Imam Khomeini frequently maintained that Imam Reza (PBUH) taught humanity a practical lesson, to live in peace, which is a key to salvation in this world and hereafter.The founder of the Islamic Republic underscored the role of Imam Reza (PBUH) for the cause of Islam and efforts which were made by him for the unity of masses at that time.
Grief reigns supreme across Iran as ceremonies are underway to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam al-Reza (PBUH), the eighth Shia Imam.
Millions of mourners have converged on Imam Reza’s Holy Shrine in the city of Mashhad in the northeastern Khorasan Province to mark the tragic occasion.
Mourners from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have braved the frigid weather to attend mourning ceremonies at Imam Reza’s Shrine.
As the nation maintains a somber mood, large numbers of mourners assemble at local mosques and other religious centers in commemoration of the event.
Massive memorial services are also held in the cities of Qom, in central Iran, and Shiraz, in the southwest, which are home to the shrines of Imam Reza’s revered sister and one of his brothers, respectively.
The eighth Imam of Shia Islam, Imam Reza (PBUH) was martyred after being poisoned by the Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun in the year 818 AD.
In Madina, Imam Reza (PBUH) carried out his duties in a peaceful manner in the face of a very difficult period for the Shia, and it was mostly due to his efforts that the teachings of the Holy Prophet and the correct interpretation of the Holy Qur'an became widespread. He had command over several languages and used to answer the questions of his followers in their own language.
During his historic travel and on his way to Marv, Imam passed Nishapoor, where thousands of people had gathered to catch a glimpse of him. Some scholars begged him to stop and address them so that they could hear his voice. Imam related to them that the angel Jibraeel (A) had told the Holy Prophet that Allah had said, "Laa Ilaaha Illallah is My fortress, and whoever enters My fortress saves himself from My punishment." Then Imam Raza (PBUH)went forward a little and stopped. He then informed them that there were a few conditions to entering the fortress of Allah, one of which was complete submission to the Imam Raza (PBUH) of the time. This report is famous and has been recorded by many historians.
Ma'mun's , the Abbasid ruler court was visited by people from all over the world. Imam (PBUH) answered all the questions they asked to Ma'mun. They were always satisfied with his answers, used to say that they had never met a man who argued and explained in the style of Imam Raza (PBUH).
Ma'mun soon felt threatened by the growing popularity of Imam Raza (PBUH) and decided to ensure his own survival by killing him. He did this by inviting Imam (PBUH) to a meal where he fed him poisoned grapes. Imam (PBUH) became very ill as a result and passed away in 203 A.H. He is buried in Toos Mashad.