Birth Anniversary of Imam Ali al-Rida (p), 1446 A.H.

May 8, 2025

Friday, May 9th, 2025 is the 11th of Dhu al-Qidah, 1446 A.H, which marks the birth anniversary of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (p).

When the Imam Waited for the Forgotten

A man from Balkh once accompanied Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (p) on his journey to Khurasan.

One afternoon, the Imam called for food to be served and invited everyone to the table — his companions, travelers, and even the servants, including several men from the Sudan.

The man from Balkh, perhaps influenced by the norms of his time, quietly suggested,
“May I be your sacrifice, would it not be better to set a separate table for these people?” He meant the Black companions. The Imam (p) looked at him — and in that moment, his words cut through centuries of cultural arrogance, “Be silent! The Lord is One. The mother is one. The father is one. And reward is based on deeds.”

The room fell quiet. There was no lecture, no shouting — just this piercing truth.
That before God, status is not in skin or station, but in sincerity and service.

In a world that so easily ranks people by class, race, or role, the Imam (p) quietly tore down that wall and rebuilt it with compassion.