Imām ʿAlī Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa)
Imām ʿAlī, the son of Imām Ḥusayn (ʿa), is the fourth Imām from the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa) and one of the divinely appointed successors of Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ).
He was known by many titles, the most famous being Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (The Adornment of the Worshippers) and as-Sajjād (The One Who Prostrates Often to Allah), due to his unmatched devotion in worship and constant prayer.
He loved to supplicate to Allah (SWT), and his most famous supplications are compiled in the book called Ṣaḥīfa as-Sajjādiyyah.
He also authored a profound document outlining the rights of Allah and the rights of others upon every Muslim. This document, known as Risālat al-Ḥuqūq (The Treatise of Rights), discusses, for example, the rights of parents, neighbours, friends, the body, and many others.
Kindness to People
One of the most beautiful qualities of Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) was his kindness towards people. His noble heart overflowed with compassion and mercy. Historians mention that if he knew someone was in debt and loved him, he would quietly pay off that person’s debt.
His Generosity
Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) was known for his immense generosity. All historical accounts agree that he was among the most generous people of his time—especially towards the poor and the weak.
His Worship
Prayer was among the greatest desires of the Imām (ʿa). Through prayer, he connected deeply with Allah (SWT). His body would tremble as he prepared to pray. When asked about this, he replied:
“Do you not know before Whom I am about to stand and to Whom I am going to whisper?”
The Tragedy of Karbalāʾ
When Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) accompanied his father to Karbalāʾ, he fell severely ill and was unable to physically fight alongside the companions and family members of Imām Ḥusayn (ʿa). However, through him, Allah (SWT) preserved the institution of the Imāmah.
Despite his illness, Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) witnessed the brutal killing of his father, family members, and companions by the army of Yazīd. He was then taken as a prisoner along with the women and children of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa), first to Kūfa and then to Shām (Damascus).
Imprisonment and Resistance in Shām
In Shām, the Imām and his family were held in extremely harsh and humiliating conditions. Yet, whenever he was given the opportunity to speak, Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) exposed the crimes of Yazīd and informed people about the atrocities committed against the grandson of the Prophet (ṣ) at Karbalāʾ.
In the court of the Umayyads, the Imām delivered powerful and eloquent sermons. His words moved the people to tears and caused many to turn away from Yazīd in anger and shame.
Due to mounting public pressure and fear of an uprising, Yazīd was eventually forced to release the family of the Prophet (ṣ). He allowed Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) and the others to return to Madīnah.
Life After Karbalāʾ
After the tragedy of Karbalāʾ, Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) dedicated his life to worship, teaching Islām, and mourning for his father, keeping the message of Karbalāʾ alive through his actions and supplications.
When Yazīd died, a new branch of the Umayyads—the Banū Marwān—rose to power. The Imām’s popularity continued to grow. People admired his knowledge, his acts of worship, his patience, and his deep spirituality. His presence captured the hearts and minds of the people.
This growing influence worried the ruling authorities, and the Umayyad caliph eventually ordered that the Imām be poisoned. Imām Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) was thus martyred through poisoning.
Burial
Imām ʿAlī Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (ʿa) was buried in Madīnah, in Jannat al-Baqīʿ, beside his uncle, Imām Ḥasan al-Mujtabā (ʿa).