Story No. 349 – Imam Baqir (pbuh) and introduction of new Islamic coins

During the First Century Hijrah, the paper industry was controlled by the Romans. The Egyptians learned how to make paper from the Romans and they produced it exactly as the Romans did by marking the currency notes with symbols of Christianity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Abdul Malik Marwan noticed these symbols and was enraged, that Egypt, being a Muslim country used these markings. He at once wrote to his delegates in Egypt instructing them to use the slogan of monotheism in all their correspondence. Papers with the monotheism mark upon it were circulated and reached the cities of Rome. Caesar, the King of Rome, wrote letters to Abdul Malik warning and threatening him that if he did not evade that mark he would issue orders to produce coins with abusive language about the Holy Prophet Mohummad (saw).

This worried Abdul Malik and he immediately called a meeting and consulted with his advisors, but to no result. One of those present suggested that they seek the assistance of Imam Baqir (pbuh). Abdul Malik agreed ordered that Imam Baqir (pbuh) be brought honorably and respectfully from Madina to Syria.

When Imam Baqir (pbuh) reached Syria they reported the matter to him. Imam Baqir (pbuh) said, “Caesar has frightened you, but he will actually not do it. The solution to this is that you place orders to produce a coin with the chapter of Tawheed on one face and name of the Holy Prophet Mohummad (saw) on the other. In this way we will not need the Roman coins any longer.” Then he gave the explanation about the weight and size of the coin. Then he said, “Engrave the name of the city where the coin is made and the year of its production upon it.”

Abdul Malik agreed that this was an excellent idea and followed the orders of Imam Baqir (pbuh) and sent notices to all the Islamic cities to inform them that all business affairs should take place with the new coins, and that the Roman coins were invalid. Whosoever possessed them could exchange them for new Islamic coins. Then he informed a delegate of Caesar about what had been done and sent him back. Caesar was informed about new Islamic coins. His courtiers demanded that he act as per his threat. But he replied, “That is now a futile thing to do because, the Roman coins are not used in the Islamic cities anymore.”

Our 5th Imam, Imam Baqir (pbuh) thus put a constraint upon the influence of imperialism and the destructive plans of the imperialists of that time.

Moral: We should learn what our Imams (as) have taught us. They always know what to do.

 

Imam Baqir (pbuh) and Fruits of Heaven Once a Christian asked our 5th Imam, Imam Baqir (pbuh), how it could possibly be true what the Imam Baqir (pbuh) had said about the fruits of Heaven not reducing when they were eaten?

 

Imam Baqir (pbuh) told him not only was it true but he could give him an example of something being used and not reducing, which was present in this world.

 

Imam Baqir (pbuh) then continued that when a candle is used to light other candles, even as many as a hundred thousand other candles, the light of the original candle will not get any less.

 

Moral: Just because you do not understand something in Islam does not mean it is wrong. Allah (SWT) gave us Islam and our knowledge can not compare with His.