The Characteristic distinctions of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS)

We all know that the conduct of men is the reflection of their inner character and everyone can be recognized by his conduct.

There are only a very few people who do not spill out their conduct and whatever they have in their interior and do not exhibit it. Whatever they have in their hearts kindles the exterior of the electric lamp like an electric switch.

Whole of the life of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS), like the other Imams (AS), was the enlightened lesson of the real and true Islam. He himself was considered to be the example and specimen of the Islamic ethic, moral and conduct. You cannot find a father and a son among all the people, of all the tribes who may resemble each other from all the angles of ideas, thoughts, character and conduct. But the family of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and his successors all were on the same line and performed their heavenly duty with one aim, one ideology, and did not have any kind of difference in speech, character and ethical conduct. About the ethical value and virtue of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS), it is sufficient that out of four thousands of his students even a single one did not object or criticize upon the moral character and conduct of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS), and did not find a weak point in it.

He was a practical example and specimen for the Muslims with respect to eating, relaxing and resting, walking, speaking, and conducts with others.

He had the same social conduct with his friends as he had with his children.

The Piety and Devotedness of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS)

The piety and abstemiousness is the standard of the man's value. Holy Qur'an, considers all the people as equal, except for those who are decorated with the ornament of piety.

Malik bin Ans says, "Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS) was always busy praying to God and considered to be one of the great ascetic and devoted ones."

Abdul Ala says: On a hot day of summer I saw Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS) on one of the roads of Madina while he was going for a job. I said, "May I lay my life for you, why have you put yourself into inconvenience in such a hot weather, with all the faith upon God and association with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?"

He said, "I have come out for the job and to earn my livelihood, so that I must not remain needy towards others."

Another one says, "I saw Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS) wearing rough dress and he was working in a garden like an ordinary labor and perspiring all over." I said to him "Oh, the son of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) allow me to work for you."

He said, "I love working for my livelihood and to taste the hardship of the burning heat of the sun like others."

When Imam Jafar as Sadiq (AS) went out of the house he used to put on new, clean, valuable and costly dress and climb up a horse.

A group of ignorant people thought this act negated the piety and asceticism.

Therefore, they would come and object and when they heard the response they would be ashamed.