Inspirational Tale: The Golden Chain of Divine Unity

During his forced journey from Madinah to Marw, Imam ʿAlī al-Riḍā (ʿa) passed through the city of Nishapur. The people, having heard of his knowledge and piety, gathered in large numbers, eager to see the grandson of the Prophet (ṣ). Among them were scholars, students, and seekers of truth, hoping for a word of wisdom.

As the Imam’s caravan prepared to leave the city, the scholars insisted: “O son of the Messenger of Allah, please narrate to us a saying from your noble forefathers.”

The Imam halted, and from the saddle of his mount, he delivered a powerful tradition, later known as Ḥadīth al-Silsilat al-Dhahabīyyah—The Golden Chain Hadith. He said:

“My father Mūsā ibn Jaʿfar narrated to me from his father Jaʿfar ibn Muḥammad, from his father Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī, from his father ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn, from his father al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī, from his father ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, from the Messenger of Allah (ṣ), from Jibrā’īl, from Allah (the Glorious and Mighty):

‘The word Lā ilāha illa-llāh is My fortress. Whoever enters My fortress is safe from My punishment.’”

Then the Imam paused briefly—and added:

“With its conditions—and I am one of its conditions.”

This simple yet profound statement shook the people of Nishapur. The Imam had not only affirmed the centrality of Tawḥīd (Divine Unity), but clarified that salvation was not just in words—but in true submission to Imamate and Divine authority.

Tears filled the eyes of the crowd, as they realised that Wilāyah—the love and obedience to the Imams—was the key to entering Allah’s divine fortress.