The Imam assumed the divinely appointed position of Imamah in the year 148, when his father was martyred, making him the seventh Shiite Imam. He himself was martyred in either the year 183 Hijri or 186 Hijri.

He was the son of Imam Husayn ibn 'Ali ('a), the third Imam of the Shia world, and his mother was Shahr Bānūwīyah.

On this auspicious day Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi's Website releases a brief biography of the Imam ('a)

The issue of Wilāyah is one of the most important of precepts. The reason behind its importance can be found in a statement made by Imam Ali (ʿa) where he said that Wilāyah guarantees the implementation of other Islamic precepts.

The lecturers and students of the religious seminary can utilize the teachings of Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) in helping the people resolve their various ideological questions and doubts. Unfortunately, Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) has not been remembered like the other Imams (ʿa), nor have his teachings been given the attention that they truly deserve. We must do our best to remedy this shortcoming in ourselves and our institutions.

When we examine any book of jurisprudence, beliefs (ʿAqāʾid), the principles of jurisprudence, and ethics, we find that they are full of traditions narrated from Imam al-Baqir (ʿa) and Imam al-Sadiq (ʿa). These two Imams (ʿa) have left behind a massive intellectual and spiritual legacy and the implications of their teachings for the Islamic sciences are enormous.

The prevalence of various social problems has placed the ideal which we strive towards in our social lives at great risk. There are many problems which we are faced with in this regard. Through studying the various aspects of the life of Imam al-Jawad (ʿa) in regards to this field, we can create better policies which will help resolve these issues, particularly those related to marriage.

The scientific debates and discussions held by Imam ʿAli ibn Musā al-Rida (ʿa) are not a historical matter which only pertains to the past; they are rather a main source which should be utilized today for the comprehensive defense of Islam.

Imam al-Rida ('a) played an integral role in guiding the intellectual progress of the Muslim Ummah and defending the Islamic beliefs against the encroachment of un-Islamic ideological currents. As the Muslim Ummah’s borders expanded, it came in to contact with the ideas and beliefs of many various nations and religions.

There is hope that in the world of today, the oppressed nations will take lesson from the story of Karbala and rise up, crushing their oppressors once and for all.

One of the main problems facing humanity during our time period is that of the oppressive superpowers and their destructive goals and policies. The aim of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) was nothing but fighting against these oppressive and tyrannical powers.

Indeed, the ceremonies held on Arbaʿīn are one of the noblest traditions of the religion of Islam. These ceremonies have deep roots within the religion itself and they were handed down to us from the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) themselves. In spite of all the years which have passed since the great uprising of Karbala, perhaps it is still too soon for us to truly understand the profound reality of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa)’s sacrifice.

There is no doubt that Imam al-Hasan (ʿa) possessed so many positive and noble characteristics that he was truly befitting of his name ‘Hasan’. We hope that we can also follow in his footsteps and become more like him as well.

Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) performed his prayers in congregation even on the day of Ashura. This shows us that the prayers must be performed even in the most extreme and difficult of condition. Thus, in order to highlight this lesson and show its importance, it is very important that we offer the Noon Prayer of the day of Ashura in congregation.

Reviving the name and memory of these great men is something which gives inspiration and it furthermore gives human beings a spirit of self-sacrifice.

The mourning ceremonies must be held in a way where all the people are made aware of the goals of Imam al-Husayn(ʿa). The methods which are used in these ceremonies must be in line with the guidelines of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) and the rest of the Infallibles (ʿa), as well as the common practice of the wise members of the Muslim community.

Various moments in the history of Karbala have shown us how we should live an honorable life and how we should die an honorable death. These are the same lessons which Imam al-Husayn(ʿa) taught the world at the Battlefield of Karbala on the Day of Ashura.

We must follow in the footsteps of the martyrs of Karbala and we must also implement the teachings and messages which they left behind for us.

The martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) was so intertwined with various lofty values that it will never become old, nor will its values ever become outdated. Not only that, but Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) grows in value and relevance every single day.

The combination of the proper affections for Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) alongside the necessary knowledge and understanding of the purposes behind Imam al-Husayn (ʿa)’s uprising are two necessary aspects of the establishment of proper mourning. The mourning ceremonies must be held with ever increasing levels of grandeur and perfection every year and we must be careful not to engage in any actions which will tarnish the grandeur of these ceremonies.

One can only claim that they love Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) and are among his true followers when they have reflected upon the various corruption and problems which exist during their own time period and they have done their best towards reforming these issues. Without any doubt, if the mourners of Imam al-Ḥusayn (ʿa) make a logical and calculated decision together towards fighting the corruption which exists in their society, they will be successful in reforming it.