Economic Thought and Insights of Imam al-Ridha (Peace Be Upon Him)

Abstract

The Imams (peace be upon them) constitute the fountainhead of knowledge, as articulated by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family): “I am the City of Knowledge, and Ali is its Gate.” As the divinely ordained and natural extension of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), the Imams served as the gateway to this City of Knowledge. Endowed with Allah-given knowledge, they were scholars without formal instruction, much like their mother, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her). Their comprehensive knowledge encompassed all fields of human understanding, as they stand as the counterparts of the Holy Qur’an, which “leaves nothing neglected” and serves as a clarification of all matters. In this sense, the Qur’an represents the theoretical framework, while the Imams embody its practical application.

Among these eminent figures is the eighth Imam, Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him), who represented the divinely guided continuation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

Keywords: Imam Reza, economy, work, money.