Martyrdom of Imam Reza in Iran 2023: Date, History, Facts about Shiite

Imam Reza’s martyrdom is commemorated annually on the 30th day of the Islamic month of Safar. This year, it will be observed beginning September 15 evening. The Iranian national holiday commemorates the martyrdom of Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha, a descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and the eighth Imam of Twelver Shia Islam. Imam Ali al-Ridha was assassinated by the Abbasid caliph al-Ma’mun in 818 and interred next to al-Ma’mun’s father.

The background of Martyrdom of Imam Reza

Due to the division into Sunni and Shia branches, Islam endured a lengthy period of political and religious turmoil following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. This schism resulted in power struggles, with the Caliphate transferring from one dynasty to another over the centuries that followed.

The spiritual authority of the Shia, known as a “Imam,” was chosen from among the descendants of Prophet Muhammad. Al ibn Ms ar-Ri, who was born on January 1, 766, succeeded his father, Imam Musa al-Kadhim, as the eighth Shia Imam in 799.

Reza held the position of Imam for nearly two decades, during which time he earned a reputation as a revered, knowledgeable, and extremely spiritual leader. Al-Dhahabi, a historian, extolled him, stating that al-Ridha was the most courteous and noble Hashemite of his time.

The Abbasid Caliphate ruled the Muslim world at the time, and Caliph Al-Ma’mun appointed Imam Reza as his successor in order to suppress Shia rebellions.

According to Shia historians, Al-Ma’mun was shocked and threatened on seeing that Imam Reza had become more prominent than him. In June 818, the Caliph plotted to poison Imam Reza in order to murder him.

The Imam was interred at the shrine of Imam Reza in the Iranian province of Khorasan Razavi, which is now known as Mashhad, which means “place of martyrdom.” The shrine is a complex that contains Imam Reza’s tomb.

Every year on this date, millions of Iranians participate in mourning processions commemorating the anniversary of Imam Reza’s martyrdom.

In Iran, mourners of various social strata and ages congregate in black at mosques and religious sites. In honour of the revered Shia Imam, eulogies and sermons are delivered during these ceremonies.

5 SHIITE FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Approximately 10 to 15 percent of Muslims identify as Shiite, but they are the second-largest branch of Islam.

The majority of Shia reside in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain.

Shiite practises centre on the commemoration of Ali’s youngest son Hussein, who was martyred in Karbala in the year 680 A.D. by forces.

They believe that Al ibn Ab lib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, should have succeeded Muhammad as the spiritual and political leader of Islam.

The five principles are righteousness, prophethood, leadership, resurrection, and the final judgement.

MARTYRDOM OF IMAM REZA DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	September 25	Sunday
2023	September 15	Friday
2024	September 4	Wednesday
2025	August 24	Sunday
2026	August 3	Monday