The Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir

This year, the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah — corresponding to May 24 in the Gregorian calendar — was commemorated across the Islamic world as the anniversary of the martyrdom of the fifth Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir. According to historical sources, the Imam was poisoned and martyred in 114 AH on the orders of the Umayyad caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik.

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir was born in Medina in 57 AH and is recognized as the only Imam descended from both Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn. As a child, he witnessed the tragedy of Karbala and later played a pivotal role in the systematic dissemination of the knowledge of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Hadith and historical sources describe him by the title “Baqir al-‘Ulum” — “the one who uncovers the depths of knowledge.” According to narrations, this title had already been foretold by the Prophet himself. Numerous authoritative works emphasize that the scholarly school founded by the Imam was further expanded during the era of Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, laying the foundations for Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and other branches of Islamic sciences. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir was laid to rest in the al-Baqi cemetery in Medina alongside his father, Imam Zayn al-Abidin, and Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba.