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The Fifth Imam: Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) PDF Print E-mail
baqi1 Name: Muhammed ibn 'Ali
Titles: Al-Baqir
Kuniya: Abu Ja'far
Birth date: Tuesday, 1st Rajab, 57 A.H. in Madina
Father: Imam 'Ali As-Sajjad (peace be upon him), 4th Holy Imam
Mother: Fatema binte Hasan (daughter of Imam Hasan Al-Mujtaba)
Martyred: Monday, 7th Zilhajj, 116 A.H. at age 59 years
Buried: Jannatul Baqi

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The Fifth Imam (as) played a significant role in the development of early Islam. He (as) is respected as a great scholar amongst all the traditions within Islam and even those who did not believe in Imamah looked to him(as) for explanation of fiqh.

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Some of the key theological issues that the Imam (as) dealt with were the nature of: iman, taqiyya, qada wa qadar and tawhid. Much of how we now understand the nature of Imamah was articulated by Imam al-Baqir (as) who explained the Quran and hadith basis of Imamah as well as its theological underpinnings.

Within the Shi'a community the Imam (as) had various rivals. Some of these, such as Zayd, are still remembered today, whereas others such as the Kaysaniyya have been more or less forgotten. In addition the Imam (as) had to deal with the perennial problem of the ghulats.

The clearest explanation of the teachings of Imam al-Baqir (as) as well as the theological/historical context of his (as) life is 'Early Shi'i Thought' by Arzina R. Lalani. Perhaps the best way to remember this Imam (as), indeed all of the Imams (as), is, rather than listen to a list of miracles the Imam (as) may have performed, to read up on the actual guidance the Imam (as) freely gave to all Muslims, indeed to anyone who asked.

The Imam (a.s.) has said:

'Islam is built on seven pillars: walaya, tahara, salat, zakat, sawm, hajj and jihad. Walaya is the best among them, because through it and through the one to whom allegiance should be paid, the knowledge of the other pillars is reached' (al-Kafi, vol 1, p.290).
 
'Allah the Almighty and Exalted was there (when) nothing was there except Him. He always knew what will be, and His knowledge of a thing before it comes into existence is like His knowledge of it after it comes into being.' (al-Kafi, Vol 1, pp 107, 154).

 

Submitted by Steven Davies

 
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