The passion of taking revenge on BANI UMAYYA was strong and...

The passion of taking revenge on BANI UMAYYA was strong and several descendants of IMAM ALI (AS) were preparing themselves to overthrow the regime. Most prominent among them was ZAID, the respected son of IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS). His religious zeal and piety were known throughout Arabia. He was a well versed HAFIZ of the holy QUR'AN and he had taken the field against the tyranny of the UMAYYADS. This was a precarious juncture for IMAM JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (AS).

As regarding hatred of the UMAYYADS, he agreed with his uncle ZAID for whom he had a great deal of respect. Since his far-sighted judgment could clearly see that his rising against the well-organized royal forces was of no avail; therefore, he did not join him for all practical reasons. But he was compassionate towards him and sympathetic to his cause, and he asked him to be judicious. As a great host of Iraqis had sworn their allegiance to him, ZAID was now quite optimistic.

He gave gallant battle to the royal forces but was killed in the end. The vengeful enemies were not satisfied with ZAID'S death. They exhumed his dead body from the grave, severed his head, sent it as a trophy to HISHAM and hanged the body at the gate of KUFA where it remained for several years. One year after ZAID'S martyrdom, his son YAHYA gained the same ancestral honor.

IMAM JA'FAR was surely moved by these pathetic events, but he was destined to carry out the duties of spreading the religious sciences of AHL AL-BAYT (AS). REVOLUTION The last days of the UMAYYADS were ruffled by political disturbances. Changes in government were many and IMAM JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (AS) witnessed the rise and fall of many kings. After HISHAM, AL-WALID IBN YAZID IBN ABD AL-MALIK, then YAZID son of AL-WALID, then IBRAHIM IBN AL-WALID, then MARWAN AL-HIMAR came to the throne.

The capture and death of the latter terminated the monarchy of tyrannical UMAYYADS. When the internal disorders and disintegration shake the foundations of a cruel government, those who are oppressed usually turn against the cruel oppressors. Only those who are above such fiery sentiments can control their passion. Usually those who seek revenge are heedless of all consequences. This is a weak point of the human nature from which only the selected few can be exempted.

During the last phase of tottering UMAYYAD rule, HASHEMITES were actively engaged in their anti-UMAYYAD activities.