The Demise Of His Father
Sayyid Radi and his elder brother both were fortunate enough to have the blessed existence of their father till the year 403 A.H. - a father who was a celebrated scholar, unmatched in knowledge and piety. Within the home environment he was a kind father, compassionate teacher, and sincere friend for his children; at the same time, he was a perfect model of charming manners, upright conduct, and pleasant and constructive encounters. Abu Ahmad dedicated himself tota11y for the service of religion and people and by assuming important responsibilities defended the rights of deprived and destitute masses. Ibn Abi'lHadid Moatazali in his preface written for the book: "Commentary of Nahj al-Balaghah in chapter dealing with the biography of Sayyid Radi writes as follows:
“The father of Sayyid Radi Naqib Abu Ahmad was an eminent personality, was assigned important key positions during the Abbassids and Ale-Buyeh governments. Bahod-dowleh used to call him with the title of “The unique chaste person”. (Tahir-Ohad). He was appointed five times as Naqibi-Talibyan; while still holding that office, and having lost his eyesight, he left this world for his next abode.”1
Here it would be appropriate to clarify the above quotation that Abu Ahmad was holding the above-mentioned responsibility till his last moment, rather in the year 380 A.H., while still in good health, he himself willingly had transferred all these social responsibilities to his able, talented and intellectual son Sayyid Radi. Abu Ahmad, after living a distinguished and fruitful life full of continuous struggle for betterment of society's deprived died at the age of 97 years in the city of Baghdad, and with his hands full of decent services joined the blessed Kingdom of God.
As soon as the tragic news of sad demise of this dedicated self-sacrificing scholar, an ornament of public assemblies, and friend and supporter of the deprived was announced, it flooded the hearts of Muslims and Shi’i with pains and bitter tragedy. A huge crowd was gathered outside for paying last tributes to their beloved leader. In this magnificent and spiritual gathering the presence of eminent scholars and pious personalities had converted the whole scene into a heavenly manifestation.
With their hearts full of sorrow and sadness the lovers of Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet's Holy Progeny) washed and shrouded the soulless body of Abu Ahmad for his journey to eternal abode. It was after completion of these rituals, that Sayyid Murtada joined the congregation to lead the funeral prayer for his father. His body was temporarily buried in his house and later on it was transferred to Karbala and was buried inside the Holy shrine of the Lord of Martyrs Husayn bin Ali (‘a).
Many celebrated poets including Sayyid Radi, Sayyid Murtada, Abu Ishaq Sabi, Abul Alai Moari, composed heart-rending sorrowful eulogies,2 and by recital of these lamentations paid tributes and kept his memory alive forever. Abul Aala, the most famous Arab poet in his eulogy addresses Abu Ahmad as follows:
“Two stars of your memory, left among us are still illuminating the horizon during each morning and evening.
Two exalted personalities, who were trained with righteous virtues, are indeed perfect models of modesty, grandeur, and adornment.
In virtues both are equivalent, in benevolence are like the rainfall -full of blessing, or like the two moons shining in intense darkness.
Both of them are possessors of special dignity, that every time the people of ''Najd3speak with eloquence, in comparison to theirs, it means nothing.
Radi and Murtada are co-equivalent and have honestly divided (between them) the overall lines of magnificence and dignity.4
