Ali al-Rida ibn Musa (alaihimus-salam)

Imam Ali al-Rida was born in Madina on 11th Zulqi'da in148 AH, or 153 AH. 

 His father was Imam Musa al-Kazim al-Kazim, who was descendant of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima, alaihim Assalam. 

His mother was a freed slave, probably of Nubian origin, known in different sources as Najma or Toktam. 

Imam Al-Kazim designated his son, Ali al-Rida, as his successor before his death in the prison of Harun al-Rashid in183 AH.

He is also Master in the chain of in Sufi orders, especially in our blessed Naqshabandi Tariqa. He was known for his extensive piety and learning, and a number of works are attributed to him, including Al-Risala al-Zhahabia, Sahifa al-Rida, and Fiqh al-Rida. Also, Uyun Akhbar al-Rida by Ibn Babawayh is a comprehensive collection that includes the religious debates, sayings, biographical details, and even the miracles that occurred at his tomb.

It has been commonly held that Hazrat Ma'ruf Karkhi, who converted from Christianity to Islam at the hands of Imam al-Rida, is a prominent figure in the golden chain of most Sufi orders. He is said to have been a devoted student of al-Rida. In Sufi tradition, al-Rida is regarded as a model of true asceticism.

Translation of some of his wise sayings:

• "The sincere friend of every man is his intelligence, while his enemy is his ignorance."

• "Worship is not abundant prayer and fasting; rather, it is abundant reflecting on the glory of Allah, the Great and Almighty."

• "Man is not worshipful unless he is clement."

• "Faith/ iman is a degree above Islam; fear of Allah is a degree above faith; and nothing less than fear of Allah has been divided among men."

• "Faith is four pillars: trust in Allah, satisfaction with the decree of Allah, submission to the command of Allah, and entrusting (affairs) with Allah."

"If one lacks five attributes, do not expect any good out of him for your life in this world or your life to come: if his lineage is known to be untrustworthy, if his nature lacks generosity, if his temper lacks balance, if he lacks a noble conduct, and if he lacks fear of his Lord."

• "If only three years of a person's span of life has remained and he tightens the bond of kin, Allah will make them thirty years, and Allah does whatever He wills."

• "Adhere to the weapon of the prophets!" They asked, "What is the weapon of prophets?" He replied, "Supplication."

• "A believer's secret supplication is equal to seventy open supplications."

• "Imamate is compulsory for religion and it is a system for Muslims. It is a cause of benefit in this world and dignity for Believers."