the Life of Imām 'ali Bin Mūsā Al-ridā

Publishers Preface

Some years ago, while I was paying a visitation to the Holy Shrine of the eighth Imām, my master, Ali b. Mūsā al-Ridā, peace be on him, I asked myself: Is it possible for me to find favor with my Imāms, the guides and rightly-guided ones who have said in their traditions: May Allah have mercy on him who enlivens our affairs,? So it came to my mind that I had to find a book on the life of the eighth Imām in order to translate it into English. After I had asked the advice of some professors, I chose the book entitled the Life of Imām al-Ridā by Shaykh Bāqir Sharif al-Qarashi. Then I gave the book to Mr. Jāsim al-Rasheed in order to translate it into English, and he agreed to this suggestion; I thank him, and praise belongs to Allah.

After an arduous effort and diligent striving, this great book has been translated into English, that it may be an important reference before those who desire to study and to inquire into the lives of the Imāms of the ahl al-Bayt, peace be on them. We ask Allah, the Great and Almighty, to help us enliven more works about the ahl al-Bayt, peace be on them, and on Tashayyu; surely He is powerful over everything.

In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate

Surely Allah chose Adam and Noah and the descendants of Abraham and the descendants of Umrān above the nations. Offspring, one of the other; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. Qurān (3: 33 -34) Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House, and to purify you thoroughly. Qurān (33: 33)Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives; and whoever earns good, We give him more of good therein; surely Allah is Forgiving, Grateful. Qurān (53:23)