What did Imam Sajjad (as) say to Yazid?

After enduring captivity, grief, and the devastating aftermath of Karbala, Imam Zain al-Abideen (as) stood before Yazid (la) in Shaam with the opportunity to speak.

The family of Imam Hussain (as) had been brought from Karbala to Kufa and then to Shaam as prisoners. Many people in the gathering had only heard the version of events presented by Yazid’s (la) authorities, a narrative that attempted to hide the truth of what had occurred.

In that moment, Imam Sajjad (as) transformed a gathering of oppression into one of truth. Through wisdom, courage, and eloquence, he introduced the people to the real identity of the Ahlulbayt (as) and exposed the injustice committed against Imam Hussain (as).

Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon, recorded in works such as Nafasul Mahmum by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, was not simply a speech directed at Yazid (la). It was a powerful declaration of identity, a defence of the Ahlulbayt (as), and a timeless message against oppression.

The Imam (as) began by praising Allah (swt), saying:

“Praise be to Allah Who has no beginning, and the Everlasting Who has no end…All will perish, except His Own self.”

He then began revealing his lineage and reminding the people of Shaam who truly stood before them.

The six qualities and seven merits of the Ahlulbayt (as)

Imam Sajjad (as) began by introducing himself through the honour and responsibility carried by his family.

He stated:

“Allah (swt) has bestowed us with knowledge, forbearance, munificence, eloquence, valour and friendship in the hearts of the believers. While our merit is that the Prophet in Authority (saww) is from amongst us; and his Vicegerent (Imam Ali as) is from amongst us; as also the Master of Martyrs (Hamza) and Jafar, the one who flies in Paradise; while also the two Sibtain (Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain as) of this nation are from amongst us. While also the Mahdi (ajtfs); who will kill the ‘Dajjal’.”

These words reminded the audience that the people standing before them were the Ahlulbayt (as), not enemies of Islam.

By mentioning the Prophet (saww), Imam Ali (as), Hamza, Jafar, Imam Hassan (as), Imam Hussain (as), and Imam Mahdi (ajtfs), Imam Sajjad (as) restored the true place of the Ahlulbayt (as) in the minds of those who had been misled.

His introduction was more than a statement of ancestry. It was a correction of history.

The legacy of Hajj and the journey of Me’raj

Imam Sajjad (as) continued describing his connection to the most sacred moments of Islamic history.

He said:

“I am the son of the best ones who circumambulated (the Kaaba) and performed the Sa’ee. I am the son of the best ones who performed the Hajj and pronounced the Talbiyah. I am the son of the one who was taken up to the Masjid al Aqsa at night.”

Through these words, the Imam (as) connected his family to the worship, sacrifice, and devotion that define Islam.

He reminded the people that his grandfather was the Prophet (saww), the same Messenger whose journey to Masjid al-Aqsa and beyond was a sign of Allah’s (swt) greatness.

Allah (swt) says in Surah al-Israa:

“Glory be to Him who took His servant (Prophet Muḥammad saww) on a night journey from the Sacred Mosque (of Mecca) to the al-Aqsa Mosque (in Quds) whose precincts We have blessed (and from there, We took him to the heavens) so that We may show him some of Our signs. Surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (17:1)

In Yazid’s (la) court, Imam Sajjad (as) shifted the focus away from worldly power and towards the true measures of honour: faith, worship, and closeness to Allah (swt).

The one whose martyrdom was mourned by creation

Imam Sajjad (as) then reminded the gathering of the tragedy that had taken place at Karbala.

He said:

“I am the son of the one who was smeared in blood and sand. I am the son of the one who was lamented upon by the genie (jinn) in the darkness of the night. I am the son of the one who was mourned upon by the birds.”

The Imam (as) showed that the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) was not an ordinary event. The sacrifice of Aba Abdillah (as) shook creation itself.

Imam al-Baqir (as) is reported to have said:

“Mankind, jinn, birds and the beasts all shed tears and cried over (the killing of) Hussain ibn Ali (as).” (Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch.26, h.1)

As the people listened, emotions changed within the gathering. Many began to weep as they realised the truth behind Karbala.

Fearing that the situation could turn against him, Yazid (la) instructed the mu’azzin to call the adhan in order to interrupt Imam Sajjad’s (as) sermon.

Whose Grandfather was the Messenger of Allah (saww)?

When the mu’azzin reached the words, “I bear witness that Muhammad (saww) is the Messenger of Allah (swt),” Imam Sajjad (as) used that moment to challenge Yazid (la).

He turned to the caller and said:

“I ask you, by this very Muhammad (saww), remain silent for a moment.”

The Imam (as) then turned towards Yazid (la) and addressed him directly:

“O Yazid (la)! This Honourable and Noble Messenger (saww), is he my grandfather or yours? If you say he is your grandfather, then the entire world knows you lie. And if you say he is my grandfather, then why did you kill my father with tyranny, plunder his belongings, and captivate his womenfolk?”

With this question, Imam Sajjad (as) exposed the contradiction at the heart of Yazid’s (la) actions.

How could someone claim love for the Prophet (saww) while committing injustice against his family?

The people of Shaam were forced to confront the truth.

Why were the Ahlulbayt (as) treated this way?

Imam Zain al-Abideen (as) continued:

“By Allah (swt)! There is none except myself upon this earth whose grandfather is the Prophet of Allah (saww). Why did these men kill my father with tyranny and arrest us, similar to the Romans?”

His words reminded the people that the captives before them were the family of the Messenger of Allah (saww).

Allah (swt) says:

“(O Muḥammad [saww], say to your followers,) ‘I do not ask of you any reward for it (i.e., the task of conveying Allah’s [swt] message to you) except love for (my) near relatives.” (42:23)

Imam Sajjad (as) highlighted that true love for the Prophet (saww) must be reflected through respect and compassion towards his family.

Prayers cannot justify oppression

Imam Sajjad (as) then warned Yazid (la):

“O Yazid (la)! You do this and then say that Muhammad (saww) is the Messenger of Allah and turn your face towards the Qibla (in prayers)? Woe be to you on that day when my Grandfather and Father will be enraged with you.”

The Imam (as) reminded everyone that Islam is not only about outward actions. True faith requires justice, sincerity, and obedience to Allah’s (swt) commands.

The lasting message of Imam Sajjad’s (as) sermon

Imam Sajjad (as) stood in Yazid’s (la) court as a captive, yet his words carried the strength of truth.

Through his sermon, he preserved the message of Karbala and ensured that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as) would never be forgotten. His words remain a reminder that injustice may have power for a time, but truth endures.

Today, as millions prepare to journey towards Karbala during Arbaeen, they continue carrying the same spirit of devotion, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Let your giving walk beside them this Arbaeen

Millions journey towards Aba Abdillah (as), and countless communities dedicate themselves to serving those walking in his remembrance.

You can support this extraordinary movement by helping provide assistance for zuwar and the communities serving them. Through initiatives to support The Zahra Trust mowkeb, your giving can help serve the path of Hussain (as) and continue a legacy of devotion.

Let your giving walk beside them and support the journey of devotion this Arbaeen.

Frequently asked questions

Where was Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon delivered?

Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon was delivered in Yazid’s (la) court in Shaam, modern-day Damascus, after the captives of Karbala were brought there from Kufa.

Why was Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon important for the people of Shaam?

Many people in Shaam had only heard Yazid’s (la) version of events. The sermon revealed the true identity of the Ahlulbayt (as) and exposed the reality of Karbala.

What impact did the sermon have on the audience?

The sermon changed the atmosphere in Yazid’s (la) court, causing many people to question what they had previously been told and recognise the injustice committed against Imam Hussain (as).

Is Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon recorded in Shia sources?

Yes, it is recorded in sources including Nafasul Mahmum by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, who references narrations from works such as Bihar al-Anwar and Kamil-I Baha’i.

What was the main message of Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon?

The sermon defended the honour of the Ahlulbayt (as), revealed the truth of Karbala, and showed the importance of standing against oppression.

How does Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon remain relevant today?

The sermon continues to inspire believers because it demonstrates courage, patience, and the importance of preserving truth even in the face of injustice.