A martyrdom with many dates
The sources agree that Imam al-Rida (a) died in Tus in 203 AH by al-Ma'mun's hand, but they do not agree on the day. Al-Kulayni places it in Safar; al-Tabrisi and most of the tradition on the last day of that month. Other reports name 17 Safar, 21 Ramadan, 18 Jumada al-Ula, and two dates in Dhu l-Qa'da — the 23rd and the last of the month. The 23rd of Dhu l-Qa'da has been kept in some Shia almanacs, and Iranian custom recalls the Imam in this month twelve days after his birthday.
The story
Summoned from Madinah to Marv, made heir apparent against his will, and shown to be more beloved than the caliph at the Eid prayer and in every debate, the Imam was taken by al-Ma'mun towards Baghdad and died on the way at the village of Sanabad after eating grapes or pomegranate given by the caliph's order. Al-Ma'mun buried him beside his own father Harun al-Rashid and walked bareheaded in the funeral.
How to use this entry
This page records the Dhu l-Qa'da narration so that the reader knows why some calendars mark the Imam's martyrdom here; the fuller account, and the observance most Shia follow, is on the entry for the last day of Safar.
Written for Shia Online Community. Dates and facts are checked against the references listed under Research & books; where the tradition records more than one date, all are given.
