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Al-Mutawakkil sent a letter to Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) replying to his letter and he deposed his official the villain wali of Yathrib. He invited the imam to come to Surra Man Ra’a to be under house arrest so that he would be under his watch. Here is the text of the letter:

“Ameerul Mo'minin (al-Mutawakkil) knows your position, regards your kinship, considers what you and your family need to manage your affairs, fix your glory and their glory, and assure safety for you and for them. He just wants, out of that, the contentment of Allah and to carry out his duty towards you and towards them.

Therefore, Ameerul Mo'minin thought to depose Abdullah bin Muhammad from his post in the city of the messenger of Allah (a.s.) for what you have mentioned that he ignored your right, slighted your high position, and ascribed to you that which Ameerul Mo'minin is certain you are innocent of and he believes your good will. Ameerul Mo'minin appointed Muhammad bin al-Fadhl and ordered him to respect and glorify you, and to follow your orders and opinions, to be close to Allah and to Ameerul Mo'minin through that. Ameerul Mo'minin longs to you, and likes to meet and look at you. Would you please hurry to visit and reside with him as you like? You are free to bring from your family, followers, and servants whom you like. You travel when you want, come when you want, and move however you want. And if you like that Yahya bin Harthama the mawla of Ameerul Mo'minin and the soldiers with him to accompany you in your travel, and it is up to you. We have ordered him to obey you. Ask Allah to choose what is best for you until you will come to Ameerul Mo'minin. None of his (Ameerul Mo'minin al-Mutawakkil’s) brothers, his children, family, and close companions is more preferred to you near him, or of closer position to him than you, and he is not kinder, more loyal, or more faithful towards any of them than towards you. The peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be on you.’ 1

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1. Al-Irshad, p.375-376.

Adapted from the book: "The Life of Imam ALI bin Muhammad AL-HADI" by: "Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi"