Up to his Imamah

 AL‑SAADIQ:  Before his Imamah

 BIRTH   

     It was in Medina in the year 83H when Al‑Saadiq was born.  His father, Al‑Baaqir, and his grandfather, Zainul Abideen, were very delighted as was every member of the family.  At the time Al‑Saadiq's father was 26 yrs old, and his grandfather was 45 yrs old.  They said the Athan in the baby's right ear and the Iqaama in the left, and performed the Aqeeqah, as was done to every newborn in the family, in compliance with the Prophet's (pbuh) recommendation.  Al‑Saadiq's grandfather, Zainul Abideen, became greatly attached to him.  He saw signs of genius in the baby.  Al‑Saadiq grew up in the laps of righteousness, with love and tender care.

     Not unlike his grandfather Zainul Abideen, Al‑Saadiq's lineage came from the line of Ali and that of Abu Bakr.  Al‑Saadiq's mother was the daughter of Al‑Qasim, who was the son of Muhammad who was the son of Abu Bakr.

Lineage  

Zainul Abideen was the grandson of Ali, while Al-Qasim was the grandson of Abu Bakr.

AS AL‑SAADIQ GROWS UP   

At the Age of 4 years:

As Al‑Saadiq grew up his attachment to his father and grandfather became increasingly firm.  It was a mutual love and understanding.  Al‑Saadiq frequently enjoyed going out with grandfather Zainul Abideen, especially to the Prophet's Mosque, with him holding the little finger of his grandfather.  He often saw his grandfather praying, saying Du'aa, and crying, more so when they were at the Prophet's Grand Mosque.  Al‑Saadiq had similar experiences when he went out with his father Al‑Baaqir.  This left an indelible impression on him, yet at first he was too young to ask about the reason.  As he grew up Al‑Saadiq became the questioner, the investigator, the researcher, and his questions increased in their complexity.  On leaving the Prophet's Grand Mosque, Zainul Abideen and Al‑Saadiq approached the house of Imam Ali, whose door was open toward the Masjid Al‑Nabawi.  It was the historical landmark and everyone knew it. (Ali's house and the houses of Umm Al‑Mu'mineen [wives of the Prophet (pbuh)] were destroyed by Al‑Waleed son of Abdul Malik, the ruler of the time.  This was part of the process of expanding the Grand Mosque of the Prophet (pbuh).  Not a single person from Medina or near areas wished to or had the nerve to demolish the structure, they refused, therefore workers from outside were deployed, forty were Egyptian Christian Qub't and forty Byzantine craftsmen.  When that took place Al-Saadiq was 5 years old.   (See Al-Tibari, Vol. 8, Page 65.)

At the Age of 7 years:   

By the age of 7 years Al‑Saadiq had already memorized the Holy Quran.  Despite his young age, Al‑Saadiq learned from frequent discussions about the meaning of the various parts of the Quran, the historical background of some Ayahs, and above all some of its intricacies.  Al‑Saadiq loved to hear the explanations of his grandfather Zainul Abideen gave.  Be it at the Al‑Masjid Al‑Nabawi, at home, or other places, Al‑Saadiq asked increasingly complex questions for his age, and received answers according to his level of understanding, with a caring attentive grandfather.

► "Grandpa!" Al‑Saadiq asked as the two were on their way to the Mosque, "Why do we see certain people look at us with suspicion?"  (These conversations are theoretical, but with the intention of bringing out the issues of the time that affected the Muslim Ummah.  These conversations are not to be taken as if they had literally taken place.)

     Not startled but finding it the proper occasion, Zainul Abideen answered warmly, "Oh Ja'far!  These are the undercover agents and informants of Benu Umayya.  Benu Umayya were the ones who seized power over the destiny of the Islamic Ummah by means of tricks and the tip of the sword.  They wanted to rule at the expense of the Ummah, no matter the cost to the Ummah or what Islam enjoined.  They have undercover agents, or what is called informants, especially against us, Ahlul Bayt.  You have to be very careful son, as I am sure you are."

     After a few seconds the young Al‑Saadiq asked, "But aren't these people Muslims?  Why do they do these things?  Didn't you teach me what Islam enjoined, don't these people know about Islam?"

     Zainul Abideen answered right away as they were approaching the Masjid, "Ja'far!  Some people listen to what Islam recommends but do not apply it.  They are not genuine Muslims.  This is the worst a person can do to himself.  Numerous people are after the glamour of this life and its earthly goods, thus thwarting their gains for the Hereafter.  These are people with no scruples, people of ignorance and greed, they are not people of integrity, they are after their immediate gratification."

     The inquisitive mind of the Al‑Saadiq wanted to know more.  He asked, "These people are more or less transgressors against the Islamic Ummah, aren't they?  They are not the righteous, are they?"

     "You may say so." replied Grandpa Zainul Abideen.  "Allah (swt) will deal with them according to His wisdom and justice.  There are lots of people like them.  They lust for the worldly, they are materialistic or power worshippers.  So be very careful, Ja'far, and cautious about their intrigue, subtlety, and intent.  Avoid politics, since we, Ahlul Bayt, have a far more important and meaningful duty, and that is educating the people in the authentic Islam as Muhammad (pbuh) had taught it."  Then Zainul Abideen added, "Ja'far, you will carry the torch of Islam and be its haven for enlightenment, and you will have the heavy responsibility of teaching the people about Islam, the scholars as well as the common man, once the circumstances allow.  This is why you see me busy educating some scholars, though the number is not that large."

     Having performed their Salat and after finishing off their Du'aas Al‑Saadiq was anxious to carry on the conversation.  "Grandpa," young Al‑Saadiq asked curiously, "We notice that many people love us, but they are suffering from Al‑Hajjaj in Iraq and Governors over other parts of the Ummah. (Al‑Hajjaj ruled for 20 years and lived up to the age of 54 years.  He died the same year in which Imam Zainul Abideen died.  See Murooj Al‑Dhahab, Vol. 3, Page 166.)  That is not fair, people are losing their lives for their love of us, their property is taken away, their livelihood is suffering, all because they are our loyalists.  Why are they suffering so?"

     The question was thought provoking.  Zainul Abideen was delighted to see such a high level of maturity in a boy 7 years old, it indicated brilliance beyond compare.  Zainul Abideen answered, "Ahlul Bayt, and you are one of them, are distinct people whom Allah (swt) had purified.  They are the most righteous, who understand the Holy Quran as it was meant, since Ahlul Bayt are Uli Al‑Amr (The Holy Quran describes Uli Al-Amr as the people in charge of us, who have the authority over us, that they are the most righteous, i.e., Ahlul Bayt.  Though some people claim that the phrase means any temporal ruler, this is certainly not consistent with righteousness, since many rulers proved far from being righteous.) which the Quran had described, and they are Al‑Rasikhoon fi Al‑Ilm (The Holy Quran used this term to indicate people with the deepest knowledge, who were Muhammad  (pbuh), Ali and Ahlul Bayt (his progeny).  Other scholars could have deep knowledge but not as sure nor as accurate as that of the above.), therefore Ahlul Bayt's guidance and tutelage are vigorously sought by numerous people.  These are our loyalists, the devotees to Islam, our Shi'a.  The rulers are afraid of us and they suspect or think we might rise up or revolt against them to topple their rule.  That is the reason for all the surveillance."

     "You mean the government is illegal or not valid," replied Al‑Saadiq right away.  "Yes, from Shari'ah point of view, the rule of Benu Umayya dynasty is certainly illegal and not valid, and Benu Umayya know it well, it is frightening to them.  That is why they use brute force against anyone who criticizes them or stands in the face of injustice, murder, abuse of power, and bullying the poor and powerless.  Benu Umayya had even killed Sahaaba (Companions) because they refused to condemn Ali."

     Al‑Saadiq was too engrossed in the conversation, so he asked indignantly, "That hurts me very much.  Why do these people do such a criminal thing.  Don't they know they will face Allah (swt) soon and they will be dealt with quite severely?  And why of all people Imam Ali is singled out, is that because he accomplished for Islam so much, or what no one could ever match his works?  Didn't the Prophet (pbuh) say so many Hadiths on behalf of Ali? (For further detail see Book #14 of the Series of Islamic Books for Beginners.)  And besides, I see the books Grandpa Ali left with us, they are the most precious and valuable books you ever see.  Aren't the people who condemn or curse Ali on the pulpit ashamed of their profanity.  What kind of Islam do they carry in their bosoms?"

     "I appreciate what you say.  It is valid," replied Grandpa Zainul Abideen thoughtfully, then added, "We are in a stage where the Jahiliya times are not over, still active.  When a person becomes Muslim it doesn't mean his insides become Muslim and righteous.  Numerous habits of Jahiliya are current and seen every day.  Indirectly the present government encourages this tendency, and has enforced a Khilaafah by inheritance, among other things.  That is why, if Islam is to remain authentic and whole, we, Ahlul Bayt, have to do our utmost to educate the public, directly or indirectly, circumstances permitting.  This is the essential thing for the moment and is indispensable.  It is the way which will preserve Muhammad's (pbuh) teachings, and has to be done over many generations."

At the Age of 9 years:   

    Al‑Saadiq was reflecting back about the enormous material he learned, be it from his father Al‑Baaqir or Grandpa Zainul Abideen.  Even his grandfather on his mother's side, Al‑Qasim, was a scholar who also taught. (Al-Qasim was the grandson of Abu Bakr.)  Al‑Saadiq was very keen about the voluminous books which were left by his Great-Great-Grandfather Ali, and the immense value of their content.  Since Al‑Saadiq's brilliance was far above any other, he could absorb an enormous amount of knowledge.  He wanted to keep asking questions, especially from his father and grandfather.  He knew by then that his father was nick‑named Al‑Baaqir due to his exceptional capacity to delve into Islamic intricacies and extract the correct conclusion.  His father, though not an Imam by then, was already highly respected, had a following, and was often asked about religious intricacies.

     Al‑Saadiq had observed that Ibn Abbas, the student of Imam Ali, had a well known school with its own followers. (Ibn Abbas was the student of Imam Ali.  He became highly respected for his Islamic knowledge, developed a school which was often quoted.  Ibn Abbas became blind in his old age and died in Ta'if.  Benu Abbas were his progeny, they ruled the Islamic Ummah after Benu Umayya were toppled.)  That was also true of Ibn Omar, who was favored by Benu Umayya, the rulers of the time. (Ibn Omar was a righteous man.  He was 20 years of age when the Prophet (pbuh) died.  He developed a school in Medina which was favored and patronized by Benu Umayya, since he did not regard the dynasty rule of Benu Umayya as illegal or invalid from Shari'ah point of view.  Before he died, Ibn Omar said he regretted only one thing in his life, that he wished he had participated in Siffin Battle on the side of Ali to fight against Mu'awiya.  It was an opportunity he sorely missed.)  But above all, Al‑Saadiq noticed, the school of Ahlul Bayt was the very one everyone was after.  It was sought after not only by the deeply religious to learn as much as possible, but also by the detractors and antagonists who were the Rulers and their informants and secret service.  Al‑Hijaz, i.e., the region around Medina and Mecca, was the power house of Islamic learning for a good many years.  The spearhead to that were Ahlul Bayt, and the area became the intellectual center.

At the Age of 11 years:   

    For some time Al‑Saadiq wanted to ask certain questions, now the occasion was right.  Al‑Saadiq was alone in the room with his father, Al‑Baaqir, so he asked, "Father, a number of people aren't after our well‑being, nay, they seem after our destruction.  Some say these people were Sahaaba (Companions).  What do you think?"

     Al‑Baaqir welcomed the question, and answered right away, "We highly respect the Sahaaba (Companions) of the Prophet (pbuh), but should individualize the good and the superb from the ones who had produced mischief."  "How is that?" Al‑Saadiq asked anxiously.

     "A person who spends a lot of time in company of the Prophet (pbuh), to learn well from him, and whose deeds testify to that, is a highly respected Sahaabi.  Such a person is a very valued Sahaabi.  Examples are:

 Abu Dhar Al‑Ghifari, (Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari was a dedicated Sahaabi, sincere in every walk of his life, who went to Syria and exposed the excesses of Mu'awiya during the Khilaafah of Uthman.  Because of that Al-Ghifari was forced to leave Syria to Medina, from which he was exiled to a small town many miles away.  Abu Dhar was an extremely outspoken person for Islam and against the corruption of some rulers during his life time)

Ammar son of Yasir, (Ammar son of Yasir was a revered Sahaabi, whose parents were the first to lose their lives for the sake of Islam.  The Prophet (pbuh) predicted that Ammar would be killed by the evil group.  Ammar was killed in Siffin fighting on the side of Ali against Mu'awiya.  The person who killed him was a Sahaabi who had heard the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) about Ammar and was fully aware of it.  The killer was Al‑Jah'ni who was a Sahaabi fighting on the side of Mu'awiya, against Ali)

Salman Al‑Farsi, (Salman was a man of purity, whom the Prophet (pbuh) loved very much.  He was the one who suggested digging the ditch to prevent the disbelievers from destroying the Muslims.  The Ditch Encounter proved very successful.  Salman was appointed Governor at Mada'in by Imam Ali, and he died there.)

Ibn Abbas, (Ibn Abbas was the unique student of Imam Ali, was later appointed by Imam Ali as the governor of Basrah.  He was a highly respected scholar in Islam, and there developed a school according to his teachings in Medina.) and Al‑Muqdad just to mention a few.  As many as 300 Sahaaba were fighting on the side of Ali against Mu'awiya during the Siffin Battle.  These Sahaaba saw where the truth lay.  As he had mentioned, Ibn Omar felt remorseful before he died, since he lamented very much not to have joined Ali in the Siffin Battle against Mu'awiya."

     "Who are the Sahaaba who produced mischief?" questioned Al‑Saadiq as soon as his father finished his last sentence.  "The ones whose deeds and works contradicted the Islamic teachings and the recommendations of the Prophet (pbuh)," answered Al‑Baaqir, then continued, "Let us take examples.  What do you think of Mu'awiya, Ibn Aas, Al‑Mughira, or Al‑Jah'ni (Al-Saadiq and the four Madh'habs, Asad Haidar, Vol. 1, Page 621.) the one who killed Ammar knowing that the Prophet (pbuh) had described Mu'awiya's group as bad and malicious.  Mu'awiya for example had altered the course of Islam causing backward march, such as changing the Khilaafah to Monarchy, (or Caesar‑like rule), or rewarding fabricators of Hadiths, or killing a Sahaabi in cold blood, among other things. (The Sahaabi was Ibn Huj'r, a highly revered person.  Ibn Huj'r refused to condemn Ali or curse him as demanded by Mu'awiya.  Huj'r would rather lose his life than to condemn Ali, since he knew the numerous Hadiths the Prophet (pbuh) said on behalf of Ali.  A'isha became very angry with Mu'awiya for his killing Ibn Huj'r, quoting the Prophet (pbuh) "that Allah and the living beings in Heaven will be enraged for this killing."  She even refused allowing Mu'awiya to enter her house.      (See Ibn Katheer, Vol. 8, Page 55.)  Ibn Al‑Aas was the crafty cunning man who was after his personal interest, or so was the ill‑famed Al‑Mughira."

     "I know well how bad these people were, and I often wondered, why do these people take the evil path or at least the wrong one when the Islamic Directives are so clear?" Al‑Saadiq questioned, shaking his head.

     "Ja'far," replied his father Al‑Baaqir, "It takes time and strength for a true conversion of the inner self to Islam.  It is naive to say once a person pronounces the Shahaada he or she becomes a believer.  Some may take many years until they fully and genuinely be righteous Muslims.  If the Islamic teachings are haphazard, the person will remain partly in his Jahiliya with smattering of Islam.  This is the reason Benu Umayya (be they Benu Sufyan or Benu Marwan) have produced such a havoc in the Ummah.  They understood Islam as a means to dominate and to rule as they please, over the Islamic Ummah.  This is why they are so nervous about their position."  "Besides," Al‑Baaqir continued, "there are numerous people whom the Quran dubbed as Munaafiq (hypocrite) and they were contemporaries to the Prophet (pbuh).  They were contemporary Sahaabi, of course, yet the Holy Quran described them as hypocrites.  In addition, numerous people entered Islam only during the last year of the life of the Prophet (pbuh); they had scant chance to learn well about Islam.  Thus there exists a large gap in the level of Islamic knowledge among these people.  Therefore, we Ahlul Bayt, should be the standard bearers who are to teach the Islamic enlightenment to the people.  It is our assignment, obligation, and commitment."

     "Dad, that is what Grandpa Zainul Abideen said to me some time ago.  That is why I am trying to absorb the most I can of the Islamic treasure at your hand and Grandpa's.  But let me ask you one more question:  Are we still in Jahiliya?" remarked Al‑Saadiq.  His father smiled then answered, "No, Ja'far, but the Islamic Ummah is not completely out of Jahiliya yet.  Habits that are centuries old die slowly, especially if they involve millions of people."  Al‑Baaqir then continued, "Besides, the rulers of Benu Umayya try hard to preserve some of the Jahiliya values such as preferring Arabism over the non‑Arabs, as you know.  However, Islam will prevail as it was intended by Allah Almighty, when given long enough time, and through Ahlul Bayt's constant effort into teaching the scholars as well as the average man, or anyone who asks.  Remember, Ja'far, the power of Satan over people can be very dominating.  Many people who cater for the lure of this world at the expense of the Hereafter will be the point of attraction to Satan.  Lust for the worldly, love of domination and power, greed, and other interests will push them away from the Islamic Directives, and this becomes worse when these people become rulers, governors, or people in any form of power." 

AL‑SAADIQ AND ZAINUL ABIDEEN   

     Al‑Saadiq has often wondered about many things, among them were personal questions, such as why Grandpa Zainul Abideen had developed the callosity on his forehead or arching of his back.  So Al‑Saadiq decided to investigate.  He found out that the callosity was caused by the numerous long Sujoods Zainul Abideen performed;  that the arching of his back was due to lifting of heavy sacs of food material to the poor; that Grandpa went in disguise at night to help these poor people.  Grandpa's frequent crying was also to actively involve the people to participate in the cause of Islam as Al‑Husain did in Karbala.

     Beyond that, however, Al‑Saadiq took special notice of the educational effort of Grandfather Zainul Abideen.  He saw the steady increase in the number of scholars attending, the increase in the subject matter of teaching, be it Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, or other Jurisprudent matters.  The Institute had become quite popular, and Al‑Baaqir was an active participant.  Al‑Saadiq observed the steady growth of the Institute despite an active effort of Benu Umayya to deal against it, to discourage participating in it, and put unscrupulous undercover agents for surveillance.

     Al‑Saadiq took delight in attending the Institute.  He learned a good deal, saw how it was run, the manner of discussion and participation.  The Institute of Ahlul Bayt by now occupied much of his family's time.  It was at this time that the beloved Grandpa Zainul Abideen died.

     When Zainul Abideen died Al‑Saadiq was 12 years old and Al‑Baaqir 38.  It was a very painful separation for Al‑Saadiq as well as to others.  After the funeral rites Zainul Abideen was buried in the Baqii near the burial site of his uncle Al‑Hasan and Grandmother Fatima.  Zainul Abideen left a vacuum, he was missed very much.

     When Zainul Abideen died, Al‑Baaqir became the designated Imam, the one in charge of the Ummah.  Al‑Baaqir became an Imam after a critical time during which not only Al‑Hajjaj was playing havoc with Ahlul Bayt's devotees in Iraq, but other Governors were doing the same too.  It was the time during which the Ruler (Khalifa) Abdul Malik, was obsessed in consolidating his rule over the Ummah, at whatever expense, giving his Governors, such as Al‑Hajjaj and the like, a free hand to exercise all their power at whatever expense to consolidate his rule, notwithstanding the Islamic Directives.

     It was also at this stage of Al‑Saadiq's life that Al‑Hajjaj died.  People were greatly relieved, especially the loyalist (Shi'a or Imamah‑Asserters) to Ahlul Bayt.

  As for Al‑Saadiq and Al‑Baaqir, they were more relieved because the suffering of the people under Al‑Hajjaj's rule had at least abated. (Al-Hajjaj was bloodthirsty in the name of consolidating the rule of Benu Umayya.  He killed an untold number of people for the slightest suspicion.  Al-Hajjaj chased tens of thousands of innocent loyalists of Ahlul Bayt out of their homes, many of whom left to far away places, some to Medina, just to be returned back to him by the equally cruel Governor of Medina.  Al-Hajjaj did not encourage people to convert to Islam, since when they were non-Muslims they had to pay 20% tax (Jiziah) on their produce, which would be lost to the treasury if they became Muslims.  Therefore, to get more for the treasury, Al-Hajjaj was not so keen about people converting to Islam.)

At the Age of 16 years:   

    By mid‑teenage, Al‑Saadiq was of medium height, light skin, slightly curly hair, with a mole on his cheek.  He always wore a smile, and was very friendly.  By the age of 16 he had poured over the voluminous books written by Imam Ali.  The teenage Al‑Saadiq had long since he memorized the Holy Quran as well as the Hadith and was well versed in the Tafseer, and knew an enormous amount of Jurisprudence.  He attended the Institute of Ahlul Bayt regularly, and participated in the discussions actively.  Al‑Saadiq's superior mind attracted much attention by numerous people, and his attractive manner of explanation of complex Shari'ah points was incredible.

Al-Saadiq, in his Twenties:

    In his twenties Al‑Saadiq was extremely busy in the affairs of Ahlul Bayt's Institute.  Under the guidance and direction of his father, Imam Al‑Baaqir, Al‑Saadiq was actively teaching, directing, debating, discussing, and disputing numerous Islamic issues.  Al‑Baaqir was the acknowledged head of Ahlul Bayt's Institute, uncle Zaid Ibn Ali was an active participant, and Al‑Saadiq and his brothers were managers of its affairs.  The Institute was growing steadily, it had graduated more than 160 scholars during the time of Zainul Abideen, but now it had become much bigger and was well managed and directed—despite the Benu Umayya's (Khalifas) combative attitude toward it and the highly suspicious nature they held about it.  A number of issues of grave concern were also dealt with, such as dealing with Kharijis, Ghulaat (Exaggerationists), deviant school of thoughts (agnostics), as well as others.

     Al‑Saadiq got married to his cousin the granddaughter of Zainul Abideen, and they had several children, the oldest was called Isma'eel.

At the Age of 30 years, Al-Saadiq Reflects:   

    Out of a busy day Al‑Saadiq found time to reflect.  For a change Al‑Saadiq was sitting in a room by himself, and his children were playing in the courtyard.  Al‑Saadiq went back in memory, it was the 113th year of Hijrah:

1. 103 years since Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had died,

2. 63 years since Ali had died,

3. 43 years since Al‑Husain was martyred, and

4. Grandfather Zainul Abideen had been dead for 18 years.

     "What remarkable and outstanding men, and what a heroic struggle they went through!" Al‑Saadiq thought.  They seemed vividly alive in his mind.  Their instructions, their sayings, and recommendations were imprinted indelibly in his mind.  Thanks for the unique upbringing of these Ahlul Bayt's members, and thanks to the Corpus of Knowledge Imam Ali put in writing after the Prophet (pbuh) had died.

     Al‑Saadiq's thoughts took him to the works he was doing with his father, Al‑Baaqir.  Ever since he was very young, Al‑Saadiq had held the highest reverence for his father and his endeavor to deliver the genuine Islamic information, since his father was the representative of the Prophet (pbuh).  Al‑Saadiq knew well that:

1. he spent much of his teen years in the company of his father,

2. participated in the Institute's group discussions of various subjects,

3. worked at the orchard to earn their living, and

4. was frequently at the Masjid Al‑Nabawi performing Salat and reading Du'aa. 

    Those were intensive years of imparting knowledge to him, the essential elements to form the framework of his enormous knowledge.  Al‑Saadiq knew that it had been a long time since he had memorized the Holy Quran, knew its Tafseer and intricacies, and the interpretation of what was vague to other people.  At an early age he had memorized all the Hadiths and learned a vast amount of Fiqh.  Yes, Al‑Saadiq thought, thanks to the Corpus of Knowledge Imam Ali had left behind, all those books that filled a whole room, were full of indispensable Islamic Directives and information.

     Al‑Saadiq then thought of the last ten years and how he married his cousin, the granddaughter of Zainul Abideen, and he thought of his children, Isma'eel and Abdullah, two young active lads.

    Al‑Saadiq thought of the active and rigorous participation in the enlightenment they offered to people who sought it.  Al‑Saadiq knew that by the time his grandfather died better than 160 scholars had graduated at his hand.  But now, 18 years later, his father Al‑Baaqir along with others have been extremely active in enlarging the circles of discussions, expanding on the number of subjects discussed, and the comprehensive manner of delivery.  The number of people seeking Al‑Baaqir's input became much larger than before, and as many as 300 could be counted.  It was a great experience, something he was going to need for the coming years.

     To accurately analyze the Islamic world Al‑Saadiq realized that one should view it from, a) the political point of view, b) the contemporary condition of the Ummah, c) the prevailing Islamic thoughts, and d) the massive efforts of Ahlul Bayt in rendering the genuine Islamic information.

► Al‑Saadiq's thoughts took him to the political conditions of the Islamic Nation.  By the year 113H many of Benu Umayya rulers (Khalifas) had come and gone.  Some were firm, others cunning and deceitful, others stingy, many were truly murderers, others down right evil.  There was only one, Omar son of Abdul Aziz, who was outstanding, a man of integrity, who before his Khilaafah had attended the circle discussions in Medina to imbibe Islamic knowledge.

     But, Al‑Saadiq thought, no matter what and who the ruler was, his appointees in government were of similar makeup, and they performed just as they perceived their ruler.  Therefore, all the governors, administrators, armed forces and politicians, were of the same mettle as the ruler.  All of them were preoccupied in keeping their authority over the Islamic Ummah, often by force.  This was to such an extent that during this year, the ruler, Hisham son of Abdul Malik, had established garrisons of Syrian troops in many parts of the Islamic nation.  These garrisons consisted of Syrians blindly loyal only to the ruler, but they were very much resented everywhere and were regarded as foreign troops.  "Force usually begets force," Al‑Saadiq thought.

     Al‑Saadiq also sympathized with the general public, and felt badly that the public was usurped and its Islamic rights were trampled upon by the rulers.  No wonder the general public was so dismayed and had a very deep resentment to the government; nay the government was illegal from Shari'ah point of view, and that is exactly what all of Ahlul Bayt were saying.

► As to the general public, Al‑Saadiq thought, the average man had become better informed, slowly and gradually.  Thanks to Grandfather Zainul Abideen's efforts followed by the efforts of father Al‑Baaqir, they had injected vitality, not only through the number of scholars graduating, but also the discussions these graduates carried out in different parts of the Islamic world; and this had kept the torch of genuine Islam alive in the average man.  "Islam would soon prevail no matter what those of Benu Umayya do to suppress or modify it," Al‑Saadiq thought to himself.

► The thought took Al‑Saadiq even further.  He saw that Medina, Mecca, and Al‑Hijaz had become the power house of learning, the intellectual center.  People were coming from far, hundreds or thousands of miles away, to learn at the hands of Ahlul Bayt or other Sahaaba, such as Ibn Abbas, or Ibn Omar.  He was also aware that Kufa had become metropolitan though with tribal basis, with diverse centers for learning.  In addition, Basrah had become a third center of learning.  It was an encouraging development, very encouraging indeed, Al‑Saadiq thought.

     Al‑Saadiq's chain of thought continued.  He was very much ill‑at‑ease at the fabrications and distortions of the Hadiths that was actively taking place.  This was often encouraged by Benu Umayya rulers in their quest for legitimizing their Khilaafah.  He knew Benu Umayya paid well for anyone who put forth a Hadith in their favor, or praised them.  Such fabricated Hadiths were difficult for the average man to verify their authenticity.  Al‑Saadiq shook his head, knowing the enormous burden that would fall on his shoulders to correct the situation, notwithstanding the oppressive political atmosphere against those who claimed the government was illegal and illicit.  It is well documented that the fabricated Hadiths numbered 408,324 narrated by 620 men. (Al‑Ghadeer, Al-Amini, Vol. 5, Page 145.)

► As to the Institute, Al‑Saadiq thought, it had become firmly established despite all the hurdles Benu Umayya put in its way.  The spies, the secret agents, and the government informers were plentiful, but the Institute continued to flourish.  People were after the authentic Islamic knowledge, they came solo or in groups, stayed in Medina living at a minimal level of comfort, just for the sake of learning.  This was accentuated during the time of Haj.

► Al‑Saadiq was glad that father Al‑Baaqir was also very keen in arguing with people who had odd ideas, often incorrect, about Islam; either from Fiqh point of view or others.  The Institute of Ahlul Bayt was a very active platform which offered considerable experience to him, now that he was thirty years old.  "If the political environment becomes favorable how much the Islamic society would benefit.  Muhammad's (pbuh) teachings the way he had given them would prevail and humanity would be elevated to such high levels.  Ah, if the political environment becomes favorable how Islamic Directives will prevail and endure and the practices of Jahiliya would shrink and shrivel.  Oh, and what a modified form of Jahiliya we have been having, promoted by Benu Umayya rulers in the name of Islam, Islam being violated in the name of Islam," Al‑Saadiq thought.

► In similar manner, as Zainul Abideen and Al‑Baaqir before him, Al‑Saadiq shunned politics completely, yet all of them held to the Shari'ah viewpoint that the contemporary rulers and their administration were not valid nor were they legitimate.  Khilaafah by now had been rendered a more mundane imperial power dependant on complex military power.  Therefore, instead of being involved in politics, Al‑Saadiq concentrated on educating the public about Islam the same way the Prophet (pbuh) had taught it, uncorrupted, which was of far reaching importance in the long run.

AL‑BAAQIR DIES:   

     Imam Al‑Baaqir was 57 years old when he died.  Before his death Al‑Baaqir gave a will of recommendations emphasizing the service of Allah, piety and perfection of character.  Imam Al‑Baaqir's body was buried at Al‑Baqii, near the burial site of his father, Zainul Abideen, great uncle, Al‑Hasan, and great-grandmother, Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, may Allah's peace and blessings be with them.

     When Imam Al‑Baaqir died Al‑Saadiq was 31 years old, and that was the start of his Imamah.  Imamah means a designation (Nass) by the Almighty sent down to Muhammad (pbuh) through Jubra'eel, then passed down from one Imam to the subsequent one. (This is what the Shi'a or Imamah‑Asserters believe in.)  When Ja'far Al‑Saadiq was named to be the Imam, Al‑Baaqir gave him the trust of the Corpus of Knowledge that came from Ali down to each Imam.  Though beforehand he referred to them and guarded them protectively, Imam Ja'far Al‑Saadiq was now not only in possession of them but in charge of them.

QUESTIONS   

1. Name the Hijrah year in which Al‑Saadiq was born.

2. Chart the lineage of Al‑Saadiq.

3. Describe the closeness of Al‑Saadiq with his grandfather Zainul Abideen.

4. Explain the discussions between Al‑Saadiq and his grandfather Zainul Abideen.

5. Who are Ulu Al‑Amr?

6. Who are Al‑Rasikhoon fi Al‑Ilm?

7. Outline the lineage of Al‑Qasim and his relation to Al‑Saadiq.

8. Explain the discussions between Al‑Saadiq and his father Al‑Baaqir.

9. Give an account about the life of, a) Abu Dhar, b) Salman Al‑Farsi, c) Ibn Abbas, and Ammar son of Yasir.

10. How old was Al‑Saadiq when his grandfather Zainul Abideen died?

11. Describe Al‑Saadiq when he was in mid‑teenage.

12. Evaluate the activities of Al‑Saadiq when he was in his twenties.

13. Contrast the growth of the Institute of Ahlul Bayt during the times of Zainul Abideen to that of Al‑Baaqir.

14. Review the life of Al‑Saadiq when he was 30 years old.

15. List the main subjects which Al‑Saadiq learned by the time he reached 30 years of age.

16. Whom did Al‑Saadiq marry?

17. Name the first child of Al‑Saadiq.

18. State the political conditions of the Ummah as the 30 year old Al‑Saadiq saw them.

19. State the conditions of the general public as the 30 year old Al‑Saadiq saw them.

20. Describe the Institute of Ahlul Bayt when Al‑Saadiq reached the age of 30 years.

21. Relate how involved Al‑Saadiq was in politics.

22. Mention the number of the fabricated Hadiths recorded.

23. Mention the number of the fabricators of the Hadith.

24. Al‑Baaqir died at the age of 57, what did he give Al‑Saadiq?

25. What is meant by claiming that Imamah is by Designation (Nass)?