Imam al-Baqir (as) Stuns Christian Scholar in Debate

When Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik invited Imam al-Baqir (a) to Syria, the Imam attended various public gatherings and answered the people's questions. One day, as Imam al-Baqir (a) was walking, he noticed a group of Christians heading towards a mountain. He asked his companions if it was a special day for them, to which they replied, "No. Every year, they visit a Nazarite scholar, one who has met the companions of the disciples of Jesus, and asks him questions." Imam al-Baqir (a) covered his head, joined them, and sat amongst the Christians on the mountain.

The Opening Exchange of the Debate

Upon seeing the Imam among the crowd, the Christian scholar, intrigued, asked him:

"Are you one of us, a Christian, or a Muslim?"

The Imam (a) responded,

"I am a Muslim."

The Christian scholar then inquired,

"Are you a Muslim scholar, or an ignorant one?"

Imam al-Baqir (a) replied,

"I am not ignorant." (SubhanAllah, observe the humility of the Imam (as) here that despite being the most knowledgeable person on earth, he chooses to reply with humility)

The Christian scholar, eager to continue, asked,

"Shall I ask the questions first, or would you like to ask?"

The Imam (a) calmly responded,

"You may ask your questions."

The Question of Heavenly Residents and Their Excretion

The first question from the Christian scholar was:

"Why do you Muslims claim that the residents of Heaven eat and drink without ever discharging excrement? Is there any clear analogy to this in the world?"

Imam al-Baqir (a) responded:

"Yes, the analogy in the natural world is the fetus in the womb. The fetus feeds and grows within the mother's womb, yet it does not discharge any excrement."

The Christian scholar, impressed, exclaimed:

"This is remarkable! Did you say you are not a scholar?"

Imam al-Baqir (a) clarified,

"I did not claim to be ignorant, only that I am not."

The Endless Blessings of Heaven

The scholar continued with another question:

"Why do you believe that the blessings and fruits of Heaven never decrease, no matter how much they are consumed? Is there any parallel for this in the earthly realm?"

Imam al-Baqir (a) answered:

"Yes, the clear analogy is fire. If you light multiple candles from a single flame, the original flame does not diminish. It remains as it is."

The Enigmatic Time Between Night and Day

The scholar then posed another intriguing question:

"Tell me about a time that is neither part of the night nor part of the day?"

Imam al-Baqir (a) replied:

"This refers to the period between dawn and sunrise, a time when those in distress find peace and solace."

Upon hearing this, the Christian scholar was taken aback, crying out:

"There is only one question left. I swear to God, you will never be able to answer this one!"

The Imam (a) confidently responded,

"You have sworn falsely."

The Question of Uzair (as) and Azra

The Christian scholar then asked,

"Tell me about two people who were born and died on the same day, yet one lived for 50 years while the other lived for 150 years."

Imam al-Baqir (a) answered:

"These two are 'Uzair (as) and 'Azra. When 'Uzair was 25 years old, he passed by a ruined village near Antioch. He wondered how God could resurrect the people of this destroyed village. God became displeased with this question and caused 'Uzair to die for 100 years as a punishment and a means of reinforcing his faith. He was resurrected along with his donkey, food, and drink."

Imam al-Baqir (a) continued:

"When 'Uzair went to 'Azra, 'Azra did not recognize him, even though 'Uzair was still 25 years old. He mentioned stories of their past, speaking of how 'Azra and his descendants were now very old. 'Azra, who was 125 years old at the time, asked, ‘How can you know about my youth so well, unless you are from the sky or the earth?’ 'Uzair revealed his identity, explaining that he had been punished by God for his question, and had been resurrected with his original form and appearance. 'Azra believed him, and they lived together for another 25 years before both passing away on the same day."

The Christian Scholar’s Defeat

The Christian scholar, having failed to stump the Imam with his questions, became visibly frustrated and exclaimed:

"People! You have brought me a scholar who knows more than I do, to embarrass me and show that the Muslim leaders are superior to us! I swear by God that I will never speak to you again, and if I live for another year, you will never see me among you!" He then stormed off.

The Reactions in Damascus

Word of this debate spread quickly throughout Damascus, and the people of Syria were overjoyed by the Imam's victory. However, Hisham ibn 'Abd al-Malik was less pleased. The Imam’s growing spiritual influence worried him, so he sent a gift to Imam al-Baqir (a) and instructed him to leave Damascus immediately.

Source: Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 46, pp. 309-313