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.
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