A presentation on the life of the 4th Imam -Ali Ibn Hussain (as) also known as Zainul Abedin or Al- Sajjad

1. Name: Ali ibn al -Husain
Titles: Az-Zainul Abideen, As-Sajjaad
Birthdate: 15th Jamadi-ul-Awwal 37 A.H. in Madina
Father: Imam Husain As-Shaheed (as), 3rd Holy Imam
Mother:Shahr Banu, daughter of King Yazdigard II
Died :(Martyred)Date: 21st Muharram, 95 A.H.
Place:Madina
Age:58 years
Cause:Poisoned by Waleed bin Abdul Malik Marwan
Buried:Madina in Jannatul-Baqi

3. Birth an early years
Imam ali ibn hussain Al-Sajjad (as) was born in Medina
on Saturday, 11th Jamad al-Awwal, 37 (A.H.). His father
was Imam Hussain(as) (son of Ali(as) and Fatima Zahra
(as), the daughter of the Prophet (saww).
Imam Sajjad’s (as) mother was Shar Banu,the daughter of
Yazdjurd II, the last of the Persian Kings.
She was taken prisoner when the Muslim armies
conquered Persia.
When she was brought to Madina, Imam Ali (as) spoke to her.
Immediately she embraced Islam and married Imam
Husayn(as)

4. DEATH OF HIS MOTHER
The first misfortune which befell Imam Sajjad (as)occurred in
the early stages of his childhood with the death of his mother,
who suffered from childbed fever. Imam Husayn(as), did his
best to save her from this dangerous illness but he was
unable to do that. The illness destroyed her completely,
where she lost her vitality and became a lifeless body. She
looked with pain and sorrow at her son, who was deprived of
her affection and love.
The fever attacked her intensely, and she suffered from
severe pain for numerous days till her soul ascended to
heaven.

5. GROWING UP IN THE HOLY HOUSEHOLD
• Imam Al-Sajjad, (as), grew up in the House of
Prophet-hood and Imamate.
• His grandfather Imam Ali(as), mentored him in the
early stage of his childhood, for his first 2 years.
• He supplied him with some rays of his spirit, the
scent of which covered the whole world. The
grandson was indeed a picture of his grandfather;
he was similar to him in his psychological elements
and qualities.

6. Imām al-Hussain, (as) was Imām Sajjad’s(as) father. He took great care
of him. He poured in him his noble abilities and values, preferred him
to his sons, and accompanied him most of the time.
Once when imam Sajjad (as) became ill, Imām Hussain (as) hurried by
his side and asked him,”
‘What do you wish, my little son?’
He (Sajjad) replied
‘I wish I would be among those who did not suggest (anything) to their
Lord. (I am satisfied) with what my Lord decides.’
Imām Husayn (as) admired these brilliant words which indicated great
knowledge and deep faith, and then he said with admiration: ‘Bravo!
You are similar to Ibrāhim, the friend (of Allah) when Gabriel asked
him: ‘Have you any need?’ He (Ibrāhim) replied: ‘I do not suggest
(anything) to my Lord, rather Allah is sufficient for me and the best
helper

7. Under the Care of his father
• Imām al-Hussain (as) , Imām Sajjad’s (as) father, took great care
of his son. He poured in him his noble abilities and values.
• Once when imam Sajjad (as) became ill, Imām Hussain (as)
hurried by his side and asked him;
• ‘What do you wish, my little son?’
• Sajjad; ‘I wish I would be among those who did not suggest
(anything) to their Lord. (I am satisfied) with what my Lord
decides.’
• Imām Husayn (as) admired these brilliant words which
indicated great knowledge and deep faith, and then he said
with admiration: “Bravo! You are similar to Ibrāhim, the
friend (of Allah) when Gabriel asked him: ‘Have you any
need?’ He (Ibrāhim) replied: ‘I do not suggest (anything) to
my Lord, rather Allah is sufficient for me and the best
helper”

8. Imam Al-Sajjad’s character
Imam Al-Sajjad’s(as) character was similar to
that of his grandfather’s, who was the source of
guidance to mankind. The Imam spared no
effort to follow the behavior and guidance of
his grandfather Imam Ali (as), the Commander of
the faithful.
When worship made him tired, he would sigh
deeply and said with regret: ‘I am not strong
enough to perform the worship like that of my
grandfather, the Commander of the faithful.’”

9. Behavior in the house
Imam Sajjad(as) ,was the most merciful of all the people
and the kindest of them to the members of his house. He
did not distinguish himself from them, rather he was one
of them.
He would go out early in the morning to seek the daily
bread for his family. He helped his family in meeting
their needs. He did not order anyone of them to carry out
his personal affairs; he performed them himself,
especially if it concerned the affairs of his worship; he
did not ask anyone of them to perform them.
The Imam’s behavior toward his household was unique;
he behaved exceptionally with his family. His behavior
was full of mercy, cooperation and kindness.

10. After Imam Ali (as) was martyred ,Imam al-
Hassan (as) took over the imamate. He was the
pioneer of thought and righteousness in Islam.
He was Imam Sajjad’s uncle.
Imam Hassan(as) took excellent care of his
nephew, treated him with kindness and
affection. He planted in him his great ideals and
his excellent inclinations.
Imam Hassan(as) had a great effect on his
nephew’s spiritual development. He nurtured
him till he (Imam Sajjad) had became an adult.
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF IMAM HASSAN (AS)

11. Kindness to his Nursemaid
• Imam Sajjad (as), had a Nursemaid, who looked after
him after the death of his mother.
• Imam treated her with great kindness to the extent
that he would wait until she would eat, and then he
would sit down to eat.
• On asked what was his reason, Imam replied :
• “I fear that I would stretch out my hand for food
that she would also desire to eat, hence I would
prefer she eat first to her fill and I would eat what
is left over.”

12. Imam in Karbala
• Imam Sajjad(as) was beside his father right from the
moment of his migration from Madina to Mecca and
then towards Karbala.
• When Imam Hussain (as.) asked for help on the day of
Ashura, Imam Sajjad (as) , who was sick with high fever,
got up from his bed to extend help to his father.
• But Hazrat Zainab (sa) stopped him and said,:
• “Sajjad You are the only remaining adult male of this
family and the next Imam after your father , and you
are the guardian of all of us. Your divine mission is to
convey the message of the martyrs to the people”.

13. The divine plan
• Although many consider Imam Sajjad (as) to be a
sick, invalid, handicapped and weak person, they
are seriously mistaken because the illness of Imam
Sajjad(as) was ALLAH’s (swt) plan, to keep the next
imam safe from the harm of the enemy's sword and
to continue the line of Imamate and also become
the living history of Karbala.

14. Shimr wanted to kill the Imam
• After the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his
companions ,Shimr one of the commanders of Yazid’s army,
entered the camp of the Imam along with a group of
henchmen from the Bani ummaya, so that he may kill the
remaining ones of the camp of Imam Hussain (as).
• As Shimr approached Imam Sajaad (as) to kill him, Imam
Hussain’s sister Zainab(sa) came in and said;
• "By Allah! You shall not kill him until you kill me".
Hearing this Shimr lifted his hands off him.
• It is also reported that Yazid’s commander Umar Ibn Saad
came after them and reprimanded Shimr regarding this
decision and turned him out of the encampment. And said,
"He is an ill man and cannot do a thing, leave him alone."

15. The journey to Damascus begins
• The day after the massacre of Ashura, Imam Sajjad(as) was
beaten and chained. His son Imam Baqir(as) narrates;
• I asked my father Imam Sajjad(as) regarding the medium of
transport sent by Yazid for him, and he replied, "I was
mounted upon a feeble Camel ,without a saddle, while the
head of Imam Husain (a.s) was raised upon a bamboo stick.
The women were behind me mounted upon mules without
saddles. While the guards had surrounded us behind our
heads and all around with extended lances. And if a drop of
tear would fall off from anyone of our eyes, their heads
would be beaten with their lances, until they entered us into
the city of Damascus. And a caller was announcing, 'O
Syrians! These are the captives of the accursed family'."

16. • The Imam and the family of the prophet were led away
from Karbala and made to pass by the headless bodies of
Imam Hussain(as) and his companions.
• A guard called Qurrah has narrated;
• “I can forget everything but can never forget the moment
when Zainab (sa), the daughter of Fatima (a.s), passed by her
brother Hussain (as) and saw his body upon the ground. She
called out:
• "O Mohammad! O Mohammad! Salutations of the heavenly angels
be upon you! This is Hussain drenched in blood and cut asunder
fallen down in the desert. O Mohammad! Your daughters are
captives and your family has fallen martyred while the wind is
sprinkling sand upon their bodies".
• He (Qurrah) said: “by Allah! Her words made every friend
and foe weep”.

17. At Kufa
Yazid’s commander Umar Ibne Sa'ad(la) proceeded with
the captives towards Damascus, but via Kufa. When they
neared Kufa the people there gathered for a spectacle. A
narrator reports, that a Kufan woman peeped down from
her balcony and asked,
"You are the captives from which place?“
They replied:
"We are the captives from the family of Mohammad (saw)".
Hearing this, the woman came down and started
collecting the shawls, and veils and handed them over to
the captives and they wore it.
Imam Sajjad (as) was also part of this group, illness had
bent him severely.

18. In Kufa
Imam Zainul Abedin (as) Was brought into the court of Yazid’s governor Ubaydullah
Ibn Ziyad (la), and Ibn Ziyad asked the imam:“Who are you?”
imam replied:“I am Ali bin Husayn”.
Ibn Ziyad ;“But did not Allah kill Ali bin Husayn?”
Imam Sajjad(as) ;“I had a brother by the name of Ali (Akbar), who was killed by the
men”.
Ibn Ziyad ;“Rather Allah killed him”.
Imam Sajjad(as) ;““Allah takes the souls at death, and those that die not (He takes)
during their sleep.” (Surah az-Zumar, 39:42
Ibn Ziyad (furious); “You have the audacity to reply to me and have the courage to
refute me? Then take him away and behead him”.
Hearing this Zainab (sa) clinged to Imam Sajjad(as) and said;
“O son of Ziyad! Enough of our blood have you shed”. Then she took him into her fold
and said, “By Allah! I shall not part with him. If you desire killing him, kill me along
with him too”.
Imam addressed Zainab“: O dear aunt! Please wait. Let me speak to him”.
Then he turned towards Ibn Ziyad and said;
“Do you frighten me by death? Do you not know, that martyrdom is our custom and
in it lies our reputation?”
Ibn Ziyad backed off and ordered that Imam Sajjad(as) and his family be detained in
one of the houses in the south of the Grand Mosque of Kufa.

19. The order to proceed to Damascus
As the people of Kufa realized what had happened
and started questioning the killing of imam
Hussain(as) and the holding of his family as captives,
Ibn Ziyad feared that the people might rise against
him. Finally the order came to send the holy family to
Damascus(shaam)
Imam Sajjad (as) was made to walk in the hot desert
sun, with chains and an iron collar around his neck.
He was regularly flogged and beaten if he so much as
slowed down or stopped.
His aunt Zainab had to intervene to save the imam
from being flogged to death

21. The journey to Damascus (sham)
The journey from Kufa to Sham was a long and
difficult one. It took over twenty days. The women
and the children were exhausted. Their suffering was
immense,with little water and food.
Quite often the children would faint under the
scorching desert heat and fall off the camels. Their
mothers would scream. Imam Sajjad (as) and his aunt
Zainab (sa)would go looking for the children.
Sometimes they would find them by the road side
barely alive and there were occasions when they
were discovered too late. Imam Sajjad (as) would dig a
grave to bury the dead child. Many small graves were
dug along the way.

22. The incident of the Imam and the Syrian
• As the captives entered Damascus, an elderly Syrian, who
was misled by the false rumors, came near Imām Sajjad, (as) ,
and said to him: “Praise belongs to Allah Who defeated you
and Who granted Yazid an upper hand over you.”
• The Imām looked at the elderly Syrian an asked him:
• “ Have you read the holy Quran?
• “Yes,” answered the man.
• Imam continued: “Have you read the verse saying:
• ‘Say: I do not ask you for a reward for it except that you treat
my kinsfolk with kindness,’ (42:23)
• And another verse saying: ‘ and give the (Prophet’s) kinsfolk
their due rights,’
• and another verse saying: ‘and be informed that whatever
you earn by way of booty, for Allah belongs the fifth thereof
and for the Messenger (of Allah) and for the (Prophet’s)
kinsfolk’? ”

23. The incident of the Imam and the Syrian
• The elderly Syrian; “Yes, I have read all of them.”
• Imām Sajjad; “We, by Allah, are the kinsfolk referred to
in all these verses.” “Shaykh, have you read these words
of Him, the exalted: ‘Allah only desires to take away
uncleanness from you, O Household (of the Prophet)
and purify thoroughly’? ”
• The elderly Syrian;“Yes,”.
• Imām Sajjad;“We are the Household (of the Prophet)
whom Allah singled out with the Verse of Purification.”
• The Syrian, visibly shaken, fell on Imām Zayn al-
‘Ābidin’s hands kissing them. His tears flowed down
his cheeks, and he said: “I disassociate myself before
Allah from those who killed you!”

24. YAZID’S COURT
• The Imam and his family were brought inside Yazid’s court, which was full of
dignitaries, ambassadors and invited guests, specially brought in by Yazid, to see
the family of the holy prophet (saw).
• Yazid ordered one of his employed preachers to go on the pulpit of the Mosque.
The preacher abused Imam Ali(as) and his family in his sermon.
• When the preacher finished, Imam Sajjad(a.s.) turned to him and said:
• "Be ashamed of yourself, you evil speaker. With your words you have displeased
Allah so as to please people". Then the Imam(as.) asked Yazid to let him talk to the
people. Yazid refused to do so. The spectators in the court, however, forced Yazid
to allow the Imam to go on the pulpit.
• Once on the pulpit, Imam Sajjad (as) first praised Allah(swt) and His Messenger(saw).
After that the Imam gave a long and very powerful speech letting the Syrians know
the great position of Imam Husain (as) to Allah (swt), and how evil Yazid and his clan
and family were.

25. Summary of Imam’s speech
• “O listeners Allah has given us (Ahle Bayt) six things which no one else
has. He has given us special Wisdom, Patience, Dignity, Power of speech,
Courage and Respect. He gave us a special benefit of belonging to the
family of his Prophet. To us belong Hamza and Jaffar. To us belong
Asadullah (The lion of Allah, Imam Ali(as)). To us belong the leader of the
youths of paradise (Imam Hassan(as) and Imam Hussain (as) ).”
• "Those who know me, know me. Those who do not, then know that I am
the son of Mecca and Mina. I am the son of Zamzam and Safa. I am the
son of he who gave Zakat (charity) to the poor. I am the son of the best of
those who have ever put on Ihram and performed ceremonies of Hajj. I
am the son of he who was taken on the night journey from house of Allah
to the Mosque of Aqsa and then to Miraj. I am the son of he who was
taken around by Gibrael to the Lote-tree of the boundary (Sidratul
Muntaha).
• "I am the son of Muhammad Mustafa(saw). I am the son of Ali Al-
Murtaza(as) who fought the polytheists in the battle till they submitted to
Islam and fought in the presence of the Prophet until his sword was
broken and to whom Zulfikar was given. I am the son of he who had the
honor to migrate twice in Islam. I am the son of Fatima the best women of
the world...".

26. After the speech
• The effect of the speech was so powerful that everybody in the
Mosque began to weep and to blame Yazid. Yazid was afraid that
if the Imam continued his speech, there would be a revolution
and revolt, but he dared not stop the Imam and get him down
from the pulpit.
• He therefore ordered a "Muazzin" to give Azan, knowing that this
would automatically cut the Imam's speech. But he
underestimated the Imam's bravery and intelligence. The Imam
stopped his speech but did not get down from the pulpit. When
the Muazzin said " Allahu Akber" the Imam testified Allah's
greatness. When the Muazzin said, "Ash hadu anna
Muhammaddan Rasulullah", the Imam stopped the Muazzin
from going any further. He then turned to Yazid and asked him.
"Tell me o Yazid, was Muhammad(saw) your grandfather or
mine? If you say he was your grandfather it will be an open lie
and if you say he was my grandfather then why have you killed
his son and imprisoned his family? Why have you killed my father
and brought his women and children to this city as prisoners?"
• Yazid had no reply to give.

27. Effect of the speech
The effect of Imam’s speech was to turn the people
against Yazid. Everyone of them now found out
about Yazid's crimes. They began to blame him and
ask for the release of Imam Sajjad (as) and the
womenfolk of the house of the Prophet.
Yazid afraid that if he did not act fast his ruler-ship
would be lost, freed the Imam (as) and his family to
him return to Medina with full honour and respect.
On their way back, the family of the prophet passed
by Karbala and mourned and wept over the graves of
Imam Hussain(as) and his friends and family who were
martyred on the day of Ashura

28. Imam returns to Madina
• After Imam Sajjad(as) returned to Madina, some people
began to consider Muhammad bin al-Hanafiya as their
Imam. Muhammad bin al-Hanafiya was Imam Hussain's (as)
younger brother. He was very pious and had never claimed
that he was the Imam. Only some misguided people began
to consider him as their Imam.
• It became necessary to remove this misunderstanding.
Therefore, Imam Sajjad(as) and his uncle, Muhammad bin al-
Hanafiya decided to go together to The "Hajar Aswad" (the
Black Stone in the Holy Kaaba).
• At first, Muhammad bin al-Hanafiya addressed the Hajar
Aswad asking it to confirm who the Imam was? But there
was no reply. Then Imam Sajjad(as) addressed the Hajar
Aswad. A loud and clear voice came from "Hajar Aswad"
saluting Imam Sajjad(as) by his full name and confirming that
he and he alone was the Imam of the time.

29. Yazid’s spies
• Even though Yazid had to free Imam Sajjad(as) out of
fear of his own ruler ship, the, Imam (as) was still not
completely safe from his evil designs, even in Madina.
• Imam Sajjad(as), was only 23 years old when he
returned back to Madina embedded with the
horrifying memories and experience during the
previous few months, seeing the desecration and
slaughter of his family and loved ones, and going
through all the agony of confronting Ibn Ziyad, then
Yazid,
• Imam (as) needed seclusion to recuperate and plan a
course of action for the future. He also kept away, as
Yazid had planted spies and informers near the
imam(as), fearing that he was going to lead to an
uprising against them.

30. Seclusion
• Imam Sajjad(as) secluded himself in a tent a short
distance from Medina, where he lived for almost a
year. His provisions and needs were provided for
by his family, led by his aunt Zainab (sa)
• Apart from his family, Imam had contact with only
a few friends and companions. This was due to the
presence of informants spying on him gathering
information on who he was meeting, for fear that
he would organize a rebellion against Yazid's
government. Imam Sajjad(as) was smart enough not
to leave any suspicion.
•

31. Being secluded, Imam Sajjad(as) spent most of his time
in excessive prayers, Munajaat, Du'as, and weeping
over the events of Karbala.
Imam (as) also began to lay the groundwork for a
master plan that he would son implement for the
future of his community. He did not announce his
plan to anyone, but rather kept it to himself. Only
after studying his life style in retrospect do we
discover the genius behind this luminous
personality. His plan proved,
a) to outwit all the ruling people of the time,
b) leave the permanent good works for the benefit of
Muslims for all generations to come, including the
present.

32. Imam Sajjad’s(as) plan
1. Be secluded at first and be dissociated from politics, thereby indirectly assuring
Yazid and Banu Umayya that he had no interest in taking over the power from them.
2. Be an example to the people ,in manners of Ibadah (worship). Imam loved to pray
excessively especially to prostrate for long hours to ALLAH (swt.) Thus, out of reverence
people called him Al-Sajjad. (the ones who prostrates)
3. Emphasize Karbala in the minds of people. Karbala, exposed the evil of Yazid and
Banu Umayya, and revived piety as the basis of Islamic conduct and in dealings, and
made piety forever alive in the hearts of people.
4. Continue to mourn on the events of Karbala , encouraging the people to join him in
mourning , indirectly letting them actively participate in the calamity of Karbala.
5. Deal indirectly through his uncle, Muhammad Ibn Al-Hanafiya, with the
sympathetic movements in support of Islam and against Yazid and Banu Umayya.
6. Gradually teach people Islamic knowledge in the form of Duas.(supplications)
7. Indirectly expose the manufacture of false Hadith, and ignorant practices that the
Banu Umayya were introducing into the society.
9. Explain what is Imamate and their essential role in Islam, as divinely
ordained. (Quoting one of his Du'as, "Oh Lord! Bless Your Ahlul Bayt, whom You
chose to execute Your works, and made them the reservoir for Your knowledge, the
guardians for Your religion, deputies of Yours on earth, and the path toward Your
Paradise."

33. • In Madina, Imam Sajjad(as) was noticed to weep often. He cried
whenever he drank water or ate. He cried day in and day out. At
numerous occasions. At different circumstances. Karbala was
ever alive in his mind continuing to torment his memory. Imam
Sajjad(as) would remember the dehydrating thirst his father, Imam
Al-Husain (as)went through in Karbala, the hunger, the
dismemberment, and the unthinkable catastrophe that befell him
and his family and companions
• When the Imam would pass by a butcher’s shop and saw that the
butcher was preparing to slaughter an animal, Imam Sajjad(as)
would ask if he had given water to the animal. When the butcher
said, "Yes, of course, that is what Islam recommends," the Imam
would then break down saying, "But they did not give water to
Al-Husain before they butchered him!"
• The Imam’s constant weeping attracted many people to
sympathize with him. Crowds would gather to listen to the
sermons on the horrifying events of Karbala. They would cry
along with the imam and this created an emotional and powerful
bond amongst his followers.

34. • Day in and day out, people used to go to Imam
Sajjad(as) to present their condolences and hear the
events of Karbala.
• Once a visitor named Noman came to the Imam (as)
and asked him which was the most difficult time he
had to face and the Imam (as) wept as he said;
• "AS-SHAAM AS-SHAAM AS-SHAAM".-meaning the
time he was in Yazid’s prison.
• Another visitor asked him as to how long would he
continue mourning and he replied:
• “Prophet Yaqub (as) had 12 sons and only one of them
got lost (Yusuf(as)) and despite knowing that he was still
alive, he cried until his eyes became white and his
back got bent - I had witnessed 17 members of my
family being slaughtered around me like sheep and
you ask me as to how long I would continue
mourning?”

35. The old man and his son
• One day when Imam Sajjad (as) was walking down
the street with a few of his friends, he saw an old
man carrying a heavy load while his son walked
next to him. Imam became very angry.
• All his friends were very surprised to see The
Imam(as) in this way, as they had never seen him
angry, and asked him the reason
• Imam Sajjad(as) replied that he was angry to see a
son walk with his father letting him carry a heavy
load and not helping.

36. His acts of worship
• Imam Sajjad(as) continued to show the same passion
for the acts of worship. His numerous voluntary
Salats,(prayers) his excessive frequency of Sujoods
(prostrations)to thank the Almighty for every small
or big incident, and similar acts, showed the people
the importance of Allah's remembrance.
• Hence slowly the people began emulating Imam
Sajjad(as) in his way of worship, even though at a
smaller scale initially, gradually moving away from
the careless and ungodly attitude of the Banu
Ummayya rulers.

39. Method of educating the people
The media was primitive in those days. More or less people depended on frequent
verbal information. Books were not very easily available. Besides, the paid informants
and secret agents of Yazid and Banu Umayya were everywhere. Therefore, Imam
Sajjad(as) had a narrow path to spread information from.
Karbala was an event that jolted the whole Islamic world. It’s accurate and non
distorted details had been narrated by Imam Sajjad(as) and his aunt Zainab(sa) Since
Karbala was the event of supreme sacrifice for Islam. An event to keep Islam's integrity
sound, and an event to expose the misleading information of Banu Umayya and their
administration.
• Imam Sajjad(as) had to ensure that the event of Karbala be kept alive.
• Imam Sajjad(as) often mentioned Karbala to friends and acquaintances, to
students and scholars, at home or in the mosque. And he would cry and let people
cry to actively and collectively participate in the calamity.
• So despite the efforts of the Banu Umayya to cover up the truth, Karbala became
fixed in the minds of thousands. Their attempts were no match to the zeal of Imam
Sajjad(as) in bringing Karbala in the forefront.

40. Following the footsteps of his family
• One day As imam was breaking his fast, his servant
gave him a bunch of grapes. A beggar came to him,
and he gave the bunch of grapes to the beggar.
• The servant sent someone to buy another bunch of
grapes for the Imam, another beggar knocked on the
door, and the Imam again gave the bunch of grapes to
be given to this beggar.
• Again, the servant sent someone to buy a bunch of
grapes for the Imam. When she offered the bunch of
grapes to the Imam, another beggar came, and the
Imam ordered the bunch of grapes to be given to the
beggar.
• Thus the Imam followed the way of his grandparents,
father and uncle who gave away their food as per the
verse 76:9 of the holy Quran

41. His Behavior toward his Neighbors
• Imam Sajjad (as), treated his neighbors with
kindness and compassion. He supplicated for
them, asking Allah (swt) to grant them the
same blessings and success, as the members of
his House.

42. Imam’s generosity and kindness
• Imam Sajjad (as) was so generous that he gave food to those
people who came to his house at noon every day.
• He secretly looked after over a hundred families in
Madina.He was very kind and affectionate to the poor and
the needy. He regularly invited them to eat with him. He gave
them food with his hand as well as he carried food on his
back and took it to their houses at night.
• Once a companion Zaid bin Usama was lying on his
deathbed when Imam Sajjad (as) visited him. Zaid was
weeping when the Imam (as) asked him the reason for his
weeping. He replied, "I have to pay a 15,000-dinar debt; my
wealth is not so much as to pay off the debt."
• The Imam (as) said, "Do not weep. I will pay your debts."

43. forgiving and generous
• Imam Sajjad(as) was very forgiving and generous. The best example can be
illustrated in the year 64 AH.
• The people of Medina removed Yazid's governor from his post of governorship in
Madina, Fearing for their lives, the Bani Umayyah started running away from
Madina. Marwan bin Hakam had a large family of women and children and could
not run away until he could find someone who would agree to shelter his women
and children. Marwan approached several people, but all refused to help him.
Finally Marwan bin Hakam turned to Imam Imam Sajjad(as) for help.
Marwan bin Hakam was an arch enemy of the Holy Prophet (saw) and his family. As
a matter of fact, the Holy Prophet (saw) had expelled Marwan and his father as they
were troublemakers. It is the same Marwan who had fought against Imam Ali (as) in
the battle of the Camel. Marwan also was one of those who prevented Imam Al-
Hassan (as) to be buried next to his grandfather's grave. It was this same Marwan
who had told Walid, the Governor of Madina in 60 AH to force allegiance from
Imam Al-Hussein (as) in the court or to cut-off his head if he refused.
Despite all this, Imam Sajjad(as) agreed to help Marwan bin Hakam without any
hesitation. Marwan's family stayed with the Imam in Imam's house for as long as
they wished. Imam Sajjad(as) then arranged for them to go to where Marwan was. In
fact, Imam's house was open for anyone who came seeking for protection at this
time

44. • Imam Sajjad(as) urged the people to visit Karbala particularly the site where the
tragedy of Karbala took place, where the graves of his father, brothers, family
members and companions were. To do so people had to bear the hazards of travel
and spend energy to become part and parcel of the principles for what Imam
Al-Husain stood. Thus people confirmed their resolve in the Islamic principles
Imam Al-Husain stood for. This became like a booster strengthening their faith.
• ► Imam Sajjad(as) also encouraged Muslims to observe ASHURA-the anniversary
of Karbala every year. He encouraged his followers to gather for the occasion,
listen to speeches about the event of Karbala, and revive its memory in the minds,
thus build their resolve.
• ► Imam Sajjad(as) also used to visit the grave of Imam Al-Husain every year. He
would go unannounced, often unnoticed.
• ► Imam Sajjad(as) recommended that while in prostration (Sujood ) a worshipper’s
forehead should rest on a clean Turbah (tablet) made from the clay of the area of
Karbala, where Imam Al-Husain was buried. This was recommended so that a
person's highest part of Salat (Sujood) be associated with the cause Imam
Al-Husain gave his life for, (Bihaar Al-Anwaar, Vol. 36, Section 5-75.)
• With the passage of years, Karbala became ever more fixed in people's minds. Its
cause brought the fruits of authentic Islam, and the Islamic information continued
being wholesome. Benu Umayya were no match to the genius of Imam Sajjad(as) ,
they failed. Imam Sajjad(as) did his work in the service of Islam, which only an
Imam can do. An Imam is safeguarded from sin, religious error, and forgetfulness.

45. Dua(supplications)
• An outstanding contribution of Imam Sajjad(as) was the composing of Du'as. A
Dua is the act of supplication. It is calling out to God. it is a conversation with
God,. In fact the word is derived from the Arabic root meaning to call out or to
summon.
• One facet of Imam’s genius was expressed in composing Du'as, which are
treasured till today. His Du'as are often read at home or in the mosques on
different occasions. When reciting it in the Arabic style, and with the
communication they call for between a person and the Creator, one often
responds with tears.
• There were a total of 54 Du'as for various occasions, 7 Du'as for every day of
the week, and 15 whispered Du'as (Munajaat). These Du'as are about hope,
fear, thanks, devotion, love, mediation, and remembrance of Allah. These Du'as
are collected in the Saheefa Al-Sajjadiya. The latter is often called
the Zaboor or the Psalms of Islam.
• Imam compiled these Du'as in such a way that awareness and knowledge
were built into them. Hence a a person reading the Dua would be filled with
awareness and knowledge of the almighty while at the same time glorifying
his lord asking Him for his needs and forgiveness.

46. Imam’s tolerance
Numerous other examples are written about Imam
Sajjad(as) . One such example was when a relative hurled
accusations against the Imam and left.
The People expected a fight, verbal or otherwise,
However Imam Sajjad(as) went to the house of his accuser
and spoke these words;
"If you were right in what you said, and I was wrong,
then may Allah (swt) forgive me. But if you were wrong
and I was right, then may Allah (swt) forgive you.“ ( from the book
Seerah of Imams, Hashim M. Al-Hassani Vol. 2, Page 148)
The accuser was amazed since he never expected such a
reply. He, apologized, and acknowledged that he was in
the wrong.

47. Freeing the slaves
• In an era when slaves from the battle fronts used to be
abundant, Imam Sajjad(as) used to buy as many slaves as he
could afford, then after a period of rehabilitation and
educating them about Islam he used to set them free. They
were called Mawaali.
• Most of the Mawali did not want to leave Imam Sajjad(as)
because of his kindness and holiness. In time the number of
Mawaali became very large, and they became enthusiastic
supporters of the imam.
• They would also teach Islam to their friends according to the
way the imam taught them. Imam Sajjad(as ) freed a very
large number of slaves, almost matching the number his
grandfather, Imam Ali, liberated.
• (Mawaali was also a term used to people who converted to Islam,
often from non-Arabic ancestry.)

48. Helping the Poor and Needy
Imam Sajjad(as) had a huge sympathy for the poor and needy. He was
always busy helping them for he regarded the needy as doing him a
favor by asking for his help.
Imam Sajjad(as used to carry sacks of flour and other food material on
his back every night. Many families used to wait for him, yet they could
not recognize him, since he wore a cloak and hid his face. They used to
call him: The man with the cover on his face, and only his eyes
showing!
This help continued for as many years as he was the Imam, probably
for 34 years. It is reported that as many as 100 families depended on
him for their livelihood at various times. Even his back became
hunched, and developed calluses, from carrying the weight of the sacks
of flour and food on it.
(narrated by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal. Also Al-Siddooq narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir.)
It was only after the imam passed away, and the provisions stopped,
that these families realized who their benefactor was!

49. Prepare the best and eat the leftovers
► During Ramadhan Imam Sajjad(as) would ask his family
to prepare (cook) one sheep a day, for distribution to the
needy, be it in the form of pots of soup, stew, and
others. He would taste the food to make sure it was good,
and the food was given to the poor and needy to break
their fast on it. But as for the imam, he would only eat
the least edible of the left over!
• (Narrated by Al-Sajjad, by Husain Baaqir, Page 188.)
► Imam Sajjad(as) never wore his clothes for more than
one season. He made sure to freely donate his clothes to
the needy and poor. This continued throughout his life,
summer or winter, year in, year out.
(Narrated by Al-Sajjad, by Husain Baaqir, Page 193.)

50. His Martyrdom
Imam Sajjad(as) kept his life very personal and preferred
to stay in a town close to Madina from where he would
preach the true religion of Allah(swt) quietly and with
character. The Imam occupied the hearts and feelings of
the people.
However, the tyrant rulers of his time soon began to feel
threatened from the Imam's preaching and character.
His period of Imamate was full of tyrant rulers such as
Yazid , who ruled until 64 A.H,
Moawiya bin Yazid and Marwan bin-al-Hakam until 65 A.H,
Abdul Malik bin Marwan from 65A.H. until 86 A.H.
and finally from 86 A.H. until 96 A.H. -Walid bin Abdul
Malik.

51. The evil Khalifa
• It was Walid bin Abdul Malik, who was the most spiteful
toward the Imam. He sent poison to his governor in Madina,
who mixed it in a Juice and gave the Imam to drink.
• The poison reacted on the blessed Imam’s body, and he
suffered severe pain. The Imam remained on the bed of
illness for some days.
• Crowds of people visited the Imam as he lay on his deathbed.
• Imam Sajjad(as) ,entrusted the Imamate to his son al-Baqir,(as)
as divinely ordained, entrusting him with a box which
had his books and inheritances from the prophets
•

52. • After a few days the imam’s (as)health worsened His
illness became intense. The Imam (as) suffered
exhausting pain, for the poison reacted on all the
parts of his body. He told his family that he would
move to Paradise at night. He fainted three times.
When he came to consciousness, he recited Sura
al-Fātiha, and Sura Innā Fatahnā. Then the,
Imam(as) said:
• “Praise belongs to Allah, Who has made good to us
His promise and made us inherit the land; we may
abide in the garden where we please; so goodly is
the reward of the workers.”
• The Imam (as) passed away to his heavenly abode on
the 25th of Muharram 95A.H.

53. The burial
• Imam Sajjad’s (as) son and the next Imam al-Baqir(as)
undertook the preparation of the burial of his
father. He washed his pure body. This was when
his companions saw imam Sajjad’s(as) condition of
his knees and shoulders. His knees had calluses like
the knees of camels, out of his abundant prostration
(in prayer) to Allah, (swt.) His shoulders also had
calluses , out of carrying heavy bags, every night,
full of food that he divided amongst the poor and
the deprived.
• The Imam was buried in the Al-Baqi cemetary in
Madina, next to the grave of his uncle Imam
Hassan(as)

54. Sayings of Imam Sajjad(as)
Abstain from lies both small and big and in all
conditions whether joking or serious
Guard your tongue and do not speak about people
whatever comes out of your mouth, otherwise you
will turn your friends into your enemies.
Drinking (Alcohol and other forbidden drinks) and
Gambling are such sins that they destroy the power
to stop committing other sins.

55. Sayings of Imam Sajjad(as)
• When a believer’s eyes shed tears for the death of al-Hussain until
they flow over his cheeks, Allah will provide for him rooms in
Paradise which he will inhabit for a long time. When a believer’s
eyes shed tears until they flow over his cheeks because of the
atrocities inflicted upon us by our enemies in this world, Allah
will provide him with a true abode in paradise.“
• Ibn Qawlawayah p. 103
• May Allah have mercy on you - know that Allah has rights
against you. These rights surround you in all your movements, in
your rest, in all your body parts and every thing that you use.
Some of these rights are big others are small.
• The greatest right which is on you is from Allah Himself and this
is the root of all other rights .... The greatest right of Allah on you
is to worship Him without associating anything with Him. If you
do that with purity of heart, He promises to give you sufficiently
what you need here and in the next world ...

56. Sayings of Imam Sajjad(as)
Sins which terminate the blessings are:
oppression against people,
abandoning piety,
not commanding good deeds,
ingratitude for blessings and favors,
and not giving thanks.
(Speaking) Good words increase a person's wealth
and sustenance (Rizk), prolongs his life, make him to
be loved by his wife and children and take him to
paradise.

57. Imam Imam Sajjad(as) on a mother
The right of your mother is that you know she has carried you (in her
womb) in a manner that nobody has carried the other. And fed you
from the fruit of her heart in a way that nobody has fed the other. She
protected you happily with her ears, eyes, hands, feet, hair, skin and all
of her body parts while bearing all the pains, agonies, discomforts and
burdens till the time Allah's hand detached you from her to the earth.
Then she was contented that she remained hungry and fed you and
dressed you up remaining nude herself and quenched your thirst while
she was thirsty, she put you in the shade while she herself remained
under the sun and brought you up with the extreme comforts while
herself (remaining) in hardship. She makes you enjoy the sweet sleep
while she is awake. Her womb was a soothing and comforting place for
you. Her breasts were a means of quenching your thirst. And her
existence was a shield for protecting you. She endured the hot and cold
of the world for your sake.
There fore, you must also thank her in the same manner and you do not
have the capability and power of doing it but with the assistance of
Allah and His grace.

58. Sayings of Imam Sajjad(as)
• The Imam said, "Do not have relationship with, nor talk with
nor give company to 5 types of people:
* The Liar: because they are like mirage: With their words
they show things different from what they really are. What is
near they make it look far and what is far they make it look
near. In this way, they take you away from truth.
* The Greedy and the Sinner: because you cannot rely on
their friendship; for a small piece of food or even less than
that, they will sell you.
* The Miser: because they will let you down when you need
them most.
* The Fool: because even when they try to do you good, they
will end you in difficulties.
* Those Who have cut relationship with their relatives,
because Allah has cursed them in the Qur'an.