The Seventh Holy Imam, Imam al-Kazim (A.S.)

By: Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini
Source:
Principles of Shi’ite Creed
He was called Mūsā and was well-known as Kāẓim. His father was Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (A.S.) and his mother was Ḥamīdah who was very knowledgeable and Imām aṣ-Ṣādiq (A.S.) used to ask women to consult her regarding religious edicts and teachings. He was born on Ṣafar 7, 128 Hijrah, and attained the position of Imamat (leadership) at 21.
He spent more than fourteen years in prison because Hārūn, the â€کAbbasīd ruler, deemed his presence among people dangerous and was jealous of his popularity among them and put him into jail on different pretexts. At prison, he spent his time saying prayers and worshipping God. At one of the prisons, the â€کAbbasīd ruler sent an attractive woman as a servant to Imām (A.S.) and his aim was to exploit this against him outside.
After a few days, the â€کAbbasīd ruler sent someone to inspect the prison and see about the Imām (A.S.) and the woman. He walked into the prison and saw that at one corner, Imām (A.S.) was engaged in prayers and at the other corner was sitting the woman praying.
The woman was taken to the ruler and was asked how come she had changed so dramatically. She replied, “Imām Kāẓim’s routine and his devotion and devoutness influenced and changed me.â€‌.
Indeed, men of God and their conduct and lifestyle attracted people toward them and they reformed and rectified the environment.
He was martyred by poisoning by the â€کAbbasīd ruler Harun and passed away in the corner of the prison of Baghdād on the 25th of Rajab of 183 Hijrah and was buried at Quraysh cemetery which was later known as Kāẓimayn. Currently, his shrine is visited by all Muslims especially Shī’ahs.
Sayings of Imām Kazim (A.S.) Anyone whose yesterday and today are equal, that is, after twenty four hours, he has not gained anything in spirituality and humanity and has not advanced on the path of piety and faith, this person is like someone who has invested but has not obtained any value in return.
And anyone who is worse than yesterday, that is, instead of spiritual progress, has deteriorated and is inclined toward wrongdoing and impiety; such a person will be far from God’s grace.