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Islam / Shi'i / Twelvers / Imam /
Muhammad at-Taqi
Arabic: 'abū ja¢far muhammadi bni ¢alī
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Shrine at Kazimayn, Baghdad, Iraq.
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(810-835 CE) The 9th Imam of the Twelver Shi'i, Muhammad at-Taqi was the son a Nubian slave and only seven years of age when he succeeded his father to the Imamate.
His youth proved controversial, with many questioning how such a young child could have the necessary wisdom to be the Imam. However, the patronage of the ruling Caliph Mamun proved instrumental in his succession. He was called to Baghdad from Madina where his father had left him, and was married to Mamun's daughter Umm al Fadl. After a few years in Baghdad he retired to Medina, where his relations with his wife were strained.
Soon after the succession of al-Ma'mun's brother, al-Mu'tasim to the Caliphate, Muhammad at-Taqi wa called back to Baghdad where he died shortly thereafter. Some Shi'i sources claim that he was poisoned by his wife at Mu'tasim's bidding. Though he died very young, Muhammad at-Taqi was known for his intelligence and skill in debate. He is buried next to his grandfather at the shrine of the Kazimayan (near Baghdad, Iraq).
He was succeeded by Ali l-Hadi.
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