Zayd ibn Ali facts for kids

Zayd ibn Ali (Arabic: زيد بن علي; 695–740 CE) was an important figure in early Islam. He was the son of Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-Abidin and a great-grandson of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a very respected leader.

Zayd led a rebellion against the Umayyad Caliphate, which was the ruling government at the time. Sadly, he died during this uprising. His actions led to the creation of the Zaydiyya branch of Shia Islam. Followers of Zaydism see him as an Imam (a religious leader) after his father.

Many Sunnis also consider Zayd ibn Ali a significant religious figure. A famous Sunni scholar, Abu Hanifa, even supported Zayd against the Umayyads.

Other Shia groups, like the Twelvers and Isma'ilis, believe his older half-brother, Muhammad al-Baqir, was the next Imam. However, all Muslims, both Sunnis and Shias, see Zayd as a brave revolutionary and a shaheed (martyr). His death and the harsh treatment of his body helped spark the Abbasid Revolution, which later overthrew the Umayyad rulers.

Zayd was also a very knowledgeable religious scholar. Some important books are believed to be his work. One of these, Musnad al-Imam Zayd, might be one of the earliest books on Islamic law.

His Early Life and Family

Zayd was born in Medina in 695 CE. His father was Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-Abidin. Some historians say that Zayd's mother, Jodha, was from Sindh (which is now part of Pakistan). She was also known as Jayda al-Sindhi.

What People Thought of Zayd

Zayd was a highly respected member of the Prophet Muhammad's family, known as the Bayt. Many scholars, saints, and religious leaders spoke highly of him.

For example, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, who later became a caliph, was friends with Zayd. They continued to write to each other and Zayd gave him advice even after Umar became the ruler.

Zayd is also believed to be the first person to share the famous prayers of Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, which were written by his father. Many books on hadith (sayings of the Prophet), religious ideas, and explanations of the Qur'an are linked to him.

The book Mujmu'-al-Fiqh, which is about Islamic law, is also said to be his work. A very old copy of this book is kept in the Pope's library in Vatican City.

Zayd was a great speaker and spent much of his life learning and teaching. His half-brother, Imam al-Baqir, was very impressed by Zayd's knowledge of the Qur'an. He said, "You are one of a kind. God bless your mother, she gave birth to someone just like your ancestors!"

His nephew, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, also praised him. He said Zayd was the best at reading the Holy Qur'an and the most knowledgeable about religion. This is why Zayd was called Ḥalīf Al-Qurʾān, meaning "Ally of the Qur'an".

Even the famous Sunni Imam Abu Hanifa said, "I met with Zayd and I never saw anyone in his time who was more knowledgeable, quicker in thinking, or better at speaking than he was."

A Sufi scholar named Sufyan al-Thawri also respected Zayd greatly. He said, "Zayd took the place of Imam al-Husayn. He was the most knowledgeable person about Allah's holy book. I truly believe: women have not given birth to anyone like Zayd..."

His Uprising and Death

In 740 CE, Zayd led an uprising against the Umayyad ruler Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik in the city of Kufa. However, the Umayyad governor of Iraq, Yusuf ibn Umar al-Thaqafi, managed to turn the people of Kufa against Zayd. This led to the rebellion failing, and Zayd was killed during the fight.

Where Zayd is Remembered

Zayd ibn Ali shrine, Jordan

There are two places where Zayd is honored. One is in Kafel, Iraq. The other is in Karak, Jordan. The shrine in Jordan is believed to be where Zayd ibn Ali's head was finally laid to rest.

Zayd's Lasting Impact

All groups in Islam, both Sunnis and Shias, see Zayd as a righteous martyr. They believe he stood up against a corrupt and unfair ruler. It is even said that Imam Abu Hanifa, who founded a major school of Sunni law, gave money to support Zayd's rebellion. He also encouraged others to join Zayd.

Zayd's rebellion inspired other revolts by members of his family. One of the most famous was the uprising led by Imam Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya against the Abbasids in 762 CE.

Followers of the Zaydi branch of Islam believe Zayd was a rightful Caliph (leader). Their group is named after him.

See also

• Revolt of Zayd ibn Ali
• Husayn ibn Ali
• Hashemites
• Zaidi (surname)
• Dukayniyya Shia
• Khalafiyya Shia
• Ahmad ibn Isa ibn Zayd

In Spanish: Zayd ibn Ali para niños