The Story of Imam al-Ridha (AS) and the Guaranteed Gazelle

How a Gazelle’s Pleasure Moved a Hunter’s Heart

One of the well-known narrations about Imam al-Ridha (AS) recounts his miraculous encounter with a gazelle.

One day, while in the desert, the Imam (AS) came across a hunter chasing a frightened gazelle. As soon as the gazelle saw Imam al-Ridha (AS), it rushed to him, seeking refuge. Moved by compassion, the Imam (AS) offered the hunter money in exchange for the gazelle’s freedom, but the hunter refused.

Suddenly, the gazelle spoke, pleading, "I have two fawns waiting for me, and they depend on my milk. Allow me to go and nurse them, and I promise to return." Imam al-Ridha (AS), trusting her word, guaranteed her safe return.

True to her promise, the gazelle left, nursed her young, and came back. Witnessing this extraordinary faithfulness—and realising that the guarantor was none other than Imam al-Ridha (AS)—the hunter was deeply moved. He set the gazelle free, compelled by the Imam’s (AS) sanctity and the animal’s honesty.

This beautiful story highlights the Imam’s (AS) mercy, the miraculous speech of the gazelle, and the power of trust and divine grace.