Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (PBUH) (10 Rajab 195 AH – 29 Dhu al-Qada 220 AH) became renowned by the title “al-Jawad” due to his generosity and abundant acts of kindness. Despite the short duration of his Imamate, he guided the Shi’a community with his profound knowledge and wisdom, confronting deviant sects and addressing the doubts prevalent in society. His Imamate took place during the Abbasid Caliphate, particularly under the rule of al-Ma’mun. This era was marked by al-Ma’mun’s efforts to mislead the Shi’a and undermine the status of Imam al-Jawad (PBUH).
Throughout his Imamate, Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) lived during the reigns of two Abbasid caliphs: al-Ma’mun and al-Mu’tasim. Both of them forcibly summoned him from Medina to Baghdad. Following a political strategy similar to the one al-Ma’mun had employed with Imam al-Ridha (PBUH), they kept Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) under surveillance in the capital. Despite these restrictions, Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) maintained his connection with the Shi’a through the appointment of deputies and representatives. He dispatched agents throughout the Abbasid territories to prevent the fragmentation of the Shi’a forces. These agents were active in many provinces such as Ahvaz, Hamadan, Sistan, Bust, Ray, Basra, Wasit, Baghdad, and the traditional Shi’a centres of Kufa and Qom.
The ninth leader of the Shi’a is known as “al-Jawad” because of his generous hand and his boundless charity. Whenever Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) heard of someone falling ill, he would hurry to visit them and offer comfort. His food, like that of his noble ancestor Imam Ali (PBUH), was extremely simple and free from extravagance. He ate like the poor and shared his meals with others.
In the year 219 AH, the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu’tasim invited Imam al-Jawad (peace be upon him) to travel from Medina to Baghdad. When the Imam (PBUH) arrived in Baghdad, al-Mu’tasim, along with Umm al-Fadl and Ja’far, the son of al-Ma’mun, conspired to martyr him. According to historical accounts, Umm al-Fadl was barren, and al-Mu’tasim exploited this vulnerability by convincing her that Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) preferred the mother of his son, Imam al-Hadi (PBUH), over her. He incited her to take part in the killing of this noble Imam. Umm al-Fadl, together with Ja’far, poisoned some grapes and gave them to Imam al-Jawad (PBUH), leading to his martyrdom on 29 Dhu al-Qada 220 AH. The grave of Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) is located at Al-Kazimiyya Mosque in the city of Kadhimayn in Iraq, beside the grave of his grandfather, Imam Musa al-Kazim (PBUH).
In his sayings, Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) referred to similarities between himself and his martyred grandfather, Imam al-Husayn (PBUH), especially regarding intercession on the Day of Judgment—both being granted this noble role. One of the famous narrations attributed to Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) is in response to a man who expressed despair over people’s sins. The Imam said: “Flee to Imam Husayn (PBUH).” This narration emphasizes the significance of Imam Husayn (PBUH) as a refuge and sanctuary for sinners.
29 ذی القعده 1446
27 May 2025