Commemoration of Imam-Zadah Saleh

The following a feature on Imam Reza’s brother, Imam-Zadah Saleh, whose shrine in Tajrish in the Shemiran locality of Tehran, is a site of pilgrimage.

On the occasion of “Dah-e Karamat” or the “Ten-Days of Beneficence” that we observe every year during the first ten days of the sacred Islamic month of Zil-Qa’dah, that is, from the birth anniversary of Our Innocent Lady of Qom Hazrat Fatemah al-Ma’soumah (peace upon her), till the blessed birthday of her illustrious brother, Imam Reza (AS), who reposes in peace in holy Mashhad, we present you today a special feature on the significance of the virtuous offspring of the Infallible Imams, known popularly as Imam-Zadahs whose shrines dot the various towns and cities of Iran and are sites of pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage to the tombs of virtuous personalities, especially ulema and the descendants of the Prophet, is manifestation of love for the departed and homage to his/her efforts in promoting ethics and Islamic teachings in society. This is proof of the fact that the departed personality was so virtuous and exemplary in character that even centuries after he or she is physically not present, the path of perfection blazed out for us, acts as guidance for us. In view of this undeniable reality people make pilgrimage to the holy shrines of the offspring of the Infallible Ahl al-Bayt in order to experience spiritual transformation as well as to have their legal and lawful material needs fulfilled through supplication to God Almighty at these blessed spots. Moreover, pilgrimage brings rewards from the Divine Court for the devotees, since this was the way of the Prophets of God, especially of the Last and Greatest Messenger, Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). History and Islamic texts have recorded that the Prophet of Islam used to visit the grave of his dear mother Amena bint Wahb and that of his father Abdullah, who had predeceased his birth. He would pray to God, shed tears for the love of his departed parents, and took special care to maintain their graves. It was also the habit of the Prophet to visit the graves of the martyrs of the Battle of Ohad, at the beginning of every year, especially that of his brave uncle, Hamzah. The Prophet, along with his disciples regularly visited the sacred Jannat al-Baqie Cemetery in Medina, which alas in 1925 was desecrated and destroyed by the heretical Wahhabi brigand, Abdul-Aziz Aal-e Saud the British agent.

It is an undeniable fact that the Prophet stressed several times that whoever pays pilgrimage to me after my death is like the one who visited me in my life and it is obligatory for me to seek his intercession with God Almighty.

There are several hadith from the Infallible Imams of the merits of pilgrimage to their shrines, especially the shrine of the Immortal of Karbala, the Prophet’s grandson Imam Husain (AS) in Karbala. Moreover, the Infallible Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt themselves have emphasized the importance of pilgrimage to the tombs of their worthy descendants. In view of these facts, the shrines of the Imam-Zadahs or offspring of the Infallible Imams that dot the towns and cities of Iran, are not just the sites of pilgrimage but also centres of social-cultural activities for the sound and healthy grooming of the people and development of the society. At these sites, classes for learning, reciting and memorizing of the holy Qur’an are held, and various other religious programmes arranged.

One such illustrious personality was Imam Zadah Hazrat Saleh, the son of the Prophet’s 7^th Infallible Heir, Imam Musa al-Kazem (AS). In other words, he was the younger brother of Imam Reza (AS). He migrated to Iran from Medina along with over a hundred devotees of the Ahl al-Bayt. He was en route to the city of Marv in Khorasan when after passing the plain of Savjoblagh, his caravan was attacked by agents of the Abbasid regime and he was martyred.

Soon a mausoleum was built over his grave and it became a site of pilgrimage for the followers of the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt. Today the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine of Imam Zadah Saleh in Shemiran is estimated at about 30,000, and this figure surges to hundreds of thousands on special occasions. People distribute dates and salts at his shrine, and make vows to distribute these items on fulfillment of their wishes.

FK/AS/MG