25th of Rajab Marks Martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him)
The 25th of Rajab in the Islamic calendar commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him), the seventh Imam of the Shia Muslim community. His life exemplified patience, forbearance, worship, and steadfastness in the face of oppression, leaving a lasting spiritual and moral legacy.
Known by titles such as al-Kadhim (the forbearing), Abd al-Salih (the righteous servant), and Bab al-Hawaij (door to fulfilling needs), Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) was renowned for his devotion, asceticism, and ability to restrain anger under hardship. He was born in 128 AH and assumed the Imamate in 148 AH after the martyrdom of his father, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him).
During his approximately 35-year Imamate, coinciding with the reigns of Abbasid caliphs including Al-Mansur, Al-Hadi, Al-Mahdi, and Harun al-Rashid, he led the Shia community with wisdom and prudence. He expanded the network of deputies (wakala) to maintain religious and financial guidance for followers.
Imam Musa al-Kadhim engaged in scholarly debates with religious leaders and even some Abbasid caliphs, demonstrating his intellectual depth. However, the caliphs, particularly Harun al-Rashid, repeatedly imprisoned him due to his spiritual influence. He spent his final days in the prison of Sind ibn Shahak and was poisoned on the 25th of Rajab, 183 AH.
His sacred burial site in the Quraish cemetery, Baghdad, has become a major pilgrimage center, drawing millions of visitors annually and symbolizing the enduring devotion of Muslims to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and the lessons of patience, forbearance, and resistance to tyranny.
Imam Hussein TV extends its deepest condolences to the Imam of the Time, may Allah hasten his reappearance, and to the Shia Community across the world on this sorrowful occasion.
