Fifth Imam
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a)
Baqir al-Ilm — Splitter of Knowledge
Livedc. 677–732 CE (57–114 AH)
Resting placeMedina (Jannat al-Baqi)
FatherImam Ali Zayn al-Abidin
MotherFatima bint al-Hasan
PassingMartyred — poisoned
At the hands ofBy the Umayyads (Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik)
Birth & Lineage
Born in Medina around 57 AH, Muhammad al-Baqir was present at Karbala as a small child. He was named al-Baqir, “the one who splits open knowledge,” for the depth of learning he would unfold.
Life & Virtues
In the relative calm of his age he opened wide the teaching of the Ahl al-Bayt, training scholars and narrating thousands of traditions in law, Qur’anic exegesis and theology — laying the foundations his son would complete.
Passing & Legacy
He passed away in Medina around 114 AH, poisoned by the Umayyads, and is buried in Jannat al-Baqi.