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Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam
Mohammad al-Baqer (PBUH)
Today is 8th of Zil Hajjeh coincides with the
martyrdom anniversary of the 5th infallible Imam
from the Household of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Blessing of
Allah be upon him and his progeny). Due to his great skill
in analysis of different knowledge, Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) was
known as Baqerol Oloum which means the splitter of
knowledge.
On that day the truth-thirsty students gathered around the
Imam like the butterflies around a candle. There was no one
at the vast Islamic land at that time to absorb so many
enthusiasts.
There was no restriction in those classes. All were allowed
to take part in the classes and to ask what they wish. At
this time, a man who all knew to be from Damascus came to
the gathering of Imam Mohammad Baqer (PBUH) and his
students. He sometimes attended the Imam’s classes but he
had a hostile enmity and hostility to the Holy Prophet’s
Household.
On that day the man took advantage of the silence prevailed
over the atmosphere of the class and said: “I want to say
something.” The students’ attention turned to him. The man
addressed Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) as saying: “I have no interest
in the Prophet’s household and in you Mohammad Ben Ali. But
since you have an extraordinary mastery in different
sciences, I attend your classes but this does not mean that
I am your follower or devotee.
”Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) smiled and said to the man: “Never will
be hidden from God.”
After a while the man in question fell sick. No treatment
cured him. He was no more able to move. One night during the
hard and intolerable moments, he saw a distressed or amazed
dream.
He woke up suddenly; his heart was beating hard and was
sweating badly.
So he called his relatives and said: “By God I dreamt that
my soul has separated from my body and I have died. But at
the same time I saw Mohammad Ben Ali who was praying for my
recovery and God materialized his prayer and I returned back
to the world. Now I want you to go to him and ask him to
come to me. I wish I could go to him my self. “
The man’s relatives amazingly looked at each other and
addressing him said: “Aren’t you hostile to Mohammad Ben
Ali? The man frowning said: “I was hostile to him but he
never retaliated. He is such a great and kind that even in
the dream I saw him praying for me. It is unbelievable. Now
I understand what a great mistake I have made. Mohammad Ben
Ali (PBUH) was unique in good temper. Tell him to come to
me. He will certainly do it. “
At morning of the day after, a member of the patient’s
family went to Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH). As usual, the Imam was
preparing to perform morning prayer in Al-Nabi mosque. When
he was informed, he said quietly: “Your patient will remain
alive. Do not worry. Go home. I will come.”
Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) after fulfilling the morning prayer
went to the patient’s house. When he entered the house the
Imam called the man by his name. The man who could hardly
speak out, by hearing the Imam’s voice it seemed that he got
a new life. So he answered: “Yes the son of Gods’
messenger.” Those around amazingly witnessed the story.
Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) got closer to the man and kindly
helped him to sit at his bed. Then the Imam ordered for a
special syrup. The Imam helped the patient to drink the cool
and refreshing water. According to the Imam’s prediction the
patient recovered after a few days and rid from the
sickness. On the first day of his recovery go to Imam AL-
Baqer (PBUH) and sat beside him
and while weeping, he asked the Imam to forgive him. Then he
said:
“I bear testimony that you are the proof of God on the
people of the world. You are the same one to whom one should
turn.
Whoever conclude covenant with another person except you he
will be the loser and fearful.”
Ebne Jozi in his book entitled Tazkeratol Khawass writes:
“A person named Atta said: the domain of knowledge of
scientists was very insignificant as compared to the Imam’s
knowledge. I viewed Hakam Ben Ottaibeh who was a great
scientist at his time. But he was so humble in the presence
of Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH).” Regarding the status of the Imam,
Mohammad Ben Talheh Shafei says:
“He is the splitter of knowledge and a master in all
sciences.
Knowledge is proud by him. His heart is kind and his deed is
pure. He has a good temper and the signs of proximity to God
are clearly seen on his visage.”
Despite his ordinary financial situation, Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH)
was well known for his generosity and benevolence.
Imam Sadeq (PBUH) says: “I saw my father was dividing 8000
Dinars among the poor and freed an 11 member family who were
all slaves.” Imam Mohammad Baqer (PBUH) was martyred on the
order of the Abbassid caliph Hesham Ebne Abdol Malek in 114
AH.
For his honored existence was the people’s focus to the high
truths of Islam. Hesham knew that Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) is the
source of awareness and consciousness of people and he saw
during the Imam’s travel to Haj pilgrimage how
enthusiastically people gathered around him. All these
caused the Abbasid caliph not to tolerate the auspicious
existence of Imam Mohammad Baqer (PBUH).
Once again we offer our condolences on the martyrdom
anniversary of Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) and conclude our program
with an excerpt from the Imam’s statements.
Imam AL- Baqer (PBUH) addressing his son said:
“Keep away from malaise and boredom. Since these two are a
commence for any evilness. If you are lethargic you will not
be able to materialize a right. “
The Imam also said:
“Whoever puts his burden on the shoulder of people, he will |
