Imam Musa al-Kazim عليه السلام
مُوسَى الكَاظِم
The seventh Imam, the one who restrained his anger, who turned long imprisonment into long prostration.
Imam Musa al-Kazim عليه السلام
Imprisoned for years by Harun al-Rashid, he met cruelty with such gentleness that even his jailers wept. He was known to spend most of his nights in sajdah, whispering, 'My great sin, and Your great forgiveness.'
Swallowing anger
There is a comment that has been replaying in your mind. Today, do not let it write your reply. Pray two rakʿat instead.
Family connections
Son of Imam Jaʿfar al-Sadiq (ع). Father of Imam ʿAli al-Rida (ع).
Major life events
- 128 AHBorn in al-Abwa', between Makkah and Madinah
- 148 AHAssumed the Imamate
- 179 AH (approx)Imprisoned by the Abbasids
- 183 AHMartyred by poison in prison; buried in al-Kazimiyyah (Baghdad)
Important narrations
“Strive in your worship like one who hopes for the reward but never feels it is enough.”
“The intellect of a believer is recognized by ten qualities: gentleness, knowledge, forbearance, generosity, good character, modesty, patience, gratitude, kindness, and integrity.”
Duas connected to them
O my Master, You have favored me — so do not leave me to myself. Forgive me, for I have wronged myself, and I am content with Your decree.
Bihar al-Anwar · attributed in prison
Their light in the Book of Allah
He lived the Qur'anic verses of patience (sabr), restraint of anger (kazm al-ghayz), and 'they spend their nights in prostration to their Lord' (25:64).
قُل لَّا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ
“Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it except love of those near of kin.”
The Prophet ﷺ asks for no payment for his message — only that the Ummah love his near family. Love for the Ahlulbayt (ع) is the reward of prophethood.
إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا
“Allah only wishes to remove all impurity from you, O People of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification.”
Allah testifies to the purity of the Ahlulbayt (ع). The grammar shifts in the middle of the verse — singling them out — and the Prophet ﷺ gathered Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn (peace be upon them) under his cloak when this was revealed.
Important places
- al-Abwa' · birthplace
- Madinah
- Baghdad · al-Kazimiyyah, his shrine
A lesson for children
Imam al-Kazim was kind even to the guard who hurt him. Anger is heavy; forgiveness is light.
With gratitude
- al-Kafi
- Tuhaf al-ʿUqul
- Bihar al-Anwar
Continue Your Journey
Continue Your Journey
Soft suggestions to keep walking quietly, at your own pace.