Al-HaadiAl-HaadiThe Tenth ImamThe Tenth Imam

By A.S. Hashim. MDBy A.S. Hashim. MD

In this Slide ShowIn this Slide Show

LineageLineageAl-Haadi’s Early childhoodAl-Haadi’s Early childhoodThe Golden Chain of NarrationThe Golden Chain of NarrationThe networkThe networkContemporary Schools of ThoughtContemporary Schools of ThoughtAl-Haadi’s PersonAl-Haadi’s PersonThe year 232HThe year 232HAl-Mutawak’kilAl-Mutawak’kilIn Samurra 236HIn Samurra 236HShrines of Karbala and Najaf: 247HShrines of Karbala and Najaf: 247HWeakening of the KhilaafahWeakening of the KhilaafahAl-Haadi DiesAl-Haadi Dies

LineageLineage

Al-Haadi

Al-Jawaad

Al-Ridha

Al-Saadiq

Al-Kadhim

Zainul Abideen

Al-Baaqir

Al-Husain

Ali

Ahlul Bayt

LineageLineage

Father

Al-JawaadAl-Jawaad

Mother

SamaanahSamaanah

Al-Haadi

Benu HashimBenu Hashim Ahlul Bayt

Progeny of Progeny of Ammar ibn Yasir

Al-Haadi’s Early childhoodAl-Haadi’s Early childhood

Ali Al-Haadi was born in the year 214HAli Al-Haadi was born in the year 214H

Born in Surba, a suburb of Medina built by Born in Surba, a suburb of Medina built by Imam Al-KadhimImam Al-Kadhim

Al-Haadi grew up in a pious  environment Al-Haadi grew up in a pious  environment noted for its holiness, virtue and pietynoted for its holiness, virtue and piety

He was cared for with love and He was cared for with love and tenderness. tenderness.

Al-Haadi in his BoyhoodAl-Haadi in his Boyhood

Ibn Dulf said he had heard Al-Ibn Dulf said he had heard Al-Jawaad saying,Jawaad saying,

““The Imam after me is my son Ali, his The Imam after me is my son Ali, his directives and sayings are the same as directives and sayings are the same as mine, and to obey him is to obey me.  mine, and to obey him is to obey me.  After him the Imamah will be in his son, After him the Imamah will be in his son, Al-Hasan.” Al-Hasan.”

Al-Haadi in his BoyhoodAl-Haadi in his Boyhood

Like his forefathers Al-Haadi displayed a Like his forefathers Al-Haadi displayed a remarkable capacity to learn and a very sharp remarkable capacity to learn and a very sharp memory.  memory.  By an early age Al-Haadi had:By an early age Al-Haadi had:

memorized the Holy Quran memorized the Holy Quran learned the meaning of its various parts, learned the meaning of its various parts, the historical background of some Ayahs, and the historical background of some Ayahs, and many of their intricacies.  many of their intricacies. 

Al-Haadi loved the explanations his father Al-Al-Haadi loved the explanations his father Al-Jawaad gave Jawaad gave

Al-Haadi in his BoyhoodAl-Haadi in his Boyhood

Imam Al-Jawaad was requested by Khalifa Imam Al-Jawaad was requested by Khalifa Mu’tasim to leave Medina and move to Mu’tasim to leave Medina and move to Baghdad Baghdad

Al-Jawaad left for Baghdad along with his wife Umm Al-Jawaad left for Baghdad along with his wife Umm Al-Fadhl, Al-Fadhl, He kept the rest of his family including Al-Haadi in He kept the rest of his family including Al-Haadi in Medina.Medina.He left after designating Al-Haadi as the subsequent He left after designating Al-Haadi as the subsequent Imam and entrusting him with the Corpus of Imam and entrusting him with the Corpus of Knowledge.  Knowledge. 

The family missed him very much and so did his The family missed him very much and so did his devotees and students. devotees and students.

Al-Haadi in his BoyhoodAl-Haadi in his Boyhood

Al-Jawaad told his son Al-Haadi: When you become the Imam you Al-Jawaad told his son Al-Haadi: When you become the Imam you will be directed by two ways as all the Imams including myself will be directed by two ways as all the Imams including myself have”:have”:

1.1. The first way is by an Unerring Inspiration.The first way is by an Unerring Inspiration.2.2. The second is by way of the Al-Muhad'dith.The second is by way of the Al-Muhad'dith.

Then he added, “Son, our answers to people's inquiries come from:Then he added, “Son, our answers to people's inquiries come from:1.1. Our studies of the Corpus of Knowledge.  Our studies of the Corpus of Knowledge.  2.2. By way of inner inspiration, as if there is a compeller within us By way of inner inspiration, as if there is a compeller within us

giving the answer.  The Imam's inspiration is accurate and giving the answer.  The Imam's inspiration is accurate and unerring, it is correct.unerring, it is correct.

3.3. Al-Muhad'dith, we may hear his answer but see no one. Al-Muhad'dith, we may hear his answer but see no one.  When we reiterate what we had heard the answer is amazingly When we reiterate what we had heard the answer is amazingly clear, to the point and correct.”clear, to the point and correct.”

Corpus of KnowledgeCorpus of Knowledge

Corpus of Knowledge Corpus of Knowledge consists of the consists of the

following:following:

1.1. Quran in chorological Quran in chorological orderorder

2.2. Tafseer (Mus’haf Tafseer (Mus’haf Fatima)Fatima)

3.3. Hadith (Saheefa of Ali)Hadith (Saheefa of Ali)4.4. Ah’kaamAh’kaam5.5. Al-JafrAl-Jafr

a.a.White Jafr: Prophets and White Jafr: Prophets and early timesearly times

b.b.Red Jafr: Rules of war in Red Jafr: Rules of war in IslamIslam

In his BoyhoodIn his Boyhood

Al‑Jawaad advised his son Al-Haadi:Al‑Jawaad advised his son Al-Haadi:Even though you are very young your mind is superior to the Even though you are very young your mind is superior to the minds of most peopleminds of most peopleAs much as I hate it I have to go to Baghdad soon as Khalifa Al-As much as I hate it I have to go to Baghdad soon as Khalifa Al-Mu'tasim had requested.Mu'tasim had requested.If I come to the end of my life, your duty as an Imam will beginIf I come to the end of my life, your duty as an Imam will beginIt will be as difficult for you on account of your age as it was for It will be as difficult for you on account of your age as it was for me. me. You may have to initially prove your mettle to scholars and You may have to initially prove your mettle to scholars and others.  others.  Remember, Allah will support you with His Divine Light.Remember, Allah will support you with His Divine Light.

The Golden Chain of NarrationThe Golden Chain of Narration

Thousands of Hadiths were narrated and Thousands of Hadiths were narrated and quoted by Ahlul Baytquoted by Ahlul BaytEach Imam said, Each Imam said, "My Hadith is the Hadith of my "My Hadith is the Hadith of my father, and his is the Hadith of his father, up to father, and his is the Hadith of his father, up to Ali, who directly narrated the Hadith from Ali, who directly narrated the Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)."Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)."   This is called the    This is called the Golden Chain of Narration.Golden Chain of Narration.These Hadiths were of immense importance, These Hadiths were of immense importance, since they corrected the inaccuracies and set since they corrected the inaccuracies and set right the contaminations which had crept into right the contaminations which had crept into this science.   this science.   

The Golden Chain of NarrationThe Golden Chain of Narration

Each quoting his father and forefathers up to the Each quoting his father and forefathers up to the ProphetProphet

Ali, quoting Muhammad (pbuh)Ali, quoting Muhammad (pbuh)

Al-Hasan and Al-Husain quoting AliAl-Hasan and Al-Husain quoting Ali

Zainul Abideen quoting Al-HusainZainul Abideen quoting Al-Husain

Al-Baaqir quoting Zainul AbideenAl-Baaqir quoting Zainul Abideen

Al-Saadiq quoting Al-BaaqirAl-Saadiq quoting Al-Baaqir

Al-Kadhim Quoting Al-SaadiqAl-Kadhim Quoting Al-Saadiq

Al-Ridha Quoting Al-KadhimAl-Ridha Quoting Al-Kadhim

Al-Jawaad Quoting Al-RidhaAl-Jawaad Quoting Al-Ridha

Al-Haadi Quoting Al-JawaadAl-Haadi Quoting Al-Jawaad

Golden Chain of Narration: (so far)Golden Chain of Narration: (so far)

Ali

Al-Husain Al-Hasan

Zainul Abideen

Al-Saadiq

Al-Baaqir

Al-Ridha

Al-Kadhim

Al-Jawaad

Al-Haadi

The Golden Chain of Narration

The Golden Chain of Narration

By the age of about 10 years By the age of about 10 years

Al-Jawaad advised his son:Al-Jawaad advised his son:Benu Abbas are frightened of the advent of Al-Mahdi Benu Abbas are frightened of the advent of Al-Mahdi I think Benu Abbas will do their best to interrupt the line I think Benu Abbas will do their best to interrupt the line of heritage before his birth. of heritage before his birth. Benu Abbas are fully aware of the Prophet's Hadiths Benu Abbas are fully aware of the Prophet's Hadiths regarding Al-Mahdi, and how he had said:regarding Al-Mahdi, and how he had said:

Al-Mahdi will appear to fill the earth withAl-Mahdi will appear to fill the earth withJustice and VirtueJustice and Virtue

as it will have been full of Evilnessas it will have been full of Evilness

The networkThe network

The Shi'a were all over by this time with many:The Shi'a were all over by this time with many:Ministers called Ministers called NaqeebNaqeeb and and

Representatives called Representatives called WakeelWakeel

These collected Zakat and Khums fundsThese collected Zakat and Khums funds

The representatives were in Egypt, Iraq, Persia, The representatives were in Egypt, Iraq, Persia, Yemen, and Syria forming a vast and formidable Yemen, and Syria forming a vast and formidable network.  network. 

The funds were distributed to the poor and The funds were distributed to the poor and needy, and to the Syeds according to their needy, and to the Syeds according to their status. status. 

Ismah EmphasizedIsmah Emphasized

Ismah:  Ayah of Tat’heer: Ismah:  Ayah of Tat’heer: Surah  33 :  Ayah  33. Surah  33 :  Ayah  33.

Ahlul Bayt are to be obeyed, not just revered; Ahlul Bayt are to be obeyed, not just revered;

Imamah:  was of immense importance. A Imamah:  was of immense importance. A designated Imam was designated Imam was Ma'soom, Ma'soom, i.e., safeguarded by i.e., safeguarded by Allah from :Allah from :

1.1. Religious error, Religious error,

2.2. sin, and sin, and

3.3. forgetfulness.forgetfulness.

Those who ignore the Imamah will have Those who ignore the Imamah will have ignored a basic pillar in their faith.ignored a basic pillar in their faith.

Contemporary Schools of ThoughtContemporary Schools of Thought

Accepted and were on Accepted and were on the ascendancy:the ascendancy:

1.1. The Shi'a (Imamah-Asserters),The Shi'a (Imamah-Asserters),

2.2. Mu'tazila, Mu'tazila,

3.3. Al-HanafiAl-Hanafi

4.4. Al-MaalikiAl-Maaliki

5.5. Al-Shafi’iAl-Shafi’i

6.6. As‘haab Al-HadithAs‘haab Al-Hadith

Being on decline and in Being on decline and in disfavor:disfavor:

1.1. Khariji, Khariji,

2.2. Jabriah, Jabriah,

3.3. Qadariyah, Qadariyah,

4.4. schools of Ibn Abbas, schools of Ibn Abbas,

5.5. schools of Ibn Omar, schools of Ibn Omar,

6.6. Murji'ah, Murji'ah,

Al-Haadi’s PersonAl-Haadi’s Person

Appearance:Appearance:   Al‑Haadi was handsome, swarthy in Al‑Haadi was handsome, swarthy in complexion, an appearance commanding high esteem.complexion, an appearance commanding high esteem.Similarities with his forefathers: Similarities with his forefathers:  He showed similar He showed similar personal traits to those of his forefathers:personal traits to those of his forefathers:

He loved to perform Salats frequently especially at nightHe loved to perform Salats frequently especially at nightHe used to recite the Holy Quran with a melody that appealed to He used to recite the Holy Quran with a melody that appealed to everyone's heart everyone's heart He used to say Du'aas often, not only his own but those of the He used to say Du'aas often, not only his own but those of the Prophet (pbuh), Zainul Abideen and others who preceded him. Prophet (pbuh), Zainul Abideen and others who preceded him. Not unusual he would be in Ih'yaa and Tahajjud all night, with Not unusual he would be in Ih'yaa and Tahajjud all night, with coarse clothes on and the minimum means of comfort. coarse clothes on and the minimum means of comfort.

DiscoursesDiscourses

Discourse Capacity:Discourse Capacity: People loved Imam Al-People loved Imam Al-Haadi and were very attracted by his Haadi and were very attracted by his discussions.  discussions.  Al-Haadi used to hold discussions in:Al-Haadi used to hold discussions in:

Masjid Al‑Nabawi, Masjid Al‑Nabawi, Surba, a suburb of Medina, andSurba, a suburb of Medina, andMecca during Haj time.Mecca during Haj time.

Surba was built by Imam Al-KadhimSurba was built by Imam Al-KadhimHe freely answered any question posed by his He freely answered any question posed by his devotees or those wanting to learn. devotees or those wanting to learn.

DiscoursesDiscourses

Al‑Haadi was always ready to counsel, Al‑Haadi was always ready to counsel, give edicts, enlighten, or quote the give edicts, enlighten, or quote the Hadith.  Hadith. 

He was not hampered nor hindered during the He was not hampered nor hindered during the early years of his Imamahearly years of his ImamahHis discourses were lively about many Islamic His discourses were lively about many Islamic sciences: be it the Sunnah, Tafseer, Hadith, sciences: be it the Sunnah, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh or Ah'kaam such as Halal and Haram.  Fiqh or Ah'kaam such as Halal and Haram.  As his forefathers before him, he understood As his forefathers before him, he understood the Sunnah best and taught it in its pure form. the Sunnah best and taught it in its pure form.

CharacterCharacter

Ethics and Character:Ethics and Character:  He was a very kind person, known for his   He was a very kind person, known for his compassion.  compassion. 

His courtesy and affection were well known to all. His courtesy and affection were well known to all. The needy and indigent flocked to him. He was ever helpfulThe needy and indigent flocked to him. He was ever helpful

Work: Work: Al-Haadi often worked with his hands as had his forefathers Al-Haadi often worked with his hands as had his forefathers before him. before him. 

In Medina by himself, the work was regarded as IbadahIn Medina by himself, the work was regarded as IbadahIn Samur’raa, used to go with his son to the farm togetherIn Samur’raa, used to go with his son to the farm togetherBe it in the farm or orchard they used the shovel and sweat it out.Be it in the farm or orchard they used the shovel and sweat it out.

Piety: Piety: He was the embodiment of high character and virtue.  The He was the embodiment of high character and virtue.  The outstanding merit (Al‑Fadhl) and perfection of character were outstanding merit (Al‑Fadhl) and perfection of character were gathered in him. gathered in him.

RestrictionsRestrictions

During the later period of his life Imam Al-Haadi had to During the later period of his life Imam Al-Haadi had to communicate with his devotees mainly by writing, since:communicate with his devotees mainly by writing, since:

He was detained in Samur'raa for many years (18 years), and He was detained in Samur'raa for many years (18 years), and His millions of devotees were spread all over the Islamic His millions of devotees were spread all over the Islamic Ummah.  Ummah.  When in Samur'raa Imam Al-Haadi did not have free contact with When in Samur'raa Imam Al-Haadi did not have free contact with his devotees.his devotees.

He argued with:He argued with:the Zandeeqs (the socially abhorred heretics),the Zandeeqs (the socially abhorred heretics),the Jabriah and Qadariyah, and wasthe Jabriah and Qadariyah, and wasFighting off the Ghulaat (Exaggerationists) and exposing their Fighting off the Ghulaat (Exaggerationists) and exposing their deception and falsehood, and warning people about themdeception and falsehood, and warning people about them

Al-Haadi took with him:Al-Haadi took with him:

Imam Al-Haadi was very keen about the Corpus Imam Al-Haadi was very keen about the Corpus of Knowledge and their immense value.of Knowledge and their immense value.

On leaving Medina to Samur’raa, he made sure these On leaving Medina to Samur’raa, he made sure these books were with himbooks were with himWhen at one time his house in Samur'raa was When at one time his house in Samur'raa was searched by agents of Khalifa Al-Mutawak'kil, they searched by agents of Khalifa Al-Mutawak'kil, they saw mainly:saw mainly:

Qurans, Qurans, books of Du'aas, and books of Du'aas, and the volumes of the Corpus of Knowledge. the volumes of the Corpus of Knowledge.

The year 232HThe year 232H

Al-Hasan Al-Askari is born:Al-Hasan Al-Askari is born:Year 232H:   A son is born to Al-Haadi in Medina.  Year 232H:   A son is born to Al-Haadi in Medina.  He received superb care by his family, and He received superb care by his family, and Raised under the exclusive tutelage of his father Al-Raised under the exclusive tutelage of his father Al-Haadi.  Haadi. 

Al-Hasan Al-Askari showed signs of high Al-Hasan Al-Askari showed signs of high intelligence early on, and he learned at the intelligence early on, and he learned at the hands of his father:hands of his father:

The Quran, Tafseer, Hadith, The Quran, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Sunnah or other sciences.     Fiqh, Sunnah or other sciences.    

The year 232HThe year 232H

Al-Mutawak'kil becomes Khalifa in 232HAl-Mutawak'kil becomes Khalifa in 232HAl-Mutawak'kil was in prison, but through complicity Al-Mutawak'kil was in prison, but through complicity and collusion with the Turkic slaves he was able to and collusion with the Turkic slaves he was able to maneuver the Khilaafah in his favor.maneuver the Khilaafah in his favor.

Once as Khalifa, Al-Mutawak'kil sided with As'haab Once as Khalifa, Al-Mutawak'kil sided with As'haab Al-Hadith and they influenced him greatly.  Al-Hadith and they influenced him greatly. 

As'haab Al-Hadith were given a free hand not As'haab Al-Hadith were given a free hand not only to enforce their beliefs but also to combat only to enforce their beliefs but also to combat other Islamic movements.other Islamic movements.

Al-Mutawak’kilAl-Mutawak’kil

Al-Mutawak’kil ordered the following:Al-Mutawak’kil ordered the following:All non-Muslims to wear an identifying sign on their All non-Muslims to wear an identifying sign on their garments.garments.Non-Muslims could not hold any position or status in Non-Muslims could not hold any position or status in the Imperial secretariat.the Imperial secretariat.The tombs [mainly tomb-stones] of non-Muslims were The tombs [mainly tomb-stones] of non-Muslims were to be razed to the ground level.to be razed to the ground level.

The installation of Al-Mutawak'kil was a major The installation of Al-Mutawak'kil was a major setback to the Alawi, i.e.:setback to the Alawi, i.e.:

the Imamiyah-Shi'a and the Imamiyah-Shi'a and the Mu'tazila the Mu'tazila

Summons to Imam Al-MahdiSummons to Imam Al-Mahdi

Year 236H:Year 236H:      Al-Haadi was to move to  Al-Haadi was to move to Samur'raa, along with his family, servants, and Samur'raa, along with his family, servants, and attendants.attendants.1.1. The letter of request was very politeThe letter of request was very polite

2.2. Al-Mutawak'kil's summons was sent with a military Al-Mutawak'kil's summons was sent with a military contingency of 300 under the leadership of Ibn Al-contingency of 300 under the leadership of Ibn Al-Hirthama. Hirthama.

It was 4th year of his Khilaafah, Al-Mutawak'kil:It was 4th year of his Khilaafah, Al-Mutawak'kil:1.1. He had already decreed many oppressive measures;He had already decreed many oppressive measures;

2.2. His rule was vicious, brutal, and tyrannical. His rule was vicious, brutal, and tyrannical.

In Samur’raa 236HIn Samur’raa 236H

Al-Haadi was about 22 years oldAl-Haadi was about 22 years oldOne reporter claims Al-Mutawak'kil received One reporter claims Al-Mutawak'kil received Al-Haadi with great show of respect, and Al-Haadi with great show of respect, and provided him with a furnished house in provided him with a furnished house in Samur’raa.Samur’raa.

Other reporters claim Al-Mutawak'kil did not Other reporters claim Al-Mutawak'kil did not receive Al-Haadi the first night: receive Al-Haadi the first night:

Therefore Al-Haadi and family had to stay in Therefore Al-Haadi and family had to stay in an inn used for travelers, called Khan Al-an inn used for travelers, called Khan Al-Sa'aleek. Sa'aleek.

In Samur’raa 236H and afterIn Samur’raa 236H and after

Al-Haadi was detained and put under Al-Haadi was detained and put under surveillancesurveillance

As disturbing as this was, Al-Haadi never complained, As disturbing as this was, Al-Haadi never complained, nor protestednor protested

During his detention Imam Al-Haadi:During his detention Imam Al-Haadi:had few people to visit him, had few people to visit him, He spent much of his time in prayer, reading Du'aas, He spent much of his time in prayer, reading Du'aas, and tutoring his childrenand tutoring his childrenHe often told his children of the birth of Al-Mahdi, and He often told his children of the birth of Al-Mahdi, and Benu Abbas trying to prevent it, since they were Benu Abbas trying to prevent it, since they were frightened of his advent. frightened of his advent.

Builds a HouseBuilds a House

Builds a house but with a grave dug up in Builds a house but with a grave dug up in the main room.the main room.

Visitation of the loyalists and seekers of Visitation of the loyalists and seekers of knowledge increase graduallyknowledge increase gradually

By now the surveillance is eased:By now the surveillance is eased:The Khalifa’s chief of protocol was to call on The Khalifa’s chief of protocol was to call on Al-Haadi twice a day (some say twice a week) Al-Haadi twice a day (some say twice a week) to detect any suspect movement against the to detect any suspect movement against the throne. throne.

A Year Later: 237HA Year Later: 237H

Fearing ominous consequences of gatherings of the Fearing ominous consequences of gatherings of the Shi'a in Karbala or Najaf, Al-Mutawak'kil orders the Shi'a in Karbala or Najaf, Al-Mutawak'kil orders the following:following:1.1. Banning visitation to Karbala, with a warning of death penalty.Banning visitation to Karbala, with a warning of death penalty.2.2. Taxation of those who visited the shrines of Karbala or Najaf.Taxation of those who visited the shrines of Karbala or Najaf.3.3. Razing the shrines in Karbala and Najaf, destroying them to the Razing the shrines in Karbala and Najaf, destroying them to the

ground level.ground level.4.4. To plough the surrounding land of such tombs and bring it under To plough the surrounding land of such tombs and bring it under

cultivation.cultivation.

The Edict could not be carried out because of resistanceThe Edict could not be carried out because of resistance

But in the mean timeBut in the mean time

Al-Mutawak'kil confiscates Fadak and.Al-Mutawak'kil confiscates Fadak and.Warns inhabitants of Al-Hijaz not to communicate with Warns inhabitants of Al-Hijaz not to communicate with the Alawi or to support them financially.  the Alawi or to support them financially. 

The Alawi are more or less deprived of their necessary The Alawi are more or less deprived of their necessary livelihood. livelihood.

The drastic measures proved a failure, the The drastic measures proved a failure, the Wikaalah (Shi’a administration) continued to work Wikaalah (Shi’a administration) continued to work discretely.discretely.

Al-Haadi continued his communications with his Al-Haadi continued his communications with his adherents secretly, receiving Khums and other adherents secretly, receiving Khums and other taxes.taxes.

In the meantimeIn the meantime

Al-Haadi continued to see visitors in quest of Al-Haadi continued to see visitors in quest of knowledge, surveillance notwithstanding.knowledge, surveillance notwithstanding.

He used to visit Majlis at various times, He used to visit Majlis at various times, help the needy and disadvantaged, help the needy and disadvantaged, help the widows and poor at night.  help the widows and poor at night.  give money at night to families in needgive money at night to families in need

Along with Al-Askari, Al-Haadi used to work in Along with Al-Askari, Al-Haadi used to work in his field, as he had done in Medina.  He valued his field, as he had done in Medina.  He valued such work as an expression of Ibadah. such work as an expression of Ibadah.

Shrines of Karbala and Najaf: 247HShrines of Karbala and Najaf: 247H

After 13 years of oppressive rule, Al-Mutawak'kil After 13 years of oppressive rule, Al-Mutawak'kil decrees for the 2decrees for the 2ndnd time: time:

No visitation to Karbala and Najaf No visitation to Karbala and Najaf

Destroy and raze Karbala and Najaf shrinesDestroy and raze Karbala and Najaf shrines

Dig out the graves, and Dig out the graves, and

Plough the surrounding land and water it from the Plough the surrounding land and water it from the Euphrates. Euphrates.

There were vehement objections to this order There were vehement objections to this order with petitions from Basrah, Kufa, and much of with petitions from Basrah, Kufa, and much of Iraq. Iraq.

Shrines Destroyed: 247HShrines Destroyed: 247H

After the first and second attempts to After the first and second attempts to destroy the shrines had failed:destroy the shrines had failed:

The task to do so was given to the military The task to do so was given to the military and was carried out. Much blood shed took and was carried out. Much blood shed took placeplace

Soon after, Al-Mutawak’kil is killed by his own Soon after, Al-Mutawak’kil is killed by his own son Al-Mun’tasirson Al-Mun’tasir

Al-Mun’tasir is the Khalifa, to the relief of Al-Mun’tasir is the Khalifa, to the relief of everyoneeveryone

Al-Mun’tasir: Year 247HAl-Mun’tasir: Year 247H

As a Khalifa Al-Mun'tasir revokes all the rulings As a Khalifa Al-Mun'tasir revokes all the rulings of his father Al-Mutawak’kilof his father Al-Mutawak’kilAl-Mun'tasir accomplishes the following in fast Al-Mun'tasir accomplishes the following in fast order:order:

Stop persecuting the Shi'a and others.Stop persecuting the Shi'a and others.Re-institute visitation to Karbala and Najaf,Re-institute visitation to Karbala and Najaf,Return the Aw'qaaf (Trust) to Benu Talib,Return the Aw'qaaf (Trust) to Benu Talib,Return Fadak to the progeny of Al-Hasan and Al-Return Fadak to the progeny of Al-Hasan and Al-Husain, andHusain, andStop the campaign of harassments against the Shi'a Stop the campaign of harassments against the Shi'a communities.communities.

Weakening of the KhilaafahWeakening of the Khilaafah

Khilaafah at its height used to be the Khilaafah at its height used to be the epitome of powerepitome of power

Khilaafah had deteriorated by now to be a Khilaafah had deteriorated by now to be a medium for intrigue and conspiracy at the medium for intrigue and conspiracy at the hands of the Turkic slaves.hands of the Turkic slaves.

The powerful among the salves were The powerful among the salves were WaseefWaseef and and BoghaBogha..

Weakening of the KhilaafahWeakening of the Khilaafah

Khilaafah becomes very weak as the poet eloquently expressed:Khilaafah becomes very weak as the poet eloquently expressed:  

The Khalifa is in a cage, at the mercy of the slaves,And just as a parrot does, he echoes what to him they say.

 

وصيٍف) وصيٍف) بين بينوبغاوبغا

تقول تقول كما كماالببغاالببغا

في في خليفة خليفة

قفٍص)قفٍص)

قاال ما قاال يقول ما يقوللهله

During Al-Haadi’s last few Years During Al-Haadi’s last few Years

Quick succession of weak KhalifasQuick succession of weak KhalifasEach ruling for a short period then killed or Each ruling for a short period then killed or demoted by the Turkic conspiratorsdemoted by the Turkic conspirators

Anxiety is pervasive but noticeableAnxiety is pervasive but noticeable

Al-Bukhari has been active for many years to Al-Bukhari has been active for many years to verify the authenticity of the plethora of verify the authenticity of the plethora of Hadiths Hadiths

Muslim Al-Nishaapori [of Sahih Muslim] was Muslim Al-Nishaapori [of Sahih Muslim] was doing the same thingdoing the same thing

Contemporary KhalifasContemporary Khalifas

Al-Haadi was Al-Haadi was contemporary contemporary to the to the following following Khalifas of Khalifas of Benu Abbas:Benu Abbas:

1.1. Al-Ma'Moon (son of Haroon Al-Al-Ma'Moon (son of Haroon Al-Rashid)Rashid)

2.2. Al-Mu'tasim (son of Haroon Al-Rashid)Al-Mu'tasim (son of Haroon Al-Rashid)

3.3. Al-Waathiq (son of Al-Mu'tasim)Al-Waathiq (son of Al-Mu'tasim)

4.4. Al-Mutawak'kil (son of Al-Mu'tasim)Al-Mutawak'kil (son of Al-Mu'tasim)

5.5. Al-Mun'tasir (son of Al-Mutawak'kil)Al-Mun'tasir (son of Al-Mutawak'kil)

6.6. Al-Mus'taeen (son of Al-Mu'tasim)Al-Mus'taeen (son of Al-Mu'tasim)

7.7. Al-Mu'tazz (son of Al-Mutawak'kil)Al-Mu'tazz (son of Al-Mutawak'kil)

AL‑HAADI DIES AL‑HAADI DIES

Al-Haadi became sick, he grew weak, and within a few Al-Haadi became sick, he grew weak, and within a few days he died. (It is reported that his condition was days he died. (It is reported that his condition was caused by poisoning during the Khilaafah of Al-Mu'tazz.caused by poisoning during the Khilaafah of Al-Mu'tazz.

Al-Haadi died at a relatively early age of 40, in 254HAl-Haadi died at a relatively early age of 40, in 254HAl-Haadi was buried in his house after his son, Al-Hasan Al-Al-Haadi was buried in his house after his son, Al-Hasan Al-Askari, performed the Janaaza Salat Askari, performed the Janaaza Salat Dignitaries, government people, devotees, students, and just Dignitaries, government people, devotees, students, and just about everyone in Samur'raa attended the Janaaza Prayer.about everyone in Samur'raa attended the Janaaza Prayer.Before his death, Al-Haadi gave the custody of the Corpus of Before his death, Al-Haadi gave the custody of the Corpus of Knowledge to Al-Askari, along with befitting adviceKnowledge to Al-Askari, along with befitting advice

  Sample DialogueSample Dialogue  Imam Al-Haadi's answer about Tawhid [Allah's Oneness]:Imam Al-Haadi's answer about Tawhid [Allah's Oneness]:

““Allah has not ceased to exist, and He still Allah has not ceased to exist, and He still exists.  Allah caused whatever He wanted to exists.  Allah caused whatever He wanted to come into existence.come into existence.

There is neither resistance to Allah's Decree There is neither resistance to Allah's Decree nor revision to Allah's Ruling.  They go astray nor revision to Allah's Ruling.  They go astray those who try to decipher Him.  Short is the those who try to decipher Him.  Short is the sight of those who want to see Him.  Have sight of those who want to see Him.  Have perished all descriptions of the describers of perished all descriptions of the describers of Him, and have waned the words of liars Him, and have waned the words of liars about Him.about Him.

Allah is beyond sight.  Amazing is His Allah is beyond sight.  Amazing is His affair.  Sublime is His station.  Allah is at such affair.  Sublime is His station.  Allah is at such a High Status that it cannot be defined, and in a High Status that it cannot be defined, and in a manner where no eye can take a glance at a manner where no eye can take a glance at Him…..Him…..

ثم H موجودا الله يزل ثم لم H موجودا الله يزل لم   راد ال أراد، ما   كون راد ال أراد، ما كونمعقب وال Rه، معقب لقضاِئ وال Rه، لقضاِئ

أوهام تاهت أوهام لحكمه، تاهت لحكمه،وقصر وقصر المتوهمين، المتوهمين،الطارفين، الطارفين، طرف طرفأوصاف أوصاف وتالشت وتالشت

واضمحلت واضمحلت الواصفين، الواصفين،عن المطلين عن أقاويل المطلين أقاويل

أو شأنه، العجيب أو الدرك شأنه، العجيب الدرك   علو على بالبلوغ   الوقوع علو على بالبلوغ الوقوع

بالموضع  فهو بالموضع  مكانه، فهو مكانه،   وبالمكان اليتناهى   الذي وبالمكان اليتناهى الذي

فيه عليه يقع لم فيه الذي عليه يقع لم الذيعباره، وال إشارة عباره، عيون وال إشارة عيون

هيهات هيهات هيهات   ……هيهات

Select Sayings of Al-HaadiSelect Sayings of Al-Haadi

Allah Almighty made the present life a sequence of testing, and the next Allah Almighty made the present life a sequence of testing, and the next life the abode of the outcome.  And He made the trials of this life a life the abode of the outcome.  And He made the trials of this life a measure for the reward of the next life, and this recompense is the measure for the reward of the next life, and this recompense is the substitute for that test.substitute for that test.

  Envy razes the reward for good deeds and brings despise.  Insolence Envy razes the reward for good deeds and brings despise.  Insolence averts from seeking knowledge and calls for disdain and ignorance.  Being averts from seeking knowledge and calls for disdain and ignorance.  Being stingy is a vile character, and being greedy is of a bad nature.  Mockery is stingy is a vile character, and being greedy is of a bad nature.  Mockery is a humor of the fool and an act of the unlearned.  The inflexible causes one a humor of the fool and an act of the unlearned.  The inflexible causes one to have little and leads him to be loathed.to have little and leads him to be loathed.

  Better than a good deed is the person who performs it.  Lovelier than an Better than a good deed is the person who performs it.  Lovelier than an oration is the person who says it.  Superior to knowledge is the person who oration is the person who says it.  Superior to knowledge is the person who displays it.  Worse than evil is the person who brings it forth.  More displays it.  Worse than evil is the person who brings it forth.  More terrifying than horror is to the person who bears it.terrifying than horror is to the person who bears it.

Select sayings of Al-Haadi IISelect sayings of Al-Haadi II

Arguing for the sake of argument spoils an intimate friendship and Arguing for the sake of argument spoils an intimate friendship and destroys relationship.  The least effect thereof is trying to conquer destroys relationship.  The least effect thereof is trying to conquer one another, which is a primary cause of dissociation.one another, which is a primary cause of dissociation.

  

The person who obeys the Creator is not bothered about the The person who obeys the Creator is not bothered about the discontent of people.  The person who feels secure from Allah's discontent of people.  The person who feels secure from Allah's plan deems himself haughty, thus the Divine Decree befalls on plan deems himself haughty, thus the Divine Decree befalls on him.....him.....

  

Though unjust, a forbearing person is about to efface his injustice Though unjust, a forbearing person is about to efface his injustice by his patience, while a foolish person having a right is about to by his patience, while a foolish person having a right is about to extinguish the light of his right by his foolishness.extinguish the light of his right by his foolishness.

Sample AdviceSample Advice

      The person who gathers for you The person who gathers for you his friendship and advice, gather for his friendship and advice, gather for him your obedience.  And the him your obedience.  And the person who displays little self-person who displays little self-respect do not feel secure from his respect do not feel secure from his malice.  And the person who malice.  And the person who glorifies himself, many will be glorifies himself, many will be irritated with him.  People —in this irritated with him.  People —in this life— are esteemed by wealth, life— are esteemed by wealth, while —in the Hereafter— they are while —in the Hereafter— they are

esteemed by their previous deeds.esteemed by their previous deeds.

ودvه    لك جمع ودvه من لك جمع منله فاجمع له ورأيه فاجمع ورأيه

هانت ومن هانت طاعتك، ومن طاعتك،تأمن فال نفسه تأمن عليه فال نفسه عليه

رضي ومن رضي شره، ومن شره،كثر نفسه كثر عن نفسه عن

عليه، عليه، الساخطون الساخطونالدنيا في الدنيا والناس في والناس

اآلخرة وفي اآلخرة باألموال وفي باألموالباألعمالباألعمال

Ziyarah (Visitation)Ziyarah (Visitation) for Al-Haadi for Al-Haadi

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Translation of Ziyarah (Visitation)Translation of Ziyarah (Visitation)

O Allah bless Ali ibn Muhammad, the successor of the previous O Allah bless Ali ibn Muhammad, the successor of the previous successors, the Imam of the Pious, the Vicegerent of the Imams of successors, the Imam of the Pious, the Vicegerent of the Imams of religion, the decisive argument over the created beings. religion, the decisive argument over the created beings. O Allah just as Thou made him the Beacon to give light to the O Allah just as Thou made him the Beacon to give light to the believers, to give them the glad tidings of Thy recompense, believers, to give them the glad tidings of Thy recompense, To warn them about Thy punishment, to put the awe of Thy Might in To warn them about Thy punishment, to put the awe of Thy Might in their hearts, to make mention of Thy verses, to prescribe what Thou their hearts, to make mention of Thy verses, to prescribe what Thou have made lawful, to proscribe what Thou have made unlawful, have made lawful, to proscribe what Thou have made unlawful, To make known Thy laws and what Thou have made obligatory, to To make known Thy laws and what Thou have made obligatory, to encourage people to worship Thee, obey Thee, and not to encourage people to worship Thee, obey Thee, and not to transgress the limits laid down by Thee, transgress the limits laid down by Thee, So, Bless him and send more blessings than Thou had conferred on So, Bless him and send more blessings than Thou had conferred on any of Thy representatives, and on the progeny of Thy Prophets, O any of Thy representatives, and on the progeny of Thy Prophets, O Lord of the Worlds! Lord of the Worlds!

Burial site before 2-22-2006Burial site before 2-22-2006

Result of Terrorist attack: 2-22-06Result of Terrorist attack: 2-22-06

In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Al-Haadi: Outline of his LifeDiscussed in this slide show:

LineageAl-Haadi’s Early childhoodThe networkContemporary Schools of ThoughtAl-Haadi’s PersonThe year 232HAl-Mutawak’kilIn Samurra 236HShrines of Karbala and Najaf: 247HWeakening of the KhilaafahAl-Haadi Dies

For Details Go to:For Details Go to:

Islamicbooks.info then choose:Islamicbooks.info then choose:

Series of Islamic Books: Series of Islamic Books: Life of Ahlul Bayt Vol. IIILife of Ahlul Bayt Vol. III

Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Thank you and May God Bless you.Thank you and May God Bless you.

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim