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5-Imam Mohammad (Baqir) Ibne Sajjad (A.S)

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Rank: Fifth Imam
Name: Imam Mohammad (Baqir)
Nicknames: Abu Jaffar (Father of Jaffar)
Father: Imam Ali (Sajjad)
Mother: Fatima Bint-e-Hasan
Date of Birth: 677 A.D.
Place of Birth: In Medina (Saudi Arabia)
Date of Death: 733 A.D.
Lived: 57 years
Place of Death: In Medina (Saudi Arabia)
Cause of Death: Poison.
Burial: Cemetery of Jannat ul Baqi
Stories:
ISLAMIC COINS
In the time of our 5th Imam, Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) the Muslims were using Roman coins for money. The King of Rome decided that he was going to make new Roman coins which would have written on them things that were against Islam.
The Muslim king Waleed did not know what to do because they needed to use the coins for money but at the same time they did not want to use coins which had things against Islam written on them.
Waleed decide to ask our 5th Imam, Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) what he should do. Imam (AS) told him that he should also make new coins which the Muslims could use from then on.
Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) told him that the coins should have on one side "La Ilaha Illal Lah" and on the other side "Muhammad-ur Rasool-ullah".
Waleed agreed that this was an excellent idea and the coins were made.
Moral: We should learn what our Imams (AS) have taught us. They always know what to do.
FRUITS OF HEAVEN
Once a Christian asked our 5th Imam, Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS), how it could possibly be true what the Imam had said about the fruits of Heaven not reducing when they were eaten?
Imam (AS) told him not only was it true but he could give him an example of something being used and not reducing, which was present in this world.
Imam (AS) then continued that when a candle is used to light other candles, even as many as a hundred thousand other candles, the light of the original candle will not get any less.
Moral: Just because you do not understand something in Islam does not mean it is wrong. Allah gave us Islam and our knowledge can not compare with His.
EARNING LIVELIHOOD IS A WORSHIP
The town of Medina was burning under the exhalation of the heat of the sun of Hijaz and was thawing like the benumbed sleepers under the fire of the sky.
The branches of the palms were not oscillating under any breeze and the trees were as weary men sleep-stricken while standing. The camels were sheltering themselves under some shade of the palm branches, exceeding the wall of gardens and were ruminating silently and motionlessly. In the town every being was crawling under a shade and nobody was seen in the palm gardens of the round about, except a rather nice man having a slightly corpulent body which was leaning on the shoulders of a young man, (perhaps his son), who was visiting his farm. He was perspiring from the heat.
His eyes, which were half-closed because of the violent shining of the sun, were so attractive that they recalled the looking of the most beautiful gazelle. His nice feature was adorned with a pretty beard and mustache. But this handsome face was turning to purple under the sun and the drops of perspiration were pouring from his cheeks, like the drops of dew from a wild tulip. They were running from his face and dropping into his chest.
At this moment another man was seen on the plain, which was advancing towards this point. His name was Mohammad Ibn Monkader. He was supposing himself to be a pious and anchorite, a hermit man far from Mormonism. He had a bowed down stature and a weary face. When he reached the fat man who was perspiring under the glow of the sun, busy to supervise his farm, he wondered and said to himself: "See how the greed of the mammon blinds the eyes of wisdom. This man is melting like a candle under the sun. And he is not ready to stop to hurt himself for his avidity. It is better to go to him and to advise him. Perhaps he will be guided."
When he came near, he knew the man and said: "Oh it's strange. This man is Mohammad Ibn Ali, Imam Baqir, and the leader of the Shia faith. Why this man is trying for worldly wealth?"
He goes then nearer, stood and greeted the Imam. Imam Mohammad Baqir (Peace Be Upon Him), was busy with his work and was perspiring and panting. He replied to his greeting. The man halted a while and said: "Is it worthy for a great and pious man like you to come out of home in this hour of the day, to seek worldly wealth? And with this rather fat body you have to bear, of course, more pain."
"If in this moment, (God forbids), your death comes, in what situation are you going to meet God? No, it is not worthy for you, with this heat and this natural disposition, to be so concerned with mammon."
The Imam cleaned the perspiration off his forehead with the back of his hand, stopped the work and looked at him.
"If my death in this very moment", said the Imam, "I will meet God in a state of worship." You think that the worship is only to pray and to do religious ceremonies? I am living in the world and I have to earn my livelihood. If I do not work I will need the help of some men like you and I have to stretch my hands for begging. I should fear the coming of my death when I am sinning and disobeying my God. At this moment, when I am, working under the order of God, I am trying not to be a weight on the shoulders of my fellow-beings.
Ibn Monkader, struck with shame, said nothing and continued his way, while he was humming with himself: "Wonderful. I was thinking that I can advise him, but this was myself to earn an advice."
Moral: You should always try hard to do something by yourself and only when you have tried and can not do it you should ask for help.
SALAM FROM YOUR GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER (PROPHET MOHAMMAD)
In the time of our 5th Imam, Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) there lived a man called Jabir bin Abdullah.
Jabber was a pious man who was alive at the time of the Holy Prophet (SAW).
One day the Holy Prophet (SAW) told Jabir that he would be alive to see the Prophet's great great grandson Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS). The Holy Prophet (SAW) asked Jabir to give Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) salaams from his great great grandfather, the Holy Prophet (SAW).
The Holy Prophet (SAW) passed away and Jabir remained alive for a long time just as the Prophet (SAW) had told him.
One day Jabir who was now a very old man, was visiting the house of Imam Ali Zain ul Abideen (AS) when he came across a small child.
Jabir asked Imam Zain ul Abideen (AS) who the child was. When Imam (AS) replied that the child was his son Muhammad Al-Baqir who was to be the next Imam, Jabir was so happy that he began to cry.
At last Jabir could give the message that he had been carrying with him for so many years.
Jabir turned to face Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (AS) and told him that his great great grandfather had asked him to pass his salaams to Imam (AS).
Moral: If you are given something to look after or pass to someone else (no matter how small) then look after it well as you are accountable for it.
Birth
The fifth Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) was born on the 1st of the month of Rajab, 57th Hijrah, in the city of Medina. Because of the resemblance that he had with his grandfather he was named Mohammad and because of it that he analyzed the knowledge and made manifest its secrets he became known with the title of "Baqir".
His father was Hazrat Sajjad (A.S.) and mother Fatima who was one of the daughters of Imam Hassan (A.S.). He was the first Imam (A.S.) whose lineage ascended and reached the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) both from the paternal and maternal sides. His life history can be divided into two parts.
1. The period before his Imamate which is nearly 35 years and was the peaceful part of his life, led in Medina.
2. The Period of Imamate, which stretched, up to twenty years and is counted as the duration of the propagation and dissemination of Islamic knowledge and wisdom.
The Salient Features of Imam's Character
Imam Mohammad Baqir always put on new and clean dress. He perfumed himself and walked very comfortably, slowly and steadily. One day, some narrow minded ones criticized him saying your grandfather Ali (A.S.) used old and cheap clothes so why do you put on clean and new ones?
He replied, since in those days all the people were poor Ali (A.S.) ought to have used old clothes and simple food. But today the people are leading their lives in comfort and luxury; hence, I should not use those clothes. The act of my grandfather in those days, was according to justice and leadership and my action and way of life today is also in accordance to the (norms of) Justice and leadership.
About his manners and training, it is written that he never laughed loudly and always spoke in a calm and respectable way. He never became furious and enraged and with whosoever he met he would give him respect and shook hands with him and said, "this act (shaking hands) brings the hearts close to each other and puts an end to the enmities and hostilities."
Although Imam (A.S.) wept much during his confidential conversation with God, but he did not weep loudly. Whenever he spoke he would start and end his talk with the name of God.
He had gardens and fields in abundance and large number but he himself visited them like a farmer and shared the work with the cultivator and workers, took food with them, and talked to them. He was a master who had close working relations with his servants.
Whatever agricultural products he received from his gardens and fields he would give it in the name of God. He fulfilled all the needs and requirements of his workers to such extent that he was one of the most generous men of his time in Hijaz.
Sheikh Mufid writes about Imam (A.S.), "he had access to and acquaintance with all the branches of knowledge and intuitive learning. He led his life busy in the obedience of God. He was strong and balanced at the station of piety and rigidly honored his word, promises, and commitments. His piety, open heartedness, spiritual purity, and humanly conducts made all and sundry love him. And he trained them in Islamic ethics.
Ibn-e-Hajar, who is a prejudiced Sunni scholar, writes about the character of Imam (A.S.) "Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) had a clean, pure heart. His speech and talk was harmonies and in accordance with his practice. His conduct and dealing with people was humanly and Islamic. He was a great Gnostic and unmatched worshiper. He was so very ornamented and decorated with human qualities that I do not have the means and capacity to praise him."
One of his slaves said about him, "Once I accompanied his graciousness to Mecca. When Imam (A.S.) sighted the house of God (Kaaba). He wept so much that he got feeble and nerveless I said to him, "Why do you weep so much?"
He said, "Perhaps God may become kind to me because of these tears and tomorrow (on justice day) He may bless me with salvation.
Then Imam stood for his prayers and lengthened the prostration. When he picked his head up, the place of prostration was wet with tears from his eyes."
Mohammad bin Monkader, who was a silly pious looking person, says, "Because of this that Imam (A.S.) worked too hard I said to myself he is after the material and I must stop and admonish him. So one day I saw him exhausted and perspiring due to ample hard work in the hot scorching weather. I went near him, saluted him, and said, "Oh son of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), why are you so much after the wealth of the world? If death comes to you in such a condition what would you do then?"
He said, "This is the best of my times because I work in it so that I do not become needy towards you people and others, and do not eat from the earnings of others. If God gives me death in this condition I will be much happy since I am busy in his prayers and obedience."
I got informed about this point and knew that I was wrong. I apologized him, saying, "I wanted to admonish and advise you, but you admonished and informed me."
Kulayni writes, "A group of the friends of Imam (A.S.) stated that one day we went to his house to offer him compliments. After salutation and enquiring after his health we found the Imam (A.S.) very sad, pensive and afflicted. When we asked about the reason of that sorrow. We came to know that the son of Imam (A.S.) was very much ill. We told ourselves if this son dies what a distress would Imam (A.S.) have to face?
We bade farewell, and went back and on the next day returned back to enquire about the welfare of Imam. Fortunately, we saw the Imam (A.S.) in happy mood we told ourselves God has done a favor and cured the son and so Imam is happy. But then we learnt that the son had passed away. We enquired about the matter from him personally, as to why he was so troubled and pensive before the death but after it he was happy. Imam replied to us, "my son was ill and by virtue of human and paternal duty I was sad and uneasy and put in endeavor and efforts to get him cured and was asking God to get him cured. But since God deemed expedient that he dies and freed him off the pain and calamity, I submitted to His will and thanked God. We are agreed and contented upon His will and we love and like whatever he loves and wishes.
The Knowledge Status of Imam
Sheikh Tusi writes a man from among the Syrians visited Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) and said, "Since you are a man of knowledge and learning your assembly is fruitful, valuable and worthy for me and so I attend your teaching session but I have enmity with you and your lineage." Imam did not reply him.
After a few days that man fell ill. Imam (A.S.) visited him along with his friends and sat by his bed, and enquired after his health. When the Syrian man saw this graciousness and magnanimity of the Imam he extremely repented about what he had said, and was ashamed. He did not know what response to give to the Imam (A.S.).
Imam (A.S.) gave orders about his food, treatment to his family members and prayed for him and got up. Not very long had passed that he got cured and left the ailment bed. Next day, he made it a point to reach the assembly of Imam (A.S.) and expressed repentance over what he had said and asked for apologies and became one of the permanent and everlasting friends of Imam (A.S.)
Jabir faces the Imam (A.S.)
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) told one of his pious friends named Jabir bin Abdullah, "Oh Jabir! You will live and will see my son Mohammad Bin Ali Bin Al Hussain whose name in Torah (The Old Testament) is Baqir, convey my compliments (Salaam) to him."
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) passed away and Jabir remained alive for long times to come. One day, he visited the house of Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (A.S.) and came across a small child. He asked lmam Sajjad (A.S.), "Whose is this child?" He replied, "He is my son Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) who is the Imam of the Muslims next to myself."
Jabbir got up and kissed the foot of Imam (A.S.) and said, "My life be sacrificed upon you, oh the son of Prophet (P.B.U.H.) accept the compliments (Salam) of your grandfather the Prophet of God (P.B.U.H.). He conveyed his compliments through me."
Imam's (A.S.) eyes were filled up with tears and he said, "compliments and benediction be upon my grandfather the Prophet of God (P.B.U.H.) until the Sky and Earth are stable (firm) and upon you too, Oh Jabir, that you conveyed his compliment to me."
The Training mode of Imam (A.S.)
Since the knowledge and wisdom of Imam (A.S.) like the other Imams originated from the revelation therefore, he never failed to give a response. His personality of knowledge and wisdom had so graciousness greatness grandeur and magnificence that in his assembly the scholars were like children before a teacher.
Whenever Imam (A.S.) sat in the session of teaching he shed the drops of knowledge and wisdom upon the hearts of his students like a saturated cloud. Every one benefited from it according to his own capacity and capability.
In the year 106 Hijrah Hasham (the well known poet) went to Mecca and a group of Syrians were accompanying him. After the Hajj ritual was over, he sat in a corner of Masjid-ul-Haraam to relax. Suddenly, he sighted Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) sitting in a corner and people had surrounded him asking him questions about their problems and difficulties and listening to his response.
Hasham became furious and inflamed and sent Nafey, one of the wise men, to ask questions from Imam (A.S.) and according to his idea enfeeble and debilitate him, and devalue him in the eyes of the people.
The court scholar came forward, saluted and asked for his permission to make queries and interrogate him. Imam (A.S.) replied, "Do ask what ever you wish!"
Nafeh asked him, "What was the length of the duration of period between Christ Esa (A.S.) and Mohammad (P.B.U.H.). Imam said, "In our opinion Five Hundred years." Nafeh asked, "The verse of the holy Quran which says "va-as-al" "you ask". Who was the one Prophet interrogated? Imam (A.S.) replied, "From the God's eternal table, wherein all the things were present."
Nafeh asked, "From when and how long God has been present?"
Imam (A.S.) said, "Woe to you, God is the creator of age. He is not a body and has not been born from anything so that he might need age and time."
Nafeh was ashamed and said, "By God, you are the wisest man out of the people of your age."
A man asked a question from Abdullah Ummer, he could not reply him so he said, "This child is Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) go to him and describe your problem whatever response he gives come and let me know too. That man went near him and enquired and got the correct answer. Then he came to Abdullah Ummer and reproduced the answer of the Imam (A.S.) before him.
Abdullah Ummer replied, "These (men) are a family whom God has decorated with the ornament of knowledge and wisdom." The splendor and grandeur of the knowledge of Imam (A.S.) was so sublime and glittering that whosesoever there would be the talk about the Prophet's family. People said he is the sole heir of the knowledge and perfections of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said, "one day myself and my father came out of the assembly of Hasham. We happened to pass by a place where a group of Christians had come to ask questions from their scholar. We too went there to see what was the affair. We saw an old man with gray hair and gray eyebrows sitting among them. We also sat among the aggregation. The followers of Jesus Christ were sitting before him like worthless children, and were asking him questions. The old man's eye caught the sight of my father Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) and he said, "Are you from among us or from among the followers of Mohammad (P.B.U.H.)."
My father answered from among the followers of Mohammad (P.B.U.H.). He said, "Are you from among the scholars or the ignorant"? My father said, "I am not from among the ignorant." The old man said, "Shall I ask you question or you will ask me." My father said, "You question me."
The aged man was surprised. He had a look upon my father and said, "Oh servant of God, let me know about the time which is neither day nor night."
My father replied, "Between the dawn and the sunrise."
He asked, "From which time is it?"
My father said, "From the times (hours) of the Paradise and the ailing ones gain their senses in this hour (time) and the pains become relieved and that one who had sleepless night goes to sleep at this time.
The man said, "The people in paradise eat and drink but do not excrete anything is there any thing in the world similar to them?"
My father said, "Yes the embryo which eats in the mother womb but nothing segregates from whatever it eats."
The man said, "Let me know if there is anything in the world similar to your claim that the people in paradise eat and drink but nothing is lessened and shortened and that returns to its original shape."
My father said, "Yes it is candle that if a hundred other candles are lit by it nothing gets lessened out of it."
The Christian scholar got up from his place and said, "This man is wiser then me." When he knew that he was Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) he embraced Islam.
In the Assembly of Hasham
Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said, "One of the years Hasham bin Abdul Malik traveled to perform Hajj. On that year, I too along with my father went to perform Hajj. I, in a congregation, said, "Praise is for the God who created Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) for the guidance of the people and made us revered and honorable by his existence. We are the selected ones of the God's creations and His caliphs on earth. Fortunate is the one who follows us and unfortunate is the one who opposes and has enmity with us." The brother of Hasham who was present among the people and was regarded as one of his special spies, reported what he had heard to Hasham.
Hasham did not interrupt (molest) us in Mecca but when he reached back Syria he wrote to his representative in Medina, to send my father and me to Syria. The governor of Medina sent us to Syria. When we reached the assembly of Hasham we saw that all the Commanders had gathered over there.
Hasham himself was seated upon the throne of authority and all the Commanders were standing before him. They had placed an aim at a distant place and all of them were aiming and shooting (arrows) at it. When we arrived in the court, Hasham held my father in respect, honored him then he said, "come close and you also take part in shooting."
My father said, "I have grown old, excuse me."
Hasham swore and took oath that he would not let my father go. Obliged, my father held the bow and took aim. The arrow struck in the center of the point (aimed at). Again, he aimed another arrow at it. The arrow struck into the first arrow and split it into two and then struck the aim. He took a third arrow and took aim. The arrow struck the second arrow split it into two, and sat firm on the second place. Similarly my father continued up till the ninth arrow.
Hasham said, "That is all, Oh Abu Jaffar (A.S.) you are the most expert of the people who shoot. Hasham was smoldering and burning in the fire of rage and had repented upon his action. Thereby, he took the decision to kill my father. And to get himself out of the condition he started saying with a glib-tongue (eloquently) "The tribe of Quraish should boast of it over the Arab and Ajam that they have got a person like you."
Hasham enquired, "From where did you learn this expertise and mastery?"
My father replied, "God has bestowed upon us completely every knowledge and perfection, as His favor."
Hasham was greatly enraged and inflamed with my father's words and his face glowed red with anger. He hung his head down for a moment. Then he raised his head and said, "Are we and you not from the lineage of Abdul Manaf?"
Was the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) not from Abdul Manaf so that God sent him for the patronage of the people? From where did you inherit this knowledge?"
My father said, "we are a family of revelation and God has given us the specialties which he has not given to others. So that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) told secrets to his son in law Imam Ali (A.S.), which he did not tell to the others. Similarly Imam Ali (A.S.) said in Kufa, "The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) opened a thousand doors of knowledge before me, so that from each of the doors a thousand other doors are opened."
Oh Hasham, it is we who have inherited that knowledge and wisdom no other persons.
Hasham remained silent and ordered that we be sent back to Medina honorably.
Islamic Coins introduced by Imam's (A.S.) Order
In the first century Hijrah the paper industry was monopolized by the Romans and when the Christians of Egypt learned from the Romans how to manufacture paper and they produced it they following suit of the Romans, marked it (currency notes) with father-son and Rooh-ul-Qudus (Holy Spirit) which was the slogan of the Christians.
When "Abdul Malik Marwan", who was an intelligent and clever man, saw the mark of the paper and its meanings, he was very annoyed as to why Egypt, which was a Muslim country, used this mark. He at once wrote to his functionary and delegates in Egypt "From now onwards you must write upon them the slogan of monotheism."
The new papers with the monotheism mark upon it was circulated and reached the cities of Rome. Caesar the King of Rome got informed about it. He wrote still other letters to Abdul Malik warning and threatening him that if he did not evade that mark he would issue orders to produce coins with abusive language about the Prophet of Islam (P.B.U.H.) When those coins would be ready there would be no honor and dignity left over for him (Abdul Malik).
Abdul Malik thought if this thing happened I would be the dirtiest of all the Muslim rulers who caused such a thing to happen."
He immediately called a meeting and consulted with the officials and dignitaries of his country for many long hours, but to no result.
One of those present said, "The way out of this difficulty and its solution is this that we ask the answer to this problem and riddle from Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.)."
Abdul Malik liked his suggestion and at once ordered his governor in Medina to send Imam (A.S.) honorably and respectfully to Syria, and he himself detained the delegate of Caesar in Syria till such time Imam (A.S.) reached Syria to solve that problem.
When Imam reached Syria they reported the matter to him so that a way is sorted out for its solution. Imam (A.S.) said, "Caesar has frightened you he will actually not do it. God will not allow him to do this work. But the solution of it is this that you get the industrialist gathered and orders them to produce a coin with the chapter (Qur'anic chapter of Tawheed on one face and name of the Prophet [P.B.U.H.] on the other). In this way we will not need the Roman Coins any longer. Then he gave the explanation about the weight and size of the coin. Then he said, "Engrave the name of the city where the coin is made and the year of its production upon it."
Abdul Malik materialized the orders of the Imam (A.S.) and sent a circular to all the Islamic cities that from, now onwards all the business affair in the Islamic cities should take shape on the basis of the new coins, and the Roman Coins are invalid. Whosoever possesses them may change them for new Islamic coins. Then he informed the delegate of Caesar about what had been done and sent him back.
Caesar was informed about the affair. The courtiers demanded from him to materialize his threat. Hut he replied, "This is a futile thing to do. Because, the roman coins are no more used in the Islamic cities."
Imam by this amazing action put a constraint and checks upon the influence of imperialism and the plans of the imperialists of that day.
The Friends of Imam (A.S.)
Since Imam (A.S.) was living in an age where in the Marwani Caliphs (Bani Ommayide) were busy with their own affairs and they were spending their time in a struggle against Bani Abbas, therefore, more chances and possibilities of the propagation of Islamic learning's got available for him. Imam (A.S.) started laying the foundations of educational and research assemblies and trained students of his school of thought, each one of whom was unmatched and incomparable.
A number of them consisted of:
1. Abban Bin Taghlib: Who had been present in the office and company of Imam Sajjad (A.S.), and was counted to be one of the important personalities of knowledge and learning and was an authority over the jurisprudence, exegesis, Hadith, and language. To the extent that Imam said "Oh Abban sit in the mosque of Medina and pronounce judgments to the people.
2. Zurara: This person had been present before Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) and Imam Sadiq (A.S.) and he had ample expertise in the fields of Hadith, Jurisprudence, and Shiite leanings. So that Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said about him "If Zurara and his companions were not there the effects of the Prophets (P.B.U.H.) would have finished (ceased to exist).
3. Kumait Asadi: He was an expert and capable poet and he was unparallel and unmatched regarding the language and literature and the statement of facts and criticizing the cruel and brutal rulers. He used to stand up to the defense of Ahl al-Bayth (A.S.) by virtue of his language, which was in the mould of beautiful and attractive verses. Sometimes he was threatened to be slain by the usurper rulers. In the age of Bani Ommayide it was very dangerous and perilous to state the effects and virtues of Ahl al-Bayth (A.S.). But this freedom-loving poet had bought all the risks and dangers at the cost of his life, for the sake of Ahl al-Bayth (A.S.).
Kumait was the enamored and infatuated of Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.). One day, he recited a number of nice rhymes before the Imam (A.S.), so Imam (A.S.) turned his face towards Kaaba and said, "Oh God do bless Kumait."
4. Mohammad Bin Muslim: Who was titled as the "jurisprudent of Ahl al-Bayth (A.S.)" was one of the true friends of Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) and Imam Sadiq (A.S.). He was one of those about whom Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said, "The knowledge and learning of Ahl al-Bayth (A.S.) remained living and was established through him.
Martyrdom of Imam (A.S.)
Finally, Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) after years of troubles, grief's, labor, and service to the Islamic culture was poisoned and martyred by the order of Hasham on the 7th of Zil Hijja 114 Hijrah at the age of 57 years. His pure and sublime body was buried beside the graves of other Imams in the graveyard of Baqi.
Quotes from Imam Baqir
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 du`a on five occasions: (a) After reciting the Quran, (b) At the time of azan, (c) 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 Quran 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 Quran 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 Muhammad al-Baqir (AS) once said to one of his companions: "O Jabir it is not enough that a person says; I am a Shia and I love the Prophet (SAW) and the Prophet's family and the Imams. By Allah, a Shia is the one who is perfectly pious and obedient to Allah's commands. Anyone else is not a Shia no matter how much they say they love Hazrat Ali (AS) and no matter what they call themselves. O Jabir Our Shias are known by these signs: (a) They are truthful, trustworthy and loyal; (b) They always remember Allah; (c) They offer their prayers, observe fasts, and recite Quran; (d) They help their neighbors, 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 Baqir told Jabir: O Jabir, 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 Muhammad Baqir (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. (Surah Anfaal, 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 favor. 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 splendor 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, 'O Allah! Give me sustenance! He asks Allah to do him a favor while the small ant comes out of its ant colony to seek its livelihood!"
To lie is from the desolation and depravity of faith.
The faithful does not become coward, greedy and miser.
God is the friend of modest, tolerant and forbearing person.
The scholar whose existence is fruitful and useful his worth is more than seventy thousand silly, witless ascetics (worshipers).
God does not like the scurrilous.
Avoid languidness (extenuation) because it is the key to every indecency and ruins and spoils the religion and the world (worldly affairs) of man.
Whosoever commits excesses over the servants of God, will not be from our Shias.
Avoid envying and being jealous of each other keep away from selfishness (egotism), do not adopt cruelty, be vigilant and watchful about your prayers, be the friend of oppressed ones.
Whoever tries to perform the errands and works of the Muslims and eases their difficulties is like the Muslim martyr who might have martyred in the battle of Bader and Uhud.

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