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Imam Ali al-SajjadImam Muhammad al-BaqirReligious Questions

Were Imam Sajjad and Imam Baqir present in Karbalā?

SHAFAQNA- Salam Alaykum, I wanted to ask if our fourth Imam, Zayn al-Abidin (as) was present at the event of Karbala? Where was Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) [during this time]? Was he [also] present at Karbala? Did he travel to Karbala with Imam Husayn (as)? Please give a detailed answer.

Concise answer

In the event of Ashura which took place during the month of Muḥarram in 61 AH, three noble Imams were present.

Imam Husayn (as) who headed this revolution and was martyred in Karbala. Imam Sajjad (as), [who] for reasons could not participate in the battle, and in accordance to God’s will, he remained alive to take on the Imamat of the Shi’ahs [after his fathers martyrdom]. Imam Baqir (as) was also present at the event of Karbala.

Detailed Answer

The ‘Āshūrā, uprising which took place during the month of Muḥarram in the year 61AH, is one of the most important and influential events in the history of Islām.

Three honorable Imams were present at this event

Imam Husayn (as) who headed this revolution and was martyred in Karbala. Imam Sajjad (as), [who] for reasons could not participate in the battle, and in accordance with God’s will, he remained alive to take on the Imamat of the Shia’s [after his fathers martyrdom]. Imam Baqir (as) who was four years old at the time.

Here we will examine the evidence regarding Imam Sajjad (as) and Imam Baqir (as) being present at Karbalā.

The presence of Imam Sajjad (as) in Karbala is a matter that all historians unanimously agree upon and none have disputed. Imam Sajjad (as) played a vital role in not allowing the blood of the martyrs of Karbala go to waste.

One of the proofs for his presence in Karbala is the historical account of his speech in Yazids palace.[1]

Also one narrator says, “In the year 61AH I entered Kufah, this was concurrent with the time that Ali ibn Ḥusayn (Imam Sajjad) (as) and the womenfolk of his family were returning from their (heartbreaking) trip to Karbala.”[2]

Imam Sajjad (as) says about his presence on the day of Ashura, “We exited with Imam Husayn (as) (from Madinah)… on Saturday the 10th of Muharram 61AH, after the Zuhr prayers he was unjustly martyred.”[3]

The presence of Imam Baqir (as) is also something that historians agree upon since there are many reports that state he was born before 61AH.

“Imam Baqir (as) was born in 57AH in Madinah.”[4]

Similarly, when a person asked Imam Baqir (as), “Were you there in the era of Imam Husayn (as)?” the Imam replied, “Yes”.[5]

Imām Bāqir (as) says in respect to his presence at Karbala, “My Grandfather Imam Husayn (as) was killed when I was four years old, and I still remember his being killed.”[6]

In accordance to this selection of accounts, there is no objection (or obstacle in proving) that Imam Baqir (as) was present in Karbala, and naturally since his eminence was quite young at the time he lived and travelled with his family. Also since he was very young at the time, the books of history have mentioned very little information about his presence in Karbala.

 

[1] The Moral Lifestyle of Imam Sajjad (as), 2303 (site: 2411).

[2] Shaykh Mufid, Al-Amaali, p. 321, Shaykh Mufid World Congress Press, Qum, 1413 AH.

[3] Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir, Bihar al-Anwaar, vol. 45, p. 90, Al-Wafa’ Institute, Beirut, 1404 AH.

[4] Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46, p. 212.

[5] Kulayni, Al-Kafi, vol. 4, p. 223, Daar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, Tehran, 1365 (solar).

[6] Ahmad ibn Abi Yaqub, Taarikh Ya’qubi, vol. 2, p. 320, Beirut, Daar Saadir, no date of publication.

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