Rajab 25 Marks Sorrowful Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him)
Shia Muslims around the world commemorate the sorrowful martyrdom anniversary of Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) on the 25th of Rajab. This year saw over 14 million pilgrims expressing their devotion to Bab al-Hawa’ij and condolences to the Imam of the Time, Imam al-Mahdi, May Allah hasten his blessed reappearance.
Imam Abul-Hasan Musa ibn Ja’far, known as al-Kadhim and Bab al-Hawa’ij, is the seventh of the Twelve Imams and the ninth Infallible figure among the Fourteen Infallibles.
After enduring multiple imprisonments at the hands of the Abbasid caliphs, Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) was ultimately poisoned in prison under the orders of Caliph Harun al-Abbasi. He was laid to rest in the Quraish cemetery in Baghdad, which is now recognized as the Kadhimayn Shrine.
The date of his martyrdom is recorded as Friday, the 25th of Rajab in the year 183 AH, at the age of 55. Known for his piety and devotion, he earned the title “Abd al-Salih” (the righteous servant) due to his ascetic lifestyle, while his forbearance and patience amidst hardships led to his epithet “al-Kadhim,” meaning “the one who suppresses his anger.”
Imam al-Kadhim was born in the year 128 AH, coinciding with the onset of the Abu Muslim al-Khurasani uprising against the Umayyads. He assumed the Imamate in 148 AH following the martyrdom of his father, Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him). His 35-year tenure as Imam coincided with the reigns of the Abbasid caliphs Mansur, Hadi, Mahdi, and Harun.
Historical sources recount various debates and discussions Imam al-Kadhim had with several Abbasid caliphs, as well as Jewish and Christian scholars, including Abu Hanifa. These exchanges often resulted in conversions to Islam.
To maintain communication with his followers, Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) expanded the system of representation established during Imam al-Sadiq’s time, appointing representatives in various regions. His era also witnessed significant schisms within the Shia community, with sects such as the Ismailis, Fathis, and Nawusis emerging during his Imamate, and the Waqifis forming after his martyrdom.
The time of Imam al-Kadhim was particularly challenging for Shia Muslims, marked by numerous protests against the Abbasid caliphs.
Historical texts document multiple confrontations between Imam Kadhim and the Abbasid caliphs, particularly with al-Harun. Despite these challenges, the Imam emphasized the importance of Taqiyya (dissimulation) and sought to manage the Shia community discreetly.
In the Ziyarat dedicated to Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him), he is referred to as “the one tortured in the depths of prisons,” highlighting the suffering he endured.
The final days of Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) were spent in the prison of Sindi ibn Shahak, who, according to Sheikh al-Mufid, poisoned the Imam under al-Harun’s orders. The Imam passed away three days later.
Today, Kadhimayn, the site of Imam al-Kadhim’s and Imam al-Jawad’s (peace be upon them both) holy shrines, attracts millions of pilgrims seeking to pay their respects and ask for the fulfilment of their pleas.
