Biography of Imam Sajjad (AS) – A Simple and Complete Guide


Introduction


Imam Sajjad (AS), the fourth Imam of Shia Muslims, lived through some of the most important events in Islamic history — from the tragedy of Karbala to the harsh rule of the Umayyad caliphs. Known as Zain al-Abidin (“Adornment of the Worshippers”), he revived the message of Karbala through worship, prayer, and patient resistance.


Birth and Lineage


His full name was Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib. His father was Imam Husayn (AS), the Master of Martyrs, and his mother, according to most historians, was Shahrbanu, a Persian princess, daughter of Yazdegerd III, the last Sassanid king of Iran.

Imam Sajjad was born in 38 AH (around 658 CE) in Medina, during the caliphate of his grandfather, Imam Ali (AS). He grew up in a home filled with knowledge, piety, and moral values.

Childhood and Youth


From a young age, Imam Sajjad (AS) was surrounded by great role models — his father Imam Husayn (AS) and his uncle Imam Hasan (AS). He showed a love for learning, deep spirituality, and exceptional memory.


Presence in Karbala


At the age of about 23, Imam Sajjad (AS) witnessed the tragic events of Karbala in 61 AH. He traveled with Imam Husayn’s caravan to confront the corrupt rule of Yazid.

On the day of Ashura, Imam Sajjad was seriously ill and unable to fight. This illness was part of divine wisdom — it ensured the continuation of the lineage of Imam Husayn and the leadership of the Shia community.


After Ashura


Following the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (AS) and his companions, Imam Sajjad was taken as a captive along with the women and children of Ahl al-Bayt to Kufa and then Damascus.

Despite being a prisoner, he delivered powerful speeches in Kufa and in the court of Yazid, exposing the truth of Karbala and the injustice of the Umayyads.


Return to Medina


After some time, the captives were released and returned to Medina. Imam Sajjad (AS) began his quiet but impactful life under continuous political pressure from the Umayyad rulers.


Method of Resistance


Imam Sajjad (AS) avoided open political revolt due to the dangerous circumstances but chose a different path of struggle — spreading knowledge, reviving faith, and nurturing future leaders through prayer, worship, and teaching.

His collection of prayers, Sahifa Sajjadiya, became a spiritual and intellectual treasure for Muslims.


Moral Qualities of Imam Sajjad


Deep Worship: He spent long hours in prayer and Qur’an recitation, earning the titles Zain al-Abidin and Al-Sajjad (“the one who prostrates often”).


Helping the Poor: He secretly delivered food to needy families at night. People only discovered it was him after his death.


Patience and Forgiveness: He treated even his enemies with kindness.


His Students and Legacy


Imam Sajjad (AS) trained scholars who later became key figures in preserving Islamic teachings, such as:


Saeed ibn Jubair


Abu Hamza al-Thumali


Zurarah ibn A’yun



Notable Works


Sahifa Sajjadiya


A collection of 54 profound prayers covering spiritual, ethical, and social topics — sometimes called The Psalms of the Household of Muhammad (AS).


Treatise on Rights (Risalat al-Huquq)


A detailed guide to human rights in Islam, covering the rights of God, the Prophet, family, neighbors, and even the human body — one of the earliest human rights charters in Islamic tradition.



Relations with Umayyad Caliphs


Imam Sajjad lived under the rule of several Umayyad caliphs: Yazid, Muawiya II, Marwan ibn al-Hakam, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, and al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik.

Though restricted politically, he worked tirelessly to educate the community and keep the true spirit of Islam alive.


Final Years and Martyrdom


Imam Sajjad (AS) lived about 35 years after Karbala, continuing to guide the Shia community. In 95 AH, during the rule of al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik, he was poisoned on the orders of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik and attained martyrdom.


Burial Place


He was buried in Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Medina, beside his uncle Imam Hasan (AS) and other members of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Lasting Legacy


The legacy of Imam Sajjad (AS) is not only in his writings but in his way of life:


Spiritual devotion combined with social awareness


Peaceful but firm resistance against tyranny


Educating a generation of knowledgeable and faithful Muslims



Conclusion


Imam Sajjad (AS) was the beacon of guidance in one of the most sensitive periods in Islamic history. Through patience, worship, and wisdom, he preserved the message of Karbala and passed on the true teachings of Islam to future generations. His life remains an example for anyone who seeks to keep faith and humanity alive in the face of hardship.