How Abdur Rahman became a Shia

Reading Time: 2 minutes

There was a man in Isfahan (in Iran) called Abdurrahman who had embraced Shiism and believed in the imamate of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.). Abdurrahman was asked about the reason behind that and he said, ‘I was poor, but brave and eloquent. I, with a group from the people of my town, went to al-Mutawakkil to complain. When we arrived in Surra Man Ra’a, we went to his palace. While we were waiting at the door of al-Mutawakkil, an order was issued from the palace to bring Ali bin Muhammad bin ar-Redha (a.s.). I asked about him and it was said to me that he was an Alawid man, whom the Rafidha (the Shia) believed in as their imam. It was said that al-Mutawakkil might order him to be killed. I said to myself, ‘I do not leave my place until I see him.’ I waited no long when Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) came riding a sumpter. People stood up glorifying and honoring him. When I saw him, I loved him. I began praying Allah to keep him safe from the plotting of al-Mutawakkil. Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) caught sight of me. He came towards me, and said, ‘Allah has responded to your prayer. He will prolong your age and increase your wealth and children.’

I trembled because he knew what was in my mind and what I intended. We came in to al-Mutawakkil, carried out our affairs and then I left to Isfahan. Allah endowed me with great wealth that I had not even dreamed of. Now I have one million dirhams in my house besides the wealth I have outside the house. I have ten sons and I am now more than seventy years old.All that was due to the blessing of the du’a of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.). ( Bihar al-Anwar, vol.13 p.132.)

Reference : The Life of Imam ALI bin Muhammad AL-HADI