Welcome to this week's episode of the series Let's Know Islam. Today, we discuss the Imamate of the 9th Infallible Successor to Prophet of Islam, Imam Jawad (AS), and the Imamate of his infallible son, Imam Hadi (AS).

As a reminder, it was said that the 8^th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam's Household, Imam Reza's infallible son was Imam Jawad. Following the martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS), the mantle of Imamate rested on the shoulders of Imam Jawad, and he began to lead Muslims at a young age. This is a reminder of the prophet hood of Prophet John and Prophet Jesus in childhood, which have been mentioned in Holy Quran. The righteousness of Imam Jawad became evident in his childhood, and his vast knowledge astounded his enemies and allies, both.

In the view of Imam Jawad, knowledge is the source of all human perfections, enlightening mankind's mindset. Hence, it is appropriate for mankind to acquire knowledge. Imam Jawad has been cited as saying: "Acquisition of knowledge is necessary and scientific discussions are highly beneficial. Knowledge is a means for proximity among brethren, is a sign of gentlemanliness, a gift for gatherings, and a companion for mankind throughout his solitude. Now, if knowledge is coupled with modesty, it would be highly appropriate for mankind."

Given that Imam Jawad was divinely appointed to Imamate at a young age, numerous debates were convened in the presence of the Infallible Imam. One of the reasons behind holding these debates was that the Imamate of Imam Jawad had not become clear for a few. Hence, many questions were asked from the Infallible Imam in order to assess his knowledge and awareness.

Imam Jawad participated in debates with well-known scientists and theologians., the content of the debates of the Infallible Imam with his contemporary well-established Ulema and thinkers have been detailed in historical books. Throughout the rule of the Abbasid caliph, Ma'amoun, an important debate was staged between Imam Jawad and the Abbasid court scientist, Yahya ibn Aksam. Within this debate, this Abbasid court scholar gave in and submitted to the vast knowledge of the Infallible Imam. At this point, the scholars admitted to the vast knowledge of Imam Jawad (AS).

In addition to carrying out many scientific activities, the Infallible Imam was also a pioneer in serving people and fulfilling their needs.

Meanwhile, Imam Jawad was deeply concerned over the injustices imposed by the Abbasid regime; thereby revealing the Abbasid regime's corruption and injustices. Given that the Abbasid regime made strenuous efforts to sever the Infallible Imam's relations with people, Imam Jawad established a bond with people through his network of representatives. The Infallible Imam was in touch with Shias in Islamic lands and cities such as Baghdad, Kufa, Basra, Hamedan, Qom, and Rayy. They informed the Infallible Imam of the status quo of people and the conduct of the Abbasid regime. However, due to the harsh measures taken by the Abbasid regime's agents, the relations of people with the Infallible Imam were further restricted on a daily basis. Thus, the only option left for maintenance of people's bond with the Infallible Imam was correspondence. People, in their letters to the Infallible Imam, presented their questions and requests and received appropriate and logical responses from Imam Jawad.

Imam Jawad's short life, and the pressures piled up by the Abbasid regime on the Infallible Imam, limited Imam Jawad's relations with his devotees and followers. Around 250 hadiths have been cited about the views and ideologies of Imam Jawad. The Infallible Imam's scientific debates with the scholars of his era, and his precise and beneficial views on a number of different scientific topics manifest his extensive and vast knowledge, and will be a source of honor forever within the history of divine religion of Islam. In this manner, Imam Jawad, throughout his valuable life, made extensive and prudent efforts to promote and elevate Islamic culture and views.

After the death of Abbasid ruler, Ma'amoun, he was succeeded by his brother, Mo'tasem, who was an ambitious despot. He was hard on Imam Jawad, and was fearful of the blessed presence of the Infallible Imam. Thus, the Abbasid ruler forcibly summoned the Infallible Imam from Medina to the capital of his regime, Baghdad. He tried in vain to somehow display Imam Jawad's shortcoming in scientific fields via holding debates between the Infallible Imam and scientists. However, the Abbasid ruler soon realized that the Infallible Imam was superior to all theologians and scientists, and Imam Jawad's scientific grandeur was reinforced day by day. The Abbasid ruler could not bear to see the popularity of the Infallible Imam, and his efforts to somehow sabotage Imam Jawad's popularity failed miserably. So, the Abbasid ruler hatched a plot, poisoning and martyring Imam Jawad (AS). Upon the martyrdom of Imam Jawad, the mantle of Imamate rested on the shoulders of his infallible son, Imam Hadi (AS).

Imam Hadi was born in the vicinity of city of Medina in the year 212 AH. The conditions were harsher throughout the Imamate of Imam Hadi, in comparison to the eras of previous Infallible Imams.

Following the martyrdom of Imam Jawad, and the start of Imamate of Imam Hadi, the Abbasid ruler realized that the young Infallible Imam was praised by people, especially Shias. The Abbasid ruler sent a scholar named Abdullah Jonaidi, who was not in good terms with the Prophet of Islam's Infallible Household, to teach Imam Hadi, in a manner that would be beneficial for the Abbasid rulers. The Abbasid caliph also instructed this scholar to obstruct the bond between people and Imam Hadi (AS).

After a while, Jonaidi realized the vast knowledge and ethical virtues of Imam Hadi, confessing that he was the one who was learning lessons from the Infallible Imam. After a while, Jonaidi, who was astounded by the extensive knowledge and unique characteristic traits of Imam Hadi, discovered the righteous path and became one of the supporters and devotees of the Prophet of Islam's Infallible Household (Peace be upon them), while admitting to the Imamate of Infallible Imams.

Imam Hadi (AS) maintained the Imamate of Muslims for 34 years from 220 AH to 254 AH.

MR/ME