Life of Imam Zainul-Abideen (AS)

Imam Zainul-Abideen (a.s)

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.