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The Fourth Holy Imam, Imam al-Sajjad (A.S.)
By: Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini
Source:
Principles of Shi’ite Creed
His name is ‘Alī (A.S.), the son of Imām Ḥusayn (A.S.) and his most well-known epithets are Sajjād and Zayn al-‘Ābidīn. He was born on 5 Shaban 38 Hijrah and attained the position of leadership after the martyrdom of his father, Imām Ḥusayn (A.S.) in the year 61.
His leadership coincided with the zenith of the Umayyad rule, the worst enemies of the Holy Prophet’s household (A.S.) and during this period, momentous events and bloody revolts took place which entailed difficulties for Imām (A.S.). Occasionally, his life and at times his dignity and honor were jeopardized but with foresight, patience, fortitude, self-sacrifice and self-esteem he managed to overcome all the obstacles and preserved his life and honor along with those of many others.
He was not only devout and devoted but also a thoughtful and adept leader who did his best to guard the interests of Islam and Muslims at critical moments.
One of his most outstanding services to the Islamic world and Islamic teachings is the collection of the prayers of that Imām (A.S.) which is known as Saḥīfah-ye Sajjadiyyah Kamilah. This book and its prayers incorporate a series of rational, moral, philosophical and social facts and teachings and have been preserved in the form of supplications toward the absolutely needless. And it is impossible that anyone save an infallible Imām (A.S.) who has inherited the knowledge of the prophets could provide humanity with such facts and truths.
He was martyred by poisoning by the reigning Umayyad ruler on Muḥarram 25, 95 Hijrah at the age of fifty seven and was buried in Baqi cemetery in Madinah.
Sayings of Imām al-Sajjād (A.S.) “The dearest of you, before God, is the most righteous and the most respected of you, before God, is the most pious and god-fearing.”
“O men! You will eventually die and will be revived to stand trial before divine justice, so have an answer ready.” That is, until the opportunity is available and you’re alive get ready for the hereafter and endeavor to earn the divine pleasure.
“If all men were perished and I were deserted, I would not be terrified so long as I am with the Holy Qur’an.” (I will approach the Holy Qur’an and derive benefits from it).
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