Hazrat Imam Mohammed Taqi (A.S), the ninth Imam of the Shiahs, is the divine manifestation of generosity and munificence. It was due to this very characteristic that he was given the tile of “Jawad”, meaning generous.

When Imam Reza (A.S) attained martyrdom due to the conspiracy hatched by the evil Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun, Imam Jawad (A.S) was then only eight years old. Thus, as per the command of the Almighty Allah, Imam Rida (A.S.) entrusted his eight year old son with the office of Imamate.

One of the companions of Imam Jawad (A.S) named Ali Ibn Asbaat says: “ One day, I was at the service of Imam Jawad (A.S) and while looking at his holy face, I said to myself: How is it possible that a person can attain the eminent position of Imamate at such a young age. Imam Jawad (A.S) who was cognizant from my heart said, “ O Ali Ibn Asbaat, don’t you know that the Almighty Allah granted the position of Prophet hood, knowledge and judgement to Hazrat Yahya (A.S) at a very young age. The order and commandment of Wilayat is a divine matter. Whomsoever He wishes, He appoints him to that position. He opens and places the doors of wisdom and knowledge in his heart, whether he is young or old or a minor or major.

Like his honorable father, Imam Jawad (A.S.) would participate in debates with the scholars of his time. The people were astonished by his superior knowledge at such a tender age.

Finally, due to the vengeance, jealousy and backbiting of the evil reefers, the holy Imam (A.S) was poisoned on the orders of the wicked Abbasid Caliph Mo’tasem by his unfaithful and treacherous wife Ummul Fazl, the daughter of Ma’mun.

The holy Imam was only 25 years when his cruel wife posioned him. He attained martyrdom on the last day of Zilqadah 220 A.H. His holy grave is in Kazemain, Iraq in the neighborhood of the pure grave of his holy grand father Imam Kazim (A.S).

Among the sayings of Imam Jawad (A.S) are the following:

      1.    Every believer is in need of three spiritual characteristics:

      2.     The one who oppresses and does injustice; the one who assists him in oppression and the one who is pleased with this oppression are all partners in this crime.

      3.    Refrain from the friendship of unworthy and evil people. They are like swords, apparantely looking good but are dangerous.

We offer our condolence to all the Shias on the martyrdom of the Ninth Imam of the Shiahs, Hazrat Imam Jawad (A.S).