The Generous and Pious Part 2

The Miraculous Imamate

At the time of Imam Reza's death, Imam Javad was only 9 years old. Naturally, there were those that believed that due to his youth, the Imam could not inherit something as significant and great as the Imamate. However, it soon became apparent to even the most learned of Islamic scholars that Muhammad Javad possessed a level of knowledge that no fallible could claim. Imam Reza had declared his son as next Imam, and when his companions inquired about Imam Javad's tender age, Imam Reza told them, ‘

Even at a young age, Imam Javad held a level of piety, knowledge, forbearance, and justice only known to the divinely appointed Prophets and Imams. He was thus able to challenge even the most learned in Islamic sciences. One such example would be his encounter with Yahya ibn Akhtham, who was at the time considered among the most learned of scholars. He had attempted to humiliate the Imam (who was at the time very young) by asking him: ‘What is atonement for a person who hunts while he is dressed in the pilgrimage garb (Ahram)?’ The prodigious Imam calmly replied to the question posed, ‘Your question is utterly vague and lacks definition. You should first clarify whether the game killed was outside the sanctified area or inside it, whether the hunter was aware of his sin or did so in ignorance, did he kill the game purposely or by mistake, was the hunter a slave or a free man, was he adult or minor, did he commit the sin for the first time or had he done so before, was the hunted game a bird or something else, was it a small animal or a big one, is the sinner sorry for the misdeed or does he insist on it, did he kill it secretly at night or openly during daylight, was he putting on the pilgrimage garb for Hajj or for the Umra? Unless you clarify and define these aspects, how can you have a definite answer?!’

Imam Javad"s responses caused both laymen and clerics alike to be astounded by his endless knowledge in jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis, and the science of traditions. At this point, it had become obvious to everyone, including the Caliph, that God-given knowledge was not bound by age and did not depend on material resources.

Pearls by Imam Javad

Imam Javad"s character and piety occupied the highest position possible for a human, and his traditions are a testament to his moral excellence:

Having reliance in God is more of (value or worth) and more precious of anything and is a traddle towards perfections.

Don"t be among those that apparently are friends with God, but His enemy in behind!

And do know that indeed Allah is the All-Clement and All-Knowing, and His wrath is upon the one who does not accept His pleasure. And verily the one who does not accept His grant is refused that. And the one who does not accept His guidance goes astray.

Tending rewards God by hearts is more impressive than tiring members by deeds.

Increase of blessing is not interrupted by God, unless thanksgiving is interrupted by slaves.

The Martyrdom of Imam Javad

Imam Javad was murdered by his wife Umm Fadhl, who poisoned his food when the Imam was only 25 years of age. His Imamate had only lasted 17 years, but however short his leadership was for the Muslims, his life continues as an example of forbearance and generosity. Imam Javad, like the rest of the Infallibles, lived a life in which they were tyrannically opposed for being sources of guidance and justice for the Muslims against a corrupt leadership.

References:

(1) Akhlaq al-Aimma: Morals of the Imams

(2) The Infallibles: Imam Muhammad al-Taqi

(3) The Life of Imam Muhammad al-Taqi

Author: Huda Jawad

Other links:

Imam Javad (as) Migration to Iraq

Imam Mohammad Taqi(AS) and Enemies of Islam

Imam Al-Javad (A.S.) Contact with the World of Unseen

The Moral Features of Imam Al- javad (A.S.)

Imam Muhammad At-Taqi (AS)