Racial Diversity & Spiritual Leadership: Lessons from the 8th Imam - Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

Wiladat of 8th Imam Ali Ar-Ridha (AS)11th Dhul Qadah 1446 AH

May 9th, 2025

* Wilādat of Imām ‘Ali ar-Riḍā (a) on 11 Dhul Qa‘dah 1446 / 09 May 2025.* Racial tensions persist globally despite advancements, as seen in Europe’s far-right and US white supremacy.* Minorities once welcomed to strengthen economies are now marginalized as societies push for equality.* Identity is defined by faith (dīn), transcending family, ethnicity, and nationality (49:13).* Quran highlights diversity of language and color as signs of Allah’s power (30:22).* Mothers of Ahlul Bayt Imams came from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Persian, Berber, Maghrib, Nuba, and Sindh.* Imam al-Riḍā’s mother, Najmah, was a slave-girl from Maghrib, illustrating racial inclusivity.* Imam al-Jawad was referred to as “Al-Aswad” due to his dark complexion, but his divine status remained unaffected.* Imam al-Riḍā demonstrated humility by serving a soldier who insulted him in a bathhouse.* The Imam emphasized that true honor comes from taqwā, not lineage or skin color.* A dream involving the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a symbolic number of dates foreshadowed a significant encounter with Imam al-Riḍā.

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