The 25th of Muharram marks the martyrdom of Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn (A.S.), known as Zain ul-Abideen (“Ornament of the Worshippers”) and al-Sajjad (“The Prostrator”). As the sole surviving son of Imam Hussain (A.S.) after Karbala, his life became a living testament to Imam Hussain’s sacrifice.
Why This Matters for Readers Today:
In an age of oppression and moral decay, Imam Sajjad’s (A.S.) legacy teaches us how to resist tyranny through patience, knowledge, and spiritual strength. Learn more about Karbala’s historical context (BBC Religion & Ethics).
Table of Contents
1. The Survivor of Karbala: A Life Defined by Sacrifice
Key Events in Imam’s Life
| Event | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Birth in Medina | 38 AH | Grandson of Imam Ali (A.S.) & Lady Fatima (S.A.) |
| Karbala Tragedy | 61 AH | Witnessed martyrdom of father & 72 companions |
| Captivity in Damascus | 61 AH | Delivered fiery sermons in Yazid’s court |
| Return to Medina | 62 AH | Began secret scholarly resistance |
| Martyrdom | 95 AH | Poisoned by Umayyad caliph Al-Walid |
Heart-Wrenching Fact:
Imam (A.S.) was so severely ill in Karbala that he couldn’t fight, but he was forced to watch as his family was slaughtered. His chains left permanent marks on his ankles from the captivity march. Read eyewitness accounts in Maqtal al-Husayn (Al-Islam.org).
2. The Secret Resistance: How Imam Sajjad (A.S.) Kept Islam Alive
A. Spiritual Resistance: The Sahifa Sajjadiya
- Called the “Psalms of the Ahlul Bayt” – 54 profound duas covering ethics, social justice, and divine love.
- Example: Dua Abu Hamza Thumali – Taught believers how to pray before dawn.
Download Sahifa Sajjadiya in English (PDF, Stanford University)
B. Social Resistance
- Secretly funded freed slaves (over 1,000 families).
- Taught underground classes in Medina despite Umayyad spies.
Powerful Quote:
“The silence of the wise is a sermon.” – Imam Zain ul-Abideen (A.S.)
Explore more sayings (Wikiquote)
3. The Martyrdom: Poisoned for Speaking Truth
How It Happened
- Date: 25 Muharram 95 AH (714 CE)
- Murderer: Al-Walid ibn Abdul Malik (Umayyad caliph)
- Method: Poisoned through a “gift” of fruit.
- Last Words: “All praise is for Allah who honored us with Islam.”
The Destroyed Shrine
- Originally buried in Jannat al-Baqi, Medina.
- Tragically demolished in 1925 by Saudi Wahhabis.
See pre-demolition photos (Wikimedia Commons)
4. Lessons for Modern Muslims
What We Learn from Imam Sajjad (A.S.)
- Resistance Through Knowledge – He countered Yazid’s propaganda by teaching true Islam.
- Power of Dua – Showed how prayer is a weapon against oppression.
- Silent Activism – Helped the poor anonymously.
Actionable Commemoration Ideas:
- Read Sahifa Sajjadiya (Online version by Al-Islam).
- Recite Dua al-Makarem al-Akhlaq (Text + Audio by Duas.org).
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section for SEO)
Q: How is Imam Zain ul-Abideen related to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
A: He was the great-grandson of the Prophet through Imam Ali (A.S.) and Fatima (S.A.). Genealogy chart (University of London).
Q: Why is he called “Sajjad”?
A: For his prolonged prostrations – marks were permanently etched on his forehead.
Q: Where can I learn his duas?
A: Sahifa Sajjadiya (Download PDF by ICAS Press).
Conclusion: The Imam Who Turned Chains Into Light
Imam Sajjad (A.S.) transformed personal tragedy into an eternal legacy. His life proves that true victory isn’t on the battlefield alone, but in preserving truth against all odds.