Ahmad ibn Musa (popularly referred to as Sayyid Shahchiragh) is one of the descendants of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household). He embodied the highest ideals of Islamic ethics and spirituality, serving as a role model for generations of believers. In the article, we shall briefly discuss the biography of Ahmad ibn Musa Shahchiragh.
Lineage and Birth
Hazrat Ahmad’s lineage traces back to the Prophet Muhammad through his pure household [Ahl al-Bayt], which holds special significance in Islam. He was one of the sons of the seventh Shia Imam, Imam Musa al-Kadhim and his mother was known as Umm Ahmad[1]. Meanwhile, there is no information at hand on the year of his birth.
His Title
The title of Sayyid Ahmad is “Shahchiragh” which literally means “King of the Light” has its origin in recent stories and books, and it is not found in early sources. It is mentioned that until the reign of Amir Adud Al-Dawla[2], nobody knew where Ahmad ibn Musa was exactly buried, as there were some houses around there. An old woman was living there and she always noticed a light shining each week on Thursday nights. It kept shining until the sunrise. After a while, she thought to herself that maybe it was a mausoleum of God’s greatest men. She decided to notify Amir Adud Al-Dawla and he decided to go there on the first Thursday. The king went to the old woman’s house and asked her to notify him whenever she saw the light. After a while, the old woman saw the light and was amazed by it and called the king three times: “King! Light!” The king saw the light and sent somebody to investigate who was buried there. They found that it was the mausoleum of Ahmad ibn Musa and the king commanded to build a wonderful monument for him.
His Noble Status
Ahmad ibn Musa Shahchiragh is revered for his piety, knowledge, wisdom, and generosity. His character is often depicted as compassionate and virtuous, embodying the values of humility and devotion. It is reported that Ahmad ibn Musa was very generous, and his father, Imam al-Kadhim (PBUH), loved and admired him very much[3].
Al-Kashshi referred to Ahmad ibn Musa as a knowledgeable person in his time and as a hadith transmitter who transmitted many hadiths from his father and ancestors. He wrote that Ahmad ibn Musa transcribed the whole Qur’an in his handwriting[4].
In addition, Shaykh al-Mufid in his popular book, Al-Irshād referred to Ahmad ibn Musa as a great figure: “Ahmad ibn Musa was a man of dignity, highly respected, and pious, and was loved by his father and preferred by him over his other children. Imam al-Kadhim (PBUH) gave him his farm, known as ‘Yasira’. Ahmad ibn Musa ibn Ja’far emancipated 1000 slaves[5]“. Shaykh al-Mufid cited a hadith which indicated that his father, Imam al-Kadhim (PBUH), highly regarded Ahmad, never ignored him, and always looked after him[6].
His Migration to Iran
In the period of Ma’mun Abbasi’s reign, the uprising and movement of Alavi and Hashemi reached its peak, and by the guidance and leadership of Imam Reza (PBUH), the real Islam was promoted and the real face of the usurping government of the Abbasid caliphs was revealed. However, in an attempt to suppress the Shiites’ revolt and to strengthen the unstable government of Abbasids, Ma’mun forced Imam Reza to leave Medina and relocate to Tus [in Iran]. He also imposed on Imam al-Rida (PBUH) to accept being the crown prince. Consequently, due to the presence of Imam al-Rida in Khorasan, the Shiites travelled to Iran from different places to visit him.
It is reported that in the same years (198-203), Hazrat Ahmad Ibn Musa with some of his friends and Shiites (whose number is recorded between 3000 to 15000 people[7]) moved from Medina to Tus through Shiraz. According to Sulṭān al-Wāʿiẓīn, two reasons[8] were given for his migration to Iran:
- For the vengeance of his brother, ‘Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (PBUH) who was martyred by al-Ma’mun.
- To meet his brother in Merv, although he heard the news of his brother’s martyrdom on the way.
His Martyrdom
As the caravan led by Hazrat Ahmad Ibn Musa arrived at the land of Fars, Qutlugh Khan, the ruler of Shiraz and al-Ma’mun’s agent, ordered a large army to attack Ahmad ibn Musa and his caravan in Khan Zinan (about 50 km away from Shiraz) and he was martyred and buried.
The Shahchiragh Shrine in Shiraz holds immense significance both religiously and culturally, as it serves as a focal point for pilgrimage, drawing devotees from across Iran and beyond. Moreover, the Shahchiragh Shrine is a symbol of unity and spirituality, fostering a sense of community among Shia Muslims. Pilgrims visit to pay their respects, seek blessings, and find solace in the presence of the saint.
Conclusion
Ahmad ibn Musa Shahchiragh is a revered figure associated with the Shahchiragh Shrine in Shiraz, Iran. He is remembered for his piety, knowledge, wisdom, and generosity. His shrine serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. Ahmad ibn Musa Shahchiragh’s legacy continues to inspire devotion and reverence among believers, making him a cherished figure in Iranian culture and religious tradition.
References
[1] . Majlisī, Muḥammad Bāqir, Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 48, p. 308.
[2] . Majd al-Ashraf, Āthār al-aḥmadīyya, p. 2-8.
[3] . Irbilī, Alī ibn ʿIsā, al-Kashf al-ghumma, vol. 2, p. 226; Ibn Ṣabbāgh, Alī ibn Muḥammad, al-Fuṣūl al-muhimma, vol. 2, p. 961.
[4] . Kashshī, Muḥammad, al-Ikhtīyār maʿrifat al-rijāl, p. 294.
[5] . Mufīd, Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad, al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 244.
[6] . Mufīd, Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad, al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 245.
[7] . Sulṭān al-Wāʿiẓīn, Muḥammad, Shabhā-yi pīshāwar, p. 117.
[8] . Sulṭān al-Wāʿiẓīn, Muḥammad, Shabhā-yi pīshāwar, p. 118.
