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Birth of Imam al-Kadhim (as) - 7th of Safar?
A deeper look.
It is a known tradition that from the first day of Muharram till the 8th of Rabi al-Awwal, it is a time of grief and sadness for the tragedies that befell the Ahlulbayt (as).
However, some claim that this lacks legitmacy, especially when happy occasions occur during this time period - most notably, the birth of Imam al-Kadhim (as).
But one wonders, was Imam al-Kadhim (as) truly born on the 7th of Safar which also coincides with the Martyrdom of Imam al-Hassan (as) according to some reports?
The following is a summary of an analysis and research on this matter conducted by Grand Ayatollah Sayed Mohammad Baqir al-Abtahi (ra).
Let us first look into the narrations that discusses the birth of Imam Abul Hassan, Musa bin Jafar al-Kadhim (as).
Hadith #1
It was narrated that Abu Baseer said:
"I was with Imam al-Sadeq (as) in the year in which his son Musa was born. When we reached al-Abwa, the Imam prepared for his companions plentiful and delicious food...
...While we were eating lunch, a messenger from Hamidah (as) came to the Imam.
The messenger of Hamdiah told the Imam:
'Hamdiah is in labour and asks you to be present for the birth of your son...'
...Out of utmost joy and happiness, the Imam stood up and went. He then came very happy and smiling.
His companions said:
'May Allah always keep you smiling, and keep your happiness. What happened with Hamidah?'...
...Imam responded:
'Allah has granted me a boy, who will be the greatest of Allah's creation. She told me of things that I was more knowing of them than her...'
He was asked: 'She informed me that when she gave birth to him, the newly born put his hands to the ground and looked towards the skies. I informed her this is the sign of the Messenger of Allah (sawa) and the Imam that succeeds him...." (till the end of the Hadith)
- Basair al-Darajat, page 460
Hadith #2
Similar hadith narrated by Abu Baseer, he said:
"We accompanied Imam Sadeq (as) in Hajj in the same year upon which his son Musa was born. When we reached al-Abwa, he prepared us lunch. When he prepared food for his companions, he made the food plentiful & delicious...
...While we were eating, a messenger from Hamdiah (as) came to the Imam informing him of the upcoming labor and birth.
The Imam went with the messenger. When he returned, his companions said:...
...'May Allah make you happy, and May we be sacrificed for you. What happened with Hamidah?'...
...The Imam said: 'May Allah bless her. I was granted a boy who will be the greatest of Allah's creation. Hamidah told me of things pertaining to him that she thought I was unaware of, but I am more knowing of that than her.'...
He was asked: 'What did Hamidah tell you?'
...The Imam said: 'She mentioned that when she gave birth to him, he placed his hands on the ground and looked towards the skies. I then informed her this is a sign of the Messenger of Allah (sawa) and the successor after him...(till the end of the Hadith)
al-Mahasin, v 2, p 314
Hadith #3
It was narrated by Minhal al-Qassab that he said:
"I departed from Mecca, wanting to go to Medina. I passed by al-Abwa where Imam al-Sadeq (as) recently had Musa.
I reached Medina before him, and he got there a day after I arrived there. He fed the people for three days. I ate from what was prepared, and I wouldn't eat until the next day where I'd eat from the food prepared by the Imam.
I did that for three days, where I'd eat till I'm full. And I wouldn't eat anything for the rest of the day until the next day."
Wasail al-Shia, volume 21, page 401
Hadith #4
It was narrated by Imam al-Askari (as) that he said:
"Imam al-Kadhim (as) was born in al-Abwa, which is located between Mecca and Medina. He was born in the month of Thul Hijjah in the year of 127 after Hijrah."
- Dalail al-Imamah, page 303
Analysis:
These narrations are clear in highlighting that Imam al-Kadhim (as) was born in al-Abwa.
In the last narration, there is a clear indication from an infallible that the Imam was born in Thul Hijjah. The first two narrations also allude to this, as Abu Baseer mentioned the birth occured during the same time as the Hajj Pilgrimage.
Therefore, it is very likely that when the Imam (as) concluded his Hajj pilgrimage with his companions and family members. They set out to return to Medina which is the residency of the Imam. On their way there, they stopped by in al-Abwa where Imam al-Kadhim (as) was born.
Furthermore, as illustrated by Abu Baseer - the Hajj and the birth occured in the same year which also gives credibility to the birth occurring in Thul Hijjah....
If in fact that Imam al-Kadhim (as) was born in Safar, then Abu Baseer would have said "the following year", not the same year. Since Muharram is considered to be the new year, and Hajj occurs in Thul Hijjah...
...if Safar was the birth month, it would be inaccurate that the birth and Hajj occurring in the same year. As the birth of the Imam would be the following year.
Also, the 7th of Safar birthdate is unsubstantiated as it is not backed by any evidence, and it contradicts the narration of Imam al-Askari (as) that clearly mentions the birth occurring in Thul Hijjah.
Even though we do not have a set date, it is most likely towards the end of Thul Hijjah.
And may the eternal blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad and his immaculate progeny.
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