Status of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in the eyes of the Ahle Tasannun ‘Imams’

The infallible Imams (a.s.) of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) are highly regarded by the leading authorities of the Ahle Tasannun. Their scholars and leaders (‘Imams’) have confessed to the superiority of the infallible Imams (a.s.).

This is how the ‘Imams’ of the Ahle Tasannun have paid homage to Imam Sadiq (a.s.) for his knowledge, worship, piety, among other traits.

1. Abu Hanifah says – I have not seen a greater jurist than Jafar Ibn Muhammad (a.s.)…

• Jaam’e Masaneed Abi Hanifah vol. 1 p. 222
• Tazkerah al-Huffaaz vol. 1 p. 157

2. Abu Hanifah says – Had it not been for the two years (of tuition under Imam Sadiq a.s.), most certainly No’man (Abu Hanifah), would have been destroyed.

• Mukhtasar Tohfah al-Isna Ashariyyah p. 9

3. Malik Ibn Anas (Imam of Maliki sect) says – Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, hearts have not imagined a mortal greater than Jafar Ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (a.s.) in knowledge, worship and piety.

• Asna al-Matalib p. 55

4. Malik Ibn Anas says – I used to be in the presence of Jafar Ibn Muhammad (a.s.) and found him smiling often and when the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was mentioned in his presence he turned green and yellow (out of veneration). I never saw him narrate a tradition from the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) without ablutions.

• Tahzeeb al-Tahzeeb vol. 2 p. 102

5. Imam of the Hanbali sect – Ahmed b. Hanbali said about the tradition of Silsilah al-Zahab narrated by Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) with Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in its chain of narrators – if this chain of narrators is mentioned in front of a mad person, he will be cured of his madness.

• Sawaaeq al-Muhriqah p 310

With such glorious tributes backing his knowledge, ethics and worship, it is strange how the Muslim majority is unaware of the importance of Imam Sadiq (a.s.). Not only are they ignorant of Imam Sadiq (a.s.), but in their ignorance they criticize the Shias for following the teachings of Imam Sadiq (a.s.). Who else should the Shias follow if not Imam Sadiq (a.s.), who directly or indirectly trained all the four Ahle Tasannun ‘Imams’.

‘Is He then Who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who himself does not go aright unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you; how do you judge?’