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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin Chapter 4: His Psychological Qualities All the noble virtues and gifts which Allah created to distinguish man were found in the character of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him. No one matched him in his inclinations and his psychological qualities such as sublime manners, high moral standards, and adherence to religion. When someone reads his noble behavior, he bows down in respect and admiration for him.

The great Muslim figures from among his contemporaries belittled themselves because of the manifold of the Imam’s virtues and abilities. Sa‘id b. al-Musayyab, one of the great religious scholars of Medina, said: “I have never seen a person more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, and when I see him, I hate myself.[^1]” His ideals raised him to the summit of honor and glory which were ascended by his grandfathers, who sacrificed their lives for social reform.

Now, we will talk briefly about some of his psychological qualities. Clemency As for clemency, it was among the qualities of the prophets and the messengers and is among the greatest and the most distinguished qualities of man, for it means that man controls himself and does not yield to the inclinations of anger and revenge.

Al-Jahiz defined clemency, saying: “Clemency means that you leave revenge during intense anger while you are able to do that.[^2]” Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, was the greatest of all the people in clemency and the best of them in restraining anger. The narrators and the historians mentioned many examples of his clemency, the following are some of them: A maid-servant of ‘Ali b. al-Husayn began to pour water for him so that he might perform the ritual ablutions for prayer.

The maid-servant became faint and the jug dropped from her hand and struck him. He raised his head towards her and the maid-servant said: “Allah, the Most High, says: Those who restrain from anger.” “I have restrained my anger,” he said. “And those who forgive the people,” she went on. “My Allah forgive you,” he said. “ Allah loves those who do good ,” she said. “Go, you are a free woman before the face of Allah, the Almighty and High,[^3]” he answered.

A mean person received the Imam by abusing and cursing him, nevertheless the Imam treated him kindly, saying: “Boy, there will be an invincible obstacle before us. If I cross it I will pay no attention to what you are saying.