In continuation of the discussion on Imamate, we study the life of 4th Infallible Heir of Prophet of Islam, Imam Sajjad (Peace be upon him).

Imam Sajjad is the son of the Third Infallible Successor to Prophet of Islam, Imam Hussein (AS). Imam Sajjad was born in the city of Medina in the year 38 AH. An important phase of the life of Imam Sajjad, which is his period of Imamate, began after the Epic of Ashura, and martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).  On the Day of Ashura in the lunar year 61 AH, when the land of Karbala was the scene of the uprising of Imam Hussein and his 72 steadfast companions, on one hand, and the ruthless attacks of criminal enemies against Imam Hussein and his followers, on the other hand, Imam Sajjad (AS) bore witness to that incident. On that fateful day, Imam Sajjad (AS) could not accompany his infallible father in battlefield, due to his severe illness. Nonetheless, Imam Sajjad longed to assist his infallible father.

Divine providence led to the survival of Imam Sajjad in Karbala, so that he would be able to lead the Ummah in the future. The period of Imamate of Imam Sajjad spanned 34 years. An important part of the responsibilities of Imam Sajjad (AS) was to convey the message of Imam Hussein’s uprising to the global community.

Meanwhile, given the suppressive rule of Omayyad rulers after the Epic of Ashura and martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), pursuance of the duty of Imamate was faced with several complications and difficulties. From the very first days after the Epic of Ashura, Imam Sajjad began his efforts to convey the message of the uprising of his infallible father, Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him). Although Imam Sajjad was deeply saddened by the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his 72 steadfast companions, he elaborated on the ethical virtues of the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household, in every opportunity, with an indomitable resolve. Thus, upon the leadership of Imam Sajjad (AS), another phase of the Karbala uprising took shape for reinforcement of the ideological principles of that movement.

Following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 steadfast companions; the convoy of captives which included Imam Sajjad and his venerable aunt, Hazrat Zainab (SA) headed toward Kufa and Shaam, the capital of the regime of Godless ruler, Yazid. Throughout his captivity, Imam Sajjad fearlessly revealed the facts. One of Imam Sajjad’s glittering measures was his resolute and revealing remarks in Yazid’s gathering in Shaam. In that gathering, Imam Sajjad’s keynote remarks shook the Omayyad officials to the core. In that gathering, Imam Sajjad delivered keynote remarks, pointing out to people that God has granted the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household a number of virtues such as knowledge, patience, generosity, eloquence, and courage; and has instilled the love of the Prophet’s Infallible Household in the hearts of the faithful. Then Imam Sajjad introduced himself as the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny). In description of the elevated status of his infallible father, Imam Sajjad noted that he was the son of the one, who courted martyrdom while being thirsty; the son of an infallible father whose blood was ruthlessly spilled on the land of Karbala, while angels wept for Imam Hussein.

Imam Sajjad’s remarks were resolute and influential. The corrupt ruler, Yazid, was forced to obstruct the Infallible Imam’s keynote remarks; given that Yazid feared Imam’s remarks would lead to people’s uprising against his suppressive rule. Yazid who was frightened of any contact between the people of Shaam and Imam Sajjad and other captives, decided to return the related convoy to the city of Medina.

However, upon the return of Imam Sajjad and other captives to Medina, the Infallible Imam continued to reveal the atrocities of Omayyad rulers. Undoubtedly, Imam Sajjad’s outspoken remarks left several social impacts. As the result of his outspoken remarks, the waves of the uprising of Imam Hussein were spread to Hejaz, Iraq, and other regions.

If we study the state of the community in the era of rule of Omayyad Dynasty, we realize that the then community was mired in a crisis. After Karbala uprising, the Omayyad rulers openly imposed injustices and promoted corruption, attacking the sacred Islamic values. They concurrently tried to occupy people with unimportant matters. In other words, many of the problems of Muslims in that era were rooted in the corruption and immorality of the rulers. Thus, Imam Sajjad, in addition to disclosure of the deceitful nature of Omayyad rulers and campaign against their ambitious policies, founded a deep-rooted cultural movement for reformation of the community and uproot of social abnormalities.

According to experts, in a community which is filled with corruption, the measures taken by Imam Sajjad were prudent and effective. The Infallible Imam, upon perception of the conditions, in fact highly assisted Islam and Muslims in that difficult historical phase in time.   

ne of the main activities of Imam Sajjad in that turbulent period was his scientific activities. The Infallible Imam held lectures, discussions, and debates, grooming competent and prominent students, who became well-known figures in the domain of sciences.

The calculated steps of Imam Sajjad in promotion of Islamic teachings and ethical virtues, led many prudent figures to praise the Infallible Imam. Imam Sajjad was known for his vast knowledge in different regions of the World of Islam, to an extent that thinkers considered him as the most knowledgeable person of his era. Theologians and scientists left Iraq, Hejaz, Khorasan, and other regions to meet Imam Sajjad in order to benefit from his vast knowledge. Some of them were honored to attend Imam Sajjad’s lessons.

Given the vast range of the scientific and cultural activities of Imam Sajjad, this Infallible Imam has left a valuable scientific legacy for the next generations of mankind; an example of which is his law treatise. In this treatise, Imam Sajjad elaborates on the rights and duties of mankind before God and the duties of humans toward themselves and toward others such as their parents, spouses, teachers, neighbors, and friends, as well as other topics of importance.

One of the creative approaches of Imam Sajjad (AS) was to present topics of importance in the language of prayers. The Infallible Imam presented ideological, ethical, political, and social subjects in the form of prayers. These prayers were gathered in a book named “Sahifeh Sajjadieh”; of which 54 prayers have remained to this day. This valuable book manifests the chaste spirit of Imam Sajjad, and is a valuable spiritual legacy for the followers of the righteous path. These prayers are full of prudent and wise statements. The elevated Islamic teachings have been presented in these prayers. Personal and social topics of importance; ethical discussions; and matters related to the community’s security and protection of borders have also been taken into consideration in these prayers. Furthermore, these prayers encourage people to campaign against injustice, and to make efforts to administer justice, and to drive out corrupt rulers.

Imam Sajjad also took part in social activities. He sympathized with people, especially with the vulnerable and disadvantaged strata. He went to the homes of the poor and needy at night and anonymously distributed food among them. Imam Sajjad was known for his generosity, kindness, and altruism. His forgiveness, kindness, modesty, and courtesy captured the hearts of countless people. The Infallible Imam also refreshed the memory of the martyrs of Karbala in people’s minds, on different occasions.

Imam Sajjad’s vast knowledge, his campaign against injustice, and his popularity among people always concerned the ruthless Omayyad rulers. Ultimately, in the year 95 AH, Imam Sajjad was poisoned and martyred by the order of the godless Omayyad ruler, Walid ibn Abdul-Malek.

MR/ME