If all that you said about me is true...

If all that you said about me is true, then I ask Allah to forgive me and if all that you said about me is not true, then may Allah forgive you”165 163 At the time of the prophet (S) and the Imams (A) slavery was common in society. One of the most important values in Islam is freedom and therefore it always aimed to gradually eliminate slavery from society. Islam encouraged people to set their slaves free, and many rewards are prescribed for setting a slave free.

The Prophet and the Imams lead the way in this process in two ways. One was to set examples for the Muslims by buying salves from their masters and setting them free at the first possible opportunity. The second policy of the Imams was to buy as many salves as they could, educate them and then free them into society as free, well mannered, and well-educated responsible adults.

In this way, this policy gave a good chance to a slave to attain his/her freedom, set an example for others to practice, and give less chance to those who wanted to see the concept of slavery continue in society. 164 The Family of Emran (3): 134 165 Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46, p54. al-Irshad, vol. 2, p145. In the course of his supplications which he became best known for, Zayn al-Abidin (A) left behind a magnificent intellectual and doctrinal masterpiece known as the Sahifah al-Sajjaddeyyah.

Of course the Sahifah does not include all of his supplications, as many others are found in other reference books. The supplications of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (A) are well known for their immense influence on the soul of the reader, and that of the listener. The choice of words and meaning of the supplications move the reader in such a way that change one’s life and give his life purpose and direction.

The collection of the supplications of Zayn al-Abidin (A) is a great school for he who seeks the truth. It is a school, which points to the love, wisdom and power of Almighty Allah. It points man to the values and the qualities of the teachings of Islam. It teaches him how to repent and how to talk to Allah. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (A) is also responsible for the creation of the book of rights, which includes fifty fundamental rights one has, or is responsible for.

This book of rights served as a guide to the Muslims as well as a challenge to the society and the ruling circumstances.