Who was Imam Ali Al-Hadi (as)? 

Imam Ali Al-Hadi (as) lived in a time of oppression. But he rose above it with wisdom and patience. 

Imam Ali Al-Hadi (as) is the 10^th Imam in Shia Islam. His life, marked by intense surveillance under Abbasid rule, still showed the power of spiritual leadership despite all odds. 

Through his wisdom, the Imam (as) protected the tenets of Islam and nurtured the hearts of the believers. 

As we celebrate his wiladat, we reflect on key moments from his life. 

Who was Imam Ali Al-Hadi? 

Imam Ali Al-Hadi is the 10^th Shia Imam. He was known for his piety, wisdom, and generosity. 

Born in the holy city of Medina, the Imam blessed this world on the 15^th of Dhul Hijjah, according to most narrations. Other narrations mention he was born on the 2^nd of Rajab. Most narrations say he was born in 212 AH, while some say 214 AH.  

His father was our 9^th Imam, Muhammad Al-Jawad (as), and his mother was Lady Summana. He is the father of the 11^th Imam, Hassan Al-Askari (as), and the grandfather of our Awaited Saviour, Imam Mahdi (ajtfs). 

He became the Imam in 220 AH, and his imamate lasted for almost 34 years. The proof of his Imamate is shown from a hadith attributed to Imam Al-Jawad (as), which says,  

“Certainly the Imam after me is my son Ali. His command is my command, his word is my word, obedience to him is obedience to me, and the Imamate after him will rest with his son al-Hassan.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.50) 

Al-Hadi, the Guide 

One of the titles of the Imam was “Al-Hadi”, which means “the Guide.” 

He was given this title because he remained persistent in guiding the Muslims on the correct path of Islam, despite being under heavy surveillance from the Abbasid caliphs like Mutawakkil.  

Shaykh Baqir al-Qarashi mentioned an example of Imam Al-Hadi (as) guiding someone. A man named al-Hasan al-Basri was a Waqifi Shia. When Imam Al-Hadi (as) met him, he said, “Until when is this slumber? Is it not yet time for you to awake?” (i.e. awaken from being away from the truth). The man was so affected by these words that he came back to the correct path. 

Al-Naqi, the Pure 

Another title of the Imam (as) was “Al-Naqi”, meaning “the Pure”. The Imam (as) was given this title because of the pureness of his heart. 

This quality of the Imam (as) can be seen through his detachment from the material world. His homes in Medina and Samarra had no furniture. He preferred obedience to Allah (swt) over worldly pleasure or material goods. 

Imam Al-Hadi (as) is reported to have said, “He who obeys The Creator (swt) is not bothered by the displeasure of the creation (i.e. other people). (Bihar al-Anwar, v.78) 

From Medina to Samarra 

Under Mutawakkil’s rule, Imam Al-Hadi (as) remained under constant surveillance. With the Imam (as) guiding people in Medina, the governor of Medina informed Mutawakil of the potential danger to the state due to the Imam’s (as) popularity and asked to have the Imam (as) arrested. 

Under the guise of respect, Mutawakkil summoned Imam Al-Naqi (as) to Samarra. While the Imam (as) initially rejected, Mutawakkil persisted and subtly forced the Imam (as) to move. Imam Al-Hadi (as) first went to Baghdad before arriving in Samarra. 

Mutawakkil made the Imam (as) stay at Khan as-Sa’alik when he first arrived to Samarra as way to try and embarrass him. After the Imam (as) moved into his home, Mutawakkil had placed the Imam under house arrest and kept him under surveillance.  

This remained through the rest of the Imam’s (as) time in Samarra. 

His Martyrdom and Burial 

Imam Al-Naqi (as) was poisoned by al-Mutaz and achieved martyrdom on the 3^rd of Rajab, 254 AH. He is buried in Samarra with his son, Imam Hassan Al-Askari (as). 

The shrine faced terrorist attacks in February 2006 and June 2007, where explosives destroyed the dome and minarets of the holy shrine. The shrine has since been rebuilt and the security tightened up. 

The life of Imam Ali Al-Hadi (as) reminds us that true leadership lies in humility, piety, and wisdom. Let us strive to reflect his example in our actions and commitments. 

• 📖 Learn more about his life in books like “The Life of Imam Ali al-Hadi, Study and Analysis” by Shaykh Baqir Shareef al-Qarashi and “The Fourteen Luminaries of Islam” by Ahmad Ahmadi Birjandi. 

• 🤲 Spiritually uplift vulnerable individuals. 

• 🩵 Give sadaqa in his honor.