Imam Sajjad (as): The 4th Imam – Intellect, Charity, and Hope
Imam Sajjad (as) is the fourth Imam for Shia Muslims – otherwise known as Imam Zain Al-Abideen, the Adornment of Worshippers.
A symbol of hope and faith in the aftermath of the Battle of Karbala, Imam Sajjad (as) has come to represent some of the most important aspects of intellectualism, faith, and charity within the holy Ahlulbayt.
Imam Sajjad: Birth and Early Life
The son of Imam Hussain (as) and born in 659 AD or 38 AH in Medina, Imam Sajjad (as) from an early age showed his profound leaning towards intellectualism and knowledge of our faith.
At a time when the Muslim ummah was facing tumultuous tensions between evil and goodness, being the son of Imam Hussain and following in the footsteps of his holy great-grandfather the Prophet Muhammad meant that Imam Sajjad (as) was bound for a life of representing the true values of Islam.
Remembering Karbala and Beyond
Imam Sajjad (as) was present at the Battle of Karbala, but was unable to fight alongside his father and their followers due to an extreme sickness. He was therefore taken captive alongside Lady Zainab (sa) and the other remaining survivors to Kufa and Damascus.
His survival meant the continuation of the holy household of Prophet Muhammad, and Imam Sajjad (as) kept the memory of Karbala, Imam Hussain (as), and the true values of Islam alive for the 34 years of his imamate.
In addition to giving lectures and supporting intellectualism within the Muslim ummah, Imam Sajjad’s most famous written works include Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, which is a compilation of his beautiful supplications and duas, and Risalat al-Huquq, which is a treaty on the rights and duties of every believing Muslim.
In remembering Karbala, it is reported that whenever he drank water, he wept in memory of his father Imam Hussain (as) and the hardships the entire family witnessed during the battle.
In a narration from Imam Sadiq (as), it is reported that at the time of breaking any fast, Imam Sajjad (as) would cry out: “The grandson of the Prophet was martyred hungry! The grandson of the Prophet was martyred thirsty!”, and repeated this until his tears were mixed with the food and water he broke his fast with. It is said he would repeat this phrase until the very end of his life.
Death and Legacy
Imam Sajjad (as) was martyred in Medina by poisoning on the orders of Al-Walid bin Abd al-Malik, in the year 713 AD or 95 AH.
His legacy remains powerful and continues to influence our lives today – not only in the remembrance of the Battle of Karbala and the sacrifices the holy members of the Ahlulbayt made for Islam, but in charity, justice, and goodness as well.
Imam Sajjad (as) is remembered for his selfless acts of charity and his adamant protection of the poor, as well as his stance on slavery. It is reported that he used to purchase slaves only to release them and give them freedom.
Sayyid al-Ahl wrote, “Imam Sajjad bought slaves even though he did not need them. He bought them only to free them. Imam al-Sajjad released them at any time or situation so that many people, like an army of released servants, men and women were seen in Medina who were all the freed servants of Imam.”
Imam Sajjad (as) is reported to have stated: “O people, fear God and know that you will inevitably return to Him, when everyone will see his good and bad deeds right before his very eyes, he will wish for the longest period of time to separate himself from his bad deeds. God warns you about Himself.”
Here at The Zahra Trust, we continue to strive in the legacy of Imam Sajjad through charitable acts of aid, empowerment, and education – to learn more about what we do and how you can personally contribute, click here.
