SAEDNEWS: Our tenth Imam in Shia Islam is Imam Ali al-Naqi (peace be upon him), known as Imam al-Hadi (peace be upon him). He became Imam at the age of 8 and passed away at the age of 41.
According to Saednews, Imam al-Hadi (peace be upon him), also known as Imam Ali al-Naqi, is the tenth Imam of the Shi’a. He was the son of Imam al-Jawad (A) and a noble lady named Samana. He became Imam at the age of 8 and led the Shi’a community for 33 years. In this section, you will become acquainted with the life and characteristics of the tenth shining star of the sky of Imamate and guardianship.
Ali ibn Muhammad, known as Imam al-Hadi or Imam Ali al-Naqi, was born on the 15th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 212 AH in a place called Surayya near Medina. His father was Imam al-Jawad (A), and his mother was a slave woman named Samana al-Maghribiyya.
The most famous title of the tenth Shi’a Imam is “al-Hadi” (the Guide), because he was the best guide of his time toward goodness.
Other titles of this Imam include: al-Naqi, al-Murtada, al-‘Alim, al-Faqih, al-Amin, al-Nasih, al-Mutawakkil, al-Khalis, and al-Tayyib.
Shi’a refer to Imam al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) as the “Two Askari Imams” because they lived in Samarra in a district called al-Askari. His kunya (nickname) is Abu al-Hasan.
Imam al-Hadi (A) had a medium build, slightly reddish and fair complexion, and large eyes. He wore rough clothing and lived a simple life, often placing a mat under his feet.
He had a ring with the inscription:
“Allah is my Lord, and He is my protector from His creation.”
Another inscription reported on his ring was:
“Keeping promises is among the morals of the Worshipped One.”
Imam al-Hadi (A) was extremely generous and always had a smile on his face, such that anyone who saw him while distressed would feel comforted. He possessed dignity and grandeur, and even rulers of his time showed him great respect.
He had noble character, asceticism, and vast knowledge, with complete mastery of Islamic jurisprudence. His nights were spent in prayer, worship, Quran recitation, and supplication.
Ali ibn Muhammad became Imam in the year 220 AH at the age of 8. The early Imamate of Imam al-Jawad (A) also at a young age removed doubts among Shi’a regarding Imam al-Hadi’s leadership.
Most Shi’a accepted his Imamate, except a small group who initially followed Musa al-Mubarraqa, but later also accepted Imam al-Hadi.
His Imamate lasted 33 years. During this time, he lived under several Abbasid caliphs, including al-Mu’tasim, al-Wathiq, al-Mutawakkil, al-Muntasir, al-Musta’in, and al-Mu’tazz.
During his time, there was severe repression by the Abbasid rulers. He maintained contact with Shi’a through a network of representatives (wakils) and correspondence. Among his representatives were Ali ibn Ja‘far al-Hamani, Abu Ali ibn Rashid, and Hasan ibn Abd Rabbih (or his son Ali).
The wife of Imam al-Hadi (A) was named Sawsan or Sullayl. He had five children. Shi’a scholars mention four sons: Hasan, Muhammad, Husayn, and Ja‘far. A daughter is also attributed to him, named Aisha or ‘Aliyya according to different sources.
Sunni scholars also mention four sons and one daughter.
Muhammad, one of his sons, was a pious and well-mannered young man who passed away one year before his father. Some people thought he would become the next Imam.
Imam al-Hadi (A) is highly respected among Sunni scholars as well. They have praised his knowledge, generosity, asceticism, and worship, and reported accounts of his noble character and generosity.
Among his companions were figures such as Ali ibn Ja‘far, Ibn Sikkit, and Abd al-Azim al-Hasani. The number of his companions is estimated at around 190 people. According to Shi’a biographical works, about 185 narrators transmitted hadith from him.
Some of his trusted companions include Ahmad ibn Hamza, Salih ibn Muhammad al-Hamadani, Muhammad ibn Jazak al-Jammal, Ya‘qub ibn Yazid al-Katib, Ibrahim ibn Ishaq, Khayran al-Khadim, and Nadr ibn Muhammad al-Hamadani.
Several of his companions were also from Iran, such as Bishr ibn Bashar al-Nishaburi, Fath ibn Yazid al-Jurjani, and Husayn ibn Sa‘id al-Ahwazi.
Imam al-Hadi (A) passed away in the month of Rajab in the year 254 AH, after residing in Samarra for 20 years and 9 months, at the age of 41.
He was poisoned during the rule of the Abbasid caliph al-Mu‘tazz and was martyred. Some sources state that he was poisoned during the late period of al-Mu‘tamid’s rule.
It is reported that the poison was placed in pomegranate juice, leading to his martyrdom. On the day of his death, many Hashimites and people gathered in grief at his house.
Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) participated in his father’s funeral prayer and prayed over him before the Abbasid caliph could arrive. Imam al-Hadi (A) was buried in his house in Samarra, where he had been under surveillance and house arrest for about 20 years.
From that time onward, Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) became the next Imam. The burial place of Imam al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari in Samarra is known as the shrine of the Askariyyain.
