Name: Ali ibn al -HusainTitles: Az-Zainul Abideen, As-Sajjaad

Birthdate: 15th Jamadi-ul-Awwal 37 A.H. in MadinaFather: Imam Husain As-Shaheed (as), 3rd Holy ImamMother:Shahr Banu, daughter of King Yazdigard IIDied :(Martyred)Date: 21st Muharram, 95 A.H.

Place:MadinaAge:58 years

Cause:Poisoned by Waleed bin Abdul Malik MarwanBuried:Madina in Jannatul-Baqi

Birth an early yearsImam 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)

DEATH OF HIS MOTHER

The first misfortune which befell Imam Sajjad (as)occurred inthe early stages of his childhood with the death of his mother,who suffered from childbed fever. Imam Husayn(as), did hisbest to save her from this dangerous illness but he wasunable to do that. The illness destroyed her completely,where she lost her vitality and became a lifeless body. Shelooked with pain and sorrow at her son, who was deprived ofher affection and love.The fever attacked her intensely, and she suffered fromsevere pain for numerous days till her soul ascended toheaven.

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.

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

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”

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.’”

Behavior in the houseImam 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.

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)

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.”

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”.

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.

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 Saadcame 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."

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'."

• 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”.

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.

In KufaImam Zainul Abedin (as) Was brought into the court of Yazid’s governor UbaydullahIbn 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, 39:42Ibn 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.

The order to proceed to DamascusAs 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

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.

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’? ”

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!”

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 Yazidto 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.

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 (SidratulMuntaha).

• "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...".

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 annaMuhammaddan Rasulullah", the Imam stopped the Muazzinfrom 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.

Effect of the speechThe 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

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 HajarAswad asking it to confirm who the Imam was? But there was no reply. Then Imam Sajjad(as) addressed the HajarAswad. 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.

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.

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'sgovernment. Imam Sajjad(as) was smart enough not to leave any suspicion.

•

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.

Imam Sajjad’s(as) plan1. 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."

• 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.

• 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?”

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.

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 BanuUmmayya rulers.

Method of educating the peopleThe 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.

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

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.

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."

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

• 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.

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'asare 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.

Imam’s toleranceNumerous 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.

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.)

Helping the Poor and NeedyImam 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!

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.)

His MartyrdomImam 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.

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

•

• 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 Suraal-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.

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)

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.