Bab-ul-Ilm

Character: Knowledge with Humility

Chapter 2 — Character & Teachings

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Knowledge with humility: Imam al-Baqir (as) was very learned, but he was also very humble. He did not show off his knowledge. When someone asked him a question he did not know, he would simply say so, and the people loved him even more for his honesty.

Generous and hardworking: He was also known for his generosity and his kindness to the poor. He worked with his own hands in his farm outside Madina, and he gave the fruit of his work in charity.

Prayer, fasting, gentle manners: He prayed at night, fasted often, and treated everyone — rich or poor, friend or stranger — with the same gentle manners.

Example

Humility grows with knowledge: Knowledge without humility can make a person proud. Imam al-Baqir (as) shows us the other way: the more you know, the more humble you should become.

Key Terms

  • Tawadu' (تواضع) — humility
  • Sadaqah (صدقہ) — charity given for the sake of Allah
💡 Remember:
  • Imam al-Baqir (as) was very learned, yet very humble.
  • He was honest about what he did not know.
  • He worked with his own hands and gave generously in charity.

Check your understanding

Total Marks: 3

Q1. What did Imam al-Baqir (as) say when someone asked him a question he did not know?(1 mark)

Q2. How did Imam al-Baqir (as) earn the fruit he gave in charity?(1 mark)

Q3. The more you know, the more humble you should become.(1 mark)