The Fourteen Infallibles

Imam Ja'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 set al 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 beyond hid 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, unable event 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.