Islamic Coins introduced by Imam Baqir(a.s.)'s order
Hussaini Sms
An Introduction
The leaders of Muslims from the scholars to the non scholars and authors such as Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, Tabari, Biladhuri, Salami, Khatib, Abi Dawood, Iskafi, Marwazi, Al-Isfahani, Basit, Naqash, Jabir Ju’fi, Kisan Sakhtiani, Amin Mubarak, Zahri, Ouza’ei, Ziad bin Mundhir and companions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s), who were still alive, such as Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari and the Tabi’in have all narrated Hadiths from Imam Baqir (a.s), says Shaykh Mufid in the Book of Irshad. Numerous scholars of Ahle Sunnat have confessed that Imam Baqir (a.s.) was the most knowledgeable person in his time. When interpreting the verse “Surely in this are signs for those who examine”, Hakam ibn Utaybah, one of the most eminent Sunni scholars, has stated that, “I swear by Allah that Muhammad al-Baqir is one of the Mutasawwimin (those who examine; the smart and genius people)”.Moreover, Abdullah bin Ata, who is also a Sunni scholar, has said, “I never saw scholars humiliate themselves in front of a person as they did for Imam Baqir (a.s.); Hakam ibn Utaybah was only a student of Imam Baqir (a.s.)”.
The fifth Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) was born on the 1st of the month of Rajab, 57th Hijrah, in the city of Medina. Both from mother and father side of the family, he was a descendant from Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Fatima Zahra (s.a). The period before his Imamate which is nearly 35 years and was the peaceful part of his life, led in Medina. The period of his Imamat was the remaining part of his life and is counted as the duration of the propagation and dissemination of Islamic knowledge and wisdom. After years of labor and service to Islam, he was martyred in Madina. His pure and sublime body was buried beside the graves of other Imams in the graveyard of Jannat-ul-Baqi.
One of the titles of the fifth Imam of Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) is that of al-Baqir. Al-Baqir in Arabic has its roots from Baqr, which means ‘to split open’ or ‘to rip open’ or to 'reveal knowledge'. Imam (a.s.) was called al-Baqir because of his profound knowledge of everything including the Holy Quran, which he had inherited from his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah and which, he split open to impart to others.
Islamic Coins introduced by Imam's (a.s.) order
In the first century Hijrah the paper industry was monopolized by the Romans and when the Christians of Egypt learned from the Romans how to manufacture paper and they produced it, they following suit of the Romans, marked it (currency notes) with father-son and Rooh-ul-Qudus (Holy Spirit) which was the slogan of the Christians.
When “Abdul Malik Marwan”, saw the mark of the paper and its meanings, he was very annoyed as to why Egypt, which was a Muslim country, used this mark. He at once wrote to his functionary and delegates in Egypt, "From now onwards you must write upon them the slogan of monotheism."
The new papers with the monotheism mark upon it was circulated and reached the cities of Rome. Caesar the King of Rome got informed about it. He wrote still other letters to Abdul Malik warning and threatening him that if he did not evade that mark he would issue orders to produce coins with the phrase which would be considered as derogatory to the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.). When those coins would be ready there would be no honor and dignity left over for him (Abdul Malik).
Abdul Malik thought; "If this thing happened I would be the dirtiest of all the Muslim rulers who caused such a thing to happen." He immediately called a meeting and consulted with the officials and dignitaries of his country for many long hours, but to no result.
One of those present said, "The way out of this difficulty and its solution is this that we ask the answer to this problem and riddle from Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.)."
Abdul Malik liked his suggestion and at once ordered his governor in Medina to send Imam (a.s.) honorably and respectfully to Syria, and he himself detained the delegate of Caesar in Syria till such time Imam (a.s.) reached Syria to solve that problem.
When Imam (a.s.) reached Syria they reported the matter to him so that a way is sorted out for its solution. Imam (a.s.) said, "Caesar has frightened you, he will actually not do it. God will not allow him to do this work. But the solution of it is this that you get the industrialist gathered and order them to produce a coin with the chapter (Quranic chapter of Tawhid on one face and name of the Prophet [s.a.w.s.] on the other). In this way we will not need the Roman Coins any longer. Then he gave the explanation about the weight and size of the coin. Then he said, "Engrave the name of the city where the coin is made and the year of its production upon it."
Abdul Malik materialized the orders of the Imam (a.s.) and sent a circular to all the Islamic cities that from, now onwards all the business affair in the Islamic cities should take shape on the basis of the new coins, and the Roman Coins are invalid. Whosoever possesses them may change them for new Islamic coins. Then he informed the delegate of Caesar about what had been done and sent him back.
Caesar was informed about the affair. The courtiers demanded from him to materialize his threat. But he replied, "This is a futile thing to do. Because, the roman coins are no more used in the Islamic cities."
Some of these coins were exhibited at the British Museum in 1988 at the event of the Islamic Art exhibition in London and a note shown that these coins were minted on the advice of the fifth Imam of Ahlulbayt.
Imam by this amazing action put a constraint and checks upon the influence of imperialism and the plans of the imperialists of that day.
With Greetings to the Imam (a.t.f.s.) of our Time, Wiladat-e-Imam Baqir (a.s) Mubarak to you and your family.