
The episode during Mamun’s Reign
The fame and popularity of Hazrat Imam Ali Raza is universal. He has served the cause of religion from the bottom of the heart. The number of his followers is so great, and the spiritual uplifting is so deep that any space would fall short of describing it. His sacrifice and religious practices were so truthful that Mamun decided to hand him over the reins of governance since Hijri 218. He wished to make him the successor. First of all, he summoned Fazal-Ibne-Sohel, conveyed him his wish and told him to discuss the matter with his brother. After discussion, both of them came to Mamun’s court where Hasan said that it was a big step. He added that if
Mamun did that, the control and power from his hands would be slipped away. On this, Mamun said, “Handing over the caliphate to the best of Bani Talib’s descendants is, I feel, much better than having control over the perfidious people. And, Imam Ali Raza is the best among all of them. I will surely do that.” When both of them realised that Mamun was bent upon his decision, they kept quiet. Then, Mamun told them to go to Ali Raza, inform them about his decision and hand over the power. They went to Hazrat Ali Raza, informed him about Mamun’s decision and requested him to accept the reins of governance. Hazrat Ali Raza refused to accept, but both the messengers insisted upon it and finally, Hazrat accepted caliphate reluctantly. He said, “I will not work according to anybody’s orders, wishes, directions or rules. At the same time, I will not change the rules, regulations and the whole set up that exists now. When Mamun heard this, he, immediately accepted all the conditions put by Hazrat. He fixed 5th Ramadan ul Mubarak, Hijri 201, Thursday, for this historic meeting. All the personnel of government gather there. At that time, Mamun ordered Fazal-bin-Sualeh, “Inform all the persons present in the meeting that from today, Hazrat Ali Raza is the Amir-ul-Mominin, I have handed over the responsibility and accepted him as my religious head (Successor).” After that, the Hazrat came and took his holy seat. He had put on the green dress, turban on the head and had a sword in his waist. Mamun asked his son to take the oath of allegiance to his hand. After that, all the gentries stood up and offered sermons and praises on his name. Then, Mamun showered plentiful jewellery and money over the guests.” After that, Mamun requested him, “Hazrat, you, please stand and recite sermon (Khutba).” (Tashrif-ul-Bashar) “9
Hazrat Imam Ali Raza stood up, and first of all, he praised Allah, the Almighty, offered Salams to Hazrat Rasul-e-Khuda


