Hawzah News Agency reports that the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution, in various statements, shed light on the multiple dimensions of the character and life of Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (PBUH), the ninth Shiite Imam. He described Imam Jawad (PBUH) as the pioneer of open social debates, the trailblazer in the struggle against tyranny, and an inspiring role model for the youth. In these reflections, the Imam's short yet intensely combative life is presented as a profound lesson for the awakening of the Muslim community.
Pioneer of open social debates
"Open debate is a positive endeavor; I am in favor of open debate. I have been from the very beginning. This is the first point: we do not reject open debate; we welcome it. The pioneer of open social debate was Imam Jawad (PBUH). Of course, discussions took place before him during the time of the Imams, but the initiative to hold collective discussions was first taken by Imam Jawad."
— May 24, 1981
The Imam and vanguard of the Iranian nation's movement
"The bloody memory of September 8 in Iran is a continuation of the eternal, unforgettable lesson that Imam Jawad (PBUH) gave us. Why was a great Imam martyred at the age of 25? Why could the tyrannical apparatus of his time tolerate this descendant of the Prophet no longer? The life and character of Imam Jawad provide the answer. He was the embodiment of the struggle against falsehood. He was a tireless fighter for the rule of God. He fought for God and the Quran. He feared no power. He was, in truth, the Imam, the role model, and the vanguard of the very movement that the Iranian nation, hand in hand, is pursuing today."
— Speech on the anniversary of September 8, Tabriz Friday Prayer, September 8, 1983
The life of Imam Jawad (PBUH): A role model for the youth
"The life of Imam Jawad (PBUH) is also a role model. Imam Jawad—an Imam with such lofty stations, with such greatness—passed away at the age of 25. This is not something we claim; history records it, including history written by non-Shiites. That noble figure, during his youth and even childhood and adolescence, attained a stature of greatness in the eyes of Ma'mun and in the eyes of all. These are immensely important realities. These can serve as role models for us."
— Meeting with a group of youth on Youth Week, April 27, 1998
Intelligent religious programming
"Religious ceremonies, celebrations, and mourning rituals must be intelligently planned. Some programs that are aired are completely lacking in intelligence. What is being discussed about Imam Jawad on television or radio? There is an abundance of excellent material written about Imam Jawad, Imam Hadi, Imam Askari, Imam Reza, and the other Imams. I, who have spent my life in these fields, benefit from and enjoy this material when I encounter it. Why is it not being utilized? Well-written works, solid research, and eloquent, faith-inspiring content on these subjects are plentiful."
— Remarks in a meeting with the head and directors of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, December 1, 2004
The great lesson of Imam Jawad (PBUH)
"Imam Jawad, like the other infallible Imams, is a role model, a leader, and an exemplar for us. The short life of this righteous servant of God was spent in jihad against disbelief and tyranny. Appointed to lead the Muslim Ummah while still an adolescent, he waged an intense, concentrated jihad against the enemies of God, so much so that by the age of 25—still in his youth—his existence became unbearable for the enemies of God, and they martyred him with poison. Just as our other Imams, peace be upon them, each added a chapter to the glorious history of Islam through their struggles, this great Imam also implemented a vital dimension of Islam's comprehensive jihad in his actions and taught us a profound lesson.
That great lesson is this: when we find ourselves confronting hypocritical and deceitful powers, we must resolve to awaken the vigilance of the people to stand against these powers. If the enemy is open and frank in its hostility, and makes no pretensions or hypocritical claims, the task is easier. But when an enemy like Ma'mun al-Abbasi dons a mask of sanctity and feigns support for Islam, recognizing him becomes difficult for the people. In our era, and in all eras of history, when those in power have been incapable of confronting the people directly, they have always resorted to the ruse of hypocrisy and duplicity."
— Friday Prayer sermon, October 10, 1980
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