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He served the longest period of <strong>Imam</strong>a (besides the 12th <strong>Imam</strong>) - 34years which can be divided into two parts - 17 years of freedom and17 years under arrest.In 234 A.H. came one of the most tyrannical rulers of the AbbasidKhilafate - Mutawakkil. He ruled with tyranny, killing, looting andterrorising especially those who were the followers of Ahlulbayt.Mutawakkil is also the one who ordered the desecration of the graveof <strong>Imam</strong> Husayn (pbuh) wanting to remove <strong>Imam</strong>'s body and burn it(He did not succeed). He tried running water over the grave so notrace of the grave would remain but was unsuccessful. He orderedthat all those wanting to visit Karbala would have their fingers cut off,then hand and feet cut then only be able to go if one other from thefamily was killed. <strong>Imam</strong> still asked Shias to visit Karbala. WhenMutawakkil saw that all had failed and it did not discourage the visitsthen he banned all visits to Karbala completely.Mutawakkil called <strong>Imam</strong> to Samarra. <strong>Imam</strong> was called under thepretext of respect and love towards him. <strong>Imam</strong> was aware ofMutawakkil's intentions but went knowing that this would be anopportunity to show the Turks too what true Islam was. On arrivingin Samarra the Turkish spies sent with <strong>Imam</strong> were amazed at <strong>Imam</strong>'sknowledge of the Turkish language when he had never visited theTurks before.It was an opportunity for <strong>Imam</strong> to prepare the Mu'mineen in Samarrafor ghaibat. <strong>Imam</strong> was put up in an Inn which was meant for beggars,destitute and criminals. From this Inn he was removed and put intothe custody of an evil man called Zarraqui (who changed to be anavid supporter of <strong>Imam</strong>) and then a man called Seyyid.Page 87
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