Scholars, academics highlight universality of Imam al-Sadiq’s scientific movement
A group of religious scholars, academics, and activists in Iraq have stated that the legacy of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) continues to be a vital and important aspect of the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural life of Islam, with its influence extending far beyond the global thought.
In their speech with Shia Waves Agency, they explained that “Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is considered a pioneer and a figure of merit for all Muslims and even the world through his scientific movement and the establishment of the first Islamic university that produced prominent jurists and scholars in various fields of knowledge and sciences.”
They added that “this great legacy surpasses in its impact and importance many historical figures and scientific efforts, whether they are Muslims or others, to the extent that Western scholars today acknowledge their contribution to what their nations have achieved in scientific renaissance.”
“Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is an exceptional and unique figure, who, like his grandfather the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), was a role model for noble and great ethics”, the religious activists said.
They noted that “despite all the atrocities committed against him by tyrannical rulers, the Imam (peace be upon him) succeeded in preserving the Islamic nation’s entity and opening a great path towards spreading true divine sciences, to the point where his enemies bowed down before his knowledge and dignity.”
Records and historians indicate that Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) had more than four thousand students learning various sciences from him. This included religious sciences such as jurisprudence, interpretation, and hadith, as well as other sciences like chemistry, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.
Among his students was the famous chemist Jabir ibn Hayyan, as well as prominent figures in Islamic knowledge like Abu Hanifa, the leader of the Hanafi school. He was also praised by Malik ibn Anas, the leader of the Maliki school, as the most knowledgeable and pious scholar of their time.
