Welcome to this week’s episode of the series Let’s Know Islam. Today, we briefly review the era of Imamate of the 6th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Jafar Sadeq (Peace be upon him).

Last week, we reached the topic of Imamate of Imam Mohammad Baqer (AS), and Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS). These two Infallible Imams made utmost efforts for promotion and protection of Islamic teachings. Upon the martyrdom of Imam Mohammad Baqer (AS), the mantle of Imamate rested on the shoulders of Imam Jafar Sadeq. Imam Mohammad Baqer (AS) founded the pillars of a scientific and cultural school of thought, which was later safeguarded by his infallible son, Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS).

The era of the 6^th Infallible Imam was one of the most politically turbulent phases in the history of sacred religion of Islam. In this period of time, many uprisings and revolutions were carried out by a number of different groups, including those who wanted to avenge the blood of the Third Infallible Successor to Prophet of Islam, Imam Hussein (AS).  These movements ultimately led to the transition of power from Omayyad Dynasty to Abbasid Dynasty.

This duration was divided into two phases. The first phase began with the start of Imamate of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) in the year 411 AH, until the beginning of the rule of Abbasid Caliph, Mansour, with the second phase starting with the era of caliphate of Mansour, which was marked as a difficult period for the 6^th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household.

In the first phase, Imam Sadeq (AS) experienced a relatively peaceful period. That phase in time was concurrent with the early days after the fall of Omayyad Dynasty and emergence of Abbasid rule. Abbasid Dynasty was part of an opportunistic current which came to power, under the guise of avenging the blood of martyrs of Karbala.

Meanwhile, disputes and conflicts between Omayyad and Abbasid rulers prevented the rulers of these two currents from being hard on Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS).  This appropriate situation created valuable conditions for Imam Jafar Sadeq to follow his scientific and cultural plans.

Throughout the lifetime of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS), due to the connection with the outside world, the World of Islam became familiar with new ideas, schools of thought and philosophical views. Non-Muslims, in their discussions with Muslims, raised doubts about the Day of Resurrection and other religious beliefs; the response to which needed awareness and expertise. Foreign scientific and literary texts were translated to Arabic language. A number of books in the fields of philosophy and science, which promoted anti-religious beliefs, were translated.

Under those conditions, the inaction of Muslim thinkers could undermine people’s faith in Islamic teachings. Undoubtedly, the courageous efforts of Imam Jafar Sadeq in confronting anti-religious views were effective and constructive. The growth of the scientific movement of Muslims which had begun as of the era of Imamate of Imam Mohammad Baqer continued throughout the Imamate of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) and reached its peak within this phase. The scientific movement which Imam Jafar Sadeq founded was unique. The Infallible Imam groomed around 4,000 students. The Infallible Imam promoted different sciences, with Ulema and thinkers seeking to acquire knowledge by attending Imam’s lessons. Imam Jafar Sadeq taught a number of sciences such as exegesis of Holy Quran, ethics, Islamic teachings, history of prophets and nations, philosophy, science of jurisprudence, in addition to other scientific courses, presenting highly precise answers to his students’ questions. In this manner, Imam Jafar Sadeq presented his infinite knowledge to all.

Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) wiped out superstitions which had gradually emerged, and transparently elaborated on Islamic rulings and ayahs of Holy Quran.

In fact, the Infallible Imam organized a vast scientific movement. Thus, the era of Imam Jafar Sadeq is one of the most glorious scientific phases of the World of Islam. The era of Imamate of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) played an important role in the fate of Islam. In this period, Islamic teachings, exegesis of Holy Quran, science of hadith, theosophy, history, and many other sciences were developed and expanded. The valuable guidelines of Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) crushed ignorance and superstitious beliefs and reinforced the divine religion of Islam.

Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) knew well that sooner or later the Infallible Imams would once again be imposed with major restrictions by the rulers. Therefore, he decided to groom knowledgeable students who would promote pure Islamic teachings in different regions.

Given the mastery of the Infallible Imam on sciences, his lessons opened up the gateways of knowledge to the seekers of science. Imam Jafar Sadeq called on these students to take notes in his lessons  and to keep these scientific notes.

Given the presentation of doubts by followers of other religions, Imam Jafar Sadeq planned to prepare his students for participation in scientific debates with the promoters of other religions. His students, via reliance upon scientific reasons, debated with those, who maintained fake beliefs. This method was effective in responding to questions. The Infallible Imam also took part in debates with disbelievers.

Two of the best known students of the Infallible Imam were Hosham ibn-e Hekam, and Jaber ibn Hayyan. Hosham ibn Hekam mastered the science of theosophy; and his debates with the followers of other beliefs are well-known.

Jaber ibn Hayyan was originally from the city of Tous in Khorasan. He was an Islamic genius. He authored compilations in a variety of sciences, including medicine, chemistry, mathematics, and philosophy. He made major innovations in the science of chemistry. Therefore, many chemists refer to him as the Father of Chemistry. In the Renaissance Era, around three hundred treatises of Jaber were translated and printed in German language.

Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS) was the symbol of good manners and ethical virtues. He was kind, polite, and modest in his interactions with people. He helped the poor and needy. And his remarks were eloquent.

Throughout the rule of the second Abbasid caliph, Mansour; Imam Jafar Sadeq faced difficult and harsh conditions. Nonetheless, the Infallible Imam enlightened people of the injustices of Omayyad and Abbasid rulers. The last eleven years of the life of Imam Jafar Sadeq was concurrent with the rule of Mansour. This Abbasid caliph was fearful of popularity of the Infallible Imam among masses of people. So, he tried in vain to distance people from the Infallible Imam and persecuted Imam Jafar Sadeq. Ultimately, the Abbasid ruler, Mansour, hatched a conspiracy, poisoning and martyring the Infallible Imam.  Upon the martyrdom of the Infallible Imam, mankind was denied of the presence of a prominent and venerable figure, such as Imam Jafar Sadeq. Nonetheless, Imam Jafar Sadeq left a valuable legacy of his vast knowledge for the future generations.

MR/ME