Today: 7 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447

Martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as)

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the fifth Shia Imam, born in 676 CE in Medina, succeeded his father Imam Zayn al-Abidin in 714 CE and led for 19 years until his poisoning in 733 CE at age 57. Known as Baqir al-Ulum for unveiling knowledge, he founded a school disseminating true Islamic teachings amid Umayyad oppression, trained disciples, emphasized Imamate and Wilayat, and exhibited piety, charity, and moral conduct. His legacy includes compiling jurisprudence and guiding against tyranny, with seven children including Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq. His sayings highlight Islam's pillars including Wilayat, the value of supplication, and scholarly humility.

Day of Arafah

The Hajj pilgrimage requires traveling from Mecca to Arafat (knowledge) to remain until sunset on the ninth day, then briefly stopping at Mashar (consciousness) and staying in Mina (love and faith) from the tenth to twelfth or thirteenth day. These stages symbolize man's creation, descent from paradise after rebellion influenced by Satan and Eve, acquisition of wisdom and responsibility, repentance, and an eternal, restless movement toward Allah as direction, not destination, approaching absolute perfection through knowledge, consciousness, and love.

9 Dhu al-Hijjah

Matyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil (as)

Muslim Ibn Aqil fought bravely against his captors in Kufa but was weakened by stones and blows, including one that damaged his mouth. Promised security by Muhammad Ibn al-Ashath, he was betrayed and taken to Ubayd Allah Ibn Ziyad, who executed him by beheading from the palace top on 9th Dhu al-Hijja 60 A.H. He wept for al-Husayn's impending danger and made a will. Hani' Ibn Urwa was also killed in the marketplace. Their heads were sent to Yazid, who praised Ibn Ziyad's actions.

9 Dhu al-Hijjah