Martyrdom of Imam Ali al-Hadi (as)

Life Under Surveillance

Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) spent over twenty years in Samarra under house arrest and constant military surveillance. The Abbasid caliphs subjected him to numerous indignities, including throwing him into a den of lions, but the lions miraculously sat at his feet. (Source: Bihar al-Anwar)

His Martyrdom

The caliph Al-Mu'tazz, fearing the Imam's growing spiritual authority and the effectiveness of his representative network, ordered him to be poisoned. Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) achieved martyrdom on the 3rd of Rajab 254 AH. He was buried in his own house in Samarra, which today is a magnificent shrine.

Aamal for 3rd Rajab

The 3rd of Rajab is a day of mourning. Believers hold majalis to recount his sufferings in the military camp of Samarra. It is recommended to recite Ziyarat al-Jami'a al-Kabira and perform special prayers to connect with his spiritual legacy.