Hawzah News Agency- In his remarks, the Martyred Leader emphasized that at no other period—from the time of Imam Ali (PBUH) onward—did Shia Islam witness such quantitative and qualitative growth as it did during the eras of Imam Jawad, Imam Hadi, and Imam Askari (peace be upon them all), crediting these three Imams with a significant portion of Shia doctrinal heritage.
"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
...In no period—from the era of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) until the end—across the entire Islamic world, did Shia Islam expand to the extent that it did during the era of Imam Jawad, Imam Hadi, and Imam Askari, neither in terms of quantity nor quality. This expansion is the work of these three great figures. During the time of Imam Hadi and Imam Jawad, Baghdad was quite literally the center of Shiism. Fadl ibn Shadhan recounts: 'When I first entered Baghdad, this very mosque was filled with Shia traditionists who had formed study circles and were transmitting narrations.' Such was the situation—Baghdad in one manner, Kufa in another. These esteemed personalities made tremendous efforts.
It was precisely because of this expansion that a need arose for Shia teachings to be disseminated through the words of these revered figures. Imam Hadi (peace be upon him) fulfilled this task, both through the Ziyarat al-Jami'ah, which is extraordinary, and through the Ziyarat of the Commander of the Faithful on the Day of Ghadir. Observe in this ziyarat—which concerns the virtues of the Commander of the Faithful—how extensively Quranic verses have been employed. This presence of mind, this mastery over the subject matter, this presentation of truths in such a form, could not have come from anyone other than Imam Hadi (peace be upon him), from anyone other than an Imam. These great figures accomplished this. Had it not been for the efforts of Imam Hadi (peace be upon him), we would not possess the Ziyarat al-Jami'ah today, and the unique teachings contained within this ziyarat would not be available to the Shia.
Some have studied history but have not studied hadith and remain unacquainted with the words of the Imams in these narrations. This is the great flaw in their work. The history of the Imams, more than anything else, can be understood from within these very hadiths—what transpired in their lives, in their relocations, in the declarations of their successorship. The declaration of Imam Hadi's own successorship is itself a remarkable story, which you have undoubtedly observed in al-Kafi, where Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa plays a role, takes action, makes statements, and the discussion escalates to a mubahala (mutual imprecation), and the like. These matters are of great importance.
In our historiography, in our writings, and even in our sermons, very little is remembered, researched, or addressed regarding these three esteemed figures. It would be most fitting if individuals were to undertake work, conduct research, and write on the lives of these three great personalities. Of course, I recently saw a novel that included a miracle of Imam Jawad; such works exist, but they are few. More must be written, and artistic productions must be undertaken, God willing."
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