Contents
Sayyid Muhammad ibn Ali (a), the esteemed son of Imam al-Hadi (a), was known for his noble character, piety, righteousness, and virtuousness. There were speculations among some individuals that he might succeed Imam al-Hadi (a) as the next Imam. In this article on Islam4u, we will explore various details about Sayyid Muhammad ibn Ali (a).
Kunya
Sayyid Muhammad’s Kunya was Abu Ja‘far, similar to the Kunya of the two Imams who were named Muhammad, meaning Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a) and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a). He has various titles, such as Sabu‘ al-Dujayl and Sabu‘ al-Jazirah, meaning the lion of Dujayl and Jazirah (Iraq).
Birth
Sayyid Muhammad (a) was born circa 228 AH in a place called Sarya near Medina. His father was his eminence Imam al-Hadi (a), and his mother was a noble lady named Hudayth or Samana al-Maghribiyya, who was also Imam al-Askari’s mother.
Demise
When Imam al-Hadi (a) was summoned to Samarra in 233 AH, Sayyid Muhammad stayed in Sarya. However, he later went to Samarra to live with his father. In 252 AH, he embarked on a journey to return to Medina. When he reached a place called Balad, he fell ill and passed away.
His Status With the Shiites
It is famous that Sayyid Muhammad’s moral conduct and demeanor made him quite remarkable compared to others. For this reason, some Shiites thought that he would be the Imam after Imam al-Hadi (a). However, he died while his father Imam al-Hadi (a), and brother Imam al-Hassan al-Askari (a) were alive. Therefore, the likelihood of him being the next Imam was no more. Nevertheless, a small group of people refused to believe that he had died and claimed that he was alive. They also believed that he was the promised Imam who would reappear in the end times. However, Imam al-Hadi (a) had stated on numerous occasions that the Imam after him would be his son Imam Hassan al-Askari (a). Even though they do not consider him an Imam, Shiites very much honor Sayyid Muhammad (a) and hold him in high regard.
The Shrine of Sayyid Muhammad (a)
Sayyid Muhammad’s shrine is situated in a town called Balad, which is about 50 kilometers south of Samarra. His shrine is home to thousands of pilgrims each year. Those who wish to visit the shrine of the Askariyayn also visit his shrine as it is quite close to it. The people of Iraq have deep respect for Sayyid Muhammad (a) and there have been reports of many miracles from him, such as those who have had untreatable diseases being cured, among other miracles.
Conclusion
Sayyid Muhammad ibn Ali al-Hadi al-Naqi (a) was a son of Imam al-Hadi (a). He was widely recognized for his exceptional piety, virtue, and exemplary moral conduct. His devoutness and righteousness led some Shiites to believe that he would assume the role of Imam after Imam al-Hadi (a). However, Sayyid Muhammad (a) passed away during the lifetime of his father, making it impossible for him to succeed as the Imam. A magnificent shrine dedicated to Sayyid Muhammad stands in the town of Balad, located about 50 kilometers south of Samarra. Pilgrims from far and wide visit this revered shrine, seeking blessings and having their heartfelt wishes fulfilled through the intercession of Sayyid Muhammad (a).
