Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

PUBLISHER'S PREFACE

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Man performs material deeds. We can evaluate such deeds. Man sometimes performs immaterial deeds. We cannot evaluate them. Rather, it is Allah, the Exalted, Who evaluates them and rewards man according to them. The deeds of the pure Ima`ms, peace be on them, were immaterial. Hence, we have no right to evaluate them, for they are far above evaluation. We only publish and submit them to people to make use of them.

Gentle reader, the book before you has been written by Shaykh Ba`qir Sharïf al-Qarashi, who spared no effort to report the history of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Mr. Ja`sim al-Rasheed has honestly translated the book from Arabic into English. The book is not a mere writing about the life of one of the Ima`ms, peace be on them. Rather, it has skillfully 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 property will not avail, nor sons except him who comes to Allah with a heart free (from evil).” In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Surely Allah chose Adam and Noah and the descendants of Abraham and the descendants of Amran above the nations. Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House, and to purify you a (thorough) purifying. Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it except love for my near relatives. And whoever earns good, We give him more of good therein. Surely Allah is Forgiving, Grateful.

Dedication

I dedicate (this book) to you... oh you who spread knowledge and light in the earth.

To you, oh Apostle of Allah. To you, oh you who were the Last of the prophets.

This humble book is about the life of your grandson, Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir. You called him Mohammed and gave him the nick-name as Ba`qir al-‘Ilm (the one who splits open knowledge). Thus, he renewed your religion and enlivened your practices (sunna).

Therefore, no one is worthier of this dedication than you. Accept this and be kind to me through your pleasure. So, it will be my provision on the day when I meet Allah.

Introduction

Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, was unique. For he belonged to the unique members of the pure family (of the Prophet). He was among the leading Ima`ms of the House (ahl al-Bayt) peace be on them. He was among the most prominent of the men of thought and knowledge in Islam. The historians have unanimously agreed on his importance.For he played an important role in proclaiming the Islamic culture and founding the scientific movement in Islam.He dedicated himself to spread knowledge among the Moslems.That was when the intellectual lull included all the Islamic world, and when there was no scientific or intellectual renaissance. The Moslems led successive revolutions and popular uprisings.They sometimes wanted to get rid of the oppressive Umayyad regime, and they sometimes wanted to take the reins of government.Accordingly, they thoroughly neglected the scientific life. Thus, it had no existence in the arena of life.

Indeed Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, turned away completely from those political movements. He did not take part in any political act to oppose the standing regime then. He devoted himself to knowledge. So, he raised its standard, founded its bases, and fixed firmly its sources.Thus, he was the pioneer, teacher, and leader of this community during its cultural movement.He led it to wide steps in scientific studies.He played an important role in prospering the bright Islamic civilization throughout the generations that came after him. Ima`m Abu` Ja‘far (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, was famous for jurisprudence. That is because jurisprudence represents the spirit of Islam, its essence, and its reaction with life.So, he took care to enliven it. Then he established his religious school that was full of main jurists such as Aba`n b. Taghlub, Mohammed b. Moslem, Barïd, Abu` Basïr al-Asadi, al-Fadel b. Sayya`r, Ma‘ru`f b. Khrbudh, Zarara b. A‘yun and the like.

These main figures were among those on whose truthfulness and jurisprudence the community has unanimously agreed. It was they who wrote down the traditions of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Were it not for them, that large intellectual wealth would be useless. The Islamic world is proud of this wealth. Besides this wealth is among the basic sources from which the Shi‘ite jurists conclude religious rules. The act that makes us boast of the life of the Ima`m is that he took care of these jurists. He praised them, strengthened their position, and summoned the community to resort to their religious opinions. He, peace be on him, said to Aba`n b. Taghlub: “Sit down in the mosque. Give religious opinions to the people. Indeed, I am glad to see among my followers the likes of you.”[1] Indeed, he paid their expenses and what they needed during their life. He did that to make them dedicate themselves to gaining of knowledge, to achieve its rules exactly, and to write it down. Then, he asked his son, Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, to take care of the jurists. He asked him to spend on them to help them carry out their religious duties. Thus, they played a constructive role in writing the traditions which they heard from him. Besides they taught the religious deputations what they narrated from him. Indeed, his student, Ja`bir b. Yazïd al-Ju‘fi, reported

seventy thousand traditions from him.[2] Aba`n b. Taghlub also reported a large group (of traditions) from him. The jurisprudential encyclopedias are full of their narrations 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 jurisprudence of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Worth mentioning, the jurisprudence of the members of the House is the best Islamic jurisprudence.

The lectures and researches of the Ima`m were not confined to jurisprudence. Rather they included all kinds of sciences such as philosophy, theology, and medicine. As for the explanation of the Koran, it engaged his care wholly. Indeed, he appointed time for it. Most commentators (of the Koran) have written what the Ima`m adopted and what he narrated from his grandfathers concerning the explanation of the holy verses. He (the Ima`m) wrote a book about the explanation (of the Koran). Zyya`d b. al-Mundher, the spiritual leader of the Jarudi group, reported the book from him.[3] This book denotes that and gives some examples of his explanations to some verses. Worth mentioning, the Ima`m, peace be on him, talked about the conditions of the prophets and the persecutions from which they suffered because of the oppressive rulers of their time. He also talked about their judgments and their morals. From him most researchers learned the situations of the prophets. Moreover, he, peace be on him, talked in an inclusive objective manner about the Prophet's life. He explained the circumstances of the great Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, his campaigns, and his wars.

The historians of the Prophetic life-such as b. Hisha`m, al-Wa`qidi, al-Halabi, and the like-reported them on his authority, on the authority of his grandfathers, peace be on them, on the authority of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. The Ima`m narrated a large group of traditions concerning behavior, good morals, and high qualities Moslems should follow to be an example to others. He reported in an inclusive way all the historic events that occurred during the early Islamic time. Al-Tabari has reported them from him in his book ‘Ta`rïkh.’ He has also reported them from him in his book ‘al-Ansab.’

The Ima`m, peace be on him, debated with some Christian scholars, the Azraqites, the atheists, and the extremists. 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 him an immense intellectual wealth. It is regarded as one of the sources and among the mines the scientific wealth in the earth. It is difficult for me to write about all what has been narrated from him. For that needs writing several books. We have referred to only some of them. We have left the door open to him who wants to study inclusively his scientific wealth.

However, the historians have never seen an Ima`m like Mohammed al-Ba`qir. That is because he devoted all his life to the spread of knowledge among the people. He was as the narrators said: “He lived in Median (Yathrib). He was a trusty custodian. He was like the mountain or the sea.

The thinkers and prominent scholars learned from him jurisprudence and knowledge. So, he developed not only the life of this community but also of all people.”

Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, was among the great men of thought and knowledge in Islam. He was also among the most prominent Ima`ms of the Moslems. That is because he had great morals. He freed himself from selfish materialism.

Thus his behavior represents the essence of the Islamic thought that came to guide people and to educate their manners. The historians have unanimously agreed that the Ima`m was most times busy praising Allah and that he spent his nights praying to Him and whispering to Him in prayers. The Ima`m thoroughly renounced worldly desires. He inclined with his heart and his feelings towards Allah. He preferred His obedience to all things. He followed what caused him to be close to Allah. He did not yield to any desires. Rather he got rid of them completely. Thus, they had no power over him.

The Ima`m's life was similar to the life of his grandfather, the great Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, in all qualities. Whoever reads about his life is full of admiration.

During his childhood, Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, was liable to many tribulations. Indeed, he saw the tragedies of Karbala`'. He saw the pure family of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, when they were tortured and killed. He saw the Umayyad Army murdering the innocent children, the women, and the old men. He saw that sinful army maiming the body of the great Ima`m (al-Husayn). He saw other tragedies that filled the heart with terror. He was among the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them when they were taken prisoners to b. Marjana (‘Ubayd Allah b. Zyya`d). The latter humiliated and disdained them very much. He showed his malice and he rejoiced at the murder of the progeny of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. Then he sent them to the sinful oppressive ruler, Yazïd b. Mu‘a`wiya. The latter received them with much disdain and mistreatment.

Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, understood fully those painful events. Thus, they filled his heart with stormy sorrow. They impressed deeply agony and sadness in his heart. They accompanied him throughout his life. Thus, his heart was full of bitter sorrow. So he died while he did not enjoy his life. Among the disasters that hit the Ima`m during his childhood was the Battle of al-Hirra. At that battle Yazïd's Army violated the Holiness of Medina, the city of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. The army raped the women, seized properties, and killed people. It violated all the things which Allah had prohibited. No one was safe from the terrors of that painful disaster except Ima`m Zayn al-‘Abidïn, peace be on him. That was because Yazïd ordered his sinful swordsman Moslem b. ‘Aqaba, not to kill him. These sad pictures left in the self of the Ima`m continual feelings full of sorrow and sadness.

The time of (the Ima`mate) of the Ima`m was among the most critical times in Islam. During this time life was very disorderly. Thus, the country was liable to many revolutions. Those revolutions from the bad Umayyad

politicians. That is because they did not take care of the interests of the Moslem nations. Rather they imposed heavy taxes on the Moslem community. They plundered its wealth and spent it on their pleasures. Moreover, they took exclusive possession of its affairs.

We must mention the government with which the Ima`m was contemporary. We also must study the political events that occurred during that time. In other words we must consider them carefully. That is because they had a close relationship with the cultural and social time when the Ima`m lived. The researcher must not ignore those events. That is because he is unable to understand fully the character of the person whom he wants to study.

It is an act of honesty for knowledge and the truth to show those events, to guide people to their references, and to discuss the references which were not based on the truth. Rather they were based on the desires that were far away from reality.

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

The Arab library has never contained a study about this great Ima`m who is among the elements of culture and civilizational formation of this community. Indeed, it is not an act of loyalty to neglect the lives of our great Ima`ms. That is because the living nations have immortalized their great men, praised them, and showed their scientific works. That is because these nations want to enliven their own originality and their noble values. Al-‘Aqqa`d said : “The European scholars have praised their great figures and studied the sides of their glory. Rather fanaticism sometimes motivated them to increase the sides of this greatness. They have created imaginations to justify the defect and to repair the shortcoming. That is because of the enthusiasm for the self and the excitement for seeking perfection. As for us, there are dams and fences between us and our great men. They have prevented our young men from making use of them.”

No one is worthier of praise than Ima`m Mohammed al-Ba`qir, peace be on him. That is because he was among the most prominent leaders of this community, and among the geniuses of the world. Among his works was that he freed the Arab Islamic criticism from the foreign domination. He made it independent from the Romanian Empire. We will mention that in detail in this book.

The old historians took care of studying the life of Ima`m Abu` Ja‘far (Mohammed al-Ba`qir). For example, al-Jaludi, ‘Abd al-‘Azïz b. Yahya` (died 304 A. H.), wrote a book. He called the book ‘Akhba`r Abï Ja‘far al-Ba`qir ’.[4] In the book he has mentioned his conditions and his affairs. However, we have not found the book among the manuscripts of which our library is full. Perhaps the book is in the other book cases in the world or it has become missing like the numerous manuscripts which the Arab Islamic world has lost.

Thank Allah! Success helped me. Thus, I studied the life of this great Ima`m. It is an act of truthfulness to say that I have not found a person more wonderful than him. That is because he represents all human values of which every person boasts. I devoted myself to reading a large group of

manuscripts and books that have mentioned some of his works and his wise sayings. I firmly believe that the careful researcher will find more information than what I have written about his (the Ima`m's) life. That is because much information has remained secret for me. In other words I do not claim that I have thoroughly studied 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 ask Allah to grant him success in all his noble efforts. Indeed success is from Allah. He grants it to whomever He wills from His servants.

6 / 11 / 1977 - 1397 A. H.

Ba`qir Sharïf al-Qarashi

Notes

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

[2]Miza`n al-I‘tida`l, vol.1, p.383.

[3]Shaykh al-Tu`si, Fihrast, p.98.

[4]Al-Dhari‘a, vol.1, p.315. Al-A‘la`m, vol.7, p.153.

CHAPTER l: THE GREAT BABY

The members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, received the baby with much rejoicing and pleasure. They were very happy with him, for he was in whom the elements of the two grandsons (of the Prophet), al-Hasan and al-Husayn, mixed. Those noble origins through which Allah strengthened the Arabs and the Moslems mixed in him, too. As for the noble backbones and the pure from which he branched, they are:

His Mother

As for his mother, she was a pure chaste woman. She was Fatima, the daughter of Imam al-Hasan, the Lord of the youth of Heaven. She was given the kunya of Umm ‘Abd Allah (the mother of ‘Abd Allah).[1] She was among the Hashimite women. Imam Zayn al-‘Abidïn, peace be on him, called her al-Siddïqa (the very truthful one).[2] Concerning her Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah al-Sadiq, peace be on him, said : “She was very truthful. No one in the family of al-Hasan looked like her.”[3] It is enough for her highness that she was part of the plant of the sweet basil of the Apostle of Allah (i. e. Imam al-Hasan), and that she grew up “in the houses which Allah permitted to be exalted and that His name may be remembered in them.”She brought up Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him, in her pure lap. She poured upon him rays of her pure soul. She fed him with her noble ideas that became part of his qualities.

We have no information about the period which he spent with his mother. That is because the references have neglected that period. Besides we have no information about all of his affairs.

His Father

His father was the Lord of the prostrators (in worship) and ornament of the worshipers. He was the best of all the Moslem figures in jurisprudence, knowledge, and religious piety. We will mention a brief study on his affairs in the following researches.

The Great Baby

The world shone on the birthday of the pure Imam (Mohammed al-Baqir). The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, had given good news to him before 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 Imams of Moslems. Namely the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, nominated those Imams. He made them leaders for his community and related them to the Koran. Imam Mohammed al-Baqir was born in Medina, on the third day of the month of Safar, in the year 56 A. H.[4] It was said (that he was) on Friday, during the early days of the month of Rajab.[5] He was born three years before his grandfather, Imam Husayn, peace be on him, was killed.[6] It was said (that he was born) four years, as he, peace be on him, said, (before the murder oh his grandfather).[7] It was also said (that he was born) two years and some months (before the murder of his grandfather).[8] The last date is unusual. No one accepts it.

The religious rituals such as adhan and iqama in his ears were performed for him when he was born. Other rites were also performed for him on the

seventh day of his birth: His hair was shaved. The weight of his cut hair in sliver was given to the needy as alms. A ram was sacrificed for him and was given to the poor as alms.

He was born during the time of Mu‘awiya. At that time the Islamic countries were full of oppression. Moreover, they were full of disasters and misfortunes. That was because of the oppression of Mu‘awiya and the injustice of his governors who spread terrorism and oppression in the country. Imam al-Baqir talked about that dreadful injustice. We will mention his speech in this book.

His Name

His grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, named him Mohammed. He also gave him the Kunya of al-Baqir. That was ten years before al-Baqir was born. That was among the Prophet's prophecies, as some researchers said. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, knew from the unseen that his grandson would do such as proclaiming knowledge among his community. Thus, he gave good news to his community about him. He also sent him his greetings through the great Companion (of the Prophet), Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari. We will mention that in the following (chapters).

His Kunya

He had only one kunya. It was Abu Ja‘far.[9] He was called by the name of his son, Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be on him, who renewed the life of this community and split open the fountains of wisdom in the earth.

His Nick-Names

As for his nick-names, they indicate the qualities of his great character and his high inclinations. They are as follows:

1. Al-Amïn (the trusted one).

2. Al-Shabïh (the one who was like the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family).[10]

3. Al-Shakir (the grateful one).

4. Al-Hadi (the one who guides).

5. Al-Sabir (the patient one).

6. Al-Shahid (the proof).[11]

7. Al-Baqir (the one who split open knowledge).[12] This is the most famous nick-name of his. He and his son, Imam al-Sadiq, were given the nick-name of al-Baqirayn (the two ones who split open knowledge). They were also given the nick-name of al-Sadiqayn (the two truthful ones).[13]

The historians and the biographers of the Imam have unanimously agreed on that he was given the nick-name of al-Baqir because he split open knowledge. Namely, he studied knowledge in detail. Thus, he understood its origin and its hidden (branches).[14] Concerning him, Imam al-Rida said:

“O (you) who split open knowledge (making it available) to the people of piety and the best of those who seek to answer the call of the Exalted.”[15]

It is as if that the people called him al-Baqir because of his great knowledge and his many sciences. It was also said that he was given the nick-name of al-Baqir because of his many prostrations (in worship). Thus,

he split open his forehead.[16] Moreover, he was given the nick-name (of al-Baqir) because of these words of his: “The truth called me for help after the untruth had gathered it in its abdomen. So, I split open its flank and brought out the truth from its hiding, so it appeared and spread after it had been hidden.”[17] However, the first meaning is the most famous with the historians.

The Greetings of the Prophet to al-Baqir

The historians and the narrators have unanimously agreed that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, sent his greetings to his grandson, al-Baqir, through the great companion, Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari. Thus, Jabir was impatiently waiting for his birth to give him the message of his grandfather. When the Imam was born and became a grown-up, Jabir met him and gave him the greetings of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. The historians have reported that in various ways. The following are some of them:

1. Aban b. Taghlub reported on the authority of Abï ‘Abd Allah, peace be on him, who said: “Indeed Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari was the last of the surviving Companions of the Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family. He devoted himself to us, we, the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt). He sat at the place of the Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family. He wore a black turban. He called out:‘ O you who will split open knowledge (baqir)! O You who will split open knowledge!’ Thus, the people of Medina said: ‘Jabir is hallucinating!’ So, he (Jabir) said:‘By Allah, I have never hallucinated. However, I heard the Apostle 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. ‘These words have motivated me to say what I say.’ He (Abï ‘Abd Allah) said: “One day while Jabir was walking through some streets of Medina, he passed by a street. Mohammed b. ‘Ali (al-Baqir) was in the street. When he looked at him he said: ‘O boy, come.’ The boy came. then Jabir said to the boy: ‘Turn back.’ The boy turned back. Then Jabir said: “By him in whose hand is my soul, (they are) the qualities of the Apostle of Allah. O Boy, what is your name?”The boy replied: “My name is Mohammed b. ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.”Jabir kissed his head and said: ‘May my farther and mother be ransom for you, your grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, sends you his greetings.’ Abï ‘Abd Allah said: ‘Mohammed came back frightened to his father and told him about what had happened. His father said to him: ‘My little boy, has Jabir done it ?’ Mohammed replied:‘Yes.’ His father said: ‘Do not leave your house, my little boy.’”[18] As for the contents of this report, they are as follows:

A. The qualities and features of Imam al-Baqir, 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 his family, named his grandson Mohammed and gave him the nick-name of al-Baqir. (The Prophet told the People that Imam Mohammed al-Baqir) would split open knowledge completely.

C. Imam Zayn al-‘Abidïn, peace be on him, feared for the safety of his son when Jabir reported the tradition of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, concerning him. That is because the Umayyad government imposed an intense observation on Imam Zayn al-‘Abidïn. It counted his breaths against him. It wanted to know who would succeed him to punish him severely. So, the Imam, peace be on him, wanted the affair of his son to be secret lest the Umayyads should mistreat him or subject him to misfortunes.

2. Ibn ‘Asakir reported that Imam Zayn al-‘Abidïn, peace be on him, and his son, al-Baqir came to Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari. Jabir asked him: “Son of the Apostle of Allah, who is with you?”“My son, Mohammed, is with me,”replied Imam Zayn al-‘Abidïn. Jabir embraced Mohammed. Then he wept 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 Imam Zayn al-‘Abidïn. Jabir replied: “I heard Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, say to al-Husayn b. ‘Ali: ‘A son will be born for this grandson of mine. The son will be the Lord of worshipers. On the Day of Judgment, a caller will call:‘Let the Lord of worshipers stand up. So, ‘Ali b. al-Husayn will rise. A son will be born for ‘Ali b. al-Husayn. The son will be called Mohammed. Jabir, when you see him, give him my greetings. Jabir, know that al-Mahdi will be among his sons. Know, Jabir, that you will stay for a short time after him.”[19]

3. Taj al-Dïn b. Mohammed, the head of Aleppo, reported on the authority of Imam Mohammed al-Baqir, who said: “I came to Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah and greeted him. He said to me: ‘Who are you?' That was after he had become blind. I said to him: ‘Mohammed b. ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.’ He said: ‘May my father and mother be ransom for you, come nearer to me.’ I came nearer to him. He kissed my hand, and then he stooped down to my foot to kiss it. However, I pulled it from him. Then he said: ‘The Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless him and his family, recites his greeting to you.’ ‘Peace and Allah's mercy and blessings be on the Apostle of Allah,’ I said. ‘How is that, Jabir?’ He said:‘One day I was with him when he said to me: ‘Perhaps you will live until you meet one of my descendants called Mohammed b. ‘Ali b. al-Husayn on whom Allah will bestow light and wisdom. Then recite to him my greetigs.’”[20]

4. Salah al-Dïn al-Safadi said: “Jabir walked in Medina and said: ‘Baqir, when will I meet you?’ One day he passed through a street in Medina. A female slave gave him the boy who was in her lap. He said to the female slave: ‘Who is this?’ ‘Mohammed b. ‘Ali b. al-Husayn,’ she replied. He embraced him, kissed his head and his hands, and then he said: ‘My little boy, your grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, sends you his greetings.’ Then he said: ‘Baqir, my death is at hand.’ He died at that night.”[21]

5. Some Isma‘ilis reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, said to Jabir: “You will meet 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 it completely.”Jabir did that.[22]

6. Al-Hafiz Nur al-Dïn al-Haythami reported on the authority of Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him, who said: “Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah visited me while I was reading the Book. He said to me: ‘Uncover your abdomen.’ I uncovered 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.’”[23]

These are some reports that have unanimously agreed that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, ordered Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari to send his greetings to Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, knew from beyond the unseen that his grandson would spread knowledge among people and that he would split open wisdom and light in the earth.

His Features

Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari said that his features were similar to those of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family.[24] His morals were also similar to the Prophet's high ones that distinguished him from the other prophets.

Some contemporary people have described Imam al-Baqir as follows: He was a man of medium height. He was brown.[25] He had soft skin with moles. He had a thin waist. His voice was good. He always bowed his head.[26]

His Early Cleverness

Imam al-Baqir, peace be on him, was clever and genius during his childhood. The reporters said that Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari, though an old man, came to him, sat before him, and learned from him. Jabir admired the Imam's abundant knowledge and sciences. Thus, he said: “Baqir, you have been given wisdom while you are still a boy.”[27]

The Companions (of the Prophet) knew that the Imam was endowed with outstanding merits and abundant knowledge. So, they consulted him concerning the problems which they did not understand. The historians said that a man ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Umar about a certain problem. However, ‘Abd Allah could not answer the problem. So, he said to the man: “Go to that boy, he pointed at Imam al-Baqir, ask him, and tell me about his answer.”The man went to the Imam and asked him. The Imam, peace be on him, answered his problem. Thus, the man came back to ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Umar and told him about the Imam's answer. So, the latter admired the Imam, saying : “They are the knowledgeable members of the House.”[28]

Allah singled out the Imams of the members of the House, peace be on them, with knowledge and outstanding merits. He granted them absolute perfection which He had granted to His prophets and His apostles. The historians said that the Imam was nine years of age when he was asked about difficult problems and answered them.

His Solemnity and His Prestige

The features of the Imam, peace be on him, represented the solemnity and the prestige of the prophets. Everybody respected and admired him. For example, Qattada, the jurist of the people of Basrah, met him. Still his heart trembled because of the Imam's solemnity. Thus, he said to him: “I sit

before the jurists and b. ‘Abbas. My heart does not tremble because of them as it does because of you.”[29]

The Imam was the rest of Allah in His earth. Allah bestowed solemnity and prestige on His friends and His lovers. Their qualities appeared in the Imam's character. Among those who admired the Imam's solemnity was the Moroccan poet, who described the Imam, saying:

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

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

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

He was similar to him in outstanding merits, but Gabriel did not bring him a message.[30]

The historians reported that nobody saw the Imam, peace be on him, laughing. When he laughed, he said: “O Allah, do not detest me.”[31] Indeed, he refrained from all that which contradicts solemnity and high character. Among his prominent qualities was that he always praised Allah. We will mention that when we talk about the aspects of his character.

The Inscription of his Ring

As for the inscription of his ring, it was: “All might is for Allah.”[32] He wore the ring of his grandfather, Imam Husayn, peace be on him, whose inscription was: “Surely Allah attains His purpose.”[33] This indicates that he devoted himself to Allah and cleaved to Him strongly.

His Residence

The Imam, 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 for scientific cultural movements. He used the Prophetic Mosque as school for him. There he gave his lectures to his students.

Notes

[1] Thahdhïb al-Lughat wa al-Asma’, vol.1, p.87. Ibn Khullakan, Wafayat al-A‘yan, vol.3, p.384. Al-Mahbar, p.57. Al-Ya‘qubi, Tarikh, vol.2, p.60. A‘yan al-Shi‘a, 1/4/464.

[2] Abu al-Hasan al-‘Amili, Diya’ al-‘Amilin, vol.2. Al-Dur al-Nazïm, serial 2879.

[3] Usul al-Kafi, vol.1, p.469.

[4] Ibn Khullakan, Wafayat al-A‘yan, vol.3, p.314. Tadhkirt al-Huffaz, vol.1, p.124. Nazhat al-Jalis, vol.2, p.36.

[5] Dala’il al-Imama, p.94. Farid Wajjdi, Da’irat al-Ma‘arif, vol.3, p.563.

[6] Ibn al-Wardi, Tarikh, vol.1, p.184. Akhbar al-Duwal, p.111. Ibn Khullakan, Wafayat al-A‘yan, vol.3, p.314.

[7] Al-Ya‘qubi, Tarikh, vol.2, p.60.

[8] Al-Husayn b. ‘Abd al-Wahab, ‘Yyun al-Mu‘jizat, serial, 975.

[9] Dala’il al-Imama, p.94.

[10] Al-Dur al-Nazim fi Manaqib al-A’imma. Diya’ al-‘Amilin, vol.2. A‘yan al-Shi‘a, 1/4/464.

[11] Jannat al-Khuld. Nasikh al-Tawarikh.

[12] Tadhkirat al-Huffaz, vol.1, p.124. Nazhat al-Jalis, vol.2, p.36. Mirr’at al-Jinan, vol.1, p.247. Farid Wajjdi, Da’irat al-Ma‘arif, vol.3, p.563.

[13] Shaykh al-Turayhi, Jami‘ al-Maqal.

[14] ‘Yyun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p.213. ‘Umdat al-Talib, p.183.

[15] Jawhart al-Kalam fi Madh al-Sada al-A‘lam, p.133.

[16] Mir’at al-Zaman fi Tawarikh al-A‘yan, vol.5, p.78.

[17] Ibid.

[18] Usul al-Kafi, vol.1, pp.496-470. Al-Kashi, Rijal, pp.27-28.

[19] Ibn ‘Asakir, Tarikh, vol.51, p.41.

[20] Ghayat al-Ikhtisar, p.64.

[21] Al-Wafi bi al-Wafayat, vol.4, p.102.

[22] Masa’il Majmu‘a mina al-Haqa’iq al-‘Aliya wa al-Asrar al-Samiya, p.99.

[23] Majjma‘ al-Zawa’id, vol.1, p.22.

[24] Usul al-Kafi, vol.1, p.469.

[25] Akhbar al-Duwal, p.111. Jawhart al-Kalam fi Madh al-Sada al-A’lam, 132.

[26] A‘yan al-Shi‘a, 1/4/471.

[27] ‘Ilal al-Sharai‘, p.234.

[28] Al-Manaqib, vol.4, p.147.

[29] Ithbat al-Hudat, vol.5, p.176.

[30] Al-Manaqib, vol.4, p.181.

[31] Safwat al-Saffwa, vol.2, p.62. Tadhkirat al-Khawas, p.349.

[32] Hulyat al-Awliya’, vol.3, p.189.

[33] A‘yan al-Shi‘a, 1/4/169.