On Thursday, August 18th, the IECOC will be celebrating the birth of the 8th Imam of the school of Ahlulbayt, Imam Ali bin Musa al-Ridha. The program will begin after sunset with maghrib and isha prayers.
Imam al-Ridha (as) was born in Medina and lived under the guidance of his father, Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as). His lifetime coincided with the rule of the Abbasid caliph al-Ma’mun, and it was during this time that the Imam had the opportunity to display his superior knowledge and expertise to all those who came to debate and discuss with him. His shrine is located in Mashhad, Iran and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year.