Al-Jawaad The Ninth Imam

1. Al-JawaadThe Ninth Imam By A.S. Hashim. MD

2. Lineage

3. Lineage Grandfather Al-Kadhim Father Al-Ridha Al-Jawaad Progeny of Mary Mother Subeyka Wife of the Prophet

4. Al-Jawaad in early childhood • Born in 195 Hijrah, his father Al-Ridha was 45 Yrs old by then • Was born after a long wait for his father to have a child • Al-Jawaad grew up in the laps of righteousness and piety, with love and tender care. • Is tutored by his father Al-Ridha early on • Memorized the Quran and learned a great deal about Islam quite early

5. Al-Jawaad in Boyhood • Al‑Jawaad grew attached to his father Imam Al‑Ridha, • It was mutual love and understanding.  • Enjoyed going with his father to the Prophet's Mosque where he noticed his father praying, saying Du'aa, and crying. • Al‑Jawaad was the questioner and investigator, and his questions gradually increased in complexity.

6. Al-Jawaad in Boyhood • Al-Ridha was quoting Muhammad (pbuh) by saying to his uncle: • “The son of the best Nubian maid-servants [Al-Jawaad] will be among his [Al-Ridha's] descendants. • He will be pursued, exiled, and deprived of his father.  • His grandson [Al-Mahdi] will be the Imam who goes into occultation.  • It will be said that he [Al-Mahdi] has died or had been killed or any such excuse.”

7. Al-Jawaad in Boyhood • Al‑Jawaad had sharp memory and a great capacity to learn • At a young age Al‑Jawaad: • had memorized the Quran, • learned the meaning of its various parts, • the historical background of some Ayahs, and • many of their intricacies.  • He had an excellent teacher in his father. • He asked complex questions and received appropriate answers by his father.

8. Al-Jawaad in Boyhood • Al-Jawaad learned that: • To support his Khilaafah, Al‑Ma'Moon (the Khalifa) was cleverly utilizing the love of people for Ahlul Bayt, • Al-Ma’Moon was pressuring Al-Ridha to be his deputy (accept the Khilaafah) • The reason is because part of his administration and fighting forces were devotees of Ahlul Bayt • Al-Ridha told his son how much he abhorred this proposal

9. Al-Jawaad in Boyhood • Al-Ridha told his son “When you become the Imam you will be directed by two ways as all the Imams including myself have: • “The first way is by an Unerring Inspiration. • The second is by way of the Al-Muhad'dith.” • Then he added, “Son, our answers to people's inquiries come from: • Our studies of the Corpus of Knowledge.  • By way of inner inspiration, as if there is a compeller within us giving the answer.  The Imam's inspiration is accurate and unerring, it is correct. • Al-Muhad'dith, we may hear his answer but see no one.  • When we reiterate what we had heard the answer is amazingly clear, to the point and correct.”

10. Corpus of Knowledge consists of the following: Quran in chorological order Tafseer (Mus’haf Fatima) Hadith (Saheefa of Ali) Ah’kaam Al-Jafr White Jafr: Prophets and early times Red Jafr: Rules of war in Islam Corpus of Knowledge

11. In his Boyhood • Al‑Ridha advised his son: • Your mind is better than that of most people • I am in my fifties and my final days are near • Being the Imam after me, carry on whatever the circumstances are • Your duty as an Imam will be more difficult on account of your age. • Remember, Allah will support you with the Divine Light. • I may soon be forced to go to Khurasan • Teaching the correct Message of Islam is what counts, and through your grandson the awaited Al‑Mahdi will be born. 

12. The Golden Chain of Narration • Thousands of Hadiths were narrated and quoted by Ahlul Bayt • Each Imam said, "My Hadith is the Hadith of my father, and his is the Hadith of his father, up to Ali, who directly narrated the Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)."   This is called the Golden Chain of Narration. • These Hadiths were of immense importance, since they corrected the inaccuracies and set right the contaminations which had crept into this science.   

14. Golden Chain of Narration: (so far) The Golden Chain of Narration

15. The Golden Chain of Narration

16. By the age of about 10 years • Al‑Jawaad had witnessed the many debates in the court of Khalifa Al‑Ma'Moon • His father (Al-Ridha) was the source and the ultimate reference to the invited scholars. • Al‑Jawaad learned of the courtly life in the Royal Palace and the personalities involved in it. • Al-Jawaad knew of his father’s advice given to Al‑Ma'Moon: • Leave Maru and make Baghdad the capital again, • Remove the Prime Minister from office (who was deceptive), and • Remove him [Al-Ridha] from the heir‑apparent position. • According to this suggestion preparations were underway for moving the headquarters of the government from Maru to Baghdad.

17. In Medina • In Medina, Al-Jawaad was tested by scholars coming from Baghdad, they felt assured and very satisfied • He held discourses in Surba (suburb of Medina) • Many attend his discourses • Surba was built by his grandfather Al-Kadhim • Al-Ma’Moon requests him to move to Baghdad

18. As a Youth • Al-Jawaad stays in Medina for some time carrying out his duties as the Imam • Sometime later Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon requests him to move to Baghdad • Now in Baghdad Al-Jawaad stays for 8 years • The daughter of Khalifa Al‑Ma'Moon Umm Al‑Fadh’l, becomes wife of Al-Jawaad • Baghdad seems fascinating

19. Contest with Ibn Al-Ak'tham • Khalifa Al‑Ma'Moon challenged anyone to outsmart Al‑Jawaad in any field of Islamic Tradition • Benu Abbas chose the highest Supreme Justice of the time, Ibn Al‑Ak'tham. • Ibn Al‑Ak'tham was renowned in the art of argument and persuasion • Ibn Al‑Ak'tham came fully prepared for the contest and Al‑Jawaad was ready for him. 

20. Contest with Ibn Al-Ak'tham II • 900 elders of Benu Abbas and prominent men attended th contest • Ibn Al‑Ak'tham presented the most complex Fiqh query • Al‑Jawaad requested Ibn Al‑Ak'tham to clarify his question and to indicate which of the 11 subdivisions of that query he meant. • Ibn Al‑Ak'tham was stunned, then stuttered, since he did not know about any subdivisions. • Al-Jawaad gave details of each subdivision • Silence fell on the audience, all 900 scholars, including the nobility and dignitaries. Al‑Ma'Moon broke the silence saying, “Did I not tell you that this Progeny (of Ahlul Bayt) has been gifted by the Almighty with limitless knowledge?  Don't you see that no one can cope even with the young of this noble house?”

21. His marriage to Umm Al‑Fadhl • Al‑Jawaad’s marriage to Umm Al‑Fadh’l was not a smooth one. She was daughter of the Khalifa raised in luxury • Al‑Jawaad’s penetrating insight discovered that Umm Al‑Fadh’l was: • a spoiled woman of luxury who was • childish, egotistical, and self‑centered • Al‑Jawaad knew that his wife could not understand his status as the Imam of the Ummah and the `Marji'

22. In Baghdad • Al-Jawaad refuses to live in the Palace of the Khalifa • His wife nags him (prefers the Palace of her father) • But he was tolerant of his wife, Umm Al-Fadh’l • His house was always open for Counsel • Very popular • Was sought after • Became the Counsel for the Khalifa Palace

23. His work in Baghdad • Al‑Jawaad’s thoughts, verdicts, and the counsel had very positive impact • Baghdad was an interesting town, but the opulent court of his father‑in‑law (Khalifa Al‑Ma'Moon) was even more fascinating • He knew that many scholars of Islamic sciences and most Justices (Qadhi) were government employees • Such people resented him due to his age and the verdicts he gave which they could not match

24. The network • The Shi'a were all over by this time with many: • Ministers called Naqeeb and • Representatives called Wakeel • These representatives collected Zakat and Khums funds • Al-Jawaad’s representatives were in Egypt, Iraq, Persia, Yemen, and Syria forming a vast and formidable network.  • The funds were distributed to the poor and needy, and to the Syeds according to their status. 

25. Work in Medina • In the educational effort: • Circles of discussions took place daily.  • Myriad of questions were dealt with • He always answered to the point, and with a cheerful countenance. • People looked up to him and loved him • An example of the reverence shown: his father's uncle, (Ali son of Al‑Saadiq), a highly respected scholar, would join Al-Jawaad’s circle of discussion, standing in deference, calling him my Imam, even though he was Al-Jawaad’s great‑uncle

26. Al-Jawaad in Medina again • Active in teaching in the Institute • Takes charge of the Management of the institute • Gets married again: • Maries descendant of Ammar ibn Yasir (the Sahaabi) • A boy is born one year later (Al-Haadi) • Umm Al-Fadh’l very unhappy

27. Medina to Baghdad once more • Year 224H:   after seven years in Medina, Al‑Jawaad is on his way to Baghdad for the second time • Requested by Al‑Mu'tasim to move to Baghdad.  • His wife Umm Al‑Fadh’l (niece of the present Khalifa) accompanies him.  • He leaves behind his son (Al‑Haadi) with his mother • Al-Haadi was cared for and raised under the exclusive tutelage of his father, Al-Jawaad.

28. Discourse Sites • Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi • Home when in Baghdad • When in Medina, in Surba (town built by Al-Kadhim) • Ka’ba during Haj

29. Ismah Emphasized • Ismah:  Ayah of Tat’heer: Surah  33 :  Ayah  33. • Ahlul Bayt are to be obeyed, not just revered; • Imamah:  was of immense importance. A designated Imam was Ma'soom, i.e., safeguarded by Allah from: • Religious error, • sin, and • forgetfulness. • Those who ignore the Imamah will have ignored a basic pillar in their faith.

30. Contemporary Schools of Thought

31. Al-Jawaad’s Person • Appearance:Imam Al‑Jawaad was fair in complexion, with often a smile, a radiant countenance, with repose • Discourse Capacity:He was renowned for answering questions about Fiqh, Al‑Ah'kaam such as Halal and Haram, quoting the Hadith, Tafseer, and other sciences.  It is said that one authority alone had registered about 30,000 Fiqh queries which he clarified. • Personal Habits: Al‑Jawaad cared for the feeling of others and was gracious to them. • The door of his house was always open for anyone wishing for discussions.  • He employed no guards.  • All his servants and employees were treated equally and fairly, even though he was the son‑in‑law of the Khalifa (Al‑Ma'Moon).

32. Similarities with Forefathers • Al‑Jawaad had similar traits as his forefathers: • He loved to pray, say Du'aas, and do Sujood frequently, • Al‑Jawaad used to fast often (voluntary fasting) • He was a kind person known for his compassion, thus called Al‑Jawaad, meaning the benevolent.  • His courtesy and affection toward friends and distinguished companions were well known to all. • The needy and indigent flocked to him, whether he was in Baghdad or in Medina.  The poor had allowances of charity, and his deputies gave fixed allowances to the needy in various provinces

33. Character • Ethics and Character:  He was the model for others to emulate.  He was virtuous who emphasized piety and was its prototype and model. • Al‑Jawaad was endearingly referred to as Ibn Al‑Ridha. He was renowned for his knowledge of Shari'ah and Fiqh • Generosity:  He was uncommonly hospitable, known for helping the needy, the disadvantaged, and those under financial pressure. • Modesty:He  refused to live in the Royal Palace despite the urging of his wife.  He continued to attend the Royal Palace to counsel, and to resolve any intricate Fiqh question or answer an issue, yet he refused to be a part and parcel of the Palace's Court life.

34. Al-Jawaad dies • Al-Jawaad was sick, he grew weak and the weakness was progressive. • It is reported that his wife, Umm Al-Fadh’l, the daughter of Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon, had poisoned him • The poisoning was at the instigation of her uncle Khalifa Al-Mu'tasim.  • Al-Jawaad was in his twenties when he died • Like his grandfather Al‑Kadhim, he died in a strange land away from family and loved ones • Many were very distressed because they thought there was foul play.

35. Contemporary Khulafaa

36.  Sample Dialogue

37. Select sayings of Al-Jawaad • A believer needs three features:  Success [granted to Him] by Allah, self-admonition, and acceptance of an advice offered to him. • How can one become lost [when] Allah is supporting him?  And how can one escape [when] Allah is chasing him?  For the person who relies not on Allah, Allah will assign him to what that person had relied on.  And the person who acts in ignorance his bad actions will overshadow his good ones. • The person who obeys his passions will give his enemy [Satan] what Satan wishes.

38. Select sayings of Al-Jawaad II •  The one who rejects his brother's good intention will also be displeased with his offerings. • The one who benefits a brother to please Allah, stands a chance to gain an abode in the Garden of Bliss. • Three attributes enable a person to please Allah:  Ample seeking forgiveness, being amiable, and the plentiful giving of Sadaqah [Charity]. • Verily Allah confers continuous bounty on some people:  Such favors continue as long as they spend it to benefit others from them.  But once they keep the bounty to themselves, Allah will take that away and transfer it to others.

39. Sample Advice • Hold on to patience, do not resent indigence, desist [your] lust, decline [your] fancy, and be aware that never will you be away for Allah's sight.  Therefore, see how you would [like to] be. • Refrain from the company of a wicked person, for he is like a withdrawn sword, the looks of which is wonderful but the track [outcome] of which is ghastly. • Deal not with an endeavor before the time of its maturity lest you regret it, and do not drag on [it] lest your hearts become hardened.  Have mercy on the weak among you, and incur mercy from Allah by your treating the weak mercifully.  

40. Sample Du’aa • O Allah!  You are the Preeminent, without precedence before Thee.  You are the Final One with no defined finality. • O Allah!  You brought us into being not because of any subjugation: • And You designed us by Thy wisdom only through Thy choice. • And You are testing us by Thy commands and prohibitions by way of trial. • And You supported us by the tools of faculties. • And You provided us with myriads of means. • And You charged us with what we can bear. • And You have enjoined on us to obey Thee. • O Allah!  Even though You put directives, You gave us the freedom to choose; and even though You had prohibited, You had already warned.  You have granted us abundantly, but asked from us the meager.  • O Allah!  Though Thy command was disobeyed, You showed mercy; and though Thy caliber was slighted, You were charitable.

41. Ziyarah (Visitation) • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ عَلِيٍّ الْبَرَّ التَّقِيَّ الْإِمَامَ الْوَفِيَّ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الرَّضِيُّ الزَّكِيُ‏ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَلِيَّ اللَّهِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا سِرَّ اللَّهِ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا ضِيَاءَ اللَّهِالسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا سَنَاءَ اللَّهِ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا كَلِمَةَ اللَّهِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَحْمَةَ اللَّهِ‏ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النُّورُ السَّاطِعُالسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْبَدْرُ الطَّالِعُ‏ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الطَّيِّبُ مِنَ الطَّيِّبِينَ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الطَّاهِرُ مِنَ الْمُطَهَّرِينَ‏ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْآيَةُ الْعُظْمَى السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْحُجَّةُ الْكُبْرَى‏ • السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْمُطَهَّرُ مِنَ الزَّلاَّتِ……

42. Translation of Ziyarah (Visitation) • Peace be upon you; O Abu-Ja’far,the Pious, the Devout, the Guide, and the Loyal tothe Almighty • Peace be upon you; O the Pleased, the Pure • Peace be upon you; O the Devoted Servant of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Confidant of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Envoy of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Secret of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Light of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Brilliance of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Word of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Mercy of Allah • Peace be upon you; O the Dazzling Light • Peace be upon you; O the Rising full moon…..

43. Burial site nowadays

44. For Details Go to: Islamicbooks.info then choose: Series of Islamic Books: Life of Ahlul Bayt Vol. III

45. Be in Allah’s Care Thank you and May God Bless you. Dr. A.S. Hashim