imam baqer

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

1/747

THE LIFE OF IMAM MOHAMMADAL-BAQIR

PUBLISHED BY

ANSARIYAN PUBLICATIONS

P.O. Box 187

22 Shohada Str. Qum

Islamic Republic of Iran

Tel: ++ 98 251 7741744 Fax:7742647

Email: [email protected]

5

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

2/747

THE LIFE OF IMA@M MOHAMMED AL-BA@QIR

PUBLISHER'S PREFACE

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, MostMerciful.

Man performs material deeds. We can evaluatesuch deeds. Man sometimes performs immaterialdeeds. We cannot evaluate them. Rather, it is Allah, theExalted, Who evaluates them and rewards manaccording to them. The deeds of the pure Ima`ms,peace be on them, were immaterial. Hence, we haveno right to evaluate them, for they are far aboveevaluation. We only publish and submit them to peopleto make use of them.

Gentle reader, the book before you has beenwritten by Shaykh Ba`qir Shar~~f al-Qarashi, whospared no effort to report the history of the membersof the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Mr. Ja`sim al-Rasheed has honestly translated the bookfrom Arabic into English.

The book is not a mere writing about the life ofone of the Ima`ms, peace be on them. Rather, it hasskillfully been written about the history of Isla`m. So,we thank Allah for granting us success to translate and

print and publish this valuable book.We hope that the book will intercede with Allah for

us on the Day of Judgment, The day on which propertywill not avail, nor sons except him who comes to Allahwith a heart free (from evil).

6

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

3/747

INTRODUCTION

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Surely Allah chose Adam and Noah and the

descendants of Abraham and the descendants ofAmran above the nations. Offspring, one of the other,and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. Allah only desires tokeep away the uncleanness from you, O people of theHouse, and to purify you a (thorough) purifying. Say: Ido not ask of you any reward for it except love for mynear relatives. And whoever earns good, We give himmore of good therein. Surely Allah is Forgiving,Grateful.

7

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

4/747

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

5/747

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

-1-

Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, peace be on him,was unique. For he belonged to the unique members ofthe pure family (of the Prophet). He was among theleading Ima`ms of the House (ahl al-Bayt) peace be onthem. He was among the most prominent of the men of

thought and knowledge in Islam. The historians haveunanimously agreed on his importance.For he playedan important role in proclaiming the Islamic culture andfounding the scientific movement in Islam.He dedicatedhimself to spread knowledge among the Moslems.Thatwas when the intellectual lull included all the Islamicworld, and when there was no scientific or intellectualrenaissance.The Moslems led successive revolutionsand popular uprisings.They sometimes wanted to getrid of the oppressive Umayyad regime, and they

sometimes wanted to take the reins of government.Accordingly, they thoroughly neglected thescientific life. Thus, it had no existence in the arena oflife.

Indeed Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, turnedaway completely from those political movements. Hedid not take part in any political act to oppose the

9

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

6/747


standing regime then. He devoted himself toknowledge. So, he raised its standard, founded itsbases, and fixed firmly its sources.Thus, he was thepioneer, teacher, and leader of this community duringits cultural movement.He led it to wide steps inscientific studies.He played an important role inprospering the bright Islamic civilization throughout thegenerations that came after him. Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-

Ba`qir), peace be on him, was famous for jurisprudence. That is because jurisprudencerepresents the spirit of Islam, its essence, and itsreaction with life.So, he took care to enliven it. Then heestablished his religious school that was full of main jurists such as Aba`n b. Taghlub, Mohammed b.Moslem, Bar~d, Abu` Bas~r al-Asadi, al-Fadel b.Sayya`r, Maru`f b. Khrbudh, Zarara b. Ayun and thelike. These main figures were among those on whosetruthfulness and jurisprudence the community has

unanimously agreed. It was they who wrote down thetraditions of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt),peace be on them. Were it not for them, that largeintellectual wealth would be useless. The Islamic worldis proud of this wealth. Besides this wealth is amongthe basic sources from which the Shiite juristsconclude religious rules. The act that makes us boast ofthe life of the Ima`m is that he took care of thesejurists. He praised them, strengthened their position,and summoned the community to resort to theirreligious opinions. He, peace be on him, said to Aba`n

b. Taghlub: Sit down in the mosque. Give religiousopinions to the people. Indeed, I am glad to see amongmy followers the likes of you. 1

Indeed, he paid their expenses and what theyneeded during their life. He did that to make them

1 Al-Naja shi, Ja`mi al-Ruwa`t, vol.1, p.9.

10

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

7/747

INTRODUCTION

dedicate themselves to gaining of knowledge, toachieve its rules exactly, and to write it down. Then, heasked his son, Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, totake care of the jurists. He asked him to spend on themto help them carry out their religious duties. Thus, theyplayed a constructive role in writing the traditionswhich they heard from him. Besides they taught thereligious deputations what they narrated from him.

Indeed, his student, Ja`bir b. Yaz~d al-Jufi, reportedseventy thousand traditions from him.1 Aba`n b.Taghlub also reported a large group (of traditions) fromhim. The jurisprudential encyclopedias are full of theirnarrations from him. All the chapters of jurisprudence -such as the acts of worship, contracts, punishments,and the like - are confirmed with narrations from him.Therefore, he founded and published the jurisprudenceof the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be onthem. Worth mentioning, the jurisprudence of the

members of the House is the best Islamicjurisprudence.

-2- The lectures and researches of the Ima`m were

not confined to jurisprudence. Rather they included allkinds of sciences such as philosophy, theology, andmedicine. As for the explanation of the Koran, itengaged his care wholly. Indeed, he appointed time for

it. Most commentators (of the Koran) have written whatthe Ima`m adopted and what he narrated from hisgrandfathers concerning the explanation of the holyverses. He (the Ima`m) wrote a book about theexplanation (of the Koran). Zyya`d b. al-Mundher, thespiritual leader of the Jarudi group, reported the book

1 Miza`n al-Itida`l, vol.1, p.383.

11

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

8/747


from him.1

This book denotes that and gives some examplesof his explanations to some verses. Worth mentioning,the Ima`m, peace be on him, talked about theconditions of the prophets and the persecutions fromwhich they suffered because of the oppressive rulers oftheir time. He also talked about their judgments andtheir morals. From him most researchers learned thesituations of the prophets. Moreover, he, peace be onhim, talked in an inclusive objective manner about theProphet's life. He explained the circumstances of thegreat Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, hiscampaigns, and his wars.

The historians of the Prophetic life-such as b.Hisha`m, al-Wa`qidi, al-Halabi, and the like-reportedthem on his authority, on the authority of hisgrandfathers, peace be on them, on the authority ofthe Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. The

Ima`m narrated a large group of traditions concerningbehavior, good morals, and high qualities Moslemsshould follow to be an example to others. He reportedin an inclusive way all the historic events that occurredduring the early Islamic time. Al-Tabari has reportedthem from him in his book Ta`r~kh. He has alsoreported them from him in his book al-Ansab.

The Ima`m, peace be on him, debated with someChristian scholars, the Azraqites, the atheists, and theextremists. He passed all those debates successfully.

The opponent admitted the Ima`m's scientific abilities.Namely, the opponent was feeble to debate with him.This book will indicate that. The Ima`m left behind himan immense intellectual wealth. It is regarded as one ofthe sources and among the mines the scientific wealthin the earth. It is difficult for me to write about all what

1 Shaykh al-Tu`si, Fihrast, p.98.

12

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

9/747

INTRODUCTION

has been narrated from him. For that needs writingseveral books. We have referred to only some of them.We have left the door open to him who wants to studyinclusively his scientific wealth.

However, the historians have never seen anIma`m like Mohammed al-Ba`qir. That is because hedevoted all his life to the spread of knowledge amongthe people. He was as the narrators said: He lived inMedian (Yathrib). He was a trusty custodian. He waslike the mountain or the sea. The thinkers andprominent scholars learned from him jurisprudence andknowledge. So, he developed not only the life of thiscommunity but also of all people.

-3-Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, peace be on him ,

was among the great men of thought and knowledge inIslam. He was also among the most prominent Ima`msof the Moslems. That is because he had great morals.He freed himself from selfish materialism. Thus hisbehavior represents the essence of the Islamic thoughtthat came to guide people and to educate theirmanners. The historians have unanimously agreed thatthe Ima`m was most times busy praising Allah and thathe spent his nights praying to Him and whispering toHim in prayers. The Ima`m thoroughly renouncedworldly desires. He inclined with his heart and his

feelings towards Allah. He preferred His obedience toall things. He followed what caused him to be close toAllah. He did not yield to any desires. Rather he got ridof them completely. Thus, they had no power over him.

The Ima`m's life was similar to the life of hisgrandfather , the great Apostle , may Allah bless himand his family, in all qualities. Whoever reads about his

13

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

10/747


life is full of admiration.

- 4 -During his childhood , Ima`m al-Ba`qir , peace be

on him , was liable to many tribulations. Indeed, he sawthe tragedies of Karbala`'. He saw the pure family of

the Prophet , may Allah bless him and his family , whenthey were tortured and killed. He saw the UmayyadArmy murdering the innocent children , the women ,and the old men. He saw that sinful army maiming thebody of the great Ima`m (al-Husayn). He saw othertragedies that filled the heart with terror. He wasamong the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) , peacebe on them when they were taken prisoners to b.Marjana (Ubayd Allah b. Zyya`d). The latter humiliatedand disdained them very much. He showed his maliceand he rejoiced at the murder of the progeny of the

Prophet , may Allah bless him and his family. Then hesent them to the sinful oppressive ruler, Yaz~d b.Mua`wiya. The latter received them with much disdainand mistreatment.

Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir , peace be on him ,understood fully those painful events. Thus, they filledhis heart with stormy sorrow. They impressed deeplyagony and sadness in his heart. They accompanied himthroughout his life. Thus, his heart was full of bittersorrow. So he died while he did not enjoy his life.

Among the disasters that hit the Ima`m during hischildhood was the Battle of al-Hirra. At that battleYaz~d's Army violated the Holiness of Medina , the cityof the Prophet , may Allah bless him and his family. Thearmy raped the women , seized properties , and killedpeople. It violated all the things which Allah hadprohibited. No one was safe from the terrors of that

14

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

11/747

INTRODUCTION

painful disaster except Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n ,peace be on him. That was because Yaz~d ordered hissinful swordsman Moslem b. Aqaba , not to kill him. These sad pictures left in the self of the Ima`mcontinual feelings full of sorrow and sadness.

-5- The time of (the Ima`mate) of the Ima`m was

among the most critical times in Islam. During this timelife was very disorderly. Thus, the country was liable tomany revolutions. Those revolutions from the badUmayyad politicians. That is because they did not takecare of the interests of the Moslem nations. Rather theyimposed heavy taxes on the Moslem community. Theyplundered its wealth and spent it on their pleasures.Moreover, they took exclusive possession of its affairs.

We must mention the government with which theIma`m was contemporary. We also must study thepolitical events that occurred during that time. In otherwords we must consider them carefully. That is becausethey had a close relationship with the cultural andsocial time when the Ima`m lived. The researcher mustnot ignore those events. That is because he is unableto understand fully the character of the person whomhe wants to study.

It is an act of honesty for knowledge and the truthto show those events , to guide people to their

references , and to discuss the references which werenot based on the truth. Rather they were based on thedesires that were far away from reality.

Indeed, we think that the study of such events willavail the reader very much.

15

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

12/747


- 6 - The Arab library has never contained a study

about this great Ima`m who is among the elements ofculture and civilizational formation of this community.Indeed, it is not an act of loyalty to neglect the lives ofour great Ima`ms. That is because the living nations

have immortalized their great men , praised them , andshowed their scientific works. That is because thesenations want to enliven their own originality and theirnoble values. Al-Aqqa`d said : The European scholarshave praised their great figures and studied the sidesof their glory. Rather fanaticism sometimes motivatedthem to increase the sides of this greatness. They havecreated imaginations to justify the defect and to repairthe shortcoming. That is because of the enthusiasm forthe self and the excitement for seeking perfection. Asfor us , there are dams and fences between us and our

great men. They have prevented our young men frommaking use of them.

No one is worthier of praise than Ima`mMohammed al-Ba`qir , peace be on him. That isbecause he was among the most prominent leaders ofthis community , and among the geniuses of the world.Among his works was that he freed the Arab Islamiccriticism from the foreign domination. He made itindependent from the Romanian Empire. We willmention that in detail in this book.

The old historians took care of studying the life ofIma`m Abu` Jafar (Mohammed al-Ba`qir). Forexample , al-Jaludi , Abd al-Az~z b. Yahya` (died 304A. H.) , wrote a book. He called the book Akhba`r Ab~Jafar al-Ba`qir .1 In the book he has mentioned hisconditions and his affairs. However , we have not found

1 Al-Dharia, vol.1, p.315. Al-Ala`m, vol.7, p.153.

16

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

13/747

INTRODUCTION

the book among the manuscripts of which our library isfull. Perhaps the book is in the other book cases in theworld or it has become missing like the numerousmanuscripts which the Arab Islamic world has lost.

Thank Allah ! Success helped me. Thus , I studiedthe life of this great Ima`m. It is an act of truthfulnessto say that I have not found a person more wonderfulthan him. That is because he represents all humanvalues of which every person boasts.

I devoted myself to reading a large group ofmanuscripts and books that have mentioned some ofhis works and his wise sayings. I firmly believe that thecareful researcher will find more information than whatI have written about his (the Ima`m's) life. That isbecause much information has remained secret for me.In other words I do not claim that I have thoroughlystudied his life and that I have mentioned all his works.Rather I have shed light on his character. I have left the

door open for other researchers to write about his life.Before I end this introduction , I would particularly

like to thank Sayyid Abd al-Rasu`l b. Sayyid Rida al-Husayni for financing the publication of this book. I askAllah to grant him success in all his noble efforts.Indeed success is from Allah. He grants it to whomeverHe wills from His servants.

6 / 11 / 1977 - 1397 A. H.

Ba`qir Shar~f al-Qarashi

17

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

14/747


CHAPTER 1

THE GREAT BABY

The members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace beon them, received the baby with much rejoicing andpleasure. They were very happy with him, for he was inwhom the elements of the two grandsons (of theProphet), al-Hasan and al-Husayn , mixed. Those nobleorigins through which Allah strengthened the Arabs andthe Moslems mixed in him, too. As for the noblebackbones and the pure from which he branched, theyare:

His MotherAs for his mother, she was a pure chaste woman.

She was Fa`tima , the daughter of Ima`m al-Hasan, theLord of the youth of Heaven. She was given the kunyaof Umm Abd Allah (the mother of Abd Allah).1 She wasamong the Hashimite women. Ima`m Zaynal-A@bid~n, peace be on him, called her al-Sidd~qa(the very truthful one).2 Concerning her Ima`m Abu`Abd Allah al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, said : She wasvery truthful. No one in the family of al-Hasan looked

1 Thahdh~b al-Lugha`t wa al-Asma`, vol.1, p.87. Ibn Khullaka`n, Wafaya`t al-

Aya`n, vol.3, p.384. Al-Mahbar, p.57. Al-Yaqu`bi, Ta`rikh, vol.2, p.60. Aya`n

al-Shia, 1/4/464.

2 Abu` al-Hasan al-A@mili, Diya` al-A@milin, vol.2. Al-Dur al-Naz~m,

serial 2879.

18

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

15/747

THE GREAT BABY

like her.1 It is enough for her highness that she waspart of the plant of the sweet basil of the Apostle ofAllah (i. e. Ima`m al-Hasan), and that she grew up inthe houses which Allah permitted to be exalted andthat His name may be remembered in them.Shebrought up Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, in herpure lap. She poured upon him rays of her pure soul.She fed him with her noble ideas that became part ofhis qualities.

We have no information about the period which hespent with his mother. That is because the referenceshave neglected that period. Besides we have noinformation about all of his affairs.

His FatherHis father was the Lord of the prostrators (in

worship) and ornament of the worshipers. He was thebest of all the Moslem figures in jurisprudence,

knowledge, and religious piety. We will mention a briefstudy on his affairs in the following researches.

The Great Baby The world shone on the birthday of the pure

Ima`m (Mohammed al-Ba`qir). The Prophet, may Allahbless him and his family, had given good news to himbefore his birth. The members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, waited for him impatiently.That is because he was among the Ima`ms of Moslems.Namely the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his

family, nominated those Ima`ms. He made themleaders for his community and related them to theKoran. Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir was born inMedina, on the third day of the month of Safar, in the

1 Usu`l al-Ka`fi, vol.1, p.469.

19

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

16/747


year 56 A. H.1 It was said (that he was) on Friday,during the early days of the month of Rajab.2 He wasborn three years before his grandfather, Ima`mHusayn, peace be on him, was killed.3 It was said (thathe was born) four years, as he, peace be on him, said,(before the murder oh his grandfather).4 It was alsosaid (that he was born) two years and some months(before the murder of his grandfather).5 The last date isunusual. No one accepts it.

The religious rituals such as adhan and iqama inhis ears were performed for him when he was born.Other rites were also performed for him on the seventhday of his birth: His hair was shaved. The weight of hiscut hair in sliver was given to the needy as alms. A ramwas sacrificed for him and was given to the poor asalms.

He was born during the time of Mua`wiya. At thattime the Islamic countries were full of oppression.

Moreover, they were full of disasters and misfortunes.That was because of the oppression of Mua`wiya andthe injustice of his governors who spread terrorism andoppression in the country. Ima`m al-Ba`qir talked aboutthat dreadful injustice. We will mention his speech inthis book.

His NameHis grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless

him and his family, named him Mohammed. He also

1 Ibn Khullaka`n, Wafaya`t al-Aya`n, vol.3, p.314. Tadhkirt al-Huffa`z, vol.1,

p.124. Nazhat al-Jalis, vol.2, p.36.

2 Dala`il al-Ima`ma, p.94. Farid Wajjdi, Da`irat al-Maa`rif, vol.3, p.563.

3 Ibn al-Wardi, Ta`rikh, vol.1, p.184. Akhba`r al-Duwal, p.111. Ibn Khullaka`n,

Wafaya`t al-Ayan, vol.3, p.314.

4 Al-Yaqu`bi, Ta`rikh, vol.2, p.60.

5 Al-Husayn b. Abd al-Waha`b, Yyu`n al-Mujiza`t, serial, 975.

20

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

17/747

THE GREAT BABY

gave him the Kunya of al-Ba`qir. That was ten yearsbefore al-Ba`qir was born. That was among theProphet's prophecies, as some researchers said. TheProphet, may Allah bless him and his family, knew fromthe unseen that his grandson would do such asproclaiming knowledge among his community. Thus, hegave good news to his community about him. He alsosent him his greetings through the great Companion (ofthe Prophet), Ja`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri. We willmention that in the following (chapters).

His KunyaHe had only one kunya. It was Abu` Jafar.1 He was

called by the name of his son, Jafar al-Sa`diq, peace beon him, who renewed the life of this community andsplit open the fountains of wisdom in the earth.

His Nick-NamesAs for his nick-names, they indicate the qualities of

his great character and his high inclinations. They areas follows:

1. Al-Am~n (the trusted one).

2. Al-Shab~h (the one who was like the Prophet ,may Allah bless him and his family).2

3. Al-Sha`kir (the grateful one).

4. Al-Ha`di (the one who guides).

5. Al-Sa`bir (the patient one).6. Al-Sha`hid (the proof).3

1 Dalail al-Ima`ma, p.94.

2 Al-Dur al-Nazim fi Manaqib al-Aimma. Diya` al-A@milin, vol.2. Aya`n al-

Shia, 1/4/464.

3 Janna`t al-Khuld. Na`sikh al-Tawa`rikh.

21

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

18/747


7. Al-Ba`qir (the one who split open knowledge).1

This is the most famous nick-name of his. He and hisson, Ima`m al-Sa`diq, were given the nick-name of al-Ba`qirayn (the two ones who split open knowledge). They were also given the nick-name of al-Sa`diqayn(the two truthful ones).2

The historians and the biographers of the Ima`m

have unanimously agreed on that he was given thenick-name of al-Ba`qir because he split openknowledge. Namely, he studied knowledge in detail. Thus, he understood its origin and its hidden(branches).3 Concerning him, Ima`m al-Rida said:

O (you) who split open knowledge (making itavailable) to the people of piety and the best of thosewho seek to answer the call of the Exalted.4

It is as if that the people called him al-Ba`qirbecause of his great knowledge and his many sciences.It was also said that he was given the nick-name of al-Ba`qir because of his many prostrations (in worship). Thus, he split open his forehead.5 Moreover, he wasgiven the nick-name (of al-Ba`qir) because of thesewords of his: The truth called me for help after theuntruth had gathered it in its abdomen. So, I split openits flank and brought out the truth from its hiding, so itappeared and spread after it had been hidden.6

However, the first meaning is the most famous with thehistorians.

1 Tadhkirat al-Huffa`z, vol.1, p.124. Nazhat al-Jalis, vol.2, p.36. Mirra`t al-

Jina`n, vol.1, p.247. Farid Wajjdi, Da`irat al-Maa`rif, vol.3, p.563.

2 Shaykh al-Turayhi, Ja`mi al-Maqa`l.

3 Yyu`n al-Akhba r wa Funu`n al-A@tha`r, p.213. Umdat al-Ta`lib, p.183.

4 Jawhart al-Kala`m fi Madh al-Sa`da al-Ala`m, p.133.

5 Mira t al-Zama`n fi Tawa`rikh al-Aya`n, vol.5, p.78.

6 Ibid.

22

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

19/747

THE GREAT BABY

The Greetings of the Prophet toal-Ba`qir

The historians and the narrators have unanimouslyagreed that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and hisfamily, sent his greetings to his grandson, al-Ba`qir,through the great companion, Ja`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri. Thus, Ja`bir was impatiently waiting for his

birth to give him the message of his grandfather. Whenthe Ima`m was born and became a grown-up, Ja`birmet him and gave him the greetings of the Prophet,may Allah bless him and his family. The historians havereported that in various ways. The following are someof them:

1. Aba`n b. Taghlub reported on the authority ofAb~ Abd Allah, peace be on him, who said: Indeed Ja`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri was the last of thesurviving Companions of the Apostle of Allah, mayAllah bless him and his family. He devoted himself tous, we, the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt). He satat the place of the Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless himand his family. He wore a black turban. He called out:O you who will split open knowledge (baqir)! O You whowill split open knowledge! Thus, the people of Medinasaid: Ja`bir is hallucinating! So, he (Ja`bir) said:ByAllah, I have never hallucinated. However, I heard theApostle of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family,say:Indeed, you will meet a man who belongs to me.His name is similar to mine. His qualities are similar to

mine. He will split open knowledge thoroughly. Thesewords have motivated me to say what I say. He (Ab~Abd Allah) said: One day while Ja`bir was walkingthrough some streets of Medina, he passed by a street.Mohammed b. Ali (al-Ba`qir) was in the street. Whenhe looked at him he said: O boy, come. The boy came.then Ja`bir said to the boy: Turn back. The boy turned

23

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

20/747


back. Then Ja`bir said: By him in whose hand is mysoul, (they are) the qualities of the Apostle of Allah. OBoy, what is your name?The boy replied: My name isMohammed b. Ali b. al-Husayn.Ja`bir kissed his headand said: May my farther and mother be ransom foryou, your grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah blesshim and his family, sends you his greetings. Ab~ AbdAllah said: Mohammed came back frightened to hisfather and told him about what had happened. Hisfather said to him: My little boy, has Ja`bir done it ?Mohammed replied:Yes. His father said: Do not leaveyour house, my little boy.1 As for the contents of thisreport, they are as follows:

A. The qualities and features of Ima`m al-Ba`qir,peace be on him, were similar to those of the Prophet,may Allah bless him and his family.

B. It was the Prophet, may Allah bless him and hisfamily, named his grandson Mohammed and gave him

the nick-name of al-Ba`qir. (The Prophet told the Peoplethat Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir) would split openknowledge completely.

C. Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him,feared for the safety of his son when Ja`bir reportedthe tradition of the Prophet, may Allah bless him andhis family, concerning him. That is because theUmayyad government imposed an intense observationon Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n. It counted his breathsagainst him. It wanted to know who would succeed him

to punish him severely. So, the Ima`m, peace be onhim, wanted the affair of his son to be secret lest theUmayyads should mistreat him or subject him tomisfortunes.

2. Ibn Asa`kir reported that Ima`m Zaynal-A@bid~n, peace be on him, and his son, al-Ba`qir

1 Usu`l al-Ka`fi, vol.1, pp.496-470. Al-Kashi, Rija`l, pp.27-28.

24

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

21/747

THE GREAT BABY

came to Ja`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri. Ja`bir asked him:Son of the Apostle of Allah, who is with you?My son,Mohammed, is with me,replied Ima`m Zaynal-A@bid~n. Ja`bir embraced Mohammed. Then hewept and said: My death is at hand. Mohammed,Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family,sends you his greetings.What is that?asked Ima`mZayn al-A@bid~n. Ja`bir replied: I heard Allah'sApostle, may Allah bless him and his family, say to al-Husayn b. Ali: A son will be born for this grandson ofmine. The son will be the Lord of worshipers. On theDay of Judgment, a caller will call:Let the Lord ofworshipers stand up. So, Ali b. al-Husayn will rise. Ason will be born for Ali b. al-Husayn. The son will becalled Mohammed. Ja`bir, when you see him, give himmy greetings. Ja`bir, know that al-Mahdi will be amonghis sons. Know, Ja`bir, that you will stay for a shorttime after him.1

3. Taj al-D~n b. Mohammed, the head of Aleppo ,reported on the authority of Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, who said: I came to Ja`bir b. Abd Allah andgreeted him. He said to me: Who are you?' That wasafter he had become blind. I said to him: Mohammedb. Ali b. al-Husayn. He said: May my father andmother be ransom for you, come nearer to me. I camenearer to him. He kissed my hand, and then he stoopeddown to my foot to kiss it. However, I pulled it fromhim. Then he said: The Apostle of Allah, may Allahbless him and his family, recites his greeting to you.

Peace and Allah's mercy and blessings be on theApostle of Allah, I said. How is that, Ja`bir? Hesaid:One day I was with him when he said to me:Perhaps you will live until you meet one of mydescendants called Mohammed b. Ali b. al-Husayn on

1 Ibn Asa`kir, Ta`rikh, vol.51, p.41.

25

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

22/747


whom Allah will bestow light and wisdom. Then reciteto him my greetigs.1

4. Salah al-D~n al-Safadi said: Ja`bir walked inMedina and said: Ba`qir, when will I meet you? Oneday he passed through a street in Medina. A femaleslave gave him the boy who was in her lap. He said tothe female slave: Who is this? Mohammed b. Ali b.al-Husayn, she replied. He embraced him, kissed hishead and his hands, and then he said: My little boy,your grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless himand his family, sends you his greetings. Then he said:Ba`qir, my death is at hand. He died at that night.2

5. Some Ismaìlis reported that the Prophet, mayAllah bless him and his family, said to Ja`bir: You willmeet a son of this son of mine. He appointed at al-Husayn. When you meet him, give him my greetings.Say to him: O you who will split open knowledge, split itcompletely.Ja`bir did that.3

6. Al-Ha`fiz Nu`r al-D~n al-Haythami reported onthe authority of Abu` Jafar, peace be on him, who said:Ja`bir b. Abd Allah visited me while I was reading theBook. He said to me: Uncover your abdomen. Iuncovered my abdomen. He kissed it, and then he said:Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family,ordered me to give you his greetings.4

These are some reports that have unanimouslyagreed that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and hisfamily, ordered Ja`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri to send

his greetings to Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. TheProphet, may Allah bless him and his family, knew from

1 Gha`yat al-Ikhtisa r, p.64.

2 Al-Wa`fi bi al-Wafaya`t, vol.4, p.102.

3 Masa il Majmuà mina al-Haqaìq al-A@liya wa al-Asra`r al-Sa`miya,

p.99.

4 Majjma al-Zawa id, vol.1, p.22.

26

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

23/747

THE GREAT BABY

beyond the unseen that his grandson would spreadknowledge among people and that he would split openwisdom and light in the earth.

His FeaturesJa`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri said that his features

were similar to those of Allah's Apostle, may Allah blesshim and his family.1 His morals were also similar to the

Prophet's high ones that distinguished him from theother prophets.

Some contemporary people have described Ima`mal-Ba`qir as follows: He was a man of medium height.He was brown.2 He had soft skin with moles. He had athin waist. His voice was good. He always bowed hishead.3

His Early ClevernessIma`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, was clever and

genius during his childhood. The reporters said thatJa`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri, though an old man, cameto him, sat before him, and learned from him. Ja`biradmired the Ima`m's abundant knowledge andsciences. Thus, he said: Ba`qir, you have been givenwisdom while you are still a boy.4

The Companions (of the Prophet) knew that theIma`m was endowed with outstanding merits andabundant knowledge. So, they consulted himconcerning the problems which they did notunderstand. The historians said that a man Abd Allah

b. Umar about a certain problem. However, Abd Allahcould not answer the problem. So, he said to the man:

1 Usu`l al-Ka`fi, vol.1, p.469.

2 Akhba`r al-Duwal, p.111. Jawhart al-Kala`m fi Madh al-Sa`da al-Ala`m, 132.

3 Aya`n al-Shia, 1/4/471.

4 Ilal al-Shara`i, p.234.

27

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

24/747


Go to that boy, he pointed at Ima`m al-Ba`qir, askhim, and tell me about his answer.The man went tothe Ima`m and asked him. The Ima`m, peace be onhim, answered his problem. Thus, the man came backto Abd Allah b. Umar and told him about the Ima`m'sanswer. So, the latter admired the Ima`m, saying :They are the knowledgeable members of the House.1

Allah singled out the Ima`ms of the members ofthe House, peace be on them, with knowledge andoutstanding merits. He granted them absoluteperfection which He had granted to His prophets andHis apostles. The historians said that the Ima`m wasnine years of age when he was asked about difficultproblems and answered them.

His Solemnity and His Prestige The features of the Ima`m, peace be on him,

represented the solemnity and the prestige of the

prophets. Everybody respected and admired him. Forexample, Qatta`da, the jurist of the people of Basrah,met him. Still his heart trembled because of theIma`m's solemnity. Thus, he said to him: I sit beforethe jurists and b. Abba`s. My heart does not tremblebecause of them as it does because of you.2

The Ima`m was the rest of Allah in His earth. Allahbestowed solemnity and prestige on His friends and Hislovers. Their qualities appeared in the Ima`m'scharacter. Among those who admired the Ima`m'ssolemnity was the Moroccan poet, who described theIma`m, saying:

O you who was the son of him by whose tongueand eloquence people were guided and the revelationwas sent down.

1 Al-Mana`qib, vol.4, p.147.

2 Ithba t al-Huda`t, vol.5, p.176.

28

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

25/747

THE GREAT BABY

The Book talked about his outstanding merits. TheTorah and the Bible announced his coming.

Were it not for the cessation of the revelation afterMohammed, we would say: Mohammed was thealternative to his grandfather.

He was similar to him in outstanding merits, butGabriel did not bring him a message.1

The historians reported that nobody saw theIma`m, peace be on him, laughing. When he laughed,he said: O Allah, do not detest me.2 Indeed, herefrained from all that which contradicts solemnity andhigh character. Among his prominent qualities was thathe always praised Allah. We will mention that when wetalk about the aspects of his character.

The Inscription of his RingAs for the inscription of his ring, it was: All might

is for Allah.3 He wore the ring of his grandfather,

Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him, whose inscriptionwas: Surely Allah attains His purpose.4 This indicatesthat he devoted himself to Allah and cleaved to Himstrongly.

His ResidenceThe Ima`m, peace be on him, resided in Medina

throughout his life. He did not leave it for another city.In it, he was the first teacher and great pioneer forscientific cultural movements. He used the PropheticMosque as school for him. There he gave his lectures tohis students.

1 Al-Mana`qib, vol.4, p.181.

2 Safwat al-Saffwa, vol.2, p.62. Tadhkirat al-Khawa`s, p.349.

3 Hulyat al-Awliya`, vol.3, p.189.

4 Aya`n al-Shia, 1/4/169.

29

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

26/747


CHAPTER II

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF

AL-HUSAYN AND ALI

Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him,grew up in the House of the message, the place ofdescent of the revelation, and the source of radiation inthe world of Islam. His grandfather, Ima`m Husayn,

peace be on him, and his father, Ima`m Zaynal-A@bid~n, fed him with noble ideals. They taughtthe ways of good and guidance that settled inthemselves. Moreover, they taught him bright behaviorand a sound direction to be an example to thiscommunity. The following is an account of his early lifeunder the wing of his grandfather and his father.

Under the Care of hisGrandfather

Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him, took care of

educating his grandson. He bestowed upon him rays ofhis holy soul that illuminated the horizons of this world.The historians narrated that he seated him on his lap,kissed him very much, and said to him: Indeed, Allah'sApostle, may Allah bless him and his family, sends you

30

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

27/747

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF AL-HUSAYN AND ALI

his greetings.1

This was a hint from the grandfather to hisgrandson that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and hisfamily, wanted him to practice his leading role for hiscommunity. In other words he wanted him to split openthe fountains of wisdom in the lands of his community,to proclaim knowledge all over them, and to guide his

community to the right path. In his early life, Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, saw his grandfather, Ima`mHusayn, peace be on him, facing the critical situation.That was when his grandfather was afflicted by thetyrant of his time and the pharaoh of this community,namely, Yaz~d b. Mua`wiya, who endangered Islam,summoned Ima`m Husayn to pledge allegiance to him,and to yield to his rule. Thus, Ima`m Husayn, peace beon him, cried out at his face and continued hisimmortal movement to raise Allah's word high in the

earth and to carry out his Islamic message withhonesty and loyalty. So, he sacrificed his life, themembers of his house, and his companions to establishthe glory of Islam, and to destroy his enemies and hisopponents. His sacrifice was full of noble values andhigh ideals. It moved the people's sentiments and theirfeelings. It was abounding in positive results. It offeredthe most wonderful lessons about the sacrifice for thetruth and the duty. It will be immortal forever.Moreover, it will represent man's honor and his high

purpose.

The stages of that immortal tragedy took placebefore Ima`m al-Ba`qir while he was in his early life.He, peace be on him, said: My grandfather was killedwhile I was four years of age. Indeed, I remember his

1 Ta`rikh Dimashq, vol.51, p.38. Siyar Ala`m al-Nubala`, vol.4, p.241.

31

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

28/747


murder and what hit us during that time.1

Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, reported manyof its stages. Al-Tabari reported some of its pictures onhis authority. A group of the prominent Companions (ofthe Prophet) wrote a book. They called the bookMaqtal al-Husayn. In it, they have written what theyheard from him and from other than him about the

tragedies of Karbala`'. Ibn al-Nad~m has mentionedmany of them in his book al-Fihrast. However, thatimmortal tragedy left great pain and sorrow in his soul.Its sorrows accompanied him throughout his life.

Under the Auspices of his FatherIma`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him,

lived for more than 34 years under the care of hisfather, Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him. He

accompanied him throughout that period. He did notleave him. He was impressed by his bright guidancethat represented the guidance of the prophets and ofthe apostles. The people did not see the likeness ofIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n in his God-fearingness, hispiety, his asceticism, and his strong cleaving to Allah.We will mention some of Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n'saffairs and conditions. That is because his behavior hadgreat influence on Ima`m al-Ba`qir's deep soul. Theyare as follows:

Admiration and Glorification The intellectuals and the scholars admired and

glorified Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n. They preferred him


32

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

29/747


to others. The following are some of their wordsconcerning him:

The solemnity of the Ima`m and his greatnessastonished Sa~d b. al-Musayyab. Thus, he said: I

have never seen (a person) better than Ali b. al-Husayn. I have never seen him but I detest myself. Ihave never seen him laughing.1

Al-Zuhri adored the Ima`m. He said: I have neverseen a Qarashi (person) better than him.2 He also said:I have never seen (a person) more knowledgeablethan Ali b. al-Husayn.3

Zayd b. Aslam said: I have never seen (a person)similar to Ali b. al-Husayn.4

When Umar b. Abd al-Az~z heard of the death ofthe Ima`m, he said: The lamp of the world, beauty ofIslam and adornment of worshipers passed away.5

Abu` Ha`zim said: I have never seen a Hashimi

better than Ali b. al-Husayn.6

1 Ibid, vol.2, p.46.

2 Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol.7, p.305.


4 Tabaqa t al-Fuqaha , p.34.


33

1. Sa~d b. al-Musayyab

2. Al-Zuhri

3. Zayd b. Aslam

4. Umar b. Abd al-Az~z

5. Abu` Ha`zim

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

30/747


Ma`lik said: There was nobody similar to Ali b. al-Husayn in the members of the House of the Apostle ofAllah, may Allah bless him and his family.1

Among those who adored the Ima`m was the

great Companion (of the Prophet), Ja`bir b. Abd Allahal-Ansa`ri, who said: I have never seen a boy of theProphets similar to Ali b. al-Husayn.2

Al-Wa`qidi said: Ali b. al-Husayn was the mostwonderful of all the people in worship and the mostpious of them for Allah, the Great and Almighty.3

These words denote the impressions of these greatfigures concerning the Ima`m. They have unanimouslyagreed that he was at his time the best of all the familyof the Prophet in knowledge and outstanding meritsthat represent man's absolute perfection.

His high MoralsAs for his high morals, they were gifts from Allah.

The perplexed person follows the right way with them. The straying person is guided by them. In thisphenomenon, the Ima`m imitated his grandfather,Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family whowas distinguished from the prophets by his highmorals.

The historians have unanimously agreed that theIma`m, peace be on him, treated kindly those whomistreated him. He forgave them and bestowed


1 Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol.7, p.305.

2 Ima`m Zayn al-A@bidin, p.73.

3 Al-Bida`ya wa al-Niha`ya, vol.9, p.104.

34

6. Ma`lik

7. Ja`bir b. Abd Allah

8. Al-Wa`qidi

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

31/747


liberally upon them to uproot from them aggressionagainst others. The following are some of his attitudestowards them:

A. The historians said: Isma`~l b. Hisha`m al-Makhzumi was the governor of Yathrib (Medina). Heharbored hatred against the members of the House,peace be on them. He hurt Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~nvery much and abused his grandfathers on the pulpitsto approach the rulers of Damascus. When al-Wal~d b.Abd al-Malik became caliph, he removed Hisha`m fromoffice because of a previous enmity. Then he orderedthe people to take their rights from him. Hisha`m wasvery afraid of the Ima`m, peace be on him, for hemistreated him very much. So, he said: I am afraid ofno one but of Ali b. al-Husayn. He is a righteous man. Thus, the ruler will hear his words concerning me.However, the Ima`m ordered his companions andfollowers not to mistreat him. Rather, he went to him,

smiled at him, asked him about his need during hiscritical situation, and then said to him: Cousin, myAllah forgive you. Indeed, what has been done towardsyou has displeased me.So, summon us to what youlike.

Hisha`m was astonished. Thus, he said withadmiration: Allah knows where to put His mission.1

Among his high morals is the following attitudethat raises him to the level which no reformer hasreached except his grandfathers. It also indicates hisIma`mate.

The historians reported that he slaughtered everyday a ewe. He cooked the ewe and divided it amongthe poor and the deprived. One day his retainer carrieda bowl of broth. The broth was boiling because of theintense heat. The retainer stumbled over a child of theIma`m. Thus, the child died at once. So, the Alid

1 Wasilat al-Ma`l fi Ad Mana`qib al-A@l, p.208.

35

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

32/747


women wept loudly. The Ima`m was praying. When hehad finished his prayers, he was told about the death ofhis child. However, he, peace be on him, hurried to theretainer. He found him shaking with fear. He met himwith kindness and affection, and said to him: You havedoubts about Ali b. al-Husayn. You have thought thathe will punish you. Go, you are free for Allah. These arefour thousand dinars as a gift for you. Excuse me for

the fear that has hit you because of me.1

How wonderful this soul is ! It is superior to thegood servants whose hearts Allah tested with belief. The Ima`m inherited these great morals from hisgrandfather, the great Prophet, may Allah bless himand his family, who established the standard ofmanners in the earth.

C. Among his high morals was that while he wasgoing out of the mosque, a man from those who hatedhim began cursing and abusing him. Some of theIma`m's companions and followers became angry withthe man. However, the Ima`m, peace be on him,calmed them, and then he treated the man kindly,saying: You do not know our affair completely. Do youhave a need to help you against it.

The man felt shame. He wished that the earthwould hide him. Defeat and regret appeared on hisface. The Ima`m, peace be on him, walked towardshim. He gave him a shirt. Besides he ordered onethousand dinars to be given to him. Thus, the mansaid: I bear witness that you are among the children of

the prophets.2

These are some of his attitudes that are full ofmercy, clemency, and self- denial. Indeed the morals ofthe members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be onhim, are a school that is based on honor, nobility, and

1 Saffwat al-Safwa.

2 Wasilat al-Ma`l fi Ad Mana`qib al-A@l, p.208.

36

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

33/747


on every thing through which man becomes high.

His Proclaiming KnowledgeAfter the tragedy of Karbala`', Ima`m Zayn

al-A@bid~n, peace be on him, devoted himself toproclaiming knowledge among the people. He did notconfine himself to the science of tradition and

jurisprudence. Rather, he took care of ethics, literature,philosophy, and wisdom. Moreover, he supplied theIslamic thought with large abilities of knowledge,wisdom, and etiquette. His book called al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiya' , his treatise on rights, the encyclopedias oftradition, and the books of ethics are full of them.

His Urging (the Moslems) to seekKnowledge

He, peace be on him, urged the Moslems to seek

knowledge. He summoned them to strive to studyknowledge because it is the creative means for theirdevelopment and the prosper of their life. He, peace beon him said: If people knew what is in seekingknowledge, they would seek it even through sheddingblood and wading into the depth of the sea.

He, peace be on him, advised some of hiscompanions to spread knowledge. In addition heordered them not to be proud towards the teacher. He,peace be on him, said: Indeed if you are good in

teaching the people and do not show pride towardsthem, Allah will increase you from His favor. If youprevent them from learning your knowledge, then it isincumbent on Allah, the Great and Almighty, to depriveyou of knowledge and its splendor and to drop yourposition from the hearts.1

1 Radi al-Din al-Tubrisi, Maka`rim al-Akhla`q, p.143.

37

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

34/747


His Honoring the Seekers ofKnowledge

He, peace be on him, took care of the seekers ofknowledge and raised their position. When he saw oneof them, he said: Welcome to the will of the Apostle ofAllah, may Allah bless him and his family. Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, said: When my father, Zayn

al-A@bid~n, looked at the young men who soughtknowledge, he made them nearer to him, saying:Welcome to you, you are the deposits of knowledge. Ifyou are the young men of people, you are about to bethe elders of others.'1

The Readers of the Korancleaved to him

The readers of the Koran devoted themselves toIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n to learn from him sciences,

knowledge, and manners of conduct. Sa~d b. al-Musayyab talked about their cleaving to the Ima`m,saying: Indeed, the readers of the Koran did not go toMecca till Ali b. al-Husayn went there. He went thereand a thousand riders went with him.2

His Freeing of SlavesIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him, felt

pity for slaves. Thus, he bought them and their women. Then he released them all to enjoy freedom anddignity. When he released them, he gave them enoughmoney to be in no need of people.

He adopted a group of slaves. Then he taught

1 Al-Dur al-Nazim, p.181. Al-Anwa`r al-Bahiya, p.103.

2 Biha`r al-Anwa`r, vol.2, p.83.

38

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

35/747


them various kinds of knowledge and sciences. A largegroup of them graduated from his school. They wereamong the great scholars at that time. That was thereason why the slaves headed the scientific movementduring those times. That was also the reason why theyfollowed the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peacebe on them, and joined every political movement thatsummoned the people to get rid of the Umayyadgovernment and to return the caliphate to themembers of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them,who were the refuge for every poor and deprivedperson.

His Worship and his PietyIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n was among the monks

of this community in his worship and piety. He wasgiven the nick-name of Dhi al-Thafanat (the one with

calluses). That was because of his many prostrations(in prayer). He was also given the nick-name of al-Mujtahid (the hardworking one), Zayn al-A@bid~n(the ornament of the worshipers), and Sayyidal-A@bid~n (the Lord of the worshipers).1 The nick-name of al-Sajja`d refers to his constant worship andhis great cleaving to Allah. The historians reported thatwhen he used to perform ritual ablutions, his skinwould turn yellow. Thus, his family said to him: What isthat which hits you during the ablution? He said tothem: Do you not know before whom I want to

stand?2 His son, al-Ba`qir, came to him. He found himworshipping Allah to the extent that he turned palebecause of staying up at night, his eyes had whitesecretion because of weeping, his forehead festered

1 Al-Dur al-Nazim, p.179.

2 Durr al-Abka`r fi Safwat al-Akhya r.

39

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

36/747


because of much prostration (in prayer) , and his legsswelled because of praying at night. So, his son burstinto tears. However, Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n waspraying. When he saw his son, he ordered him to givehim the parchments in which there was the (practiceof) worship of his grandfather, the Commander of theFaithful, peace be on him. His son gave him thoseparchments. He considered them carefully. Then he leftthem out of boredom and said: Who is strong enoughto perform the worship of Ali b. Ab~ Ta`lib ?1

When he, peace be on him, rose to pray beforeAllah, he turned toward the Great Creator with hisheart and his feelings. No affair of this life made himbusy. Ima`m al-Ba`qir said : When my father rose topray, he did not busy himself in other than it and didnot hear anything, for he devoted himself to it. One ofhis children fell and broke his hand. His family cried.Then they sent for the bone setter. He set the hand of

the child who was crying because of the intense pain.The Ima`m did not hear anything. When he enteredupon morning and saw the boy's splint hand, he askedabout that. So, his family told him about that.2

Worship strained him very much. Indeed heoverexerted himself for it. Thus, his family feared forhis safety. They begged him to decrease his worship.However, he refused that. Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace beon him, said: When Fa`tima, the daughter of theCommander of the Faithful, saw her nephew, Ali b. al-

Husayn, overexerting himself in worshipping, she wentto Ja`bir b. Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri and said to him: OCompanion of the Apostle of Allah, indeed, we haverights with you. Among our rights with you is that when

1 Ala`m al-Wara , p.360.

2 Al-Dur al-Nazim, p.179.

40

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

37/747


you see one of us overexerting himself, you must makehim remember Allah and ask him to relieve himself. Thenose of Ali b. al-Husayn, the rest of his father, al-Husayn, has been torn. His forehead, his kneels, andhis palms (of the hands) have become swollen. That isbecause he has overexerted himself in worshipping.

So, Ja`bir went to Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n. He

found him overexerting himself in worshipping at hismihrab. The Ima`m rose to receive Ja`bir. He seatedhim beside him and asked him very much about hiscondition. Then Ja`bir asked the Ima`m:

O Son of the Apostle of Allah, do you not knowthat Allah has created Paradise for you and for thosewho love you and created Fire for those who hate youand show enmity towards you ? So, why do youoverexert yourself ?

The Ima`m answered Ja`bir with kindness andaffection: O Companion of the Apostle of Allah, do younot know that Allah has forgiven my grandfather,Allah's Apostle, his past and following faults ? Still heoverexerted himself for Allah. May my father andmother be ransom for Allah's Apostle, he worshippedAllah till his leg and his foot became swollen. It wassaid to him: Do you do that while Allah has forgivenyou your past and following faults ?' Thus, he said:Should I not be a grateful servant ?'

When Ja`bir knew that the Ima`m insisted onoverexerting himself, he said to him: O Son of theApostle of Allah, spare your life. That is because youare from the family through whom the tribulation isdriven away, through whom the illness is cured, andthrough whom the sky rains.

41

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

38/747


The Ima`m replied him with a faint voice: I willcontinue the way of my father and of my grandfather. Iwill follow their example till I meet them.

Ja`bir was astonished. Thus, he said to those whowere around him : No child of the prophets was likeAli b. al-Husayn except Joseph, the son of Jacob. ByAllah, the children of al-Husayn are better than thechildren of Joseph, the son of Jacob. Indeed one of themwill fill the earth with justice as it had been filled withinjustice.1

Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n was the Ima`m of thepious and the repentant. Indeed he overexerted himselfin his worshipping. He was loyal in his obedience. Hecleaved to Allah to the extent that even saints did notdo that.

His Alms and his KindnessIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n was the kindest of all

the people to the weak, the gentlest of them to theneedy and the most merciful of them to the miserable.He preferred the poor to himself and his family. Thehistorians have unanimously agreed that he carried abag of bread on his back and divided it among the pooras alms. He said: Indeed the secret alms put out theLord's wrath.2 He maintained one hundred families in

Medina.3 He had kissed the poor person before hegave him the alms.4 He did that lest the poor should

1 Ahmed Fahmi, Ima`m Zayn al-A@bidin, pp.72-73.


3 Ibid.

4 Ibid.

42

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

39/747

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

40/747


The Wonderful Poem of al-Farazdaq

Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him, wentto the Sacred House of Allah to perform the pilgrimage.Meanwhile Hisha`m b. Abd al-Malik went there for thesame purpose. The latter did his best to touch theBlack Stone but he was unable to do that, for the

people overcrowded around it. A pulpit was installedand he sat on it. He began looking at thecircumambulation of the people. Then Ima`m Zaynal-A@bid~n came to perform his circumambulation.When the pilgrims saw him, they were astonished at hissolemnity that was similar to the solemnity of hisgrandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him andhis family. The people were shouting loudly: There isno god but God! Allah is great!They made two queuesfor him. Happy was he who saw him, kissed his hand,and touched his shoulder. That is because the Ima`m

was the rest of Allah in his earth. The Syrians wereastonished when they saw that situation. That isbecause the pilgrims did not received Hisha`m, whowas the nominated caliph after his father, warmlythough the Syrians honored him and the policemensurrounded him. One of Hisha`m's companions askedhim: Who is that man whom the people have honoredvery much?

Hisha`m burst into anger, shouted at the man,saying : I do not know him!

He claimed that he did not know the Ima`m lestthe people should know him. Al-Farazdaq was there. Hedid not control himself. Thus, he said to the Syrians:

I know him.

Who is he, Abu` Fira`s?asked the Syrians.

Hisha`m shouted at al-Farazdaq, saying:

44

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

41/747


I do not know him!

Yes, you know him,replied al-Farazdaq.

Then he rose and composed the following poemwhose effect was stronger than the hitting of theswords and the stabbing of the spears againstHisha`m. He said:

This is the son of Husayn and the son of Fa`tima

the daughter of the Apostle through whom thedarkness dispersed.

This is he whose ability the valley (of Mecca)recognizes, and whom the (Sacred) House (as do) thesanctuary and the area outside the sanctuary (al-hill).

This is the son of the best of Allah's servants. Thisis the pure pious man, the pure eminent man.

When Quraysh saw him, their spokesman said:

Liberality terminates at the outstanding qualities

of this (man).

He belongs to the top of glory which the Arabs

of Islam and non-Arabs fall short of obtaining.

When he comes to touch the wall of the Kaaba, it

almost grasps the palm of his hand.

He takes care to be modest and he is protectedfrom his terror. He only speaks when he smiles.

There is a cane in his hand. Its smell is fragrantfrom the hand of the most wonderful (of all the people),who is proud.

The prophets yielded to his grandfather's favor.The nations yielded to the favor of his community.

The light of guidance emanates from the light ofhis forehead. He is like the sun whose shining dispersesdarkness.

His tree belongs to the Apostle of Allah. Its

45

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

42/747


elements, its natures, and its qualities are good.

This is the son of Fa`tima if you do not recognizehim. The prophets of Allah were ended by hisgrandfather.

Allah honored and favored him from antiquity.

Your words who is this? do not harm him. TheArabs and non-Arabs recognize him whom you deny.

Both his hands are relief. Their advantage hasprevailed. The hands are equal. Nonexistence does notbefall them.

He is the carrier of the burdens of the people whenthey are oppressed.

His qualities are good. The yes is sweet with him.He does not break the promise. His soul is blessed.

His courtyard is wide. He is clever when he decides.He is from the people whose love is religion, whose

hate is unbelief, whose approach is refuge and

protection.If the God-fearing are numbered, they are their

Ima`ms. If it is said who are the best of the earth, it issaid they are.

No generous man can reach their far purpose. Nopeople, though generous, can compete with them (forgenerosity).

They are rain when a crisis happens. They arelions

when fear becomes intense.

Poverty does not decreases the relief from theirhands. That is the same, whether they are rich or poor.Misfortune and tribulation are driven away

through their love.Kindness and the blessings are regained through

it.In every affair their praise is after the praise of

46

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

43/747


Allah. The speech is ended by it.Abasement refuses to stop at their space. Their

natures are noble, and their hands are full of liberality.None of mankind has within their souls such

primacy as he does nor such grace as he does.Whoever knows Allah, knows His friend. Religion is

from the House of this man.

Hisha`m burst into anger. He wished that the earthwould swallow him up. He was displeased to hear thispoem called al-Asma`'. That is because it indicated thehigh social rank of the great Ima`m. Besides it madethe Syrians recognize him, for they did not recognizehim nor did they recognize his grandfathers.Accordingly, Hisha`m ordered al-Farazdaq to beimprisoned at a place called Asfan between Mecca andMedina. Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n heard of that, so hesent al-Farazdaq twelve thousand dirhams. However,al-Farazdaq returned them. He refused to accept them

and said: I said that concerning you as anger for Allahand His Apostle.The Ima`m returned them and al-Farazdaq agreed to accept them. Then al-Farazdaqbegan dispraising Hisha`m.1

Deep SadnessIn this world nobody was afflicted with disaster as

Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him. That isbecause he suffered from the fears of the disaster ofKarbala`'. He saw the stages of that tragedy that isimmortal in the world of grief. He was ill, for illnesses

and diseases attacked him. Those sad sights melted hisheart. Thus, they moved him to weep continuously. Hisdeep sadness increased in the course of days. So,sadness melted him. His sadness for his father becamegreat to the extent that he mixed his food with his

1 Niha`yat al-Irab, vol.21, pp.327-331.

47

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

44/747


tears.1 Thus, some of his followers begged him to bepatient, saying : We are afraid that you will be amongthe perished. However, the Ima`m answered themkindly : I express my grief and my sadness beforeAllah. I know what you do not know. Indeed Jacob was aprophet. He had twelve children. Allah concealed on ofhis children. Jacob knew that his child was living. Still,he wept over him to the extent that his eyes becamewhite because of sadness. For me, I looked at myfather, my brothers, my uncles, and my companions.They were killed around me. So, how does my sadnessend ? When I remember the murder of the son ofFa`tima (Ima`m Husayn), I burst into tears. When I lookat my aunts and my sisters, I remember the day whenthey escaped from tent to tent at the Battle ofKarbala '. Nevertheless, the caller of the peopleshouted: Burn the tents of the oppressive. '

Those painful sights that occurred at Karbala`'

motivated his sadness and sorrow. So, he is numberedas one of the five weeping persons who haverepresented sadness and weeping in the arena of lifefor centuries.

Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, witnessed thatexhausting sadness that befell his father. Thus, hebecame very impatient. Perhaps he shared his fatherhis weeping and his grief.

His Commandments to his Sonal-Ba`qir

The great Ima`m supplied his son al-Ba`qir and allhis children with educational commandments full ofhigh manners and noble values. They achieve safety,rest, and tranquillity to those who put them intopractice. The following are some of them:

1 Haya`t al-Ima`m al-Husayn, vol.3, p.327.

48

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

45/747


1. He, peace be on him, said to his son, al-Ba`qir:O My little son, do not make friends with five(persons), and do not talk with them. Do not makefriends with the sinner, for he sells you for a meal orless than it. I (al-Ba`qir) said: My father, what do youmean by less than it ?' He replied: He wishes for it,then he will not obtain it. ' Do not make friends with themiser, for he abandons you when you are in need ofhim. Do not make friends with the liar, for he is like themirage. He makes the near (things) far for you, and hemakes the distant (things) near for you. Do not makefriends with the fool, for he wants to avail you but heharms you. It was said: A wise enemy is better than afoolish friend. ' Do not make friends with him whoabandons his close relatives, for he is cursed at threeplaces in Allah's Book: in the Chapter of Mohammed,Allah, the Most High, said: But if you held command,you were sure to make mischief in the land and cut off

the ties of kinship! It is those whom Allah has cursed.So, He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes.'1 Inthe Chapter of al-Rad, Allah, the Exalted, said: Andthose who break the covenant of Allah after itsconfirmation and cut asunder that which Allah hasordered to be joined and make mischief in the land; (asfor) those, upon them shall be a curse and they shallhave the evil (issue) of the abode.2 In the Chapter ofal-Ahza`b, Allah, the Most High, said: Surely (as for)those who speak evil things of Allah and His Apostle,Allah has cursed them in this world and the hereafter,

and He has prepared for them a chastisement bringingdisgrace.34

1 Koran, 47, 22-23.

2 Koran, 13, 25.

3 Koran,33, 57.

4 Al-Itha`f bi Hub al-Ashra f, p.282.

49

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

46/747


In these commandments the Ima`m, peace be onhim, warned Moslems of making friends with theabove-mentioned persons whose morals are bad, forthe psychological illnesses of such people pass alongtheir friends. Indeed friendship has a great effect onforming the personal behavior of the individual.

2. He, peace be on him, recommended his son, al-

Ba`qir, with these valuable commandments. He said tohim: Do good for everybody who asks you for it. If heis appropriate for it, then you are right in giving it. If heis inappropriate for it, then you are appropriate for it. Ifa man abuses you on your right hand and then theman moves to your left hand and apologizes to you,then accept his apology.1

These commandments are full of the noble ethicswhich the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peacebe on them, adopted. They urged the Moslems to do

good and asked them to forgive those who mistreatedthem. These are the most prominent qualities of them.

3. Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, said: Myfather, Ali b. al-Husayn, said to his children: Be carefulof small and big lies during seriousness and joking.That is because if the person tells a small lie, he will tella big one.2

The Ima`m, peace be on him, urged his children toadopt good deeds. He planted noble qualities in

themselves. He prevented them from practicing thedeeds that corrupt man's behavior.

4. Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him,recommended his son, Ima`m al-Ba`qir, to cleave to

1 Tuhaf al-Uqu`l, p.282.

2 Wasa`il al-Shia, vol.3, p.232.

50

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

47/747


the following excellent commandments. He, peace beon him, said: My little son, intellect is the guide of thesoul. Knowledge is the guide of the intellect. Intellect isthe translator of knowledge. Know that knowledge ismore surviving, the tongue is more prattling, and thatthe reform of all the world is in two words- clevernessand heedlessness.1 For man does not neglects what he

has already regonized. Know that the hours decreaseyour lifetime. You do not obtain a blessing but throughleaving another blessing. Beware of the long hope.2

These are some of his commandments. They arefull of high morals, valuable wise sayings, and sounddirections. The Ima`m did not put them for his childrenonly. Rather he put them for all people regardless oftheir nationalities and their religions.

His Supplications for his Children

As for all his supplications, they represent anorigin bright side of the sides of Islamic education. They are the best ways to educate souls and toimprove morals.

The great Ima`m knew that black clouds of social,moral and religious deterioration prevailed in thecommunity during his time. So, he put his supplicationsknown as al-Sahifa al-Sajja`diya'. Through them hewanted to cure psychological diseases and to renewthe mental and spiritual qualities of the community.

The supplications are among the most valuable Islamicworks after the Holy Koran and Nahjj al-Bala`gha.

Indeed Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n's supplicationsare full of knowledge, wise sayings, and spiritual

1 Many authors ascribed these golden words

to Ima`m al-Ba`qir.

2 Al-Khazza`z, Kifa`yat al-Athar, p.319.

51

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

48/747


Islamic belief. They supply the community with theteachings necessary to achieve its individual and socialbalance. Among his holy supplications for his children isthe following. He, peace be on him, said:

O Allah, be kind to me through

the survival of my children,

setting them right for me,

and allowing me to enjoy them!O Allah, make long their lives for me,

increase their terms,

bring up the smallest for me,

strengthen the weakest for me,

rectify for me their bodies,

their religious dedication,

and their moral traits,

make them well in their souls, their limbs,

and everything that concerns me of their affair,

and pour out for me and upon my hand

their provisions!

Make them pious, fearing, insightful, hearing,

and obedient toward You,

loving and well-disposed toward Your friends,

and stubbornly resistant and full of hate

toward all Your enemies!

Amen!O Allah, through them strengthen my arm,

straighten my burdened back,

multiply my number,

adorn my presence,

keep alive my mention,

52

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

49/747


suffice me when I am away,

help me in my needs,

and make them loving toward me,

affectionate, approaching, upright,

obedient, never disobedient, disrespectful

opposed, or offenders!

Help me in their upbringing, their education,and my devotion toward them,

give me among them from Yourself male children,

make that a good for me,

and make them a help for me

in that which I ask from You!

Give me and my progeny refuge from the accursedSatan,

for You have created us, commanded us, and

prohibited us,and made us desire the reward of what You have

commanded

and fear its punishment!

You assigned to us an enemy

who schemes against us,

gave him an authority over us

in a way that You did not give us an authority overhim,

allowed him to dwell in our breastsand let him run in our blood vessels;

he is not heedless though we are heedless,

he does not forget though we forget;

he makes us feel secure from your punishment

and fill us with fear toward other than You.

53

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

50/747


If we are about to commit an indecency,

he gives us courage to do so,

and if we are about to perform a righteous work,

he holds us back from it.

He opposes us through passions

and sets up for us doubts.

If he promises us, he liesand if he raises our hopes, he fails to fulfill them.

If You do not turn his trickery away from us,

he will misguide us,

and if You do not protect us from his corruption,

he will cause us to slip.

O Allah, so defeat his authority over us throughYour authority,

such that You hold him back from us

through the frequency of our supplication to Youand we leave his trickery

and rise up among those preserved by You fromsin!

O Allah, grant me my every request,

accomplish for me my needs

withhold not from me Your response

when You have made Yourself accountable for it tome,

veil not my supplication from Yourself,when You have commanded me to make it,

and be kind to me through everything that will setme right

in this world and the next,

in everything that I remember or forget,

54

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

51/747


display or conceal,

make public or keep secret!

In all of this, place me through my asking Youamong

those who set things right,

those who are answered favorably

when they request from You

and from whom is not withheld

when they put their trust in You,

those accustomed to seek refuge in You,

those who profit through commerce with You,

those granted sanctuary through Your might,

those given lawful provision in plenty from Yourbound less bounty

through Your munificence and generosity,

those who reach exaltation after abasementthrough You

those granted sanctuary from wrong through Yourjustice,

those released from affliction through Your mercy,

those delivered from need after poverty throughYour riches,

those preserved from sins, slips, and offensesthrough reverential fear toward You,

those successful in goodness, right conduct, and

propriety through obeying You,those walled off from sins through Your power,

the retainers from every act of obedience towardYou,

the dwellers in Your neighborhood!

O Allah, give all of that through Your bestowal of

55

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

52/747


success and Your mercy,

grant us refuge from the chastisement of theburning,

and give to all the Moslems, male and female,

and all the faithful, male and female,

the like of what I have asked for myself and mychildren,

in the immediate of this world

and the deferred of the next!

Verily You are the Near, the Responder,

the All-hearing, the All-knowing,

the pardoner, the Forgiving,

the Clement, the merciful!

And give to us in this world good,

and in the next world good,

and protect us from the chastisement of the Fire!1

Indeed the great Ima`m put the methods ofeducation and the ethics of Islam through this holysupplication, which is among the gifts of Prophethood,the fragrant smells of the Ima`mate, and the brightpages of the heritage of the members of the House (ahlal-Bayt), peace be on them. The Ima`m took care ofthis supplication to educate the morals of his childrenand to purify their souls from deviation from the rightpath and sins. He prayed for Allah to set right their

religion, to protect them from committing what heprohibited, and to set right their conduct so that theywould be the delight of his eye and a help for him toachieve the affairs of this life. It is natural for the fatherto be happy when his child is righteous. When the child

1 Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin, al-Sahifa al-Sajja`diya, supplication no.25.

56

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

53/747


deviates, he turns his parents' life into an unbearableinferno.

In Protection from ImmortalityThe great Ima`m overexerted himself in worship.

He was very loyal to Allah. The people saw nobody likehim in piety and intense cleaving to the religion. His lifewas a school for piety, belief, education, and reform.The people admired him very much, for he was the restof the Prophethood and of Allah in His earth. Thus, theywere happy to see him, to sit with him, and to talk withhim. This was difficult for the Umayyads who were themost malicious of all the people towards the Prophet'sfamily. They were afraid of the Ima`m, for the peopleadmired him very much, and talked about his vastknowledge. Among the most malicious towards himwas al-Wal~d b. Abd al-Malik. Al-Zuhri reported that

al-Wal~d said: I have no rest as long as Ali b. al-Husayn is in this world.1 When this spiteful personbecame caliph, he decided to kill the Ima`m.

Al-Wal~d poisoned the Ima`mAl-Wal~d committed the most dangerous crime in

Islam. He sent deadly poison to his governor of Medina(Yathrib). He commanded him to give the poison to theIma`m to drink.2 His governor carried out that order.When the Ima`m was given the poison to drink, hesuffered from severe pains. He remained alive for some

days on the death bed expressing his grief to Allah. Thepeople crowded to visit him. However, he, peace be onhim, was praising Allah for granting him martyrdom atthe hands of the worst of His creatures.

1 Haya`t al-Ima`m Ali b. al-Husayn, p.426.

2 Ibn al-Sabba`gh, al-Fusu l al-Muhimma, p.233.

57

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

54/747


His Designation for theIma`mate of al-Ba`qir

He, peace be on him, charged his son, al-Ba`qir,with the Ima`mate after him and designated him as theIma`m. Al-Zuhri said: [I went to him to visit him. Then Isaid to him:] If Allah's unavoidable order occurs,whom shall we follow after you ?

The Ima`m looked at me kindly and said to me:This son of mine, pointing to his son al-Ba`qir, for he ismy trustee, my inheritor, and the container of myknowledge. He is the origin of knowledge and the onewho will split it open.

Will you not designate your eldest son ?Abu` Abd Allah, oldness and youngness do not

concern the Ima`mate. In this manner, Allah's Apostle,may Allah bless him and his family, nominated us.Thus, we have found it written in the tablet and theparchment.

Son of the Apostle of Allah, did your Prophetentrust you to be the trustees (of authority) afterhim ?

We have found twelve names in the parchmentand the tablet. Their Ima`mate, their fathers' names,and their mothers' names have been written in thetablet.Then he said: Seven of the trustees will comeforth from the back of Mohammed, my son. Al-Mahdiwill be one of them.1

Some prominent Shiites came to him. He told

them about the Ima`mate of his son al-Ba`qir. Heappointed him as the authority and leader for thecommunity of his grandfather. Then he gave him abasket and a box in which were the prophets' heritageand the weapon and the books of the Apostle of Allah,

1 Ithba t al-Huda`t, vol.5, p.264.

58

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

55/747


may Allah bless him and his family.1

His Bequests to his Son al-Ba`qirIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n, peace be on him,

entrusted his trustee and the Lord of his sons, Ima`mal-Ba`qir, peace be on him, to carry out his bequeststhat are as follow:

1. He said to him: Through this she-camel of

mine, I performed the hajj twenty times. I have neverwhipped it. When it dies, bury it so as the beasts ofprey do not eat its meat. That is because Allah'sApostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said: Allahnumbers the camel from the blessings of Heaven whenthe pilgrim performs the hajj seven times through it.And He makes blessed its progeny.Ima`m al-Ba`qircarried that out.2

2. He advised him to carry out the followingvaluable bequest that denote some bright qualities of

the members of the House (ahl al-Bait), peace be onthem. He said to him: I advise you with what myfather advised me when death came to him. He said tome: My little son, beware of oppressing him who hasno supporter against you but Allah.3

3. He entrusted him to wash and shroud him andto take care of all his affairs till he buried him in hisfinal resting place.4

To the High ComradeThe Ima`m was in a critical condition, for the death

pangs became more serious. The members of hisHouse were told that he would move to Paradise in the

1 Ibid, p.268.

2 Al-Barqi, al-Maha`sin, vol.2, p.635.

3 Al-Khisa`l, p.185.

4 Al-Khara`ijj, p.20.

59

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

56/747


darkness of the night. He fainted three times. When hegot well, he read the chapter of al-Waqia and thechapter of Inna Fatahna, and then he, peace be no him,said: Praise belongs to Allah, Who has made good tous his promise, and has made us inherit the land; weabide in the garden where we please; so goodly is thereward of the workers.1

Then that great soul ascended to its Creator as thesouls of the prophets and of the apostles ascended.The angels of the Merciful surrounded it. Allah's favors,greetings, and pleasure surrounded it too. His soulascended to Heaven after it had enlightened thehorizons of this universe and the worlds of this worldhad shone through it. That is because it had left behindit noble practices through which the perplexed one andthe straying one follow the right way.

His Preparation for Burial

Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir) prepared his father'sbody. When he washed his body, the people saw theplaces of his prostration (in prayer). They were similarto the camel's kneels because of his many prostrationsfor his Creator. The people looked at his shoulders. They looked like the camel's kneels too. Thus, thepeople asked al-Ba`qir about that. He told them thathis father's shoulders were so because of the food baghe carried on them for the poor and the deprived.

After al-Ba`qir had washed his father's body, heshrouded it and prayed over it.

His FuneralIma`m Zayn al-A@bid~n was escorted to his final

resting place in the manner which Medina (Yathrib) hadnever seen before. The pious and the sinners paid him

1 Roudat al-Ka fi.

60

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

57/747


the last hours. All the people wept over him, for theylost much good at his death. Moreover, they lost thathigh soul of which no soul was created. The peoplecrowded around that holy body. They were happy toraise it. It was strange that Sa~d b. al-Musayyab, oneof the seven jurists in Medina, did not escort the Ima`mand did not pray over him. Hushrum, Ashjas retainer,blamed him for that. Sa~d said to him: To pray tworaqa`s in the mosque is more lovable for me than topray over this good man from the good House.1 Sa~dwas deprived of escorting the Ima`m who was the mostpious human being Allah created after his puregrandfathers.

To his final Resting PlaceThe people were around the great body praising

and glorifying Allah. They brought it to the (cemetery)of Baqi al-Gharqad. They dug a grave for it beside the

grave of his pure uncle, Ima`m al-Hasan b. Ali, theLord of the youth of Heaven. Ima`m al-Ba`qir buried hisfather's body in its final resting place. He buried with itkindness, piety, clemency, and the spiritual qualities ofthe prophets and of the pious.

Then the people hurried toward Ima`m al-Ba`qir,peace be on him, to condole him. The Ima`m, hisbothers, and all the Ha`shimites thanked them for that.

After he had buried his father at the (cemetery) ofBaqi` al-Gharqad, Ima`m Abu` Jafar (al-Ba`qir), peacebe on him, went home weeping The Ha`shimites, thechildren of the Companions (of the Prophet), and thenotable Moslems surrounded him. They were weepingover Ima`m Zayn al-A@bid~n and mentioning histraits and his deeds. They were also mentioning withgreat sorrow the heavy loss that befell the Moslems at

1 Al-Kashi, Rija`l, p.76.

61

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

58/747


his death.

After his father's death, Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace beon him, undertook the spiritual leadership and thegeneral authority of the Moslem world. The Ima`mateand the religious leader with the Shiites passed tohim.1 From that moment, he began to proclaimknowledge and to teach the scholars special lessons

about the affairs of Islamic Law and the rules ofreligion. Most historians mentioned that he lived for 39years under the protection of his father.2 Theorientalist Roait M. Reynolds made a mistake when hementioned that the Ima`m's age was 19 years whenthe Ima`mate passed to him.3 That has occurredbecause of the paucity of the studies on the affairs ofIslamic history.

FabricationIn his book al-Ta`r~kh', b. Asa`kir reported some

fabrications on the authority of Mohammed b. Jafar al-Samiry, who said: I heard Abu` Mu`sa`` , the educator,say: Qays b. al-Numa`n said: One day I went to somegraveyards of Medina. Suddenly, I found a boy. The boywas sitting beside a grave and weeping loudly. Rays oflight were coming out of his face. I walked toward himand said: O Boy, what has made you sad to the extentthat it has made you lonely at the graveyards andweep over the deed while you are in the inexperienceof boyhood paying no attention to the difference of thetimes and the longing of grief? The boy raised his head

and lowered it. He kept silent for an hour without givingan answer. Then he raised his head and said:

Indeed the boy is he whose intellect is young.

1 Al-Aqd al-Farid, vol.5, p.204.

2 Ibn Abi al-Thaljj al-Baghda`di, Ta`rikh al-Aimma, p.5.

3 Aqidat al-Shia, p.123.

62

8/8/2019 Imam Baqer

59/747


Neither youngness nor oldness has abased thewise from us.

Then he said to me: You have no ability to think.Your bowels are free from sorrow. You feel safe from theapproach of death through the long hope. Indeed thething that has made me lonely at the graveyardreminds me of the Words of Allah, the Great and

Almighty : And the trumpet shall be blown, when lo!from the graves they shall hasten on to their Lord. ' So,I said: May my father and mother be ransom for you,who are you? He said: The unhappiness of the fools isthat their knowledge of the children of the prophets islittle. I am Mohammed b. Ali b. al-Husayn. This is thegrave of my father. Which sociability is more sociablethan his nearness? Which loneliness is with him? Thenhe composed, saying:

When my tears decrease at a misfortune,

I make weeping a cause for it.

Qays said: I went away. I did not leave thevisitation of the graves from that time.1 This reportwas fabricated, for it denotes that the Ima`m was stillyoung after his father's death. However, the historianshave unanimously agreed that his holy age was 39years. Thus, when we consider carefully this report, weunderstand that it is among the fabrications.

With this our talk about Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir under the wing of his father and of hisgrandfather is over. He inherited from them the

greatest thing which the branches inherit from theorigins. He inherited from them knowl

imam baqer

Documents