Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin is known for his exceptional worship and for his patience during the trials he faced in the aftermath of Karbala. While much is often said about his experiences in Kufa and Damascus, there is so much more to his life that offers valuable lessons for us today. That being said, here are five things to learn from Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin.
1. Service Without Desiring Recognition
Whenever he travelled, Imam Sajjad would always choose a caravan where he would not be recognised. This allowed him to serve his fellow travellers in the best way possible. In fact, he would insist that the leaders of the caravan allow him to be one of the servants in the group, so he could assist others with their needs.
On one of his group travels, a man recognised the Imam and informed the others of his identity. Realising who he was, the people kissed Imam’s hands and feet and asked the reason for concealing his identity. The Imam replied:
“I once travelled with some people who knew me and rendered services for me of which I was unworthy. I feared you would do the same, so I preferred hiding my identity.”
Bihar al-Anwar – Allama Al-Majlisi – V 46 – Page 69
2. Revering Caregivers
Imam Sajjad lost his mother at a very young age, leaving him in the care of a devoted nursemaid who nurtured and looked after him. Despite her being a caretaker, the Imam treated her with remarkable kindness and profound respect, a reflection of his noble character.
One of his habits was to always ensure she had eaten before he took a single bite of food himself. So, one day, someone asked the Imam, “You are known to be the most dutiful person to your mother, yet I notice you do not eat with her. Why is that?”
The Imam replied with humility and wisdom:
“I fear that my hand might reach for something her eyes desire, and in doing so, I would have wronged her.”
Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa (Al-Islamiyyah) – Al-Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī – Volume 16 – Page 423
3. Humanity First
Even before Marwan bin Hakam became the Umayyad caliph, he harboured enmity towards the Ahlulbayt in his heart. It was Marwan who fought against Imam Ali in the Battle of Jamal, sided with Muawiya against Imam Hasan, and was the one to ask Imam Hussain for allegiance to Yazid.
But when the people of Medina revolted against the Umayyads, and the lives of Marwan ibn Hakam and his family were at stake, Imam Sajjad was the one to provide shelter to his family. Some historians claim that the Imam ensured the safety of as many as four hundred women and children of the Umayyad household. His care and respect towards them were so profound that one of the women remarked:
“I never witnessed such rest and ease in my father’s house that I witnessed in the house of Imam Sajjad.”
Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin – Baqer Sharif al-Qurashi
4. Hope In Despair
The tragedy of Karbala and the events of Harra and Ka’ba created a sense of despair within Medinan society. In such troubling times, one of the ways Imam Sajjad reignited hope in the community was through his supplications to Allah.
This gave birth to Sahifa al-Sajjadiya – a compilation of the Imam’s supplications – that not only helped people become spiritually and mentally strong but also educated them on Islamic beliefs and moral values.
5. Seeking Only From Allah
Once, there was a dispute between Imam Sajjad and one of his uncles over the distribution of family trusts. When Hajj season arrived, both the Imam and al-Walid – the caliph at that time – were in Mecca to perform the holy rituals.
Some people suggested the Imam ask for al-Walid for the restoration of his rights. The Imam replied:
Woe unto you! Should I ask in the House of Allah, someone other than Allah, the Great and Almighty? I feel ashamed asking the Creator of the world for the world, then how shall I ask a creature similar to me for it?”
Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa (Al-Islamiyyah) – Al-Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī – Volume 10 – Page 29
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