A Short Biography of Imam Jafar Sadiq a.s

A Short Biography of Imam Jafar Sadiq a.s

Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhi al-salām — “peace be upon him”) is recognized as one of the most distinguished figures in early Islamic scholarship, whose knowledge and leadership defined an era of spiritual and intellectual flourishing. As the sixth Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt, his life bridged the turbulent transition between the Umayyad and ʿAbbāsid dynasties, a period marked by political transition and a relative openness to scholarly activity.

About the Book

A Short Biography of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) by Mohamed Raza Mohamed Husein Dungersi, published by the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania in 1999, offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the Imam’s life and contributions. The book covers his thirty-four years of Imamate, during which he is reported to have taught and guided more than four thousand students and narrators. It also examines how his teachings laid the foundation for the Jaʿfarī school of jurisprudence within Shīʿa Islam while influencing leading Sunni jurists such as Abū Ḥanīfa and Mālik ibn Anas. Written in a clear and accessible style, this biography captures the Imam’s steadfast commitment to faith, reason, and justice amid complex political and theological currents.

What You Will Discover

• The historical context of the Imam’s life during the late Umayyad and early ʿAbbāsid periods.
• His role in teaching and guiding more than four thousand students and narrators of hadith (prophetic traditions).
• The foundations of the Jaʿfarī school of jurisprudence and its enduring influence on Islamic law.
• His intellectual relationship with Sunni scholars such as Abū Ḥanīfa and Mālik ibn Anas.
• His method of taqiyyah (prudential dissimulation, a protective practice for safeguarding followers in hostile settings).
• The moral and theological depth that shaped his leadership and personal example.

About the Author

Mohamed Raza Mohamed Husein Dungersi is a researcher affiliated with the Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania. His writings make the spiritual and historical legacy of the Ahl al-Bayt accessible to English-speaking readers, combining academic clarity with sincere devotion.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for readers seeking a brief yet scholarly introduction to the life, teachings, and enduring influence of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq.