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Imam Ali ibn Mousa (Reza), Peace be upon him, was born in 148 A.H. and martyred in 203 A.H.
After his father, Imam Mousa Al-Kazem (Pbuh), he was ordained through divine command to become the leader of the Islamic Ummah. His caliphate was coincided with the rule of Harun Rashid and then his sons, Amin and Ma'mun. Amin, the older son, was killed during the fights with his brother so Ma'mun gained caliphate.

According to the tradition started by Mu'awiya, Ma'mun had to name a successor. Therefore he summoned the Imam to come to his capital, Marv from Medina. On reaching Marv, Ma'mun forced Imam to accept the caliphate. Imam accepted unwillingly, on that he would not be asked to take part in any governmental tasks and the official affairs. As Ma'mun’s government policies were completely contrary to the Islam’s principles and the teachings of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat-e Mohammad (Pbuh), Imam used the position, to spread Islam and Shi'ism.

So his popularity was increased among the army and officials an issue which made Ma'mun disturbed. So he finally poisoned Imam Reza (Pbuh) on 29^th Safar, 203 A.H. in Toos, a place today called Mashhad in Khorasan Prov, north-east of Iran.

Some examples of Imam Reza’s (Pbuh) vast knowledge were made clear when Mam'un invited the scholars of different schools of thought to attend a seminar of debate over the theological issues and matters of the doctrines of faith. Imam Reza (Pbuh) took part in these seminars.
This infallible Imam was very generous to everyone, specially the poor. He helped the needy, during the night so that no one could recognize him. Never did he practise any injustice to any one in his words and deeds.
Imam Reza, the Eight Infallible Imam (Pbuh) stated:
"I will be poisoned soon. Then whoever makes cautiously a pilgrimage to me, the Almighty Allah will forgive all his past and next sins."

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