Imam al-Sajjad (Ali ibn al-Husayn): The Fourth Imam of Shia Islam and the Messenger of Karbala


Introduction


Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, known as Imam Zayn al-Abidin (“Adornment of the Worshippers”) and al-Sajjad (“The One Who Prostrates Frequently”), is the fourth Imam in Shia Islam. He is a pivotal figure in Islamic history, particularly in preserving the message of Karbala after the martyrdom of his father, Imam Husayn (peace be upon him).


Imam al-Sajjad’s life is a reflection of patience, spiritual devotion, and strategic wisdom. In one of the most turbulent periods of Islamic history, he carried the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the truth of the Husayni revolution while facing a hostile political environment under the Umayyad Caliphate.



Lineage and Birth


Imam al-Sajjad was the son of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family) and Shahrbanu, the daughter of Yazdegerd III, the last Sasanian emperor of Persia. He was born in 38 AH (approximately 659 CE) in Medina.


His titles reflect his character:


Zayn al-Abidin — “Adornment of the Worshippers”


al-Sajjad — “The One Who Prostrates Frequently”


Historical Context


The Imam’s lifetime coincided with the height of the Umayyad dynasty’s political control. After the tragic events of 61 AH (680 CE), when Imam Husayn and his companions were martyred in Karbala, the Umayyad regime under Yazid ibn Mu‘awiya launched an aggressive propaganda campaign. They attempted to portray Husayn’s uprising as an illegitimate rebellion against a lawful ruler.


In such a climate, Imam al-Sajjad had to keep the message of Karbala alive without putting the few surviving members of the Prophet’s household (Ahl al-Bayt) at further risk.


Presence at Karbala


Imam al-Sajjad was present at Karbala but was unable to fight due to a severe illness that left him bedridden. This illness, as seen by Shia tradition, was part of divine wisdom to preserve the lineage of Imam Husayn and continue the line of Imamate.


Although physically incapacitated, Imam al-Sajjad witnessed the martyrdom of his father, brothers, uncles, and the devoted companions of Imam Husayn. After the massacre, he, along with the women and children of the Ahl al-Bayt, was taken captive.


Role During Captivity


The journey from Karbala to Kufa, and then to Damascus (Sham), was a period of intense psychological warfare between the captives and the Umayyad regime. Imam al-Sajjad, alongside his aunt Lady Zaynab bint Ali (peace be upon her), transformed the route of captivity into a path of truth-telling and public awakening.


a) The Sermon in Kufa


When the captives entered Kufa, crowds gathered to see them. Many were unaware of the true identity of the slain and the captives, due to the Umayyad narrative. Imam al-Sajjad delivered a powerful sermon introducing himself and exposing the injustice:


“O people! Whoever knows me, knows me. Whoever does not, know that I am the son of Husayn, the son of Ali, the son of Fatimah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah… My father was slaughtered by the banks of the Euphrates, without any fault or crime.”



The words shook the people of Kufa, many of whom wept in regret and shame.


b) The Sermon in Damascus


In Damascus, the Umayyad capital, the captives were paraded as war prisoners. Many citizens, misled by propaganda, believed Imam Husayn was an enemy of Islam.


When brought into Yazid’s court, Imam al-Sajjad requested permission to speak. Initially reluctant, Yazid eventually allowed it under public pressure. Imam al-Sajjad recited verses of the Qur’an and then declared:


> “O people! We have been granted six things and favored with seven… We are the household of the Prophet, the treasure of the Message, the place where angels descend…”



Through eloquence and unshakable dignity, he unveiled the truth about the Prophet’s family and exposed Yazid’s oppression.


Partnership with Lady Zaynab

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), the sister of Imam Husayn and aunt of Imam al-Sajjad, played an equally vital role. Together, they formed a moral and rhetorical front against the Umayyad narrative.


Lady Zaynab’s speeches in Kufa and Damascus struck fear into the hearts of oppressors and inspired the masses. Imam al-Sajjad’s voice, steady despite grief and illness, complemented her courage. Without their combined efforts, the tragedy of Karbala might have been buried under state propaganda.



Return to Medina and Continued Struggle


Upon release, the captives returned to Medina. Imam al-Sajjad avoided direct political rebellion, recognizing the overwhelming military power of the Umayyads. Instead, he focused on cultural resistance — educating people, training devoted companions, and spiritually fortifying the Muslim community.


Intellectual and Spiritual Legacy


a) Al-Sahifah al-Sajjadiyyah


One of Imam al-Sajjad’s most significant contributions is Al-Sahifah al-Sajjadiyyah (“The Psalms of Islam”), a collection of supplications that blends deep spirituality with social and political consciousness. Though framed as prayers, the text addresses justice, the rights of the oppressed, moral refinement, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah.


b) Risalat al-Huquq (Treatise on Rights)


This document outlines the mutual rights and responsibilities of individuals — from family and neighbors to rulers and subjects. It represents one of the earliest comprehensive declarations of human rights in Islamic tradition.



Method of Struggle


Imam al-Sajjad adopted a strategy of soft resistance — combating injustice through education, moral revival, and the preservation of authentic Islamic teachings. In an era when armed rebellion was almost certainly doomed to fail, his method ensured the survival and spread of the Husayni message.


Conclusion


Imam Zayn al-Abidin was not only the fourth Imam of the Shia but also a guardian of truth in one of the darkest chapters of Islamic history. His presence at Karbala, endurance in captivity, fearless sermons in Kufa and Damascus, and decades of intellectual and spiritual work in Medina made him a central figure in preserving the legacy of Prophet Muhammad’s family.


Today, his life stands as a timeless lesson: even in the face of overwhelming oppression, it is possible to protect the truth and pass on a message of justice, dignity, and faith to future generations.