Story No. 328 – Childhood wish of Imam Zainul Abideen / Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (as)

In his childhood, our 4th Imam, Imam Zainul Abideen (as) once fell very ill. Like any father, his father Imam Husayn (as) too showed affection towards him and asked, “How are you feeling my son? Is there anything you wish to have so that I can provide you with it?” As a small child, he (as) responded, “O father! My wish is only one that Allah (SWT) should place me amongst those who are ever pleased and satisfied with whatever HE destines for them”.

Thereupon his father embraced him and said, “You have indeed spoken words of knowledge (Ma’rifah). Your answer is similar to that of Prophet Ibrahim (as), when Prophet Ibrahim (as) was thrown into fire (by Nimrood), Angel Jibrael met and asked him if he had any wish to which Prophet Ibrahim (as) replied: ‘Indeed but not from you'”.

Imam Ali bin Hussain (as) and Satan:

The reason for Imam Ali bin Hussain (as) being given the title of Zainul Abideen (the adornment or the pride of worshippers) was that one night, as he stood for prayers in his place of worship, Satan manifested himself in the form of a huge serpent with the intention of distracting Imam Ali bin Hussain (as) from his prayers. But when Imam Ali bin Hussain (as) took no notice of him, the Satan approached him and bit his big toe causing pain to run through him, but despite this act of his, Imam Ali bin Hussain (as) continued to remain oblivious of him and carried on with his prayers.

When, after the completion of his prayers, Imam Ali bin Hussain (as) realized that it was Satan, he cursed him saying: “O’ Accursed! Go away,” and once again engaged himself in worship. It was at this moment that he heard an angel call out three times: “You are the adornment or embellishment of the worshippers.”