Biography 1
Who was Imam Reza's father?
Imam Musa al-Kadhim, the seventh Imam.
Who was the venerable sister of Imam Reza?
Hazrat Fatimah Al-Masoumah .
Name a major theological contribution of Imam Reza.
He emphasized the importance of reason and intellectual discourse in understanding faith.
Which dynasty was ruling during Imam Reza's lifetime?
The Abbasid Caliphate.
In which city is Imam Reza’s shrine located?
Mashhad, Iran.
What city was Imam Reza born in?
Medina, Saudi Arabia
What was the Kunya of Imam Reza
Abu al-Hasan
Give one example about the ways he treated ordinary people?
Ibn Shahr Ashoob narrated the story of Imam in the bathhouse
What major political strategy did Caliph Al-Ma'mun employ involving Imam Reza?
Al-Ma'mun appointed Imam Reza as his successor.
Name a famous library or museum located within the complex of Imam Reza’s shrine.
The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi.
Name the Abbasid caliph who made Imam Reza his successor.
Al-Ma'mun.
What was the famous prayer Imam led in Khorasan.
Prayer for Rain
How did Imam Reza describe the characteristics of a true believer?
True believer is one who others are safe from his tongue and hands, and who is generous in giving
Which city became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate during Imam Reza’s lifetime?
Merv
Who is the tyrant buried next to Imam Reza?
Harroun Al-Rashid Al-Abbasi
Who was his mother and where was she from?
Tuktam (also called Umm Banin or Najmah), originally from North Africa
What was the reaction of the Imam when someone suggested that servants be made a separate eating arrangement?
All are created by God, Adam is their father and Eve is their mother. Everyone will be dealt with by God according to his deeds.
Why is he called Alim Al-e-Muhammad (sa)
Profound knowledge and intellectual stature within the lineage of Prophet Muhammad and interfaith debates
Describe the political significance of Imam Reza's appointment as heir apparent.
It was intended to use his popularity for the Abbasid power, and deter any resistance from Shias although it was fraught with tension and suspicion.
How has Imam Reza's shrine influenced the city of Mashhad?
It has made Mashhad a major pilgrimage center, significantly impacting the city’s economy and cultural importance (2nd city in Iran)
What is the significance of Imam Reza's nickname, "Al-Ridha" (Reza)?
The one who Allah and the prophet are satisfied with
This world is a --- for a believer and a --- for the unbeliever
prison / paradise
What is the Hadith of The Golden Chain (Silsilatal Dhahab)?
Allah says: "(The word) 'There is no lord but Allah' is my stronghold, thus whomever enters my stronghold shall be safe from my punishment."
Imam al-Rida added: "it has conditions, and I am one of its conditions."
What significant religious debate occurred during Imam Reza's time that influenced the theological discourse within Islam?
During Imam Reza’s lifetime, the debate between the Mu'tazila and the Ash'ari schools of thought regarding free will and predestination was significant, with the Abbasid Caliphate initially supporting the Mu'tazila’s rationalist views. Imam’s position was between the two.
Who are two notable scholars originally from Lebanon who are buried in the Haram:
Sheikh Hurr Aameli and Sheikh Bahai