An Analysis of the action of Ma’moun in transferring the caliphate to Imam Reza (pbuh)

The Imams always introduced themselves as the rightful successors of the prophet (pbuh) and considered no one except themselves worthy of the position of the caliphate. However, Imam Reza (pbuh) refused to accept the caliphate, despite the insistence of Ma’moun and ultimately accepted to be his successor under pressure and threats on the condition that Imam did not interfere in his works. The reason for the rejection of the caliphate by Imam Reza (pbuh) has long been discussed.
This article considers the form of Ma’moun’s desired rule as the reason for Imam Reza’s refusal to accept the caliphate and the issue is to study the form of the desired rule that Ma’moun wanted. The forthcoming research is based on investigative-analytic method from library documents and its results are as follows:The lack of legitimacy among the family of Abbas and the Arabs was the main challenge of Ma’moun. H tried to legitimize himself through supporting the family of Muhammad (pbuh). For this purpose, he decided to hand over the caliphate to Imam Reza (pbuh) under his own control. Imam never succumbed to Ma’moun’s request. So he forced Imam to be his successor to use Imam’s spiritual position for the interests of his government. Ma’moun also attempted to confiscate the divine legitimacy of Shiite Imams in his own favor. So he made two of his daughters get married with Imam Reza (pbuh) and Imam Jawad (pbuh). However, Ma’moun could hide none of his evil goals from Imam Reza’s eyes. Therefore, Imam behaved in such a way that people would understand that Ma’moun is not benevolent for the prophet’s family. Imam confronted Ma’moun in a soft way- away from violence and could prevent him from reaching his goals. Imam did not accept the statement of the caliphate as he accepted to be Ma’moun’s successor on the condition that Imam did not interfere in his works; so that people would know that whatever was done by Ma’moun and his servants was not on Imam’s orders. Also Imam Reza (pbuh) and Imam Jawad (pbuh) did not not have any children from Ma’moun’s daughters.