Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq

Quick Facts: Who was Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq?

Subject:

Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq

Known for:

9th-century self-declared Caliph who led a revolt against the Abbasid Caliphate.

Died:

818

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq (Arabic: محمد بن جعفر الصادق, romanized: Muḥammad ibn Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq), surnamed al-Dībāj (Arabic: الديباج, lit. 'the handsome'), was a son of the sixth of the Twelve Imams, Ja'far al-Sadiq, who led a failed revolt against the Abbasid Caliphate in 815. Muhammad was the fourth and youngest son of Ja'far al-Sadiq. After the death of al-Sadiq without a clearly designated successor in 765, his followers split their allegiance, giving rise to several groups. Some held that al-Sadiq would return as the Mahdi, while others followed al-Sadiq's sons, Abdallah al-Aftah, Musa al-Kazim, and Muhammad al-Dibaj.

Career & Major Achievements

Musa al-Kazim, regarded as the seventh Imam in Twelver Shi'ism, quickly gained the following of the majority of his father's followers, especially after al-Aftah died merely seventy days after their father. Al-Dibaj's followers became known as the Shumaytiyya or Sumaytiyya sect, after their leader, Yaya ibn Abi Shumayt or Sumayt. Al-Dibaj's doctrines are unclear, but in at least one source he appears to espouse a Zaydi-style imamate. He thus led a revolt in Mecca in 815 against the Abbasid caliph al-Ma'mun, taking on the caliphal title of commander of the faithful, and receiving the allegiance from the people of Medina. In the end, he was defeated and taken prisoner.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Al-Ma'mun treated him well, and made him part of his court in Khurasan. Al-Dibaj died soon after, in 818, and was buried near Bastam, Iran. The Abbasid caliph Al-Ma'mun himself was present until the burial was over and said the final prayer on the bier. They were present at the cemetery, attending to the funeral and burial ceremonies of their father. According to al-Ma'mun, Yahya was somewhere in Egypt at the time of his father's death.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 818: Passing & Historical Legacy — Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq passed away on 818, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq

True or False: “Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq was immediately recognized as the legitimate successor to his father, Ja'far al-Sadiq.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Following the death of Ja'far al-Sadiq in 765, his followers split their allegiance among several sons and factions.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ali al-Rida — Contemporary (Died in 818) (818): The Eighth Shia Imam, renowned for his piety and profound scholarly works.
• Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Polymath historian and exegete, author of Taʾrīkh al-Rusul wa-l-Mulūk.
• Muhammad ibn Tughj al-Ikhshid — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Founder of the Ikhshidid dynasty, autonomous ruler of Egypt and the Levant.
• Muhammad II of Khwarazm — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Shah of the Khwarazmian Empire, whose reign marked its military zenith.
• Muhammad Iqbal — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Islamic philosopher and poet whose vision inspired the Pakistan Movement.
• Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Iraqi military officer and politician; first President of Iraq (1958-1963).
• 818 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 818

Frequently Asked Questions about Muhammad ibn Ja'far al-Sadiq