The fourth Imam Ali (a) was born in Madina on 15th Jumadi I, 37 A.H. He was very pious and was usually busy praying to Allah. For this reason, people called him Zayn al-Abidin (Ornament of the worshippers) and al-Sajjad (One who prostrates).
He was the only son of Imam Husayn (a) who survived after the tragedy of Karbala. Thereafter, he devoted himself to Allah's worship and guidance of the people.
Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a) was very mindful of the welfare of the sick, the needy and the poor. He usually left home late at night with some food and money. Without being observed by the general public he reached the houses of the needy and delivered these things to them. After having done this, he returned home.
It was the keen desire of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a) that people should become learned. He, therefore, encouraged all the Muslims, especially the children, to acquire knowledge.
One day he saw a group of children studying together, This pleased him very much. After saying Salam in reply to their greetings, he said:
“O dear children! Study well You are children today but will grow up after some time. Take care that the knowledge you acquire should be beneficial for humanity”.
The invaluable collection of the Imam's edited supplications is known as “Sahifa al-Kamila.” The collection is an invaluable treasury of wonderfully effective supplications to Allah in an inimitably beautiful language. Through these supplications, the Imam gave all the necessary guidance to the faithful during his seclusion.
Only that knowledge is worth acquiring which is beneficial for humanity.
1. Why is our fourth Imam called Zayn al-Abidin?
2. How did Imam al-Sajjad (a) usually help the people?
3. What advice did Imam al-Sajjad (a) give to the children whom he saw studying together?