The Imam was the most prominent figure in the family of the Prophet...

The Imam was the most prominent figure in the family of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. Hence, the Imam’s high social rank displeased the Umayyads. Accordingly, they decided to murder him to get rid of him. 2. The Events in Damascus: Among the reasons that moved the Umayyads to kill the Imam (PBUHH) were the events the Imam faced in Damascus.

These events are as follows: I) When Hishām summoned Imam al-Baqir (PBUH) to compete with the Umayyads and others in a shooting competition. Hishām thought the Imam would fail in hitting the target and would be able to use such an opportunity as a means to degrade the significance and position of the Imam before the Syrians, On the contrary, the Imam exceeded the Umayyads and others in shooting by hitting the…