Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir (A.S.)

LINEAGE

IMAM MOHAMMED AL-BAQIR son of Ali son of AL-HUSAIN (peace be upon all of them) was born on the first of RAJAB (Lunar Calendar) in the year 56 of HIJRA in Al-Medina Al-MUNAWARA. His mother was Fatima daughter of IMAM AL-HASAN (A.S.). he was blessed with martyrdom on the 7th of DHIL-HIJJA, in the year 114 of HIJRA, and was buried at AL-BAQIE in Al-Medina.

THE BLESSED OFFSPRING

IMAM AL-HASAN (AS) had a daughter named Fatima, after her grandmother Lady Fatima, the only daughter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). she was pious, pure and chaste, and she grew up in the house of virtue and Islamic ethics. She learned Islamic knowledge and QURANIC sciences at the house of Prophet-hood.

IMAM AL-HASAN (as) wanted his niece Fatima II to marry his son Ali II. They led a pious life of chastity. She gave birth to a son named Mohammed, nicknamed AL-BAQIR, with bright talents and vast knowledge. Prophetic narrations indicate which identified him as having vast knowledge, even prior to his blessed birth. That was Divine knowledge revealed to him (P.B.U.H.). AL-BAQIR resembled his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.) to a great extent.

CHILDHOOD AND THE TRAGIC EVENTS

When IMAM HUSAIN (AS) made his way towards Iraq and camped at a place named KERBALA, he was accompanied by his women and sons, including ALI ZAIN AL-ABIDIN and his wife Fatima and tier son: Mohammed AL-BAQIR who was only four years old. Thus the little child witnessed the tragic events of the battle of KERBALA. He witnessed the tragic martyrdom of his grandfather IMAM HUSAIN (AS) and of other relatives and followers who fell one after the other in the battlefield and covered the area with their noble blood. He also underwent captivity along with his parents and relatives when they were taken to KUFA and later to AL-SHAM (Greater Syria). He saw the holy head of his grandfather and other martyrs' heads carried on lances. He saw the people of AL-SHAM celebrate the occasion and YAZID'S hostility towards AHLUL BAYT (as).

He saw everything and heard every word; thus, he perceived through his childhood the tragic events, while he started learning Islamic sciences at the hands of his father IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS).

He suffered from the tyranny of the UMAYYAD rulers as he was contemporary to YAZID'S regime and those of ABDUL MALIK IBN MARWAN and his two sons (AL-WALID and HISHAM). He also witnessed the aggressive policy of one of their most cruel governors: AL-HAJJAJ IBN YUSUF, a wild beast, who imposed a house arrest on the Imam's noble father while all other people enjoyed their freedom of speech and could say and write whatever they wanted. He, AL-HAJJAJ, deprived the holy Imams of their freedom and warned whoever came in contact with them. Hence, people could not benefit from his father's religious sciences, nor could they convey their religious inquiries to him for only one reason: His being the grandson of Ali son of ABI TALIB and son of IMAM HUSAIN.

However, there were many who were brave enough to get in touch with the Imam and enjoy his company. One of those brave men was JABIR IBN ABDILLAH AL-ANSARI, the only surviving companion of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) until then.Eh was quite old and conveyed a message from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to IMAM AL-BAQIR 9AS).

JABIR used to sit at the Prophet's mosque and utter the words: BAQIR AL-ILM (cutting through abundant knowledge). The people of Al-Medina were amazed on hearing him utter those words often and thought that he was delirious. He would then swear to them that he was quite sane and was uttering only what he had heard from the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.). he (P.B.U.H.) one day said to JABIR, "O JABIR! You will live until you see a son born from my offspring. His name is my name, his features are my features. He will enjoy abundant knowledge, he is: BAQIR AL-ILM". Thus he explained to them his insistence on uttering his nickname.

One day, when JABIR was walking along the alleys of AL-Medina, he saw a boy whom he stopped and asked, "What is your name, O young boy?" the boy said, "My name is Mohammed son of Ali son of AL-HUSAIN". JABIR kissed his head and said, "May my parents be your sacrifice! Your grandfather the Messenger of Allah sends you his greeting". The boy in turn sent his greeting to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and hurried home to tell his father of that incident. On hearing it, IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN ordered his son to stay at home, for fear of the aggressive rulers who had put the Imam and his family under their surveillance. He knew that they would harm him if they knew of his future Imamate.

JABIR used to meet AL-BAQIR and discuss religious matters with him. He realized that the Prophetic sciences were entrusted to him. One day he said to him, "O son! You will solve different problems and answer all inquiries. O son of Ali son of AL-HUSAIN son of Ali son of ABI TALIB! You are among those who enjoy Divine sciences at an early age". Then he recited the following QURANIC verse: {O YAHYA! Take hold of the Book with strength, and We granted him wisdom while still a child}. [MARIAM: 12]. Nearly 100 years after HIJRA passed when IMAM ZIAN AL-ABIDIN died. He entrusted the Imamate to his son Mohammed AL-BAQIR who was then 40 years old.

THE ERA OF IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS)

During IMAM AL-BAQIR'S Imamate, two of ABDUL MALIK'S sons, AL-WALID and SULAIMAN, ruled successively. Then UMAR IBN ABDIL AZIZ assumed power, then ABDUL MALIK'S other two sons, YAZID and HISHAM.

Whoever of those rulers visited Al-Medina, he would visit IMAM AL-BAQIR due to his religious status among the Muslim. They would also invite him to Damascus. They wanted to keep him away from Al-Medina where they feared the people might be influenced by him, especially when the UMAYYAD domination was getting weak throughout the vast Islamic world. Such a situation gave the Imam a better chance to act, and it lessened the pressure on him, hence people could visit him and listen to his lessons and sermons. He used to hold meetings every morning when different branches of sciences were taught and religious education wasconduced . Sciences during his time made a big progress hence the era was labeled "golden". A great number of Prophetic narrations are related by him.

His was also the era of Islamic awareness. Fifty years following the battle of KERBALA were enough for people to realize that the UMAYYAD who ruled under the cover of Islam were not at all real Muslims. Those great men (IMAM HUSAIN (AS) and his followers) who scarified their lives for the sake of Islamic awareness taught the others clear lessons. Hence the Muslim believers raised the banner of revolution against injustice, corruption and deviation. Revolts started in many places. KERBALA'S bright torch of martyrdom illuminated the road for them.

Many ALAWIS declared revolution but they failed. Even the revolution led by ZAID IBN ALI, IMAM AL-BAQIR'S brother, did not achieve success when his followers abandoned him. With a few of his supporters, he fought bravely but was finally defeated due to the enemy's great number. He was a pious, God-fearing worshipper, and very brave. IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) and his family were greatly saddened by his tragic defeat, thus he was blessed with martyrdom.

Yet IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) witnessed not only the UMAYYAD tyranny but the ABBASIDE one as well. Just as the UMAYYAD exploited religion to achieve their goal, the ABBASIDES raised the banner of devotion to AHLUL BAYT and struggled under the slogans of revenge for AHLUL BAYT'S martyrs, while they actually sought to achieve their own goal of authority and leadership. Hence, ABU Muslim AL-KHURASANI, ABU SALAMA, and ABU AL-ABBAS AL-SAFFAH became combatant strugglers.

THE SHORT RULE OF JUSTICE

When UMAR IBN ABDIL AZIZ became caliph, he tried to make up for the damage inflicted on the Prophet's household by the preceding rulers. At the order of cursed MUAWIA, the prayer leaders were ordered to curse the leader of all believers: Ali (as) from the mosques' pulpits. UMAR IBN ABDIL AZIZ immediately ordered them to stop the cursing , although he could not remove the black disgrace from the UMAYAYD history. He also ordered the return of the FADAK property to AHLUL BAYT after they were deprived of it for many decades. FADAK was Fatima's own property given to her by her father as a gift. The right procedure taken by UMAR IBN ABDIL AZIZ exposed the great injustice done to AHLUL BAYT by the oppressive rulers. He also ordered the recording of Prophetic narrations, something which was banned for a hundred years.

IBN ABDIL AZIZ'S rule did not last long (nearly two years). Soon after him, HISHAM IBN ABDIL MALIK seized power and increased pressure on the Prophet's family. This motivated JA'FER, the eldest son of IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS), to stand during the pilgrimage season, when thousands of men and women gathered in the sacred house, and introduce his father and himself to the pilgrims. He said, "Praise is due to Allah who entrusted Mohammed with Prophet-hood and honored us through him. We are the elite of Allah's creatures and the best of His worshippers. Lucky is he who follows us; miserable is he who opposes and hates us".

HISHAM'S brother MASLAMA was among the pilgrims and who heard those words. He saw how the pilgrims were influenced and how they crowded around JA'FER and his father (peace be on both), confirming their sublime status. MASLAMA felt a bitter hatred and conveyed to his brother the whole incident. HISHAM was vexed at the young man who dared speak to the people and call them to follow him and his father. He wondered: How dare JA'FER and his father declare their right to the caliphate? How could they ignore the UMAYYAD domination?

He ordered his governor in Al-Medina to send IMAM AL-BAQIR and his son to Damascus which was then the seat of the Islamic government. It was a beautiful big city with huge buildings and grand mosques.

IMAM AL-BAQIR and his son had no option except to set out to Damascus. When they reached it, they were kept waiting for three days before being called to HISHAM'S court. In fact, HISHAM intended to humiliate them in front of his mercenaries and court attendants. On the fourth day, he invited them to his court which was decorated at its best, surrounded with beautiful gardens. Guards stood in two rows on both sides. They were dressed splendidly, showing angry faces. The army leaders, dignitaries and UMAYYAD prominent figures stood with bows and arrows aiming at a certain target set up especiallyfro that purpose.

IMAM AL-BAQIR entered and saluted the attendants without addressing HISHAM with the title of "leader of the believers". This had a serious impact on HISHAM and on the attendants who were unable to utter a word. IMAM AL-SADIQ later related the event. He said, "…. When we entered, my father in front and I behind him; HISHAM shouted: 'O Mohammed! Take the bow and the arrow and shoot with the seniors of your folks".

"My father said, 'I am too old to do it; see if you excuse me!' "HISHAM shouted: 'I swear by Him Who honored us through His religion and His Prophet (P.B.U.H); you are not excused!'

"The tyrant thought the IMAM would fail in aiming at the target and thus would be degraded in front of the mob of the country. He pointed to someone to hand the Imam a bow and an arrow. The Imam took the bow, fixed the arrow and when it exactly in the heart of the target. He took a second arrow and threw it cutting the first one in half. He took another arrow and another one…. Until he used nine of them without missing the target "HISHAM was confused and shouted: 'O father of JA'FER! You are the best shooter of all Arabs and non-Arabs, yet you claim you are too old for it!' "HISHAM regretted his hasty praise and gazed on the ground, leaving the Imam still standing. The Imam became angry and, as it was his habit, lifted his head up and looked at the sky. When HISHAM saw anger on the face of the Imam, he stood up, went to him, took him in his arms and seated him on his right side. Then he said to him, 'O Mohammed! QURAYSH will still rule the Arabs and non-Arabs as long as it has men like you! By Allah the Gracious, it is well done! How did you learn it? when? Whoaught you this? Can JA'FER shoot arrows as well as you can?'

"IMAM AL-BAQIR (as) said, 'We inherit perfection!"

"The tyrant was red with anger. He said, 'What?! Are not we sons of ABDI MANAF, of the same lineage?" "The IMAM (AS) refuted his claims. He said, 'We are all the sons of ABDI MANAF, but Allah has entrusted only us with His perfect knowledge and Divine secrets".

"HISHAM said, 'Has not Allah sent Mohammed from the offspring of ABDI MANAF to all people, to the White, the Black, and the Yellow?! How can you inherit what is not yours? Does not Allah say: {Surely We inherit the earth and all those on it?} how could you inherit this knowledge while you are no Prophets, and there is no Prophet after Mohammed (P.B.U.H)?"

"The Imam said, 'We have got it through Allah's words: {Don't move your tongue with it to make haste of it} [AL-QIYAMA: 16]. What he did not tell others he told us according to the order of Allah. That is why IMAM ALI (AS) said, 'the Messenger of Allah taught me a thousand doors leading to knowledge, each door leading to a thousand other doors'. The holy Prophet entrusted him only with that knowledge and it has been our inheritance rather than others of our folks".

"HISHAM was shocked and did not know what to say. He said, 'What is your need?" "The Imam said, 'I have left my family, wife, and children behind. They surely mess me". "HISHAM said, 'May Allah spare them missing you; go back to them and set out today".

THE IMAM DEBATES A BISHOP

While IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) was in Damascus, he one day met some Christians who were on their way to meet one of their learned scholars during a religious celebration. The Imam accompanied them. The Christians lived peacefully among the Muslims and practiced their rituals according to their beliefs. IMAM AL-BAQIR attended that meeting and sat with the others. The Christian bishop looked at him. Since he did not know him, he asked him, "Are you one of us or one of the blessed nation?"

The Imam (as) said, "One of the blessed nation"

The Bishop said, "are you one of its scholars or of its ignorant ones?"

the Imam said, "I am not of its ignorant ones".

The Bishop said, "You claim you go (after death) to Paradise where you eat and drink but no defecate".

The Imam said, "Yes". The Bishop said, "Prove it to me". The Imam said, "The fetus in its mother's womb eats from her food, drinks from her drink, but does not defecate". The Bishop was stunned at the answer and said, "You claimed you were not of its scholars".

The Imam said, "I said, 'I am not of its ignorant ones". The debate continued for a long time until the Bishop was defeated. He became angry and said to his followers, "By Allah! I will not talk with you or see you for twelve months".

He thought they had purposely brought the Imam with them to defeat him in the debate. The above mentioned story spread throughout Damascus and the people became aware of the Imam's sound knowledge at all levels. When HISHAM heard of it, he made up his mind to annoy the Imam, so he sent his mercenaries to the towns along the route of YATHRIB (Al-Medina) to spread a lie claiming that the son of Ali son of AL-HUSAIN had joined a Christian monastery and had accepted Christianity. Thus, the people were ordered not to talk to his caravan nor to host them, nor to sell them food or drink. The people were even ordered to close their town gates in their faces.

The Imam's caravan left Damascus for YATHRIB. They reached one of the towns on their way. They were very tired and thirsty. They dismounted from their animals near that town to get some food and water then to continue their journey. They found the town gates locked and the people's doors closed. People usually act according to their rulers' whims.

The travelers were short of water, and the doors were closed; so, what could they do? The Imam (as) stood on a big rock and spoke to them gently and patiently, but they lent him a deaf ear, insisting on their stance. He then raised his voice and recited some QURANIC verses warning them of Allah's wrath just as Prophet SHUAIB had warned his people. He recited to them the following QURANIC verses:

{And to MADIAN (We sent) their brother SHUAIB. He said: 'O my people, serve Allah, you have no god other than Him; clear proof indeed has come to you from your Lord, therefore give full measure and weight and do not diminish to men their things, and do not make mischief in the land after its reform; this is better for you if you are believers}. [A'RAF: 85]

Then the Imam addressed the people of the town saying, 'O people of the unjust town! What remains with Allah is better for you! I am what remains". As soon as he uttered those words, one of their old men shouted at his folk, saying, "O people! By Allah, this is SHUAIB'S invocation. Fear Allah and open your doors for this holy man. If you do not, you will suffer Allah's wrath. I am a mere adviser to you, so listen to me". On hearing the wise man's warning, the people were afraid and realized their big sin of opposing their Prophet's grandson in order to please the oppressive ruler: HISHAM. They opened the doors and hosted the caravan and asked the Imam to forgive them. Surely in every person there is some feeling of pure faith that can be awakened in due time.

THE IMAM'S ACTIVE LIFE

The era of IMAM AL-BAQIR was the most crucial in Islamic history and the most important. During his time, various Islamic sects came into existence and political parties confronted each other. Strong return to norms of the era of Ignorance spread among the people. People started boasting of their forefathers' lineage, hence the tribal prejudice was stirred and conflicts appeared. The UMAYYADS encouraged such norms. A life of luxury, indecent practices, and unlawful accumulation of wealth could be noticed throughout the Islamic world.

The Imam tried his best to put things right and spare the people the deviated life. He set up centers for preaching and guidance in order to keep religion free from distortion. He also confronted the deviated sects through care for AHLUL BAYT'S School of Thought that was set up by his grandfather ALI IBN ABI TALIB (AS) and his grandsons, the purified Imams. Great numbers of religious scholars attended his school and benefited from his religious knowledge and QURANIC sciences.

He spent his life struggling for the sake of Allah. He confronted the anti-Islamic trends and the oppressive rulers. At the age of 58, a sinful hand of the UMAYYAD enemy poisoned him. The UMAYYADS feared his sublime morals, great piety, and graceful status that attracted who shed their blood for the sake of Islam. Thus he added to the bright pages of Islamic mission another bright page. He enhanced the community with elements of awareness and progress that brought about flourishing civilization.

ImamJa'fer Al-Sadiq (A.S.)

LINEAGE

Nicknamed AL-SADIQ (The Truthful), IMAM JA'FER son of IMAM Mohammed was born in Al-Medina on the 17th of RABI AL-AWAL in the year 83 of HIJRA. His mother was Fatima daughter of AL-QASIM son of Mohammed son of ABI BAKR. He was blessed with martyrdom in Al-Medina on the 25th of SHAWAL in the year 148 of HIJRA and was buried at AL-BAQIE' cemetery in AL-MEDINA AL-MUNAWARA.

EVENTS PRIOR TO HIS IMAMATE

Twenty three years after the tragic battle of KERBALA, a son was born in the family of the Prophet (P.B.U.H). he was the son of Mohammed AL-BAQIR son of ALI IBN AL-HUSAIN, the only survivor in the Prophet's family following the tragic battle of KERBALA. Hence, AL-SADIQ'S grandfather is IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS).

JA'FER AL-SADIQ enjoyed the company of his grandfather besides that of his parents till he was thirteen years old, when the noble grandfather was blessed with martyrdom after years of a life of piety and good deeds. JA'FER was raised in a house of piety and righteousness, so he enjoyed sublime morals and was nicknamed "AL-SADIQ", one who always tells the truth, thus he came to be known as JA'FER AL-SADIQ.

During those days, ABDUL MALIK IBN MARWAN ruled the Muslim world. His deputy in Al-Medina was a stonehearted man called AL-HAJJAJ IBN YOUSUF who subjected the followers of Imam Ali (as) to a severe torture. He threw most of them, without having committed any guilt, in prison and treated them with utmost cruelty. He put IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN'S house under surveillance and warned people of getting in touch with him, while the enemies of Islam and of the Prophet's family enjoyed freedom.

At the death of ABDIL MALIK, his son AL-WALID assumed power. He was more oppressive than his father towards the members of AHLUL BAYT, peace be upon them. This infidel ruler demonstrated his disbelief in public and even mocked Islamic values and ethics. However, his rule did not last long. He died and UMAR IBN ABDIL AZIZ succeeded him.

IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) by then was no longer a young man while his father IMAM AL-BAQIR enjoyed the Imamate of the Muslim believers. During the rule of ABDIL AZIZ, the Prophet's family members were treated much better than in previous years. They were spared harassment, and IMAM AL-BAQIR enjoyed his freedom. He could hold meetings, sit among the people and teach them Islamic instructions and QURANIC sciences besides other branches of knowledge. IBN ABDIL AZIZ'S rule also did not last long. Following his death, HISHAM IBN ABDIL MALIK assumed power. HISHAM was a cruel and tough man who openly demonstrated his hatred towards the Prophet's offspring. IMAM AL-BAQIR suffered from his cruelty to some extent, though less than he suffered during the era of other rulers.

It is related that HISHAM one day summoned IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) and asked him to tell him of his need which he promised he would meet. The only request the Imam made was to let him return to Al-Medina so that he would be able to carry on his lessons in Islamic sciences. HISHAM agreed, and the Imam returned to the mosque of his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H). he carried on his mission, giving religious lessons to his students who were ever-increasing in number, whether old or young. Thus, the Prophet's family enjoyed the respect of all Muslims. IMAM AL-BAQIR possessed sound and deep knowledge which his students learned and spread in different cities and towns. They spread the Imam's instructions throughout all towns and villages and conveyed his religious verdicts which became widely known everywhere.

HISHAM'S mercenaries felt the great danger that the Imam's lessons endangered the authority of the rulers through exposing facts that were previously hidden. Yet the mercenaries could do nothing to stop the Imam's lessons or halt the people's new awareness. The UMAYYAD control of the affairs of the Muslims was getting weaker and weaker, and people everywhere confronted the oppressive rulers and rejected their injustice. Hence, IMAM AL-BAQIR managed to proceed with his lessons while his students kept increasing in number throughout the Muslim world.

AHLUL BAYT UNIVERSITY

IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) passed away in the year 114 of HIJRA after he had entrusted his son JA'FER AL-SADIQ (AS) with the Imamate. HISHAM IBN ABDIL MALIK was more worried because AL-SADIQ (AS) carried on his father's lessons more actively and vividly, since he was a young man, only 31 year old, full of energy and strength. AL-SADIQ'S great concern was the school of thought of AHLUL BAYT which was established by the leader of the believers, IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB (AS), and which survived through his sons and grandsons, especially IMAM AL-SADIQ'S father, IMAM AL-BAQIR (as). The university established by Imam AL-BAQIR (AS) encompassed branches of different sciences. It played a great role in safeguarding the Islamic teachings from deviation and distortion. It was, in fact, behind the spread of Islam's genuine teachings.

HISHAM died in the year 125 of HIJRA, and the UMAYYAD government was deteriorating. Two groups were formed to confront the oppressive regime and assume authority. One of them was led by IMAM AL-HASAN'S sons. The other was led by some of the offspring of AL-ABBAS (the Prophet's uncle). The second group raised the banner of revenge of the martyrs' blood and professed devotion to the Prophet's family. This happened while IMAM AL-SADIQ was quite occupied with spreading knowledge and different sciences through meetings and daily lessons attended by all those who strove to get the caliphate out of the UMAYYAD dynasty. Figures such as ABO AL-ABBAS AL-SAFFAH, AL-MANSOUR, and others used to attend his lessons and make a show of their love and devotion to the Prophet's offspring.

IMAM AL-SADIQ FACES THE PARTIES

At the midst of such events, each group (party) tried to approach IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) and solicit his leadership so that it would achieve success. The group following IMAM AL-HASAN'S grandson could not enjoy full growth to achieve victory, while the other group was more anxious for power and managed to enjoy support of the majority of people who were actually suffering from the injustice of the ruling clique. The people regarded AL-ABBAS'S party as the real movement that could save them from injustice. Moreover, BANU AL-ABBAS raised slogans of revenge for the martyrs of the Prophet's family and of calls to setal prisoners in the UMAYYAD prisons free. They claimed they would hand over the leadership (the caliphate) to its owners: the Prophet's offspring.

Two influential figures joined AL-ABBAS'S party. They were; ABU Muslim AL-KHURASANI and ABU SALAMA AL-KHALLA. Both men were active in confronting the UMAYYAD domination and in supporting BANI AL-ABBAS'S party. They had a major impact on the events. But soon they discovered that BANI AL-ABBASS were not different from BANI UMAYYAD. Their claims of revenge for the martyrs' blood and devotion to the Prophet's progeny were all lies behind which their lust for power was hidden.

Hence, ABU Muslim and ABU SALAM wrote a letter to IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) in which they offered him leadership of the movement against the UMAYYAD rule. They swore the oath of allegiance to his caliphate. On getting the letter, the Imam burnt it in front of his attendants. It was his clear answer in rejecting the offer because he knew that their struggle was for personal interests more than for the Muslims' welfare. Due to his refusal, they joined the ABASSI group on condition that they would enjoy ministry offices. Finally, in the wake of a big battle, MARWAN IBN AL-HAKAM, the last UMAYYAD caliph, was killed and ABU AL-ABASS AL-SAFFAH assumed leadership. He was a blood-thirsty person; he was very cruel and not any different from the preceding rulers. ABU SALAM became his minister whose end came at the hand of his friend ABI Muslim AL-KHURASANI.

At first AL-SAFFAH claimed to be a supporter of AHLUL BAYT'S rights and pretended to seek revenge for the martyrs of the battle of KERBALA, hence he treated AL-SADIQ (AS) gently just for a short while.

THE RIGHT TO ONE FIFTH (KHUMS): A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO INDEPENDENCE

During those days, the official theologians (court ULEMA-FUQAHA) used to get their salaries from the state treasury. Hence, they accompanied the rulers whether in mosques or in the state offices to justify their practices and to please them. They were the supporters of the oppressive rulers because they were on their pay list.

The people used to pay to the state one-fifth of their earning as ZAKAT (religions duty/poor rate) and the non-Muslims used to pay JIZYA (non-Muslim protection tax) since they lived peacefully in the Muslims' land and enjoyed their rights under the protection of the Muslims. The state used such revenues to pay its officials, employees, and court theologians.

IMAM AL-SADIQ and his companions kept themselves far from such groups that strove for material gains. The Imam considered the ruler as a usurper of the caliphate, hence it is always unlawful to deal with tyrants and usurpers. IMAM AL-SADIQ'S companions, especially those who were beyond the state's watch, used to pay the one-fifth and other religious taxes to IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) to spend it according to religious legislations. Hence, members of the Prophet's progeny throughout history have been independent of the state's financial support and have had no links with unjust rulers' apparatus.

The ABASSI ruler AL-SAFFAH realized that he had no power over IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS). He also realized that the Imam's management of religious revenues, the one-fifth (KHUMS), the poor-rate (ZAKAT), and the non-Muslim tax (JIZYA), was quite different from the caliphs' management and bribed theologians. The ABASSI ruler was often vexed because the Imam (as) was beyondhid control. Sometimes he would summon him to his court in AL-ANBAR (near KUFA) to admonish him openly, showing his hostility towards him (as). Sometimes he would try other means to bring him under his control or to earn his pleasure. However, he dared not hurt him, since AL-SAJJAH assumed the caliphate under the cover of devotion to the Imam and to his blessed forefathers. In the year 136 of HIJRA, AL-SAFFAH AL-ABASSI died and his brother AL-MANSOUR seized power.

AL-SADIQ VIS-?-VIS AL-MANSOUR

Due to his outward posture, AL-MANSOUR enjoyed a good reputation among the people who were easily fooled. It was quite natural since AL-MASOUR confronted the UMAYYAD tyrants for many years. Moreover, he helped the followers of Imam Ali (as) jailed by the UMAYYADS. He often voiced his call for revenge for the martyrs of KERBALA. In fact, he achieved power only through such means.

IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) was quite aware of AL-MANSOUR'S real nature. The latter often attended the Imam's meetings and discussed various issues, asking him many questions and getting their answers. Hence, the Imam was quite aware of the ABASSI tyrant's intentions. At first, AL-MANSOUR behaved quite well regarding IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS). He would often call him to his presence and ask his sons to sit near him and learn from him. His aim was to attract him and thus have him under his control, a tool in his hand just as the other theologians were. He wanted him to be a cover behind which he could hide his evil intentions and ambitions.

The Imam (as) was quite aware of AL-MANSOUR'S game, hence he disappointed him and mocked his devilish dreams he did not respond to his attempts, thus he did not fall in his traps. On the contrary, the Imam made his ideas and instructions clear to all his companions. He referred to AL-MANSOUR and his likes as usurpers of the caliphate, and that it was unlawful (HARAM) to deal with them. Dealing with unjust rulers always brings about Allah's wrath.

On the other hand, the Imam warned his followers to be vigilant of the court's theologians and never to deal with them. He also warned his followers to avoid open disputes to avoid their mischief. He used to tell his followers: "Be silent supporters of our cause". When AL-MANSOUR failed in getting to the Imam's companions, he started bothering them. He scattered their supporters in order to hinder their attendance of the Imam's lessons and meetings. Moreover, he often summoned the Imam to blame him for his stances, to warn him, and even to threaten him because of such stances.

From all his heart he often wished to kill him with both his hands but could not do it! Hence, he directed all his hatred towards the Imam's followers who were often jailed and brutally tortured to confess the names of other followers. As a result of the oppressive policy, the followers of Imam AL-SADIQ were arrested, tortured, killed, and secretly buried in mass graves throughout the city of AL-ANBAR. Yet his greatest concern lingered: to get rid of IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) himself. But the Divine care kept the Imam safe despite all devilish plots.

It is related that once AL-MANSOUR made up his mind to end the Imam's life. He swore by Allah to kill him, hence he summoned him at mid-night. He said, "May Allah kill me if I do not kill him". When the Imam entered AL-MANSOUR'S room, he saluted him, but AL-MANSOUR did not return the salutation. He was exploding in anger and said, "O JA'FER! You incite people against me. You encourage them to revolt against me". The Imam calmly said, "I do not! The source of your information is the enemies of the Prophet's family".

He proved to him the wrong claims and managed to convince him in the discussion. AL-MANSOUR'S anger vanished and he said, "I think that you are truthful". He ordered his agents to take the Imam back home and to treat him with all respect and honor. It is said that the Imam (as) was summoned eight times by AL-MANSOUR with the letter's intention to kill him, but on seeing him, he could not achieve his objective and would order him sent back home with respect and dignity.

The reason behind AL-MANSOUR'S behavior was not a sudden feeling of mercy. Mercy could not find its way to his heart. He himself, with his own hands, had cut the body of his minister ABI Muslim AL-KHURASANI into many pieces at that same place. He shed the blood of several hundred innocent and pious believers. In fact, fear only stopped him from the fulfillment of his devilish intention. Whenever he met the Imam, he felt great fear on seeing his sublime figure and had no way but to show respect and justify his anger through accusing backbiters and liars. He would even testify to the Imam's truthfulness.

It is related that AL-MANSOUR used to say, "Whenever I intended to kill him, the face of the Messenger of Allah appeared in front of me, so I was scared to death, unableevent to move my hand".

IMAM AL-SADIQ'S SCHOOL OF THOUGHT THROUGHOUT THE MUSLIM WORLD

IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) carried on his teaching lessons in every circle, and his students increased in number and spread throughout the Muslim world. They spread his teachings wherever they went. His students studied various scientific fields. Each was assigned a special task or activity. Some of his students sat at mosques to teach people the religious legislation, verdicts, and what is lawful or unlawful. Some taught the interpretation of the holy QURAN and answered inquiries related to various issues. Some confronted the universe and its Almighty Creator. They learned about the righteous deeds, about monotheism, resurrection, Imamate, and the leadership of the community.

The followers of the imam spread under the guise of tradesmen to escape the tyrants' mercenaries.

AL-MANSOUR, in turn, was active in confronting Imam AL-SADIQ'S schools by applying tough methods whenever he could. He used to let his mercenaries infiltrate the Imam's lesson circles in order to spread false narrations and wrong sayings on his behalf. They praised the rulers of AL-ABASS'S offspring and called the people to obey them. Moreover, the ABASSI caliph appointed many theologians on his pay list and ordered them to set up different schools of thought to oppose IMAM JA'FER AL-SADIQ'S School of Thought (the FA'FERI SCHOOL) and spread wrong information and false narrations. Thus, AL-MANSOUR helped many schools of thought to start. It was quite easy for him to do it since he could quickly find theologians ready to receive their salaries from him and act according to his own orders which were: to confront the Imam's school and refute his verdicts.

Yet the Imam's school stemmed from the very school of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) and Imam Ali (as), so the Imam's knowledge proved to be quite perfect and authentic, and such knowledge could not be refuted or falsified! Naturally, sun rays cannot be hidden behind a cripple. It is worth mentioning that IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) himself confronted the deviated trends and held meetings to conduct debates to refute the false narrations and the deviated theologians' distorted information. He had dialogues with the heretics and infidels, and through sound reasoning and clear proofs, he led his opponents to give in and to admit his sound opinions.

Thus, his students managed to compile four hundred books recording the Imam's statements and explanations. They categorized those books then produced out of them four volumes which contain his sciences in addition to books on geography, biology, medicine, chemistry… etc. His books are available even today.

HIS MARTYRDOM

AL-MANSOUR was told one day, "Praise is due to Allah, O caliph! You have gotten rid of all your enemies!" He said, "Not at all. I cannot feel at rest as long as JA'FER son of Mohammed is alive".

Soon after this devilish hint, the mercenaries killed sixty-five year old IMAM AL-SADIQ who was blessed with martyrdom by poisoning. When AL-MANSOUR heard of the Imam's martyrdom, he shed false tears, crocodile tears, then said, "We are from Allah, and to Him shall we return". He immediately wrote a letter to his agent in Al-medina Mohammed IBN SULAYMAN. He said in his letter, "If JA'FER IBN MUHAMMED has entrusted (the Imamate) to someone in particular in his will, then get that person and behead him at once".

The tyrant thought that he could thus put an end to the Imamate of AHL AL-BAYT. However, the infallible Imam was aware of such a risk, so he entrusted the Imamate to his son MUSA son of JA'FER in front of his faithful companions. Then he wrote a will in which be entrusted authority to five persons: AL-MANSOUR himself, SULAYMAN the agent in Al-Medina, ABDILLAH IBN AL-AFTAH son of JA'FER, MUSA son of JA'FER, and HAMIDA, his wife. Al-Medina's ruler was at a loss; he did not know what to do. He wrote a letter to AL-MANSOUR and informed him of the said will. AL-MANSOUR again failed in his aim since it was impossible to behead those mentioned in the will.

The Imam (as) was quite clever, blessed with a deep insight that protected his successor in the office of the Imamate. IMAM AL-SADIQ was blessed with martyrdom in the year 148 of HIJRA and was buried at AL-BAQIE cemetery near his father, grandfather, and grandmother Fatima AL-ZAHRA, and his uncle AL-HASAN, peace and blessing of Allah be upon them all.

The Imam (as) witnessed big events at a crucial junction of the Islamic history. His era formed a major turn in the drive of Islamic life, stamped with his holy name, hence it is known as "the era of IMAM JA'FER AL-SADIQ". It was an age when different concepts were mixed and contradictions of opinions spread. The people were in serious need to differentiate between what is good and what is bad. IMAM AL-SADIQ (AS) was the best to sort out the odds and separate the truth from falsehood. Up to our time, his teachings are still the bright torch leading to the right path.