The birthday of Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH), the fourth Imam in Shia Islam, holds deep spiritual and historical significance within the Islamic tradition. He lived through a transformative period in Islamic history, witnessing the tragedy of Karbala and the subsequent challenges faced by the purified members of the Prophet’s Household (Ahl al-Bayt). Imam Zayn al-Abideen embodied qualities of patience, piety, and devotion, leaving a profound legacy through his supplications and teachings. This paper aims to explore the birthday of Imam Zayn al-Abideen, thereby examining his family background, the significance of birth, his spiritual and moral character, and his lasting impact on Islamic thought and community life.
His Family Background
Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH) was the son of Imam Husain[1] (PBUH), the grandson of Imam Ali (PBUH), and the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His mother was believed to be Shahrbanu[2], the daughter of the last Sassanian king of Persia, which emphasized the cultural and social links between the Arab and Persian communities in early Islamic history. Shaykh al-Saduq wrote that the mother of Ali Zayn al-Abideen was the daughter of Yazdgerd, son of Shahriyar, the king of Persians[3]. This lineage connects Imam Zayn al-Abideen to the direct family of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) through his father and reflects the continuation of the prophetic mission through the Ahl al-Bayt (the Household of the Prophet).
According to the famous opinion, Imam al-Sajjad (PBUH) was born in Medina on 38/659. In another report, his birthday was documented to be born on 36 Hijri[4]. Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s life and legacy are deeply tied to his father’s stance at Karbala, and he is often seen as the torchbearer of Imam Husain’s message. According to different narrations, he was about 23 or 24 years old on the day of ‘Ashura of Muharram 61 AH[5]. After the martyrdom of his father, Imam Husain, he assumed the position of leadership of the Muslim community based on the command of Allah and His Messenger[6] (PBUHH).
The Significance of His Birth
The birth of Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH) was more than just an addition to the family of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); it represented a continuation of the prophetic legacy and the lineage of the Ahl al-Bayt. As the great-grandson of the Prophet and the son of Imam Husain (PBUH), his birth symbolized the ongoing presence of divine guidance within the Muslim community. Born during the caliphate of Imam Ali (PBUH), his grandfather, Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s life spanned a critical period of upheaval and change within the Islamic world. His lineage, descending directly from both Imam Ali and Lady Fatimah (PBUH), reinforced the unique role of Ahl al-Bayt in maintaining the core values and teachings of Islam.
The reaction to Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s birth in the early Muslim community reflected the esteem and reverence held for the family of the Prophet. His birth was seen as a sign of hope and continuity, ensuring that the values and spiritual leadership associated with the Ahl al-Bayt would be preserved. This connection to the Holy Prophet (PBUHH) through his father; Imam Husain (PBUH), and his mother, who is traditionally identified as Shahrbanu, a Persian noble, also highlighted the unifying message of Islam across different cultures and backgrounds.
Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s birth thus carried significant weight, both symbolically and practically, reinforcing Ahl al-Bayt’s role as a guide and exemplar in the spiritual and ethical development of the Muslim community.
His Spiritual and Moral Character
Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH) is widely revered for his exemplary character, marked by deep piety, patience, and a profound dedication to worship[7]. Living through some of the most turbulent times in Islamic history, including the aftermath of the Karbala tragedy, Imam Zayn al-Abideen responded to adversity with resilience and unwavering commitment to his faith. Known for his humility and compassionate nature, he embodied the highest moral and ethical values[8], serving as an ideal role model for his followers and future generations.
One of Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s most notable contributions to Islamic spirituality is his collection of supplications, famously known as Sahifa Sajjadiyyah[9] or The Psalms of Islam. This work contains heartfelt prayers that reflect his deep devotion to God and his emphasis on themes like gratitude, repentance, social justice, and ethical conduct[10]. These supplications not only showcase his inner spiritual state but also serve as guidance for those seeking a closer connection with God and a life led by Islamic values.
Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s life and teachings left an enduring influence on Islamic ethics, emphasizing virtues such as humility, forgiveness, and compassion. Through his actions, he demonstrated the importance of patience in the face of hardship and the need for justice, setting a timeless example for Muslims across generations.
His Teachings and Legacy
Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH) conveyed teachings that emphasized profound spirituality, moral integrity, and social responsibility, offering a framework for ethical living that resonated with his followers and later Islamic scholars. His teachings focused on core Islamic values such as compassion, patience, humility, and justice, encouraging Muslims to uphold these virtues in every aspect of life. Through both his actions and his words, Imam Zayn al-Abideen modeled the character of a true believer, advocating for self-discipline and spiritual refinement as pathways to closeness with God.
One of his most significant contributions to Islamic scholarship is “Sahifa Sajjadiyyah”, a collection of supplications and invocations that has been revered as a foundational text in Islamic spirituality. In this work, Imam Zayn al-Abideen addresses diverse topics such as forgiveness, gratitude, reliance on God, and the importance of helping others, reflecting his deep awareness of both the inner and outer dimensions of faith[11]. Sahifa Sajjadiyyah not only serves as a manual for personal piety but also as a guide for social ethics, addressing the responsibilities Muslims hold toward one another and society as a whole.
Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s legacy in ethical conduct is evident in his teachings on compassion toward the less fortunate and justice for the oppressed. Despite the challenging political climate in which he lived, he called for unity, tolerance, and support for the marginalized, emphasizing that these values were central to the message of Islam. His example of patience and quiet perseverance, especially following the tragic events of Karbala, has inspired Muslims throughout history to face adversity with faith and dignity. The “Treatise on Rights” [Risalat al-Huquq] is one of the works attributed to Imam Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH), in which 51 different rights (or 50 according to some versions) are listed.
In both scholarship and ethical guidance, Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s teachings have left an indelible mark on Islamic thought. His legacy endures as a source of spiritual insight and moral inspiration, illustrating the timeless relevance of his teachings for believers seeking to lead a life grounded in compassion, integrity, and dedication to God.
Commemoration of His Birthday
The birthday of Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH) is celebrated by Shia Muslim communities worldwide as a day of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and communal gathering. In many communities, the day is marked by lectures and sermons that highlight Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s life, character, and contributions to Islamic spirituality and ethics. Scholars and community leaders discuss the values he embodied—such as patience, humility, and compassion—encouraging believers to implement these principles in their lives. Additionally, gatherings may include poetry recitations and reflections on Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s role in preserving the message of Islam after the tragedy of Karbala.
These celebrations foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among community members, reinforcing bonds and inspiring a collective commitment to Islamic values. Such commemorative events allow individuals to strengthen their spiritual identity and promote a deeper understanding of their faith, making Imam Zayn al-Abideen’s birthday a time of both personal and communal upliftment. The day serves as a reminder of the Imam’s enduring influence on Islamic thought and an opportunity for spiritual growth through emulation of his virtues.
Conclusion
The birthday of Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen, the fourth Imam in Shia Islam, holds deep spiritual and historical significance within the Islamic tradition. He is widely revered for his exemplary character, marked by deep piety, patience, and a profound dedication to worship. His birthday is celebrated by Shia Muslim communities worldwide as a day of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and communal gathering. The continuation of the Prophet’s lineage through Imam Zayn al-Abideen added a deep layer of respect and legitimacy to his teachings, establishing him as an essential link in the chain of Imams who carried forth the mission of Islam in challenging times. Imam Ali ibn Husain Zayn al-Abideen (PBUH) left a profound and enduring legacy in both the spiritual and scholarly realms of Islam, shaping generations with his teachings and exemplary character.
References
[1] . Shaykh al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad, p. 353.
[2] . Shaykh al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad, p. 353.
[3] . Saduq, ‘Uyun akhbar al-Rida, vol. 2 p. 128.
[4] . Ahmad Ahmadi Birjandi, The fourteen luminaries of Islam, p. 65.
[5] . Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, vol. 5 p. 222; Ibn Manzur, Mukhtasr, vol. 17 p. 256; Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma, vol. 2 p. 191
[6] . Ahmad Ahmadi Birjandi, The fourteen luminaries of Islam, p. 66.
[7] . The Imam (PBUH) due to his immense worship was called Zayn al-‘Abidin (i.e., an adornment of the worshipers), cf. Dhahabī, Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad, Al-ʿIbar fī khabar man ghabar, vol. 1 p. 83.
[8] . Isfahani, Hilyat al-awliya’, vol. 3 p. 136; Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, vol. 5 p. 162
[9] . Āqā Buzurg Tihrānī, Muḥammad Muḥsin, Al-Dharīʿa ilā taṣānīf al-Shīʿa, vol. 15, p. 18-19.
[10] . Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādīyya, Marʿashī Najafī’s introduction, p. 43-45.
[11] . Āqā Buzurg Tihrānī, Muḥammad Muḥsin, Al-Dharīʿa ilā taṣānīf al-Shīʿa, vol. 15, p. 19.
