Al-BaaqirAl-BaaqirThe Fifth ImamThe Fifth Imam

By A.S. Hashim. MDBy A.S. Hashim. MD

About this Slide ShowAbout this Slide Show

Discussed:Discussed:LineageLineageEarly childhoodEarly childhoodMeeting Jabir Al-Ansaari Meeting Jabir Al-Ansaari His teens and twenties His teens and twenties The Currency IssueThe Currency IssueThe three phases of IslamThe three phases of IslamAl-Baaqir’s ImamahAl-Baaqir’s ImamahEducational inputEducational inputSubjects taughtSubjects taughtSome select sayingsSome select sayingsZiyarahZiyarah

LineageLineage

FatherZainul Abideen

MotherFatima

GrandfatherAl-Hasan

GrandfatherAl-Husain

Al-Baaqir

Early childhoodEarly childhood

Born in 57 HijrahBorn in 57 HijrahWas loved by grandparents and auntsWas loved by grandparents and auntsWas close to Sakeena his aunt (teenage)Was close to Sakeena his aunt (teenage)At 3 years of age, accompanied his At 3 years of age, accompanied his grandfather Al-Husain, and his father grandfather Al-Husain, and his father Zainul Abideen to KarbalaZainul Abideen to KarbalaWitnessed the horrendous treatment dealt Witnessed the horrendous treatment dealt to his family in Karbalato his family in Karbala

With them from Kufa to DamascusWith them from Kufa to Damascus

3½ Yr,3½ Yr, Al-Baaqir, along with a devastated Al-Baaqir, along with a devastated family, crosses the desert to Damascusfamily, crosses the desert to DamascusSees the severed heads on tip of spears ahead Sees the severed heads on tip of spears ahead of them every dayof them every dayHis beloved, Sakeena (who took care of him), His beloved, Sakeena (who took care of him), dies in Damascusdies in DamascusNightmares keep coming to him almost nightlyNightmares keep coming to him almost nightlyExtremely affected by Karbala and the move to Extremely affected by Karbala and the move to Damascus followed by returning to MedinaDamascus followed by returning to Medina

The Grief in MedinaThe Grief in Medina

3½ Yr:3½ Yr: Al-Baaqir saw Zainab, on a vigorous Al-Baaqir saw Zainab, on a vigorous campaign, to explain what happened in Karbalacampaign, to explain what happened in Karbala

He saw his father Zainul Abideen go into He saw his father Zainul Abideen go into seclusion and cut off most contact with peopleseclusion and cut off most contact with people

He observed that people of Medina were He observed that people of Medina were inflamed and very angryinflamed and very angry

Everyone cried and mourned for Imam Everyone cried and mourned for Imam Al‑Husain.Al‑Husain.

The mind of the young Al‑Baaqir could only absorb the The mind of the young Al‑Baaqir could only absorb the scenes with further apprehension and remorse. scenes with further apprehension and remorse.

At up to the Age of 5½ years: At up to the Age of 5½ years: 

Al-Baaqir is tutored by his father Zainul Abideen.Al-Baaqir is tutored by his father Zainul Abideen.

Medina had revolted, and a horrific battle took Medina had revolted, and a horrific battle took placeplace

His father, Zainul Abideen, takes on his shoulder His father, Zainul Abideen, takes on his shoulder hosting 400 of Benu Umayya clanhosting 400 of Benu Umayya clan

witnesses the atrocities inflicted on Medina itself, witnesses the atrocities inflicted on Medina itself, and how for 3 days Yazid's soldiers wounded, and how for 3 days Yazid's soldiers wounded, killed, and destroyed much in Medina. killed, and destroyed much in Medina.

Yazid’s AtrocitiesYazid’s Atrocities

1. Karbala

2. Medina

3. Mecca

With Jabir Al-AnsaariWith Jabir Al-Ansaari

As Al‑Ansaari became old, he lost his eye-sight, As Al‑Ansaari became old, he lost his eye-sight, and he was often seen sitting in the Prophet's and he was often seen sitting in the Prophet's Mosque persistently calling for Al‑BaaqirMosque persistently calling for Al‑Baaqir

The people at the time, not knowing of any The people at the time, not knowing of any Al‑Baaqir around, thought Al‑Ansaari to have lost Al‑Baaqir around, thought Al‑Ansaari to have lost his mindhis mind

When Al‑Ansaari finally met Al‑Baaqir he When Al‑Ansaari finally met Al‑Baaqir he excitedly hugged him, kissed his hand, and excitedly hugged him, kissed his hand, and joyfully expressed the love and conveyed the joyfully expressed the love and conveyed the salutation of the Prophet to the young boy. salutation of the Prophet to the young boy.

In his boyhoodIn his boyhood

Father, Zainul Abideen, active in teaching his children IslamFather, Zainul Abideen, active in teaching his children IslamHe concentrated on teaching them:He concentrated on teaching them:

1.1. the Holy Quran, thenthe Holy Quran, then2.2. Tafseer, followed by Tafseer, followed by 3.3. the Hadith and the Hadith and 4.4. Al‑Ah'kaamAl‑Ah'kaamAl‑Baaqir was extremely receptive.  He not only showed an Al‑Baaqir was extremely receptive.  He not only showed an unparalleled brilliance of mind but also the eagerness to absorb unparalleled brilliance of mind but also the eagerness to absorb the Islamic knowledge.the Islamic knowledge.It was not only his father who tutored him, it was also the It was not only his father who tutored him, it was also the collective effort of the whole family.  His great‑aunt Zainab, collective effort of the whole family.  His great‑aunt Zainab, great-uncle Ibn Al‑Hanafiyah, or others, they all participated.great-uncle Ibn Al‑Hanafiyah, or others, they all participated.

During his teensDuring his teens

Politically turbulent times under Al‑Zubair's Politically turbulent times under Al‑Zubair's rulership, for he tried to seize the Khilaafah from rulership, for he tried to seize the Khilaafah from Benu Umayya. Benu Umayya. Many military clashes evolved between Abdul Many military clashes evolved between Abdul Malik, and Ibn Zubair Malik, and Ibn Zubair Al‑Baaqir was grieved due to the bloodshed that Al‑Baaqir was grieved due to the bloodshed that took place in Mecca, and how the Ka'ba was took place in Mecca, and how the Ka'ba was wrecked by the forces of Abdul Malikwrecked by the forces of Abdul MalikAl‑Baaqir continued to absorb the enormous Al‑Baaqir continued to absorb the enormous amount of knowledge made available to him.  amount of knowledge made available to him.  Participated in the Discourses his father was givingParticipated in the Discourses his father was giving

In his twentiesIn his twenties

When Al‑Baaqir When Al‑Baaqir was in his twenties was in his twenties many divergent many divergent ideologies ideologies emerged in the emerged in the Islamic world and Islamic world and had to be dealt had to be dealt with and corrected. with and corrected.

1.1. the the JabriahJabriah (Emphasizing (Emphasizing Absolute Predestination),Absolute Predestination),

2.2. the the QadariyahQadariyah (Emphasizing (Emphasizing Absolute free will),Absolute free will),

3.3. the the KharijiKhariji (deviators), (deviators),

4.4. Those of Those of Al‑Raa'yAl‑Raa'y (the (the opinionated),opinionated),

5.5. Those of Those of Al‑QiyasAl‑Qiyas, (Users of , (Users of analogy), andanalogy), and

6.6. the the Murji'ahMurji'ah, (acknowledgers of , (acknowledgers of Benu Umayya legitimacy, but Benu Umayya legitimacy, but free to criticize them)free to criticize them)

In his TwentiesIn his Twenties

Muhammad Al‑Baaqir Marries Umm Farwa, the Muhammad Al‑Baaqir Marries Umm Farwa, the great-granddaughter of Khalifa Abu Bakr.great-granddaughter of Khalifa Abu Bakr.More than a year later, in the year 83H, a boy More than a year later, in the year 83H, a boy was born to him.  They called him Ja'far.was born to him.  They called him Ja'far.Al‑Baaqir is sought after for his enormous Al‑Baaqir is sought after for his enormous knowledge.knowledge.People endearingly call him Al‑Baaqir, People endearingly call him Al‑Baaqir, for his for his in‑depth analysis of any religious problemin‑depth analysis of any religious problem..Al-Baaqir also means: Al-Baaqir also means: the one who discloses the one who discloses treasures of wisdom underlying various Islamic treasures of wisdom underlying various Islamic laws.laws.

The Byzantine CurrencyThe Byzantine Currency

1.1. The Byzantine emperor was threatening:The Byzantine emperor was threatening:a.a. to withdraw the dominant Byzantine currency, to withdraw the dominant Byzantine currency,

thus sabotage the Islamic Ummahthus sabotage the Islamic Ummahb.b. unless concessions were made by the Muslims, unless concessions were made by the Muslims,

(which were unacceptable).(which were unacceptable).c.c. Until now the currency in the Muslim world had Until now the currency in the Muslim world had

been predominantly the Byzantine currency.been predominantly the Byzantine currency.

2.2. Abdul Malik the Khalifa sends for Al-Baaqir to Abdul Malik the Khalifa sends for Al-Baaqir to solve the crisis (the currency problem facing the solve the crisis (the currency problem facing the nation).nation).

Al-Baaqir solves the currency problemAl-Baaqir solves the currency problemOrientalists call it a Stroke of Genius.Orientalists call it a Stroke of Genius.

1.1. Stop dealing with the Byzantine currency, Stop dealing with the Byzantine currency,

2.2. Build Muslim currency (coins) instead,Build Muslim currency (coins) instead,a.a. Inscribe on one side La Ilaaha Illa Allah,Inscribe on one side La Ilaaha Illa Allah,

b.b. Inscribe on the other side Muhammad Rasool Allah,Inscribe on the other side Muhammad Rasool Allah,

c.c. Stamp the edge of the coin with the date and locality, Stamp the edge of the coin with the date and locality, and and

d.d. Have special scales to weigh the gold currency pieces Have special scales to weigh the gold currency pieces to make sure its accurate worth.to make sure its accurate worth.

In his Mid-thirtiesIn his Mid-thirties

Zainul Abideen and Al‑Baaqir shun politics Zainul Abideen and Al‑Baaqir shun politics completelycompletely

They held the contemporary rulers and their They held the contemporary rulers and their administration as neither valid nor legitimate. administration as neither valid nor legitimate.

They saw Islam was violated in the name of They saw Islam was violated in the name of IslamIslam

Therefore, they raced against time to deliver to the Therefore, they raced against time to deliver to the people as much Islamic knowledge as possible.people as much Islamic knowledge as possible.

Medina became an intellectual center of learningMedina became an intellectual center of learningAs a result, the Piety‑minded community evolvedAs a result, the Piety‑minded community evolvedWhen Zainul Abideen died Al‑Baaqir’s Imamah When Zainul Abideen died Al‑Baaqir’s Imamah started at the age of 38 yearsstarted at the age of 38 years

Contemporary KhulafaaContemporary Khulafaa

During his During his Lifetime, Al-Baaqir Lifetime, Al-Baaqir was contemporary was contemporary to the Following to the Following Rulers of Benu Rulers of Benu UmayyaUmayya

Benu Sufyan:Benu Sufyan:

1.1. Mu'awiya son of Abu SufyanMu'awiya son of Abu Sufyan

2.2. Yazid son of Mu'awiyaYazid son of Mu'awiya

3.3. Mu'awiya son of YazidMu'awiya son of Yazid

Benu Marwan:Benu Marwan:

1.1. Marwan son of Al‑HakamMarwan son of Al‑Hakam

2.2. Abdul Malik son of MarwanAbdul Malik son of Marwan

3.3. Waleed son of Abdul MalikWaleed son of Abdul Malik

4.4. Suleiman son of Abdul MalikSuleiman son of Abdul Malik

5.5. Omar son of Abdul AzizOmar son of Abdul Aziz

6.6. Yazid II son of Abdul MalikYazid II son of Abdul Malik

7.7. Hisham son of Abdul MalikHisham son of Abdul Malik

The three phases of IslamThe three phases of Islam

Islam

1. Muhammad

2. Ali, Hasan &Husain3. Rest of Imams

ISLAMISLAM

The 1 1stst of 3 Phases of Islam of 3 Phases of Islam

PHASECARRIED OUT

BY: TASKS CONSISTING  OF:

FIRST

PHASE

 

Muhammad 

(pbuh)

Emphasis was on teaching Islam in depth, especially to the Sahaaba  (Companions), and making Islam available to the maximum number of people—yet, bearing in mind that it would take an average person a long time to assimilate Islam. Therefore, Muhammad (pbuh) did not fight the hypocrites.

The 2nd of 3 Phases of Islam

PHASE CARRIED OUT BY: TASKS CONSISTING

 OF:

SECOND

PHASE

 

Ali, Al-Hasan, and Al-Husain

They were the 3 who were to confront the negative forces caused by Islamicly weak persons which threatened to undermine Islam:  Be it during Ali's Khilaafah, Al‑Hasan's acceptance of peaceful terms, or the events leading to the explosive but anticipated Karbala as led

by Al‑Husain.

The 3rd of 3 Phases of Islam

PHASECARRIED OUT

BY: TASKS CONSISTING

 OF:

THIRD PHASE

 

Zainul Abideen and the Imams after him.

Zainul Abideen took on his shoulders the heavy task of teaching the scholars  (the educational endeavor) once the confrontational phase was over.  This culminated by establishing the Islamic Institute  (Institute of Ahlul Bayt).  The main source of information was the Corpus of Knowledge Imam Ali left.  The Institute was to expand and flourish by later Imams.

During Al-Baaqir’s ImamahDuring Al-Baaqir’s Imamah

1.1. The institute of Ahlul Bayt grows substantiallyThe institute of Ahlul Bayt grows substantiallya.a. Up to 300 scholars graduate over a period of 18 yearsUp to 300 scholars graduate over a period of 18 yearsb.b. Graduates write about 100 booksGraduates write about 100 books

2.2. Al‑Baaqir himself wrote the book of Tafseer, in Al‑Baaqir himself wrote the book of Tafseer, in which he registered numerous Hadiths.which he registered numerous Hadiths.

3.3. Numerous knowledge seekers traveled from far Numerous knowledge seekers traveled from far away (and lived in Medina) to attend Al-Baaqir’s away (and lived in Medina) to attend Al-Baaqir’s discoursesdiscourses

4.4. He argued with the Kharijis (deviators) and He argued with the Kharijis (deviators) and Ghulaat (exaggerationists). Ghulaat (exaggerationists).

The Institute graduatesThe Institute graduatesEducational works of Al-Baaqir versus Zainul AbideenEducational works of Al-Baaqir versus Zainul Abideen

During Al-Baaqir’s time, During Al-Baaqir’s time, 300 Scholars graduated.300 Scholars graduated.The 300 Scholars wrote The 300 Scholars wrote 100 books100 booksDuring Zainul Abideen’s During Zainul Abideen’s time 160 Scholars time 160 Scholars graduatedgraduatedThe graph on the right The graph on the right shows relative numbersshows relative numbersThis is remarkable, since This is remarkable, since it was in spite of the it was in spite of the heavy political pressure heavy political pressure on Ahlul Bayton Ahlul Bayt 0

50

100

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200

250

300

350

At First Early days Middle Final period

Zainul Abideen Al-Baaqir

Corpus of KnowledgeCorpus of Knowledge

Ali’s writings during:Ali’s writings during:Abu Bakr,Abu Bakr,Omar, andOmar, and

Uthman’s Khilaafah:Uthman’s Khilaafah:

Corpus of Knowledge Corpus of Knowledge consists of the consists of the

following:following:

1.1. Quran in chorological Quran in chorological orderorder

2.2. Tafseer (Mus’haf Tafseer (Mus’haf Fatima)Fatima)

3.3. Hadith (Saheefa of Ali)Hadith (Saheefa of Ali)4.4. Ah’kaamAh’kaam5.5. Al-JafrAl-Jafr

a.a. White Jafr: Prophets and White Jafr: Prophets and early timesearly times

b.b. Red Jafr: Rules of war in Red Jafr: Rules of war in IslamIslam

Golden Chain of Narration: (so far)Golden Chain of Narration: (so far)

Ali

Al-Husain Al-Hasan

Zainul Abideen

Al-Baaqir

Conditions of the Ummah Conditions of the Ummah (at his time)(at his time)

1.1. Karbala kept haunting the UmmahKarbala kept haunting the Ummah

2.2. Yazid's bloodshed in Medina Yazid's bloodshed in Medina

3.3. Devastation done in Mecca Devastation done in Mecca

4.4. Al‑Hajjaj in Iraq and Persia Al‑Hajjaj in Iraq and Persia

5.5. Public works and charities exclusively in Syria Public works and charities exclusively in Syria

6.6. Syrian Troops in Garrisons all over the UmmahSyrian Troops in Garrisons all over the Ummah

7.7. Mawaali Resentment Mawaali Resentment

The Haven to InquiriesThe Haven to Inquiries

Often surrounded by students of different ages, many of them Often surrounded by students of different ages, many of them scholars already, Al‑Baaqir was the haven to their inquiries.  scholars already, Al‑Baaqir was the haven to their inquiries.  No matter what questions they asked, Al‑Baaqir answered eloquently, No matter what questions they asked, Al‑Baaqir answered eloquently, always giving the Islamic detail necessary.  always giving the Islamic detail necessary.  He never got tired of their questioning, never said no, never absented He never got tired of their questioning, never said no, never absented himself; himself;

on the contrary, on the contrary, it was all his to give.it was all his to give.    Intellectuals of various levels flocked to him, be it at Haj times or Intellectuals of various levels flocked to him, be it at Haj times or others.  others.  He was the repository of Islamic knowledge, He was the repository of Islamic knowledge,

the one sought after by the notables of Fiqh specialists, the one sought after by the notables of Fiqh specialists, the forerunners of intellectuals, the forerunners of intellectuals, as well as the ordinary seekers of knowledge. as well as the ordinary seekers of knowledge.

The Intellectual CenterThe Intellectual Center

Al‑Baaqir's son, Al‑Saadiq, was an active participant, and his Al‑Baaqir's son, Al‑Saadiq, was an active participant, and his contribution to the religious community, even then, was highly admired.  contribution to the religious community, even then, was highly admired.  Many of these students continued their studies later on at the hands of Many of these students continued their studies later on at the hands of Al‑Saadiq and quoted him quite often. Al‑Saadiq and quoted him quite often. This dynamic Islamic education and its atmosphere brought more into This dynamic Islamic education and its atmosphere brought more into focus what Zainul Abideen had already started years back.focus what Zainul Abideen had already started years back.The growth of this Institute was such that The growth of this Institute was such that

Medina kept being the very intellectual center Medina kept being the very intellectual center and the dynamic magnate to Knowledge, and the dynamic magnate to Knowledge, despite the fact that the center of political power was Damascus in despite the fact that the center of political power was Damascus in Syria.Syria.

Out of this atmosphere a Piety‑Minded community arose, which grew so Out of this atmosphere a Piety‑Minded community arose, which grew so influential and so astonishingly entrenched that even the ruler Abdul influential and so astonishingly entrenched that even the ruler Abdul Malik tried to show affinity to gain their support.Malik tried to show affinity to gain their support.

Subjects TaughtSubjects Taught

1.1. TafseerTafseer of the Holy Quran. of the Holy Quran.2.2. Hadith,Hadith, as quoted by each Imam from his father, up to as quoted by each Imam from his father, up to

Ali, then Muhammad (pbuh).Ali, then Muhammad (pbuh).3.3. Al‑Ah'kaam,Al‑Ah'kaam, which grew with time, since new religious which grew with time, since new religious

problems were to be solved according to the Shari'ah.problems were to be solved according to the Shari'ah.4.4. Fiqh,Fiqh, as diversified due to the Ij'tihaad of the as diversified due to the Ij'tihaad of the

Jurisprudents.Jurisprudents.5.5. Halal and Haram,Halal and Haram,6.6. Ethics, Mu'aamalaatEthics, Mu'aamalaat, among other important Islamic , among other important Islamic

subjects.subjects.7.7. Irfan Irfan (Islamic theological philosophy).(Islamic theological philosophy).8.8. Adab: Adab: High forms of literature.High forms of literature.

Ismah EmphasizedIsmah Emphasized

Ismah:Ismah:  Ayah of Tat’heer: Surah  33 :  Ayah  33.   Ayah of Tat’heer: Surah  33 :  Ayah  33. Ahlul Bayt are to be obeyed, not just revered; Ahlul Bayt are to be obeyed, not just revered; Imamah:Imamah:  was of immense importance. A   was of immense importance. A designated Imam was designated Imam was Ma'soom, i.e., Ma'soom, i.e., safeguarded by Allah from :safeguarded by Allah from :a.a.Religious error, Religious error, b.b.Sin, and Sin, and c.c.Forgetfulness.Forgetfulness.

Those who ignore the Imamah will have ignored Those who ignore the Imamah will have ignored a basic pillar in their faith.a basic pillar in their faith.

THE PIETY‑MINDED COMMUNITYTHE PIETY‑MINDED COMMUNITY

School of Ahlul School of Ahlul BaytBayt

School of Ibn School of Ibn Abbas Abbas

School of Ibn School of Ibn OmarOmar

1.1. They demanded equity, fairness, and They demanded equity, fairness, and true Islamic practices.true Islamic practices.

2.2. cautioned against the self-serving and cautioned against the self-serving and Islamicly weak peopleIslamicly weak people

3.3. Often they brought Karbala's cause, Often they brought Karbala's cause, motives, and conviction to the motives, and conviction to the foreground.foreground.

4.4. They made people aware of the They made people aware of the atrocities committed against Ahlul Bayt.atrocities committed against Ahlul Bayt.

5.5. Cries to avenge for Imam Al‑Husain Cries to avenge for Imam Al‑Husain from the many Mawaali and from the many Mawaali and disadvantaged Arabs.disadvantaged Arabs.

The Institute ExpandsThe Institute Expands

During Al-Baaqir’s During Al-Baaqir’s time, 300 time, 300 Scholars Scholars graduated.graduated.

The 300 Scholars The 300 Scholars wrote 100 bookswrote 100 books

The graph shows The graph shows relative numbersrelative numbers

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

At First Early days Middle Final period

Regions of Religious Movements at the Regions of Religious Movements at the Time of Al-BaaqirTime of Al-Baaqir

IN MEDINAIN MEDINAAhlul BaytAhlul Bayt

Ibn AbbasIbn Abbas

Ibn OmarIbn Omar

IN SYRIAIN SYRIAJabriahJabriah

QadariyahQadariyah

Jama’ahJama’ah

IN KUFAIN KUFAMurji'ahMurji'ah

KharijiKhariji

Shi'aShi'a

IN EGYPTIN EGYPTIbn AbbasIbn Abbas

Ibn OmarIbn Omar

IN BASRAHIN BASRAHMurji'ahMurji'ah

Mu'tazilaMu'tazila

KharijiKhariji

IN KHURASANIN KHURASANShi'aShi'a

Jama’ahJama’ah

Jah'miyyah  Jah'miyyah  

Benu Umayya AttitudeBenu Umayya Attitude

Apprehensive and insecure, the ruling class (Benu Umayya and their Apprehensive and insecure, the ruling class (Benu Umayya and their officials), were wary and very edgy about Ahlul Bayt, fearing their officials), were wary and very edgy about Ahlul Bayt, fearing their influence.  influence.  They put surveillance and had many undercover agents against Ahlul They put surveillance and had many undercover agents against Ahlul Bayt.  Bayt.  The surveillance varied in its intensity from time to time, The surveillance varied in its intensity from time to time,

depending on the degree of insecurity of the ruler, depending on the degree of insecurity of the ruler, the strength of the administration, the strength of the administration, and the paranoia of the governors among other things.  and the paranoia of the governors among other things. 

The times of Al‑Baaqir were:The times of Al‑Baaqir were:difficult during Al‑Waleed and Suleiman sons of Abdul Malik, difficult during Al‑Waleed and Suleiman sons of Abdul Malik, but free and very friendly during the times of Omar son of Abdul Aziz.but free and very friendly during the times of Omar son of Abdul Aziz.

About Benu UmayyaAbout Benu Umayya

Muhammad Al‑Baaqir had to teach in subtle ways, Muhammad Al‑Baaqir had to teach in subtle ways, often leaving confrontational matters in the hands of his students often leaving confrontational matters in the hands of his students after they had left and started preaching on their own.after they had left and started preaching on their own.

They pointed out to the repression of people who voiced any They pointed out to the repression of people who voiced any opposition to the Khalifa.opposition to the Khalifa.

Impiety of most rulers, many of whom took to indulgence in Impiety of most rulers, many of whom took to indulgence in prohibited matters. prohibited matters. Manner of taxation of Mawaali (the non‑Arabs who embraced Manner of taxation of Mawaali (the non‑Arabs who embraced Islam) Islam) The ill‑treatment the Mawaali received at the hands of the The ill‑treatment the Mawaali received at the hands of the government officials, government officials, Flagrant ethnic preferences such as:Flagrant ethnic preferences such as:Benu Umayya overvalued the Arabs of Syria over the Arabs of Benu Umayya overvalued the Arabs of Syria over the Arabs of Iraq, and these over the ones in Medina, which were regarded Iraq, and these over the ones in Medina, which were regarded superior to non-Arabs. superior to non-Arabs. 

More about Benu UmayyaMore about Benu Umayya

Muslims resented the use of the public treasury to benefit mainly Syria, Muslims resented the use of the public treasury to benefit mainly Syria, public works to be mainly in Syria, public works to be mainly in Syria, and to maintain an administrative body consisting of Benu Umayya and to maintain an administrative body consisting of Benu Umayya and their loyalist:  they were greedy, self‑centered, and self serving.and their loyalist:  they were greedy, self‑centered, and self serving.

Muslims resented the Monarchy imposed by Mu'awiya,Muslims resented the Monarchy imposed by Mu'awiya,and the rule of a Khalifa by military might and the tip of the sword, and the rule of a Khalifa by military might and the tip of the sword, and the indulgence of these officials in prohibited luxuries.and the indulgence of these officials in prohibited luxuries.

The constant cursing of Imam Ali as a State policy (demanded by Benu The constant cursing of Imam Ali as a State policy (demanded by Benu Umayya) was deeply resented by people.Umayya) was deeply resented by people.Bitterness, indignation, and smoldering anger grew with the years. Bitterness, indignation, and smoldering anger grew with the years. 

the people remembered the numerous Hadiths on behalf of Ali, the people remembered the numerous Hadiths on behalf of Ali, And the many Quranic Ayahs on behalf of Ali, And the many Quranic Ayahs on behalf of Ali, and the unique position Imam Ali held in Islam. and the unique position Imam Ali held in Islam. 

Omar II Omar II (son of Abdul Aziz)(son of Abdul Aziz) the Exception the Exception

Omar II ended the condemnation (cursing) of Imam Ali on the pulpits, Omar II ended the condemnation (cursing) of Imam Ali on the pulpits, something that was having profound negative effect on people.something that was having profound negative effect on people.Omar returned Fadak to Ahlul Bayt.  Fadak was the property which Omar returned Fadak to Ahlul Bayt.  Fadak was the property which the Prophet (pbuh) had given to Fatima as inheritance, and was the Prophet (pbuh) had given to Fatima as inheritance, and was denied her as soon as the Prophet died.denied her as soon as the Prophet died.Omar II scrupulously accorded the privileges to the old Medina Omar II scrupulously accorded the privileges to the old Medina families (Muhajiroon and Ansaar) as Omar Ibn Al‑Khattab had families (Muhajiroon and Ansaar) as Omar Ibn Al‑Khattab had granted them previously  (which Benu Umayya had cut down those granted them previously  (which Benu Umayya had cut down those privileges).privileges).Omar II corrected numerous injustices leading to acceptable Omar II corrected numerous injustices leading to acceptable settlement, examples:settlement, examples:

Some Christian groups had their tribute reduced.Some Christian groups had their tribute reduced.Church lands in Egypt were freed of certain taxes.Church lands in Egypt were freed of certain taxes.Other illegal taxes in Iran were remitted.Other illegal taxes in Iran were remitted.Some excess taxes already paid were restored.Some excess taxes already paid were restored.

Al-Baaqir Advices Omar (son of) Abdul AzizAl-Baaqir Advices Omar (son of) Abdul Aziz

Pay heed to what company you like to be with when in Pay heed to what company you like to be with when in the presence of your Lord, andthe presence of your Lord, andLook at what you loathe to be with when you are in His Look at what you loathe to be with when you are in His presencepresenceWish not to have a commodity that is of no use to those Wish not to have a commodity that is of no use to those before you, since it won't be of use to you.before you, since it won't be of use to you.O Omar! Open your door to the public, be accessible, O Omar! Open your door to the public, be accessible, be just, and repeal all acts of injustice.be just, and repeal all acts of injustice.

With three qualities you will have advanced your faith in Allah:With three qualities you will have advanced your faith in Allah:1.1. The satisfied person whose satisfaction does not lead him to The satisfied person whose satisfaction does not lead him to

commit falsehood [wrong doing], commit falsehood [wrong doing], 2.2. The angry person whose anger does not lead him to commit The angry person whose anger does not lead him to commit

wrong, wrong, 3.3. and The man of power who does not permit his power take what is and The man of power who does not permit his power take what is

not hisnot his

Select sayings of Al‑Baaqir Select sayings of Al‑Baaqir

The acme of good character is reached The acme of good character is reached when:when:

a.a. a person has attained full knowledge of a person has attained full knowledge of religious matters when he:religious matters when he:

b.b. faces the vicissitudes of life with patience and faces the vicissitudes of life with patience and fortitude, andfortitude, and

c.c. leads his life economically (That man should leads his life economically (That man should spend according to his means, so that he may spend according to his means, so that he may not have to depend on others).not have to depend on others).

Select sayings of Al‑BaaqirSelect sayings of Al‑Baaqir

There are three things which lead to There are three things which lead to distinction and eminence in the hereafter:distinction and eminence in the hereafter:

a.a. If somebody treats you unjustly, and you If somebody treats you unjustly, and you forgive him.forgive him.

b.b. If somebody does wrong to you, and you If somebody does wrong to you, and you show him kindness.show him kindness.

c.c. When your place and right is unknown and When your place and right is unknown and undermined, you show patience and undermined, you show patience and forbearance.forbearance.

Select sayings of Al‑BaaqirSelect sayings of Al‑Baaqir

When two believers meet and shake hands, Allah will place When two believers meet and shake hands, Allah will place his hand with them, favoring the one who loves his brother his hand with them, favoring the one who loves his brother the most.the most.When you meet each other start with greetings of peace and When you meet each other start with greetings of peace and shake hands, and when you part, do so with entreating shake hands, and when you part, do so with entreating Allah’s forgiveness.Allah’s forgiveness.The good deed rewarded promptly by Allah is when you The good deed rewarded promptly by Allah is when you keep communicating with relatives in gracious manner.keep communicating with relatives in gracious manner.Imam Al‑Baaqir said: "My father, Imam Ali Ibn Al‑Husain Imam Al‑Baaqir said: "My father, Imam Ali Ibn Al‑Husain used to tell his children to avoid big and small lies in used to tell his children to avoid big and small lies in earnestness or in jest; for he who tells small lies will soon earnestness or in jest; for he who tells small lies will soon have the audacity to tell big ones."have the audacity to tell big ones."

Describing his devoteesDescribing his devotees

"By Allah our Shi'a are they who obey "By Allah our Shi'a are they who obey Allah, are pious, and upright.Allah, are pious, and upright.

Our Shi'a are recognized for their modesty, Our Shi'a are recognized for their modesty, humility, excessive worship, frequent humility, excessive worship, frequent offering of Salat, observance of fast, offering of Salat, observance of fast, and they honor their parents.and they honor their parents.

Our Shi'a care for neighbors, the Our Shi'a care for neighbors, the disadvantaged, the needy, the disadvantaged, the needy, the indebted, and the orphans,indebted, and the orphans,

Our Shi'a always speak the truth, recite the Our Shi'a always speak the truth, recite the Holy Quran, hold their tongue against Holy Quran, hold their tongue against speaking ill of others, andspeaking ill of others, and

Our Shi'a are trustworthy in all matters of Our Shi'a are trustworthy in all matters of social and spiritual relationship.social and spiritual relationship.

من � إّال شيعتنا ما من والله � إّال شيعتنا ما واللهالله الله إتقى وما وما   وأطاعهوأطاعه إتقى

� إّال فون �عَر� ُي � كانوا إّال فون �عَر� ُي كانواوأداء والتخشع وأداء بالتواضع والتخشع بالتواضع

الله ِذ'كَر وكثَرِة' الله أألمانة ِذ'كَر وكثَرِة' أألمانة

والبَر- والصالِة والبَر- والصوم والصالِة والصومالجيَران وتعُّه4د الجيَران بالوالدُين وتعُّه4د بالوالدُين

وِذوي الفقَراء وِذوي من� الفقَراء من�والغارمين كنة' والغارمين الَم�ْس; كنة' الَم�ْس;

واألُيتامواألُيتام

وتالوِة الحدُيث وتالوِة وِص'دق الحدُيث وِص'دقعن األلْسن وكِّف- عن القَرآن األلْسن وكِّف- القَرآن

خيَر من إّال خيَر الناس من إّال الناس

Imam Al‑Baaqir diesImam Al‑Baaqir dies

Just as the case with Zainul Abideen and Al‑Husain, Just as the case with Zainul Abideen and Al‑Husain, Imam Al‑Baaqir died at the age of 57 years.Imam Al‑Baaqir died at the age of 57 years.His death was mourned by numerous peopleHis death was mourned by numerous peopleAl‑Baaqir designated his son, Al‑Saadiq, as the Al‑Baaqir designated his son, Al‑Saadiq, as the subsequent Imamsubsequent ImamHe gave him a will containing a treasure of wisdomHe gave him a will containing a treasure of wisdomHe handed him the books constituting the Corpus of He handed him the books constituting the Corpus of Knowledge which Imam Ali had previously written.Knowledge which Imam Ali had previously written.Imam Al‑Baaqir was buried in Al‑Baqii, by the burial site Imam Al‑Baaqir was buried in Al‑Baqii, by the burial site of Imam Al‑Hasan and Imam Zainul Abideen. of Imam Al‑Hasan and Imam Zainul Abideen. 

Picture of Al-Baqii Before and After 1925Picture of Al-Baqii Before and After 1925

Al-Baqii after it was destroyedAl-Baqii after it was destroyed Al-Baqii before 1925Al-Baqii before 1925

Ziyarah of Al‑Baaqir in Baqi’i

Gق;و�ى الت �ْه;َل� أ �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال Gالْس ;ُّه�د�ى ال 'َمGة� ِئ� أ �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال Gالْس

Gة' �َر'ُي ;ب ال ف'ي �;ق�وGام ال 4ُّه�ا ُي� أ �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال Gالْس �ا ;ي الد4ن �ْه;َل' أ ع�ل�ى �;ح�ج�ُج ال 4ُّه�ا ُي

� أ �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال Gالْس;ق'ْس;ِط' 'ال ب

�ْه;َل� أ �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال Gالْس Gه' الل ُس�وِل' ر� آِل� �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال Gالْس الصGف;و�ِة' �ْه;َل� أ �ْم; ;ك �ي ع�ل ��م ال GالْسGج;و�ى الن

PPPPPPPPPPPPP PPPPPPP PPPPP PPP PPPPPPPPPPPP PPPPPPPPPPPP PPPPPPPPPPP PPPP PPPPPPPPP PPPPPPPP;ْم� ;ك �ي 'ل إ �ُس'يء� و�أ �ْم; ;ت �ِّذ-ب Gه'و�ك الل ف'يِذ�اِت' �ْم; ت �َر; و�ِص�ب �ْم; ت �ص�ح; و�ن �ْم; Gغ;ت �ل َق�د;ب �ْم; Gك ن� ُّه�د�أ ش;

� أ�ْم; ت ف�غ�ف�َر;

�الص-د;ق ��ْم �ك َق�و;ل Gن� و�أ Tوض�ة �م�ف;َر �ْم; �ك ط�اع�ت Gن� و�أ �د�ون� ;َم�ُّه;ت ال د�ون� اش' Gالَر �'َمGة ِئ� األ; ��ْم Gك ن

� أ �ُّه�د ش;� و�أ

�ْم; ف�ل �ْم; ت م�َر;� و�أ �وا اب �ج� ت �ْم; ف�ل �ْم; د�ع�و;ت �ْم; Gك ن

� �َط�اع�وا و�أ �َط�اع�وات ت

Finally: Ziyarah of Al‑Baaqir in Baqi’i

Peace be upon you O Leaders of Guidance; Peace be upon you O Peace be upon you O Leaders of Guidance; Peace be upon you O Masters of Piety, Masters of Piety, Peace be upon you O Proofs of Allah on the people of the earth; Peace be upon you O Proofs of Allah on the people of the earth; Peace be upon you who were Steadfast in dealing with justice. Peace be upon you who were Steadfast in dealing with justice. Peace be upon you O people of the Chosen One. Peace be upon you O people of the Chosen One. Peace be upon you the Family of the Prophet of Allah, Peace be upon you the Family of the Prophet of Allah, Peace be upon you O people whose souls converse to the Almighty,Peace be upon you O people whose souls converse to the Almighty,I bear witness that you had Proclaimed and Advised and had I bear witness that you had Proclaimed and Advised and had Persevered for the sake of Allah Persevered for the sake of Allah And that you were belied and And that you were belied and mistreatedmistreated, yet you forgave , yet you forgave And I bear witness that you are the rightly guided leaders; and that And I bear witness that you are the rightly guided leaders; and that obedience to you is incumbent and that your speech is correct and you obedience to you is incumbent and that your speech is correct and you had invited to the Truth but were not answered and you commanded had invited to the Truth but were not answered and you commanded but were not followed……but were not followed……

In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Al-Baaqir: the one who delved in Islam to its very heart. Discussed was the following:

1. Brief Account of his early life

2. Delved in Quran and its sciences

3. Narrated numerous Hadiths

4. Categorized and classified Faith and Rituals

5. Explained the Halal and Haram in detail

6. His Du’aas and Sayings as the guiding light

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Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Thank you and May God Bless you.Thank you and May God Bless you.

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim