) replied calmly, “Neither had I committed a crime, nor was I blocking the way. Why should I have run away or be afraid? And I also know that you will not cause any unnecessary trouble when your way is not blocked.”

Mamun al-Rashid was surprised with this mature reply and asked, “What is your name?”

“Muhammad,” came the reply. Whose son are you? asked Mamun al-Rashid. “Son of Imam Ali Ridha (as).”

Mamun al-Rashid rode on. During his hunt the hawk returned to him with a fish in its beak. Mamun al-Rashid was surprised. He returned back toward the city. Once again, he found children playing on the same spot, who ran away seeing the caliph’s soldiers, except this young man who said he was Muhammad son of Imam Ali Ridha (as) who remained where he was.

Mamun al-Rashid hid the fish in his palm, stopped his carriage near Imam Taqi (as) and said, “Tell me, what is there in my fist?”

Imam Taqi (as) replied, “Allah (SWT) has created tiny fish in the river. The hawks of kings sometimes catch fish from there and bring it to the Kings. They hide it in their fist and ask a member of the Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet, “Tell me what is there in my fist.”

Mamun al-Rashid said, “Truly, you are the worthy son of Imam Ali Ridha (as). Mamun al-Rashid took the young Imam Taqi (as) with him, and let him live in a nearby house next to the Royal Palace.

Moral: You should not be scared of anything or anyone as Allah (SWT) is the strongest and will look after you.

The best and most respected virtue of a man is to do good and to fulfill the desires of the needy. The honest man has not betrayed you, but you consider the betrayer as the honest one. You had better avoid the munificence that results in the greater loss to you than the benefits received by your brethren. He who is sure about the divine rewards will be more generous. He who adopts someone as a brother in order to provide Allah’s consent will be given a chamber in paradise. Giving alms is the most valuable savings. To be patient in the face of hard-ships is a virtue but to refrain from forbidden deeds is a greater one. Patience and resignation are considered as the worthiest devotions. True devotion not only means excessive sayings of prayers and keeping fasts. One ought to meditate on the divinity profoundly. Be modest before your friends and be prudent while encountering an enemy. Be pleasant with everyone. I wonder at one who purchases the slaves and releases them. Why doesn’t he try to make the free people indebted by his good conduct? It is much better to be uninterested in other’s properties than to be munificent. To help the disabled is much better than to give alms. Beast wealth is that which provides a good name for its owner. There is no better milk for the baby’s nourishment than its mother’s. He who exposes himself to an open accusation should not blame those who may suspect him. The oppressors will finally be punished. He who wishes to be the most needless, should put his full trust in Allah. He who shows patience in providing Allah’s consent will no doubt get more than what he has lost. He who desires to postpone the time of his decease and wishes to have his sustenance increased should observe ties of kinship. Allah will make happy on the Day of Judgment the person who has removed the grief from the heart of a believer. Be good companions of blessings because they are fleeting: once gone away, will not return. To use scent is a manner of the holy Prophet (SAW). Cleanliness is characteristic of prophets. One who breaks his promise will not be left safe and sound in the unpleasant events. Do not get angry when you are informed of the truth. True faith means the accomplishment of the religious obligations along with the avoidance of the forbidden acts. He who causes Allah’s wrath in order to provide a king’s consent is an apostate. Nothing is more worthy than good temper. You who can not satisfy people with your riches had better try to make them happy with a king-like face and good manners. Silence is one of the gates to wisdom. Man’s intellect is his friend and his ignorance, his enemy. Almightiness is reserved for Allah the One. He who claims the possession of this status will be perished by Allah. If a person holds a malthought towards another believer, then Allah will not accept his religious deeds. Keep aloof from avarice and envy. These two qualities have already destroyed the peoples gone by. He who does not offer his thanks to his benefactor has not actually praised Allah the Greatest and the Glorious. A generous man will eat other’s food so that they might partake of his food. A miser refuses to eat the food of others in order to deprive them of his own food. He who blames time should spend a long time blaming. The generous are the masters of the people in this world, while the pious are their chiefs on doomsday. Your mouth is one of the channels through which you make contact with Allah. You had better keep it clean by brushing your teeth. Pure piety is not but avoidance of mortal sins and abstinence from persecuting the faithful. He who assesses himself carefully will finally benefit: the negligent will lose out. He who acts with no insight looks like a pedestrian who travels on a wrong path. The faster he walks, the more deviated he becomes from the straight path. The forgiving warriors will enjoy divine victory in the battlefield. He who wishes to be the dearest to the people must be virtuous both in public and in secret. Human intellect is a divine blessing but politeness is acquired through endeavoring. Prudence keeps repentance away. Reflection is the mirror into which you can look and see your virtues and your evils. Magnanimity is unstable. Trust in Allah will give it stability. Gifts cast out hatred from the heart. Humbleness means treating others the same way as you expect them to treat you. He who tries to keep himself immaculate for forty days, Allah will let the waves of wisdom flow from his heart to his tongue. Giving alms repels the certain catastrophe. He who wishes to be the strongest of all should rely on Allah. The believer who is endowed with a good temper will have the strongest faith. Perfection in intellect is primarily to have faith in Allah and secondly to behave well towards others. Penalty for ingratitude occurs instantly. Remission is good when not accompanied by blame. Treasures of beneficence include concealment of your good deeds, tolerance in hardships and reticence in disasters. A faithful Muslim never exceeds his legitimate right when he is in power. The believer’s fury will not deviate him from the right path. He who begins his day without being concerned about improving the Muslim’s affairs should not be called a Muslim. The true Muslim never teases others with his hand or tongue. He who recognizes his merit will not easily perish. He who chooses his path properly will not slip down. He will never confront a deadlock in case he falls. A generous man is close to Allah, close to paradise, and close to everyone. Keeping other’s secrets, patience in hardships and tolerance towards others are all signs of faith. Tolerance, knowledge and silence are the signs found in a jurisprudent. To bear enmity towards the people is the worst provision for the journey to the hereafter. He, who betrays his brethren, causes them losses and deceives them, is not one of us. One who torments his neighbor is not one of us. Never become angry with others and do not ask anything from them. Wish for the people whatever you wish for yourself. Wine and other intoxicating beverages are strictly prohibited by the religious legislation. One sip of such drinks is as illegitimate as a whole barrel is. To be friendly with others denotes one half of wisdom. A wealthy person ought to be generous to his family. A Muslim should not frighten his brethren. He who reveals his poverty before others will disgrace himself. To be in the company of villains will result in suspecting the good. Resignation, beneficence and certitude are the most precious blessings descended by Heaven. Worship does not lie in copious prayer and fasting, but in the amount of contemplation in the works of Allah.

The people of Qum made a mausoleum of straw structure, which was intended to be given the utmost respect and importance for this lady, the daughter and the sister of the Imam. After 50 years, the daughter of Imam Jawad called Zainab, instructed for first dome to be built. Then the making of the whole Haram was undertaken by the well wishers and the followers of the Ahlul-bayt. After a few years of the passing away of Fatemah Ma’soomah other children of Imam were also buried here. Hence, this place gained a lot of respect and importance, as now there were many children of Imams buried here. And we find in history that this noble place brought blessing for people and offered sanctuary to them, whoever would ask anything from this lady and the sick would be cured. These miracles still take place at this holy place. Imam Sadiq (A.S.) has said: Our followers who ask for Bibi Ma’soomah’s intercession will go to heaven. The importance and respect for this place grows day by day and because of this it has become a busy center. Also more and more Muslims are finding out about this place, because of the blessing of this Noble Lady there have sprung many fountains of learning in Qum and many learned people became religious scholars here.

 

Even Imam Khomeini, the great scholar and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran frequently reminded that he also lived in Qum and received his education with the blessing and sanctity of the Haram of this Noble Lady. He raised the flag of Islam and started the revolution from this place. This Haram shines like diamond in the town. People come from all over the world to visit and pay respects to this Noble Lady. This is just to show their deep love and attachment for this Noble Lady and family of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).

 

Three sayings of Fatimah Ma’soomah by three Imams

 

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: soon a lady by the name Fatimah from my family will be buried in Qum. Heaven becomes obligatory on one who visits her.

Imam Radha (A.S.) said: One who visits her will be granted Heaven.

Imam Jawad (A.S.) said: that one who visits my Aunt in Qum will be granted heaven.

Courtesy: Zainab Hasan R. Manji. For more information click here.

The Muslims and the well wishers of Ahlul-bayt respectfully washed the holy body of Hadhrat Ma’soomah and shrouded her, and when the burial time arrived the As’ari nobles decide to bury her at a special place and not at the common cemetery. This was unusually a respect for the noble lady who was the daughter of Imam Kadhim (A.S).

Musa ibn Khazraj also undertook this noble task. He had a big garden in an area called Babulan. He donated the place for Bibi Ma’soomah to be buried. All the other preparations were ready. Now the question was who would bury her? This talk was going on when finally they concluded that an old man called Qadir be appointed for this job. Qadir was summoned to give the last funeral rites, but before he could come, two-veiled person on the horse (contrary to the prevailing customs) suddenly appeared and went near the burial place. They dismounted, led the prayer of mayyit and with respect laid her body to rest then left. The funeral ceremony was over and the town of Qum decided to build a Mausoleum for the Imam’s dear daughter. Musa ibn Khazraj donated the whole garden now as a burial ground for the Muslim and surrounding boundaries for the followers of Ali (A.S).

Fatemah Ma’soomah and her companions finally entered the town of Qum on 23rd Rabi ul-Awwal 201 (A.H.) where they were very warmly welcome by the people of the town. The people of Qum were elated to have the daughter of the seventh Imam among them. Musa ibn Khazraj was a rich man with a noble status. He had also a big home and offered Fatemah Ma’soomah to stay at his home and taking the reins led the caravan to his house, excited and happy to be a good host for his guest. He started arranging for all their requirements. Fatemah Ma’soomah chose a place for herself in which to pray and invoke the Almighty Allah. She prayed for her health and the problems she had faced and to ask God for everything she wanted. She wanted help from God only. The place to-date still exists and is known as “BAYT-UN-NOOR”. The sickness of Imam Kadhim’s daughter, made her host and companions and the people of Qum very sad. They left no stone unturned and did their best for her health but her health deteriorated day by day. Her sickness spread in the whole body and finally on the 10th of Rabi ul-Akher this noble lady with tears in her eyes at the thought of her brother, left this perishable world. The people of Qum mourned the affliction of this injured lady. They all sat in mourning.

One year had passed since the 8th Imam had left for Merv. All the Prophets family members living in Medina yearned and were eager for his return.

It was already a year now that they had not seen their dear Imam and their hearts only desired and yearned to see the Imam’s face. But Fatimah Ma’soomah had waited long enough and now her patience was running out and like the other family members she could only get peace if she met her brother.

During that time Imam Ridha (A.S.) wrote a letter to his sister Fatimah Ma’soomah and sent it to Medina with one of his slave. He ordered the slave not to stop anywhere till he reached Medina and gave him proper instructions and the proper address so the slave could find the house without asking anyone.

The slave arrived with the letter as fast as he could, and in Medina he immediately delivered to Fatimah Ma’soomah. What were the contents of the letter nobody knew, but the Imam’s family became more grieved and yearned more for the Imam. Fatimah Ma’soomah, her brother and other family members decided to go to Merv to visit the Imam. They started preparations for their journey and taking water and minimum provisions decided to leave the city of the messenger of Allah (that is Medina) for Merv. Amongst all the people, Fatimah Ma’soomah was the most excited. That dear Lady with her five brothers whose names were Fadhl, Ja’far, Ha’adi, Qasim and Zayd and their brothers’ children and servants and slave girls were all part of this journey.

This caravan of the lovers of Imam Ridha (A.S. started their journey and apart from waiting for prayers, meals and rest they never stopped. They passed hills, mountains, and deserts and day by day went further away from Medina. This difficult journey through the deserts was so arduous that not only them but also the strong camels were tired and they still had to go a long way to Merv. But their eagerness and their hope of reaching the Imam urged them to move forward.

In those days there was a lot of looting of the caravans. These thieves would take away all belongings and even the camels. If they did not find anything, they would kill the people. This frightened them a lot as they did not want their journey to break or for anything to happen to stop them from going forward.

This thought frightened Fatemah Ma’soomah but putting trust to Allah, they carried forward and gradually progressed towards their goal. Now the distance to Iran was becoming closer. The difficulties of the journey affected Bibi Ma’soomah a lot. For this young woman also there was a lot of suffering. But despite all this the thought of meeting her brother was worth all the pain. She was ready to go through this a hundred times to get this reward. On her journey she remembered the face of her brother and the good and difficult times they had together and now she was happy that in a few days she would look at his handsome face again.

Finally, the difficult part of the journey ended and the caravan reached Iran. Before reaching Merv (later Toos and now Mash-had) they passed through many villages where they would rest and then proceed, finally they reached. The caravan reached Sawa (name of a city in Iraq) and it was here that Fatimah Ma’soomah became very sick. She was so sick that she refused to continue with the journey. The long journey from Medina to Sawa had weakened her but this sickness made her even weaker. With this condition, she was worried. Would she be able to go forward? And would she now be able to see her brother? These were questions that the daughter of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) often asked herself when she saw her condition. She made a decision now to proceed to Qum and inquired from people the distance to Qum. They replied 10 miles. Hearing that the distance was not too much they decide to proceed.

In those days Qum was a place, which offered sanctuary and peace for the family of the Prophet. The news of Fatimah Ma’soomah’s arrival from Sawa and her sickness reached Qum.

The people of Qum who had strong unity decided to go to receive Fatimah Ma’soomah and to bring her to Qum. A person called Musa ibn Khazraj undertook this task of going and inviting the daughter of seventh Imam to Qum and requesting her to stay with them in Qum and Fatemah Ma’soomah agreed to the request and the caravan left from Sawa to Qum. Musa ibn Kharaj himself held the camel’s reins and led this noble woman with pride and respect to the people of Qum who were eagerly waiting her arrival.

Merv is the name of a city in Khurasaan. After Imam Kadhim’s death, Imam Ridha (A.S.) assured the office of the Imamate. He was 35 years old. He was now the protector of Islamic Ummah and the guide of the Muslims. He was the only successor who was given this responsibility by his father Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as). He was also the guardian of his children after his death.

The oppression and the cruelty of Harun’s rule went on but Imam Ridha (A.S.) continued with the responsibility of carrying out divine duties and went on spreading the word of God and the rights without any fear. He was always busy and never rested until he reached his aim.

Harun could not bear to watch Imam becoming so popular and his followers adoring him but he could not openly show his enmity or do anything to stop the Imam.

Finally in 193 (A.H.), Harun became sick and died. By his death the Muslims were relieved of one of the most evil oppressor and his tyranny.

After Harun, his brother Amin became the Caliph. He ruled for only 4 years, as there was bitter fighting between Amin and his brother for the Caliphate. This led to bloodshed and Amin was subsequently killed in the year 198 (A.H.), after which Mamun became the ruler.

It was during this time when the 2 brothers were fighting that Imam Ridha (A.S.) made the most use of this opportunity to spread the word of God and guide the Muslim Ummah.

The Abbasid government at this time was busy fighting amongst themselves for the kingdom, so there were fewer hardships for the Imam’s family.

Mamun with his trickery came to power. He was not a Caliph who was just but someone who had fooled his people to get the power. This deceiving continued and to show that he was not only a wise king but also a man who encouraged intellectual and scientific education. He invited scholars, learned men, organized meetings, and seminars. So on one side he supported the scholars and on the other side, to attract the many Muslims, he openly showed the love he had for Ahlul bayt, started praising Imam Ali and cursing Muawiyah. This was a concerted effort to trick the Shias that he also was interested in the spread of Islam through the region. His supporters were not happy with his strategy but Mamun knew that if his enemies and the Shias would get together then he would be overthrown so he had to take first the Shias into his confidence and to do this he devised a plan to offer Imam Ridha (A.S.) to be the successor after him. This was to win confidence from both the enemies and the Shias.

So Mamun started writing letters upon letters to Imam Ridha (A.S.) to become his successor. But despite all the forces of Mamun it did not bear fruit as Imam Ridha refused to take their responsibility, which would be harmful for Muslims, so he bluntly refused. But Mamun was not going to give up so easily when he realized that his plan was not working he sent a man called Raja bin Dhahhak to Medina in 200 (A.H.) with an order to bring Imam to Merv (later called Toos and now Mashad). This was at that time the seat of his empire and he hoped the Imam would agree to be the governor of this city.

On receiving the information the Imam visited the grave of the Prophet and the Imams (buried in the Jannat-ul-Baqi) and said goodbye to his children, brothers and sisters including Fatimah Ma’soomah and left Madina for Merv. There was a sad atmosphere as the whole family was unwilling to see their protector and guide leave them but had no choice.

For Fatimah Ma’soomah this separation was very difficult as after the passing away of her father, the 7th Imam she was continuously under the guardianship of her brother Imam Ridha (A.S.). Now he had to leave Madina and for her the happy days were over.

Mamun had devised a plan for the Imam’s journey. He had made sure that on Imam’s route to Merv the Imam’s caravan should not pass the two towns of Shias, which were Kufa and Qum. He was afraid that if the Imam passed these places there could be a revolution and he would be overthrown.

He also knew that the Shias of Kufa and Qum had a great love for the offspring of the Prophet. So the Imam should under no circumstances take this route.

The Muslim population however made all arrangements for the Imam to welcome on the route he was supposed to pass and took full advantage of the Imam’s presence when the caravan stopped.

The whole route of Iran was decorated and he was warmly welcomed. One of the towns on the route to Iran was Neshapur. When the people of Neshapur heard that the Imam was coming they gathered and were anxious to learn something from the Imam. When Imam camped, the people gathered at his camp and asked Imam to teach them something and the Imam agreed. He told them a Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.). He said, LA ILAHA ILLALLAH is a strong fort and whosoever enters the fort will be saved from the fire of Hell. Then the Imam moved a few steps forward and continued with the Hadith and addressing, the crowd said “but there are conditions to it and I am one of those conditions”. Imam was actually emphasizing the importance of Imamate by this Hadith, and teaching them that only belief in Allah is not sufficient for the passage to heaven.

After a few days in Neshapur, Imam went on with his journey to Merv. Mamun again requested the Imam to be his successor but Imam as before refused. This arrangement between Mamun and Imam continued for two months and with Mamun’s force Imam had no choice. So on the 7th of Ramadhan 201 (A.H.) tearfully and sadly he agreed but with a condition that he would not involve himself into day to day deliberation of the government.

At that time, the Prophet’s offspring were tortured by the governors and the kings, especially Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) who was also being continuously suffered at the hands of the cruel Khalifas. Fatimah Ma’soomah’s heart hurt to see her father in discomfort and pain. She was grieved and very sad and it was only her brother, Imam Ridha (A.S.) who calmed and comforted her and her other family members.

During the time of the 7th Imam, till his death, he saw the reign of 5 Khalifas whose names were Abul Abbas Saffah, Mansur Dawaniqi, Hadi, Mahdi and Harun Rashid. Each of them tortured the Imam in their own way and not only the Imam but also the Alawites (followers of Imam Ali [A.S.]) were subjected to harsh cruelty and harassment, which was beyond human endurance.

Three years of Harun’s caliphate had elapsed when Fatimah Ma’soomah was born. Harun was the most tyrannical of all the Khalifas that had gone before him in cruelty, bullying, looting, robbing the public treasury and trampling on the rights of people. He was a Caliph of the worldly desires and mammoth. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) could not bear to watch quietly the oppression of the Muslims and the plunder of the wealth of the Ummah. He started a movement and used different methods to oppose and revolt against the cruel government. Harun, aware of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) and his follower’s opposition, also did as much as he could against them. He gave a lot of money to poets to write poetry against the offspring of the Prophets. The Alawites were either imprisoned or exiled and some were put in cages and tortured till they suffered martyrdom. Later he also used his strength and power to arrest Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as).

After his arrest, till his death, Fatemah Ma’soomah (S.A.) could not meet her father. She, who was brought up and educated by her father, was now deprived of meeting her father and also getting the education. Her father’s arrest saddened her. She was less than 10 years old at that time and was always in grief and parting from her father saddened her even more.

As for Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) it was difficult for him to call or see his pure and pious children, Imam Ridha and Ma’soomah. The dark room of his prison became bright and scented with his prayers.

He changed his hard days into sweet ones by continuous prostration but whenever he remembered Fatimah Ma’soomah and her innocent sinless appearance, his heart throbbed and palpitated.

During the last years of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as), he was transferred from one prison to another, for a year he was in the prison of Isa bin Jaf’ar the governor of Basra. Isa bin Jaf’ar became affected by the great qualities of the high leadership of Muslims that he had no alternative but to persuade the officer of the prison to be lenient to the Imam.

After that, Harun gave the order for Imam to be taken to Baghdad. First he was in the prison of Fadhl bin Rabi. Then Fadhl bin Rabi transferred him to the prison of Sindi bin Shahik.

This shifting and transferring continued and every time Harun would tell all the jailers to kill Imam. Nobody was ever ready to think about that until Sindi bin Shahik complied with the order of Harun to poison the Imam.

Harun definitely knew that the result would be dangerous if the people found out that the Imam was killed by him, so before the martyrdom of Imam he took a group of leading personalities to give witness that the dear Imam was so sick that it was possible he would die and that there was no intention of anyone to kill the Imam. But Imam was also clever, and before Harun could say anything. Imam himself told the group who were near to him that “I have been poisoned by nine pieces of dates. Tomorrow my body will turn green and I will leave the world the day after tomorrow”.

And exactly two days later, on the 25th of Rajab 183 (A.H.) as the Imam had predicted the day of his martyrdom had come. The Imam went to join the soul of his great grandfathers. When the Muslims heard about the martyrdom of the Imam, they were grief stricken, and with mourning clothes and tears in their eyes, they went into mourning. They loved the Imam and had sworn allegiance to Him and now they had lost him. Nothing could console them on the loss of this noble Imam. Also amongst them was a ten year old girl, Fatimah Ma’soomah (S.A.) who was engrossed in grief.

She sat and waited in hope for years that one day the door of the house would open and her father would enter and hug her. But finally her little heart accepted this grief as she had no choice but to be patient.

After the martyrdom (Shahadat) of our 7th Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as), his son and our 8th Imam Ali ar-Ridha (as) took care of his family and his sisters. Bibi Fatima al-Masooma loved her brother immensely [similar to the love of Bibi Zainab (sa) towards her brother Imam Husayn (as)].

In 200AH Mamoon Rashid, the Abbasid caliph called Imam Ali ar-Ridha (as) to Khorasan from Medina and no family member was allowed to accompany him. Bibi Fatima al-Masooma missed her brother very much and left Medina for Khorasan, Iran.

When she reached Sawa, she learnt the news of Shahadat of her brother. On learning this, she became very ill and asked to be taken to Qum. Within a few days after her brother’s death, she died. She was buried in Qum on 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal 201AH. She was only 22 years old at the time of her death. People pay great respect and visit her grave from all the different corners of the world and have their wishes (Hajat) fulfilled.

The beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Qi’dah marks the birth anniversary of Bibi Fatima al-Masooma (sa). She was born in the holy city of Medina.

The holy household was awaiting the arrival of a new born. In the house of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as), Najma, the wife of the honorable Imam was eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the child; she was counting days and nights for that special day. The Imam’s house was overwhelmed with happiness and joy.

Finally, the day arrived, on the 1st of Dhu al-Qi’dah 173 (AH) when Allah (SWT) blessed our 7th Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) with a daughter. The child’s appearance was brilliant and cheerful and she opened her pure bright eyes to this world in the house of Imam.

All the members of the Holy Household were in utter happiness for the newborn and after the Imam, may be there was not anybody as happy as his wife Najma. This was because this was the second child that was granted by the grace of Allah to Najma after 25years. 25years ago, in the same month of Dhil-Qa’dah, Najma had given birth to a baby boy who after his father was to become the Imam and was to shoulder the responsibility of Imamate and guiding the Muslims.

Yes! That was 148 (A.H.), when the eight Imam, Ali (A.S.) was born and who was given the title of Ridha. Najma got immense pleasure in her first child and after years God blessed her and her husband Musa Kadhim (A.S.) with a daughter and a sister to Imam Ridha (A.S.).

Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) named his daughter Fatimah, for the sake of love and special attachment he had with his grandmother Fatimah Zahra (S.A.). Fatimah’s purity, modesty, and piety were such that after sometime she was referred as “Ma’soomah” (the infallible). This was because like her honorable Father, she used to keep away from all evils and sins.

Fatemah, was a name that was remembered among the Ahlul bayt who had hundreds of sad and sweet memories of the life of Bibi Fatimah (S.A.).

If anybody chose the name Fatimah for their daughters, they used to give the same respect as the prophet (S.A.W.) used to give his daughter. She was never neglected. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) also followed this tradition and used to love the new girl very much and never failed to show and express his kindness to and love for her.

Fatimah Ma’soomah was growing under the shelter of her father and dear mother and was day by day learning new things from both of them. If the father of Fatemah was the Imam of the Muslims and was matchless in his piety and chastity, then her mother was also pious and faithful who had accomplished her essential studies of Islam in the school of the wife of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (A.S.). In those days she was the most intelligent amongst all women and it was for reason that the mother of Imam Kadhim (Hamideh) asked him to propose and marry her.

Hazrat Fatimah Ma’soomah took advantage of studying in the presence of her father, brother and pious mother. All her young life was full of Islamic education. Every Friday Muslims would come to Medina with their religious questions. After getting their questions answered by Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as), they would return to their town. Incidentally, once Imam Kadhim was away and Imam Ridha (A.S.) was also not around. The Muslims without getting their question answered were returning home very sad.

Fatimah Ma’soomah noticed the sadness and took the papers from them and answered their questions. The Muslims became happy and left. On the outskirts of Medina they met Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) and they informed him of all that had transpired in his house. The Imam asked to read his daughter’s answers and after reading expressed his happiness, praised her and in a short sentence said, “May her father be sacrificed for her.”

When Eid day fell, Mamun Rashid ordered that the Imam Raza (as) should lead the Eid Fitr (Festival at the end of the month of Ramadan) prayers, and all the notable offer their prayers with him. To begin with, Imam Raza (as) did not accept it. But when Mamun Rashid insisted, he was obliged to accept it. But he made it conditional that he will hold the prayer (assembly) the way his grandfather the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) did. Mamun Rashid accepted this. Imam Raza (as) put on clean clothes in the morning of Eid Fitr, perfumed himself and wore a white (Amama) turban upon his head and calling Takbir “Allah-o-Akbar”, moved towards the outskirts of the city, bare footedly. All the people moved along with him calling the slogans of Takbir (Allah-o-Akbar). The thundering of Takbir made the city tremble. The people were so lost and immersed in emotions that they were weeping loudly and were uttering praise and salutations to Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his descendants. The condition was such as if the sky and earth and all the beings and creatures had joined voice in calling Takbir with the Imam Raza (as). When Fazal Bin Sahal, the minister of Mamun Rashid, observed that the state of affairs had become dangerous he informed him that, if Imam Raza (as) offers his prayers in this manner a riot and revolt would take shape. The official were all afraid that their lives were at risk. Therefore, he (Mamun Rashid) must at once send a word for Imam Raza (as) to turn back. Mamun Rashid at once sent an official to tell Imam Raza (as) to come back as soon as possible and not to hold the prayer assembly. Imam Raza (as) put on his shoes and rode the horse and returned and showed to the people that all of those things were a part of Mamun Rashid’s game. The anger and hate of the people for Mamun Rashid went up and their love and attraction towards Imam Raza (as) increased. All the people perceived and understood the hypocrisy and public deceiving attitude of Mamun Rashid. They appreciated that all that he had been doing about Imam Raza (as) had political motives.