H.[^4] It was said (that he was) on Friday...

H.[^4] It was said (that he was) on Friday, during the early days of the month of Rajab.[^5] He was born three years before his grandfather, Imam Husayn, peace be on him, was killed.[^6] It was said (that he was born) four years, as he, peace be on him, said, (before the murder oh his grandfather).[^7] It was also said (that he was born) two years and some months (before the murder of his grandfather).[^8] The last date is unusual. No one accepts it.

The religious rituals such as adhan and iqama in his ears were performed for him when he was born. Other rites were also performed for him on the seventh day of his birth: His hair was shaved. The weight of his cut hair in sliver was given to the needy as alms. A ram was sacrificed for him and was given to the poor as alms. He was born during the time of Mu‘awiya. At that time the Islamic countries were full of oppression. Moreover, they were full of disasters and misfortunes.

That was because of the oppression of Mu‘awiya and the injustice of his governors who spread terrorism and oppression in the country. Imam al-Baqir talked about that dreadful injustice. We will mention his speech in this book. His Name His grandfather, Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, named him Mohammed. He also gave him the Kunya of al-Baqir. That was ten years before al-Baqir was born. That was among the Prophet's prophecies, as some researchers said.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, knew from the unseen that his grandson would do such as proclaiming knowledge among his community. Thus, he gave good news to his community about him. He also sent him his greetings through the great Companion (of the Prophet), Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari. We will mention that in the following (chapters). His Kunya He had only one kunya.

It was Abu Ja‘far.[^9] He was called by the name of his son, Ja‘far al-Sadiq, peace be on him, who renewed the life of this community and split open the fountains of wisdom in the earth. His Nick-Names As for his nick-names, they indicate the qualities of his great character and his high inclinations. They are as follows: Al-Amïn (the trusted one). Al-Shabïh (the one who was like the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family).[^10] Al-Shakir (the grateful one). Al-Hadi (the one who guides).

Al-Sabir (the patient one). Al-Shahid (the proof).[^11] Al-Baqir (the one who split open knowledge).[^12] This is the most famous nick-name of his.