The Representative of Allah (SWT) in Imamat is Like His
Representative in Nubuwwat
After the martyrdom of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (PBUH), Ma’moon moved
his central power in Khurasan to
Baghdad.
He then sent a letter to Imam Muhammad Taghi al-Jawad (PBUH) and
summoned him respectfully and honorably acknowledging his knowledge and
superiority.
The
elders of the Abbasid Dynasty immensely disagreed with this matter
because the Imam was not only from the Hashemi tribe, but he was
also a child. Ma’moon however convinced the Abbasids through arranging
a debate between the contemporary scholars and Imam Jawad (PBUH). He set
up an enormous debate session. After the Abbasids saw the Imam defeat
all other scholars, they had no other choice, but to agree with Ma’moon
suggestion.
Imam Jawad (PBUH) has explained the possibility of being a child and yet
a representative of Allah (SWT) who defends the religion of Allah (SWT)
through the Holy Quran, and logical and scientific reasoning.
Ali
ibn Asbat narrates: One day when the child Imam Jawad (PBUH) was coming
towards me, I deeply stared at him to memorize his appearance. I wanted
to describe him for my friends when I returned to my town.
Imam Jawad (PBUH) interrupted my thoughts as he sat and said: “Allah’s
representative (Hujjat) in Imamat is similar to His
representative in Nubuwwat. Allah in Quran says: ‘And We gave him the
command for prophethood in childhood’ (the Holy Quran, 19:12. He also
says: ‘When Yusuf attained his full manhood, We gave him power and
knowledge’ (the Holy Quran, 12:22). Furthermore He says: ‘And when he
reached the age of full strength and attained forty years’ (the Holy
Quran, 46:15).
So,
he deserves to be offered wisdom in childhood, as he is in the age of
forty.”
(Selected from: The History of 14 Infallibles, by Sayyid Muhammad Baqir
Majlesi, with some changes) |