#5 Imam Baqir (as) [OFFICIAL THREAD]

**Ali** · January 27, 2004

Name - Muhammad

Title - Al-Baqir

Kunyat - Abu Jafar

Born - Tuesday 1st of Rajab 57 A.H. , at Medina

Father's Name - Ali ibn Husain

Mother's Name - Fatima binte Hassan

Died - At the age of 59 years, at Medina, on Monday, 7th Zilhajj 116 AH. Poisoned by Hisham bin Abdul Malik

Buried - Jannat-ul-Baqi .

Edited December 13, 2016 by magma
title

ehle · August 18, 2004

Imam Baqir (p)’s traditions about reward on love for Ahl al-Bayt

By: Naema El-Hussein

Imam Abu` Ja'far Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be on him, who was born on Rajab 1 in 57 A.H. in the holy city of Medina, spoke to some of his companions about the love for the members of the House of Prophet (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.

Imam denoted that a great reward from Allah would result from the love for them. The following are some of his traditions on that:

1- Some of his lovers from Khurasa`n came to him. He, peace be on him, looked at a man of them. He saw that the man's feet split open. So, he, peace be on him, asked him: "What is this?" "O Son of Allah's Apostle, the remote distance (has brought it about). By Allah, nothing has brought me from where I came except the love for you, ahl al-Bayt," replied the man.

"Be cheerful! By Allah, you will be raised from the dead with us," said the Imam, peace be on him. The Khurasa`ni man was so happy that he asked: "O Son of Allah's Apostle, will I be raised from the dead with you?"

The Imam, peace be on him, replied: "Yes. The servant who loves us, Allah will raise him from the dead with us. Religion is nothing except love (for us).

Surely, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, said in His Book: 'Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. "

(Ayun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p. 223)

2- Ziyad al-Aswad came to Imam Abu Ja'far al-Baqir, peace be on him from a remote distance and a far-off place. He walked so much that his feet rip open. So, Imam Abu` Ja'far al-Baqir, peace be on him, asked him: "Ziya`d, what is this?"

"My master, I came on the back of a weak young camel. So, I walked the entire road. I had nothing to buy a camel. I added a thing to a thing so that I have bought this young camel," Ziyad replied.

Imam Abu` Ja'far, peace be on him, felt pity and wept for him. Then Ziyad said to him: "May Allah make me ransom for you. By Allah, I have extremely committed sins. Perhaps I said: 'I have perished!' Then, I remember my love for you, ahl al-Bayt. With that I wish for forgiveness." So, the Imam turned to him, and then he said to him with kindness and affection: "Glory belongs to Allah. Religion is nothing but love (for us).

Indeed Allah, the Blessed and Exalted said in His Book: 'Allah has endeared the faith to you and has made it seemly in your hearts. "

He said: 'If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you. (The Holy Qur'an, Al-Umran, 31)

He said: 'They love those who have fled to them. (The Holy Qur'an, al-Hashr, 9)

3- He, peace be on him, said: "Surely, the garden longs for and its light becomes intense for the coming of the family of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and his progeny, and their followers. If a servant worships Allah between the rukn (the corner of the Kaaba) and the maqam (the standing place of Abraham) to the extent that his bodily members cut off, Allah would not accept his worship unless he adopts our authority and loves us."

(Ayun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p. 227)

4- He, peace be on him, said to a group of his lovers: "The one of you who becomes happy when his soul reaches here, he pointed to his mouth with his hand, the angel of death comes down to him and says to him: 'As for what you wish for, it has been given to you. As for what you fear, you are safe from it.' He will open the door of his abode in the garden and say to him: 'Look at your abode in the garden! Those are Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his progeny, 'Ali, al-Hasan, and al-Husayn. They are your friends.' This is what the words of Allah, the Great and Almighty confirm: 'Those who believe and guard (against evil), they shall have good news in this world's life and in the hereafter.

(Ayun al Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p. 227)

END

Muntakheb Ul Aqwaal

"Knowledge is better than wealth because it protects you while you have to guard wealth. it decreases if you keep on spending it but the more you make use of knowledge ,the more it increases . what you get through wealth disappears as soon as wealth disappears but what you achieve through knowledge will remain even after you." MORE..

(Hazrat Ali Ibne Abi Talib (A.S)

**Ali Mahdi** · January 17, 2005

Imam Mohammad al-Baqer (as) gave some very informative answers to some of the most difficult questions to his disciples and others. Some of them are reproduced here:

Question: Which was the Sawm (fasting) in which eating and drinking was permitted?

Answer: The Sawm (fast) that Hazrat Maryam (as) observed in which she abandoned talking only.

Question: What decreases and never increases with time?

Answer: Age

Question: What increases and never decreases?

Answer: Water of the ocean.

Question: What was raised in the sky only once?

Answer: The mountain of Toor which was raised above Bani Israel only once and then put down.

Question: Who are the people whose true testimony was declared a lie?

Answer: These are the munafiqeen (hypocrites) whose testimony that â€œProphet is the Messenger of Allahâ€ was not accepted and they were declared liers by Allah(swt).

Question: When was one third of the mankind killed?

Answer: Never â€“ however one fourth of mankind was killed when Qabil murdered Habil. At that time, the whole mankind consisted of 4 persons only.

Question: You Muslims believe that the food and drinks of Jannah will not cause necessity to urinate and pass stool. Is there any example of this in this world?

Answer: Yes there is. The child inside the womb of the mother gets fed without the necesity to urinate or pass stool.

Question: Who are the two people who were born at the same time and died at the same time but one was 50 years and the other was 150 years old at the time of death?

Answer: These were brothers Uzayr and Aziz. Allah (SWT) gave temporary death to Uzair for 100 years and when he got back life, he died again at the same time as did Aziz so the difference in their ages was 100 years.

muntazir_eimam · June 9, 2005

Commandments of Imam Baqir (as) to his son, Imam Sadiq (as)

Imam Baqir (as) supplied his son al-Sa`diq (as) with a group of valuable commandments.

The following are some of them:

1. He (as) said: O My little son, indeed, Allah has hidden three things in three things.

He has hidden his pleasure in His obedience. So, do not scorn anything of obedience. Perhaps His pleasure is in it. He has hidden His wrath in His disobedience. So, do not scorn anything of disobedience. Perhaps His wrath is in it. And He has hidden His friends among His creatures. So, do not scorn anyone. Perhaps he is a friend.

(Author says) These commandments are full of high moral standards. They urge people to obey Allah. They warn them intensely from disobeying Him. Moreover, they urge them to respect each other.

2. Imam Sadiq (as) related to Sufya`n al-Thawri some of his father's commandments. He said to him: O Sufya`n, my father ordered me (to do) three, and prevented me (from doing) three.

Among what he said to me is: 'O My little son, he who makes friends with a bad friend is not safe. Whoever enters into evil affairs is accused. He who does not restrain his tongue is regretful.

Then he recited to me:

(If you) habituate your tongue to good words,

you will have a high rank with it.

It is authorized to take the good and the bad

(things) you have established for it.

So, think of the way to habituate it.

Reference: Life of Imam Baqir (as)

**Ali Mahdi** · January 11, 2006

SAYINGS OF IMAM AL-BAQER (AS)

Remember your previous sins with severe repentance and more seeking forgiveness.

One who disobeys Allah has no knowledge of him.

Seize the opportunity in asking for doaa’ on five occasions: (a) After reciting the Qoran, (B) At the time of azan, © When an oppressed invokes assistance, (d) When two armies are facing each other seeking martyrdom, (e) At the time of raining."

Whoever recites the Holy Qoran while standing in prayer, Allah Almighty will bestow a hundred blessings for every letter; whoever recites it while sitting in prayer, Allah will reward with fifty blessings for every letter; whoever recites the Qoran outside of prayer, Allah will grant ten blessings for each letter.

The height of perfection is excellence in the understanding of the religion, endurance in hardships and administration of the affairs of life according to one's means, in the right measure.

Imam Mohammad al-Baqer (AS) once said to one of his companions: "Oh Jaber it is not enough that a person says; I am a Shi’ah and I love the Prophet (S) and the Prophet's family and the Imams. By Allah, a Shi’ah is the one who is perfectly pious and obedient to Allah's commands. Anyone else is not a Shi’ah no matter how much they say they love Hazrat Ali (AS) and no matter what they call themselves. Oh Jaber, our Shi’ah are known by these signs: (A) They are truthful, trustworthy and loyal; (B) They always remember Allah; © They offer their prayers, observe fasts, and recite Qoran; (D) They help their neighbours, take care of orphans, and say nothing but good of people; (E) They act nicely towards their parents; (F) They are worthy of peoples trust and confidence.

Imam said, Our followers are of three kinds, one who follows us but depends on others, one who is like a glass involved in his own reflections, but the best are those who are like gold, the more they suffer the more they shine.

Imam Baqer told Jaber: Oh Jaber, if I had expounded for you our belief and tenets we would have destroyed ourselves. In any case, we are relating for you traditions that we collected from the Prophet, just as people collect gold and silver.

I admonish you regarding five things; if you are wronged, do not commit wrong doing to others, if you are betrayed, do not betray anyone, if you are called a liar, do not be furious, if you are praised, do not be jubilant, if you are criticized do not fret and think of what is said in criticism, if you find in yourself what is criticized about you, then you are falling down in the eyes of God; when you are furious about the truth, it is much greater calamity then your falling down in the eyes of the people. And if you are opposite of what is said (in criticism) about you, then it is a merit you acquired without having to tire yourself in obtaining it.

Imam Mohammad Baqer (AS) says that Imam Ali once said: There were two things in this world, which softened the Wrath of Allah and prevented its descent upon man: One has been taken away from you; hold the other steadfastly. The one which has been taken away from men is the Holy Prophet and the one which is still left with them and which they must hold steadfastly is repentance and atonement for sins because Allah at one place in the Holy Book addressed the Holy Prophet and said Allah would not punish them while you were among them nor while they were asking for forgiveness. (Surat al-Anfal, 8:33)

The scholar who derives benefit from his knowledge is better than 70,000 devotees.

"Indeed if you are good in teaching the people and do not show pride towards them then Allah will increase you from His favour. However if you prevent them from learning your knowledge, then it is incumbent upon Allah, the Great and Almighty, to deprive you of knowledge and its splendour and to drop your position from the hearts of people."

"I hate the person who is jobless and who merely lies on his back and says, 'Oh Allah! Give me sustenance! He asks Allah to do him a favour while the small ant comes out of its ant colony to seek its livelihood!"

The Fifth Infallible Imam of the Shi’ah of the World

Imam Mohammad al-Baqer (AS) "The Initiator of Sciences and the Heir of the Knowledge of the Prophets” was martyred by poisoning on the seventh day of the month of Dhol-Hejjah in the year 114 Hejrah in the holy city of Madinah by the ruling Umayyad caliph. The Holy Imam(AS) was buried in the Baqi cemetery in the holy city of Madinah. On this sad and sorrowful occasion we extend our Heartfelt Condolences to all the followers and lovers of Holy Ahl al-Bait (AS) in the world.

Edited January 11, 2006 by Ali al-Mahdi

Karbla2eeAlhwa · September 28, 2006

Imam al-Baqir(A.S.) Urguing the Muslims to Strive Hard

www.imamreza.net

Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, presented during his lectures and his behavior the most important economic research. The following are some of them:

1. The Necessity of Improving Livelihood

Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, urged the Moslem community to strive hard to seek a livelihood. Thus, man is able to afford his family a luxurious life. Meanwhile he is able to avoid poverty and unhappiness. In this connection, the Ima`m, peace be on him, said: "Whoever strives hard to seek livelihood, becomes tranquil, his provision becomes light, and his family leads a life of ease and comfort.

He, peace be on him, said: "Through wide morals livelihood is good.

Indeed, if man strives hard to seek livelihood, he is able to secure an economic life full of welfare, blessings, tranquillity, and stability.

2. Warning from Laziness

Ima`m Abu` Ja'far (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, warned the Moslems community from laziness. That is because laziness paralyzes economic life, freezes man's abilities, and spreads corruption in the earth. He, peace be on him, said: "Laziness damages the religion and the world.

Laziness damages the religion, for it prevents man from mentioning the Lord's name and His obligations and His duties.

( 219)

Rather, the lazy person neglects religious obligations. So, which harm is greater than this harm? Laziness damages the world, for the lazy person always inclines to inactivity and wishes for a miserable life full of needs and poverty. He does not enter the fields of work that secure for him welfare and happiness.

Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, warned one of his children from laziness. He said to him: "Beware of laziness and boredom, for they are the key for all evil things. Whoever is lazy, does not carry out a right (work). Whoever is tired, is impatient toward a right (work).1

Surely, Islam wants man to work, produce, respect people's rights, associate with them, and perform the obligations imposed on him.However, when the person is afflicted by the disease of laziness, he neglects Allah's and people's rights.

3. Al-Ba`qir detested those who left Work

Ima`m Abu` Ja'far al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, detested those who left work. He thought that leaving work would weaken production, increase unemployed, and spread economic crises in the country. He, peace be on him, said: "I hate the jobless person who lies on his back and says: O Allah, give me. He asks Allah to do him a favor, while the small ant comes out of its society to seek its livelihood.(Al-'Amal wa Huqquq al-'Amil fi al-Islam, p. 139)

4. Work is Obedience to Allah

Ima`m Abu` Ja'far (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, thought that work was obedience to Allah. So, he himself cultivated his own land. Mohammed b. al-Munzir said: "I went out to one of the suburbs of Medina. There I met Abu` Ja'far (al-Ba`qir) Mohammed b. 'Ali, peace be on him. He was a well-built man and he leaning on two servant boys. Either they were black slaves of his or they were retainers of his.

So, I said to myself: Glory belongs to Allah. Here is a venerable leader (shaykh) of Quraysh out at this time and in these conditions seeking worldly (advantage). I must warn him. So, I approached him and greeted him. He returned my greeting with anger. The sweat was pouring down him. I said to him: May Allah make you righteous, does a venerable leader of Quraysh go out at this hour for worldly (advantage)? What would you do if death came upon you at this hour?

However, the Ima`m answered him with Islamic words: "Let death come upon me when I am obedient to Allah, the great and Almighty. I work to prevent my soul and my family from you and the people. I fear death when it comes upon me and I am disobedient to Allah.

So, Mohammed felt shame. He was unable to answer the Ima`m. Thus, he said to him: "You are right. May Allah have mercy on you. I wanted to warn you, but you have warned me.

Indeed work is obedience to Allah, as the Ima`m said. For work prevents the soul and the family from asking people for alms.

Karbla2eeAlhwa · October 30, 2006

Imam al-Baqir(A.S.) laid the Foundation of

Ilm al-Usul(Science of Fundamentals)

www.imamreza.net/eng

Among the sciences which Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, split open was the science of fundamentals ('Ilm al-Usu`l). It is among the greatest Islamic sciences after jurisprudence. That is because Ijtiha`d (concluding religious opinions) depends on it. The mujtahid (one who is capable of concluding religious opinions) is unable to have the talent of Ijtiha`d without studying the chapters of this science.(Kifayat al-Usul)

The researchers and the scholars have unanimously agreed that Ima`m Abu` Ja'far (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, was the first to establish this science.

Sayyid Hasan al-Sadr said: "Ima`m Abu` Ja'far, Mohammed b. 'Ali al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, was the first to open the chapters of this science and to split open its problems. Then his son Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on him, came after him to continue it. Then they dictated its rules and problems to a group of their students. Then the later generations regulated its chapters in books such as Usu`l Al al-Rasu`l, al-Fusu`l al-Muhima fi Usu`l al-A'imma, and al-Usu`l al-Asilah. The reliable narrators reported all these chapters on the authority of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.(Al-Shi'a wa Funun al-Islam, p. 95)

The following are some of the fundamentals which Ima`m Abu` Ja'far al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, established or reported on the authority of his pure grandfathers, and to which Moslem jurists resort to give religious opinions when they find no tradition concerning the legal precept. Though most of them are jurisprudential rules, the scholars of these fundamentals have mentioned them in detail in the science of fundamentals ('Ilm al-Usu`l). However, we will mention them here.

Presumption of Continuity (Istisha`B)

It is one of the four fundamentals to which the doubter resorts during an action. The reason for his doubt is either that the text (tradition) does not exist or the text is general or the texts (traditions) are contradictory. The texts are invalid when they are equal, namely they are not superior to each other.

Presumption of continuity happens when conviction precedes doubt. The Ima`m, peace be on him, said that presumption of continuity was evidence. That was when he was asked about the doubts in the prayer. Some jurisprudence encyclopedias have mentioned these problems. Among them is Wasa`'il al-Shi'a.

The Rule of Passing (Qa'idat al-Tajawiz)

This rule means that the doubt occurs in the subsequent act.(Hada'iq al-Usul, vol.2, p. 547)

For example, the person may doubt his recitation after he has bowed down. Concerning this rule, many traditions were narrated on the authority of Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, and his son Ima`m al-Sa`diq, peace be on him.

They denote that the person should pay no attention to this doubt and to go on with his praying.

The Rule of Finishing (Qa``'idat al-Fara`gh)

This rule means that the act is correct at the time of doubt.(Hada'iq al-Usul, vol.2, p. 547)

This rule was reported on the authority of Mohammed b. Moslem on the authority of Ima`m Abu` Ja'far (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, who said: "If you doubt all that which you have already completed, then let it as it is.(Mustamsak al-'Irwat al-Withqa, vol. 7, p. 350)

A true tradition which Mohammed b. Moslem reported on the authority of al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, also proved that. In this tradition it has been mentioned: "If doubt occurs after the time of the prayer has passed, one should ignore the doubt and not repeat (the prayer)(Mustamsak al-'Irwat al-Withqa, vol. 7, p. 349)

In the light of this reliable true tradition, the Ima`mi Shi'ites have given a religious opinion. This religious opinion says that one should pay no attention to the doubt that occurs in the acts of the prayer which he has completed.

The Rule of Removing Harm

Among the important rules in Islamic law is the rule of removing harm. Shaykh al-Ansa`ri said: "It means removing the legal precept that leads to harm. "The jurists have mentioned many legal precepts regarding this rule. Ima`m Abu` Ja'far (al-Ba`qir), peace be on him, underlined this rule when he, peace be on him, said to Zara`ra: "Samra b. Jundub had a date-palm in the house of a man from the Ansa`r. The man's house was facing the gate of the garden. Samra entered the man's house without permission. Thus, the man spoke to Samra to ask his permission before entering. However, Samra refused that.

So, the man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and told him about that. Then Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, sent for Samra and ordered him to ask the man's permission. However, Samra refused that. So, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, asked him to sell the date-palm at a good price. Still, Samra refused to sell it.

Then Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said to him: 'You shall have a date-palm in the garden.' Nevertheless, Samra refused that. So, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said to the (Ansa`ri) man: 'Go and uproot the date-palm and throw it at him for there is no harm.

fatemeh_hadidian · December 27, 2006

:bismillah:

:salam:

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir's (A.S.) Knowledge of the Holy Qur'an

On the Recitation of the Holy Qur'an

Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (as) has said, “Imam al-Baqir (as) was the best recitor (of Quran) during his time. Whenever he (as) was engrossed in worship at night and recited the Holy Quran loudly, the passer-bys would stop (near the house) and get absorbed in his recitation”. (Quran-o-‘Itrat)

Imam al-Baqir (as) used to urge the people to recite the Holy Quran for it is the abundant source that guides people to righteousness, enlivens their hearts, and supplies them with abilities of light and awareness. He (as) has said, “The Apostle of Allah (saww) has said: ‘Whoever recites ten verses on a night is not written among the heedless. Whoever recites fifty verses is written among those who praise (Allah). Whoever recites a hundred verses is written among the obedient. Whoever recites two hundred verses is written among the humble. Whoever recites three hundred verses is written among the successful. Whoever recites five hundred verses is written among the strivers. Whoever recites a thousand verses, a hundred weight of gold is written for him”. (Al-Bayaan)

Abu Baseer came to Imam al-Baqir (as) and said, “When I recite the Quran loudly, Shaytan comes to me and says: ‘You simply want to please your family and the people through recitation’.” Imam (as) said, “Recite the Quran in intermediate recitation. Let your family listen (to that). Read the Quran with a good voice. Indeed Allah likes recitation of the Quran with good voice”. (Al-Kaafi)

Maymoon Qadaah has reported that:

[imam al-Baqir (as) once told me, “Recite the Quran”. I asked, “Where should I begin from?” Imam (as) answered, “From the ninth chapter”. As I began to search the chapter, Imam (as) said, “Recite Surah Yunus”. I started reciting this chapter and when I reached the verse that reads: ‘Those who are virtuous shall receive the best reward and an enhancement. Neither dust nor abasement shall overcast their faces.’ (10:26) Imam (as) said, “The Holy Prophet (saww) has said: ‘I am extremely surprised as to why I do not turn pale when I recite the Holy Quran’.”] (Quran-o-‘Itrat)

Ayatullah Shaykh Ali Karimi states:

It should be noted that according to the present arrangement of Quran, Surah Yunus is the 10th Chapter. However, if Surah al-Baqarah is considered as the first Surah of the Holy Quran (as stated by some scholars) or if Surah al-Tawbah (9th Chapter) is considered as part of Surah al-Anfaal (8th Chapter) (as some scholars strongly believe) then Surah Yunus shall be considered as the 9th Chapter. (Quran-o-‘Itrat)

His Knowledge of the Holy Qur'an

One of the titles of the fifth Imam of Ahlul-Bayt (as) is that of al-Baqir. Al-Baqir in Arabic has its roots from Baqr, which means ‘to split open’ or ‘to rip open’ or ‘to cut open’. Imam (as) was called al-Baqir because of his profound knowledge of everything including the Holy Quran, which he (as) had inherited from his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah and which, he (as) split open to impart to others.

Imam al-Baqir (as) himself has been quoted saying: “We have been taught the language of the birds and bestowed with knowledge of everything”. (Manaqib Aali Abi Talib)

Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari (r.a.) has narrated:

[The Holy Prophet (saww) had told me, “O Jabir! I hope you be alive till you meet a son from the progeny of my grandson al-Husayn whose name shall be Muhammad. He will split open the knowledge of religion and impart it to others. O Jabir! When you meet him, convey my salutation to him”.

Thereafter, I always searched for this young man. Finally, when I met him, I witnessed the attributes in him, which the Messenger of Allah had described to me. I conveyed the salutation of his grandfather to him and said, “O Baqir (Splitter)! You are the Baqir in truth. You are for certain the one who will split open the knowledge”.] (Ahsan al-Muqaal)

Do Not Interpret the Holy Qur'an With Your Opinion

Qutadah bin Da’amah visited Imam al-Baqir (as) and the following conversation ensued between them.

Imam (as): “O Qutadah! Are you the scholar of the people of Basra?”

Qutadah: “This is what the people say”.

Imam (as): “Do you interpret the Quran with knowledge or with ignorance?”

Qutadah: “Of course I interpret it with knowledge”.

Imam (as): “Alright then, if you are interpreting the Quran with knowledge, I will ask you a question”.

Qutadah: “Please do so”.

Imam (as): “Tell me what does Allah (SWT) mean in the following verse: ‘…And We had ordained the course through them: Travel through them in safety, night and day’.?”

Qutadah: “This refers to one who departs from his home with the intention of visiting the sacred mosque (Masjidul-Haraam). He gathers his provision for the journey and hires his transport all through Halaal means. Such a person is in safety until he returns to his family”.

Imam (as): “O Qutadah! Take the oath of Allah and tell me. Do you know of any person who has departed from his home for the House of Allah and arranged for his provision and paid for his transportation all through Halaal means yet robbers attacked him, took away his possessions and physically injured him?”

Qutadah: “Yes! Indeed I know of such a person”.

Imam (as): “O Qutadah! Woe unto you! (In such a case) if you are interpreting the Quran with your own opinion then you are misled and have misled the people. And if you are interpreting it from what you have heard from others, then again you are misled and have misled the people. Woe unto you O Qutadah! This verse refers to one who departs for the House of Allah after arranging his provisions and paying for his transportation from Halaal means and in addition, he is also cognizant about our rights (the rights of Ahlul-Bayt) then Allah (SWT) will most certainly incline his heart towards us, just as He (SWT) says: ‘So make the hearts of a part of the people fond of them…’ (14:37) By Allah! We are the answered prayer of Ibrahim (as). Whoever inclines his heart towards us, his Hajj shall be accepted otherwise not. O Qutadah! If one performs Hajj in this manner (as stated) then on the Day of Judgement he shall be safe and protected from the Hell-fire”.

When Qutadah heard this, he said, “By Allah! I will henceforth interpret the Quran as you have taught”. Thereupon, Imam al-Baqir (as) added, “O Qutadah…only he truly understands the Quran whom the Quran addresses”. (Rawdhat al-Kaafi)

An Interesting Incident

Hisham bin Abdul-Malik called Imam al-Baqir (as) to Shaam. When the Imam (as) arrived at the doorstep of Hisham’s palace, he (as) was made to wait outside while Hisham talked to his courtiers and the members of Umayyad clan saying, ‘When you see me stop after abusing him, I want each and everyone of you present here to abuse him’. Thereafter, Hisham allowed Imam (as) to enter.

Imam al-Baqir (as) entered the court of Hisham and after greeting everyone loudly at once; he (as) took a seat. Hisham was very disappointed that the Imam (as) neither took his permission to sit nor had he (as) addressed him as Khalifa, so he looked towards him and abused him. Hisham also accused Imam (as) saying, ‘O Muhammad son of Ali! Someone or the other from amongst you (Ahlul-Bayt) keeps disuniting the Muslims and inviting them towards him. And because of ignorance and insanity, he keeps considering himself as the Imam.’ After saying all that he wanted, Hisham fell quiet and as instructed, all those present began to verbally abuse the Imam (as). Finally, when everyone had spoken, Imam al-Baqir (as) said, “O people! Where are you heading to? And where are you being dragged to? It is through us that the Exalted Lord guided your predecessors and it will only be through us that people after you shall be guided. If in the present time you have the leadership then know that in future we shall be the leaders – and ours shall the final and exceptional leadership – because we are the outcome mentioned by Allah: ‘…And the outcome will be in favour of the Godwary’. (28:83)

Hisham imprisoned Imam al-Baqir (as). There was not a single prisoner who did not immensely benefit from Imam (as)’s knowledge. When Hisham was made aware of Imam (as)’s popularity in the prison and cautioned about its consequences, he ordered the Imam (as) to be returned to Madina. He also insisted that Imam (as) should be treated roughly and denied water and food during the journey. No one should entertain him in any way.

For three days, Imam (as) and those who had accompanied him were denied food and water. When they arrived at Madyan, the gates of the city were shut to disallow them an entry. The companions complained of extreme hunger and thirst. Thereupon, the Imam (as) climbed a nearby mountain and called out loudly, “O the unjust inhabitants of the city! I am BAQIYYATULLAH (what Allah has left behind for you as a clear proof). Allah, the Exalted says: ‘That which is left to you by Allah is better, should you be faithful, and I am not a keeper over you’. (11:86)

In the city of Madyan lived a very old man. When he heard this call, he said, “O people! By Allah! This call is of Shu’ayb – the Prophet of God. By Allah! If you do not respond to his call, Allah will punish you from the heavens and the earth…” Hearing this, the inhabitants rushed in aid of Imam al-Baqir (as) and his companions. Later on when Hisham was informed about what had transpired, he ordered the arrest of the old man and nobody knows what happened to him thereafter.] (Al-Kaafi)

:angel: :cry:

YA Allah

ELTEMASE DUA

fatemeh :angel: :wub:

fatemeh_hadidian · December 27, 2006

:bismillah:

:salam:

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.): A Perfect Example of Behavior and Moral Aspects

Allah (SWT) would never appoint a person as an Imam and make him His decisive proof upon people unless the person has earned the position and has reached perfection in his virtues, sayings, and deeds. Such a person would say nothing but truth, and do nothing but good…

Like his ancestors Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.), fifth Imam of the Shiites, is a perfect example in terms of behavior and other moral aspects.

In his behavior towards people, he was so chaste and humble that he would forgive and forget people's wrongdoings as much as possible. This manner of the Imam would deeply penetrate within people's hearts. The following narration clearly indicates this magnificent virtue:

A Christian man who intended to make fun of the Imam (A.S.), changed the word "Baqir" (1) to "Baqar" (2), and addressed the Imam insultingly. Without showing any signs of sadness or anger, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.) simply replied:" No, I am not Baqar, I am Baqir".

- The Christian continued:" You are son of the woman who was a cook".

- Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.):" That was her career. This is not shameful."

- The Christian:" Your mother was black, impudent, and rude".

- Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.):" If such matters you accuse my mother are true, I ask Allah to forgive her sins; and if they are false, I ask Him to forgive you for your accusations and lies."

The patience of the Imam was enough for the Christian to be revolutionized and attracted towards Islam. He later became a Muslim.

(Selection taken from:" The Guides to the Path of Truth", by Muhammad Taqi Mudarresi; "Story of the Truthful", by Murtada Mutahhari)

Footnotes:

1- His title was "Baqir", means the divider. He was known as "Baqir al Ulum", the divider of the knowledge.

2- In Arabic, "Baqar" means cow.

:cry:

YA Allah

ELTEMASE DUA

fatemeh :cry: :wub:

Karbla2eeAlhwa · December 28, 2006

Imam al-Baqir (A.S.) Explains

Any act, no matter how small and minimal, may as a matter of fact act as a long ladder in reaching Allah’s (SWT) satisfaction. The same matter can be applied to our peers; a person whom we may have overlooked at all times may in fact be an eminent servant of Allah (SWT).

This mentality is one taught by the divine leaders. Accordingly, Imam Baqir(A.S.) has said:

“Verily Allah has hidden three facts in three acts:

- He has hidden His satisfaction in His obedience; thus never undervalue an act of worship, lest His eventual satisfaction may be in that specific worship.

- He has hidden His wrath in His disobedience; thus never underestimate a sin, lest that very sin accompanies his ultimate wrath;

- And finally, He has hidden His chosen people amongst His servants; thus never undervalue any of His servants, lest that person is in fact the selected."

Why does Imam Baqir(A.S.) insist upon making sure "no mater how small, acts of worship are not undervalued?" The fact of the matter is that Allah’s (SWT) satisfaction lies in our obedience to Him; the value of an act depends upon its acceptance by Allah (SWT), rather than our understanding of an act's importance.

The concept of "an act being accepted by Allah (SWT)" can be seen in prayers of the Prophets (A.S.) and the Imams (A.S.), where despite their well-known piety and faith, they would constantly ask Allah (SWT) to accept their acts of worship.

For example, while Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham(A.S.) was rebuilding the foundations of the Ka’ba(1) with the help of his son Isma'il/Ishmael(A.S.), he made the following prayer:

“O Lord! Accept this from us; surely you are the Hearing, the Knowing”. (2)

The same rule applies to sins, in that one should refrain from undervaluing any sin. Regardless the sin, in an act of sin a person is disobeying the commands of the authority of Allah (SWT). For who knows, that same sin can be a start in the path of Allah’s (SWT) dissatisfaction, and as a result lead to an unpleasant ending.

However, Imam Baqir(A.S.) does not limit his words to the acts of worship and sin, rather the Imam continues to discuss our interaction with people. How can one undervalue a brother/sister, while the great servants of Allah (SWT) are hidden amongst the rest of the people? It is noteworthy that this saying does not specify a certain group of people such as the faithful; rather it encompasses all the creatures of Allah (SWT). Islam has not allowed us to judge people by their appearances, unless his/her true character has been revealed; and has not allowed us to ignore others merely because he/she does not have a pleasant appearance to us.

Apparently, the main idea of this Hadith is that no act, whether good or bad, and no person should ever be undervalued. Nevertheless, considering the hard path in life, what view have we acquired toward the acts and people around us?

“Let us wash our eyes; let us watch things differently.”

(Reference: Selection taken from "Forty Hadiths", by Sayyid Hashim Rasouli Mahallati)

Footnotes:

1- Ka'ba is the cubic house in Makkah, built by Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham(A.S.) and his son, Isma'il/Ishmael(A.S.) more than 3000 years ago in Makkah, towards which all Muslims face for their Salat and circumambulate in order to perform Hajj rituals.

2- The Holy Quran, (2:127)

Karbla2eeAlhwa · December 28, 2006