The profoundly sad impressions could never have been erased...

The profoundly sad impressions could never have been erased from the memory of young IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS). UPBRINING After KARBALA', IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) led a very calm life, staying aloof from the pursuits of this materialistic world. Secluded from the society, he spent his time either in weeping as he reminisced on the agonies of his father IMAM HUSAIN (AS), or in worshipping the Almighty, while the heart of his son IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) was being squeezed painfully as he watched helplessly.

In this sad environment, IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) grew up studying the manners of his saintly father and availing himself from his knowledge and noble conduct. FATHER'S DEATH AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF IMAMATE IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) was in the full bloom of youth, ascending the heights of physical and spiritual perfection, when his revered father died.

On his death-bed, IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) handed over to IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) a box containing books of religious sciences exclusively known to this illustrious House. Calling together all his offspring, he resigned them to the care of IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS), now named the fifth in the successive series of the successors of the holy Prophet. He was 38 years old then. ENVIRONMENT The UMAYYAD monarchy was heading towards its decline and decay.

The cruelties inflicted on the HASHEMITES, especially the massacre at KARBALA', had produced shock waves throughout the Muslims world. YAZID witnessed the aftermath of KARBALA' and may have regretted his heinous sins. After a brief rule, he died in 64 A.H., and his son MU'AWIYA abdicated.

The later UMAYYAD rulers, therefore, were fully aware of the battles waged by "HARAKAT AT-TAWWABIN", movement of the penitents, led by SULAYMAN IBN SURAD AL-KHUZA'I and later by AL-MUKHTAR, led to a powerful uprising against the UMAYYADS and to the call to avenge the holy blood of IMAM HUSAIN (AS) and those who defended the Prophet's family. That movement ruffled the peace of the ruling despots and shook the foundation of their government.

The good result was that IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (AS) had the opportunity to free himself from the clutches of the tyrannical government. He had at that time better chances to peacefully guide the Muslim nation to the Right path. THE KARBALA' RECITATIONS IMAM AL-BAQIR (AS) had witnessed the tragedy of KARBALA'. He had also studied the occupations of his father who mourned IMAM HUSAIN (AS) continuously.