Mu'min al- Taq

His name was Mohammed b. 'Ali b. al- Nu'man Abu Ja'far al- Ahwal. The Shi'a (Khasa) surname him Mu'min al- Taq. Non- Shi'a ('amma) surname him Shaitan al- Taq. Whoever studies his debates with the great figures of the non- Shi' a about the Imamate knows why they surname Shaitan al- Taq and hate him. That is because it is difficult for the human soul to surrender to the truth.

He reported traditions on the authority of the truthful Imams. Al- Sadiq, peace be on him, lauded him; "Zarara b. 'A'yun, Mohammed b. Muslim, Barid b. Mu'awiya al- 'Ajali, an al- Ahwal are the dearest ones for me, whether they are a live or dead." His traditions are famous in the books of traditions. Whoever studies his debates knows that he had strong evidence, intense opposition, a quick answer, a keen idea, and a clever heart. He was among the great Imami theologians. Besides he was very famous in jurisprudence.

Adapted from: "Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.)"