The Shia of Al-Baqir

Written by: Arsalan Rizvi

Islamic Insights - Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) was born on the first day of Rajab, in the year 57 AH. As Shias, we take great pride in the religious and academic contributions of our Imams, in particular Imam al-Baqir, who laid the foundation for Shia jurisprudence in the holy city of Medina and served as teacher and mentor to many scholars and thinkers of other schools of Islamic thought. As we commemorate his birthday this week, let us take a moment to ponder on our identity as Shia Muslims, and how the Imam himself describes his true Shias and followers:

"Our Shias fear Allah and obey Him. They are humble and pious. They pay the trust. They praise Allah very much. They perform the prayers and the fasting. They obey the parents. They take care of the poor neighbors, the needy, the debtors, and the orphans. They are truthful in talking. They recite the Qur'an. They hold back their tongues from (speaking against) people except good. Thus, they are the custodians of their tribes over all things." (Tuhaf al-Uqool)

"Your strong one should help your weak one. Your rich one should be kind to your poor one. The man should be loyal to his brother as he is loyal to himself. Keep our secrets. Do not force the people to follow us. Consider carefully our affair and what has been mentioned on our authority. If you find it in agreement with the Qur'an, then put it into effect. If you find it contrary to the Qur'an, then leave it. If you doubt the affair, then stop and ask us to explain it to you." (Diya al-Amilin)

"The Shias of Ali, peace be on him, sacrifice their lives for our authority. They love each other, for they love us. They visit each other to enliven our affair. When they become angry, they do not do wrong. When they are pleased, they do not go too far (in pleasure). They are a blessing for him who is their neighbor them. And they are peace for him who associates with them." (Tuhaf al-Uqool)