Today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, corresponding to 25 Shawwal 1446 AH, Shia communities worldwide commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS), the sixth Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and founder of the Ja’fari school of jurisprudence.
This day symbolizes resistance against tyranny and steadfast adherence to the principles of justice and divine guardianship, values Imam al-Sadiq (AS) embodied throughout his tumultuous life .
Born in 83 AH in Medina, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his father, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS), and his mother, OM Farvah . His 34-year Imamate unfolded under intense political pressure from the Abbasid caliphate, particularly during the reign of Al-Mansur al-Dawaniqi, who feared the Imam’s widespread scholarly influence and popularity .
Imam al-Sadiq (AS) was martyred in 148 AH after being poisoned by Al-Mansur, who offered him toxic grapes ]. This historic event, which occurred in Medina, has become a universal emblem of perseverance in the path of truth . His pure body was laid to rest in Al-Baqi’ Cemetery in Medina, alongside his father and grandfather .
By educating thousands of students and compiling over 40,000 narrations (hadiths), Imam al-Sadiq (AS) solidified the foundations of Ja’fari jurisprudence, which remains the primary religious reference for Shia Muslims globally. His works and teachings, including seminal texts such as Al-Kafi and Tahdhib al-Ahkam, continue to serve as vital sources for Islamic scholarship .
On this day, millions of Shia Muslims in Iran and across the world honor Imam al-Sadiq (AS) through mourning ceremonies, recitations of the tragedies endured by the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and the distribution of condolence literature. These observances not only memorialize the oppression faced by the Prophet’s household but also reaffirm the necessity of upholding their teachings in the struggle against injustice and transient cultural impositions .
The martyrdom of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS) stands as one of the most significant events in Islamic history, inspiring resistance movements and symbolizing the profound connection between knowledge and justice in the pursuit of divine ideals .