The Remarkable Debate of 9-Year-Old Imam al-Jawad (a.s) in Mamun's Court

In a court filled with people, Caliph Mamun al Abbasi invited 9 year old Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.s) to sit beside him on the royal throne, with pillows placed on both sides. Qazi Yahya bin Aksam was also present and sought permission to ask the 9th Imam a question. Mamun, in his polite manner, reminded him to first seek the Imam’s consent, which was granted.

The Question on Hunting in Ehram

Yahya asked, “What is the penalty for hunting while in the state of Ehram?”

The Imam al-Jawad (a.s) smiled and responded, ‘This question is absolutely absurd. First tell me, where was the hunt? 

In the sanctuary (haram) or outside? 

Was it done knowingly or by mistake? 

Was the hunter a child or an adult? 

What was hunted? 

A bird, a small animal, or a large one? 

Was it day or night? 

Was the person in Ehram for Hajj or Umrah?”

The Qazi was taken aback, his face losing color. After a long pause, Mamun, eager for an answer, urged the Imam al-Jawad (a.s) to proceed.

The Imam’s Detailed Answer

Imam al-Jawad (a.s) explained: “If a person hunts outside the sanctuary and kills a bird, the penalty is a goat. Inside the sanctuary, it’s two goats. For hunting a wild animal’s young, a ram must be offered. If the hunt involves a deer, the penalty is a goat, with the same penalties doubled within the sanctuary. The person must bring the penalty animals to the Ka'ba—if they are in Ehram for Hajj, the slaughter must occur in Mina; for Umrah, in Mecca.

Both the ignorant and the aware are equally liable. The penalty is on the person if they are free, or on the master if they are a slave. A child bears no penalty, but an adult does. If the hunter regrets their action, the penalty is lifted in the Hereafter; if they are happy about it, they face punishment.”

The gathering was stunned by this comprehensive answer. Mamun, visibly pleased, repeated, “Allah knows best where to place His message.”

The Imam’s Question to Qadi Yahya

Imam al Jawad (as) turned to Qazi Yahya al Eksam and said, ‘Now let me ask you a question.’ 

Mamun said, “Ask him, indeed.”

Imam said, “What do you say regarding this problem?

 A man looked at a woman who was prohibited for him. She became lawful in the morning, unlawful at noon, lawful in the afternoon, unlawful at sunset, lawful at night, unlawful in the middle of the night, and lawful again by morning.”

Yahya was helpless. The Imam (a.s) then explained, “She was a slave girl he bought in the morning (lawful), freed at noon (unlawful), married in the afternoon (lawful), he recited the words of Zihar at sunset (that she is to him like the back of his mother, and made her unlawful to him), paid the penalty (lawful), divorced her at night (unlawful), and then revoked the divorce in the morning (lawful again).”

Mamun proudly addressed the crowd, “Do you see the extent of his knowledge?”

The entire assembly marveled at the Imam’s wisdom, and Mamun affirmed, “Indeed, Allah best knows where to place His message.”

(Bihar ul–Anwaar, vol 50, pg 78)