11th of Dhu al-Qa’dah marks the birth anniversary of an Imam who was pivotal in distinguishing right from wrong. Islam has pillars that need to be adhered to accomplish the goal of creation. If people reject them, then they can strive but their struggle will only take them away from the righteous path. One such pillar is the pillar of Imamate and Imam Ali al-Ridha is one of the twelve Imams. This can be seen in the below-mentioned tradition narrated by the Imam.

The famous tradition known as Silsilat al-Dhahab (golden chain) is narrated by both the famous Shia and Sunni scholars and narrators of traditions. There is a consensus regarding its authenticity in terms of its chain and its text. It is called the golden chain because the Imam narrates it from his father who in turn narrates from their fathers until Imam Ali from the Holy Prophet, he from the Archangel, Jibrael, and he from Allah (s), wherein He says,

‘kalimatu Laa ilaaha illallah (the saying that there's no god but Allah) is My fortress. Whoever chants it, enters My fortress; and whoever enters My fortress shall be safe from My punishment’”. The Imam then paused for a moment and then continued, “There are few conditions entitling entrance to the fortress and I am one of its conditions.’

This tradition explicitly mentions that Imamate, especially the imamate of Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him) is a fundamental precondition of entering the divine shelter.

Imam Ridha (peace be upon him) says: Whoever removes the sorrow of a believer, God will remove the sorrow of the Day of Judgment from his heart.
Al- Kāfī v.2 pg. 200

On this blessed day, we ask Allah to help us be steadfast on the path of Imamate and hasten the reappearance of His last proof, Imam al-Mahdi.