Today, we discuss the Imamate of the 9th Infallible Successor to Prophet of Islam, Imam Jawad (Peace be upon him).

The eras of Imamate of Imam Jawad and the Infallible Imams after him were difficult times for the Prophet of Islam's Infallible Household (Peace be upon them).

Imam Jawad was born in Medina on the 10^th of the Islamic month of Rajab in the year 195 AH. The 8^th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam's Household, Imam Reza (AS) talked about his blessed infallible son, Imam Jawad, on several occasions.

When Imam Jawad was five years old, his infallible father was forced by the Abbasid Caliph, Ma'amoun, to leave Medina and to head to Khorasan region. After the martyrdom of Imam Reza in the year 203 AH, the mantle of Imamate rested on the shoulders of Imam Jawad, who, at the time, was eight years old.

The topic of the beginning of Imamate of Imam Jawad at a young age has been discussed on several occasions. At the time, some asked how can a child or teenager handle the heavy responsibility of Imamate and leadership of Muslims. In the view of many individuals, an advanced age is considered as a criterion for attainment of perfection. However, reaching an advanced age doesn't necessarily guarantee a higher status to the elderly before God Almighty.

Holy Quran has approached this topic from another perspective. It is possible for God to grant elevation and perfection to an individual at a young age, in order for that individual to meet the conditions needed for appointment to Prophet Hood or Imamate. Attainment of this status is beyond ordinary appointments, and necessitates meeting a number of especial conditions.

The main criterion in such divine appointments, is a series of capacities and merits which should be embedded in the individual, irrespective of whether he is a child or an adult. God grants Imamate to anyone who maintains the essential merits, even if he is in his childhood.

Therefore, throughout the course of history, we are witness to individuals who have attained the status of leadership of people at a young age, in the light of divine blessings.

There are many examples of this fact in Holy Quran. For instance, Holy Quran refers to Prophet John and his divine appointment to prophet hood in his childhood. The 12^th ayah of Surat Maryam in Holy Quran notes: 'O John!' We said, 'Hold on with power to the Book!' And We gave him judgement while still a child…"

Another prime example is Prophet Jesus, who spoke a few days after his birth, clearly stating his prophet hood. In this manner, he defended his mother, Mary, and foiled the accusations of enemies and ill-wishers. Therefore, as a child like Jesus can be appointed to prophet hood in his childhood; Imam Jawad (AS) was also appointed to Imamate, at a young age, upon God's instruction.

Imam Reza (AS) throughout his blessed life, put emphasis on the Imamate of his infallible son, Imam Jawad (AS), on several occasions.
Imam Jawad, like other Infallible Imams, fulfilled his duty of guidance and leadership of people in the best possible manner, and his tender age had no impact on his behavior. Imam Jawad prudently and wisely studied the ideological, cultural, and social questions of people, while presenting appropriate responses and solutions.

Imam Jawad maintained many ethical virtues, such as patience, politeness, modesty, and generosity. Despite his tender age, Imam Jawad was unique in understanding and analyzing the ayahs of Holy Quran. He was also an eloquent speaker. One of his other characteristic traits was his generosity. He always visited patients and empathized with them. He also led a very simple lifestyle.

The Infallible Imam was one of the most knowledgeable scientists of his era, at a young age, astounding his allies and enemies, because of his vast knowledge. People approached the Infallible Imam, asking him scientific questions, while receiving the appropriate answers to their questions. The scientific debates of the Infallible Imam with the figures of World of Islam, and his transparent and logical views about scientific topics, were astonishing. The vast knowledge and precise and intelligent answers of Imam Jawad to questions, was a source of assurance of Muslims, especially Shias.

Based on historical texts, in the early days of Imamate of Imam Jawad (AS), eighty theologians and scholars of Baghdad and a number of other cities intended to observe Hajj Pilgrimage. On their way, they headed toward Medina in order to meet Imam Jawad. A meeting was convened in Medina, for this purpose. Then, Imam Jawad's uncle, Abdullah ibn Moussa, entered the gathering. A number of attendees asked a number of questions from Abdullah ibn Moussa, but did not receive the appropriate answers. The Ulema and scholars were saddened and intended to leave the gathering. At this point in time, someone entered the gathering and pointed out Imam Jawad (AS). All of the participants welcomed and hailed the Infallible Imam, while presenting their questions to Imam Jawad. The Infallible Imam answered their questions based on the ayahs of Holy Quran, and with a powerful logic. Upon hearing the logical and transparent responses of the Infallible Imam, all of the participants in the gathering lauded and praised Imam Jawad (AS), and were assured of his Imamate.

The Abbasid regime always monitored Imam Jawad via its agents. Nonetheless, Imam Jawad, throughout his 17-year Imamate, highly promoted Islamic teachings. The Infallible Imam groomed many students, who rose into prominence in the scientific and theological domains. Many of Imam Jawad's students, were the disciples of Imam Reza (AS), and some of them have left behind valuable compilations on the hadiths cited from the Infallible Imams.

Meanwhile, the narrators of hadiths cited from Imam Jawad (AS) were not just limited to Shia hadith scholars, and Sunni hadith scholars and scientists have also cited the remarks of Imam Jawad (AS).

MR/ME