The statement of Imam Riďa (a.s.) in the court of Mamun:
“We are Ahl ‘ul-Zikr.”
Sunni scholars present at the meeting objected to this statement and maintained that Ahl ‘ul-Zikr in the Qur’an means the Christain and the Jews; and Zikr refers to the Injīl (Bible) and Taurat (Torah). Imam Riďa (a.s.) replied:
“Glory be to Allah! How is it possible? How could Allah command the Muslims to refer to the Christians and the Jewish Scholars? If we refer to them they will consider their religion to be the true one and better than Islam, and will invite us to their point of view. Will you accept this invitation?”21
Mamun interjected, “Can you support your claim with the Qur’anic proof?” The Imam said,
“Yes, Zikr means the Holy Prophet and we are his people (Ahl). To prove my point I quote the following ayat:
“O (those) who believe! Allah has indeed revealed to you a reminder (zikr), an apostle who recites to you the clear communications of Allah.” (Surah at-Talāq 65:10-11).