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6 Points about Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as)
Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as), the seventh holy Imam ninth Masum, was a beacon of patience, piety, and perseverance. Known for his remarkable virtues and steadfastness, his life serves as an enduring example of devotion to Allah (SWT) amidst immense hardship. This article explores six key aspects of his life, shedding light on his legacy and profound impact on Islamic history.
The Birth of the Imam Musa Al-Kadhim
Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as) was born on the 7th of Safar in 128 AH in either Medina or a village called Abwaa (located between Mecca and Medina). His father is Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (as), our sixth Imam, and his mother is Hamida Al-Barbariyyah, also referred to as Hamida Khatoon.
Some narrations mention he was born on the 7th of Safar in 129 AH. Other narrations also mention he was born on the 20th of Dhul Hijjah. However, the most accepted date for his is the 7th of Safar in 128 AH.
As his wiladat occurs during the months of mourning, it is not celebrated like the wiladats of the other Masumeen (as). However, his merits and virtues are still discussed, as per the advise of Ayatullah Behjat (ra).
Imam Musa ibne Ali’s (as) Titles
The Imam’s (as) most famous title is “Al-Kadhim” (ٱلْكَاظِم), which means “the calm” or “the restrained.” He was given this title because he restrained his anger and remained calm during the Abbasid caliphs’ wrongdoings, including being imprisoned multiple times.
Another famous title is “Bab Al-Hawaij” (بَابُ الْحَوَائِجِ), which means “the door to fulfilling one’s needs.” During his life, he was generous to the poor and needy. After his martyrdom, people come to his shrine to seek out their legitimate desires and needs.
Some other titles of Imam Al-Kadhim (as) are “Abd Al-Salih” (عَبْدُ الصَّالِحِ), which means “the righteous servant.” This was due to his devotion and obedience to Allah (swt).
Imam Al-Kadhim’s (as) Imamate
The imamate of Imam Al-Kadhim (as) lasted for 35 years. It coincided with the rule of four Abbasid caliphs:
- Al-Mansur (10 years)
- Al-Mahdi al-Abbasi (11 years)
- Al-Hadi al-Abbasi (1 year)
- Harun al-Rashid (13 years)
The Children of The Imam (as)
Narrations differ regarding the number of children Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as) had, ranging from 33 to 60. Shaykh Al-Mufid mentions in Kitab al-Irshad that the Imam (as) had 37 children. This is the most accepted view of scholars.
His two most known children are Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as), our eighth Imam, and Sayyida Fatima Al-Masuma Al-Qom (sa). Their mother was Ummul Baneen Najmah Khatun (sa).
Imam Al-Kadhim’s (as) Imprisonment
Imam Al-Kadhim (as) was imprisoned multiple times during his imamate by the Abbasid caliphs, being forced from Medina to Basra and then to Baghdad.
Harun Ar-Rashid had the Imam (as) moved between different prisons, including the prisons of Al-Fadl ibn Yahya and Al-Sindi ibn Shahik.
Despite these hardships, the Imam (as) found solace in worship and reportedly said, “O God, I always used to ask You to free me (from other duties) in order to worship You; and You have answered me, so thanks be unto You for doing so.” (Kitab al-Irshad, v.2)
The Martyrdom of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as)
Harun al-Rashid ordered Al-Sindi ibn Shahik to poison Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as). The Imam (as) obtained martyrdom on the 25th of Rajab, 183 AH, three days after being poisoned.
After the Imam (as) departed this world, his body was left on a bridge in Baghdad for three days by Al-Sindi ibn Shahik. This was done to disguise the crime committed and pretend that the Imam (as) died of natural causes. However, the followers of Imam (as) were aware that he had been murdered.
His Burial in Kadhimayn
Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (as) was buried in the Quraysh Cemetery in Baghdad. The area has since been renamed Al-Kadhimiyyah or Kadhimayn. He is buried with his grandson and our ninth Imam, Imam Al-Jawad (as).
Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as) is reported to have said, “One who performs the ziyarah of the grave of my father (as) in Baghdad is like one performed the ziyarah of Allah’s Messenger (saww) and that of Amir Al-Mu’mineen (as), except that Allah’s Messenger (saww) and Amir Al-Mu’mineen (as) have their own specific ranks.” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, ch.99)
Imam Musa Al-Kadhim’s (as) life and martyrdom exemplify resilience, faith, and compassion in the face of adversity. His titles and actions continue to inspire countless hearts, and his final resting place in Kadhimayn remains a sanctuary for those seeking solace and blessings. May we strive to follow his example of unwavering trust in Allah (swt) and dedication to righteousness.
