Biography of Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS) – The Tenth Shia Imam


Birth and Family


Imam Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi (AS), the tenth Imam of Shia Muslims, was born in mid-Dhu al-Hijjah 212 AH (828 CE) in the village of Surayya near Medina. His father was Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (AS), the ninth Imam, and his mother, Lady Samānah al-Maghribiyyah, was a devout, pure-hearted woman known for her piety and wisdom.


From a young age, Imam al-Hadi (AS) was known for his deep spiritual purity. At just eight years old, he lost his father, and the great responsibility of the Imamate was placed upon his shoulders — just as his father had assumed the Imamate at a young age.


Beginning the Imamate in Childhood


His Imamate began in 220 AH when he was still a child. Despite his young age, his vast knowledge and wisdom astonished scholars and jurists of the time. This was a clear sign for the people that the position of Imamate is a divine appointment, not something dependent on age or worldly education.


Even during his teenage years, his sharp intellect, humility, and gentle manners attracted hearts. People of different backgrounds, even non-Shias, admired his knowledge and moral excellence.


Political Environment and Abbasid Pressure


The Imamate of Imam al-Hadi (AS) coincided with one of the most politically oppressive eras of the Abbasid Caliphate. He lived during the rule of six Abbasid caliphs:


Al-Muʿtasim


Al-Wathiq


Al-Mutawakkil


Al-Muntasir


Al-Mustaʿin


Al-Muʿtazz



Of these, Al-Mutawakkil was the most hostile toward the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet). Despite knowing Imam al-Hadi’s piety and non-political lifestyle, he feared the Imam’s spiritual influence over the people.


Forced Relocation to Samarra


To keep Imam al-Hadi under surveillance, Al-Mutawakkil ordered him to move from Medina to Samarra, the Abbasid capital. Though framed as an “invitation,” it was essentially forced exile.


In Samarra, Imam al-Hadi was placed in the military district called “Al-ʿAskar,” which is why he was also given the title al-ʿAskari. His home was constantly watched, and visits from Shia followers were heavily restricted.


The Imam’s Strategic Approach


Despite these harsh conditions, Imam al-Hadi (AS) adopted a strategy that preserved the faith and protected his followers. He developed a network of trusted representatives (wakils) who relayed his teachings, religious rulings, and guidance to Shia communities across different regions.


When interacting with the Abbasid rulers, he maintained dignity and politeness while subtly exposing their corruption and injustice.


The Hostility of Al-Mutawakkil


Al-Mutawakkil’s enmity toward the Ahl al-Bayt was intense. He even ordered the demolition of Imam Husayn’s shrine in Karbala and tried to prevent people from visiting it.


At one point, he spread false rumors that Imam al-Hadi was hiding weapons and rebel funds in his home. Soldiers raided the Imam’s residence — only to find copies of the Qur’an and books of supplications. This incident humiliated Al-Mutawakkil and elevated the Imam’s honor.


Spiritual Miracles and Character


In addition to his vast knowledge, Imam al-Hadi (AS) was known for miraculous acts. For example, he once healed a high-ranking official from a severe illness through his prayer, which deeply impressed even his opponents.


He also taught the famous Ziyarat al-Jamiʿa al-Kabīra, a profound and eloquent text describing the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt and the principles of faith.


Educational and Cultural Efforts


Even under surveillance, Imam al-Hadi continued to hold scholarly gatherings — often in a discreet and limited manner. He trained notable students who later became influential in preserving and spreading Shia teachings.


He also confronted intellectual deviations and answered theological doubts, defending the idea that the Imamate is a divine position, not a role attained through scholarly achievement alone.


Martyrdom

After the death of Al-Mutawakkil, several other caliphs came to power, but the pressure on Imam al-Hadi did not lessen. In 254 AH (868 CE), Caliph Al-Muʿtazz, fearing the Imam’s influence, ordered that he be poisoned.


Imam al-Hadi (AS) passed away at the age of 42 and was buried in his home in Samarra. Today, his shrine stands beside the resting place of his son, Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari (AS), and remains a site of great reverence for Muslims worldwide.


Legacy of Imam al-Hadi (AS)


Ziyarat al-Jamiʿa al-Kabīra: A timeless masterpiece articulating the status of the Ahl al-Bayt.


Network of Representatives: A system that maintained the unity and connection of the Shia community.


Defense of Faith: Intellectual resistance against theological distortions.


Peaceful Resistance: A model of confronting injustice without resorting to violence.



Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS) demonstrated that even in the heart of an oppressive system, truth and justice can be preserved. His patience, wisdom, and moral integrity continue to inspire generations of believers.