ALI IBNE JA’FAR (A.S.)

(ALI, THE SON OF IMAM JA'FAR AL-SADEQ A.S.)

Personal and Family Background:

 Ali ibne Ja’far, one of the Ulema of the 2nd Century A.H., was a son of Imam Ja’far Al-Sadeq (A.S.).

Ali Ibne Ja’far lost his father when he was very young, and was brought up by his venerable brother, Imam Musa Al-Kazem (A.S.).

Imam Musa Al-Kazem (A.S.) taught him the pure and genuine Islamic teachings as prescribed by the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.).

Genealogy:

Ali ibne Ja’far and his offspring lived in Medina in a locality called “Uraidh”; therefore, he is known as Ali ibne Ja'far "Uraidhy". His descendents, who trace their lineage to Imam Ja’far Al-Sadeq (A.S.), are known as “Sādāt Uraidhy”.

His Conviction:

Ali ibn Ja’far was a loyal companion of four successive infallible Imams, namely Imam Musa Al-Kazem (A.S.), Imam Al-Reza (A.S.), Imam Al-Jawād (A.S.), and Imam Al-Hadi (A.S.). He was constantly at the service of his venerable brother, Imam Mussa Al-Kazem (A.S.) even during his many travels. This close association with the Imam enhanced his assimilation of several Islamic Sciences. He was a 'confidant' of Imam Al-Kazem (A.S.) and acted as a custodian of the Imam’s possessions.

At the age of Imamate of Imam Reza (A.S.), Ali ibne Ja'far gave full moral support to Imam Reza (A.S.), especially during the struggle against a deviant sect called "Waqifiyyah”.

Ali Ibne Ja'far had become a venerable old man by the time Imam Al-Jawād (A.S.) succeeded Imam Reza (A.S.); however, he did not hesitate to humbly welcome the Holy Imam who was at the age of childhood then. Even he placed the sandals for the Imam to wear. This act of humility he explained by referring to the high esteem he had for the standing of 'Imamate' and personal excellence of the Holy Imams.

Jihad & Struggles:

That he exerted all his strength in the way of Allah is evident also from the fact that in the year 203 A.H. he, together with his brother, Muhammad ibn Ja’far, joined in the resistance struggle by “Talebin” against an Abbasid ruler, Harun ibne Mussayyeb.

His Offspring:

Ali ibn Ja’far had four sons: Muhammad, Ahmed, Hassan and Ja’far. These are the forefathers of a group of descendants of the Holy Prophet (S.A.), known as "Sādāt Uraidhy".

Opinions of Ulema:

 Sheikh Mofeed says: “Ali ibn Ja’far was a narrator of Hadiths, which were well-substantiated and trustworthy. He was pious and had an excellent character. He was a constant companion of his brother, Imam Musa Kazem (A.S.), from whom he acquired lots of valuable sayings”.

Sheikh Tussi says: “His personality was indeed venerable and trustworthy. Allamah Helli, too, testifies to his trustworthiness. Also 'Keshie', the famous Islamic scholar, quotes a narration about Ali ibne Ja'far, which depicts his sound and firm belief as well as his courteous and exemplary behavior when he visited Imam Al-Jawād (while the Holy Imam was at the age of childhood)".

Sources of His Narratives:

His primary sources were Imam Ja’far Al-Sadeq (A.S.), Imam Musa Al-Kazem (A.S.), and Imam Reza (A.S.) with whom he had close relationship. Among his other sources were: Hussain ibn Zaid Shahid, Sufyan ibne Aineh, Muhammad ibne Muslim, Abdul Malik ibn Qaddameh, Mu'tab, and Abu Sa’eed Makki.

His Pupils:

Among his pupils were: Ahmed ibne Muhammad ibne Abi Nasr Baznati, Yunos ibne Abdul-Rahman, Ali ibne Asbat, Abdul-Azeem ibne Abdullah Al-Hassani, Ayyub ibne Nooh, …

His Writings:

From among his writings only one entitled “Massā’el Ali ibn Ja’far” [i.e. Queries of Ali ibne Ja'far] has reached us.

This valuable book contains his questions on Islamic issues and injunctions, and the relevant answers given by Imam Musa Al-Kazem (A.S.).

His Death:

As said earlier, Ali ibn Ja’far was contemporary with four infallible Imams.

Imam Hadi (A.S.), whose Imamate period started in the year 220 A.H., was the last Imam with whom Ali ibne Ja'far was contemporary.

Since Ali ibne Ja'far was a child when Imam Ja’far Al-Sadeq (A.S.) passed away in the year 148 A.H., he might have been nearly 80 when he died.

His mausoleum in the Iranian city of Qom continues to be visited by pilgrims and followers of the Holy Prophet and his Infallible Household, the Ahl-ul-Bayt (A.S.).