Imam Reza's (AS) Scientific Contributions in Medina

Imam Reza was known for his knowledge amongst the Islamic scholars. He was given the title of ‘Alim-e-Ale-Muhammad’ or ‘the scholar of the Prophet’s family’. The Imam was frequently referred to by the scholars of Medina for persuasive answers to their questions, which covered various aspects of Islamic faith and law. Almost two centuries after the demise of the Prophet, Muslims were surrounded by many challenging questions about their beliefs and needed guidance from a divine source. This was also the case for the Shias who were constantly guided by the Shia Imams since the demise of the Prophet. The Shias had received high levels of teachings from Imam Baqir (AS) and Imam Sadiq (AS) about various aspects of the Islamic beliefs. However, more than 40 years had passed from the time they could freely access Imam Sadiq in Medina and ask him their questions. They were under an extremely oppressive regime during the end of Imam Sadiq’s life and over the long Imamat of Imam Kazim. Towards the end of Haroon’s government, there was a great opportunity for Muslims to access Imam Reza and ask him their questions with relative freedom. For around five years, during the government of Amin, the Imam had a good opportunity. This was the calmest period of Imam Reza’s Imamat, and he used it effectively to guide Muslims and openly spread Shia theology.
Imam Reza trained many notable scholars during his Imamat, six of which are among the most authentic companions of the Shia Imams. These scholars have recorded precious narrations from both Imam Reza and Imam Kazim. These six scholars, along with six of Imam Baqir’s companions and six of Imam Sadiq’s companions, are known as ‘As-haab-e-Ejma’ or ‘the companions of the consensus’. These 18 companions are the most trusted companions of the Shia Imams whose narrations are currently regarded with the highest level of authenticity and trust by the Shia scholars in seminaries.