His Personality and Morals Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.

His Personality and Morals Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.s) occupied the highest position in human virtues and moral attainments as this was the marked feature of the Prophet’s family. In addition, his morals were similar to the morals of his grandfather, the Messenger of God (s.a.w.a) who had saved nations and peoples from a life of deviation and backwardness and led them to a life full of honor and dignity.

It was customary for the Imam to meet everyone humbly, fulfill the needs of the poor, maintain Islamic requisites of equality and simplicity, help the poor secretly, treat even foes fairly, extend hospitality, impart true Islamic knowledge to all and especially to the scholars of religion and the like, marked his saintly life-in full conformity with other members of this sacred series of infallible Imams.

Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.s) displayed signs of intelligence and genius in his early years that astonished people and filled them with admiration and high regard. He spent most of his day time sitting in the Mosque of the Prophet where Muslims came to avail themselves of his knowledge and preaching.

While describing the knowledge of Imam Jawad (a.s), Sheikh Mahmūd ibn Wuhayb writes: “Muhammad al-Jawad inherited the knowledge and virtue of his father, and he was the loftiest amongst his brothers in position and perfection [14] .” Similarly, As-Sibt ibn al-Jawzi writes: “Muhammad al-Jawad followed the footsteps of his father in knowledge, piety and generosity [15] .” Generosity, doing good for people and being charitable to the weak and the poor were embedded in the nature of the Infallible Imams (a.s).

On the generosity of Imam al-Jawad (a.s), Ibn Taymiya writes: “Muhammad bin Ali al-Jawad was one of the notables of the Hashimites. He was famous for his generosity, and, therefore, he was called al-Jawad [16] .” Similarly, Thahabi has said, “Muhammad (al-Jawad) was surnamed al- Jawad (the generous), al-Qani’ (the satisfied) and al-Murtadha (been satisfied with) and he was one of the chiefs of the Prophet’s family…he was described as being generous; therefore, he was surnamed al-Jawad….

[17] ” Ali Ibn Isa al-Irbili writes in this regard: “Al-Jawad was in all cases generous (Jawad)…he exceeded all people in the purity of his lineage and birth and sat on the top of glory. No one had ever approached his rank or his glory. He was exalted in position. His high position was above stars and his rank was above all ranks.