Questions about Al-Jawaad

1. Questions about Al-Jawaad Up to his Imamah 35 Questions A.S. Hashim, MD

2. 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 the Hanafi, Maaliki, Shafi'i, As'haab Al-Hadith, Ibn Abbas, etc.

3. Who was the father of Al-Jawaad? • Al-Jawaad’s father was Imam Al Ridha who • was married for a good many years but without an offspring. • When Al-Jawaad was born his father was about 45 yrs old. • Al Ridha said the Athan in the baby's right ear and the Iqaama in the left, • a+b+ and performed the Aqeeqah as was done to every newborn in the family • b+ His father’s age was 32 yrs Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

4. What is the lineage of Al-Jawaad? • His lineage came from the line of Ahlul Bayt through Al-Ridha. • His mother was Subeyka • a+b+ Subeyka was of the progeny of Mary (Maria Al-Qubtiyyah) who was the wife of Prophet Muhammad and the mother of Ibrahim, the Prophet's son who died in childhood. • a+b+ His mother was of the progeny of Benu Abbas Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

5. Discuss what Muhammad (pbuh) had said about Al-Jawaad. • Al-Ridha quoted the Prophet (pbuh) saying: • The son of the best Nubian maid-servants [Al-Jawaad] will be among 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. • Al-Ridha was quoting Imam Ali. • Al-Ridha was quoting Imam Al-Baaqir • Al-Ridha was quoting Imam A-Saadiq Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

6. Specify what Al-Jawaad had learned in early childhood. • Al-Jawaad had memorized the Holy Quran and he learned the meaning of its various parts, the historical background of some Ayahs, and many of their intricate parts. • Al-Jawaad learned a good deal of Hadith and Ah’kaams • a+b+ And he intuitively asked complex questions and received appropriate answers by his father. • He preferred to play with friends than keep learning. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

7. Discuss three sources from which an Imam answers Islamic questions and queries. • The first way is by an Unerring Inspiration. • a+ The second is by way of the Al-Muhad'dith. • a+ The second way by the encyclopedia • a+ The second way by the Internet Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

8. What is the Unerring-Inspiration? • The Un-Erring Inspiration is an inner inspiration, as if there is a compeller within, giving the answer to the Imam. • The Imam's inspiration is correct, accurate and unerring. • a+b+ Al-Saadiq was quoted saying “We have Al-Naq'ru fi Al-Asmaa' and Al-Naqt fi Al-Quloob”, meaning the Muhad'dith and the Un-Erring Inspiration respectively. • The Un-Erring Inspiration affects people other than Imams too. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

9. What is meant by Al-Muhad'dith? • Al-Muhad'dith, is by the Imam when he hears the answer but sees no one giving it. • The answer is amazingly correct, clear, to the point.” • a+b+ Al-Saadiq was quoted “We have Al-Naq'ru fi Al-Asmaa' and Al-Naqt fi Al-Quloob”, meaning the Muhad'dith and the Un-Erring Inspiration respectively.  • Al-Muhad'dith reaches people other than Imams too. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

10. Explain the meaning of I'lm. • Al-Jawaad explained the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) and quoting his Hadiths, • Explaining the Tafseer of the Holy Quran, • Explaining the Fiqh and other Islamic sciences of Tradition (I'lm). • a+b+c+ He was the seat of knowledge, the 9th of the Chain of Golden Narration. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

11. Elucidate the Shi’a spread over the Ummah. • By Al-Jawaad’s time the Shi'a were all over the Ummah, • They had ministers [Naqeeb] and representatives [Wakeel] • Who collected the Zakat and Khums funds, • a+b+c+ And distributed the funds to the needy and indigent. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

12. Which areas were the Shi’a spread? • The representatives were in: • Egypt, and Iraq, • Persia, Yemen, and Syria • Forming a vast and formidable network. • The funds were distributed to the poor and disadvantaged in various areas, and to the Sayids in Medina according to their status. • a+b+c+ It was like a government inside the Abbasi government. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

13. Were the Shi’a in government positions? • Under Al-Jawaad's directions, his representatives allowed their partisans to work in the Abbasi administration more than ever before, • Some became Governors, Qadhi, or with high ranks in the Wazir’s office. • a+b+ Benu Abbas encouraged Al-Jawaad to teach, give verdicts, and answer the scholars, he was unhampered. • There was too much pressure on him, it hampered his effort. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

14. Why did Al-Ma'Moon marry his daughter Umm Al-Fadh’l to Imam Al-Jawaad? • To bring friendly relationship with the Devotees of Ahlul Bayt, • More likely however, was to stunt the works of the Institute in Medina.  • a+b+ By taking away the Imams, the cohesiveness and the integrity of the Institute’s works in Medina would decline.  • Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon was an extremist Shi’a and loved Al-Jawaad very much. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

15. Describe the manner of living Imam Al-Jawaad insisted on in Baghdad. • Al-Jawaad refused to live in the Royal Palace despite the urging of his wife. • He could not stand the opulence of the headquarters with its undercurrent un-Islamic practices. • a+b+ He continued to attend the Royal Palace to • counsel, and to resolve any intricate Fiqh questions • or to answer anyone who posed an issue. • Al-Jawaad loved the opulence of the Palace. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

16. Why did scholars continue to study at the hands of Ahlul Bayt. • Al-Jawaad was a link in the chain of works to teach Islam exactly as Muhammad (pbuh) had taught it. • Al-Jawaad's mission was the same as his forefathers', • explaining the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and quoting his Hadiths, • explaining the Tafseer of the Holy Quran, the Fiqh andother Islamic sciences of Tradition (I'lm). • a+b+ He was the seat of knowledge, the 9th link of the Chain of Golden Narration. • Al-Ma’Moon thought Al-Jawaad was too young to contribute any meaningful knowledge to the scholars. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

17. How was the married life of Al-Jawaad with Umm Al-Fadh’l? • Al-Jawaad had un-satisfying marriage with Umm Al-Fadh’l daughter of Al-Ma’Moon. • Umm Al-Fadh’l, was selfish, unstable, egotistic, and self indulgent. He tolerated her with pain. • a+b+ Back in Medina, Al-Jawaad married Samaanah by whom he had a son, [Al-Haadi], • Umm Al-Fadh’l loved Medina and its environment. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

18. Mention the discourse activities of Imam Al-Jawaad. • People held Al-Jawaad with reverence and were attracted by his discussions. • He was renowned for answering numerous questions about Fiqh, Ah’kaam, Hadith, Tafseer, and other Islamic sciences. • It is said that one authority alone had registered about 30,000 Fiqh intricacies (inquiries) through him. • a+b+c+ Al-Jawaad used to hold discussions in his house and in the Masjid Al-Nabawi. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

19. Describe the personal habits of Imam Al-Jawaad. • Al-Jawaad was gracious to people. He helped anyone in need. • His house was open for anyone wishing for discussions. • He did not assign a guard at the door to give preference to a person over the other. • a+b+c+ His attendants and employees were treated equally and fairly. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

20. How was Al-Jawaad at his headquarters in Baghdad? • Though he was the son-in-law of Khalifa Al-Ma'Moon he preferred minimum means of comfort at his headquarters and home. • He refused to live in the Royal Palace in Baghdad, • a+b+ Instead he lived in a rented house not too far from the opulent Khalifa Palace, Yet to be available to render counsel. • He wallowed in luxury to accommodate his wife. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

21. Describe the students of Imam Al-Jawaad. • Al-Jawaad was always ready to counsel, give edicts, enlighten, or quote the Hadith. • Al-Jawaad was not hampered in his works during his Imamah. • The discourses were lively and he was actively contributing, tirelessly working. • a+b+c+ He explained the Islamic sciences be they Sunnah, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh or Al-Ah'kaam such as Halal and Haram. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

22. Give an account of the ethics and character of Imam Al-Jawaad. • Al-Jawaad was best in conduct and the model to emulate. • He was very virtuous, of piety and its prototype and model. • Al-Jawaad was endearingly referred to as Ibn Al-Ridha, • a+b+c+ Al-Jawaad talked when need be or at the proper occasion, silent when need be, answering questions when directed to him. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

23. Discuss the circumstances of the contest between Al-Jawaad and Ibn Al-Ak'tham. • Benu Abbas resented Al-Ma'Moon's gesture toward Al-Jawaad. • Al-Ma’Moon then challenged them to a context to outsmart Al-Jawaad. • Benu Abbas appointed the greatest Justice of the time, Ibn Al-Ak’tham. • a+b+c+ Ibn Al-Ak’tham was best in the art of argument and persuasion. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

24. Discuss the circumstance of the contest. • Al-Jawaad entered the assembly hall for the debate, looked at the huge assembly of Baghdad's prominent men and eminent personnel and the elders of Benu Abbas. • They were all seated, about 900, in the magnificent assembly hall. • Al-Jawaad, knew he had faced similar challenges in Medina before, but now he was to be tested in Baghdad. • a+b+c+ Al-Jawaad never forgot the anxious looks on the faces of the audience when Ibn Al-Ak’tham took his place and the debate started. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

25. Discuss the contest itself • Sure of himself, Ibn Al-Ak’tham presented the most complex Fiqh query he could think of. • The teenage Al-Jawaad requested Ibn Al-Ak’tham to clarify his question, as to which of the 11 subdivisions of that question he meant. • Ibn Al-Ak’tham was stunned, he did not know anything about any subdivisions. • a+b+c+ Ibn Al-Ak'tham stuttered, and nervously acknowledged his ignorance of any subdivisions. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

26. Discuss the contest further • Silence fell on the audience, all 900 scholars, not including the nobility and dignitaries —they were dumbfounded but extremely impressed. • Ibn Al-Ak'tham had asked Al-Jawaad, “What is the atonement for a person who hunts a game while he is dressed in pilgrimage garb?” • a+b+ Al-Jawaad asked back, “Your question lacks definition. You should first clarify whether the game was outside the sanctified area or inside it; whether ….…. • Ibn Al-Ak'tham dropped to the floor fainting. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

27. Discuss the contest furthermore • Al-Ma’Moon then said, “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?” • a+b+ Benu Abbas were soundly defeated, they had the defeated disgusted looks on their faces. • Benu Abbas cried and cried. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

28. Discuss the answer to the contest by Al-Jawaad • Al-Ma’Moon requested Al-Jawaad to give the answer to the complex Fiqh query and its subdivisions. • Al-Jawaad explained it in detail, of course including the answers to each of the 11 subdivisions, and to the satisfaction of all. • a+b+ by now the audience looked up to Al-Jawaad with awe and admiration. • Benu Abbas demanded another contest. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

29. How long did Al-Jawaad stay in Baghdad the first time? • It was an 8 year stay in Baghdad • He did not live in the magnificent Royal Palace of the Khalifa. • He insisted on living in a rented house not far from the seat of the government, but lacking all the opulence of the Royal Palace. • a+b+c+ He did this despite the incessant objections of his wife Umm Al-Fadhl, a girl used to the services of the hundreds of slaves at her disposal. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

30. Describe the marriage of Al-Jawaad of Umm Al-Fadhl. • Al-Ma’Moon gave his daughter (Umm Al-Fadhl) in marriage to Al-Jawaad. • a+ Al-Jawaad knew that the marriage was partly a political move. • Al-Ma’Moon aimed to appease the Shi’a by such a bond;thus facing fewer uprisings against him. • he wanted to move Al-Jawaad away from the center of his activity in Medina, a move to stunt the works and influence of Ahlul Bayt in Medina.” • Umm Al-Fadh’l felt honored to be married to Al-Jawaad. • Umm Al-Fadh’l very happy being married to Al-Jawaad. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

31. What did Al-Jawaad find in his wife Umm Al-Fadhl? • Umm Al-Fadhl was not a suitable wife. • Al-Jawaad, who had a keen mind and a penetrating insight, knew that Umm Al-Fadhl was: • childish, and egotistical, • self centered, and a spoiled woman of luxury. • a+b+ Al-Jawaad knew that his wife could not understand that he was the Imam of the Ummah and the Marji' at the time. • a+ Umm Al-Fadhl rebelled immediately and asked for divorce. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

32. How did Al-Ma'Moon describe Imam Al-Jawaad? • Al-Ma’Moon was an astute man and a very calculating person. • a+ Al-Ma’Moon said about Al-Jawaad, • Ahlul Bayt have been singled out among others for the outstanding merit which you have seen. • Even youthfulness in years does not prevent them from attaining perfection of intellect..... • I will entice Al-Jawaad with all the luxury of the Palace. • I think Al-Jawaad would be the best husband to my rebel daughter. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

33. Evaluate the Maaliki and Hanafi movements during the life of Al-Jawaad. • The Hanafi movement was becoming increasingly popular in Iraq. • The Maaliki movement was popular in Hijaz, Spain, and parts of North Africa. • a+b+ Both movements were supported and augmented by the government of Benu Abbas • a+b+ Both movements grew out of their own dynamism Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

34. Evaluate the Shafi'i and As'haab Al-Hadith movements during the life of Al-Jawaad. • The Shafi'i movement was becoming increasingly popular in Egypt and parts of Syria. • The movement of As'haab Al-Hadith was growing in Baghdad. • The Mu'tazila movement was popular in Iraq, it was endorsed and supported by Al-Ma’Moon then Al-Mu'tasim. • a+b+c+ The Mu'tazila were an off shoot of the Murji'ah movement that had almost died by now. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

35. Elucidate the stand of Ahlul Bayt at this period of time. • Ahlul Bayt's teachings remained unchanged, • They were sought after especially by the learned men and the scholars. • They depended on their own dynamism and internal strength, with no support of the ruling class, nay in spite of harassment. • a+b+c+ During Al-Jawaad's Imamah the teachings of Ahlul Bayt was unhampered and continued at a good rate. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

36. Choose some sayings of Imam Al-Jawaad. • A person obsessed with his passions, his faults will not be forgiven. • A believer's distinction is to be in no need of people. • Don't care about displeasure of the one whose pleasure is injustice. • a+b+c+ He betrays you the one who keeps wisdom from you to let you follow what you lust for. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

37. Give more sayings of Imam Al-Jawaad. • Confidence in Allah is the expense to every ordeal and the formula to every feat. • Needs are sought by hope but are sent down by Divine Decree, and the outcome is the finest gift. • The one who rejects his brother's good intention will also be displeased with his offerings. • a+b+c+ Time will unveil to you the concealed secrets. Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

38. Discuss the age and manner of death of Imam Al-Jawaad. • Al-Jawaad was sick, he grew weak and the weakness was progressive. • It is reported that he was poisoned by his wife Umm Al-Fadhl, at the instigation of Khalifa Al-Mu'tasim. • Just like his grandfather Al Kadhim, Al-Jawaad died in a strange land away from the loved ones, a victim to foul play • a+b+c+ Al-Jawaad was buried by his grandfather, Imam Al Kadhim Questions, Al-Jawaad's Imamah

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