Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin facts for kids

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ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn (Arabic: علي بن الحسين زين العابدين) was an important leader in Shiʻi Islam. He was the fourth Imam, following his father Husayn ibn Ali, his uncle Hasan ibn Ali, and his grandfather, Ali ibn Abi Talib. He was born around January 4, 659 CE, and passed away around October 13, 713 CE.

Ali ibn al-Husayn is also known as al-Sajjād (ٱلسَّجَّاد), which means the one who often prostrates in worship. Another famous name for him is Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn, meaning ornament of worshippers.

He survived the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. After the battle, he and other survivors were taken to Yazid I in Damascus. Later, he was allowed to return to Medina. There, he lived a quiet life, focusing on prayer and teaching. He was seen as an expert in Islamic law and traditions (called hadith). Some of his prayers are collected in a book called Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya. This book is highly respected by Shia Muslims.

Who Was Ali ibn al-Husayn?

Ali ibn al-Husayn was named Ali, just like two of his father's other sons. These two brothers, Ali al-Asghar (meaning Ali junior) and Ali al-Akbar (meaning Ali senior), sadly died in the Battle of Karbala. Some historians believe Zayn al-Abidin was the oldest brother.

He had several nicknames, or epithets, that showed his special qualities:

• Al-Sajjad: This means the one who constantly prostrates in worship. He got this name because he spent so much time praying.
• Zayn al-Abidin: This means ornament of worshippers. It shows how beautiful and dedicated his worship was.
• Al-Zaki: This means the pure one.
• Dul-tafenat: This refers to the calluses that formed on his forehead from frequent prostration during prayers.

His Life Story

Ali ibn al-Husayn was about two years old when his grandfather, Ali, passed away. He spent ten years during the time his uncle, Hasan, was Imam. He also lived ten years during the time his father, Husayn, was Imam. His own time as Imam lasted for thirty-five years. He passed away when he was about fifty-seven years old.

Early Years in Medina

Most sources say Ali ibn al-Husayn was born in Medina in 658–9 CE. He grew up with his uncle, Hasan, and his father, Husayn. Both Hasan and Husayn were grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Battle of Karbala

In 680 CE, a very sad event happened. Ali's father, Husayn, and a small group of his family and supporters were attacked. This happened in the Battle of Karbala by the large army of the Umayyad ruler Yazid I. Husayn had refused to promise loyalty to Yazid.

Ali ibn al-Husayn was at Karbala, but he was very sick and could not fight. After Husayn and his supporters were killed, the Umayyad soldiers searched their camp. They found Ali ibn al-Husayn, very ill, in one of the tents. One soldier wanted to kill him, but his aunt, Zaynab, asked the Umayyad commander to spare his life. The commander agreed.

As a Captive

After the battle, Ali ibn al-Husayn, along with the women and children, were taken as prisoners. They were marched to Kufa, and then to Damascus, the capital of Yazid. It was a very difficult journey.

In Kufa, the governor, Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, treated the captives very badly. He tried to kill Ali, but Ali's aunt, Zaynab, bravely stepped in and saved him again.

In Damascus, Yazid also spoke harshly to the captives. However, Ali and Zaynab spoke back with courage. Yazid later seemed to regret the massacre. He sent the family of the Prophet Muhammad back to Medina.

Life After Karbala

When Ali returned to Medina, he lived a quiet life. He stayed away from politics and focused on prayer and learning. He became known for his deep devotion and piety. This is why he earned the names Zayn al-Abidin and Sajjad.

Ali ibn al-Husayn was very sad about the Karbala massacre. It is said that for many years, he would cry when food was brought to him. When people asked him why he was still so sad, he would remember his family who were killed. He explained that his sorrow would not end because he saw his father, brothers, and many family members killed around him.

His Quiet Approach

Ali ibn al-Husayn chose to live peacefully and avoid conflict with the Umayyad rulers. He focused on teaching and guiding his followers through his knowledge and prayers. This was a way to protect his community during a difficult time. He was widely respected for his wisdom and generosity.

His Family

Ali ibn al-Husayn had many children. Sources say he had between eight and fifteen children. Eleven of them were boys and four were girls. His most famous sons were Muhammad al-Baqir and Zayd.

His Passing

Zayn al-Abidin is believed to have been poisoned in Medina. This happened around 712 CE or 713 CE. He is buried next to his uncle, Hasan, in the al-Baqi' cemetery in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

After his death, many people realized how kind and generous he had been. He used to go out every night with food on his back. He would knock on the doors of poor families and give them food. He always covered his face so no one would know who he was. People only found out he was their helper after he passed away.

His Successor

Before his death, Zayn al-Abidin chose his eldest son, Muhammad al-Baqir, to be the next Imam. However, his half-brother, Zayd, also claimed the leadership. Zayd believed that any descendant of Hasan or Husayn who was learned, pious, and fought against unfair rulers could be an Imam.

Zayd's followers, called Zaydis, consider him the rightful successor. But Zayn al-Abidin himself did not rebel against the rulers. Muhammad al-Baqir also chose a peaceful approach, just like his father.

His Importance and Character

Ali ibn al-Husayn was highly respected by Muslims, especially by scholars in Medina. He was known as a great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad and an important teacher of Islamic traditions. Many leading legal scholars of his time were close to him.

He was known for his deep devotion to prayer and his great sadness over the Karbala tragedy. When it was time to pray, he would become pale and tremble, showing his fear and respect for God. His frequent prostrations in prayer earned him his famous names, Sajjad and Zayn al-Abidin.

He was also known for his incredible generosity. He bought and freed many enslaved people during his life. He was always forgiving. Once, a servant accidentally spilled hot soup on him, but instead of getting angry, Ali freed the servant.

Ali ibn al-Husayn lived a simple life, not caring much for worldly pleasures. He taught that true happiness comes from faith in God and helping others. He is remembered as a role model of patience, perseverance, and kindness.

His Writings

Ali ibn al-Husayn left behind important works that are still studied today.

Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya

This book is a collection of Islamic prayers. It is considered a very important work in Islamic spirituality. Shia Muslims hold this book in high regard, placing it after the Quran and Ali ibn Abi Talib's Nahj al-Balagha. The book contains fifty-four prayers, along with other whispered prayers. These prayers teach about Islamic spirituality, faith, and social justice. The book has been translated into many languages, including English.

Resalat al-Hoquq

This book, meaning treatise on rights, is about social and religious responsibilities. It is the only work by Ali, apart from prayers and sayings, that is known. It explains the rights God has over humans, and the rights humans have over themselves and each other. It teaches that faith in God and obedience to Him are the most important duties.

Images for kids

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  The grave of Zain al-Abidin at al-Baqi' in Saudi Arabia

See Also

In Spanish: Ali ibn al-Husáyn para niños

• Family tree of Ali
• Ahl al-Bayt
• Family tree of Muhammad
• Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali