Biography of Imam Zain-Ul-Abideen (a.s.)

Name: Ali Title: Zainul Abedin, Sayidus Sajidin

Designation: 4th Imam Kunyat: Abul Muhammad

Father: Hussain Ibne Ali Mother: Shahr Banu Binte-Yazdjard

Born: 15th Jumada al-Awwal/5th Shaban 38AH/659AD

Died: 25th Muharram 95AH (713AD)

Martyred: Poisoned by Waleed Buried: Cemetery of Jannatul Baqi

Lived: 57 years

When the young Ali took the mantle of Imamat, times

were hard on the Ahlulbayt of the Prophet. His is the

saddest story of all time. On the 10th of Muharram at

the time of Asr Prayers, when his father Hussain (AS)

was alone in the battlefield ready to do battle, he withdrew to the camp of

his ailing son, came beside his bed, woke him and told him that the story

of Karbala was over, that he was about to go to sacrifice his own life for

the cause of Islam. It was at that time the father transferred the mantle

of Imamat, the spiritual guidance, to his son to lead the Muslim Ummah

towards the Right Path.

He was born in Madina some 22 years ago, on 5th Shabaan 38 year of

Hijra. In some history books his date of birth is shown as 15th Jumada

Awwal 38 AH. His mother was Shahr Banu the daughter of Yazdjurd II,

the last of the Persian Kings before Islam. She was taken prisoner when

Muslim armies conquered Persia. When she was brought in Madina Imam

Ali (AS) spoke to her and she embraced Islam and was married to his 2nd

son Imam Hussain (AS). She had died after giving birth to her only son.

He was only two years old when his grand father Ali (AS) was martyred in

the Mosque at Kufa. After that the whole family of the Prophet returned to

live in Madina. For the next 10 years under Imam Hasan (AS) as Imam

and after his martyrdom, his father Imam Hussain (AS) as the Imam, the

young Ali was growing in their shadow and watching the workings of the

Imamat without the worldly authority. People knew they were the grand

sons of the Holy Prophet and followed them by their hearts but outwardly

because of the fear of the Ummayad ruler in Damascus, there was very

little following of the Ahlulbayt of the Prophet.

In 60 Hijri when his father Imam Hussain (AS) had to

leave Madina for Makka and then for Karbala, he was

with him all the time. In Karbala all male children of Ali

(AS) and Hussain (AS) were killed except Ali Ibne

Hussain (AS) who with providence became so ill that he was unable to

participate in the Jihad with his father and survived the massacre. His life

and with that the line of descendents of Hussain (AS) survived because

the Imamat had to go on. He became the 4th Imam on the 10th of

Muharram 61 Hijri. He was taken captive and was brought to Kufa and

then to Damascus in chains. In spite of his illness and humiliating position

in front of Yazid the Ummayad ruler, when Yazid addressed him in an

insulting manner saying that his father wasted his life by refusing to give

the oath of allegiance to Yazid, Imam replied, it was to save Islam. They

were wondering how Islam was saved. When time for Azan came and the

Moazzin screamed from the minaret "I bear witness that Muhammad is

the messenger of Allah", Imam shouted to Yazid, this is the way Islam

was saved. People would have forgotten the name of Muhammad as the

Messenger of Allah if his grand son would not have shown the world that

you were a ruler by default. Yazid ordered his swordsman to kill this

young man, but by the intervention of his aunt Zainab his life was spared.

He remained in prison for one year with the whole family. There was

turmoil in all parts of the Islamic empire on this brutal killing. In the end

Yazid was afraid that if he kept the family of the Prophet in prison any

longer, he will loose his kingdom. So he sent orders to bring the family

before him and told him that he was releasing them. He also asked what

they wish to do now. In reply to this His aunt Zainab said that they would

wish to hold a gathering in Damascus so that she can tell the people what

happened in Karbala. Yazid agreed and the first Majlis was held in

Damascus. In this Majlis most of the women of Damascus took part who

were secretly following the path of Ahlulbayt which included Yazid's wife

Hind. Then they all returned to Karbala to pay homage over the graves of

their beloved father, uncles and brothers. It was on the 20th of the month

of Safar 62 Hijri that they arrived back in Karbala. The first Majlis of

Arbaeen was held in Karbala in which his aunt Zainab and all the

surviving family attended. It was at that time that one of the companions

of the Prophet Jabir Ibn Abullah Ansari visited the grave of Hussain (AS)

who later narrated the whole story of Karbala to many of his listeners in

Madina and many other towns he visited. The message of Hussain (AS)

was spreading from town to town and from country to country.

The whole family then returned to Madina except the wife of Imam

Hussain (AS). Her name was Umm-e-Rabab. She said that she would not

return back home, for her home was here where her husband lay buried.

She stayed in Karbala until she died a few years later. A small town

flourished for the up keeps of pilgrims who began to visit the grave of

Hussain (AS) and all the martyrs of Karbala.

Having being released from confinement in Damascus, Imam came to live

in Madina with his family and to lead a quiet life. But the city was in revolt

against the cruel regime of Yazid. Many tried to persuade the Imam to

join them, but Imam knew their unreliability and he declined. So when

Yazid's army invaded Madina, they left the Imam's family alone. Yet he

was greatly shocked to see how for three days the invading army led by

Muslim Ibn Aqaba who was charged with invading Madina, tied their

horses in the Prophet's mosque, turning the sacred place into a filthy

stable, killing hundreds of innocent people and playing havoc with chaste

women. For three continuous days these beasts from Damascus ravaged

the city and destroyed it. Imam had so much control over his emotions

that he kept quiet. When different revolutionary parties rose to avenge

the blood of Imam Hussain, he wisely kept aloof from them whose

uprisings he deemed untimely. No doubt Sulaiman Ibn Surad al-Khuzai

and Mukhtar Ibn Obaidah ath-Thaqafi avenged Imam's precious blood.

Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen had compassion for them; he prayed for them

and for their success and often enquired about those who were captured

and executed by Yazid's cruel regime. Certainly Mukhtar relieved the

Imam's wounded heart by punishing the culprits. But the Imam was so

cautious that his outward appearance gave the impression that he was

indifferent, so much so that the cruel Government could not implicate him

of any subversion.

Times were hard in Madina for the family of the

Prophet. Imam Ali Ibne Hussain (Sajjad became his

title because of his intense prostrations in prayers)

lived for another 35 years after the event of Karbala.

He was the Imam of the time and it was his duty to spread guidance to

the people. But how he would do that when a single word in favor of the

Ahlulbayt would have meant certain death. No one dared to say that he

followed the family of the Prophet. The Imam survived with the sheer will

power and providence. He used to go to the mosque of the Prophet and

some times prayed there all night. These were special prayers in the

shape of supplications with great significance than mere ritual. These

prayers were memorized by his companions, written down by his two

sons, Mohammad and Zaid. Mohammad became the 5th Imam after the

death of his father while Zaid rose against the rulers of his time and was

martyred in Kufa. All these supplications were later collected by his

companions in the shape of a book which was named "Al Saheefa el

Sajjadiya". Several copies of the book were made and distributed among

the followers.

Normal teachings of the Qur'an by the family of the Prophet were not

allowed. With these supplications Imam taught his followers the

relationship between God and the people. In ordinary language it is not

possible to enhance the knowledge of God. But in the language of prayer,

when one bows down before the creator, one realizes ones own meager

self, in comparison with the immensity of the universe. All vanity or ego

disappears. All thoughts of self indulgence vanish. He relates himself with

his creator in all humility and sublime self. His true self awakens which

only exists to help others for they are all creatures of God. Emotions that

were attached to his own Self disappear. He feels alone in the wide world.

His only hope rests with his creator. God alone gives him hope and

meaning of existence on earth. Side by side these supplications also gave

the human race their Rights and duties with each other. In the name of

"Risalat-el- Huqooq" which was an addition to Saheefa, completed the

meaning of Islam as a Deen of deeper spiritual understanding as well as

the ways and means of lion this planet earth with other people.

Imam's whole life was spent in helping all the people in the city of

Madina. He was seen going during the darkness of the night with a sack

full of bread for the hungry people of the city. They never knew the

identity of the person, who gave them food night after night, but Imam's

own companions knew the fact and they passed it on to the later

generation to know and to learn. It was after his death that those hungry

souls came to know the identity of their benefactor.

Imam performed thirty pilgrimages in all after the event of Karbala.

Sometimes he would go for Hajj on the back of a camel, but sometimes

on foot for 250 miles to Makka. Once he was traveling with a companion.

When they reached the outskirts of Makka, the crowd of pilgrims going

towards Makka was enormous. His companions shouted, "There is a lot of

crowd for Hajj this year." Imam replied, "There is only you and me and

this camel, the rest are animals." He was again teaching the meaning of

Hajj which was to reach out for God with all your heart and do not just

regard it as another ritual.

An incident occurred that is said to have provoked the jealousy of Hisham

Ibn Abdul Malik who was heir apparent to his father and arrived in Makka

with great pomp and a retinue of servants. But in spite of this, he was not

able to reach for the Black Stone in the Ka'aba. In pilgrims garb Hisham

was unrecognizable. He sat down on a high place waiting for the crowd to

move so that he could also kiss the black stone. While he was waiting he

saw an old man arrive and watched the crowd give way for him. He

reached the Black stone, kissed it and returned back to his place. Hisham,

being the son of the caliph was astonished and enquired about the

identity of the person. Farazdaq the famous poet was standing right

there. He composed a Qaseeda in praise of the Imam to introduce him to

the Heir apparent of the throne. He said, "He is who that the whole Makka

knows him, every stone in the Ka'aba knows him. He is the son of the

grand son of Fatima and Ali and of the Holy Prophet. Hisham, in his

arrogance of power, imprisoned the poet who died in prison some years

later.

In another incident while the Imam was about to begin his prayers a man

came round and began to use abusive language against him. Imam

ignored the man first. But when he repeated the abusive language

pointing to him directly, Imam said to him, "what you are saying about

me, if it is true then I asks God's forgiveness, but if it is not true, then

only God can forgive you." The man was thoroughly ashamed of his

behavior and apologized. Later on he became a great devotee of the

Imam.

Some people say that the Imam spent his life after

Karbala in weeping and crying for the atrocities

committed to his family. Indeed it was true that he wept

profusely and that some times the glass of water he drank would soil with

tears so that he would not be able to drink that water. And when people

said why you weep so much, for martyrdom is the inheritance of the

Ahlulbayt. He would say, "Yes indeed, I do not weep for the killing of my

family, but for the humiliation we the whole family faced on the way to

Damascus which was beyond description. I weep for that disgrace of

women and children." He would then call the people around and tell them

the story of Karbala and the plight of the captives after Karbala. People

would also weep and cry loudly. The message spread. This was the means

to tell the people otherwise people would not want to know. Through

tragedy the message reached the hearts of the people and that message

is still alive after 1400 years. And with this the line of demarcation drawn

in Karbala between truth and falsehood is still visible.

Imam's aunt Hazrat Zainab was organising gatherings in the city of

Madina to tell the assembled ladies in the majlis the events of Karbala

and these participants spread the message to all corners of the town and

in Makka and other cities of the province of Hejaz. This method was so

successful that the Governor of Madina wrote to Yazid about it and on the

orders from Yazid, Hazrat Zainab was escorted back to Damascus. She

lived there for a while then she was moved to Egypt on the orders of the

monarch because even in Damascus her speeches in private gatherings

were successful in spreading the story of Karbala. Hazrat Zainab stayed in

Egypt for few years but then she was brought back to Damascus where

she was martyred. Her mausoleum is in Damascus, just outside the City

and pilgrims visit the place all the time. Many miracles have appeared at

this place and people suffering from incurable diseases have come to pray

on her grave and have found good health.

Imam (AS) in Madina through his silent teachings left many pupils; the

most prominent of them was Abu Hamza-e-Thumali, who remained to

spread the teachings of Ahlulbayt in the Islamic world. Abu Mikhnuf was

also one famous pupil of the Imam who later on the instructions of the

fifth Imam wrote the story of Karbala in the narrative form which became

the part of the Majlis all over the world.

The calm and peaceful life of the Imam was not to be tolerated by the

Ummayad's cruel regime. They realized that the Imam was succeeding in

his mission of spreading the message of his father Hussain (AS). The

Syrian monarch Walid Ibn Abdul Malik had him poisoned. He died in

Madina on the 25th of Muharram 95 Hijri. His eldest son Muhammad Ibn

Ali al Baqir arranged the burial and laid him to rest in the grave yard of

Jannatul Baqi beside his uncle Imam Hasan (AS).

Birth

In the period of the second caliph "Ummer", the Muslims conquered Iran.

The daughters of Yazdgard were brought to Madina.

All had gathered in the mosque of Madina to see what was the decision of

the caliph, about them. He wanted to sell them but Imam Ali (A.S.)

stopped him from doing so and said to Urnmer, "leave the girls free so

that they marry whosoever they wish."

One of the girls chose Hussain Ibn-e-Ali (A.S.) and the other chose Imam

Hassan Mujtaba (A.S.). Imam Ali (A.S.) said to Hussain, "Look after this

woman very well, because, from her an Imam will come into existence

(born) who will be the best of the God's creations upon the earth and the

father of all the Imams (after himself).

Not very long after that the sun of his existence arose, on Thursday, the

5th of Shaaban, 38th Hijrah, in Madina.

He was named "Ali" later on titled as Zain-ul-Abidin (the decoration of the

worshippers) and Sajjad (one who performs much prostration).

The Ethical and Moral Characteristics of Imam (A.S.)

1. Piety and Abstinence:

One of the special features of Imam's character was his piety and

abstinence. Imam Jaffar Sadiq (A.S.) said, "Ali Ibn-ul-Hussain (A.S.)

resembled most of all the sons of Bani Hashim, with Ali (A.S.)".

His son Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) said, "One day I happened to see

my father, I saw him (completely) immersed and (thoroughly pre

occupied) in the prayers and with all the attention towards God. His color

was faded and his eyes were sore and red due to weeping, his feet were

swollen by (prostration) and legs, and knees had developed corns. I said

humbly "Oh father, why do you loose your self control during the prayers

and put yourself in such an inconvenience and discomfort. My father wept

and said, "Oh son however and whatsoever amount of prayers I perform

even then it is meager and very little as compared to the prayers of your

grandfather, "Ali Ibn-e-Abi Talib."

Taous Yamni says, I saw Imam lying in prostration saying, "Oh God your

servant, needy towards you, is in your house waiting for your blessing,

forgiveness and favor".

2. Attention to the life and training of people:

Imam Zain-ul-Abidin (A.S.), like his grandfather, was busy in cultivating

land and palm date orchards. He offered two Rakat of prayer near each

palm date tree. During the prayers he would get himself so absorbed that

he did not have any attention towards anything except God. He traveled

to Mecca, on foot, twenty times. And continuously guided and conducted

people through the attractive melody of the Qur'anic verses.

All the human qualities and attributes were collectively present in his

personality. He was the complete specimen of tolerance, forgiveness and

self-sacrifice. He looked after and administrated hundreds of houses of

the poor and hunger stricken. Daily a number of goats were slaughtered

in his house and he distributed all their meat among the afflicted. He

dressed the naked and dress less ones and paid their debts and loans. But

he himself took simple meals and put on simple dress.

A person came to Ali Ibn-ul-Hussain (A.S.) and started addressing him

with filthy and abusive language. Imam (A.S.) turned his face towards

him without the slightest anger and quarrel or strife and said, "Oh

brother, if what you say is right and correct and these vices are present in

me then God may pardon and forgive my sin. And if you are telling a lie

then God may forgive you and pardon your sin."

The man was very much ashamed and asked Imam (A.S.) to pardon him.

Abu Hamza Somali who was one of the friends of Imam (A.S.) asked his

servant to briefly define the character and morals of Imam (A.S.). He said

so, "I am at his service for so many years. Whatever I saw was

righteousness, piety and purity. My lord helps and assists the people and

solves their problems, with all the difficulties worries and pre occupations

that he himself faces. Zaid bin Usama was lying on the deathbed. Imam

Sajjad (A.S.) visited him, Zaid was weeping. When Imam (A.S.) asked

him the reason of his weeping he said, "I have to pay fifteen thousand

Dinnars as my loan and debt and my wealth is not so much as to pay off

the debt." Imam said, "Do not weep and be contented, I will pay all of

your loan."

When the nights would become dark and all the people went to sleep,

Imam Sajjad (A.S.) would get up put the food in a sack and on his

shoulder. He covered his face so that he is not recognized. Then he took

that food to the houses of the inflicted and have-nots and gave it to them.

He administrated and looked after nearly a hundred guardians less family

in Madina, most of them comprised indigent, helpless and crippled,

handicapped and paralytic ones.

What a surprise! None of these families knew that Imam Zain-ul-Abidin

(A.S.) was the one who managed and run their lives.

But after his death, when the aids were discontinued they came to know

that Imam (A.S.) was their helper and friend.

Accompanying and keeping pace with his father

He was beside his father right from the moment of his migration towards

Karbala and followed his father. Imam Hussain (A.S.) step by step so

that, when his father asked for help on the day of Ashoora he got up to

extend help to his father. But Hazrat Zainab (S.A.) stopped him and said,

"You are the only memorial remnant of this family and the Imam after

Imam Hussain (A.S.) and you are the guardian of all of us. Your divine

mission is to convey the message of the martyrs to the people.

Although a segment of the people who are unaware consider the Imam to

be a sick, invalid, handicapped and weak person. But they are seriously

mistaken because the illness of Imam was an expedience and policy of

God, so that he may remain safe from the harm of the enemy's sword,

and become the living history of Karbala. Therefore, after the martyrdom

of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his companions Shimar came into the

encampment of Imam along with a group of murderers of Bani Ommayide

so that he may kill the remaining ones of the camp of Imam Hussain

(A.S.). Since he was ill, Shimar's companions objected upon him and

Umer Saad came after them and reprimanded Shimar 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."

The movement of Imam (A.S.) and his clamor begins

Imam (A.S.) who along with the left behind families of martyrs was

besieged by the enemy, came out on the morning of 11th Moharram, the

61st Hijrah. They had chained his hands and feet and placed the heads of

the martyrs in front of him so that his sorrow and grief is increased.

There is no doubt about it that if Imam was not there in Karbala to see all

the crimes of Yazeed from a close quarter and convey it to the people of

Kufa and Syria, Bani Ommayide would not have become defamed and

disgraced to that extent.

The family of Hussain (A.S.), as against the concept of a foolish and silly

group who think they were defeated, where ever they set foot, they would

announce the success of their revolution and the defeat of Yazeed.

What more and superb conquest could be imagined about, than this that

the enemy was highly afraid of them. Where ever they opened their lips

to speak people would manifest their feelings and emotions and paid

them respect and homage and rebuked, reproached, and cursed their

enemies.

Imam's Speech in Kufa

When the carvan of the prisoners reached Kufa and all the people were

keenly trying to see the prisoners. Imam (A.S.) noticed that Kufis did not

recognize them otherwise they were not that indifferent. Therefore, Imam

by his hand gave the people the signal to keep quiet. All of them adopted

silence and lent ears to him. Suddenly the memorial of Hussain (Imam)

opened his lips and said, "Oh the people of Kufa! I am the son of Hussain

(A.S.), I am Ali the son of Ali (A.S.), Fatimah (S.A.) and Prophet

(P.B.U.H.). I am the son of that Imam (A.S.) whose sons were killed and

his properties looted and plundered and his family held prisoners before

you. You wrote invitation letters to my father. When he came towards

you, you killed him. What will you reply to God and his Prophet (P.B.U.H.)

on the justice day. You did not observe the honor and sanctity of your

Prophet (P.B.U.H.) annoyed his soul. Woe to you, what a bad people you

are."

Imam (A.S.) arose and alerted the sleeping consciences by these

statements and addresses broke and tore the hearts and rolled the tears

out of the eyes and changed the celebrations and joys of Bani Ommayide

into a sorrow and grief.

In the Court of Ibn-e-Ziad

Keeping in view the reports of the officials about the turmoil and

disturbance of the Kufa city, Ibn-e-Ziad ordered that they (Prisoners)

must be brought to the court, as soon as possible.

The unclean, dirty, obnoxious and ostentatious son of Ziad held a grand

aggregation comprising of all the nobles, notable, dignitaries of Kufa to

show off his power to them. And threaten and intimidate them so that in

future they do not pluck the courage of uttering any words. Others should

know that whosoever opposes, shall meet the same fate.

Thus they showed the remaining (family) of Imam Hussain (A.S.) in and

all those present there gazed and looked at them. They were looking on

at them with amazement; none of them took any notice of Ibn-e-Ziad,

the killer of Kufa.

The son of Ziad was furious and enraged and wanted to show disrespect

to them. But he could not dare it. Hazrat Imam Sajjad (A.S.) addressed

him saying "Oh the son of Ziad! Today you are sitting on the seat and

throne of Power and the sons of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) are standing

before you. Do not think you have any value in our eyes. These words

proved so much effective that the ruler of Kufa lost his wits and was

stunned and started using foul and rotten language and threatened them.

Thereafter, he ordered that Imam Sajjad (A.S.) be slain, but due to the

hue and cry of the prisoners and the objection of those present he

refrained from it. But Imam (A.S.) addressed him saying: "You scare me

from death. You must know that being killed and slain is our habit and

martyrdom is our nobility and generosity."

Ibn-e-Ziad did not know what to do and what to say. He did not have any

alternative except to order the prisoners be taken away from the

assembly as soon as possible.

In The Court of Yazeed

The family, kith and kin of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), which were tired and

exhausted, grieved and sorrowful, was all tied up with one single rope and

were brought into the court and assembly of Yazeed. They adopted the

same conduct and behavior with Yazeed, which they had previously

shown towards Ibn-e-Ziad. None of them gave any attention and took any

notice of Yazeed. Thereby, Imam (A.S.) raised his head and said, "You,

who claim to be Muslim, say, what would the Prophet (P.B.U.H) do with

you and say to you if he sees us in this condition that you have taken us

prisoners."

This strong sentence of Imam (A.S.) made those present on the occasion

weep and Yazeed was embarrassed and bewildered and at once ordered

the ropes to be let loose and open.

Then he started ill speaking and vilification. So, at once the children of

Imam Hussain (A.S.) and Imam Sajjad (A.S.) resisted and withstood him

and delivered speeches, which dishonored and disgraced his lineage and

family. It came to it, that from inside his haram sarai (women's

apartment) a noise of objection, protest and crying raised. These

shootings and voices of crying, and protests each one was striking upon

the head of Yazeed like, as if it was a hammer. And that woke him up

from the deep slumber and sleep of drunkenness. He knew that if he

detained the remaining of the family of Prophet (P.B.U.H.) for another few

moments a revolt will start and his life will come to an end. He saw

himself drowned in the ocean of the protest, objections, fury and anger of

the people. He looked this way and that way to find a way out to get

himself cleared off the crimes.

Suddenly, he shouted and said, "curse of God be upon Ibn-e-Ziad. I was

not in favor of killing Hussain (A.S.) and taking his remaining family as

prisoners. But then it was all over and water had crossed the bridges and

all the people knew that he himself was the real criminal.

So he at once ordered the officials to take the prisoners to a place which

had been provided in advance for them, so that he is not faced with any

further shame and disgrace.

They stationed the family of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in an unsuitable place.

But they did not sit silent and quiet even there and whenever they laid

their hands upon any chance they did inform the people about the crimes

of Yazeed. So much so that the three years old daughter of Imam Hussain

(A.S.) named Rukkia took part and played a role in this combat and

campaign.

Imam (A.S.) in Syria's Mosque

One day, Yazeed arranged and organized a grand aggregation and

assembly in the mosque of Damascus (Syria) the seat of his power and

government, to cover and make good his defeats. He ordered his

ostentatious speakers to praise him and take liberty and adopt

presumptuous attitude towards the family of Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and use

foul and abusive language.

So that he may make the people optimist as regards to his crime and

manifest the children of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) as if (God forbid) at fault,

and to belittle them in the eyes of he people.

Imam Sajjad (A.S.) was sitting in a corner of the assembly and listening

to the speech of the speaker of Yazeed when he praised Yazeed and used

abusive language about the family and lineage of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

Imam (AS.) shouted loudly at him saying. "Woe to you oh dishonest

agent! You have raised the anger and enraged God and provided hell for

yourself to please and make Yazeed happy.

Then he turned his face towards Yazeed and said, "Allow me to climb up

these wooden (step of tribune) to speak and make the Almighty God and

people happy."

In the beginning Yazeed did not pay heed to him but those present asked

him to allow and give permission to him. So he was obliged to give him

permission but there was a huge tempest going on in his heart as to what

will finally happen?

Imam (A.S.) got himself seated up on the tribune and after the praise of

God and thank giving to God said, "Oh people! God has bestowed upon us

wisdom, knowledge, fortitude, forbearance, bravery, faith and piety. Be

informed that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of Islam, Ali (A.S.) and Jaffar-e-

Tayyar are ours. Hamza, the chief of martyrs, Imam Hassan and Imam

Hussain (A.S.) who were the beloved ones of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) are

from (among) us.

All of a sudden the people were shocked and moved, the hearts started

beating fast in the chests and they focused their eyes upon Imam (A.S.).

They were astonished and said to themselves what a surprise they had

told us that these are Kharijis (a group of rebellions and mutinous who

was ousted from the religion) who have stood up against the government.

That means they lied to us. These are the best of the creations of God on

the earth. The sentences (of Imam [A.S.]), which followed, made the

people more informed.

The Imam (A.S.) said, "I am the son of Mecca and Mina, I am the son of

Zam Zam and Safa (that meant all of these were connected to them).

I am the son of the one who ascended to the skies (Meraj), I am the son

of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of God. I am the son of Ali Murtaza (A.S.), I am

the son of Fatimab (S.A.). I am the son of Hussain (A.S.) who (they)

killed in the Karbala without any fault and sin."

All of a sudden, people burst into a huge noise of crying and weeping.

Yazeed saw himself besieged. He yelled, "Oh Muezzin (caller to the

prayer), call the Azzan (call to the prayer). The voice of Allah-o-Akber

was raised. Imam said, 'Nothing is greater than God." The Muezzin said,

"I witness to it that there is no God except the God." Imam said, "My

flesh, skin and bones do attest and stand witness to it." The Muezzin said,

"I give witness to it that Mohammad (P.B.U.H) is the Prophet of God."

Imam said, "Oh the caller for prayers Muezzin, for the sake of the same

Prophet (P.B.U.H.) whose name you are calling stop for a while!!! Then he

turned towards Yazeed and said, "Oh Yazeed this Prophet (P.B.U.H.)

whose name is being called, is my grandfather or yours? If you say he

was yours you have told a lie. And if you say he was my grandfather then

why did you kill his sons in Karbala and take his children prisoners."

When Yazeed saw that he was unable to reply, he at once stood up to

offer his prayer, for deceiving the people. Imam (A.S.) walked out of the

mosque, along with a group of Syrians, as a protest.

These words and sentences proved so effective that Yazeed was obliged

and forced to send the Ahl al-Bayt (member of the Prophet [P.B.U.H.]

family) respectfully and graciously to Madina. Following these protests,

hue and cry and turmoil, anger, and hate of the people, the flags of

revolution against yazeed and government of Bani Ommayide were

hoisted. It was clear that the pivot and nucleus of the movement was the

movement of Imam Sajjad (A.S.). A turmoil and revolt against Yazeed

took shape in Madina. He decided to stop the movement by means of

massacre and mass killings. But it was all in vain. Therefore, he sent his

forces to Madina under the command of a dirty and wicked man named

Muslim bin Aqba delegating him complete powers. He, along with his

soldiers, kept attacking the house of the people for a period of three days.

They plundered and looted the wealth of the people, and killed

approximately ten thousand of them. But it either did not have any effect.

Thereafter, Yazeed did not spend a single day happily and every moment

he was getting closer to his death.

Finally, the dark, and black file of his life was closed in the year 64 Hijrah.

He died and his son Muawiyah-II succeeded him. But after forty days time

he resigned his post and abandoned the throne due to his father's crimes

and disgrace of his lineage and family.

Abdullah Ibn-e-Zubair who had been lustful and greedy for power for

many long years arose in Mecca and took hold and control of the

government. Marwan grasped the seat of power in Syria. The war of

power started and each one of the two got himself prepared for the

annihilation of the other. After a short period Marwan died and his son

Abdul Malik was enthroned in his father's place. After gaining power, he

besieged Mecca in the year 73 Hijrah and killed Abdullah bin Zubair.

Abdul Malik was a man; base and miser man and he did not have any

human quality and mercy. So that one day he told Mussabbab, "I dislike

good deeds and works." One of his great crimes was to empower "Hajjaj

bin Yousuf in Kufa and Basra, who was notorious for his mercilessness,

cruelty, and brutality. He in a short span of time martyred one hundred

and twenty thousand friends of Imam Ali (A.S.) and imprisoned a large

segment of them. Abdul Malik was extremely vigilant regarding Hazrat

Sajjad (A.S.) and he was after an excuse to arrest him (A.S.). As a result,

he arrested him and brought him to Syria (Damascus). But due to the

revolt and turmoil of the people, he was forced to send him back to

Madina.

The Event of Imam (A.S.) and Hasham

After committing crimes for many long years, Abdul Malik passed away

and his son hasham was enthroned in his father's place. One day, he

traveled to Mecca in the Hajj season so as to perform Hajj (as per his own

version). That was to deceive the simple-minded people. He wanted to

perform circumambulation but he could not do it, because there was such

a big and huge gathering. So he was forced to sit in a corner to wait for

the huge crowd and gathering to get thin. All of a sudden Imam Sajjad

(A.S.) arrived to the Haram and people recited benediction for him, and

cleared the way for him. He, after performing circumambulation moved

towards the Hajar ul Aswad (the black stone) to rub his hand on it.

Hasham witnessed this scene and was greatly annoyed and

uncomfortable. He said with carelessness and inattentively "who is this

man"? "I do not know him?"

Farzdak who was a freedom-loving poet at once turned his face towards

Hasham and said, "Oh Hasham I am surprised why you do not recognize

him? If you do not know him, I know him very well. Listen, so that I

introduce him to you."

He is someone that the land of Mecca and the House of the God know

him. "He is the one whose grandfather is the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of Islam.

God keeps on bestowing his benediction and blessings upon them

continuously. He is the son of the best of the servants of God. He is that

famous and well known pious. When you say you do not know him this

thing does not harm him. If you do not know him (so what) the Arab and

Ajam (Non Arab World) knows him."

Hasham was very enraged and got highly flared up by the words of

Farzdak, and ordered him to be imprisoned. The Imam (A.S.) sent him a

gift in the prison and appreciated his inconveniences. One day he got

freed from the prison.

Hazrat Sajjad (A.S.) and the Sahifa-e-Sajjadia

When the Imam got stuck in a tight corner and was virtually besieged he

was obliged to state his objects and motive in the form of the prayers.

These prayers have been compiled in the shape of a book named "Sahifa-

e-Sajjadia." This is an ocean of topics and objects of science,

mathematics, physics, astronomy, social and political sciences and ethics.

Obviously and apparently this is a book of prayers.

But, in fact, this is the expression of fact, pains, and difficulties. We

present here a few sentences of it as a specimen.

1. Oh God! I take asylum and refuge with you from the revolt, and

rebellious (attitude) refractoriness, of the anger and jealousy and the

scarcity of patience, and extravagance and intemperance in life.

Oh God! Keep me alive till my life is led in your service and obedience and

when it becomes the pasture and meadow of Satan, take me towards

yourself and take my life."

2. Oh sons! Respect you father and mother because if the father was not

there you would not have come into existence. Look at the mother that

she looks after you with all of her existence (energies). She is not afraid

of it that she herself remains hungry and feeds you. She herself remains

cloth less (without dress) and covers (dresses) you. She remains in the

sun and places you in the Shadow. You cannot thank her. This is God who

has the power of thanking her (giving her the reward).

3. Watch over and attend your child because his good or bad (virtues) are

related and connected to you and you are responsible for his training and

guidance.

4. Be kind to your brother and sister because he/she is your hand

(helper) and your power. Help him against the enemy and be his well

wisher.

5. Respect your teacher and be polite in his assembly (session) and listen

carefully to his words. Do not talk loudly before him. If somebody

questions him about something do not reply before he does although you

may know the answer to that (question).

6. Respect your neighbor and help and assist him. If you happen to

observe a fault or sin of him do hide it and when he slips (commits sin)

admonish him.

7. Be just in your conduct and behavior with friend and love him as he

loves you.

If he makes up his mind to commit a sin stop him from that and always

be a blessing for him, not a torment for him.

Imam's (A.S.) Martyrdom

At last after bearing grief's and inconveniences the magnanimous and

great Imam (A.S.) was poisoned and martyred by Hasham Ibn-e-Abdul

Malik on 25th of Moharram, 95th Hijrah and was buried in the graveyard

of Baqi, beside the grave of Imam Hassan (A.S.) and today his gave is the

site of visit for the lovers and adorers of his path.