Commemorating The Martyrdom of 6th Imam (a.s)

This week marks the beginning of Ayyam-e-Ja'faria - a week when our 6th Imam a.s. left this world. We pay homage and remember his Life, Times and the Treasure he has left for humanity

Last Words of Imam a.s.The famous companion, Abu Basir went to the house of the Imam a.s. to offer his condolences to the family.  While there, Abu Basir was told that as the Imam a.s. was about to leave this world, he ordered all of his family to come near him. Although going in and out of consciousness, at one point, the Imam a.s. looked towards the family and said: “Surely our intercession shall never reach to those people who take their Salaat lightly.” The Imam a.s. was not concerned about those who did not pray, as they are in a completely different category.  However his words were directed to his “Shia” who do not give importance to their prayers and he was very emphatic in his final words that he and the rest of the Ahlul Bayt a.s. would have no ability to intercede for those who claim to be their followers, but give no attention or importance to the prayers. Service to the Poor in the Darkness of Night  Mu'alla, who was a servant of Imam Sadiq (A.S.), narrates the following event:

One rainy night, as Imam Sadiq (A.S.) left his house, I calmly followed him. Suddenly, something fell out of his hands onto the ground. I approached him and greeted him. He asked:" Is it you Mu'alla?"   "Yes" I replied, "O son of the messenger of Allah (S.A.W.W.)". He then said: "Touch the ground and hand me what you find." I stretched my hand toward the ground and found a piece of bread. I took it and returned it back to him. It was then that I realized Imam Sadiq (A.S.) was carrying a sack full of bread, some of which had fallen to the ground. I said: "My Master! Let me carry the sack." He refused saying: "No! I am worthier for carrying it. Yet, follow me!"

I followed him until we reached the shelter of Bani Sa'idah. The Shelter of Bani Sa'idah was an area where people gathered to shelter themselves from the extreme daytime heat; and where the poor and needy would sleep there during the night. There, I realized that Imam Sadiq (A.S.) had left his house in the dark night in order to help the poor. Imam Sadiq (A.S.) took loaves of bread out from the sack and placed one or two beside each person, making sure that no one was left out.

ICA - Project Enlightenment