Imam al-Sadiq (as) was the symbol of creativity and intelligence at an early age. No one, of the same age, could ever keep racing with him throughout history. This fact raised much astonishment and admiration. An admirable instance was his attendance in the lectures of his father while he was an infant whose age not exceeding three years. He highly absorbed all his father’s lectures, even better than the rest of the students who were high rank scholars.
It is worth knowing that the lectures of his father were not only dedicated to jurisprudence, traditions and interpretation of the Holy Quran, but they also included other fields of knowledge like philosophy, medicine, chemistry, astronomy and so forth. Imam al-Sadiq (as) was familiar with these sciences.
The following story proves this fact: al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik ordered his representative (official) in Yathrib, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz to expand the building of the Prophet’s (S) Mosque. Umar completed a part of the project and informed him about the situation. Al-Walid travelled to Yathrib to personally acquire what Umar did for extending and repairing affairs. Umar went one hundred fifty miles away from the city to meet him and to prepare a formal reception. The people of Yathrib went out of the city to meet and greet him.
Afterwards, when he arrived to Yathrib, he went to the Prophet’s (S) Mosque to monitor the progress of the repair process. At that time, he saw Imam al-Baqir (as) who interrupted his lecture to greet and honour him while he was on the pulpit giving lectures for his students. Al-Walid insisted to continue the lecture. The Imam (as) agreed and went on teaching. The subject was geography. Al-Walid became astonished and asked the Imam (as): “What is this science?”
The Imam (as) replied: “This is the science that talks about the earth, the sky, the sun and stars.”
Al-Walid glanced at Imam al-Sadiq (as) and asked Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz: “Who is this young boy among these men?”
Umar started answering: “He is Jafar ibn Muhammad al-Baqir (as)’”
Al-Walid went on asking rapidly: “Is he capable of understanding the lecture and absorbing it?”
Umar had already known the boy’s capabilities in sciences and knowledge, so he said: “He is the most intelligent one in this gathering and the most active person in querying and discussions.”
Al-Walid was really astonished; he called him instantly to ask the following questions, when the boy arrived: “What is your name?”
The boy answered with fluency: “My name is Jafar.”
Al-Walid was interested in examining him, so he said: “Do you know who the owner of logic was? That is, who was the founder?
The boy answered: “Aristotle was named as the owner of logic. His students and followers named him so …”
Al-Walid put a second question, saying: “Who is the owner of al-Maz?”
Imam al-Sadiq (as) informed him of this inaccurate piece of information and, instead, said: “This is not a name of someone. It is a name of a collection of stars, which are called Dhoul-Ainnah.”1
Amazement and astonishment surrounded al-Walid, as he did not know what to say next. He thought for a long time to recall something else to question the descendent of the Prophet (S). Therefore, he recalled the following and addressed him: “Do you know who the owner of al-Siwak is?”
The Imam (as) instantly answered: “This is the nickname of Abdullah ibn Masoud, a companion of my great grandfather, the Holy Prophet (S).”
Al-Walid could not remember another question to ask the Imam (as). So, he found himself unable in front of this great intelligent boy. Therefore, he went on admiring the Imam (as); greeted him and held his hands while approaching Imam al-Baqir (as) to congratulate him, saying: “Your son will be the greatest scientist of his age.”2
The prediction of al-Walid became true. Imam al-Sadiq (as) became ultimately the most knowledgeable scientist of his time, if not the greatest throughout history. There is no reasonable rationale for this wisdom and knowledge that the Imam (as) was granted, except considering the fact that Allah (SwT) granted the Imams (as) science, knowledge and wisdom during their lives as He the Almighty granted the Prophets (as) and Messengers (as) the same. An infant, according to his psychological evolution, cannot own these scientific capacities, even though he is highly intelligent.
- This collection of stars is scientifically called Erika.
- Imam al-Sadiq Kama Arafahou Ulama al-Gharb, pp. 108-112.
The Life of Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (as) – Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi