Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Life & Works

Ahmed Bin Ishaq relates that when he heard of the death of the 10th Imam he went to Samarra and asked for the whereabouts of the 11th Imam. He was told that Imam had been imprisoned by Mo'taz Billah. After bribing the guards he was able to visit Imam one night. He described the prison as a tunnel under the Khalifa's home where there was no space to stretch ones legs nor room to be able to stand. Ahmed says he cried when he saw Imams condition. Food was only one glass of water and a piece of dry bread a day.

He was imprisoned because all the rulers knew of the justice that was promised to come with the coming of the 12th Imam and they wished to prevent anyone being born of the 11th Imam. Whilst in prison he told his companions to accumulate all the masails of Fiqh and he completed the masails on the chapters that were found missing.

He introduced the institution of “Taqleed” advising people to follow those who were learned, “Muttaqi”, and just, as he was in prison and it was extremely difficult for people to meet him. Khums was collected through his representative and masails too asked to him, Abu-Ja'fer Uthman bin Saeed, who was later to become the representative of the 12th Imam.

There was once a severe drought in Samarra and a Christian priest came who whenever he raised his hands caused rain to fall from the heavens. The Muslims faith started wavering and the Khalifa Mo'taz Billah got worried for if they left Islam he would have none to rule over.

He went to the 11th Imam saying that Imam's grandfathers religion was in trouble. Imam asked him to call all the people outside Samarra with the Christian priest. He asked the Christian priest to pray for rain. When he raised his hands to pray it started to rain. Imam asked for whatever was in this hands to be taken away and then asked him to pray for rain again.

There was no rain this time. Imam showed that what the priest had in this hand was the bone of a Prophet which whenever placed under the open sky caused it to rain. Imam then prayed for rain and it rained. Mo'taz could not re imprison Imam for some time for when the people saw the miracle they all wanted to visit Imam and asked where they might find him. Imam pointed to the Khalifa and asked them to ask him. Mo'taz told them that Imam was staying at the house where the 10th Imam used to reside.

Bibi Nargis was there and it was in that year that the 12th Imam was born. Imam was allowed out of prison for 13 months after which he was rearrested.

Martyrdom

In the six years of his Imamate several attempts were made on his life. On the 1st of Rabi-ul Awwal 260 a.h. Mo'tamad arranged for Imam to be poisoned in prison and then sent him home. Imam was in great pain and difficulty for 8 days. On the 8th of Rabi-ul Awwal he asked his son, the 12th Imam, to bring him some water and then leave him. He died that day and was given ghusl & kafan by his son, the 12th Imam.

Burial

The funeral prayers were led by the 12th Imam and it was then that a lot of Shia's saw him for the first time. A large number of people attended the funeral and he is buried in Samarra.

Additional Notes

The 11th Imam was once asked of the signs of a mo'min (believer).He listed the following signs.

He is one prays 51 rakaats of salaa daily.

He prostates on Khake Shafaa.

He wears rings on his right hand.

He repeats the verses of Azhan & Ikama.

He recites “Bismillah” loudly in Salaa.

He prays his Fajr Salaa before the stars disappear and his Dhuhr prayers before the sun starts to decline.

He recite Qunoot in Salaa.

He dyes his hair and beard.

He recites 5 takbirs in Salatul Mayyit.

Bibi Masuma Qum (as)

Name: Fatema

Title: Masuma

Daughter of: Imam Musa Kadhim & Bibi Najma (as)

Sister of: Imam Ali Raza (as)

Birthdate: Zilkaad 179AH in Medina

After the shahadat of our 7th Imam, Imam Musa Kadhim (as), the 8th Imam, Imam Ali Raza (as) took care of his family and his sisters. Bibi Fatema loved her brother immensly (similar love as that of Bibi Zainab (as) and Imam Husayn (as)).

In 200 AH Mamoon Rashid called Imam Raza (as) to Khorasan from Medina, no family member was allowed to accompany him. Bibi Masuma missed her brother very much and left Medina for Iran.

When she reached Sawa, she learnt the news of shahadat of her brother. On learning this, she became very ill and asked to be taken to Qum. Within a few days after her brother's death, she died. She was buried in Qum on 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal 201AH. She was only 22 years of age.

People pay great respect and visit her grave and have their hajat (wishes) fulfilled. She was the daughter of our 7th Imam, sister of our 8th Imam, aunt of 9th Our Imam - great respect to this lady surrounded by Imams.

Imam Jafeer as-Sadiq (as), A Brief Look into his Life

This is an account of the Imam who was in charge (al-qai'im) after Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali, peace be on them, (including) who his mother was, the date of his birth, evidence for his Imamate, his age, the period of his succession (to the Imamate), the time of his death, the place of his grave, the number of his children, and a brief outline of the reports about him.

Al-Sadiq Ja'far b. Muhammad b. Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on them, was out of all his brothers (the one who was) the successor (khailfa) of his father, Muhammad b. Ali, peace be on them, his testamentary trustee (was'i), who was in charge of the Imamate (al- qa'im bi-al-imama) after him. He stood out among their group for his great merit (fadl); he was the most celebrated, the greatest in rank and the most illustrious of them in (the eyes) of both the non-Shia (al-amma) and the Shi'a (al-khassa).

The people transmitted on his authority the religious sciences which travellers carried with them (around many countries) and thus his fame was spread throughout the lands.

The learned scholars have transmitted on the authority of no other member of the House (ahl al-bayt) as much as they have transmitted on his authority. None of them met as many of the reporters of traditions (ahl al-athar wa-naqalat al-akhbar) as he did, nor did the latter transmit on their authority to the same extent as they transmitted on the authority of Ab-u Abd Allah (Ja'far b. Muhammad), peace be on him.

The specialists in tradition (ashab al- hadith) have gathered together the names of those who narrated on his authority, who were reliable despite differences in views and doctrines and they were four thousand men. The clear evidence for his Imamate, peace be on him, was such that it overcame (men's) hearts and silenced (the attempts of) an opponent to denigrate it with doubts.

He was born in Medina in the year 83 A.H. (702) and he, peace be on him, died in (the month of) Shawwal in the year 148 A.H. (765) at the age of sixty-five. He was buried in (the cemetery of) al-Baqi' alongside his father, his grandfather and his (great-great) uncle, al- Hasan, peace be on them.

His mother was Umm Farwa, the daughter of al-Qasim b. Muhammad b. Abi Bakr. His Imamate, peace be on him, lasted for thirty-four years. His father, Abu Jafar (Muhammad b. Ali), peace be on him, clearly gave him the trusteeship (of the Imamate) and gave him an explicit designation (nass jali) for the Imamate.

Bibi Zainab (as), A Brief Look at her Life

Name: Zainab

Title: Siddiqa-e-Sughra

Kunyat: Umm-ul-Massaib

Born at: Medina on 5th Jamadi ul Awwal

Fathers Name. Hazrat Ali-Al-Murtaza (AS)

Mother's Name: Janab e Fatema Zahra (AS)

The following ziyarat (verbal salutation) for Bibi Zaynab (AS) is traditionally recited to obtain divine blessing while visiting her shrine (in this case, in Damascus, Syria). It can also be recited at any other time in remembrance of the example of courage and submission that she presented to the world, particularly on the acknowledged days of her birth, death, and during the month of Muharram.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Chief of prophets.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Master of the sanctuary and the banner.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who was made to ascend to (highest) heaven and reached the station of two bows' length (to Allah) or even closer.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Leader of the pious.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the support of the sincere friends (of Allah)

Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Leader of the Deen.

Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Commander of the faithful.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who struck with the sword of two blades.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who prayed towards the two qiblahs [Jerusalem, then Mecca].

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Muhammad, the chosen.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Ali, the content (with the decree of Allah).

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Fatima, the radiant.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Khadija, the elder.

Peace be upon you. Oh righteous one, pleasing (to Allah).

Peace be upon you, Oh learned, rightly guided one.

Peace be upon you, Oh generous, noble one.

Peace be upon you, Oh pious, pure one.

Peace be upon you, Oh you who were thoroughly tested by sufferance like Husayn, the oppressed.

Peace be upon you, Oh you who were kept far from your home.

Peace be upon you, Oh you who were held captive in cities.

It was five years after the Muslims had accompanied the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and his family in the migration (Hijrah) to Medina, when the Holy Prophet's daughter, Hadrat Fatima (AS), gave birth to a little girl.'

When her father, Imam Ali (AS), saw his daughter for the first time Imam Husayn (AS), who was then almost three years old, was with him. The boy exclaimed in delight,

“O father, Allah has given me a sister.”At those words Imam Ali (AS) began to weep, and when Husayn (AS) asked why he was crying so, his father answered that he would soon come to know.

Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS) did not name their child until a few days after her birth, for they awaited the Prophet's return from a journey so that he could propose the name. When finally the baby girl was brought before him he held her in his lap and kissed her. The Angel Jibra'il came to him and conveyed the name that was to be hers, and then he began to weep. The Prophet (PBUH&HF) asked why Jibra'il wept and he answered,

“O Prophet of Allah. From early on in life this girl will remain entangled in tribulations and trials in this world. First she will weep over your separation (from this world); thereafter she will bemoan the loss of her mother, then her father, and then her brother Hasan. After all this she will be confronted with the trials of the land of Karbala and the tribulations of that lonely desert, as a result of which her hair will turn grey and her back will be bent.”

When the members of the family heard this prophecy they all broke down in tears. Imam Husayn (AS) now understood why earlier his father had also wept. Then the Prophet (PBUH&HF) named her Zaynab (AS).

When the news of Zaynab's birth reached Salman al-Farsi, he went to Ali (AS) to congratulate him. But instead of seeing him happy and rejoicing he saw Ali (AS) shed tears, and he too was apprised of the events of Karbala and the hardships that were to befall Zaynab (AS).

One day, when Zaynab (AS) was about five years old, she had a strange and terrible dream. A violent wind arose in the city and darkened the earth and the sky. The little girl was tossed hither and thither, and suddenly she found herself stuck in the branches- of a huge tree. But-the wind was so strong that it uprooted the tree.

Zaynab (AS) caught hold of a branch but that broke. In a panic she grabbed two twigs but these top gave way and she was left falling with no support. Then she woke up. When she told her grand father, the Prophet (PBUH&HF), about this dream he wept bitterly and said,

“O my daughter. that tree is me who is shortly going to leave this world. The branches are your father Ali and your mother Fatima Zahra, and the twigs are your brothers Hasan and Husayn. They will all depart this world before you do, and you will suffer their separation and loss.”

Zaynab (AS) shared with-her brothers and sister the extraordinary position of having such examples to look up to, emulate and learn from, as her grand father, the Prophet of Allah (PBUH&HF) her mother Fatima (AS), daughter of the Prophet, and he'r father Imam Ali (AS), cousin-brother of the Prophet. In the pure environment that enveloped her she absorbed the teachings of Islam that her grandfather imparted, and after him her father. Here too she learnt to master all household skills with great proficiency.

She had barely attained the tender age of seven when her beloved mother passed away. Her mother's death had closely followed her cherished grand father's passing away. Some time later Imam Ali (AS) married Umm ul-Banin, whose devotion and piety encouraged Zaynab (AS) in her learning.

Whilst still a young girl she was fully able to care for and be responsible for the running of her father's household. As much as she cared for the comforts and ease of her brothers and sisters, in her own wants she was frugal and unstintingly generous to the poor, homeless and parentless. After her marriage her husband is reported as having said,

“Zaynab is the best housewife.”From very early on she developed an unbreakable bond of attachment to her brother Imam Husayn (AS). At times when as a baby in her mother's arms she could not be pacified and made to stop crying, she would quieten down upon being held by her brother, and there she would sit quietly gazing at his face. Before she would pray she used to first cast a glance at the face of her beloved brother.

One day Fatima (AS) mentioned the intensity of her daughter's love for Imam Husayn (AS) to the Prophet (PBUH&HF). He breathed a deep sigh and said with moistened eyes,

“My dear child. This child of mine Zaynab would be confronted with a thousand and one calamities and face serious hardships in Karbala.”

Zaynab (AS) grew into a fine statured young woman. Of her physical appearance little is known. When the tragedy of Karbala befell her in her midfifties she was forced to go out uncovered. It was then that some people remarked that she appeared as a 'shining sun' and a 'piece of the moon'.

In her character she reflected the best attributes of those who raised her. In sobriety and serenity she was likened to Umm ul-Muminin Khadija, her grandmother (AS); in chastity and modesty to her mother Fatima Zahra (AS); in eloquence to her father Ali (AS); in forbearance and patience to her brother Imam Hasan (AS); and in bravery and tranquility of the heart to Imam Husayn (AS). Her face reflected her father's awe and her grandfather's reverence.

When the time came for marriage, she was married in a simple ceremony to her first cousin, Abdullah ibn Ja'far Tayyar. Abdullah had been brought up under the direct care of the Prophet (PBUH&HF). After his death, Imam Ali (AS) became his supporter and guardian until he came of age. He grew up to be a handsome youth with pleasing manners and was known for his sincere hospitality to guests and selfless generosity to the poor and needy.

Together this young couple had five children, of whom four were sons, Ali, Aun, Muhammad, and Abbas, and one daughter, Umm Kulthum.

In Medina it was Zaynab's practise to hold regular meetings for women in which she shared her knowledge and taught them the precepts of the Deen of Islam as laid out in the Holy Quran. Her gatherings were well and regularly attended. She was able to impart the teachings with such clarity and eloquence that she became known as Fasihah (skillfully fluent) and Balighah (intensely eloquent).

In the thirty-seventh year A.H. (after Hijrah), Imam Ali (AS) moved to Kufa to finally take up his rightful position as khalifah. He was accompanied by his daughter Zaynab (AS) and her husband. Her reputation as an inspiring teacher among the women had preceded her. There too women would throng to her daily sittings where they all benefitted from her erudition, wisdom and scholarship in the exegesis of the Qur'an.'

The depth and certainty of her knowledge earned her the name given to her by her nephew, Imam Ali Zayn ul-Abidin (AS), of 'Alimah Ghayr Mu'allamah, 'she who has knowledge without being taught'.

Zaynab (AS) was also nicknamed Zahidah (abstemious) and 'Abidah (devoted) because of her abstemiousness and piety. She found little of interest in wordly adornments, always preferring the bliss and comfort of the Next World over that of this world. She used to say that for her the life of this world was as a resting place to relieve fatigue along a journey.

Humble and of high morals, her main concern was to strive to please Allah and in doing so she avoided anything which was the least bit doubtful.

Janabe Fatema Zahra (as)

This Great Lady was the only daughter of the Holy Prophet (saww) and Hazrat Khadijah. She was born in Makkah on Friday, 20th Jamdi-ul-Akhar in the 5th year after the declaration of Prophethood (615 AD).

She was married to the great personality, the 1st Imam, Imam Ali (as). The marriage ceremony took place on Friday, 1st Zilhajj 2 AH. As a daughter, she loved her parents very much. As a wife, she was very devoted. As a mother, she cared for and brought up wonderful children that they have left marks on the face of the world.

On Fasting She Said:Imam Sadiq (as) says on the authority of his forefathers that J. Zahra (as) had said that: “The man who is observing a fast would not gain anything, when his tongue, ears, and limbs are not safe from sin.”

House hold affairs:In the whole world, there was only one house that was free from impurities and that house was of Imam Ali (as) and J. Zahra (as). She being the leader of all the women of the world, she was the torch bearer of the ideals and character of woman hood.

J Zahra (as) never used to take household duties as a chore for a woman. In the performance of domestic duties, she had faced many obstacles and hardships.

The Infallible daughter of the Holy Prophet (saww) was conscious of her responsibilities and aware that a wife could shape the direction of her husband's activities. Her thinking was that the home is the place of refuge. A place of peace for a man, when he comes back tired from his struggles and dealings with the outside world. A place to re-strengthen his energy and also to gain in him fresh confidence and determination, so that he could be able to tackle his duties.

Imam Musa Al Kadhim (as) says: “The crusade of a woman is to have concern and regard for the husband.”

Bibi Sakina (as)

Sakina was the youngest daughter of Imaam Hussain. She was a vivacious child, full of love and happiness. Everyone loved Sakina. She was also a very religious girl. She enjoyed reading the Holy Quraan and never missed her prayers. From the age of two she took great care to make sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.

Sakina was Imaam Hussain's most beloved child. Our Imaam was often heard to say, “A house without Sakina would not be worth living in!” She always had a sweet and cheerful smile and a very friendly nature. Other children sought her company as much as the grown ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever she had with others.

There was a special bond between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina. He loved her more than he did his own children. If Sakina requested for anything, Abbas would not rest until he satisfied her request. There was nothing that Abbas would not do to make Sakina happy.

During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Kerbala, Abbas was often seen riding up to the mehmil in which Sakina sat to make sure that she had everything she wanted. Sakina loved her uncle just as much. While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat Abbas lived with his family and his mother, Ummul Baneen.

Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imaam Hussain would tell her stories of the prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father Ali. She would rest her head on her father's chest and Hussain would not move from her until she fell asleep.

When from the second of Muharram the armies of Yezid began to gather at Kerbala, Hussain said to his sister Zainab, “The time has come for you to get Sakina used to going to sleep without my being there !”. Sakina would follow her father at night and Hussain had to gently take her to Zainab or Rubaab.

At Kerbala when from the seventh Muharram water became scarce Sakina shared whatever little water she had with other children. When soon there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look at Sakina hopefully, and because she could not help them she would have tears in her eyes. Sakina's lips were parched with thirst.

On the Ashura day, she gave her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. He went to get water for her. The children gathered round Sakina with their little cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat Abbas brought any water, Sakina would first make sure that they had some before taking any herself. When Sakina saw Imaam Hussain bringing the blood drenched 'alam she knew that her uncle Abbas had been killed. From that day on Sakina never complained of thirst.

Then came the time when the earth shook and Sakina became an orphan! But even then she always thought of the others first. She would console her mother on the death of Ali Asghar and when she saw any other lady or child weeping Sakina would put her little arms around her.

Yes Sakina never again asked anyone for water. Bibi Zainab would persuade her to take a few sips, but she herself would never ask for water or complain of thirst!!!!

From the time when Imaam Hussain fell in the battle field, Sakina forgot to smile! Kufa saw her as a sombre little girl lost in thought. Quite often she would sit up at night. When asked if she wanted anything, she would say, “I just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must be calling out for me!”

Knowing that her weeping upset her mother, Sakina would cry silently and quickly wipe away her tears! In the prison in Shaam she would stare at the flock of birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zainab, “Will Sakina be going home like those birds flying to their homes?”

Then one dreadful night Sakina went to bed on the cold floor of the prison. For a long time she stared into the darkness! The time for the morning prayers came. Sakina was still lying with her eyes wide open. Her mother called out: “Wake up, Sakina! Wake up, it is time for prayers, my child!” There was only the painful silence! Our fourth Imaam walked up to where Sakina lay. He put his hand on her forehead. It was cold! He put his hand near the mouth and the nose. Sakina had stopped breathing. In between sobs Imaam Zain ul 'Abideen said:

“INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAAJI'OON!”How was Sakina buried ? Zainab held the still child as Imaam Zain ul 'Abideen dug a grave in the cell. As the grave was being filled up after the burial the mother let out a scream! How could anyone console Bibi Rubaab? What could they say? They huddled around her, and the prison walls began to shake with the cry: “YA SAKINA, YA MAZLOOMAH!!” Bibi Rubaab put her cheek on Sakina's grave and cried out:

“Speak to me, Sakina! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!!”

Imam Musa Kadhim (as)

Name: Musa bin Ja'fer.

Titles: Al-Kadhim, Faqih, Aalim, Abdus-Salih-Virtuos slave, Babul Hawaaij.

Kuniyya: Abu Ibrahim.

Birth: 7th Safar 128 a.h. in Abwa (a place between Mecca and Madina).

Mother: Hamida Al-Barbariyya.

Father: Imam Ja'fer Sadiq (a.s.).

Death: 25th Rajab 183 a.h. Baghdad.

Buried: Kadhmain, Iraq.

His Parents & Birth

Mother : Umme Hamida was a slave girl who was brought to Madina and bought by the 5th Imam for his son for 17 dirhams. The first thing that he told her was : “You are Hamida (the praised one) in this world and Mahmuda (praiseworthy) in the hereafter”.

When the women of Madina used to come to the 6th Imam to ask masails he used to send them to Umme Hamida saying: “Her answers will be those given by me”.

Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.) was born in Abwa (a place between Mecca and Madina). It is here that Bibi Amina (Prophet Muhammad's (S.A.W.) mother) is buried. Imam was born when his parents were returning from Mecca. As soon as he was born he did Sajda reciting Kalima and bearing witness to the Imaamate of all the other Imams including his own.

Childhood

He is one of the Imams whose miracles in childhood are reported extensively. Imam Ja'fer As-Sadiq (A.S.) repeatedly pointed out Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.) as his successor because he knew of the people who after his death would differ.

(N.B. The Ismailis say Ismail (Imams eldest son who died whilst Imam Ja'fer Sadiq (a.s.) was still alive) was the 7th Imam. One of the 6th Imam's other sons - Abdullah also claimed Imaamate.)

Yaqub Al-Saraaj visited the 6th Imam once who told him to greet his son Musa who was a week old in his cradle. Imam Musa replied to the salaam and told Yaqub to change his daughters name (Humayra) as it was a name not liked by Allah.

Safwan (a companion of the 6th Imam) once saw the young Imam Musa teaching the lamb he was playing with to prostrate to Allah.

Once when Imam was 5 years old, Abu Hanifa came to visit the 6th Imam. He asked Imam Musa (a.s.): “O son of the Prophet! What is your opinion about the deeds of man? Does he do them on his own free will or does God make him do them?”.

The 7th Imam replied : “The doings of man can have three possibilities: God compels a man to do them whilst he is helpless. Both God and man share the commitment. Man does them alone. If the first is true than God cannot punish man for sins he did not commit. If the second is true than too God cannot punish man for he is an equal partner.

Then, we are naturally left with the third, that man is absolutely responsible for his own doings”.

His Titles

(These were used to avoid using Imams name as the very mention of it would lead to arrest, torture, harassment and/or death.)

Babul Hawaaij (Door of fulfilment of needs). Even after his death people have their needs fulfilled and do not return empty handed from his shrine (Ask especially for cure of physical illnesses, especially eyes).

Kadhim (One who swallows his anger). Imam Musa (a.s.) lived in an era when the rulers were the cruellest ever. Their hatred for the Ahlul Bayt and their followers was intense. Imam's followers were constantly harassed and tortured. The last 19 years of his life was spent in prison. Despite all these hardships, he was always patient spending entire nights in the worship of Allah. His character even converted the prison wardens towards him.

His Life & Works (Imamate)

When his father was martyred (poisoned by the ruler Mansur Dawanaqi), Mansur asked the governor of Madina to behead all the trustees Imam had left. The governor (called Sulayman) wrote back to say that the 6th Imam had left 5 trustees of whom he (Mansur) was the first and Sulayman the second followed by Abdullah, Umme Hamida and Imam Musa (a.s.). Mansur kept quiet.

After the 6th Imam's death Mansur encouraged the Ismaili sect to develop although he knew that Ismail had died 20 years before. At the same time the 6th Imam's other son Abdullah claimed Imamate (however he only lived 17 days after that).

Mansur was busy building Baghdad after that (although the torture and killing of the followers of Ahlul Bayt continued) and left Imam Musa (a.s.) for a while in which Imam had a little time to teach true Islam. When Mansur died his son Mahdi came to power in 158 a.h. He increased the atrocities on the family and followers of Ahlul Bayt. Imam Musa (a.s.) advised his followers to practise Taqiyya (meaning not to show ones faith outwardly). Mahdi called Imam to Baghdad and imprisoned him releasing him after a while.

After Mahdi came his son Musa who assumed the title Haadi. He only ruled for 15 months but the atrocities continued.

After the death of Haadi came his brother Harun Rashid. It was he who introduced Backgammon, Chess and Music as Islamic culture (they are Haraam). Harun was told of the popularity of Imam Musa (a.s.) by Muhammad bin Ismail (Imam's nephew) and about the collection of khums.

Harun was furious and wanting to prove his relationship to the Prophet went to the Prophets grave and greeted the Prophet addressing him as his uncle. Imam Musa (a.s.) was there and he addressed the Prophet as his grandfather. Imam then asked Harun that if the Prophet were to come and ask Harun for his daughters hand in marriage would he agree? Harun said “Yes”. Imam said “That is the difference between you and me - my daughter would be haraam for the Prophet (mahram)”.

Harun had Imam arrested in the Prophet's mosque whilst Imam was praying. He was handcuffed and shackled and sent to Basra. A similar caravan was sent to Baghdad to fool Imam's followers. Imam was put into prison under the custody of Isa bin Ja'fer. After a year Isa wrote to Harun saying he could no longer imprison Imam as he could find only piety and righteousness in him.

Harun had Imam moved to Baghdad under the custody of Fadhl bin Rabi who too became a follower of Imam. The prisons were so small that there was no room to stand and the food was a cup of water and two pieces of dry bread a day. Imam remained patient.

Harun also hired people to kill Imam (It is reported that they were from England). They too on seeing Imam cried and refused to murder him even though they were paid to do so. Harun finally moved Imam in the care of Sindi bin Shahak (a very cruel man). Imam remained in prison for the last 19 years of his life.

The 19 years of imprisonment gave the Shia population a little relief as the rulers concentrated on Imam. It enabled the Shias to disperse from Arabia to Iran, India etc. thus spreading Islam and it was one of the factors towards the popularity of the 8th Imam.

Summary of his Life Works

In a situation in which the family and followers of the Ahlul Bayt were being murdered and tortured Imam taught the true word of Allah. Through his character and piety he showed the meaning of tabligh living up to the hadith of the 6th Imam:

“Acquire a true Muslim character and that shall spread Islam”.

In 183 a.h. Sindi had Imam killed with poisoned dates. Another narration says Imam was wrapped in a carpet and he was suffocated and stamped on. His body was left on the bridge of Baghdad and an announcement was made for all to come and see him.

N.B. It was a ploy to encourage Shias to come out in anger so they could be identified.

When Harun Rashid's brother Sulayman heard of this he was furious and arranged for his burial in a Quraysh cemetery outside Baghdad (the 8th Imam gave ghusl and kafan). A town grew around the tomb of Imam called Kadhmain (meaning the two Kadhims) since the 9th Imam is also buried there.

His Children He had 19 sons & 18 daughters. The most famous of his sons is his successor, Imam Ali Ar-Ridha (a.s.) and the most famous of his daughters is Fatima Kubra known as Masuma Qum who is buried in Qum.

Imam Mohammad Taqi (as)

Name: Muhammad bin Ali.

Titles: At-Taqi, Al-Jawad.

Kuniyya: Abu Ja'fer.

Birth: 10th Rajab 195 a.h. Madina.

Mother: Sabika (also known as Khaizarun).

Father: Imam Ali Ridha (a.s.)

Death: 29th Dhulqa'da 220 a.h. Baghdad.

Buried: Kadhmain.

His Parents & BirthHe was the only son of Imam Ali Ridha (a.s.) The Prophet (S.A.W.) had said: “My father be sacrificed on the mother of the 9th Imam who will be a pure and pious Nubian.”

Imam Musa Kadhim (A.S.) had told one of his companions that his daughter-in-law (Sabika) would be one of the most pious of women and to give her his salaams. She came from the same tribe as the Prophet's wife - Mary Copt who bore the Prophet his son Ibrahim (who died in infancy).

Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) was born when his father was 45 years old. Till then Imam Ali Ridha (a.s.) had constantly been taunted that he had no children. When the 9th Imam was born, a brother of Imam Ali Ridha (a.s.) was angry because he would lose out in inheriting the Imam's property and in his jealousy spread a rumour that Imam Ali Ridha (a.s.) was not the father. He was eventually proved wrong by a person who could tell parentage.

Childhood

The 9th Imam was 5 years old when his father was called to Baghdad by Mamun Rashid to be his 'heir apparent'. When Imam Ali Ridha (a.s.) was leaving he saw his son putting sand in his hair. He asked why and the young Imam replied that this was what an orphan did.

His titles, life & works

He became an Imam at the age of 9. Mamun Rashid thought that as all the rulers before him had oppressed the Imams and their schemes had backfired that he would try to bribe the Imams. He tried to make the 8th Imam his heir apparent and give him power and wealth but that also backfired.

He now tried to use power and wealth with the 9th Imam again but from a much younger age thinking that he would be able to influence him. His main purpose was also to make sure that the 12th Imam (whom he knew would bring justice to the world) would be from his progeny and therefore intended to give his daughter Ummul Fadhl to the Imam for a wife. Mamun still continued oppressing the family and followers of the Ahlul-bayt (a.s.).

Mamun called the young Imam (a.s.) to Baghdad from Madina and offered his daughter. This infuriated his family (Banu Abbas). To prove to them the excellence of Imam even at a young age he arranged a meeting between Imam and the most learned of men at that time - Yahya bin Athkam.

It was a grand occasion with some 900 other scholars present. Imam (a.s.) was first asked by Yahya:

What is the compensation (kaffara) for a person in Ehraam who hunted and killed his prey?” Imam replied that there were many more details required before he could answer the question: Did the Muhrim (one in Ehraam) hunt in the haram or outside?

Did the Muhrim know Sharia or not?

Did he hunt intentionally or not?

Did he hunt for the first time or was this one of many times?

Was he free or a slave?

Was his prey a bird or an animal?

Was it big or small?

Had he hunted by day or by night?

Was he baligh or not?

Was he repentant or not?

Was his ehraam for Hajj or Umra?

Yahya was stunned. He looked down and started sweating.

Mamun asked the young Imam to answer the question, which he did, and then Imam asked Yayha a question which he could not answer. The Banu Abbas admitted defeat and Mamun took the opportunity to offer his daughter in marraige to Imam. Imam (a.s.) read his own Nika (the khutba of which is used today) with the Mehr of 500 dirhams.

Imam wrote a letter to Mamun that he would also give Ummul Fadhl Mehr from the wealth of Aakhira. This was in the form of 10 duas which were for fulfilling any hajaat (desires) [Chain of narrators upto Prophet - Jibrail - Allah]* Thus his title Al-Jawad (the generous one).

* These duas are found in Mafatihul Jinaan (pg 447 - In margin)

Imam lived for a year in Baghdad with Ummul Fadhl. She was very disobedient to Imam. When she found out that Imam had another wife (from the progeny of Ammar-e-Yasir) and that there was also children she was jealous and angry realizing that her father's plan had failed. She complained to her father who also realized that his plan, to keep the 12th Imam in his progeny, had failed. He was enraged and in his rage he drank heavily and went to the 9th Imam's house and attacked Imam with a sword.

Both Ummul Fadhl and a servant saw the attack and believed Imam was dead. Mamun on waking next morning realized the consequences of his attack and was thinking of arranging the disposal of Imam's body when he saw Imam well without a scratch on him. He was confused and asked Imam who showed him an amulet which is called Hirze Jawad Imam told him it was from his grand mother Bibi Fatima Zahra (a.s.) and kept the wearer safe from all except the angel of death. Mamun asked Imam for it and Imam gave him one.

Now Mamun was scared and tried a new tactic. He tried to deviate Imam by sending him beautiful girls and musicians. When he realised nothing was working he let Imam return to Madina.

Imam used this time to prepare the masails of Taqleed and Ijtihaad in preparation for the 12th Imam knowing that both the 10th and the 11th Imam would spend most of their lives in prison. He also prepared the people of Madina teaching true Islam knowing that this would be the last time they would be able to receive guidance directly from an Imam for a long time.

Ummul Fadhl continuously complained of Imam to her father who sent her letters back.

Mamun died in 218 a.h. and was succeeded by his brother Mo'tasam Billah. He openly announced that all Shias were not Muslims. He said it was required for people to kill and prosecute Shias, and to destroy property belonging to Shias.

Ummul Fadhl now started complaining to her uncle who was sympathetic to her. Mo'tasam called Imam to Baghdad. He asked Imam to pass judgement of how to punish a thief. Imam said only fingers could be cut as the palms were for Allah (as in Qur'an - it is one of the wajib parts to touch the ground during sajda). As this decision was contrary to the decision of the other 'Ulema' it strengthened the position of the Shias. The other 'Ulema' complained to Mo'tasam.

Death & Burial

With instigation from both the 'Ulema' and Ummul Fadhl, Mo'tasam sent poison which Ummul Fadhl put in Imam's drink and gave it to him. Imam died on 29th Dhulqa'ada at the age of 25 years and is buried near his grandfather in Kadhmain. His son the 10th Imam, Imam Ali un Naqi (a.s.) gave him ghusl and kafan.

Summary of Imam's Work

It is he who prepared and wrote books for the masails of Ijtihaad and Taqleed which were essential to prepare believers for the ghaibat of the 12th Imam.

Additional Notes

Once when the young Imam was on his way to Baghdad he came across Mamun's party returning from a hunting trip. All the other children on the street ran but the Imam did not.

Mamun asked the young Imam, “Why did you not run away?” Imam said the road was wide enough for all of them and neither had he committed a sin. Mamun then asked him his identity.

After finding out, he asked Imam what he (Mamun) had in his hands. Imam replied “Allah has created tiny fish in the river. These fish are hunted by the Hawks of the kings and the descendants of the Prophets reveal the secrets”.

Imam Al-Mahdi (as)

Imam al-Mahdi (a.s) was born on the 15th Sha'ban 255 A.H. in Samarra, Iraq. He became the Imam when his father was Martyred in 260 A.H. Imam al-Mahdi (a.s) was only 5 years old when he went into ghaibat' (concealment). The Imam's ghaibat was divided into two periods: Ghaibat-us-Sughra and Ghaibat-ul-Kubra.

Ghaibat-us-Sughra Ghaibat-us-Sughra means the minor concealment.' Its period was about 70 years. It began in 260 A.H. when Imam al-Mahdi (a.s) first went into concealment, and ended in 328 A.H.

During Ghaibut-us-Sughra, the Imam appointed some agents to represent him and the people. The Imam had four agents. After the death of the fourth agent, the Imam went into major concealment (Ghaibut-ul-Kubra). This was on the 10th Shawal 329 A.H.

The Signs Heralding the Reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s)

Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.) has said:

“Even if the entire duration of the world's existence has already been exhausted and only one day is left before Doomsday, Allah will expand that day to such length of time as to accommodate the kingdom of a person from my Ahlul-Bayt who will be called by name. He will fill out the earth with and justice as it will have been full of injustice and tyranny (by then)”

From this Hadith, it is clear to every Muslim that the twelfth Imam will reappear when this world is full of sins and injustice.

There are many signs mentioned by the Masumeen (a.s) on the reappearance of the 12th Imam. It is reported in Biharul Anwar that after the last pilgrimage the Prophet made, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) stood near the Kaaba, and called his people to listen to him. The Prophet said: “listen to me carefully so that you transmit these words of mine to those who are absent today.” The Prophet began, “My people, a time will come when kings and rulers will be tyrannical.” The Prophet also said that the payment of Zakat will be stopped.

According to the Masumeen (a.s), Muslim countries will seek aid from non Muslim countries. This is already evident in a number of Muslim countries. Another prediction that is come true is that 60 impostors will claim to be Prophets. By their attractiveness, their persuasion, and their personality, they will misguide the people.

58 false Prophets have already emerged since the days of the Prophet (s.a.w.). We have only two more to witness. It is reported in Qayamat-e-Sughra citing “Oqdatud-Durr” that Hazrat Amir (A.S) has said that the Mahdi will not appear until one-third of the world population will die by being killed and one-third will die as a result of epidemics.