Imām Mūsā al-Kāẓim (‘a)
The seventh Imām of Islam from the noble Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) is Imām Mūsā al-Kāẓim (‘a), the son of Imām Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (‘a).
His Title – “al-Kāẓim”
The title al-Kāẓim means “one who restrains his anger.” This noble title was given to the Imām (‘a) because of his exceptional patience and self-control in the face of oppression and hardship. He endured great suffering, particularly during his long imprisonment, yet he never expressed frustration or resentment. Instead, he continuously turned to Allah (swt) in gratitude and worship.
The Reign of Hārūn al-Rashīd
During the time of the Abbasid Caliph Hārūn al-Rashīd, Baghdad had grown into a wealthy and powerful capital, often described as “the bride of the world.” However, the caliph indulged heavily in worldly pleasures—such as music, wine, and lavish living—while brutally suppressing the Shīʿa of Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), many of whom were the descendants of Imām ʿAlī (‘a) and Sayyida Fāṭimah (‘a).
Imām Mūsā al-Kāẓim (‘a) actively resisted the regime and warned his followers not to cooperate with or support the government in any form. A notable incident involves his companion Ṣafwān, whom the Imām (‘a) forbade from renting out his camels to Hārūn, as it would indirectly support injustice.
Repeated Imprisonments
Throughout his life, Imām al-Kāẓim (‘a) was frequently arrested and imprisoned by various Abbasid rulers, especially Hārūn al-Rashīd. The caliph became increasingly concerned about the Imām’s rising popularity and influence among the people. To obscure the truth about the Imām’s whereabouts and to prevent public unrest, Hārūn had two separate caravans leave with false claims—one headed toward Kūfa and the other toward Baṣrah.
Despite being transferred between various prisons, Imām al-Kāẓim (‘a) remained steadfast in his devotion to Allah. He spent his days fasting and his nights in prayer. Even under intense surveillance and deprivation, he continued to guide his followers secretly through the transmission of knowledge and religious rulings.
Eventually, Hārūn had the Imām (‘a) imprisoned in a dungeon near Kūfa under the custody of a cruel official named al-Sindī. The Imām (‘a) was given meagre amounts of food and water, yet he bore every hardship with patience and unwavering faith.
Martyrdom
According to well-known reports, Hārūn al-Rashīd had fresh dates laced with deadly poison and ordered that they be given to the Imām (‘a) through al-Sindī. After consuming the poisoned dates, the Imām (‘a) suffered from excruciating pain. Eventually, he passed away in that dark and lonely prison.
To conceal the crime, Hārūn’s regime arranged for false witnesses to testify that the Imām (‘a) had died a natural death. His blessed body was taken to the bridge of Baghdad and abandoned there, in an attempt to humiliate and disgrace him.
Despite these efforts, the sanctity of the Imām (‘a) could not be denied. He was buried in Baghdad in the area now known as Kāẓimiyyah, which today remains a revered site visited by countless followers.