There might have been some minor or major evolutions in our living, e.g. we have been urged to leave our city and live in other places. What is our response in these situations? Do we adapt ourselves to the new condition even if they are much too hard? Do we continue our normal lives, accomplish our duties or do we protest against the time? Do we assume the difficulties and severities as an excuse for not performing our duties?
The life of each of our infallible Imams (PBUT) was full of such evolutions and difficulties that oppressor kings imposed on them in order to break up their life or even kill them; but none of these difficulties prevented them from doing their duties regarding obedience to Allah (SWT) and guiding the believers. The life of Imam Ali al-Naqi al-Hadi (PBUH) is a pretty symbol of belief in Allah (SWT), obedience to Him and resistance to difficulties.
For example, as Mutiwakkil became caliph, he received continuous reports from Hijaz about the eagerness of the people of Mecca and Medina to Imam Hadi (PBUH). Mutiwakkil was afraid that Imam Hadi (PBUH) set up a revolution against him. (1) Therefore, he called the Imam to Samarra (the capital of his kingdom) to monitor him carefully, and to force him in necessary cases. As a result, Imam Hadi (PBUH) migrated to Samarra reluctantly.
Mutiwakkil decided to bother Imam in order to reduce the degree of the Imam in the eye of people. He ordered his agents to accommodate Imam in beggar’s residence. One of the followers of Imam Hadi (PBUH), Salih ibn Sa’ad, visited the Imam. When he saw Imam’s hard and painful situation, became upset. He said, ” May my life be sacrificed for you, they intended to put out your light of guidance and degrade you, so they have accommodated you in such unappealing place.”
Imam replied him while he was holding a special position of dignity and confidence, “Everything is ready for us, wherever we are; in fact we are not in beggar’s residence.” (2)
Mutiwakkil, intended to degrade the Imam, but he did not note that Imam’s position does not depend on his living place or his wealth; rather it really depends on his asceticism and piety in the world and his nearness to Allah (SWT). Therefore, the patience of the Imam with insults and troubles for the sake of Allah (SWT), only make him closer to Allah (SWT).
During his residence in Samerra, Imam Hadi (PBUH) was conducting the Shia society in different ways and was not discontent with living in that town. Once he described his status as such, “They brought me to Sorra man ra’a (Samarra) despite my will and if they expel me from here, it is against my will too …” (3)
Wherever a true servant of Allah (SWT) lives and migrate, in order to do his duties and obeys Allah (SWT), considers himself in the presence of Allah (SWT). He is satisfied and content with what Allah (SWT) has destined for him.
(Selection taken from the book, “Guiders of the Path of Light –Life of Imam Hadi (PBUH)”, by Ayatullah Sayyed Muhammad Taghi al-Modarresi (with little changes))
The Roshd Website congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon the 15th of Dhi al-Hijjah, the birth anniversary of the tenth chosen Hujjat of Allah (SWT) and the heavenly guider, Imam Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi (PBUH).
Footnotes:
1. All of caliphs in the era of Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) worried about this issue.
2. Allamah Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 50, p. 133
3. Sheikh Toosi, “al-Amaali”, p.281