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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biographies of Leaders of Islam The Sixth Imam Ja'far As-sadiq (a.s) NAME AND PARENTAGE His name is JA'FAR. He is also known as AS-SADIQ and ABU ABDALLAH. He is son of IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (AS) son of IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) son of IMAM HUSAIN (AS). His mother was UMMU FARWAH daughter of AL-QASIM son of Muhammad son of ABU BAKR who was one of the seven most prominent jurists of Medina.

Thus, the sixth Imam has an impressive historical background of lineage. BIRTH He came to this world on RABI' AL-AWWAL 17, 83 A.H. (April 20, 702 A.D.), the same lunar date when his great grandfather, the holy Prophet, was born. At his birth, his father, IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS), was 26, and his grandfather IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) was still alive. The Prophet's family joyfully welcomed this auspicious addition.

UPBRINGING Up to the age of twelve, JA'FAR was brought up under the guidance of his grandfather IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) whose main concern was to worship his Maker and reflect on the tragic events of KARBALA. Twenty-two years had lapsed since then, yet the remembrance of that shocking tragedy was still quite fresh in his memory.

So, as soon as JA'FAR gained understanding, he was profoundly impressed by the continuous grief of his grandfather, so much so that he felt as if he himself was present during that tragedy. He also contemplated on the presence of his father, IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (AS), although only three years old, at that gruesome scene. JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (AS) considered it as his duty to convene the recitation gatherings (MAJALIS) about that sorrowful event.

He was twelve years old when his grandfather IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) expired. Thence up to the age of 31 he passed his time under the supervision of his father IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS). It was the time when the UMAYYAD politics were tottering and Muslims were approaching IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (AS) in thousands. JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (AS) was one of them, but he was a student devoted to worships and learning. Whether at Medina or in travels, he was always with his father.

When HISHAM son of ABD AL-MALIK summoned IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (AS), JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (AS) accompanied him, as stated above. IMAMATE In 114 A.H. (732 A.D), IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (AS) died, and the responsibilities of Imamate devolved on the shoulders of IMAM JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (AS). HISHAM IBN ABD AL-MALIK was ruling in Damascus and political disturbances were afoot.