Hazrat Mohammad Ibn ALI
, PBUH
, who was nicknamed as
Javad, Taqi , Ibn Al Reza or Aba Jafar was born in
Medina in 195 Hegira, and at the age of 25 ,According to an order
issued by the then caliph Mo'tasem from Abbasi dynasty , he was
martyred .
Hazrat Javad was the first Shiite imam who
was appointed as Imam in his youth . But , miraculously he came
superior in various sciences , theology ,literature, religious
science , and wisdom among the top intellectuals and think
tanks of the time. Ma'moun and Mo'tasem Caliphs from Abbasi dynasty
held several scientific debates to undermine Imam Javad , PBUH
, However , the Imam defeated theologists , philosophers , and
top clergymen of the time in a way that everyone was either puzzled
or jealous on him. Ma'moun was a cunning , experienced
politician. He firstly arranged private debate sessions to put Imam
javad's knowledge in test. if the Imam was not able to handle the
questions, then the caliph could possibly convene open meetings to
discredit him in public. But on the contrary to Ma'moun's strategy,
Mo'tasem took another initiative . He held the debate sessions with
ministers, statesmen , senior army officers and courtiers in
attendance . Therefore, normally people picked up the news of Imam's
scientific victories and consequently gained reputation for
Imam , which was utterly against the interest of Mo'tasem ,
and his reign.
Now , the Imam was reckoned as a threat to the caliph and should be liquidated.
The plot of his murder was arranged four
days after one of the debates . Historically, a burglar was
brought to the session and came clean about his theft , while
the caliph was in attendance. Mo'tasem inquired the Muftis about the
burglar's punishment and they presented their
Fatwas2
one by one:" his forearm should be cut!" , " His Elbow should
be cut". And some radicals even voted for his arm to be cut.
Mo'tasem asked Imam's view, and he instantly requested
the caliph to be excused . But Mo'tasem persisted and went:"
Swear to GOD that you wouldn't leave the debate unless you
represent your fatwa about the punishment ." You resorted to Holy
Name", Imam Javad , PBUH, said .
Then , he said: " The burglar's fingers should be cut as the prophet of Islam has said :" While a worshiper
prays to God , seven body organs must touch the ground, including
palms, and if you cut the forearm, elbow or arm, he wouldn't be able
to lay palms on earth to praise to God, " According to Quran, those
7 organs belong to God and should not be cut " Imam Javad said .
Mo'tasem was delighted and approved the fatwa, however , Ahmad Ibn
Dawoud , the magistrate was jealous , because his fatwa was
dismissed by the caliph. Three days later , the magistrate went to
Mo'tasem. " I'd like to give you a piece of advice ". Ahmad said : "
When you convene a session with noble scientists , clerics and
statesmen , and accept Mohammad Ibn Javad verdict in
public, people would gradually notice him and approve of his
status which is a threat to your reign " , the magistrate added. The
words sounded an alarm in the caliph's mind and forced him to work
out a murder plot to wipe out Imam Javad , PBUH. Mo'tasem , after a
while , poisoned and martyred the Imam , and put an end to his
precious life , who was passed purely for divine cause. " Science is
adorned by humbleness : wisdom is embellished by courtesy and
benevolent task is pretty without mentioning it."
Imam Javad (AS)
1. Peace be upon him
2. The idea of the Shiite leader