You will be my successor and caliph.

You will be my successor and caliph.”[^8] Zahri says, “I told Ali Ibn Husayn (a.s.), ‘O son of Messenger of Allah! If your death comes, who we should refer to?’ Imam Sajjad (a.s.) replied, ‘Refer to my son Muhammad; he will be my caliph, the heir of my knowledge, and Baqirul ‘Ulum.

This is a covenant from the Messenger of Allah (S) to us.’”[^9] Abu Basir has narrated from Imam Baqir, Abu Ja’far (a.s.), “One of my father’s recommendations to me in his will was that when he passed away only I should wash his body, because only an Imam should wash an Imam after his death.”[^10] Sayyid Murtaza have said, “Before the demise of Ali Ibn Husayn (a.s.), he called his son, Muhammad Baqir, and introduced Muhammad Baqir as his successor in presence of a group of the noble Shi’ahs, emphasizing his Imamate and presenting Allah’s Great Name and the prophets’ (S) legacy to him.”[^11] Mas’udi has narrated the same tradition in his book ‘Ithbatul Wasiyyah.[^12] Virtues Like other infallible Imams (a.s.), Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) was a perfect human and infallible from any vices or faults.

This is not only the opinion of their friends, but also that of their enemies. Shiykh Mufid has written about Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.): Imam Baqir, Abu Ja’far, Muhammad Ibn Ali Ibn Husayn (a.s.) was selected from among his brothers to be the successor and caliph of his father, Ali Ibn Husayn (a.s.). He was superior to his brothers in regard to knowledge, piety, and nobility. He was more famous and honorable for the masses and the elites.

None of the progeny of Hasan (a.s.) and Husayn (a.s.) was as knowledgeable as he was in religious sciences, Prophet (S)’s traditions, Quranic exegesis, and life conducts. The Prophet (S)’s companions, the companions’ friends, and great jurisprudents have narrated traditions from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.).

He was famous for knowledge and understanding and was eulogized in poems.[^13] Abul Fida’ has written about Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.): Muhammad Ibn Ali Ibn Husayn Abu Ja’far Baqir has been an honorable follower of the Prophet (S) and a selected person in terms of knowledge, conduct, nobility, and honor.

The Imamiyah Shi’ahs know him one of their twelve Imams…He has narrated many traditions from the companions of Messenger of Allah (S) and many followers of the companions have narrated traditions from him.