Unfortunately, not many of us know a lot about all of our Imams (peace be upon them). Sure, we may know a few facts about Imam Ali, Imam Husayn, and … well, thats about it.
Unfortunately, not many of us know a lot about all of our Imams (peace be upon them). Sure, we may know a few facts about Imam Ali, Imam Husayn, and … well, thats about it.
How about the 5th Imam, Imam Muhammad Al Baqir? For starters, he was born on the 1st of Rajab, 57 AH (676 CE) in Medina.
Imam Muhammad Al Baqir was the son of Imam Ali Zaynal Abideen. His mother was Fatimah, the daughter of Imam Hasan.
Imam Muhammad Al Baqir lived in a period of relative peace. However, this time was also plagued by widespread misconceptions, false information, and confusion about Islam. Imam Muhammad Al Baqir’s imamate began when he was about 38 years old and lasted for about 19 years. During this time the Imam focused on disseminating the true knowledge of Islam, in various fields. He quickly gained the title Baqir Al Uloom (Revealer of Knowledge). Imam Al Baqir had 7 children, amongst whom was the 6th Imam, Imam Jafar As Sadiq.
During the Imam’s time many atheists and corrupt-thinkers spread their false ideologies amongst the Muslims. The Imam was on the front lines, dispelling the false claims and answering inquiries. In one event, an atheist asked the Imam, "Did you see God, such that you worship Him?!" The Imam responded, "I would never worship something that I could not see." The man responded, "How did you see Him?" The Imam then gave the following eloquent response: "Vision does not see Him through the looks of eyes, but the hearts see him through evidences of belief. … Neither is He realized through senses, nor is He measured by people. … He is known through signs, and described through imprints. … Nothing is like Him; that is Allah–there is no god but He. …”
So convincing was the imam's statement that the man then exclaimed, "Indeed, Allah knows best where to put his message." This sort of occurrence was normal with Imam Al Baqir.
After several debates, including one in which the Imam proved the validity of the belief in the guardianship of Islam by the imams of the prophet's family after the prophet's death, the ruling Umayyads felt threatened. As a result, on 7 Thul Hijjah, 114 AH, the Imam was poisoned by the government. He is buried in Jannatul Baqi' cemetery in Medina, Saudi Arabia where pilgrims visit him every year.
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