The Great Muslim Scientist and Philosopher Imam Jafar Ibn Muhammad Al-sadiq (a.s)

Chapter 10: Contribution in Literature

Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S) defined 'literature' as no one had ever denied during the past twelve centuries. He said : "Literature is the garment which one puts on what he says or writes so that it may appear more attractive."

He further said that it is possible that literature may have no knowledge, but there is no knowledge without literature. Every kind of knowledge contains literature, but every kind of literature does not necessarily contain knowledge. These are indeed concise and comprehensive definitions of the relationship between knowledge and literature.

The Imam was indeed the pioneer to start the literary age. If he had not taken the first step and given encouragement to scientists and men of letters, there would have been no literary awakening and no Renaissance of knowledge.