ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biographies of Leaders of Islam The Fourth Imam Sayyid As-sajidin, Zain Al-abidin (a.s.) BIRTH AND PARENTAGE IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN (AS) was born on the fifteenth of JAMADA II, A.H. (November 19, 658 A.D) At that time, IMAM ALI IBN ABU TALIB (AS) was administering the affairs of caliphate at KUFA.

The family, especially the newborn's grandfather IMAM ALI (AS), rejoiced to see the new born, and it was probably IMAM ALI (AS) who, noticing his own features in the babe's face, named him after himself. He is ALI son of IMAM HUSAIN (AS), commonly known by his titles ZAIN AL-ABIDIN, AS-SAJJAD, and SAYYID AS-SAJIDIN. His graceful personality was the combination of Arab and Persian nobility.

On paternal side, he inherited the spiritual grace of the Prophet, while through his mother, SHAHR BANU, daughter of the last Persian emperor YAZDEJERD, he inherited the dignity of the Persian royal dynasty. After the final victory of the Arabs over Persia, SHAHR BANU was brought in custody to Medina. With the age-old racist attitude still alive, not too many Arabs would have expressed due respect to her.

But it was the humane chivalry of IMAM ALI IBN ABU TALIB (AS) who paid full regard to this royal prisoner whom he married to his noble son HUSAIN (AS). IMAM ZAIN AL-ABIDIN was, thus, the grandson of Imam Ali (as) and the Persian emperor YAZDEJERD, making him regarded by both Arab and Persian nations. UPBRINGING ZAIN AL-ABIDIN could not enjoy the love of his mother for a long time. She died soon after giving birth to him. At the age of two, his grandfather Imam Ali (as) was also martyred.

He was, thus, brought up and instructed by his father HUSAIN (AS). He was twelve when IMAM HASAN (AS) died and the burdens of Imamate fell on HUSAIN'S shoulders. The cunning of MU'AWIYA, the UMAYYAD ruler of Syria, led to the tragedy of KARBALA' during the reign of his son YAZID; therefore, youthful ZAIN AL-ABIDIN watched the pace of the events which culminated in that grievous massacre.

IMAM HUSAIN (AS), who was leading a peaceful life in Medina, arranged the marriage of his son to Fatima daughter of IMAM HASAN (AS), thus ensuring that the series of Imamate would continue even in the face of coming events. KARBALA' When YAZID demanded in the year 60 A.H., that IMAM HUSAIN (AS) should swear the oath of allegiance to him, IMAM HUSAIN (AS) had no choice but to leave Medina, taking ZAIN AL-ABIDIN, who was twenty-two years old then, with him.