Questions about Al-Kadhim

Questions about Al-Kadhim His Imamah 40 Questions A.S. Hashim, MD

Definition of Terms in this Slide Show • Institute of Ahlul Bayt: Refers to the teachings and discussions by Ahlul Bayt. This was conducted at: • The house of the Imam • Masjid Al-Nabawi • At or near the Grand Mosque during Haj • Piety-minded: Refers to the many Schools of thought: Like that of Ibn Abbas, of Ibn Omar, Jabriah, Qadariyah, Murj’iah, Ahlul Raa’y, Ahlul Qiyas, etc.

Al-Kadhim saw the continued need for the Tradition of the Muhammad (pbuh) and his teaching (I'lm), People in quest were cultured, many of whom were scholars, a+b+ They were in quest of the authentic Hadith, Tafseer, and the genuine Islamic Directives as the Prophet had taught them but narrated by Ahlul Bayt. c+ as narrated by Ibn Abbas Elaborate on the continued need for the I'lm as Al-Kadhim saw it. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Give the name of the newborn to the family of Imam Al-Kadhim. • Within a short time of Al-Kadhim's Imamah Al-Ridha was born. • After 7 years of Al-Kadhim's Imamah Al-Ridha was born. • Al-Ridha was born before Al-Kadhim's Imamah • Within a short time of Al-Kadhim's Imamah Al-Haadi was born. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Describe 3 personal traits of Imam Al-Kadhim. • Al-Kadhim had an appearance commanding reverence and high esteem. • He had a radiant countenance, a cheerful look with repose which gave a sense of comfort and ease in his presence. • Al-Kadhim was a man of medium height, fair in color, and with a thick beard. • All the above Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

List some important traits in which Al-Kadhim was similar to Zainul Abideen. • Al-Kadhim used to do Sujood frequently, • Al-Kadhim used to perform Salat to an excessive extent, more so Salat of Tahaj’jud. • Al-Kadhim used to cry often out of awe and reverence to Allah. • a+b+c+ Al-Kadhim used to fast quite often during the year. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

List more personal traits of Al-Kadhim similar to Zainul Abideen’s. • To perform Haj or Omrah, Al-Kadhim used to travel on foot accompanied by his family • And as Zainul Abideen used to do, Al-Kadhim used to go at night to distribute food, flour, and money to the needy without being known • a+b+ It is said that Imam Al-Kadhim was instrumental in freeing about 1,000 slaves during his lifetime • a+b+ Al-Kadhim freed about 118 slaves during his lifetime Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Evaluate Al-Kadhim’s discourses • As the Imam, Al-Kadhim was revered and people flocked for his discussions. • He was renowned for quoting the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh). • a+b+ It is said that the number of such quoted Hadiths were more than the subsequent Imams rendered. • The Institute was buzzing with activity during his time Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What did Khalifa Al-Rashid say to his son, about Al-Kadhim? • As he was talking to his son Al-Ma’Moon, Al-Rashid said: هذا إمام الناس، وحجة الله على خلقه، وخليفته على عباده “Al-Kadhim Is the Imam of this Ummah, and Allah's sign over His creation, and he is the commander over them.” • At another time he said: يا بنيَّ هذا وارث علم النبيين، هذا موسى بن جعفر، إن إردتَّ العلم الصحيح فعند هذا • “Son, [Al-Kadhim] is the inheritor of knowledge of the Prophets, he is Musa Ibn Ja'far, and if you want to seek correct knowledge seek it from him.” • All the above

Quote what Al-Saadiq said about Al-Kadhim • Imam Al‑Saadiq was quoted saying, “Treat him with kindness. He is the most meritorious (Af'dhal) of my children and the one who will succeed me. He is the one who will undertake (Qaa'im) my position. He is Allah's proof (Hujja) to all His creatures after me.”. • I love him • a+ I admire him • He will rule soon Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Enumerate some traits about Imam Al-Kadhim’s character: • Al‑Kadhim was the most religious of men in his time, • the most knowledgeable in Shari'ah and Fiqh, • And the most generous and the noblest. • a+b+c+ His nobility, virtue, rectitude, and integrity were proverbial. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Enumerate more traits about Imam Al-Kadhim’s character: • Al-Kadhim talked when need be, • was more often silent unless asked, • a+b+ answered questions when directed to him, and he was known to be a non-complainer. He did not even protest when arrested without charges and taken to be incarcerated. • a+b+ He complained all the time. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Describe the meaning and effect of passive resistance. • Al-Kadhim recommended to his devotees not to directly deal with the Abbasi government. • a+ Al-Kadhim did not give the government its constitutional right, since it was illegal from Shari'ah point of view. • Al-Kadhim welcomed the Khilaafah of Benu Abbas • c+ He urged the people to lend the Khalifa a helping hand Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Give the reasons for the limitations imposed on the Institute by Benu Abbas. • At the start of Al-Kadhim’s Imamah, Khalifa Al-Mansoor had introduced severe measures of surveillance against Ahlul Bayt. • Therefore Imam Al-Kadhim could hardly meet with most of the Institute's students, • a+b+ therefore, by necessity the Institute's activities became restricted and quite limited. • The Institute's activities exceeded full force after Al-Mansoor died Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Discuss why Ahlul Bayt refused to give constitutional rights to Benu Abbas. • Ahlul Bayt regarded the Abbasi rule improper and labeled it as illegal from Shari'ah viewpoint. • Ahlul Bayt loved the Khalifas and: • b+ They were after the lavish favors of the Khalifa • They did not want to follow suit like other school of thoughts Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How did the Piety-minded movements consider Benu Abbas. • The Piety minded movements looked down upon Benu Abbas' rule and at best gave them a very secondary role. • Ahlul Bayt and at first most of the Piety-minded were more or less the opposition party to the rule of Benu Abbas, • a+b+ therefore Benu Abbas resented them very much and animosity grew toward them. • a+b+ Benu Abbas dealt them a death blow. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How did Al-Mahdi entice the Piety-minded to gain their cooperation? • Al-Mahdi (son of Al-Mansoor) was less suspicious than his father, and more religiously oriented. • The Piety-minded concluded they had to swallow the bitter pill, and start to cooperate with the rulers. • a+b+ Ahlul Bayt however continued to be unbending and holding to the Islamic Directives fully, since Al-Kadhim was representing Muhammad (pbuh) as the head of the Islamic Ummah at that time. • a+b+ Because he was the Marji’ after Imam Al-Ridha Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How was the work of Al-Kadhim during Al-Mansoor’s compared to Al-Mahdi’s times. • Less suspicious than his father, Al-Mahdi's times were easier, • So Al-Kadhim's activities were accelerated and the Institute more active. • a+b+ Even then, Khalifa Al-Mahdi wanted to be assured that Al-Kadhim had no malice or any plans against him. • Al-Mahdi befriended Al-Kadhim and seeked his advice. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What is the status of Ahlul Bayt's Institute at the beginning of Haroon Al-Rashid’s Khilaafah. • The Institute (ever popular) had grown to such an extent that it had held extreme power. • It continued to be uncompromising with Benu Abbas and exposing the un‑Islamic activities of the Khalifa and his courtiers. • The Institute following spread over such a vast area that its formidable underground network frightened the Khalifa • a+b+c+ The informants’ reports produced much suspicion, and the Khalifa was in a dilemma as to what to do. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Review the status of the intellectual centers during Al-Rashid’s Khilaafah. • The intellectual centers spearheaded by Ahlul Bayt were blooming. • They were in Mecca, Kufa, Basrah, Qum, and now Baghdad itself, • At the same time non-Muslims were accepting Islam by the millions, intellectuals and commoners alike, • a+b+c+ Islam was the status symbol, and being non-Muslim was a stigma. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What was the standard of living at Al-Kadhim’s time? • The standard of living was much higher than in the past. • There was social well being, vigor, and vitality. • Islam was robust and had shaped the nation with an entrenched Islamic culture, despite the political situation. • a+b+c+ Iraq was called Al Sawaad, since its soil was very rich and highly productive. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Give an account of the importance of paper manufacture and the spread of knowledge. • Paper manufacture was introduced from China at the time of Haroon Al-Rashid. • Once readily available, paper helped make the spreading of knowledge easier. • a+b+ The media consisted of writing by hand, then copying by hand too. Verbal means of communication was easier but highly inaccurate. • Literacy has not become popular as of yet. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What is the Chain of Golden Narration up to the time of Al-Kadhim. • Ali, Al-Hasan, Al-Husain, Zainul Abideen, Al-Baaqir, and Al-Saadiq • Ali, Al-Hasan, Al-Husain, and Al-Saadiq, • Ali, Al-Hasan, Al-Husain, and Al-Ridha • Ali, Al-Hasan, Al-Husain, and Al-Haadi Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How was the status of the devotees of Ahlul Bayt at Al-Kadhim’s time? • By the time Imam Al-Kadhim had reached the age of 51, his son Al Ridha was 31, • and his following had increased and multiplied, and the devotees (Imamah Asserters or Shi'a) were all over, locally and far away. • His Institute and its sphere of influence was almost like a government inside a government, • All the above. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How was the status of the Institute of Ahlul Bayt at Al-Kadhim’s time? • The Institute was the reference of most seekers of knowledge • Since the students were everywhere, the teachings of Al-Kadhim and Al-Saadiq were often the core of discussions at general meetings, private gatherings • a+b+ These secondary and tertiary sources spread the teachings in new places: Iraq, Syria, Persia, Egypt, North Africa, and Yemen • a+b+ This multiplied the effort of Al-Rashid to put a stop to it. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Briefly discuss the detention and incarceration of Imam Al-Kadhim. • Haroon Al-Rashid, intolerant to any challenge, determined to deal with Al-Kadhim in his way. • He was returning from Haj, and he stopped in Medina. • After visiting the tomb of the Prophet he gave his ominous order, to arrest Imam Al-Kadhim • a+b+c+ This was without charges, they took Al-Kadhim to Basrah, where he was detained for one year. This took place in 179H. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What did Al-Rashid do before arresting Al-Kadhim? • When in Medina, Al-Rashid visited the tomb of the Prophet (pbuh) • and he said, as if feeling the gravity of his hideous intention, • a+b+ “O Messenger of Allah, forgive me for what I intend to do.” • “O Messenger of Allah, allow me to arrest Al-Kadhim, who is denying me my right for Khilaafah.” Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Give some details about the orders Al-Rashid gave about Al-Kadhim? • Being apprehensive of any possible attempt to rescue the Imam, • Al-Rashid ordered two camel domes to be prepared, • In one he seated the Imam and sent him to Basrah escorted by a sizeable military detachment. • The other dome was empty and it was sent to Baghdad with an equal number of soldiers. • a+b+ This was to confuse and distract the attention of people by keeping the place of imprisonment unknown. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How did the family of Al-Kadhim feel? • It was a shocking event for the family, they could not even see him or bid him farewell. • They only learned about his whereabouts when they received the news that he had been imprisoned by the government. • a+b They were extremely distressed of course, and so was the Imam. • a+b+c+ They took up arms and tried to rescue him. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What did the governor of Basrah observe? • Seeing Al-Kadhim constantly praying with Du'aas of praise and thanks to Allah, that went on for one year, • He wanted to be relieved from his ugly duty, • a+b Thus he asked his cousin the Khalifa to relieve him from the responsibility. • a+ The Governor was heading an uprising against Al-Rashid on behalf of Al-Kadhim Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What next? • By order of the Khalifa, Al-Kadhim was transferred to Baghdad. • He was put under detention for more than a year with Ibn Rabi' in charge. • a+b Ibn Rabi' too saw the behavior of Al-Kadhim in constant worship, and he did not want to be a part of the ghastly duty and asked to be relieved from the responsibility. • Ibn Rabi' was extremely kindly and he took lessons at the hand of Al-Kadhim Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What went on after that? • Still determined, Al-Rashid transferred the duty to Al-Fadhl Ibn Al-Barmaki. Ibn Al-Barmaki was very impressed by Al-Kadhim’s constant Salats, especially Salat of Tahajjud, Saum and Du'aa. • a+ He held Al-Kadhim in honor and made his stay very comfortable. • Al-Rashid became mad at Al-Barmaki and removed him from office • Al-Rashid became well satisfied and he released Al-Kadhim immediately. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

What happened by the 4th year of imprisonment? • By the fourth year of imprisonment, Al-Kadhim was weak, pale, and probably undernourished, he developed fever. • a+ The fever continued, the Imam became weaker and weaker and by the third day he died, still in prison. • The question of premeditated murder was obvious. • Many rumors continued to haunt people of Medina. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Are there other narrations about the events of Al-Kadhim’s death? • It is narrated that Imam Al-Kadhim was poisoned by way of planning of the father of Al-Fadhl Ibn Al-Barmaki • Poisoning was carried out by the chief of police, Ibn Shaahik. • Ibn Shaahik who was a ruthless, stone hearted man, was the Chief of Police of Haroon Al-Rashid. • a+b+c+ Al-Kadhim died away from home and family, in prison, at the age of 55 years. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Did Al-Kadhim complain while in prison? • Though he was four years in prison, Al-Kadhim was never heard to have complained or even criticized Haroon Al-Rashid. • a+ Some authors claim that he was imprisoned for 7 or even 10 years • Al-Kadhim complained quite often to the guard about bad food • Al-Kadhim was in prison for 14 years. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

How was Medina without Al-Kadhim? • With the arrest of Al-Kadhim, Medina and other communities were in an uproar, • The feeling was worrisome and extremely somber • Al-Kadhim was extremely popular and revered everywhere • a+b+c+ His students dearly missed him as well as his precious discourses. His son, Ali Al-Ridha, took his place to continue the functions of the Institute though he was not the Imam as of yet. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Couldn’t any body raise their ire to release Al-Kadhim? • With a dictator like Al-Rasheed, whose word was final, no one could object otherwise they would lose his life • Haroon Al-Rashid, like other rulers, always had the executioner at the ready. • a+b+ Al-Kadhim’s family missed him so, and were in anxiety constantly, worried about his well-being. The pain of separation was too much to take, be it by his children, women, cousins, friends, or students. • Al-Rashid took Al-Kadhim to court for just trial as Islam teaches. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

The imprisonment and death in prison • After having withstood unendurable pressure Al-Kadhim died at the age of 55. • Despite the upheavals and the impulsive, erratic rulers during his lifetime, Al-Kadhim brilliantly delivered clear, precise, distinct, and authentic Islamic knowledge. • a+b+c+ His death was mourned by numerous people who held him in the highest regard as the Imam of the time. • He died at the age of 78 years. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Discuss the circumstances in which Al-Kadhim died. • When Al-Kadhim died the authorities called on high ranking people to witness that Al-Kadhim had died a natural death. • After the funeral rituals, the funeral procession was stopped at the bridge in Baghdad, • Al-Kadhim’s face was shown to the people to convey the fact that he had died a natural death—for such was their guilt feeling. • a+b+c+ Al-Kadhim was buried in Benu Hashim graveyard in Baghdad. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Discuss the advice Imam Al-Kadhim gave to his son. • “Son, let not Allah see you in an act from which He had prohibited you, nor let Him miss you in an act of obedience which He had ordered you to perform. I ask you to be diligent in your worship. • Think not that you have worshipped Allah enough, for Allah cannot be worshipped adequately as He should. • Son, avoid frequent joking because it takes away the Noor [Light] of your faith and carries away your propriety. • a+b+c+ Beware of discontent and lethargy, for they hinder your lot of the present life and the next.” Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Quote some sayings of Imam Al-Kadhim. • The atonement for the wrongs of a malicious ruler is to effect good deeds to others. • Be not a person without character who says `I follow the crowd'. For Allah's Messenger (pbuh) has said, “There are but two ways: One leads to good and the other to evil. Let you people prefer the way to the good.” • Once he comprehends Allah his Lord, a person should neither consider his livelihood meager nor faults Allah in His Decree • a+b+c+ Be not averse to spend in Allah's cause, lest you spend twice as much in Allah's disobedience. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Quote more of Al-Kadhim’s sayings. • The person who accedes to wicked deeds will have no space in his heart for moral deeds. • When two people exchange insults, the superior in rank will have degraded himself to the lowly one. • The magnitude of the wrong-doing is gauged best by the one who is subjected to it. • a+b+c+ To cultivate affinity [good terms] with people constitutes a large measure of wisdom. Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

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Questions, Al-Kadhim, his Imamah

Questions about Al-Kadhim