Imam Ali al-Naghi (a.s.) known as Imam Hadi – the tenth leader of Shia Muslims – was born on the 15^th of Zul-Hajja, 212 AH. His father – Imam Javad (a.s.) – is the ninth Imam of Shia Muslims and his mother is “Samaneh” – one of the most virtuous ladies of her time.

Imam Hadi was considered an Imam when he was just 8 years old.  He replaced his father. His Imamate lasted for 33 years. During this period, he took great steps towards spreading Islam and teaching this great religion to the people. He was not only a teacher of Islamic thought, but he also protected the Islamic culture in the city of Medina. He fought against Motavekel Abbasi who was the Caliph at the time. This was due to Motavakel's cruelty to the people of his time. It is said that people close to the Caliph used to speak against Imam Hadi, describing him at times as the center of insurrection. The Caliph always created obstacles for the Imam. However, people came to the Imam for guidance whenever they could. This issue made the Caliph very angry. The ruler of the time noticed that the people were obedient to the Imam and that they were likely not to obey the Caliph any more. As a result, Imam Hadi was exiled from Medina by Motavakel (a.s.) and was sent to Samara. Motavakel kept Imam Hadi (a.s.) in a house where he could not communicate with other people. News of Imam Hadi's exile reached the governor of Baghdad. Therefore he went to Yahya ibn Harsameh – the man who took Imam Hadi from Medina to Samara – and told him: “This man is Imam Hadi. He is a member of Ahl ul-Bayt. Motavakel is showing no respect for Imam Hadi. If he dies at the hands of Motavakel, the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) will hold you accountable on the day of Resurrection.” Yahya swore that Motavakel means no harm to Imam and only fears him.

One day Motavakel asked Yahya, "How did Ali ibn Mohammad lead his life in Medina?" Yahya answered: “I saw nothing but piety, worshipping God and inattention towards worldly affairs from him. And when I searched his house as you ordered, I saw nothing but the Holy Qur’an and scientific books.” After Motavakel heard these words, he was happy and peaceful. Although Motavakel was against Ahl ul-Bayt, he was frightened to face Imam Hadi. It has also been recorded in history that Motavakel's mother used to respect Imam Hadi very much. When Motavakel got sick and doctors were unable to cure him, Motavakel's mother vowed to send gifts to Imam Hadi if his son got cured. Imam Hadi recommended a medicine which cured him.

Imam knew very well that Motavakel had much enmity towards him and his family. It was because of this enmity that Imam Hadi did his activities in secret and away from the eyes of Motavakel.

Motavakel who could not stand Imam, ordered the killing of Imam Hadi during the late stages of his life. He ordered one of his men named 'Sa’id ibn Hajeb' to kill the Imam. Finally, Imam Hadi (a.s.) was martyred at the age of 41 ( 254 AH) in the city of Samera.

Zahra Motaghi