Welcome to this week’s episode of the series Let’s Know Islam. Today, we study the era of Imamate of the 7th Infallible Successor to the Prophet of Islam, Imam Mousa Kazem (Peace be upon him).

Following the martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS), the leadership and guidance of Muslims was delegated to his infallible son, Imam Mousa Kazem (AS). Each of the Infallible Imams introduced their successors. Imam Mousa Kazem was the most virtuous person in his era. Imam Jafar Sadeq underlined that his infallible son, Imam Mousa Kazem (AS) was a source of vast knowledge and prudence, and that his scientific preparedness was such that he gave appropriate responses to all questions asked about the contents of Holy Quran.

The era of Imamate of Imam Mousa Kazem lasted 35 years, and was concurrent with the rule of four Abbasid rulers, namely Mansour, Mehdi, Hadi, and Haroun al-Rashid. Imam Mousa Kazem faced many difficulties throughout the suppressive rule of Abbasid caliphs. The last fourteen years of the life of this Infallible Imam was concurrent with the oppressive rule of Haroun al-Rashid. The Infallible Imam was imprisoned for a number of years.

Imam Mousa Kazem continued the scientific approach and path of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) in development of sciences, widely promoting Islamic teachings. Despite the threats and pressures piled up by Abbasid rulers against the Infallible Imam, he promoted sciences, and presented valuable hadiths to the Islamic Ummah. A large number of scientists approached the Infallible Imam, benefitting from his vast knowledge and prudence.

Throughout the Abbasid era, the suppressive and corrupt Abbasid rulers ruthlessly ruled the masses of people. They accumulated huge wealth via pillage of several cities. The promotion of derailed ideas and poverty of people tormented Imam Mousa Kazem (AS). The Infallible Imam decided to stand up against the injustices and corruption of Abbasid rulers and their agents. He didn’t approve of the policies of Abbasid caliphs. The Infallible Imam’s strategy was to call into question the legitimacy of Abbasid rulers, in order to distance people from the Abbasid regime. In order to undermine the pillars of Abbasid suppressive regime, the Infallible Imam prohibited any cooperation with the unjust Abbasid rulers.

Under the pressure of Abbasid rulers, Imam Mousa Kazem was forced to leave Medina and to reside in the Capital of Abbasid regime, Baghdad. Throughout the oppressive rule of Haroun al-Rashid, pressure and restrictions were piled up on Imam Mousa Kazem. Haroun ostensibly supported religion, but strongly opposed Islamic values, in practice. He deceitfully governed masses of people. Under these circumstances, Imam Mousa Kazem made every effort to reveal the deceitful nature of Abbasid rulers, especially Haroun al-Rashid.

Haroun al-Rashid knew that a number of people visited Imam Mousa Kazem every day, which concerned the suppressive Abbasid ruler. Thus, Haroun was hard on the Infallible Imam and Shias. Haroun al-Rashid threatened, detained, and massacred Shias throughout his despotic rule.

Imam Mousa Kazem continued to reveal the truth and to disclose the corrupt nature of Abbasid regime, despite being incarcerated and tortured by the agents of Abbasid regime.

The ethical virtues of Imam Mousa Kazem were praiseworthy. The Infallible Imam was immensely knowledgeable and kind. He was also generous and forgiving. He freed more than a thousand slaves. The Infallible Imam always assisted the poor and needy. He was the most knowledgeable individual of his era, such that the signs of his vast knowledge were evident in his remarks.

Imam Mousa Kazem maintained patience and self-restraint toward ill-wishers. His ethical virtues and excellent manners even influenced his prison wardens, who were ruthless and violent.

The Infallible Imam’s patience showed that he prioritized guidance of mankind and promotion of ethical virtues. Imam Mousa Kazem believed that kindness toward people reinforces communications and inspires hearts and souls.

Meanwhile, Imam Mousa Kazem stood firmly against suppressive rulers such as Haroun al-Rashid; given that Haroun was stubborn and complacent and falsely imagined to be superior to others.

People honored and admired Imam Mousa Kazem as the 7^th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household. He was a source of knowledge and was the most knowledgeable person of his era about the ayahs of Holy Quran, which in turn reinforced his status and popularity in the community. Imam Mousa Kazem relied on God in confronting derailed currents and falsehood.

MR/ME