Today, we continue to discuss the blessed life of the 8th Infallible Successor to Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), Imam Reza (Peace be upon him).

It was pointed out that upon the presence of Imam Reza in the city of Marv; several scientific gatherings were staged with the participation of prominent scientists and representatives of Christianity and Judaism, in addition to other religions, in order to introduce Islam to non-Muslims. Although the principle of dialog with religions began within the era of Prophet of Islam; the Infallible Imams continued this dialog. Meanwhile, dialog among religions reached its peak throughout Imam Reza’s era. In these discussions and debates, the Infallible Imam exchanged views with the leading figures of other religions.

During the era of Imam Reza (AS), at least two types of dialog were common. One was the dialog held for the proximity of Islamic denominations, while the other type of dialog was between different religions. The terms of communication of Imam Reza with the followers of other religions showed that the Infallible Imam was familiar with his era’s common cultures. The mastery of global languages and familiarity of Imam Reza with the religious text of other religions go to prove this fact.

Upon a glance at history, we realize that the era of Imam Reza was concurrent with Middle Ages and cultural deterioration of Western communities, while the Church dictated its views on Western societies. However, upon consideration of the scientific movement which the Infallible Imam founded, we realize that the conditions of the World of Islam were completely different. In this region of the world, numerous discussions and debates were held; within which different views were expressed, while the Infallible Imams exchanged views with scholars and responded to doubts. Naturally, the superior thought was revealed and discovered throughout these debates.

The broadminded approach of Imam Reza in these debates significantly contributed to promotion of the Islamic culture. The Infallible Imam with the usage of logical and prudent methods, proved the ideological foundations of the divine religion of Islam.

Undoubtedly, Imam Reza’s debates with figures of other religions were highly educational in nature. In these debates, the Infallible Imam, with the usage of his vast knowledge, showed the righteous path to the scholars of other religions. Within these debates, scientists submitted to the solid and irrefutable logic of the Infallible Imam, with some of them converting to the sacred religion of Islam.

The Infallible Imam, in his debates with thinkers of other religions, referred to the texts which were accepted by them. For instance, in debates with Jews, the Infallible Imam pointed out the statements of Torah, and in debates with Christians; he referred to the statements of Bible.

When the Abbasid caliph, Ma’amoun, called on a well-known Christian scholar to hold a debate with Imam Reza, the Christian figure alleged how he could debate with someone who refers to a Book and a Prophet, which this Christian figure did not accept. At this point, Imam Reza (AS) addressed this Christian figure, noting what the Christian man would do if the Infallible Imam mentioned reasons within the text of Bible? The Christian figure said that he would accept the Infallible Imam’s references to the Bible, even if they were to the Christian figure’s detriment.

The Infallible Imam read parts of Bible for this Christian man, while referring to the name of Prophet of Islam in Bible’s text. At this point, the Christian scholar realized that the Infallible Imam was completely aware of the text of Bible.

Imam Reza’s logical comments in his debate with the Christian figure, led the Christian man to submit to the Infallible Imam’s solid reasoning and truthfulness.

Imam Reza (AS) also held a debate with the great head of Jews, called Ra’s al-Jalut, asking this Jewish figure about the proof of prophet hood of Moses. In response, the Jewish figure said Moses carried out extraordinary deeds which the previous prophets did not do. The Infallible Imam asked the Jewish figure to be more specific. The Jewish man mentioned the transformation of a cane into a snake, and other signs which others do not have the power to do.

The Infallible Imam noted that these were good reasons for acceptance of the prophet hood of Moses, while adding that in this case, shouldn’t he approve of anyone who claims prophet hood, and carries acts which others are incapable of doing? The Jewish scholar responded negatively, adding that Moses was unique due to his proximity to God and his elevated status. And he don’t have to maintain faith in someone who claims prophet hood, unless he carries out miracles similar to the miracles performed by Moses. The Infallible Imam asked then how come he had faith in the prophets prior to the era of Moses, while none of them carried out the miracles that Moses performed. At this point, the Jewish scholar was forced to deny his previous allegations, stating whenever anyone who claims prophet hood, carries out miracles which others cannot do, his prophet hood should be accepted, even if his miracles would not be similar to the miracles performed by Moses.

The Infallible Imam asked the Jewish scholar how come he didn’t have faith in the prophet hood of Jesus, although Jesus revived the dead, healed blind individuals and patients who suffered from refractory illnesses. The Jewish scholar responded that these are the deeds which are attributed to Jesus; however, he had not seen them first hand.

Imam Reza asked whether the Jewish scholar had seen the miracles of Moses with his own eyes.  Hadn’t the Jewish scholar heard of miracles of Moses from reliable individuals? The Jewish man said that actually this was the case. The Infallible Imam said given that the Jewish scholar heard of the miracles of Jesus, how come he did not maintain faith in Prophet Jesus? At this point, the Jewish scholar remained speechless.

The Infallible Imam said this is also the case in regard to the Prophet hood of Prophet Mohammad, and any other prophet who has been appointed by God. One of the miracles of Prophet Mohammad was that he was an orphan, poor, and unlearned. However, he brought about Holy Quran, which has reported on the lives of previous and future generations up until the Day of Resurrection, and has detailed the fates of previous prophets with great precision.

At this point, the Jewish scholar remained silent and submitted to the Infallible Imam’s solid logic.

Following these debates, the scientific grandeur and the spiritual status of Imam Reza became more evident than ever, and his popularity grew on a daily basis. This came while the main goal of the Abbasid caliph in holding these debates between Imam Reza and thinkers of other religions was to somehow undermine the scientific status of the Infallible Imam.

Upon the presence of Imam in Khorasan, people’s love for the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household (peace be upon them) was reinforced.

The swift growth of Shiasm and the ever-increasing approval rate of Imam Reza concerned the Abbasid caliph, Ma’amoun, fueling the hostility of the Abbasid caliph toward the Infallible Imam. In this manner, Imam Reza courted martyrdom and refused to submit to the suppressive rule of the Abbasid caliph, Ma’amoun.

MR/ME