|
Sahifah al-Sajjadiyya, the Psalms of the Household of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.)
Compiled by: Ahmad Ahmadi Birjandi
Ranking among the most valuable Islamic works, Sahifat al-Sajjadiyya includes 57 supplications containing the most accurate theistic, devotional, social, and ethical issues, known as Psalms of the Household of the Prophet (S).
One of the historical events that reflects a perspective of Imam al-Sajjad (as)'s bright character is the elegy that Farazadaq, the poet, recited in praise of the Imam (as) before the House of Ka‘ba.
Historians have stated: “During the rule of Walid b. ‘Abd al-Malik, the heir apparent (wali ahd) and his brother went to Mecca with the intention of performing Hajj pilgrimage and stepped into the Holy Mosque to perform circumambulation (tawaf). As they approached the Ka‘ba to pay tribute to the Black Stone (by touching and kissing), the pressing crowd obstructed their way to the Hatim, forcing them to retreat and sit on the pulpit to wait for the crowd to recede.
Around them also gathered the dignitaries of Sham who accompanied them and watched the circumambulation ritual. At this moment the majestic light of Imam ‘Ali b. Husayn (as), whose countenance was the most glorious and whose attire was the neatest and whose fragrance was the most pleasant of all those attending the circumambulation ritual, appeared from one corner of the Mosque and began to circumambulate the Ka‘ba.
As he got near the Black Stone, the huge crowd stepped back at the sight of his grandeur and majesty to open the way to the Black Stone for the Imam (as) and his retinue, so he could touch and kiss the Stone in convenience.
Watching this scene incited a wave of fury and jealousy in the heart and soul of Hisham b. ‘Abd al-Malik, and while he was burning in disgust, one of the nobles of Sham faced him and asked with astonishment: “Who is this person to whom all the people turned in adoration and respect and cleared the way for him to go on with the circumambulation?”
Although he knew the Imam (as) and his status quite well, Hisham feigned ignorance and replied that he did not know him out of intense hatred and for the fear that his courtiers might be impressed and enchanted by the Imam (as) and his position and words.
At this moment, Abu Faras (Farazdaq) who witnessed this scene became very agitated by Hisham's feigning ignorance and although he was a court poet himself and without feeling endangered by the wrath and violence of that arrogant prince, he addressed the Shami man and said: “If you want to know who that person is, ask me as I know very well who he is.”
Then, Farazdaq, in a moment of great sublimation and manifestation of faith and ascension of soul, recited his everlasting ode revealed to him by his fully awake conscience with utmost fever. Here is a part of that ode: “The one you know not is the one whose footsteps are known by the land of Batha’ and the one who is known by the Ka‘ba and the sanctuary, inside and out.”
“He is the one whose grandfather is Ahmad Mukhtar upon whom be peace and Mercy of Allah as long as destiny prevails… He is the son of Fatimah (as), the chief of the ladies of the world, and ‘Ali (as), the legatee and successor of the Prophet (S) from whose sword would brightly blaze Allah's wrath fire and revenge flames.”
When Farzdaq ended his recitation, Hisham, like someone awakened from a deep sleep, retorted to Farzdaq: “Why have you not written such eulogies in praise of us?” He replied: “Bring an ancestor like his, a father the same in rank as his and a purely virtuous mother as his, then I will praise you, too.”
Hisham got outraged and ordered the name of the poet be eliminated from the award list, and himself be imprisoned in the land of ‘Asfan, somewhere between Mecca and Medina.
When the news reached Imam al-Sajjad (as), he sent twelve thousand Dirhams to Farzdaq as an award and apologized for not being able to send more. Farzdaq did not accept the award and sent him the following message: “I wrote this ode to please Allah and his Apostle (S), and to defend the Truth, not wanting an award.” The Imam (as) sent back the award and swore him to accept it and reassured him that its real value would not be belittled before Allah.
Anyhow, it was these values that provoked the enemy's spite and vindictiveness.
It is written that finally Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin – Sayyid al-Sajidin – (as) was poisoned by Walid b. ‘Abd al-Malik who was instigated by Hisham, the Umayyad ruler, and was buried in Baqi‘cemetery.
Some Sayings of Imam al-Sajjad (as)
Glory be to Thee, Outdazzling in signs, Creator of the heavens, Author of the spirits! To Thee belongs praise, a praise that will be permanent with Thy permanence! To Thee belongs all, the praise everlasting through Thy favor! To Thee belongs praise, a praise that will parallel Thy benefaction!
My Lord, bless Muhammad and his Household, those whom Thou hast chosen for Thy command, the treasurers of Thy knowledge, the guardians of Thy religion, Thy vicegerents in Thy earth, and Thy arguments against Thy servants, purified from uncleanness and defilement through a purification by Thy desire, and made the mediation to Thee and the road to Thy Garden!
My Lord, bless Muhammad and his Household with a blessing which makes plentiful Thy gifts and generosity, perfects for them Thy bestowals and awards, and fills out their share of Thy kindly acts and benefits! My Lord, bless him and his Household with a blessing whose first has no term, whose term has no limit, and whose last has no utmost end!
My Lord, bless them to the weight of Thy Throne and all below it, the amount that fills the heavens and all above them, the number of Thy earths and all below and between them, a blessing that will bring them near to Thee in proximity, please Thee and them, and be joined to its likes forever!
O God, surely Thou hast confirmed Thy religion in all times with an Imam whom Thou hast set up as a guidepost to Thy servants and a lighthouse in Thy lands, after his cord has been joined to Thy cord! Thou hast appointed him the means to Thy good pleasure, made obeying him obligatory, cautioned against disobeying him, and commanded following his commands, abandoning his prohibitions, and that no forward-goer go ahead of him or back-keeper keep back from him! So he is the preservation of the shelter-seekers, the cave of the faithful, the handhold of the adherents, and the radiance of the worlds! (William C. Chittick (tr.), The Psalms of Islam, Al-Sahifat al-Kamilat al-Sajjadiyya, (Supplication 47) Muhammadi Trust, London, 1988).
|
