It is not a coincidence that the 6th Imam was born on the same day as the restorer of the faith of Allah (SWT) – the Prophet Muhammad (saww). It is also not a coincidence that both individuals share the same title of as-Sadiq or ‘The Truthful’.

Imam Ja’far ibne Muhammad as-Sadiq (AS) was born on the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal in the year 83 AH and struggled for the establishment of the faith of Islam through educating and teaching the masses. These are the reasons why Islamic scholarship has been able to blossom and flourish as we see it today. His knowledge of not only the ‘Islamic sciences’ but also of the ‘secular studies’ has gone under careful review by a group of researchers in France in their publication entitled, ‘Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq – The First, Intellectual Muslim Thinker’ which is available in English. Although this work contains opinions which the followers may not always agree with, it does expose the Imam as being an individual whose knowledge stemmed from the other world.

This apex in Muslim history, according to the historians, saw over 10,000 students attending the classes of Imam as-Sadiq in the masjid of the Prophet in Madina – and such a force of attraction to knowledge and the stream of knowledge was sure to raise the eyebrows of the ruling elite in authority. The Imam’s students were blessed with having him as their source of guidance. From the Imam’s wisdom, his students were able to enter into debates with other scholars and, according to some of the sources of history, the Imam himself entered into discussions with and influence individuals such as Abu Hanifah.

One of the most well known incidents during the time of the 6th Imam took place between Bahlool (who was forced to pretend that he was insane to save his life) and Abu Hanifah. Bahlool, being an ardent follower of the Ahlul Bayt had heard Abu Hanifah saying the following:

As-Sadiq says, “Good is from Allah while evil is from the deeds of mankind,” whereas I (Abu Hanifah) say, “Mankind has no choice – rather, all good and evil is from Allah.” As-Sadiq also says, “In the final judgment, even Satan shall burn in the fire,” whereas I say that “Fire will not burn him, in so much as the same material can not injure itself (the Devil being from fire how can he burn in the fire?” As-Sadiq also says, “It is impossible to see God in this world or the next,” whereas I say that “Anyone who has existence can be seen, if not in this world, then in the next.”

At this point, Bahlool picked up a chunk of dirt and threw it at Abu Hanifah, hitting him on the head! As he was running away, he declared that Abu Hanifah was wrong on all three points. Abu Hanifa complained to the governor about Bahlool’s actions and immediately, was summoned to the court. When asked, Bahlool testified that he did not throw the chunk of dirt at Abu Hanifa. Abu Hanifa protested, “You threw it!” However Bahlool replied, “You yourself maintain that good and evil is from Allah and that humanity have no choice, so why do you blame me? In addition, you also believe that material can not injure itself – Satan is from fire and thus, the fire of hell would not hurt him. You are made from earth, thus, how can earth hurt you? You also claim that, as a proof of his existence, you can see God. Show me the pain you are complaining about that exists in your head?”

Abu Hanifa had no answer to that and had to grudgingly accept what Imam Ja’far Sadiq (AS) taught about these things.

While we cannot reach the status of the Imam, as we mark his birth anniversary let us strive to at least reach the level of his students and servants – if we can become even a portion of the likes of Bahlool, we would have lived up to the title of being a Shia of the Imams.