Imam Hadi's (AS) Martyrdom and Burial

Upon gaining power, Mu’tazz followed his father, Mutawakkil’s policy, in dealing with the Alavids. He treated the Alavids harshly. He could not tolerate Imam Hadi’s holy character, and feared his social popularity as a threat to his government. Thus, after only two years into his Caliphate, he ordered the poisoning and martyrdom of Imam Hadi.
Imam Hadi’s soul ascended on the 3rd of Rajab, in the year 254 Hijri, in Samarra, at the age of 41. He was martyred after living in Samarra for about 20 years. Imam Hadi’s oldest living son, Imam Askari, took care of his father’s funeral rites, including washing and praying over his body.
When the news of the Imam’s martyrdom spread in the city, crowds of people came to the Imam’s house to express their sorrow to his family and participate in his burial. The top government and military officials, including members of the Abbasid royal family, were also among those who came to the Imam’s house and expressed their sorrow to Imam Hadi’s son, Imam Askari. The people then took the Imam’s body to the streets of Samarra, and a large funeral procession was held for the Imam. Historical records show Imam Askari’s exhaustion during the funeral due to the pressure of the crowds and high temperature of that day. Although Imam Askari had already prayed on his father’s body, an official prayer was led by the Caliph’s brother. The Imam’s body was returned to his house for burial, and was buried within the site where he used to pray.