Story No. 329 – Imam Zainul Abideen (as) and Worship (Ibadah)

Our 4th Imam, Imam Zainul Abideen (as) has taught us how to worship Allah (SWT) and it is for this reason that he (as) is known as: Zainul Abideen meaning ‘the adornment’ or ‘the pride of worshippers’ and Sayyid al-Sajideen (Leader of those who prostrate). He (as) has taught us that whenever we rise to worship Allah (SWT), two things have to be taken into consideration. One is the Greatness of Allah (SWT), which should always be in our minds. And our hearts should be filled with His awe such that our feelings should be Baynal-Khaufi war-Rajaa (between hope and fear). Hope for His mercy and fear of His wrath.

 

“It is said that Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (as) did twenty Hajj and every time he (as) traveled on foot to Makkah. Also it is said that Imam Ali Zainul Abedeen (as) had a large farm of date trees. He (as) offered two Raka’at payers besides each date tree.”

 

An Incident of Imam Zainul Abideen’s (as) Worship (Ibadah)

 

Imam Zainul Abideen (as) and Worship (Ibadah)Fatima, the daughter of Imam Ali (as) once called Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) – the old companion of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and said to him, “O Jabir! You are one of the greatest surviving companions of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and we belong to the Ahlul-Bayt (as) whose rights are upon you. Among the Ahlul-Bayt (as), one who has survived is Ali ibn Husayn (as) and he (as) has over-engrossed himself in the worship of Allah (SWT). His forehead and palms have wounds because of extensive prostrations and his body has become thin and weak. Therefore go and speak to him so that he (as) may reduce his worship.”

 

Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) came to our 4th Imam, Imam Zainul Abideen (as) whilst he (as) was sitting in the Mihrab of worship. Seeing Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra), our Imam (as) gave him respect and made him sit near himself; and then he (as) asked him about his health and affairs in a very weak voice. Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) said, “O son of the Prophet! Allah (SWT) has created Paradise for you and your followers and HE (SWT) has created Hellfire for your enemies and opponents. Then why do you tire yourself so much in worship?” Imam Zainul Abideen (as) replied, “O companion of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)! Despite his great status in the sight of Allah (SWT), the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) engrossed himself so much in worship that his feet were swollen. When asked: ‘Why do you burden yourself so much when you have nothing to worry?’ Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said, ‘Shouldn’t I express my gratitude to Allah (SWT) and abandon the gratitude of all His favours?'”

 

Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) said, “O son of the Prophet! Have mercy upon Muslims. It is because of the blessings of your presence that Allah (SWT) keeps away all the hardships and difficulties of the people; and HE (SWT) does not punish them for their wrongdoings”. Imam Zainul Abideen (as) replied, “O Jabir! I shall remain steadfast on the path of my fathers and forefathers until I meet them.” (Ahsan al-Muqaal)

 

Another Incident of Imam Zainul Abideen’s (as) Worship (Ibadah)

 

Taawus-e-Yemeni once entered Hijr-e-Ismail after midnight and saw Imam Zainul Abideen (as) in prostration (Sajdah). He felt as though Imam Zainul Abideen (as) was repeating something. As he came closer, Taawus heard the Imam Zainul Abideen (as) saying: ILAAHI UBAYDUKA BI-FINAA-IK, MISKEENUKA BI-FINAA-IK, FAQEERUKA BI-FINAA-IK “O my Lord! Your most humble servant is at Your doorstep. A beggar is at Your doorstep. A needy is at Your doorstep.”

 

Taawus says that after this incident, whenever I encountered any hardships and sicknesses, I would go into Sajdah and recite these words of Imam Zainul Abideen (as) and I would experience relief. (Ahsan al-Muqaal)