When Mamun, the Abbasid caliph, summoned Imam Reza (peace be upon him) from Medina to Iran and the city of Merv, the people of Iran arranged a grand gathering to meet him in the city of Nishapur along his route. When the Imam’s caravan arrived in Nishapur, two scholars from Nishapur, representing the people of the city, came to the Imam and said: “The people wish to see your face and hear your words.”
In response to this request, Imam Reza (peace be upon him) gave the following precious words (in the local dialect) quoting from his noble ancestors and then from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“I heard from Jibril, who said: I heard from Allah, who said: ‘Tawhid is My stronghold. Whoever enters it will be safe from My punishment.'”
Then the Imam added: “But this has conditions, and I am one of its conditions.”[1]
Indeed, Imam Reza (peace be upon him) introduced the acceptance of Tawhid (the oneness of God) and acknowledgment of the Imamate of the Imam and obedience to him as the conditions for entering the stronghold and refuge of Allah.
Just as in an unprotected society, insecurity and disorder are created, similarly, an unprotected heart is attacked by Satan and produces evil thoughts and dangerous decisions. According to the precious words of Imam Reza (peace be upon him), accepting servitude to Allah and acting in accordance with His commands and the commands of the appointed Imams has the role of a shield and protection for the heart. This truth is an eternal and blissful prescription for humanity and even guarantees the health of the human community.
(This commemoration was composed using the book “Imam Reza (peace be upon him), the Manifestation of God’s Compassion,” written by Ayatollah Syed Mohammad Zia Abadi.)
Footnote:
[1] Al-Tawhid, vol. 25, p. 23; Al-Amali al-Saduq, p. 195, hadith 8; Uyun Akhbar al-Reza (peace be upon him), vol. 2, p. 135, hadith 4; Ma’ani al-Akhbar, p. 371, hadith 1.