In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Conspiracy Theory

Mutiwakkil was suffering from a pimple. The infectious pimple was threatening his life. No surgeon could cut it out or push out its infection. Mutiwakkil’s mother made a vow that if his son recovered she would present a large amount of her money for Imam Hadi (PBUH).

At the same time, Fath ibn Khaaqan, the vizier of Mutiwakkil, suggested that someone be sent to Imam Hadi (PBUH) maybe he could prescribe a solution. Mutiwakkil accepted, and sent someone to Imam Hadi (PBUH).

The envoy told the story of Mutiwakkil, and Imam, although Mutiwakkil was his enemy and had troubled him for times, generously gave a prescription, and said “by the will of God with the help of the prescription the pimple will open and the infection would come out.”     

The envoy gave the prescription. Those present mocked the prescription, and ridiculed Imam’s (PBUH) statement. However, Fath bin Khaaqan said that “we should put it into practice” and hoped that it will be useful. After that the pimple opened and the infection came out, and Mutiwakkil was saved from death.

When Mutiwakkil’s mother heard about the recovery of his son she was delighted, and put 10 thousand dinars (Gold coins) in a bag and sealed it with her sign, and sent it to Imam Hadi (PBUH).

After the recovery and relief, however, Mutiwakkil returned to his previous attitude. After a few days a person came to him, and told him that Imam Hadi (PBUH) had gathered large amounts of money and arms to rebel against him.

Mutiwakkil ordered Saeed Hajeb to enter the house of Imam Hadi (PBUH) at night, and seize whatever arms and money he finds, and send it to Mutiwakkil. 

Ibrahim bin Muhammad said: Sa’eed informed me that by the order of Mutiwakkil we went to the house of Imam Hadi (PBUH) at night, and put a ladder and went on the roof. I wanted to descend from the stairs in the dark, but I couldn’t see in front of me, and I didn’t know how to complete my mission. At this time Imam Hadi (PBUH) called me, and told me to stand where I was until he brings me a light. He lighted up a candle and exited his room. I descended from the stairs and entered the room. I saw him wearing clothes from wool and a woolen hat, sitting on a fescue mat toward the direction of Qiblah for worship. When he saw me, he told me that all the rooms are at your service. I couldn’t find anything at all. In the corner of the room, I saw a bag of gold with the sign of Mutiwakkil’s mother on it. Beside it there was another bag. I took them. Imam Hadi (PBUH) told me to look under his prayer mat too. There was a sword. I took them all to Mutiwakkil.  

Seeing his mother’s sign, Mutiwakkil was surprised, and was about to send for his mother to ask her about the bags and the signs. One of the officials informed him that when he was suffering from the pimple his mother had made a vow for his recovery, and that these must be related to that vow. Mutiwakkil opened the other bag and found 400 dinars in it. Then he added another bag, and ordered Saeed Hajeb to return those bags with the sword to Imam Hadi (PBUH).

Saeed says: “according to the order, I returned the bags and the sword shamefully, and told Imam Hadi (PBUH) that I apologize for entering your house without permission; I had to obey the order of Mutiwakkil.”

Imam answered (by this verse of the Holy Quran):

“And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned.”⁽¹⁾

Yes; the caliphate, being aware of the knowledge and status of imamate, was always in conspiracy theory of an armed uprising from the Imams. Particularly they regarded the expansion of the narrations, the records of the righteousness and virtues  of the Imams, and the pledge of the savior as a great obstacle in front of them. While the infallible Imams after Imam Hussain (PBUH) and Ashura incident never saw an appropriate opportunity in the society to form the just government, and did not think about overthrowing the caliphate.

But this conspiracy theory by the caliphs caused them to disturb the Imams all the time; they harassed them with different excuses, and finally killed them.

(The above is a selection taken from "Irshad", by Sheikh Mufid (with additions))

The Roshd Website offers condolences to all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 3^rd of Rajab, the martyrdom anniversary upon martyrdom of the inviter of people to guidance and the illuminator of path of generosity,

Imam Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi (PBUH).

Roshd Islamic Shia Website

Footnote:

1. The Holy Quran, (26:227)