During his era, Imam Musa al-Kadhim (PBUH) held the titles patient and trustworthy. His piety was a characteristic known to all, and he became known as Kadhim- one who represses his anger. He was generous and kind to all Muslims, and would satisfy the needs of all those who approached him with their requests.
In one incident, a wealthy man from Rei – a city in Iran – faced Imam Kadhim (PBUH). Afterwards he explained his encounter with the Imam as follows:
“I was faced with the burden of heavy taxes, of which would cause for the loss of my life, had I paid them. Incidentally awhile later, the governor of Rei was unseated and a new governor was appointed. With the new governor on rule, my worries on taxes increased. A few friends suggested that since the new governor is a disguised Shia, you should be able to discuss your problem with him. Yet, because I was not certain about this matter, I refrained from letting him know I am a Shia.(1) Upon this I decided to come to Medina, to the patient Imam, Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (PBUH), and ask him for help.
In response the Imam wrote a letter as follow:
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Be informed that Allah has a shadow of mercy that none can benefit from except him who helps his religious brother, and liberates his brother from his grief and sorrow.
Now the bearer of this letter is one of your brothers. Peace.
The man from Rei continued: “I secretly brought the letter to Rei and waited for the right opportunity to confidentially deliver my letter to the governor. Finally in one night I went to his house, approached the doorkeeper, and introduced myself as a messenger who has a letter from Musa ibn Ja’far (PBUH). Awhile later the governor came to the door bare feet, greeted me and said: “What is the matter?” I handed the letter to the governor. He took the letter, recognized it and kissed it. After reading the letter, he respectfully sat across me and asked me about my difficulty. I told him about the heavy tax I owed, and how it would cost my life if I paid it. The governor immediately ordered to bring the tax books and rectify my taxes. He then asked: “May I do another favor to you?” I said: “Yes”. He said: “Tonight I want to divide my assets between us, I will divide whatever cash I have; and of my goods I will price them and offer half of them to you.”
The man continued: “After this event I departed from the governor. In my next trip and meeting with the Imam, I told him what had happened. Upon hearing the story the Imam smiled. I asked if his actions made the Imam pleased. Imam replied: “Yes, by Allah, his deeds made me happy. They made my grandfather Amir al-Mu’minin happy. By Allah, he made the Prophet happy and Allah indeed.”
(Reference: Bihar al-Anwar, vol.48, p.174, Selection taken from “A Travel on Character and Behavior of Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT)”, by Murtada Mutahhari )
On behalf of the Roshd website, we congratulate all Muslims, especially you dear friend, on the 7th of Safar, the anniversary of the birth of the paradigm of patience and gentleness, and the seventh leader of salvation and felicity:
Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kadhim (PBUH)
Footnote:
1- Numerous men and women were jailed or killed for centuries because of their identity as a Shia