The Life of Imam Mohammed Al-Baqir A.S.

Occasion for presenting this book:

01^st Rajab – Anniversary of the birth of Imam Mohammed Al-Baqir A.S. (peace be upon him)

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Allamah Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi

Translator: Jasim al-Rasheed

Publisher: ‎ Ansariyan Publications

Length: 656 Pages

Language: English

ISBN: 978 964 438 044 0

Publication Date: 1 Jan. 1999

About the Book:

The Life of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S.), penned by the distinguished scholar Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi, serves as a crucial biographical work that delves into the pivotal era of the fifth Shi’a Imam, Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn (known as al-Baqir, ‘the Splitter of Knowledge’). The book meticulously documents his life between 676 and 733 CE, a period that coincided with the political turmoil of the late Umayyad Caliphate. Crucially, the text details how Imam al-Baqir utilised the relative decline of Umayyad political pressure to establish the foundations of Islamic intellectual and legal scholarship for the Shi’a tradition. It chronicles his profound engagement with the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic law, illustrating how he solidified the religious school of Ahl al-Bayt and educated a generation of scholars who would later disseminate his teachings. This work serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the transition of the Imamate from a position of purely political opposition to one primarily focused on scholarly and spiritual leadership.

The biography particularly highlights Imam al-Baqir’s unique title, which signifies his expansive and penetrating knowledge of Islamic teachings. The book portrays him not only as a religious authority but also as a moral and spiritual guide who interacted extensively with the Muslim community, engaging in theological and jurisprudential debates with scholars from various schools of thought. By providing detailed accounts of his dialogues, sermons, and legal rulings, al-Qurashi offers readers deep insights into the ethical standards and theological positions of the Imamate. Ultimately, this work is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the intellectual origins of Shi’a jurisprudence and the immense contribution of the fifth Imam to Islamic religious heritage and scholarship.

About the Author:

Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi is a highly renowned Iraqi Shi’a scholar and historian, celebrated for his comprehensive and voluminous biographical works on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the twelve Shi’a Imams. His life’s mission has been the meticulous preservation and presentation of the historical and intellectual narratives (sīrah) of the Ahl al-Bayt for a contemporary audience. Al-Qurashi is distinguished by his rigorous use of classical primary sources and his ability to compile these vast historical records into accessible and authoritative texts. His detailed approach ensures that his biographies, including The Life of Imam Mohammed Al-Baqir (A.S.), provide deep scholarly context, making his works fundamental reference points within modern Shi’a studies.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Hujjat Bookshop
• Al-Islam.org
• AbeBooks
• Amazon